Children and families jobs in York, north yorkshire

Salary: £37,775 plus benefits (Our pay philosophy ensures consistency across locations and salaries. The starting salary for this opportunity plus benefits depends on location of the candidate).

The role:

We are delighted to be recruiting for a People & Culture Advisor to join our global People & Culture team here at Mary’s Meals International (MMI) on a 12-month FTC. This is a fantastic opportunity to thrive in a truly generalist role, within a diverse and dynamic global organisation.

Reporting to our People & Culture Lead and working as a key member of the People & Culture directorate, you will provide strong generalist support across the Mary’s Meals family, working across all People & Culture workstreams and providing professional HR advice and practical support for employees and managers, across a broad spectrum of HR topics and policy.

People are at the heart of everything we do at Mary’s Meals and in this key role, you will develop strong working relationships and work in partnership across our global network, to support the growth of our movement through the attraction, development, recognition, succession and retention of great talent.

Key priorities:

• Deliver high‑quality, practical HR advice and support to employees and managers across MMI and the wider global network.
• Manage and advise on a range of employee relations cases, supporting fair, consistent and values‑led outcomes.
• Support and develop HR policies, ensuring alignment with UK employment legislation and best practice.
• Champion employee wellbeing and support effective people management in a remote‑first environment.
• Contribute to People & Culture projects, performance processes, people reporting and delivery of HR training.
• Support end‑to‑end recruitment activity in partnership with the Head of Recruitment and hiring managers.

We are looking for:

• Robust experience as an HR Generalist with a positive, organised and pragmatic approach.
• Proven experience advising managers across a broad range of HR and employee relations matters.
• While the role requires strong working knowledge of UK employment law, you will work closely with colleagues across multiple countries and contexts.
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills, with confidence to influence and challenge constructively.
• Experience managing HR projects or complex people issues from start to finish.
• A collaborative, flexible mindset and a genuine commitment to Mary’s Meals’ mission and values.

About us:

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 continue to change the lives of over 3 million children who today will receive Mary’s Meals.

We believe in the innate goodness of people, respect the dignity of every human being and family life and believe in good stewardship of the resources entrusted to us. In line with our values, Mary’s Meals is fully committed to a culture of safeguarding. Mary’s Meals is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work and we expect all the Mary's Meals family to share this commitment and work in the best interest of the communities we serve. Our safe recruitment practices ensure that only those that are committed to our high standards join our movement.

Our Benefits:

• 34 days annual leave (pro-rated for part time working patterns) including bank holidays, increasing by 1 day each completed calendar year, to a maximum of 39 days (+ option to buy another week)
• Flexible working
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Life assurance
• Pension

Our ideal start date for this role is mid July 2026 onwards, although we are happy to discuss notice periods with the right candidate.

Development Manager 
Location: Cambridge, UK OR Remote, UK, with regular travel to Cambridge 
Salary: £44,000-£48,000 p.a. full-time equivalent, dependent on experience
Basis: Fixed-term contract (12 months). Full-time, part-time or flexible.
Eligibility: You must be eligible to work in the UK

The role

We are looking for a Development Manager to join our fundraising team to support our ambitious, global mission to democratise computing and AI education for all young people. . You’ll build and manage a global portfolio of strategic, high-value funding partners that share and advance our mission. Through effective relationship building and account management, you’ll engage donors with the aim of growing their long-term support for our work.

The ideal candidate will have experience of successful corporate/institutional partnership development and/or stewardship at a national or international scale. You may also have experience working with trusts and foundations or securing sponsorship for events.

We strive to make the Foundation a place where talented people who care about our mission can do the best work of their careers. We have a flexible and collaborative approach to all aspects of our work. If you’re the right person for the job, we’ll make it work for you, and you can be confident that you’ll be working with an exceptional team of people who care about our mission and each other

We work hard to make sure that the Foundation is a place where everyone is supported to do the best work of their careers. We have a flexible and collaborative approach to all aspects of our work. If you're the right person for the job, we’ll make it work for you, and you can be confident that you’ll be joining an exceptional team of people who care about our mission and each other.

