Chief operating officer jobs in Central london, greater london

This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for ensuring Battersea’s estate, infrastructure and facilities services are safe, compliant, resilient and fit for purpose, enabling the charity to deliver its mission. As Head of Estates and Facilities, you will lead operations across multiple sites, oversee asset management, maintenance, security, statutory compliance, capital projects and facilities services, while driving the delivery of our estates strategy and long-term property plans.

As an experienced facilities management leader, you will provide visible, site-based leadership, working closely with Centre Managers and senior stakeholders to ensure our estate is operationally effective, financially sustainable and capable of supporting both current needs and future ambitions. You will lead high-performing teams, manage significant operational and capital budgets, oversee refurbishment and infrastructure projects, and ensure the highest standards of safety, compliance, service quality and value for money across all estates and facilities functions.

What we can offer you:

In return for your commitment to our cause and to recognise the value of our employees, Battersea offers a range of benefits to support the wellbeing of our employees. These include:

• 28 days of annual leave (plus 8 days paid public holidays) per year.
• Discounted gym memberships and cycle to work schemes.
• Employee Assistance Programme and access to Wellbeing Resources.
• Generous pension contributions - up to 10% employer contribution.
• Free healthcare cash plan, where you can claim for a range of treatment including dental, optical, physiotherapy, chiropody and acupuncture every year.
• Annual interest-free season ticket loans.

We are also committed to providing learning and development to our employees. During your time with us, we provide support for your professional and career development, including access to digital and in-person training programmes, leadership and management training, mentoring and much more.

Diversity and inclusion:

We are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive experience for all staff, volunteers and trustees and those hoping to join us. We operate an anonymised shortlisting process and actively seek to ensure our process is fair and equitable for all.

We understand the value of diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences to help us deliver even more for our dogs and cats, and we welcome applicants from all sections of the community.

As a Disability Confident Committed Employer we will ask about any adjustments you may need at application and/or interview stage, and if you are offered a role with us, we’ll talk to you about any workplace adjustments you may need to help you perform at your best. Greyscale copies of the recruitment pack are also available on request.

More about us:

At Battersea, we aim to never turn away a dog or cat in need of help. We give each one lots of love, expert care and get to know their characters and quirks so we can find them a new home that’s just right for them. Join us and help us be here for every dog and cat, wherever they are, for as long as they need us.

Acceptable use of AI:

At Battersea, we value expertise. We recognise each candidate that applies to us will have a range of expertise they can offer us, so we want to hear about this in your own words. We understand the support that generative artificial intelligence (AI) software can offer but it can also lead to numerous applications presenting as generic and impersonal. This makes it difficult to gain understanding of your unique experience.

To best showcase yourself, we encourage you to write your responses without the assistance of AI. If you require the use of AI software to aid in completing your application, we ask you use the generative responses as a prompt for writing your answers and avoid copying and pasting. You must also ensure the information presented in your application accurately reflects your experience.

Closing date: 19th August 2026
All applications must be submitted before the closing date advertised. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received.

Interview date(s): First Round Interviews (Online) and Second Round Interviews (In Person) - Dates to be confirmed.

For more information about the role, please download our Recruitment pack.

Help shape research and policy that challenges systemic racism in the criminal legal system.

UNJUST is looking for a Research and Policy Lead to develop and deliver impactful research, influence policy and work alongside communities, stakeholders and decision-makers to drive meaningful change.

This role is responsible for developing and implementing research activities and policy advocacy strategies that support UNJUST's vision to challenge systemic racism in the criminal legal system and dismantle discriminatory processes, policies and practices.

Working closely with community partners, sector stakeholders and decision-makers, you will:

• Develop and deliver impactful research centred on racial equity.
• Undertake interviews, desk research, data collection and analysis.
• Develop evidence-based policy positions and draft briefings, consultation responses and submissions.
• Track political developments and identify opportunities to influence policy at local and national levels.
• Build and maintain relationships with communities, policymakers and other stakeholders.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to integrate policy messaging into campaigns and public statements.
• Represent UNJUST in coalitions, working groups, roundtables and external forums.

We're looking for someone with experience in policy advocacy, research and influencing change, together with a strong understanding of policing and criminal justice policy, particularly racial justice and human rights. You'll be motivated by social justice, able to build effective relationships and committed to working collaboratively with communities whose lived experiences help shape our work.

This is a full-time (35 hours per week), hybrid role based in Brixton, London, offered on a 24-month fixed-term contract. Flexible working is available.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a House Coordinator to join our Nursing and Quality Team. This role will require the successful candidate to be responsible for the day-to-day problem solving, acting as the central point of contact, and supporting the House Managers to ensure the smooth operation of the Houses. 

Staff benefits include, shuttle bus, and more… Read more below

Role Requirements

As the House Coordinator, you will have direct contact with children and their families, often during challenging times. This role therefore requires a level of empathy and the ability to communicate effectively in emotionally charged situations, which is not typically expected of other administrative roles within the organisation.

With experience of working in a complex environment, across a large and diverse workforce, you will be exceptionally organised with a high-level of attention to detail. You will naturally possess excellent inter-personal skills, and an ability to consult and positively engage with key stakeholders across the organisation.

