Chief executive officer volunteer jobs in Shepton mallet, somerset

Evolve Counselling is a long‑established Cambridgeshire charity providing professional, affordable mental‑health support to individuals, organisations and communities. Each year, Evolve delivers thousands of counselling sessions through a team of trained, accredited counsellors working across the East of England region.

Our mission is to deliver counselling services to adults at the lowest possible cost, wherever possible seeking to subsidise sessions for those on low incomes. We do this through a mixed model of commissioned services, private counselling, and grant‑supported provision. By working to grow and foster a membership body of professional counsellors, Evolve strives to improve access to quality counselling and psychotherapy for all, and to create a positive working environment for those in the profession.

The CEO role provides strategic and operational leadership to drive Evolve’s growth, sustainability and impact. The position delivers effective organisational management, high‑quality service delivery, robust governance, regulatory compliance, and a positive staff culture.  Working in conjunction with the board, this is an exciting opportunity to shape the organisation’s future, ensuring that Evolve remains a trusted, quality and sustainable source of mental health support for years to come. 

Following several years of successful internal stabilisation—strengthening governance, staffing, and operational systems—the charity is ready to enter a critical period of transformation and growth. Our current CEO plans to retire in September 2026, having laid strong foundations for what must come next.

Our new CEO will lead Evolve into this next phase—strengthening partnerships, expanding referral pathways, stabilising revenue streams, and championing accessible counselling across our communities.

Operations Director:

A new post at the Longford Trust, created at an exciting time of growth and development for the charity.

- A 3 day-a-week role;

- Reporting to the Director and working as part of the Senior Management Team of the trust, within an overall cohort of eight, all part-time posts;

- Paid pro-rata of £50-55,000 depending on experience via PAYE with pensions contributions;

- The trust has no physical office, so team members work remotely, with flexible hours, but all team members work Tuesdays. There are regular face-to-face team meetings, as well as one-to-ones, so easy access to London an advantage.

Responsibilities

- Leadership role in following areas: strategy, developing and implementing the 10-Year-Plan; HR; our Frank Awards programme; Communications and Marketing, systems, digital and AI.

- Working with the Director on fund-raising and finance, growing and nurturing our core partnerships;

- Working with other SMT members when needed in delivering their specific programme areas.

Person specification

Essential qualities you need to be able to demonstrate:

- commitment to prison reform, with an understanding of the prison system and the barriers it creates for those leaving prison (lived experience of the prison or the criminal justice system is valued);

- senior management background either in a charitable organisation or in a relevant area;

- an entrepreneurial approach;

- proven leadership skills and ability to represent the trust in public settings;

- track record in expressing yourself clearly and persuasively in writing;

- strong interpersonal skills in regard of team-working, team-building and upholding the values of the trust;

- up-to-date financial and digital literacy.

Values

Taking our cue from Frank Longford, after whom the trust is named, our values shape every aspect of our work, including all relationships between team members, trustees, scholarship award-holders, our volunteer trained mentors and our employability partners. These values include:

- A firm belief in the power of education to change lives;

- A passion for second chances for those with lived experience of prison;

- A thorough-going can-do, practical approach that is driven by a desire to level the playing field for those who have been to prison and are committed to building new lives;

- A commitment to integration of all regardless of background and circumstances. We assume the best, start from the positive, are curious, are always ready to learn, and reject fixed mindsets.

Who we are and what we do

The Longford Trust was set up in 2002. Each November, it stages an annual Longford Lecture and awards an annual Longford Prize. Our Longford Scholarship programme supports young serving and ex-prisoners to continue their rehabilitation by going to university. It is the only programme of its type across the UK, supporting more than 600 individuals so far, with over 100 current award-holders, as well as many alumni who continue to be part of the trust. Between 80 and 85% of those we support go on to graduate, move into employment and build new lives. Our scholarship programme accounts for more than three quarters of our expenditure

Apply to with an up-to-date CV and accompanying letter explaining how you fit our job specification, why you want to work with the Longford Trust, and what you will bring to it. Closing date noon on Friday May 1. Interviews will be in person in the second week of May.

Are you an outstanding leader, fundraiser and a natural networker? Do you want to help local communities to take practical action to make a difference to UK seas and shores? 