Responsibilities

• Proactively develop a pipeline of funding opportunities, establishing relationships that will lead to new partnerships or donations
• Manage a portfolio of existing partners, developing and implementing engagement strategies to strengthen these relationships
• Match funders’ objectives with the Foundation's programmes and goals
• Prepare funding applications, proposals, presentations, and pitches, working collaboratively across the Foundation to support the development of these documents
• Evaluate and report on partner activities to ensure goals are achieved and the impact of their support is shared
• Develop and implement engaging and bespoke stewardship plans
• Accurately capture information using our CRM (Salesforce) pipeline process
• Support colleagues as they develop new donor relationships to secure grants and donations
• Develop and maintain updated knowledge of the Foundation’s programmes and associated funding opportunities

Experience and personal attributes

We recognise that everyone has the potential for growth. We welcome applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they have some, but not necessarily all, of the experience and personal attributes listed here. 

You should have:

• Experience in securing and developing long-term corporate partnerships and/or high value income (£50K+)
• Competence in using a CRM or equivalent system
• Effectiveness in working with multiple stakeholders across organisations to achieve solutions and deliver results
• Evidence of highly adaptable interactions with a wide range of people, with experience in advocacy, networking, and negotiation
• Practical knowledge of preparing and presenting a compelling case for support in various forms, including in person and through written communication
• Experience of monitoring, reporting, and forecasting against plans and budgets
• Strong organisational and administrative skills
• Excellent relationship building skills
• A commitment to the mission and values of the Raspberry Pi Foundation

Ideally, you’ll also have:

• Experience in prioritising a pipeline of multiple opportunities
• A high level of IT literacy, particularly knowledge of using the Microsoft Office suite or Google apps (Gmail, Calendar, Docs, and Forms)
• Experience in fundraising in markets outside of the UK

About us

The Raspberry Pi Foundation is an independent charity with a global mission to enable all young people to realise their full potential through the power of computing and digital technologies. 

We empower schools to teach computer science and AI literacy through free curricula, classroom resources, purpose built software tools, and professional development for teachers. We inspire young people to become tech creators through the world's largest networks of coding clubs. We undertake original research that informs our work and which we use to advance the field of computer science education more broadly.

All of our resources and learning experiences are available for anyone to use at no cost. We are particularly focused on creating opportunities for young people who experience educational disadvantage and those who come from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in technology industries. 

Over the past decade, we have supported hundreds of thousands of educators and tens of millions of students. We have teams in six countries (India, Ireland, Kenya, South Africa, the UK and US) and partnerships with mission-aligned non-profit organisations in over 60 countries. 

We are at the forefront of the global educational movement to expand access to computer science education and AI literacy. You can learn more about our work in our latest Annual Report.

Benefits

In addition to competitive salaries, we offer a wide range of benefits for all of our colleagues. 

• Paid time off. In addition to public holidays, full-time employees in the UK receive 25 days of paid annual leave initially, rising to 30 days after five years service, plus 3 additional days of paid leave for the company-wide closure at the end of each year. 
• Pension. We provide an 8% employer contribution on top of your minimum 4% employee contribution. 
• Private healthcare. We provide comprehensive private healthcare for all employees through Vitality Plus. 
• Flexible working. We have clear policies to provide flexibility over when and where you work, helping you balance work responsibilities with the rest of your life.
• Support for parents and carers. We provide generous family leave and flexibility for parents and carers. 
• Life assurance and income protection. We provide life assurance and income protection schemes to provide peace of mind for you and your family. 
• Investing in learning and development. We invest in your growth and development, including through access to learning resources and training, with dedicated time for all employees. 
• Travel to work. Through our Cycle-to-Work and Season Ticket Loan schemes we support cost effective and sustainable travel to work. 

Timetable for applications

Closing date: 8 May 2026, 9:00am
Phone screen: Week commencing 11 May 2026
First interview: Week commencing 25 May 2026
Second interview: Week commencing 1 June 2026]

Our recruitment process

All of our workplaces are inclusive spaces where we want people to feel respected, valued, and able to do their best work. We are committed to building teams that bring together people with a broad range of backgrounds, skills, and perspectives. That starts with our recruitment process. 

