Charity operations officer jobs

This is a unique opportunity to join Practical Action at an exciting and pivotal point in our journey. We are seeking an exceptional Executive Assistant to provide dedicated support to our Interim CEO during a period of transformation, growth and strategic development, while we recruit and appoint our permanent CEO.

Working at the heart of the organisation, you will play a key role in ensuring continuity, maintaining momentum and supporting the successful transition to new leadership. This highly visible position offers the opportunity to contribute directly to the next chapter of Practical Action's impact and ambition.

We are looking for an experienced, highly organised and proactive Executive Assistant who can provide outstanding strategic and operational support to the CEO of a respected international development organisation. Acting as a trusted partner, you will enable the CEO to focus on organisational leadership, external engagement, fundraising and the delivery of strategic priorities.

The role encompasses complex diary and inbox management, preparation of high-quality briefings and correspondence, Board and governance support, and coordination with senior stakeholders across the organisation and internationally. You will work closely with colleagues, partners and supporters across multiple countries, cultures and time zones, ensuring the smooth and effective operation of the Executive Office.

This is a demanding and rewarding role that requires exceptional judgement, discretion and attention to detail. The successful candidate will be comfortable operating in a fast-paced, complex environment, able to manage competing priorities with confidence, and skilled at building effective relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including senior leaders, trustees, partners and external representatives.

If you thrive on enabling others to succeed, enjoy working at the centre of decision-making, and are motivated by the opportunity to support an organisation delivering meaningful global impact, we would love to hear from you.

 Accountabilities:

Executive and CEO Office Support

• Proactively manage the CEO's diary, inbox and correspondence, exercising independent judgement in prioritising requests and protecting time for strategic priorities.

• Prepare and commission high-quality briefings, background notes, talking points and presentation materials to ensure the CEO is fully prepared for all meetings and engagements.

• Draft, review and quality-assure outgoing correspondence, reports and communications on behalf of the CEO.

• Coordinate and manage complex domestic and international travel arrangements, itineraries, visas and logistics for the CEO and COO, ensuring efficiency and value for money.

• Manage the CEO and COO’s expense reporting and the Executive Office budget, maintaining accurate records and flagging issues proactively.

• Serve as the first point of contact for the CEO's office, managing enquiries from staff, partners, donors and stakeholders with professionalism and discretion.

• Work closely with the Internal Communications and Social Media team lead to ensure CEO internal and external communications are delivered well.

Board and Governance Administration

• Lead the end-to-end administration of Board of Trustee meetings and sub-committees, including scheduling, preparation of Board papers, agenda coordination and minute-taking, utilising AI. The majority are virtual due to the international nature of the board. In-person meetings take place approx. every 18 months.

• Maintain the governance calendar and ensure all regulatory and statutory reporting deadlines are met in coordination with the Company Secretary, CEO and COO.

• Support the onboarding of new Trustees and maintain up-to-date records of Board membership, terms of office and declarations of interest.

• Build strong working relationships with Trustees, acting as a responsive and reliable point of contact between Board meetings.

• Assist with the organisation of the Annual General Meeting and other governance events.

Leadership Team Coordination

• Coordinate the Global Leadership Team (GLT) meeting cycle, including agenda-setting, papers, actions and follow-up, working closely with the CEO and members of GLT.

• Support the CEO in tracking GLT action items, strategic priorities and key commitments, flagging issues and ensuring accountability.

• Co-ordinate with Regional and Country Directors on the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) meetings, including agenda-setting, papers, actions and follow-up,

• Assist with the preparation of materials for all-staff communications, leadership away-days and organisational events.

• Build effective working relationships across Practical Action's global offices, navigating time-zone differences and cultural contexts with sensitivity.

Stakeholder and Partnership Support

• Support the CEO's engagement with major institutional donors, trusts and foundations, bilateral agencies and high-value partners, including managing contact records and briefing materials, liaising closely with the business development and philanthropy teams.

• Coordinate logistics for high-level external visits, delegations, conferences and events involving the CEO.

• Assist with donor stewardship activities and the preparation of materials for fundraising and partnership development.

• Represent the CEO's office professionally in interactions with government officials, international organisations and peer NGOs.

Project and Research Support

• Take on research and project management tasks as directed by the CEO

• Continue to test and utilise AI tools to increase efficiency and effectiveness and share learnings with other members of Practical Action

• Support the delivery of special initiatives and cross-organisational projects led from the Executive Office.

• Maintain confidential files and records management systems for the CEO's office, ensuring compliance with GDPR and information governance policies.

To be successful in this role, the ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate:

 Essential

• Significant experience (typically five or more years) as an Executive Assistant or Personal Assistant supporting a Chief Executive or equivalent senior leaders in a complex and or charitable organisation.

• Demonstrable experience of Board and governance administration, including minuting meetings and managing trustee or director-level relationships.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft high-quality correspondence, briefing papers and presentations to Board or senior stakeholder standard.

• Outstanding organisational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines and maintain quality under pressure.

• High degree of discretion, confidentiality and professional judgement in handling sensitive information about people, partners and organisational matters.

• Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence, with the ability to build trust and credibility with senior internal and external stakeholders.

• Experience of coordinating complex international travel and managing logistics across multiple time zones.

• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams), AI tools and the ability to learn new digital tools quickly.

Desirable

• Experience working in an international NGO, development organisation or comparable mission-driven environment.

• Familiarity with funder relationships

• Experience supporting or working in an organisation with offices or programmes in the Global South.

• Knowledge of charity law and UK charity governance, including Charity Commission requirements.

• A second language relevant to Practical Action's programme geographies (e.g. French, Spanish, Arabic).

• Experience with CRM or stakeholder management systems.

Skills, Abilities and Competencies

· Problem-Solving

· Strong Communication & Diplomacy

· Adaptability

· Proactive organisation skills

To apply please submit a copy of your CV (no more than 3 pages) and a supporting statement/letter that includes the answers to the following questions:

1.  Tell me how you build relationships in fast-paced environments taking into account those stakeholders being located in different countries and having different cultural background?
2.  Practical Action has a very experienced and diverse board of trustees. Can you give an example of when you have had to build relationships with these types of people. Please describe your approach to having the most effective interactions?
3.  Tell us about the most complex project, event, or initiative you have coordinated?
4.  Describe a situation where you made a significant decision on behalf of a senior executive. What was your thought process and outcome?

 Closing date for applications: 17th June 2026.  Should we recruit a suitable candidate before the closing date, we will close applications earlier than the specified date.

 Interviews: It is anticipated that interviews will take place W/C 22nd June 2026

 If you do not hear from us within five weeks of the closing date, please assume your application has not been successful 

About the role

We’re looking for an experienced, highly organised Operations & Office Coordinator to play a central role in keeping our London office running smoothly and supporting our wider organisation.

This is a varied and hands-on role, with responsibility across office operations, governance coordination, and senior leadership support. You’ll be a key point of contact for colleagues and trustees, helping ensure everything runs efficiently behind the scenes.

Flexible working that works for you

This role is designed to be genuinely flexible.

• 21 hours per week, with flexibility over how these are worked
• We’re open to a range of working patterns (e.g. school hours, shorter days across the week, or compressed hours)
• Hybrid working, with two days per week in our London office

We aim to agree a working pattern that provides consistency and predictability, while fitting around your other commitments.