For more detail, please see the Duties and Responsibilities in the candidate briefing pack.

Interview Date: Week commencing 24th August 2026

  PLEASE READ CAREFULLY – ‘How to Apply’

PLEASE NOTE: The Children's Trust Application Form MUST be completed and submitted, for your application to be considered. As part of the shortlisting process, gaps in employment will be examined and further explored during the interview process. 

AI Statement

We recognise the value of AI tools, particularly in supporting individuals who may benefit from assistance with writing. However, applications created mainly by AI can often appear generic and may not fully reflect an applicant’s, skills, knowledge, and experience.

We’d really like to hear from you so please use your own words and personal experiences when completing the application form to give us the best chance of understanding what you can bring to the role.

Strictly no agencies, please.

As we often receive high levels of applicants for our roles, we regret that we will only be able to contact those applicants who are shortlisted for interviews. Therefore, if you have not heard from us within 2 weeks of the closing date, please assume you have not been shortlisted for an interview on this occasion.

  About Us

The Children’s Trust is the UK’s leading charity for children with acquired brain injury, providing expert rehabilitation, education, therapy, and care at our national specialist centre in Tadworth, and to children and their families across the UK, via our Brain Injury Community Service.

Boasting a beautiful 24-acre site in Surrey, we are located just outside of London, close to the M25 (accessible via Junction 8, A217 to Tadworth) and easily accessible via National Rail, by way of: Clapham Junction, Sutton, and Epsom.

Staff Benefits

The work we do is highly rewarding, and in addition to an attractive salary, we offer a valuable range of benefits, including our staff flexible benefits platform, on-site nursery, free eye tests, enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay, time out days for those experiencing menopause symptoms and time off for gender reassignment.

We also offer additional annual leave days for those with long service, with entitlements ranging from 35 to 41 days (including bank holidays) depending on your length of service.

Other benefits include free on-site parking; a staff shuttle service from Epsom and Sutton train stations to Tadworth Court, Car Scheme (subject to eligibility), subsidised cafeteria, on-site staff accommodation (subject to availability), the ability to retain your NHS pension (where applicable), Teacher’s pension (where applicable) or the opportunity to join an alternative scheme, and the opportunity to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.

As a charity organisation independent of the NHS, we do not follow Agenda for Change terms and conditions. Consequently, we are unable to take into account NHS incremental dates or continuous service for salary, annual leave, or related entitlements such as absence pay at the point of recruitment.

Rehabilitation of Offenders

Many roles at The Children’s Trust are exempt from the provisions of Section 4 (2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, by virtue of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 and 2020) and as such, are subject to an Enhanced DBS check.  Successful applicants will be required to complete an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check, which will disclose all unspent convictions and adult cautions and any spent convictions or adult cautions that would not be protected.  The exceptions to this are our retail roles within The Children’s Trust shops, which are subject to Basic DBS checks which will disclose unspent convictions or adult cautions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

To help us achieve our ambition to give children and young people with brain injury and neurodisability the opportunity to live the best life possible, we want to accurately reflect the UK’s diverse population. We want equity, diversity, and inclusion to be at the heart of everything we do, and our people, services, and culture to reflect the diverse needs of all. Through our diversity and inclusion strategy, we have made a commitment to increase the diversity of our charity and create an inclusive culture. We have networks across the organisation working to ensure that these aims are met - including an LGBTQIA2S+ group, Ethnic Diversity Group, and Spark – our broad EDI group. Read more about our EDI work here. We welcome applications from all who share our ambition regardless of background. We will strive to ensure that any reasonable adjustments are made in respect of interview and working arrangements.

Online Searches

In accordance with statutory safeguarding and child protection guidance, online searches will be conducted for shortlisted candidates before interview. The online searches will be conducted by a person who is independent of the interview and selection process and will focus on relevant information returned via searches of the candidate’s name (and variations thereof). Social media searches will be limited to professional platforms such as LinkedIn. Any concerns relating to suitability for work with children and young people will be forwarded to the interview panel, for discussion during the interview.

Salary: £49,100 per annum

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract

Closing date: 16 August 2026 at 11pm

Interview date: 24-25 August 2026

We are recruiting for two Interim Senior Programme Development Specialists:

· 5-month fixed term contract (from 21 September 2026 – 28 February 2027)

· 6-month fixed term contract (from 15 September 2026 – 15 March 2027)

Please specify in your application form which fixed term contract role you are applying for.

About CARE

CARE International is a global humanitarian organisation leading the fight to end poverty in the world’s most challenging situations. Women and girls are at the centre of our work, because we cannot overcome poverty and inequality until all people have equal rights and opportunities. We know that when a crisis erupts, women are often the first to pick up the pieces, so we work alongside women, so they have the power to make change where it’s needed most. Founded in 1945, CARE currently works in over 100 countries and last year alone reached 53.4 million people through nearly 1,500 projects.

Why work for CARE International UK?

Do you want to play a key role in an experienced and passionate team supporting and shaping CARE International UK’s portfolio? Join the Programme Funding Team! The team shapes our restricted programme portfolio by securing funding from UK-based institutional donors, trusts and foundations, multilaterals and in some cases private sector donors.