Here's what you can expect: 

• As part of your application, you will be asked to respond to a small number of questions that we will use to screen your eligibility for the role. You will also be asked to provide your cv and a short cover letter. 
• Eligible applications will be reviewed by our recruitment team and the hiring manager. 
• A small number of candidates will be invited to a phone call with the hiring manager. 
• The purpose of this call is to check our understanding of your application and to answer any questions you have. 
• We normally have two interviews, which may take place in-person. Interviews will be with the hiring manager and at least one other colleague. 
• You will usually be asked to undertake a work-based assessment in advance of your interviews. This will be an opportunity for you to show how you would perform some part of the role. You will be given advance notice and clear instructions. 
• If you have any questions about or feel that you need any adjustments to the recruitment process, including adjustments for neurodiversity, please contact our People and Culture team.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Everyone appointed to a role at the Foundation will be required to undergo a background check to confirm that you are a suitable person to work with children. Further background checks will be made at regular intervals thereafter.

Project Officer - Active Journeys

When registering to this job board you will be redirected to the online application form. Please ensure that this is completed in full in order that your application can be reviewed.

Project Officer – Active Journeys

£29,835 per annum (pro rata for part time)

Ref: 167REC

Full time 30-37.5 hours per week – we are happy to talk flexible working

Base: Home based with hybrid working across Central Southern England

Contract: 12 month Fixed Term Contract (with view of extension or permanency subject to funding)

Disclosure: Enhanced DBS is required for this position as the post holder will be working with school and community groups in the region.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Team: Active Journeys, South and East

As Project Officer, you will work across a wide range of projects to support and enable more people to walk, wheel and cycle. This is a dynamic and varied role, providing flexible support to short-term projects and initiatives or support different stages of longer-term projects.

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Plan and deliver practical behavioural change and engagement walking, wheeling and cycling projects and activities, with clear direction and support from the line manager.
• Working on projects independently or with others as part of a team, including working with colleagues from the National Cycle Network, Infrastructure, Active Journeys or Connected Communities teams.
• Integrate our volunteers in projects and activities where appropriate, supporting their recruitment, training and ongoing involvement when needed.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys taking on new challenges, where a workday never looks the same, and the opportunity to work with colleagues with a wide mix of disciplines.

The role involves undertaking in‑person work across the region. This includes regular travel and occasional work outside of core office hours.

ABOUT YOU

We’re looking for someone who has experience and understanding in the areas listed below. You don’t need to meet every requirement — if you feel you’d be a good fit, we encourage you to apply.

• 3 years’ work experience working with schools and/or communities which may include voluntary work.
• Experience of managing small clearly defined projects or experience of delivering work packages as part of a project.
• Experience of working as part of a team and building meaningful and collaborative relationships, both internally and externally.
• The ability to work in a way that promotes the safety and wellbeing of children, young people and adults at risk.  

LIVING OUR VALUES

At the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, we’re a values‑driven organisation. We’re looking for people who are:

Always Learning – curious, open‑minded and committed to continuous improvement.

Championing Equity – inclusive, respectful and focused on ensuring everyone has a voice and fair opportunity to succeed.

Taking Ownership – proactive, responsible and empowered to make things better.

Delivering Together – collaborative, transparent and motivated by shared success.

Through our values we make it possible for more people to walk, wheel and cycle safely, healthily and joyfully.

WHAT WE OFFER

We want you to feel supported, valued, and empowered in your role. That’s why we offer flexible working, a positive team environment, and benefits designed to support your wellbeing, finances, and family life.

Wellbeing Support

• 28 days’ leave per annum plus bank holidays for full-time employees
• Option to buy an extra week of annual leave (pro-rata for part-time employees)
• Paid volunteer days to support causes you care about
• Free, confidential support service available 24/7
• Access to cycle-to-work schemes through Green Commute Initiative and Cycle Scheme

Financial Benefits

• Up to two extra days of paid leave (pro rata for part‑time colleagues) when travelling sustainably for holidays.
• Group Personal Pension scheme with a 6% or 7% of basic salary contribution being matched by Walk Wheel Cycle Trust
• Bike, computer and season ticket loans
• Discount benefits
• London Weighting Allowance of £4,530 per annum, pro rata for all those living within a London Borough (32 local authority districts plus the City of London).
• Death in Service benefit – 3 x annual Salary 

Family Friendly Policies

• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Flexible Working practices (full time hours are 37.5 per week, Monday - Friday) 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Application deadline: 23:59, 17 May 2026
• Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams on the 26th or 27th May 2026. To apply, please complete our online application form.
• We are committed to being a truly inclusive employer. We welcome applications from everyone from all parts of the community.
• Adjustments are available throughout the application process.