We particularly welcome applications from experienced candidates returning to work after a career break, including parents and carers.

What you’ll be doing

This is a broad and rewarding role with real ownership. You will:

• Support governance processes, including Board and Committee meetings and documentation
• Provide administrative and coordination support to the CEO and senior leadership team
• Maintain and improve systems and processes, with the opportunity to shape how things are done
• Coordinate IT support, equipment and asset management
• Coordinate logistics for meetings, events and travel
• Take ownership of the day-to-day running of the London office, ensuring it is organised, efficient and welcoming
• Act as the main point of contact for facilities, suppliers and office-related queries

About you

We’re looking for someone who brings strong prior experience and enjoys working in a role with variety and responsibility.

You will likely have:

• Experience managing or coordinating a busy office or operational environment
• Confidence working independently and taking ownership of tasks and processes
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to work with senior stakeholders
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft 365
• A proactive approach and the ability to juggle competing priorities

Why join us?

• A genuinely flexible, part-time role designed to support work-life balance
• A supportive and collaborative working environment
• The opportunity to take ownership of a varied and important role
• The chance to contribute to an organisation delivering meaningful impact

About Farm Africa

Farm Africa is a leading charity working with smallholder farmers and small businesses in eastern Africa to improve incomes while protecting the environment.

We combine expert knowledge with practical solutions to create lasting change for farmers, their families, and the ecosystems they depend on.

How to apply

We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly welcome those returning to work after a career break.

More information about the role can be found on the jobs page of our website. 

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Organisation: Happy Days
Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Location: Calderdale

Role Purpose

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) provides strategic and operational leadership across all frontline services, accommodation provision, organisational infrastructure, and compliance functions within the charity.

The COO is responsible for ensuring safe, trauma-informed, financially sustainable, and outcomes-focused delivery for individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty, health exclusion, addiction, and crisis.

The role leads operations across the charity’s accommodation portfolio, including winter shelter provision, general needs accommodation, supported accommodation, and intensively supported housing. The COO also oversees the operational platform of the charity’s support programmes, including a community café, community supermarket, crisis drop-in provision, and integrated health clinics.

Working collaboratively with the CEO, Board, statutory agencies, housing provider partners, and wider stakeholders, the COO plays a key leadership role in shaping organisational strategy, strengthening operational systems, embedding trauma-informed practice, and developing innovative models of support that improve long-term outcomes for individuals experiencing multiple disadvantage.

The COO provides executive oversight of, operational risk, health and safety, HR, operational systems, and service compliance, ensuring the organisation maintains robust standards of governance, accountability, and person-centred care across all services.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Operational Leadership

• Provide executive operational leadership across services and organisational functions
• Lead the delivery, development, and continuous operational improvement of:
  • Supported and temporary accommodation services (68+ properties)
  • Crisis and drop-in provision
  • Food programme and social supermarket
  • Winter shelter provision
• Translate organisational strategy into effective operational delivery plans
• Drive organisational improvement, innovation, and sustainable service growth
• Lead operational responses to emerging community need, organisational risk, and system pressures
• Support strategic planning, organisational development, and long-term sustainability
• Lead operational capital development initiatives across the organisation

Housing, Property & Supported Accommodation Executive Oversight of:

• Operational management, legal compliance, health and safety, quality assurance across all accommodation services
• Lead strategic partnerships with housing providers
• Manage delegated housing arrangements and supported housing pathways
• Maximise occupancy, sustainment, and positive move-on outcomes
• Oversee property-related risk management, maintenance coordination, and accommodation standards
• Lead the transformation and redevelopment of The Gathering Place, including partnership working with architects, infrastructure planning, and service design
• Oversee operational development planning for the Bramwell Booth building to support future service delivery and organisational growth

Safeguarding Operational Platform

• Lead organisational safeguarding strategy and systems
• Ensure SOP’s are in place to enable staff to respond effectively to complex needs including:
  • addiction
  • mental ill-health and physical health needs
  • dual diagnosis
  • homelessness
  • domestic abuse
  • offending histories
  • health exclusion
• Oversee serious incidents, risk management, and quality assurance processes
• Promote reflective practice, professional accountability, and safe service delivery
• Lead continuous safeguarding improvement and organisational assurance processes
• Support the organisation’s progression towards recognised safeguarding quality and excellence standards

Health Inclusion & Community Services

• Support development of innovative approaches addressing homelessness, substance use, poverty, and social exclusion
• Contribute to wider system responses focused on prevention, health equity, and community resilience

Corporate Governance, Compliance & Organisational Infrastructure

• Provide executive oversight of organisational governance, operational compliance, and corporate infrastructure
• Lead organisational responsibility for:
  • Human Resources
  • Health & Safety
  • Insurance and organisational risk
  • Operational systems and digital infrastructure
• Ensure robust organisational policies, procedures, and assurance frameworks are developed, implemented, and maintained
• Oversee compliance with employment legislation, health & safety standards, and contractual obligations
• Lead organisational risk management processes, incident oversight, and business continuity planning
• Ensure effective management of organisational insurance provision, liability protection, and risk mitigation
• Support governance reporting, operational assurance, and organisational accountability
• Develop quarterly Trustee and governance reporting packs in conjunction with Heads of Department and the CEO

Systems Development & Digital Transformation

• Lead the development and implementation of operational systems, reporting frameworks, and service infrastructure
• Design and embed systems that improve operational efficiency, safeguarding oversight, housing management, and service coordination
• Use data, insight, and performance analysis to improve outcomes and organisational effectiveness
• Support digital transformation, service modernisation, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Develop monitoring, evaluation, and impact reporting systems to support organisational learning and strategic decision-making

Leadership, Workforce & Organisational Culture

• Foster a high-performing, inclusive, and values-led organisational culture
• Oversee workforce planning, recruitment, retention, supervision, and staff development
• Promote staff wellbeing, reflective practice, and psychologically safe leadership
• Provide leadership oversight and strategic direction for volunteer services and volunteer programme development
• Support the organisation’s progression towards recognised volunteer quality standards, including the VSI Volunteer Excellence Award

Partnerships, Stakeholder Engagement & Representation

• Represent the organisation within strategic partnerships and multi-agency forums
• Work collaboratively with commissioners, funders, housing providers, and community partners

Financial Oversight & Sustainability

• Budget development and financial planning in conjunction with the CEO and Finance Team
• Support organisational sustainability through efficient service delivery
• Monitor operational performance, quality standards, and service outcomes
• Ensure effective governance, accountability, and operational compliance across all services

Person Specification

Essential

• Significant senior leadership experience within homelessness, housing, health, social care, community, or voluntary sector services
• Extensive operational leadership experience across complex, multi-service environments
• Experience leading services supporting individuals with multiple disadvantage and complex needs
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, trauma-informed practice, and organisational risk management
• Experience managing accommodation-based and community support services
• Experience overseeing HR, compliance, governance, and organisational systems
• Experience leading quality assurance, risk, and compliance frameworks
• Strong partnership and stakeholder engagement skills across statutory and voluntary sectors
• Experience managing operational budgets, compliance frameworks, and performance systems

Desirable

• Experience working within homelessness, substance use, or health inclusion services
• Experience working within housing such as a registered housing provider
• Understanding of public health approaches and health inequalities
• Knowledge of housing legislation, supported housing models, and safeguarding frameworks
• Experience with digital transformation, systems implementation, and organisational modernisation

Key Attributes

• Values-driven and strongly committed to social justice and health equity
• Strategic thinker with strong operational leadership capability
• Calm, resilient, and decisive in complex and high-pressure environments
• Compassionate and emotionally intelligent leader
• Strong communicator with the ability to influence across systems and sectors
• Innovative, solutions-focused, and collaborative
• Committed to continuous improvement, accountability, and inclusive leadership

About Chapter One

Chapter One is a growing charity, working to ensure that every child has 1:1 reading support at the time they need it most.