The Senior Programme Development Specialist leads the design of complex proposals – including bids £20m+ and FCDO commercial contracts. They also play a vital role ensuring quality bid submissions to a variety of donors, aligning with CARE international UK’s impact objectives, in particular gender justice and local leadership. 

About the role

As the Senior Programme Development Specialist, you will manage a pipeline of institutional funding opportunities and be responsible for securing a significant proportion of CIUK’s restricted income. You will work in partnership with CARE country offices, national and international partners, finance colleagues, and technical advisory teams to identify, scope, bid for and secure new funding for programmes through both grant and commercial contract modalities. You will deliver a high-quality bidding process, submitting applications to funders such as FCDO, DEC, START Fund, Education Cannot Wait, Jersey Overseas Aid Committee, and Power of Nutrition. You will build learning from existing CARE programmes into bid design and design programmes in line with CARE policies and standards, as well as donor standards.

About you

You are a passionate and experienced funding specialist, with a proven track record in fundraising from key UK donors – including solid experience of commercial bidding and FCDO frameworks, trusts and foundations and corporate donors. You will have the ability to lead and coordinate multi-disciplinary teams during proposal preparation, working with partners and colleagues in multiple locations. You have experience in and very good understanding of programme design and meeting institutional and corporate donor requirements. You have excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. You are capable of building strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders; you are a positive collaborator and a strong team player.

Right to Work in the UK

All applicants must have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom at the time of appointment. Proof of right to work will be required as part of the recruitment process. For more information, please visit theUK Government's guidance on right to work. 

Where you do not have current right to work in the UK, then this will be discussed with you as part of the recruitment process. Please note that not all roles are eligible for sponsorship and further information (should you require sponsorship to work in the UK) on eligibility can be foundhere.

Safeguarding 

CARE International UK has a zero-tolerance approach to any abuse to, sexual harassment of or exploitation of, a vulnerable adult or child by any of our staff, representatives or partners. CARE International UK expects all staff to share this commitment through our Safeguarding Policy (link here) and our Code of Conduct (link here). They are responsible for ensuring they understand and work within the remit of these policies throughout their time at CARE International UK.

Safeguarding our beneficiaries is our top priority in everything we do, including recruitment. All offers of employment at CARE International UK are subject to: 

· Satisfactory references. CARE International UK participates in theInter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (link here).In line with this Scheme, we willrequest information from successful applicants’ previous employersabout any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment,or incidents under investigationwhen the applicant left employment.

· Appropriate criminal record checks (including a Bridger check, link here).

By submitting an application, the applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures. 

Equality and Diversity

We are committed toEquality and value Diversity. We are aDisability Confident Employerand particularly welcome applications from disabled people. We guarantee interviews to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role (see person specification). If you require the candidate brief or need to submit your application in an alternative format, because of a disability, please do get in touch by sending an email to the HR Team.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We particularly welcome applications from people of underrepresented backgrounds, including those from Black, Asian and other ethnic minority communities, and individuals who identify as LGBTQ+.

Job Title: Helpline Advocacy Coordinator 

Location: Homeworking with a requirement to occasionally work at Head Office (Vauxhall, London)
Salary: £29,701.36 per annum (Inclusive of London Weighting, which may not be applicable depending on your home location and any agreed permanent homeworking arrangement)

Contract type: Full Time, Permanent 

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

This is an exciting opportunity to join Refuge as a Helpline Advocacy Co-ordinator.

The Helpline Advocacy Co-ordinator – London (HAC) provides short-term, targeted advocacy to victim/survivors of domestic abuse based in London, who present with complex or additional barriers to accessing safe accommodation and support services.

The role builds on initial helpline contact to deliver enhanced, focused support, including proactive follow-up and advocacy with statutory and voluntary agencies to secure safe outcomes. This includes working closely with housing departments across London boroughs, refuge providers, and specialist services to overcome barriers and facilitate access to accommodation and support.

This post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

Closing Date: 09:00am 1 September 2026

Interview Date: 10 and 11 September 2026

Job Title: Finance Administrator

Location: Homeworking with a requirement to occasionally work at Head Office (Vauxhall, London). Fully remote will be considered due to the short-term nature of the role
Salary: £17,316 per annum, inclusive of London Weighting allowance if applicable (London Weighting may not be applicable depending on your home location and any agreed permanent homeworking arrangement)

Contract type: Part Time, Fixed Term (6 Months)

Hours: 22.5 hours per week. (usual hours 9.00am to 5.30pm 3 days per week, flexible arrangements will be considered for candidates wanting to work the 22.5 hours over a different pattern during business days/hours)

This is an opportunity to join Refuge as a temporary Finance Administrator on a part time basis.

This is a hands-on role in a very busy finance team supporting the transactional finance team at Refuge while we continue working on the roll out of our new finance system. This role reports to the Transactions Manager and will provide support with all transactional finance activities within the finance team and to colleagues across the wider organisation. This role will take on duties to allow other team members to progress our work on our systems project.

Closing Date: 09:00am 13 August 2026

Interview Date: 21 August 2026