About Habitat for Humanity Great Britain

Habitat for Humanity Great Britain is part of the global Habitat for Humanity Federation fighting global poverty and homelessness. We believe that a decent home helps to permanently break the cycle of poverty and allows families to achieve strength, stability, and self-reliance.

Habitat GB mobilises resources, partnerships, public engagement and advocacy to support high‑impact housing solutions in the UK and internationally, working closely with Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) and the wider Habitat for Humanity network.

 Job Purpose

The Programme Development Manager role is a critical role in ensuring the development and progression of our programmes. The role is responsible for drafting compelling propositions for our UK programmes and both the proposal development and remote programme management oversight of our international work.  

Key responsibilities will include developing partnerships and delivering compelling propositions to expand our existing donor-base and programme reach. This role will also manage and support the delivery of impactful projects and be responsible for collaborating with our wider Habitat for Humanity network. This role is central to translating Habitat for Humanity's GB’s mission and strategy into high-quality programmes that maximise social impact.

This is a remote (home-based) role, with regular travel to internal meetings in London and occasionally for monitoring visits overseas. 

If this sounds like it could be a good match for you, please take a look at the Candidate Pack on our website for more details and how to apply.

The deadline for applications is Tuesday 12th May 2026 (at 11:59 pm).

 Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Partnership and Proposal Development: Develop and deliver compelling partnerships to expand our existing donor-base

· Scope funding and partnership opportunities and engage with existing, new and potential institutional donors and programme partners through 1) desk research; 2) preparing donor/partner profiles; 3) updating an active pipeline of proposals and opportunities; 4) engaging, building and maintaining new and existing partnerships.

· Lead the proposal development and submission process of high-quality programmes – including narrative, Monitoring and Evaluation frameworks and budget preparation. This will require working directly with our network of National Offices (NOs), and Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI), ensuring that Habitat GB aligns with the tools and processes that have been developed to support this work.

· Coordinate and lead proposal development meetings with NOs and HFHI, including taking the meeting minutes.

· Ensure that feedback and learning from project bids, both successful and unsuccessful, is shared across the organisation and is used to inform future thematic priorities and programme design.

2. Impact Delivery: Manage and deliver impactful projects

· Support National Offices to prepare and establish effective project management tools and mechanisms for grant set-up and project launches in close collaboration with HFHI.

· Coordinate monthly project management meetings for key projects with National Offices.

· Conduct monitoring visits (if necessary) to projects, alongside the provision of distance monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning (MEAL) and safeguarding support to National Offices and their partners. Collate data, ensuring it is of high quality and produced in line with grant agreements.

· Draft, review and edit/format project reports for timely submissions to donors in close collaboration with Habitat GB colleagues, National Offices/Branches and HFHI colleagues, ensuring donor compliance.

· Support the timely transfer of funds to National Offices, tracking progress against expenditure.

3. Collaboration: Across Habitat GB and the wider Habitat network

· Supervise and mentor Programmes Assistants and volunteers (where/when) applicable, supporting their development and the delivery of high-quality work.

· Actively participate in several Communities of Practice (CoPs) hosted by major donors and development networks for external knowledge sharing and learning.

· Present key thematic topics within Habitat GB quarterly for internal sharing.

· Post case studies and project highlights on Habitat GB website.

Person Specification

Experience

• Proven experience of partnership building with UK institutional donors (Essential)
• Experience in project proposal writing and familiarity with programming documents e.g. logical framework and Theory of Change models. (Essential)
• Experience of developing and maintaining effective document management and information management processes. (Essential)
• Experience and good understanding of best practice, knowledge management and Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) and safeguarding in a programme context. (Desirable)
• International programme management experience preferably in a development context. (Desirable)

Skills / Knowledge

• Excellent report writing and content development skills. (Essential)
• Understanding of financial management processes, including excellent numeracy skills and proven ability to analyse budgets, project pipelines and financial reports. (Essential)
• Ability to undertake international travel to field locations in different parts of the world when the situation allows. (Essential)
• Clear and straightforward verbal and written communication skills. (Essential)
• Excellent attention to detail. (Essential)

Working Style

· Ability to work collaboratively with diverse global teams, across different time zones. (Essential)

· Self-motivated and organised, able to work under pressure to deadlines and use own initiative to solve problems with minimal supervision and adapt to challenges. (Essential)

· Enthusiastic and positive, with a can-do attitude. (Essential)

The role and responsibilities will be carried out in a way which reflects:

· Habitat GB’s commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults in accordance with the Safeguarding Policy.