Our unique Online Reading Volunteer programme currently supports about 3,500 children a year. It pairs disadvantaged, struggling five to eight-year old (KS1) readers with reading support volunteers who come from over 180 local and national businesses. The volunteer task is very focused: readers commit 30 minutes a week to read with a child using a bespoke digital platform for an entire academic year. The results are transformative, boosting children's reading confidence and ability.

We have set ourselves ambitious targets and want to support 3,900 children by 2026/27, so this role, with responsibility for communicating and maintaining relationships with our existing corporate partners, will be crucial to ensuring that we have sufficient volunteers and support to achieve this target. 

For more information about our programmes please visit our website. Please also take some time to visit our social media channels and watch our videos.

About the Role

Chapter One is seeking a proactive, organised and enthusiastic Corporate Partnerships Communications Officer, reporting to our Marketing & Communications Manager, to support the delivery of excellent communications and content for our growing portfolio of corporate partners. Working closely with the Corporate Partnerships and Marketing & Communications teams, you will coordinate partner communications activity, managing workflows, timelines, approvals and follow-up to ensure a smooth and positive partner experience.

You will build strong relationships with corporate partners across our partnership tiers, acting as a key point of contact where appropriate and helping to identify and develop engaging stories, case studies and content opportunities. You will create tailored communications for partners, including internal announcements, intranet content and employee-facing materials, ensuring messaging is aligned with partner needs and Chapter One’s mission.

This is a new role within Chapter One and is an opportunity for an early career professional to learn about charity partnership communications in a dynamic charity which is flexible and agile.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the primary coordinator for corporate partnership communications and content, managing workflow, timelines, follow-up and sign-off.

• Build and maintain effective relationships with corporate partners across the Platinum, Gold, Silver and other partnership tiers, acting as their main point of contact where appropriate.

• Proactively identify, gather, and develop stories, case studies, and other content opportunities from across the corporate partnership base.

• Draft bespoke content for individual corporate partners on request — for example, internal announcements, intranet copy, or employee-facing campaign materials.

• Work closely with the Marketing & Communications and Corporate Partnerships teams to ensure content is aligned with the corporate partner journey and that sign-off processes run smoothly.

• Support the production of corporate partner impact reports, award entries, and a content and asset library relevant to corporate partners.

• Maintain accurate records of corporate partner activity, approvals, preferences and key communications.

• Contribute to improving processes, workflows and consistency across corporate partnership communications activity.

• Represent Chapter One professionally in all partner interactions.

General Responsibilities

• Attend online and in-person meetings and relevant team sessions to support collaboration, communication and delivery of Chapter One’s activities.

• Provide general administrative support to the Marketing & Communication and Corporate Partnerships teams as required.

• Manage multiple priorities and deadlines, ensuring content requests, approvals and partner communications are delivered in a timely and organised way.

• Support the maintenance and organisation of corporate partnership resources, including content libraries, assets and shared team materials.

• Represent Chapter One professionally at meetings, events and partner interactions, demonstrating commitment to the organisation’s mission and values.

• Undertake other duties as required to support the delivery of Chapter One’s objectives. 

We are looking for applicants with the following essential qualities:

• Strong relationship-builder, confident working with a range of partners and stakeholders.

• Highly organised, with excellent attention to detail and a reliable approach to follow-up and record-keeping.

• A clear and adaptable communicator, able to write well for different audiences and channels.

• Proactive and self-starting, with an eye for stories, content opportunities and ways to improve how things work.

• Process-minded and comfortable managing multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.

• A collaborative team player, happy working across teams and with shared sign-off processes.

• Calm and flexible under pressure, able to exercise good judgement and handle sensitive information with discretion.

How to Apply 

Please send your CV (maximum 2 A4 sides) and a covering letter via Charity Jobs. Your covering letter (maximum 1 side of A4) should: 

1. Detail your relevant experience, including clear examples.

2. Tell us about a specific example of a piece of work you were responsible for - a relationship, a project, a piece of content - that wasn't going as planned. What did you do, and what would you do differently? We will expect you to talk about this at the interview. 

3. Tell us about how our organisational mission is in line with your values. 

Applications that fail to meet these criteria will automatically be discounted. We understand that you may use AI to help craft your application, but do remember that we will be looking for individuals who write a covering letter that stands out. We want you to have every opportunity to shine and to show us your talents - please let us know if there is anything we can do to make sure the assessment process works for you.

Chapter One is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value and celebrate diversity in backgrounds and experience and are deliberate about the kind of inclusive teams we are building. Literacy is a universal concern, and we need people from all backgrounds to maximise our innovation, creativity and impact. We especially welcome applications from persons who have experienced disadvantage and/or from those who are of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities who are currently underrepresented in the organisation.

Chapter One is committed to safeguarding children and young people. All post holders are subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service disclosure. Copies of our Safeguarding Policy and Safer Recruitment Policy are available on request.

N.B. Shortlisting is likely to take place from 29/06/2026. Stage 1 interviews are planned for 08/07/2026 and 09/07/2026 with successful applicants being invited to a second interview between 15/07/2026 - 16/07/2026. These dates have been scheduled based on the recruiting team’s availability, however we will make every effort to accommodate alternative requests where possible.

Location: Fully remote with flexible working arrangements 

Salary: £51,500 FTE

Contract: This role is part time for 3 days a week (0.6FTE). 

Closing date for applications: 5th July

Due to high numbers of applications, prior to interview we plan to carry out initial screening calls with prospective candidates before selection for interview. We will be asking about your reasons for applying and how you think your skills and experiences align to the role.

Screening calls: 16th/17th July

Panel interviews: 22nd July 

Start Date: ASAP

About the Warm Welcome Campaign

Founded in 2022, the Warm Welcome Campaign wants everyone in the UK to find a place of belonging and reconnection at a Warm Welcome Space near their home. We have a bold ambition to enable a more deeply connected society where we all have free access to welcoming community spaces. 

We resource, connect and champion a network of over 6,300 Warm Welcome Spaces and bring together a growing coalition of local, regional, and national partners representing the worlds of charity, faith, business, government, and philanthropy. By working together, we can unlock the power of community spaces made by and for everyone, creating a thriving network of hope and reconnection fueled by human warmth. 

We’re working hard to reach everyone with the message that a Warm Welcome is waiting for them just around the corner, all through the year. 

Throughout all our work and within our team we live out our values of being inclusive, collaborative and courageous and our personality that is friendly, adventurous and uplifting.

It’s an important moment for us – we are now in our second year of our five year strategy which shows a clear picture of the path we have set ourselves ahead to continue to deliver and deepen our impact. We now have approximately 3.5 million visitors to Warm Welcome Spaces each year. In January we delivered a hugely successful second ever Warm Welcome Week in collaboration with a wide variety of partners. 

The Opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity for a purposeful and proactive individual to work within a small (but growing), friendly and dynamic team in a varied role. If you are brilliant at leading and developing complex multi-stakeholder processes and systems, and passionate for your input to shape work that makes a genuine difference to people’s lives, this could be the role for you.

To support ongoing growth and development of the Warm Welcome Campaign, we are looking for a Head of Operations to be responsible for supporting the Senior Leadership Team in the effective and efficient running of the Campaign and the coordination and development of our ambitious 5-year strategy. The role will sit within Warm Welcome’s Senior Leadership Team, which also includes the Campaign Director, Director of Communications, Director of Programmes and Development, and will report directly to the Good Faith Partnership Operations Director. 

The purpose of the Warm Welcome Senior Leadership Team is to:

• Own and develop the Warm Welcome strategy, ensuring sustainability and delivery

• Lead, direct, engage and inspire the Warm Welcome team, setting the tone and culture

• Be accountable for significant decisions, challenges and risks.

The Head of Operations role will help to support and co-ordinate the work of the Senior Leadership team to be as effective as possible in achieving this purpose.

We’re looking for someone who thrives on fast-paced and varied work, organisational growth and development and has demonstrable experience of making things happen. The ideal candidate will be highly organised and solutions-oriented, while also bringing a creative, innovative and forward-thinking approach. 

At Warm Welcome, we value diversity and we recognise the enormous benefits and the social imperative of bringing together diverse groups of people. We therefore warmly welcome applications from a broad range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

Responsibilities

The role will be responsible for:

• Supporting and coordinating the Warm Welcome Senior Leadership Team to function as effectively as possible

• Supporting the Warm Welcome team to ensure that our 5-year strategy is delivered on time and to budget, including coordinating our annual workplan of activities against our strategy

• Developing our internal set up, processes and systems during a period of growth

• Overseeing the Warm Welcome financial, compliance and risk management

• Coordinating the Warm Welcome team growth, culture and performance

• Overseeing long term financial planning and forecasting for Warm Welcome

• Supporting the delivery of other Warm Welcome efforts, as appropriate

Person specification 

Strategy Oversight and Development

• Experience in coordinating workplans linked to a strategy to ensure that progress is being made and any areas of concern are identified and acted on quickly

Developing internal processes and systems

• Ability to create and develop high functioning, accessible systems for the whole team’s use

• Highly organised with accurate record keeping and ability to prioritise work to ensure deadlines are met and opportunities are maximised

• All candidates will need to be competent with CRM Systems, Google Suite and Microsoft Office

Financial, Risk and Compliance management 

• Experience of financial management, including budget setting, owning and developing budgets, and reporting processes

• Experience of overseeing risk management and mitigation within a team

• Experience of overseeing compliance i.e. reporting to the Charity Commission, reporting related to GDPR, developing and reviewing policies etc.

Team growth and performance

• Experience of line management, leading and developing high-performing teams, fostering a culture of collaboration and empowerment.

• A strong team player who is flexible, positive and responds with strong influencing and negotiation skills and a commitment to the organisation and team working

• Experience of leading organisational growth, set up and design

Working Arrangements 

• Current members of the team are based across the UK, with some in London, Reading, Bristol, Manchester, York and Northern Ireland. Applicants must be able to travel to Bristol once a month for a Tuesday full team meeting. Given the nature of this role we would also expect the applicant to carry out a reasonable amount of travel to both Warm Welcome Spaces and partners across the UK. 

• This role is fully remote, with flexible working arrangements. 

• All employees, volunteers, partners, suppliers and consultants working with GFP are expected to adhere to our Code of Conduct and safeguarding policies. GFP’s commitment to safeguarding means we seek to ensure that no harm comes to people as a result of contact with the organisation’s programmes, operations or people.

• You will need to have the right to work in the UK.

Please refer to the attached job description for full details. 

About the role

You will play a crucial role in making sure our volunteer-focused Learning and Development function runs smoothly and effectively. You will be the first point of contact for learning and development queries, helping volunteers and colleagues resolve issues. You will be responsible for managing the full learner journey, from booking through to completion, ensuring a positive experience and identifying improvements when this is not the case.

You will build strong experience in a Learning and Development operational role within a national volunteer network. You will develop skills in problem solving, service improvements and stakeholder management. You will also gain exposure to SSAFA’s Learning Management System and to general system and process design.

You will have the opportunity to improve the volunteer learning experience by streamlining processes and communications and help to shape how learning is promoted and accessed, as well as supporting the delivery and access to a variety of training events.

This is a varied role with the chance to support volunteers who make meaningful differences to beneficiaries lives each day.

About the team

You will join a supportive, collaborative team focused on delivering high quality training with a strong mix of skills across training design, delivery, digital learning and operations. A team that values ideas, continuous improvements and practical solutions.

About you

You will bring a mix of organisational, people skills and a proactive mindset. You will bring a problem solving approach, with the ability to improve process and learner experience, strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities. You will have experience in Learning and Development, events, administration or similar activities.

About SSAFA

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity is a trusted source of support for the Armed Forces community in their time of need. In 2024 our trained teams of volunteers and employees helped more than 53,000 people, including veterans, serving personnel (regulars and reserves) and their families.

SSAFA understands that behind every uniform is a person. And we are here for that person and their family, any time they need us and in any way they need us..

Diversity and Inclusion at SSAFA

SSAFA exists to support a diverse range of beneficiaries within the armed forces community, and we believe diversity within our teams is key to ensuring we can deliver our services effectively. We thrive on differences and believe it is critical to our success as a worldwide charity. SSAFA is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace that seeks to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We therefore encourage applications from all genders, races, religions, ages and sexual orientations, as well as parents, veterans, people living with disabilities, and any other groups that could bring diverse perspectives to our business.

SSAFA is committed to using the Disclosure & Barring Service to ensure we, as an employer, safeguard those we serve.

Further information about the role

Download the full job description on our Applied page.

Click here to view the benefits SSAFA has to offer.

If you have any queries or would like to speak to someone about this role, please contact Eilidh Chown for an informal discussion.

No agencies please. Any unsolicited submissions from agencies will be accepted as a direct application from the candidate and no fees will be payable.

How to apply

Click on 'Start your application' now.

If you need any adjustments to support you with the application process, please contact us.

Closing date: Midnight on 15 June 2026 SSAFA reserves the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Interviews: 24/25 June 2026

Essential

• Experience monitoring performance, KPIs, or service outcomes.
• Ability to manage multiple projects effectively.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Good IT skills including Microsoft Office and data management systems.
• Commitment to the mission and values of Luton Foodbank.
• Educated to degree level or equivalent professional experience.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.

Desirable

• Experience working within the charity sector.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and compliance requirements.
• Experience supporting funding reports or monitoring returns.
• CIPD qualification or relevant HR training.
• Experience in community or social welfare services.
• PRINCE2 Foundation qualification.

Benefits

• Flexible part-time working arrangements
• Pension contribution
• Training and development opportunities
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact within the local community
• Supportive and values-driven working environment

Learn more about Luton Foodbank

• Find us on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagran, LinkedIn, Mastodon, Threads, TikTok, X, and YouTube.