Sea-Changers is looking for a motivated leader to make a step change at a key point in the organisation’s journey. Sea-Changers’ vision is a future where the UK’s seas and shores are clean and healthy and marine species and habitats are protected. Our grants seek to support communities of Sea-Changers – people who care about the seas and want to take practical action to make a difference. Through our grants we enable diverse, grassroots and community-led marine conservation across the UK.

Doubling our income to over £300,000 in 2025 has catalysed Sea-Changers to move from a volunteer-led charity to a sustainable organisation with a dedicated staff team. To enable this, we are seeking to appoint our first Executive Director. This new role will work alongside the Co-Founders and our Board of Trustees and lead the transition from a volunteer-led operation to a staff-led organisation.

As a driven individual, you will build on our success — strengthen partnerships, expand our impact, and help more communities to protect the ocean. Supported by a strong group of volunteers and an impressive Board, the Executive Director will be comfortable working at both a strategic and operation level, and ‘hands on’. By the end of 2027 it is our expectation you will take full responsibility for the strategic leadership and overall operational delivery of Sea-Changers.

This is an extraordinary opportunity for the right individual. It is a chance to build on our success to date, to forge new partnerships with our funders, to motivate and inspire our inspiring volunteer team and to engage with our wide community of applicants. Through Sea-Changers, the Executive Director has the rare chance to deliver a lasting legacy for UK marine conservation.

Strategic leadership, increasing organisational income and managing a motivated team of volunteers are essential aspects to the role. A passion for the marine environment is key, as is a working understanding of UK marine policy. We want someone who passionately advocates for Sea-Changers, who can communicate confidently and credibly at all levels. You will champion our oceans and galvanise others. 

CEO

• Salary for FTE: £62,000 - £75,000 dependant on experience
• 38 hours a week over 5 days (flexibility for right candidate)
• Home-based with travel for events and meetings

Reporting into the Board of Trustees, we are seeking an inspirational CEO for the PDA Society, who can lead with humility and curiosity, empowering and supporting our staff along the journey. They will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the charity and its staff and volunteers, and will oversee the development of our training products, research and support services, whilst ensuring sustainable growth in impact and income.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a trusted enterprise within the PDA community with a strong mission and a committed, values driven team. The successful candidate will be passionate about improving the lives of PDAers and their families. You will be energetic, creative and bring new ideas for enhancing the charity’s reputation, through nurturing existing relationships and developing new ones to achieve the charities goals. Our ideal candidate will have lived experience of autism, PDA or other neurodivergence although this is not essential.

Closing date for applications: Midnight on 22nd April 2026

Interviews with Trustees:  April / May 2026

We are looking for a dynamic, values-led, strategic leader to drive our mission for migration justice and social work solidarity. The role entails oversight of the operations and strategy of the organisation, responsibility for financial management and fundraising, maintaining the health of the organisation and embedding anti-racist and anti-opressive values into every aspect of the organisation. 

Lead the future of youth opportunity in Bristol.
Drive income, build partnerships, and change young lives every day.

Young Bristol is looking for an ambitious and passionate Head of Fundraising & Communications to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our charity and the thousands of young people we support.

This is more than a fundraising role. It’s a unique opportunity to take ownership of income generation at one of Bristol’s leading youth charities, working at a time of exciting growth as we approach our 100-year anniversary. You’ll lead our fundraising strategy, grow a diverse income portfolio, and build meaningful partnerships that directly enable young people to thrive.

Working closely with our Chief Executive, Senior Leadership Team and Trustees, you will drive sustainable income across trusts, corporates, major donors and events, while also leading communications that bring our impact to life. From powerful storytelling to strategic relationship-building, your work will ensure more young people have access to safe spaces, trusted adults, inspiring activities, and life-changing opportunities.

We’re looking for someone who combines strategic thinking with a hands-on approach — a confident communicator, relationship builder and leader who is motivated by purpose and driven to make a difference.

In return, you’ll join a values-driven, supportive team who truly believe in every young person and are committed to helping them discover what they are capable of.

If you’re ready to lead, inspire and create lasting impact across Bristol’s communities, we’d love to hear from you.