· A commitment to Habitat GB’s vision, mission, values and approach.

· A commitment to effective management of risk, by operating within the Charity’s code of conduct, policies, procedures and controls and by carrying out the risk management and assurance responsibilities of the role as set out in relevant Policy and Procedures.

The employment of this position will be subject to a satisfactory reference check and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

At Habitat for Humanity GB, we aim to build, develop and retain a talented workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, skills and experiences. We welcome and actively encourage applications from anyone who feels they’d be a good fit for our organisation, regardless of race, religion, colour, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, neurodiversity or any other protected characteristics.

We’d prefer to hear directly from applicants – we won’t be working with third party recruiters on this role.

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.

Reports toDirector of External Relations

Hours37.5 hours per week 

Salary£56,959.05 - £63,886.54

ContractFixed Term Contract - 12 Months

LocationRemote (with occasional travel across UK) 

BenefitsA generous package including 25 days holiday per year plus public holidays, employee pension scheme with 4% employer contribution, Cycle2Work scheme, 365 days a year Employee Assistance Programme 

About SafeLives

We are SafeLives, the UK-wide charity dedicated to ending domestic abuse, for everyone, for good.

We work with organisations across the UK to transform the response to domestic abuse. We want what you would want for your best friend. We listen to survivors, putting their voices at the heart of our thinking. We look at the whole picture for each individual and family to get the right help at the right time to make families everywhere safe and well. And we challenge perpetrators to change, asking ‘why doesn’t he stop?’ rather than ‘why doesn’t she leave?’ This applies whatever the gender of the victim or perpetrator and whatever the nature of their relationship.

Last year alone, we delivered more than 700 sessions to over 15,000 learners across the UK in policing, health, housing, justice, education and the specialist sector. And we have reached 90,000 adult and 100,000 child survivors through programmes designed and delivered with partners.

In the last 9 years, close to 7,000 perpetrators have been challenged and supported to change through flagship interventions developed by our Drive Partnership and the programme continues to expand year on year.

Together we can end domestic abuse. Forever. For everyone.

Description

You will provide strong and steady leadership for SafeLives’ communications, marketing and public affairs work over the next year, communicating our Whole Picture Strategy, finding what works and helping it happen to end domestic abuse for everyone for good.

You will shape and deliver strategic communications and influencing work to reach decision-makers, strengthen public trust, and support our mission to drive real change in the UK’s domestic abuse response.

You will be able bring to together robust data, the voice of survivors, and the view of practice experts to position SafeLives at the centre of the conversation with professionals, key policy and decision makers and influencers as a credible and trusted voice.

You’ll lead a cross-functional team of comms, marketing and public affairs colleagues to:

• Strengthen core messaging and consistency around our Whole Picture strategy and the WP Framework, to support delivery and impact
• maintain our communications and marketing and our brand
• provide oversight of our influencing through policy and public affairs, working with senior colleagues where escalation is required
• support income generation through targeted marketing, and support for fundraising
• ensure we are sharing evidence, data and research in support of our strategy

You will connect reactive work with long-term strategic priorities, ensuring our external engagement supports our strategic priorities, policy goals, and income generation ambitions. And you will lead high-quality responses to breaking news and emerging issues, providing clear strategic advice to the Senior Leadership Team and acting as a trusted lead on reputational risk.

You will ensure SafeLives is visible, authoritative and survivor-centred in public and policy conversations, with timely responses, briefings and support, ensuring our communications and influencing are clear, consistent and drive impact.

You will work with our training, practice, and fundraising teams to drive our business development and income generation, as well as helping us to understand all our audiences and better meet their needs.

And as part of the Operational Management Team (OMT), you’ll work closely with colleagues to ensure an inclusive and supportive organisational culture, role modelling our values.

Undertake any other duties as may reasonably be required.