Are you a skilled, hands-on tradesperson looking for a role where no two days are the same?

Maintenance Officer
Salary: £25,887 - £27,385 per annum (dependent on experience)
Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Location: Roving role - Sites across the North East (& Occasionally Cumbria)

About us

Groundwork North East & Cumbria is an established environmental and community charity with over 30 years’ experience supporting communities to improve their local areas and create better opportunities for people. We deliver hundreds of locally led projects each year, including initiatives that improve local environments, support young people and adults into education, training and employment, and promote health and wellbeing

We manage a range of buildings and community sites across the region, and we’re committed to keeping them safe, well-maintained and fit for purpose.

About the role

We’re looking for an experienced Maintenance Officer to take pride in looking after our buildings and sites. This is a practical, varied role where you’ll use your skills to carry out day-to-day repairs, maintenance and compliance checks across multiple locations.

Job Purpose

Supported by our Facilities & Maintenance team, you’ll be trusted to manage your own workload, solve problems on the spot, and keep our sites running smoothly – making a real difference to the people who use them.

Where You’ll Work

You’ll travel between our sites across the North East, with occasional visits to Cumbria. Our locations include offices, a Business Centre and a Visitor Centre. You’ll be out and about most days rather than office-based. A company van is provided.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Carrying out general building maintenance (e.g. basic joinery, plumbing, decorating, repairs)
• Handling reactive repairs and fixing issues quickly and safely
• Completing planned maintenance tasks and routine inspections
• Carrying out health & safety and compliance checks
• Liaising with and overseeing specialist contractors when needed
• Keeping clear records of work carried out using basic IT systems

What We’re Looking For

• This role would suit someone from a trade background (e.g. joinery, plumbing, general building maintenance or similar) who enjoys practical, hands-on work:
• Proven experience in building maintenance or a relevant trade
• Able to turn your hand to a wide range of repair and maintenance tasks
• Good working knowledge of health and safety on site
• Practical problem-solver who can work independently and use initiative
• Organised and able to manage your own workload across multiple sites
• Friendly and approachable – comfortable working around staff and site users
• A reliable, “can-do” attitude with pride in your work

Essential:

• Full UK driving licence
• Willingness to travel regularly across the North East (and occasionally Cumbria)

Why Join Us?

• Varied, hands-on role with real autonomy
• Supportive and friendly team environment
• Opportunity to use and develop your skills across different sites
• A role where you can see the impact of your work every day

Closing Date: Tuesday 30th June 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.

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.

This role is subject to a Basic Disclosure endorsed by the Disclosure and Barring Service.

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 adults

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.

An exciting opportunity has come up to oversee the operational management and delivery of our burgeoning volunteer-led music and mental health charity. We are looking for a new Community & Operations Lead who has a track record of working holistically and empathetically in line with best practice to effectively manage and grow our services at an operational level; support the ongoing safe recruitment and retention of volunteers through our volunteer pathway; build and support community engagement; manage our two studio sites; and design, develop and manage exciting projects informed by our community members’ vision in collaboration with the Strategy & Fundraising Lead.

Our new Community & Operations Lead will be a calm and reassuring presence with a track record of facilitating positive working relationships, co-productive and person-centred approaches, and intersectional working in order to support our work addressing local health inequalities and reducing the health, social and financial barriers to creativity and support that local people face.

Seed Studios is a music and mental health charity based at Old Trafford Wellbeing Centre and Broomwood Community Wellbeing Centre working with adults aged 18+. From our centres, we support positive mental health and culture in Trafford through...

• our weekly volunteer-led Community Music Wellbeing Workshops, in which adults learn new instruments and disciplines in sessions proven to improve confidence, skills, connections and mental & emotional wellbeing
• our 1-to-1 music tuition and peer support which compliments support that individuals receive from our Trafford, Manchester and Salford health partners
• our inspiring and community-building events such as Open Mics and our annual Celebrate Seed Studios event
• our innovative partnership programmes, like our monthly workshop series with older adults charity String of Hearts, and our fortnightly In Harmony workshops in partnership with Dementia Disco and Trafford Choices.

In 2025, We enabled over 800 hours of free volunteer-led sessions with an annual footfall of over 2500 as well as 24 hours of free, 1-to-1 music tuition support for referrals from our health partners every month.

Manchester Central Foodbank is a busy Trussell Trust-affiliated food bank, with centres in Central, North, and East Manchester. We were established in Ardwick in 2013 by students at the Manchester Universities’ Catholic Chaplaincy, making us the first student-led food bank in the country. Since then we have grown significantly, expanding our weekly sessions into Harpurhey and Openshaw.

Our core aims are to deliver the best quality support that we can to the largest number of our neighbours in need, while working with partners and influencing and organising at a neighbourhood and citywide level to reduce and end the need for food banks in Manchester.

We currently support 16,000 people per year with nutritionally balanced 3-day food parcels. This is double the number of people we supported in the first year following the Covid-19 pandemic, and four times the number supported in 2019. We also provide financial inclusion support with advice workers in public sessions, access to energy vouchers, SIM cards, and other voucher or material support. We coordinate across a network of 200 active front-line referral agencies with the aim of ensuring everyone who accesses our service has appropriate, specialised, and ongoing support alongside the material provision that we provide.

We are active leaders in anti-poverty organising and community development, as convenors of the citywide Building an Anti-Poverty Community collective and aim to be key shapers and influencers of new strategies and policies, working closely to support and influence local government, NHS, education and research agendas in Manchester and more widely building upon our track record of successful anti-poverty partnership work, social value impact and Parliamentary influencing. Our core values are: care, partnership, dignity, partnership, anti-stigma and rights-based.

Key responsibilities
As Chief Executive Officer you will be the key senior staff leader for the charity. You will lead the team to ensure they have the resources, frameworks, and support to effect smooth day-to-day running of our frontline support service. You will provide a strong business management focus, through supporting the financial process, overall metrics and reporting, day to day HR and input for the external Payroll Team, Health and Safety, appropriate working conditions, and strategic planning and communications. 

As the senior lead you will also facilitate and support the Board of Trustees to develop and lead strategic development objectives and plans for transformation, and ensure the delivery and implementation of the charity’s overall strategy and specific focused strategies. You will develop and manage strategic relationships with stakeholders including Council, NHS, and other statutory partners and funders, corporate and social value funders and partners, and high-value and donors. You will also plan and lead fundraising strategies. 

You will be a key external interface for our community and partners.  You will do this by:

Staff/Board Leadership and Governance:

• Line managing a current team of operations staff, including those supporting the recruitment, training, and management of a large team of volunteers. 

• Building team spirit and employee engagement and offer.

• Leading and delivering regular staff performance and development reviews.

• Developing and delivering robust metrics and reporting to the board and staff team, through consistent monthly and quarterly reporting packs to the board of trustees.

• Ensuring all staff and volunteers are familiar and engaged with the charity’s long-term goals and objectives, and know how their work helps to implement these on the ground. Leading the development of induction packages and ongoing offers for staff and volunteers. You will be responsible for writing, implementation, and update of institutional policies as needed to staff and volunteers.

• Leading targeted volunteer recruitment strategies to maximise core delivery capacity through volunteer roles and prioritise staffing capacity to core charity operations.

• Ensure policies are kept current.

• Ensure recording and management of absence/leave.