Closing date for applications is 17:00 on Wednesday 22nd April

Interviews will take place on the Wednesday 29th April, in person at our main offices. BS14 Youth Centre, Stockwood Lane, Bristol. BS14 8SJ

Mary’s Meals is a global movement supported by people from all walks of life and we are focused on one goal – that every child receives a nutritious daily meal in a place of education. We offer more than just a career, we offer the opportunity to support our global movement in a dynamic and inclusive environment with a real focus on personal development.

We are seeking an experienced, Glasgow-based fundraiser to join us as a Regional Development Officer. In this role, you’ll be a confident, visible champion for Mary’s Meals, someone who knows the city, understands its communities, and can build relationships that spark action. You’ll bring boldness and creativity to your work, whether delivering inspiring talks in churches and schools, making fundraising asks or forging genuine partnerships with local businesses and networks.

Using your deep knowledge of Glasgow’s people and places, you will identify high‑potential opportunities, grow income and participation, and cultivate a committed local movement of supporters and volunteers. Through strategic, outward‑facing work, you’ll turn first conversations into committed, long‑term support that strengthens our movement and fuels our mission.

Working closely with the Head of Scotland, you will co‑design and deliver a local growth plan shaped by the pulse of your region. You will represent Mary’s Meals across faith communities, schools, community groups, business networks, and key connectors, bringing energy, authenticity, and a passion for our mission.

Highly autonomous, you’ll combine insight, data, and local intuition to focus on areas of greatest opportunity. You’ll collaborate across the organisation to create seamless supporter journeys and tell compelling, meaningful stories. Everything you do will reflect Mary’s Meals’ warmth, simplicity, and dignity.

Key responsibilities include

• Work with the Head of Scotland to create and deliver an insight‑driven regional growth plan, with clear priorities around income, visibility, and volunteer mobilisation.
• Use local knowledge, data, and community insight to focus your time on the strongest opportunities for growth.
• Balance relationship‑building with a proactive, opportunity-led approach, identifying new supporters, networks, and partnerships and developing them from prospective supporters into committed donors.
• Actively network across Glasgow to initiate new meetings, build connections, and follow up purposefully.
• Represent Mary’s Meals with authenticity and enthusiasm across schools, churches, parishes, universities, community groups, and local businesses.
• Deliver engaging talks, assemblies, parish visits, small events, networking sessions, and partnership meetings that increase income, participation, and visibility.
• Build a diverse pipeline of leads and partnerships that reflect Glasgow’s communities and faith landscape.
• Create the environment for a strong volunteer network and empower volunteers through thoughtful delegation, coaching, encouragement, and recognition.

• Strengthen local visibility by nurturing community connectors and supporting appropriate local media engagement.

Please see the recruitment pack on our website for full list of duties.

To apply for the role of Regional Development Officer based at Mary’s Meals UK, please follow the apply instructions on Charity Job where you will be redirected to our website.

Your covering letter or video should make a compelling case for why you feel motivated to apply for this role within Mary’s Meals UK, as well as giving a concise overview of your most relevant skills and experience, and should fill no more than two pages of A4.

Applicants must hold full right to work in the UK.

We welcome applications from candidates of all different backgrounds and identities to apply. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse charity providing a supportive place for you to do the best and most rewarding work of your career.

Closing date for applications is Friday, 24 April.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

Please note: If you have any special requirements or adjustments before an interview, please let us know.

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and numeracy levels amongst people in the criminal justice system?

We’ve made substantial progress in recent years, with improvements and expansions to our delivery model and significant growth in our staff team. In Spring 2026, we will launch our refreshed organisational strategy, which will shape our work over the next three years and beyond. To support this growth, we are recruiting for a full time National Director of Operations to lead our delivery across England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and emerging community settings, with an ambition to reach Scotland. This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in scaling our impact and strengthening our presence across the criminal justice system and beyond.

As National Director of Operations, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for our learning programmes in prisons and community settings. You will ensure high‑quality, consistent and accessible delivery, overseeing a team of six Regional Managers and a wider workforce of around 65 staff, volunteers and over 2,000 peer mentors trained each year.