Responsibilities

1. Leadership

·Provide calm, structured and values-led leadership across the Comms, Marketing and Public Affairs team.

·Ensure reliable systems, processes and workflows for communications, marketing and public affairs.

·Set expectations, priorities and working rhythms that bring stability and clarity to the team.

·Promote a supportive, inclusive and collaborative culture with clear communication channels.

2. Core Narrative, Messaging and Evidence Sharing

·Lead the development of SafeLives’ core messages, ensuring they are used consistently across all teams, and the development of our influencing asks.

·Translate SafeLives’ research, data and evidence into accessible, impactful content for external audiences, including practitioners, policy and decision makers.

·Ensure all outputs are survivor‑centred, values‑aligned and evidence‑led

·Develop our brand to reflect our approach to equity, equality, diversity and inclusion and in line with our values - human, rigorous, brave and inclusive.

·Oversee production of communications, marketing and policy materials that help to amplify our Whole Picture strategy and our related priorities.

3. Communications and Media Leadership

·Lead SafeLives’ overall communications strategy and activity.

·Oversee media relations, with strong focus on clear messaging and reputational resilience.

·Implement rapid-response and crisis‑comms protocols with clear escalation to Directors.

·Lead the development and management of our website, digital channels and content strategy.

·Ensure SafeLives is timely, authoritative and survivor‑centred in its external interventions.

4. Marketing and Audience Engagement

·Lead marketing strategy to support:

·Statutory and voluntary income generation

·Training uptake

·Consultancy and practice development

·Fundraising and supporter engagement

·Strengthen audience insight, segmentation and targeting.

·Oversee campaigns that bring SafeLives’ strategy and evidence to life and drive measurable action.

·Ensure that communication and marketing resources are used effectively to support business development.

5. Public Affairs and Policy

·Provide strategic alignment between SafeLives’ core messaging and evidence sharing and our influencing work

·Ensure public affairs activities and outputs (briefings, consultations, correspondence) are clear, accurate and consistent with SafeLives’ communications approach.

·Maintain awareness of political and policy developments relevant to SafeLives’ mission, advising Directors on risks and opportunities for influencing, working with colleagues across the organisation to develop policy.

·Senior level engagement will be led by Directors, as needed, with this role and the public affairs team leading stakeholder engagement and supporting preparation, messaging and follow‑up.

6. Planning, Governance and Performance

·Lead forward planning for all communications, marketing and public affairs activity.

·Set realistic, measurable KPIs that support the delivery of our comms and influencing strategy and our income generation.

·Embed continuous improvement processes and ensure compliance with GDPR and data protection.

·Oversee budgets for communications, marketing and public affairs, ensuring value for money and resource prioritisation.

7. Authentic Voice

·Ensure that the voices, experiences and priorities of survivors remain at the heart of all external communications.

·Support colleagues and Pioneers who use lived experience in SafeLives’ work in a trauma‑informed and respectful way.

Person Specification

Experience

·Strategic communications, including influencing, brand/profile raising, media relations and reputation management in complex, high profile environments (E)

·Media relations, including securing high quality coverage and rapid-response experience (E)

·Developing and delivering effective communications and marketing cmapaigns, including support for fundraising and income generation (E)

·Digital communications across owned, earned and paid media (E)

·Experience using data, research and evidence to inform communications, influencing and storytelling (E)

·Understanding of public affairs or policy environments within the social sector (D/E)

·Leadership and people development, ideally across multi-disciplinary teams (E)

·Influencing professional and policy audiences through clear, impactful communications, information and guidance (E)

·Working with people affected by domestic abuse to support storytelling and influence change (D)

Skills

·Confident in providing strategic communications advice aligned with organisational strategy and policy priorities (E)

·Exceptional written, oral and influencing skills, including excellent writing and editing ability (E)

·Strong political and media awareness

·Excellent judgement under pressure, making sound, values‑led decisions at pace (E)

·Ability to turn complex and fast‑moving information into clear messaging for different audiences, particularly professional and policy maker audiences (E)

·Strong issue and risk management in sensitive public contexts (E)

·Excellent digital and social media skills (E)

·Strong analytical skills to design and deliver campaigns (E)

·Numerate, with experience preparing and managing budgets (E)

·Strong planning, prioritisation and ability to meet multiple deadlines (E)