• Ensure Health and Safety aspects of all organisational operations are compliant, in collaboration with the Board sponsor.

• Manage day to day financial input, through the Xero app, and ensure accurate and up-to-date financial reporting for the Board/Treasurer. This includes administering monthly payroll requests.

• Oversee training and personal development plans for staff and volunteers, as appropriate.

• Working with the Chair of Trustees to implement the charity’s strategic plan and structural development objectives.

• Develop and implement ongoing plans and actions to ensure operationally-appropriate and safe office, warehouse, and working spaces.

• Lead on development, modelling, and maintenance of service delivery standards, quality control, and ensuring frontline teams have the appropriate resources, support, and frameworks to deliver high quality and consistent support offers.

Foodbank Management:

• Support the Operations and Project Lead to deliver the smooth running of food bank sessions across multiple centres, ensuring an excellent standard of service across all centres, and seeking to continually develop our service in line with our goals to support the largest number of people with the best support we can while working to reduce and end the need for food banks in Manchester.

• Develop and build a new Delivery Strategy with the Chair of Trustees and Operations and Project Lead.

• Support the Operations and Project Lead and Warehouse and Logistics Coordinator to safely store and maintain optimal stock levels, maximise food donation levels and reduce food spend, develop and maintain relationships with community donors, and record incoming and outgoing stock, with the aim of ensuring that all centres are well stocked to provide as many varied, balanced, and nutritious and culturally-appropriate food parcels as necessary.

• Ensure compliance with the procedures set out in Manchester Central Foodbank’s policies, the Trussell Trust’s Operating Manual, and relevant statutory requirements at all times.

• Ensure our food bank centres provide a safe and dignified environment for clients, free from discrimination, judgement, and stigma.

Strategy and External Relationships:

• Working with the Chair of Trustees on development, monitoring, and implementation of the core charity strategy and sub-strategies. Ensuring the involvement and participation of the food bank’s staff, volunteers, external partners, and service users in all strategic planning and decision making, where appropriate.

• Support the Operations and Project Lead to work build strong relationships with referral partners and wider community and statutory networks of collaborators and support to ensure that our service users are able to access the maximum amount of support before, during, and after accessing our service to minimise the length and severity of financial crisis, maximise their incomes, and provide pathways to ongoing and longer-term support.

• Play an active role in strategic and convening spaces around our city and neighbourhoods to present the foodbank’s approach, bring more partners into our network, and influence policy and funding frameworks.

• Develop and manage a Corporate Relationships and Social Value strategy, including communications, networking, and relationship management.

• Lead on directing the charity’s external communications, including social media, in person, newsletters, company visits, and other content.

• Manage internal communications, including developing and delivering two-way team briefings with the board and staff/volunteers, biannual town halls or away days with board members and staff/volunteers, newsletters, and an open and collaborative, person-focused, and developmental culture within the organisation.

About you

Essential Experience and Knowledge:

• 5 years’ experience of leading a similar profiled charity or organisation and successful Board interaction.

• Experience of leading successful transformation and change for a charity and a strong developmental mindset and focus.

• Have led a team of 5 or more staff members to successful performance, demonstrating experience of coaching and individual development skills.

• Experience in developing and leading successful and engaged volunteering programmes and support.

• Full valid driving licence. 

• Proven experience of leading the development and delivery of strategy and sub-strategies to successful conclusion and fashioning evidenced business cases for current and new development projects.

• Leading multiple complex projects or services, balancing the needs and interests of a range of stakeholders.

• Experience of implementing rigorous reporting and evaluation practices on operations.

• Experience of managing day-to-day financial administration and reporting.

• Evidence of delivering clear metric dashboards and reports.

• Experience of high-quality implementation of Health and Safety and Safeguarding policies and a leadership practice that centres care for staff, volunteers, and service users. Safeguarding lead qualification is desirable but will provide training if not.

• Demonstrable knowledge and experience in HR processes and management.

• Experience in building and delivering strategic plans.

• Proven experience of effective problem solving and responding to crisis situations.

• A good working knowledge of the social welfare and political landscape in Manchester – or demonstrable experience in similar expertise and networking and an openness to learn and develop sector-specific knowledge.

• A nuanced and sensitive understanding of the complex reasons people attend food banks.

Desirable Experience and Knowledge:

• Partnering with and building relationships with Council, NHS, and other statutory partners and funders, corporate and social value partners and funders, high net worth donors, and fundraising through grant applications and individual/community donors.

• Experience of working collaboratively with stakeholders from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, faiths, and views. 

• Experience of handling safeguarding incidents, follow-ups, and debriefs with staff, volunteers, and service users.

• Demonstrated success in delivering communications strategies for internal and external stakeholders, including social media and press content and campaigns.

Personal Skills and Attributes:

• An individual who embodies the values of Manchester Central Foodbank in their core professional practice and personal approach to their work.

• An empathetic and care-centred approach and the ability to centre the experience and outcomes of people from marginalised or socially-excluded backgrounds in core decision-making and prioritisation.

• A leader who takes ownership, accountability, and responsibility to drive an organisation and team forward with a developmental mindset.

• A highly self-motivated and proactive person who centres collaboration and consensus with the staff team, volunteers and Board of Trustees in their approach.

• Able to develop strategy and plans and translate strategy to actionable delivery and developmental projects.

• A high level of literacy and communication.

• A high level of numeracy and ability to analyse data.

• Strong leadership attributes to build engagement and performance with the team.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to motivate, persuade, and coach staff and volunteers.

• Excellent personal organisation skills and the ability to manage multiple conflicting priorities and deadlines.

About Care4Calais

Care4Calais (C4C) is a volunteer-based charity providing essential aid and support for refugees in northern France and the UK. We support through on-the-ground assistance, and advocate for a fair asylum system - including safe routes to the UK with refugee rights on arrival.

We work alongside people seeking safety to ensure access to daily essentials, and fill gaps where state support is not provided. We are here for everyone attempting to navigate the complexities of claiming asylum in the UK - providing access to justice, and practical, welcoming support. We also communicate to the public the need for action in support of refugees. Our vision is an inclusive society where people seeking safety have a safe home and a bright future free from inequality.

In northern France we operate year round from Calais, providing warm clothing, shoes, shelter, services, and assistance to refugees living in appalling conditions.

Across the UK we collect and distribute clothes and other essential items, and provide social support and interaction including language lessons, sport and music workshops. We also help with vital access to legal, medical and educational services. We are a community with the shared goals of creating a just asylum system, and a fair and welcoming society for all refugees.

Our work involves organising successful campaigns against racist UK government policies, such as the Rwanda plan and the use of barracks as accommodation for people seeking sanctuary.

All of Care4Calais' operations are supported by a small, dedicated staff team, who supervise large volunteer teams to provide critical support to asylum seekers and people on the move in both the UK and France.

About the role

The UK Operations team provides essential psychosocial support to people seeking safety through practical services; such as running distributions, delivering English classes and drop ins, as well as activities to promote wellbeing such as trips and sports activities.

The UK Field Operations Manager will be responsible for managing our operations in London, working as part of the UK Field Operations Team to support large teams of grassroots volunteers to provide essential support to people seeking safety. 