Working closely with senior colleagues, partner organisations and national bodies such as HMPPS, you will drive programme excellence, innovation and partnership working. You will also play a key role in new business development, operational strategy, contractual delivery and ensuring we can reliably demonstrate the impact of our work.

The role requires an experienced operational leader with a deep commitment to improving outcomes for people facing disadvantage. You will bring:

• Senior leadership experience in a complex, multi‑site environment.
• A track record of delivering large-scale programmes and leading distributed teams.
• Strong strategic thinking, problem‑solving and relationship‑building skills.
• Experience working with statutory bodies or large public-sector partners (e.g. HMPPS).
• Excellent judgement, communication skills and the ability to influence at all levels.
• Understanding of the criminal justice system, safeguarding, or alternative education environments (desirable).
• A collaborative, inclusive leadership style aligned with Shannon Trust’s values.

We want to hear from applicants who are as committed to the cause as we are.

This is a home-based role but will require travel around the UK including overnight stays. This role is 5 days per week (35 hours) with working days/hours to be mutually agreed in line with business needs.

Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme. The biggest benefit though is our culture – our people really want to work for the organisation.

We welcome job applications from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system and do not routinely ask for details of any criminal convictions. This role does require prison security clearance, so we will need to ask for details of any relevant criminal convictions before an offer of employment is finalised.

Interviews, which will be held online, are planned for the w/c 18th May.

St Pauls Advice Centre is a trusted, community-based charity providing free, specialist legal advice to people facing poverty, insecurity and injustice. We work across welfare benefits, debt, and immigration, supporting people to understand and exercise their rights.

We are looking for a thoughtful and committed Community Engagement Officer to join us on a maternity cover basis. This role is central to ensuring that the voices, experiences and insights of the communities we serve inform how our services are designed, delivered and improved.

About the role

Working closely with the Executive Director and wider team, you will coordinate our community engagement activity and help strengthen relationships with local communities and partners.

You will play a key role in maintaining and developing our engagement work, ensuring continuity while contributing to how we listen, learn and respond as an organisation.

Your work will include:

• Building and maintaining relationships with community groups, residents and partner organisations
• Coordinating engagement activities such as community events, conversations and feedback processes
• Supporting and facilitating advisory or user groups to shape services
• Gathering and organising insight from engagement activity to inform service delivery and development
• Working with staff and volunteers to ensure community voice is reflected across the organisation
• Contributing to accessible, community-facing materials and communications
• Supporting collaboration and partnership working across the local area

About you

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience of community engagement, outreach or participation work (paid or voluntary)
• Builds trust easily and works well with people from a wide range of backgrounds
• Communicates clearly and sensitively, both verbally and in writing
• Is organised, reliable and able to manage their own workload
• Is interested in how community insight can shape services and improve outcomes
• Shares our commitment to equity, dignity and social justice

Experience in the advice or charity sector is helpful but not essential.

Why join us

This is an opportunity to contribute to an organisation working at the intersection of advice, health and justice. You will help ensure that services are shaped by the people who use them, and that community voice is central to how we work.

We offer:

• Salary: £27,254 FTE (Actual £10,901.60)
• 14 hours per week (flexible working)
• Fixed-term 9-month maternity cover contract
• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata)
• Additional 3 days leave between Christmas and New Year
• 5% employer pension contribution
• A supportive and reflective team culture

Apply

We welcome applications from people with lived experience of the issues our clients face, and from communities underrepresented in the advice sector.

To apply, please complete the personal application form, the competency application form and the equal opportunities monitoring form and email them to us.

Closing date: Monday 27th April, 10:00 am
Interview date: Tuesday 5th May

Please note: we do not accept CVs. No agencies.

Do you enjoy building relationships and inspiring people to support a meaningful cause, while being an inspiring team leader and manager? This could be the role for you.

Job Description

As a senior member of the Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity (BWHC) Fundraising & Marketing team, your main objective is to lead the development and management of our community fundraising programme to maximise income to meet annual targets.

You will play a vital role in stewarding effective relationships to maximise support from our existing supporters and crucially, for driving new donor acquisition to ensure the sustainability of our work.  Developing our community fundraising programme is essential to our income base and profile. Central to our work is supporting our volunteer fundraisers, driving participant numbers for challenge events, recruiting and engaging volunteers to help raise awareness of the impact of our hospitals across Bristol and Weston. Crucially, delivering on our 2025-2030 strategy alongside the rest of the Fundraising and Marketing team will be a key part of your role.