·Able to identify problems early and propose solutions (E)

·Commitment to equity, equality, diversity and inclusion (E)

·Commitment to ending domestic abuse (E)

Competencies

Leadership, organisational and strategic awareness 

·Inspires trust and confidence in others 

·Commitment to SafeLives’ values – Human, Rigorous, Inclusive and Brave - underpins all actions and decisions 

·Remains calm, decisive and collaborative in fast-moving situations, while maintaining message clarity, survivor focus and organisational credibility

·Demonstrates an understanding of how your own role contributes to achieving SafeLives’ goals 

·Is responsive to change which helps achieve goals

·Pursues tasks/goals with energy, drive and need for completion 

Teamwork & collaboration 

·Fosters an inclusive working environment so that others can contribute effectively 

·Supports colleagues in demanding situations, recognises the importance of well-being in self and others, accepts help and support from other team members 

·Listens to the views of others and shows flexibility in working with collective decisions 

People management and decision making 

·Ability to lead and manage effective teams and create an inventive, responsible and generous team culture 

·Strong focus on quality, performance and impact 

·Coaches staff to reach their full potential 

·Makes effective decisions on a timely basis 

·Judgement and problem solving is based on identifying outcomes and victim focus 

Communications and relationship management 

·Communicate with energy and direction 

·Ability to build strong and effective relationships with key internal and external stakeholders 

·Promote and contribute to cross team working 

·Speaks and writes clearly and effectively and in a timely manner, tailoring communication to suit the audience 

·Maintains confidentiality 

Delivering quality 

·Self-starter with the ability to use initiative and judgement to identify problems and propose solutions 

·Excellent organisational skills including the ability to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines 

·Takes responsibility for own workload, acts on own initiative, seeks feedback from others, evaluates own performance and then acts upon it 

·Tries out new ideas and ways of working and identifies and shares learning 

Influence 

·Inspires confidence and trust– demonstrating high standards of integrity, honesty and fairness 

·Actively engages the knowledge, ideas and contributions of others 

·Uses appropriate techniques to influence others 

JOB TITLE: Northern Partnership & Dog Training Manger

LOCATION:                         Northern Region (Including Scotland, Northern England and parts of the Midlands)

SALARY: £37,000 - £45,000 p/a

JOB TYPE: Permanent, Full-Time and Part-Time applications considered

Medical Detection Dogs trains dogs to save lives.

We train specialist dogs to detect the odour of human disease, providing life-saving Medical Alert Assistance Dogs to people with complex health problems across the UK and collaborating with NHS Trusts and other researchers and Universities both in the UK and internationally to advance the early diagnosis of disease.  We have an exciting new opportunity to join this small, but ambitious charity that is a world leader in its specialist, innovative field.

MAIN PURPOSE & SCOPE OF THE ROLE:

The Northern Partnership & Training Manager is responsible for the operational leadership, coordination and quality assurance of Partnership and Dog Training Instructor roles operating within the Northern region.

Partnership and Dog Training Instructor roles within the Medical Alert Assistance Dog department combine elements of dog training, client instructing, partnership placement and aftercare, depending on programme need. This role provides direct line management and oversight of Northern region staff working in these hybrid capacities.

The postholder ensures consistent, high‑quality delivery of MAAD partnerships, working collaboratively with training, welfare and senior management colleagues to support dog progression, client outcomes and compliance with ADUK and ADI standards.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

Provide operational leadership for Northern region Partnership and Dog Training Instructor roles, ensuring staff who work across training, instructing and partnership delivery are effectively supported, coordinated and developed.

You will act as the regional lead for instructor‑delivered partnership work, maintaining oversight of workloads, partnership progression, accreditation readiness and aftercare delivery, while contributing to continuous service improvement under senior management guidance.

Reports to: Interim Head of Partnership Services

ABOUT THE ROLE

You will oversee and coordinate the Northern Medical Alert Assistance Dog function, managing staff in Partnership and Dog Training Instructor roles who support MAAD partnerships from allocation through placement and ongoing aftercare.

You will provide clear leadership, supervision and quality assurance, ensuring consistent delivery standards, balanced workloads and clarity of expectations for staff whose roles span multiple functions.

You will maintain oversight of partnership pipelines, regional capacity and accreditation timelines, ensuring accurate reporting and timely escalation of risks or concerns.