You will need to onboard and motivate volunteers through continuous engagement and support to ensure that proper safety procedures for effective  distributions and activities are in place, well communicated, and consistently applied. The performance of each region and team needs to be regularly assessed and action taken to build capacity and skills where needed. Successful Field Operations Managers will build networks with local charities, community groups and Local Authorities to help grow and develop the operations of the local Care4Calais volunteer teams. As an operation, continuous improvement through research, learning and development of practices and policies will be critical. The successful candidate for this role will be proactive and hardworking with the ability to problem-solve and prioritise effectively. The role would suit someone who is a self-starter, a strong team player and excels working in a varied role. Candidates will need strong organisational skills and must have the ability to make numerous important and compassionate decisions each day.
You will be expected to demonstrate excellent judgement, initiative, integrity, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to communicate with a diverse group of people. You will be part of Care4Calais’ core team in the UK and will report directly to the Chief Operations Officer. 

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a highly committed team dedicated to improving the lives of those seeking safety.

 Key Responsibilities

Your responsibilities will include, but will not be limited to:

• Providing core operations support for Care4Calais’ operations in the UK (specifically London), working to build capacity and support volunteers in their activities. This includes supporting with setting up and running clothing distributions, drop-in sessions, trips and activities as well as supporting volunteers offering guidance and information to individuals.

• Working alongside a small staff team to develop processes, procedures and documentation to support the effective running of Care4Calais’ humanitarian operations. 

• Attending external meetings, building and maintaining relationships with partners and key stakeholders which allow Care4Calais’ operations to continue to run smoothly and effectively.

• Managing and supporting large teams of dedicated volunteers supporting people seeking safety.

• Being involved in ensuring that safeguarding procedures are followed in your teams.

• Volunteer onboarding and induction, and continuous volunteer management.

• Develop and deliver training to volunteers.

• Regular in-person visits to the volunteer teams you manage in London. 

Person Specification

Essential Skills and Experience: 

• Clear leadership ability, with the capability to act with initiative and drive;

• Proven project management skills;

• Strong commitment to the rights of people seeking safety;

• Commitment to Care4Calais' values and mission, including anti-racism;

• Hands on, operational, dynamic and enthusiastic;

• Team worker with good communication and people skills;

• Self-motivated and used to managing multiple priorities to meet deadlines;

• Able to build positive relationships with a range of stakeholders including those from displaced communities, Local Authorities and other charities;

• Ability to respond to the fast-changing and dynamic nature of the UK asylum system, always prioritising the needs and desires of the communities we support;

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;

• Ability to work on Google Workspace and Office 365.

Desirable Skills and Experience:

• Experience leading and managing volunteer teams from varied backgrounds

• Experience working/volunteering supporting people seeking safety 

• Experience in making grant applications/fundraising experience and managing budgets

• Proficiency in one or more of the languages spoken within asylum seeking communities, such as, but not limited to: Arabic, Farsi, Pashto, Dari, Kurdish Sorani, Tigrinya or Amharic.

Please note: While day-to-day this is a remote role, you will be expected to conduct semi-regular visits to the local volunteer teams in the areas you manage (London). You must therefore be willing to travel, and you will be supported in doing so.

Applications

Please provide a short cover letter/personal statement that explains why you are suitable for this role and why you want to work for Care4Calais, and answer the short application questions.

The successful applicant will be provided with the induction and training needed for them to succeed in the role.

Please note that we receive a high number of applications and are a small internal team. If you do not receive a response in the first round, it means you have not been selected.

We understand that AI can be a useful tool, however we ask that you do not use it for this application as we want your application to be personal to you. 

Equality & Safeguarding

Care4Calais is an equal opportunities employer. We actively encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, people from refugee and migrant backgrounds, LGBTQ+ individuals, disabled candidates, and those with lived experience of the immigration system.

Care4Calais is committed to safeguarding, so our selection process includes rigorous background checks and assessments to ensure post holders demonstrate attitudes and values that align with our commitment to an organisational culture that promotes safeguarding.

Lived Experience Inclusion

We are an anti-racist organisation and a proud member of the Experts by Experience Employment Network (EBE), which aims to create a charitable sector led by individuals with lived experience of the asylum system. As part of our membership, we are dedicated to creating inclusive employment practices that recognise and accommodate the unique circumstances and strengths of people with lived experience. We actively move away from a one-size-fits-all approach, ensuring our recruitment processes are fair, supportive, and accessible.

We warmly encourage applicants with lived experience to make use of the guidance and resources available on the EBE website (ebeemployment.). In addition, applicants with lived experience are welcome to connect with the EBE support team for tailored assistance with completing the application form and, where available, one-to-one interview preparation. 

Importantly, we recognise the significant cultural, linguistic, and experiential insights that individuals with lived experience of the UK asylum system bring to this role. As such, all applicants from this background who meet the essential criteria will be automatically shortlisted and invited to interview.

The COO will translate BLiM's mission and strategy and ensure its well-run, properly resourced, with its ambitious day-to-day delivery. You will free the CEO to focus on strategic leadership and external influence by owning operations, people management, financial oversight and internal systems.

The COO will be a senior leader who shapes organisational culture, makes operational decisions, manages complex stakeholder relationships and drives the performance of a passionate, high-commitment team. You will be the person the organisation looks to when it needs clarity, stability and momentum.

The COO joins at a moment of leadership transition following the departure of BLiM's co-founder and Director of Operations.

Why Join Us:

Black Lives in Music (BLiM) is a not-for-profit dedicated to advancing racial equity across the UK music industry. We amplify the voices of Black artists, music professionals and communities; drive systemic change; and hold the industry accountable for meaningful progress. Through research, advocacy, programming and strategic partnerships, BLiM creates the conditions for Black talent to thrive.

BLiM has published ground-breaking research including the Being Black in the UK Music Industry report, produced the UK's first Black classical music festival in Classically Black, influenced government policy on live music licensing, and built a network of over 100 partner organisations across the four nations. BLiM is now entering a new phase of its development, with a strengthened leadership team, a Target Operating Model designed to carry the organisation beyond its founding era, and an ambition to become the UK's most influential voice for racial equity in music.

Person Specification 

Essential

• Significant experience in a senior operational leadership role, ideally as a COO, Head of Operations or Director of Operations in a charity, social enterprise or purpose-driven organisation.

• Demonstrable track record of building and improving operational infrastructure: systems, processes, policies and ways of working that make organisations more effective and resilient.

• Proven people management experience, including line management of senior staff, performance development, recruitment and team culture-building.

• Strong financial literacy, including experience of budget management, grant compliance, financial reporting and working with a board finance function.

• Experience of leading or supporting governance processes, including board reporting, risk management and compliance.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex operational information into clear, accessible reports and presentations for senior stakeholders.

• A genuine, demonstrable commitment to racial equity and an understanding of the specific systemic barriers faced by Black professionals, artists and communities.

• The emotional intelligence and interpersonal skill to lead with care, build trust quickly and navigate complex relationships under pressure.

• The resilience and adaptability to thrive in a small, fast-paced, mission-driven organisation where the work is varied, the stakes are high and no day is the same.

Desirable

• Experience of working in or with the music industry, creative industries or arts and culture sector.

• Familiarity with Arts Council England funding frameworks, charity law and the regulatory environment for non-profit organisations.

• Experience of implementing or managing a CRM system, project management platform or other operational technology.

• Knowledge of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) frameworks and how to embed inclusive practice into operational systems and culture.