Supported by the Head Public Fundraising, you will develop strategic and operational plans and budgets for your operational area to meet growth targets and you will ensure to focus on the objective of focusing on current and lapsed supporters.

This is a dynamic and varied role where you will work closely with colleagues across fundraising, marketing and hospital teams to deliver our 2025–2030 strategy and bring our community closer to the charity’s mission.

Key Accountabilities

Community & Events Fundraising

• To maximise fundraising income by managing and delivering overall recruitment and stewardship of fundraising groups, individual supporters (including in memory fundraisers and funeral collections), ambassadors and volunteers
• To develop and manage the team, empowering them to deliver the BWHC ‘In Aid of’ strategic plan, focussing on expanding the network of supporters who fundraise for and are happy to represent BWHC externally
• To develop, manage and deliver the BWHC Community Group plan, focusing on acquisition of new supporters and development of our retention plan
• To raise income and profile through the development, management, promotion of a portfolio of events (BWHC events, third party events and In Aid of events), ensuring maximum participation
• To develop and manage the team to deliver stewardship of in memory fundraisers and income from funeral collection
• To work with the Hospital Partnership Manager to develop a strategic approach to increase levels of hospital staff fundraising
• To manage and develop BWHC’s trading offer, including overall management of the physical Fundraising Hub and development of online shop
• To ensure exceptional, personalised but proportionate donor stewardship including continued development of product led stewardship e.g. in celebration
• To oversee the recruitment, training, stewardship and management of volunteers to provide support across the charity
• To work with the Brand & Marketing Team to create and deliver a media programme to maximise participation in BWHC activity
• Supported by the Head of Public Fundraising, to work with the IG & Legacy Manager and Supporter Experience, Data & Insight Team in particular to define, develop and deliver cross-portfolio supporter journeys and consistent supporter care.
   

Leadership & Management

• To provide strong leadership and management to the Community Partnerships & Events Fundraising Officer, Community Partnerships & Event Assistant and Volunteer Officer to ensure they are encouraged and motivated to perform at their best, fulfil their role and achieve agreed targets/KPI’s.

Strategy and Planning

• Contribute to the development and review of Fundraising & Marketing strategy.  
• Accountability for Community Fundraising plan and maximising long-term growth in this area
• Develop, implement and monitor annual operational plans, budgets and income forecasting, and ensure internal reporting is completed
• Ongoing evaluation of activity to ensure maximised return on investment
•  Keep up to date with relevant legislation and developments which affect the charity
• To contribute to the overall work and reporting of the fundraising and communications team through excellent team-work and cross-team working

Deadline for applications: 11.30pm, Friday 24th April
Interviews planned for: W/C 27th Apri. 

Our Benefits:
 

• 27 days annual holiday entitlement (pro-rata) plus an additional day off on your birthday and a wellbeing day. Plus an additional two days leave after five years of service. 
• Commitment to hybrid and flexible working
•  Competitive pension scheme. We'll match employee pension contributions up to 8% (minimum 5%)
•  Additional support via our enhanced Employee Assistance Programme, including up to eight sessions with a licensed counsellor
•  Life assurance cover - 4x annual salary
•  Commitment to training and development with budget set aside
•  Medicash health plan - claim cash towards a range of medical costs
•  Free Blue Light Card that allows access to hundreds of discounts at major retailers.

How to Apply:

Please submit your CV and cover letter, outlining how your experience fits the role and skills required. 

Role Overview

This is an exciting opportunity to shape Shine’s strategic direction while managing the operational delivery of our services for children, young people, and families aged 0–25. Building on the success of our Little Stars/Ser Bach programme for members aged 0–12 and the development and extension of the FIRE (Friendship, Independence, Resilience, Empowerment) programme for those aged 13–25, you will play a key role in shaping the future of our support for children, young people and their families.

Working across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, you will lead the delivery of an established, evidence-based programme that improves health, social, and emotional outcomes for those living with spina bifida, hydrocephalus, and associated conditions.