This is a senior operational role requiring strong people management, excellent dog training and instructing expertise, and a calm, organised approach to managing complex client‑facing services.

Responsibilities of the Role

Hybrid Role Leadership & Management (Northern Region)

• Line manage and support Northern region‑based Partnership and Dog Training Instructor roles
• Conduct regular 1:1s, supervision and appraisals
• Chair Northern regional team meetings and provide updates to the Interim Head of Assistance Dog Programme
• Approve annual leave and expenses, ensuring appropriate regional cover
• Support senior Partnership and Dog Training Instructor staff in mentoring or supporting less experienced colleagues
• Ensure staff adhere to departmental standards, methods and policies

Partnerships, Training & Client Delivery

• Oversee the progression of puppies within the Northern region and where required, carry out relevant assessments 
• Oversee the progression of MAAD partnerships across training, placement and aftercare within the Northern region
• Ensure client learning styles, family dynamics and individual needs are identified and supported
• Support or directly deliver Partnership and Dog Training Instructor role activity where required, including: Scent and odour training, Client‑specific training, Placement training, Aftercare and refresher support
• Maintain oversight of partnerships requiring remedial training or additional intervention
• Carry out or support final accreditation assessments where appropriate
• Ensure qualified partnerships continue to meet ADUK standards

Planning, Oversight & Reporting

• Maintain oversight of Northern region partnership activity, including: Applicants, Dogs approaching match, Partnerships in training, Accredited partnerships receiving aftercare
• Escalate risks, delays or welfare concerns to the ADPM with recommended solutions
• Contribute to departmental reports and inspection readiness

Governance, Welfare & Compliance

• Ensure all Partnership and Dog Training Instructor role activity complies with ADUK and ADI regulations
• Liaise with the Health & Welfare Manager regarding health or welfare concerns
• Support rehoming outcomes for withdrawn dogs in conjunction with relevant teams
• Ensure accurate and timely record‑keeping within the Harlequin CRM system
• Occasional handling of the emergency phone, liaising with clients and volunteers to manage emergency situations

Stakeholder & Cross‑Departmental Working

• To ensure volunteers and Dog training contractors based within the Northern region are well supported by regional staff.
• Act as the primary Northern region contact for partnership‑related matters
• Work closely with Applications and Welfare teams
• Support fundraising, communications and volunteering activities when required
• Promote best practice and learning across the charity

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

Experience & Qualifications

Essential

• Minimum 2years’ experience managing or leading staff in the Assistance Dog roles within an ADUK‑affiliated organisation
• Extensive experience delivering assistance dog partnerships, including training, placement and aftercarProven experience mentoring, supporting and performance‑managing staff
• Sound knowledge of ADUK and ADI regulations
• Strong organisational and caseload‑management abilities
• Confident working independently and managing competing priorities
• Comfortable working in the presence of dogs

Desirable

• Experience working with medical alert assistance dogs
• Knowledge of medical conditions affecting adult and child clients
• Experience supporting accreditation reviews or inspection processes

Knowledge & Skills

DESIRABLE

• Strong practical dog handling, scent training and knowledge of dog behaviour and development
• Excellent coaching, assessment and quality‑assurance skills
• Calm, clear and empathetic communication style
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to exercise sound judgement in complex, client‑facing situations
• High level of IT literacy including Microsoft 365 and CRM systems

Other Requirements

• Full UK driving licence
• Willingness and ability to travel across the Northern region
• Willingness to stay away from home and have dogs reside in the home when required

DIVERITY, EQUALITY & INCLUSION

We are a welcoming, diverse and inclusive charity. Medical Detection Dogs thrives when everyone feels comfortable bringing their best self to work. We celebrate difference, whilst striving to create an environment where colleagues feel respected and valued for their unique potential. We are committed to our values on equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Values & Behaviours

Working at Medical Detection Dogs will be a richly rewarding experience.

Our Values & Behaviours encapsulate who we are, what we stand for and what it will feel like to be part of our team:

• We are respectful
• We stay positive
• We strive for excellence
• We communicate and listen
• We are ambassadors
• We are one team

And of course, we advocate for Medical Detection Dogs whenever we get the chance, and we pride ourselves on our role as ambassadors for the charity.