• Experience of leading an organisation through a period of significant change, transition or growth.

• An existing network within the UK music sector, creative industries or racial equity and social justice space.

At BLiM, we're interviewing on a rolling basis, so we'd encourage you to apply sooner rather than later!

To be considered for a first interview, please include a Cover Letter with your application. This initial conversation will be relaxed and informal, and we'll take you through the full interview process together so you know exactly what to expect at every stage.

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth) is a membership organisation and the voice of the profession, with over 4,750 members in the UK and overseas. Our role is to champion the specialty, set standards of training and practice, and influence change to make a difference to the lives of patients with eye conditions.

Job Purpose  

The Director of Finance and Operations plays an important role within the College, providing strategic leadership, oversight and development of a portfolio of corporate support functions. This includes finance, membership, HR, IT and facilities. 

This role has responsibility for a team of 8 members of staff and also forms a key part of our Senior Leadership Team, taking corporate responsibility for the overall direction and operational management of the College. 

Main responsibilities 

1. To lead the strategic and operational management of our finance function 

• Provide strategic leadership and quality assurance for the annual budgeting and forecasting process, delivered by the Financial Controller and finance team 

• Review and challenge monthly management accounts, forecasts and financial performance reports prepared by the Financial Controller, working closely with budget holders

• Present financial reports and analysis to the Finance Committee and Board of Trustees to underpin informed discussion and decision-making

• Oversee, develop and maintain effective finance systems to reflect best practice and to help ensure timely and accurate figures  

• Provide assurance to the Chief Executive and Trustees that appropriate systems and controls are in place to ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements 

• Provide executive oversight of the annual audit and statutory reporting process led by the Financial Controller, including the production of the annual report, working closely with auditors and ensuring that any management control points are implemented promptly 

• Lead trustee engagement on investment strategy and monitor investment performance 

• Support the operation of the College’s trading subsidiary 

• Co-ordinate the College’s use of restricted funds, ensuring compliance with contractual terms.

2. To foster individual and organisational development

• Monitor and develop our organisational culture, championing our values at every opportunity 

• Empower staff and teams to actively inform the direction of the College and our activities 

• Oversee the delivery of our equity, diversity and inclusion strategy, evaluating progress against key metrics 

• Support the implementation and delivery of our new strategy from 2027.

3. To oversee other areas of our corporate support function 

• Oversee our membership strategy to support sustained growth, identifying new opportunities to develop our offer to UK and international members 

• Lead on operational and contractual efficiencies and service improvement programmes including IT and facilities management, ensuring the smooth running of the organisation, raising productivity, and delivering value for money 

• Oversee all aspects of our HR function, including learning and development, in line with our values and behaviours framework, and new organisational strategy from 2027. 

• Oversee the robust management of risk, data protection, and health & safety compliance. 

4. To lead the department

• Lead and support the team, including through the identification and delivery of professional development opportunities 

• Establish individual and team objectives linked to our strategic priorities, monitoring and holding colleagues to account for delivery 

• Share key updates with the team on a regular basis and champion the department’s work internally 

• Ensure rigorous financial management and long-term forecasting to ensure departmental and College-wide sustainability 

• Support and provide strategic insight to committees, including the Board of Trustees and Finance Committee 

• Establish appropriate structures and processes to drive forward key projects, including collaborative working across the College and evaluating success against identified metrics. 

5. To be an active member of our Senior Leadership Team (SLT)

• Provide leadership and support across the organisation, ensuring consistency of operation, high standards of service and driving a one-team approach 

• Agree organisation-wide policies and procedures and ensure their correct implementation 

• Assume corporate responsibility for trustee and senior leadership decisions 

• Role model our organisational values and behaviours at every opportunity

To undertake other duties as required:  

• Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Chief Executive

• Some travel may be required, including attendance at our annual congress. Working outside normal hours may also be needed from time to time on key projects 

Person specification 

Knowledge, Qualifications and Experience 

• A CCAB-qualified accountant, with at least five years of experience in a senior leadership role 

• Detailed knowledge of charity financial management, budget preparation and reporting, risk, GDPR and health and safety 

• Experience of leading successful growth, such as through the delivery of a membership or fundraising strategy, alongside high levels of organisational productivity and efficiency 

• Experience of delivering against challenging performance targets, and of managing others to do so 

• Experience of HR, IT and Facilities management 

Skills and Abilities 

• Ambitious, dynamic, values-driven leader with established leadership skills and emotional intelligence 

• Successful track record of achieving results in a leadership role 

• Strategic thinker with excellent attention to detail and a willingness to adopt a hands-on approach when required 

• Ability to present and write clear reports for non-financial managers, trustees and committee members 

• Highly developed influencing, persuading & communication skills 

• Sound understanding of systems management, including accountancy software and CRM 

• Ability to innovate, recognise challenges, analyse problems and apply effective solutions 

Personal Qualities (Attributes) 

• Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and understanding of how this applies to own area of work 

• Commitment to own continuing professional development 

Suzy Lamplugh Trust

Hybrid (40% office-based)
Full-time (35 hours)

Permanent
£47,124
Start: ASAP

Lead and shape services supporting victims of stalking and abuse

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust is seeking a Head of Operations to provide strategic leadership across our services, ensuring they are safe, effective, compliant, and sustainable.

This is a senior leadership role, responsible for overseeing service performance, infrastructure, and delivery at an organisational level. You will play a key role in shaping strategy, driving continuous improvement, and ensuring our services meet the needs of victims and funders alike.

About the role

You will:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across all services, ensuring high-quality and compliant delivery
• Lead on organisational performance, including KPIs, quality standards, and reporting frameworks
• Oversee contract and grant delivery, ensuring all obligations and compliance requirements are met
• Hold senior relationships with commissioners, funders, and external stakeholders
• Lead service development, mobilisation of new contracts, and organisational change
• Ensure effective systems, infrastructure, and processes are in place to support delivery
• Provide leadership across safeguarding, risk, and organisational compliance
• Work as part of the Senior Management Team to shape and deliver organisational strategy

This role focuses on service infrastructure, performance, and strategic oversight, rather than direct frontline management

About you

You will be an experienced senior leader with a strong track record in operational and strategic service delivery within a safeguarding or related environment.

You will have:

• Significant experience leading multiple frontline services within a safeguarding or VAWG-related sector
• Experience operating at senior leadership level, contributing to organisational strategy
• Strong experience of performance management, KPIs, and quality assurance frameworks
• Experience managing statutory contracts or grant-funded services
• Proven ability to lead organisational change, service mobilisation, or transformation
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, compliance, and information governance
• Experience working with commissioners and senior external stakeholders

Desirable:

• Experience within stalking, domestic abuse, or VAWG services
• Experience in a charity or commissioned service environment
• Experience in organisational restructuring, service redesign, or systems implementation

Why join us

• Lead and shape services that support victims of stalking and abuse
• Join a collaborative and mission-driven senior leadership team
• Play a critical role in organisational strategy, growth and impact

How to apply

Please submit your CV and a supporting statement demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria detailed within the person specification.

Applications will not be considered without a supporting statement

Additional information

• This is a senior leadership role reporting to the CEO
• Initially office-based (London) for 3 months to support a meaningful induction, moving to a blended working model (40% office / 60% home)