You’ll lead a passionate team and work closely with Shine’s Adult Services Team (25+), Health Team, Wales and Northern Ireland Managers and wider colleagues across the organisation to ensure work is coordinated, complementary, and beneficial to members. At the same time, you’ll forge strong partnerships with NHS professionals, statutory services, and voluntary organisations—driving collaboration that will support our vision of providing consistent, high-quality support for children, young people and families nationwide.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Team Management
• Programme Development & Delivery
• Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting
• Member Support & Engagement

Please see the full Job Description & Person Specification below and on our website. 

Benefits to working at Shine:

• Competitive salary: Review due April 2027
• Regular working hours, and no shift work (some very occasional weekends or evenings)  
• 3% pension contribution
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with additional discretionary leave between Christmas and New Year
• Additional annual leave awarded for ‘long service’
• Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave
• Broadband allowance for home-based roles
• Life insurance after 12 months’ employment  
• Access to our Employee Support Programme and Mental Health First Aiders 
• Support to learn and develop 

How to apply 

Shine is a Disability Confident employer and will offer guaranteed interviews if a disabled applicant meets the minimum criteria for the job. 

If you would like to discuss the role with our Deputy CEO, Gill Valentine, please contact Shine to arrange a convenient time for a call. 

To apply please submit your CV and supporting statement, which should outline your interest and explain how you meet the role criteria. 

We understand that you may wish to use AI tools to help you with some aspects of your application but we do expect tailored applications which are personalised to your experiences and not generic applications which are completely AI generated. We encourage candidates to be transparent about AI usage in their applications. 

*Please note applications without a supporting statement will not be accepted* 

Closing date: Thursday 16th April 2026 at 11pm 

Interviews:  Monday 27th April 2026  

Please note: we reserve the right to interview suitable candidates before the closing date, therefore we encourage applications as soon as possible. 

Job Title: Communications Manager
Location: Remote
Salary: £38,000 per annum
Reporting to: Head of Fundraising and Communications
Responsible for: Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Hours: 35 hours per week
Contract: Full time, permanent

GFS is seeking a strategic, proactive and values-led Communications Manager to lead the delivery of our communications function and elevate our profile across audiences and platforms. The role will support the shaping and delivery of a communications strategy that amplifies our voice, showcases our impact, and builds trust and engagement with our community. You’ll work across all areas of the organisation to coordinate messaging, manage risk and lead communications activity that reflects our feminist values and purpose.

The Communications Manager will oversee digital content, media relations, marketing and digital fundraising campaigns, working in close collaboration with the CEO, Leadership team and wider team. You will line-manage the Marketing and Communications Coordinator, ensuring high-quality content, storytelling and messaging are delivered consistently across all channels.

Please see the attached documents for more information and details on how to apply. 

Timeline 

• Closing date for applications midnight on Sunday 26 April 2026 
• First stage interviews w/c 11 May 2026
• Second stage interviews TBC May 2026

How to apply

To apply for this role, please submit the following documents:

1. An anonymised CV Please remove your name and any other personal identifying details.
2. A personal statement Your personal statement should respond directly to the three application questions listed below. Please keep within the stated word limits.
3. The optional diversity monitoring form This is not seen by the hiring panel and is entirely voluntary.

Please send all documents by midnight on Sunday 26 April 2026 

Your personal statement should address the following three questions:

1. GFS is a feminist, values led organisation. Please tell us about a time you shaped or delivered a communications approach that reflected specific organisational values. What was your role, what actions did you take, and what impact did it have? 
   (300 words max) 
2. Describe a situation where you identified or managed a communications risk (e.g., media issue, sensitive messaging, reputational challenge). What steps did you take, who did you work with, and what was the outcome? 
   (300 words max) 
3. Tell us about a digital communications or fundraising campaign you developed or led. How did you use audience insight to shape it, what channels or methods did you use, and what results did it achieve? 
   (300 words max)

As Director of External Affairs across the Bild Group of four small charities (with collective turnover of approx. £3m/yr), you will have a deep commitment to human rights and improving people’s lives.

You will provide strategic direction and leadership to the External Relations function across all four charities in the group, taking overall responsibility for and providing thought-leadership on our strategic approach to policy, influencing, public affairs, stakeholder engagement. 

You will play a lead role in planning, developing, and implementing the communication and external relations and wider engagement strategic plan to grow awareness and profile of Bild, Respond, Restraint Reduction Network (RRN) and ACT.

By sharing the impact of our work and programmes in improving the lives of people with learning disabilities, autism and /or mental health conditions, you will support Bild in becoming the sector leading provider of organisational and workforce development (and RRN in becoming the leading charity in reducing restrictive practices globally – and Respond as leaders in trauma informed therapy).

You will champion Bild and RRN’s brand, vision, mission and values acting as an ambassador for the organisation both internally and externally to partners, stakeholders and media.

Key Responsibilities and Duties: 

Strategic Leadership:  

• Develop and implement an integrated communications and external relations strategy across the four charities in the group to raise our profile and to influence change which positively impacts on our beneficiaries, aligning media, campaigning, and public affairs with the charity’s mission and strategic priorities 

• Lead and inspire a high-performing team including Membership and Events Officer, Resources Coordinator and comms team as required 

Comms & Marketing:

• Plan, develop and implement strategic communications and marketing plans to maximise awareness of the Bild Group of charities across the broad spectrum of communications disciplines including media relations, stakeholder management, influencer engagement, ethical (impact focused) marketing, social and new media and the production of new materials and resources 

• Write, develop and produce materials such as infographics, press releases, briefing documents, media statements and online information suitable for stakeholders, including people with lived experience

• Ensure effective marketing across all four charities focusing on impact and including ensuring we attend a range of external events and that all four websites are best practice. 

Influencing & Public Affairs:  

• Working with the CEO, you will drive policy change by developing strategies to influence key decision makers through building relationships with parliamentarians, government departments, and sector stakeholders to ensure the charity's policy agenda is impactful 

• Lead proactive and reactive media engagement, calls and requests for information in order to capitalise on suitable opportunities for maximising the reach and impact of all four charities

• Build our credibility as a thought leader in the sector 

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships:  

• Build and sustain strategic alliances with senior civil servants, civil society groups, and community partners to increase the organization's influence and impact 

• Develop effective stakeholder relationship management processes that ensure partnerships of all levels are provided with a rich, immersive engagement experience with the organisation and the work that we do 

• Identify, liaise with and ensure positive relationships with key stakeholders – internal and external including media, government departments, partners, charities, providers, customers, other relevant parties to secure maximum impact for all four charities and their beneficiaries

Reputation, Brand Management & Marketing:  

• Champion the Bild group brands, promoting the mission, values and impact of the organisation and ensuring consistent, engaging narratives and high-quality storytelling across all external channels

• Shaping the charity's profile and protecting its reputation through media relations, digital engagement, and consistent key messaging and building our credibility as thought leaders in sector. 

Membership, Events & Communities:  

• By ensuring appropriate, effective and engaging communications to all relevant audiences and stakeholders, your role will support the growth and development of our membership, Communities of Practice and the event programme (including webinars and conferences).

• Effectively plan, manage and lead a range of events for the Bild group of charities and associated marketing and communications

• Develop framework for Communities of Practice and strategy for engagement and growth 

• Supporting Bild and RRN spokespeople with PR and media outreach

• Keep abreast of communications and engagement activity within the sector and demonstrate an awareness of the impact these may have on existing and future communications activity

General Responsibilities 

• Contribute to evaluation and assessment of results against KPIs and tracking activity

• Allocate, manage and evaluate budget spend

• Identify resource requirements for activity across Bild group

• Develop and maintain systems, databases and procedures to support Bild group communication activities

• Plan, monitor, appraise and report progress of activity regularly with an innate understanding of how this supports activity across the Bild group

• Plan, manage and oversee budgetary spend related to outsourcing specialist activities such as video editing and design

• Ensure communications and marketing work complies with data protection and other legal, professional and agency requirements, standards and policies

• Support the senior leadership team on any activity as required. 

Personal Development  

• Be part of a culture of quality in all areas of communications, PR and marketing

• Participate and contribute to individual performance appraisal and supervision sessions

• Keep abreast of relevant initiatives and developments within the adult health and social care, education & disability sector and the wider communications / engagement profession

• Undertake relevant training, as necessary including accessing new systems and software as required to support the role.

Organisational Responsibilities: 

• Access and work within Bild’s policies and procedures.  

• Attend internal cycle of team meetings relevant to this role.  

• Engage with line management, supervision (where appropriate) and appraisal process.  

• Comply with data protection regulations, ensuring that information on clients, employees, volunteers and other stakeholders remains confidential.  

• Take responsibility for personal learning and development with support from line manager.  

• Work in a manner that facilitates equal opportunities and inclusion for all.  

• Remain professional and respectful at all times, promoting positive relations with all those we encounter in our work.  

• Maintain health and safety and risk awareness for self and others across the organisation.  

• Undertake any other duties that Bild may require within the remit of this role.  

This job description does not form part of the contract of employment. It is intended as a guide to the general scope of duties and is not definitive or restrictive. It is expected that some duties will change over time and this description will be subject to review with the postholder at their annual appraisal.  

Person Specification  

Job Title 

Director of External Relations 

• Exceptional copy writing and verbal communication skills

• Good presenting, negotiating and influencing skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build mutually beneficial relationships

• The ability to work effectively within a small team

• Ability to work under pressure, and plan, manage, and adapt own workload

• A flexible, proactive and problem-solving approach to work

• A motivated attitude and ability to work on own initiative 

• A commitment to human rights and modelling accessibility and inclusion throughout activity

• Willingness to travel and work flexible hours as demanded by the post

• Fit to undertake the duties of the post. 

Experience/Skills/Competencies 

Essential 

• Significant experience working in communications, policy and PR with demonstrable success

• PR and media management experience, including both online and traditional PR

• Experience of managing and implementing social media plans, including post development, scheduling, evaluation and monitoring feedback

• Experience of overseeing the design and production of print and electronic publications, including website management and development

• Experience of managing CRM systems and ensuring effective data capture and utilising data to inform decision making

• Ability to analyse data and shape results into reports that inform decision making

• Ability to build effective relationships and networks and establish credibility for Bild, RRN, Respond and Bild ACT 

• Ability to work collaboratively and develop positive relationships with colleagues, members and wider stakeholders

• Demonstrated digital comms / social media skills and understanding of emerging digital marketing tools and platforms

• Ability to use a variety of IT packages/databases including CRM systems.

• Experience managing budgets and associated reporting

• Ability to work remotely and regularly travel to in person events

• Time management skills and ability to prioritise workload under pressure as part of a small but vibrant team

• Strong awareness and interest in news/current affairs/politics and the broader third sector, social care and education sector. 

Desirable 

• Experience working in the not-for-profit sector, preferably in another disability and/or membership charity

• Strong understanding of education, health, social care, disability and not for profit environment

• Strong media contacts within relevant trade sector publications

• Ability to use externally managed media databases (such as Agility etc.)

• Experience with conferences, webinars and hybrid events. 

• Experience supporting and manging a remote team

Education and Qualifications: 

Other Requirements: 

• Commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities and able to apply awareness of diversity issues to all areas of work.  

• Regular travel to attend meetings and events. 

• Occasional evening meetings.  

Legal requirements: 

• Enhanced DBS check. 

We’re looking for an experienced, compassionate leader to oversee the day‑to‑day running of our national helpline services and co‑ordinate our Survivors Forums. This is a unique opportunity to shape a trauma‑informed, high‑quality support service for victims and survivors of rape and sexual abuse, as well as those who support them.

In this role, you’ll ensure our helplines remain safe, accessible, and responsive, providing steady leadership in a fast‑paced, emotionally complex environment. You’ll offer clinical supervision, guide a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, and champion best practice in safeguarding, risk management, and service quality.

You’ll also play a key part in strengthening survivor voices by supporting and co‑ordinating our Survivors Forums—helping shape the future of our organisation and the wider sector.

If you’re a qualified counsellor and clinical supervisor with experience managing frontline support or crisis services—and you’re driven by a commitment to trauma‑informed, survivor‑centred practice—this role offers the chance to lead meaningful change and support a service that truly matters.