Community volunteers volunteer jobs in Coventry, west midlands

The Role

In September 2024, National Numeracy launched a new ‘Schools & Families Programme’ to support primary schools to increase pupils’ confidence with numbers, positive feelings about maths, and awareness of the value of maths outside the classroom. The programme also works to improve parents’, carers’ and school staff’s own confidence with numbers and supporting children with their maths. The programme has been hugely successful and is growing rapidly, supporting over 400 schools each year.

National Numeracy are now looking to expand this work into secondary schools across the UK.

The Schools & Families Officer will support the Schools & Families Programme Manager in managing fast-paced activity across the UK, including helping to deliver online training directly to school staff, recruiting schools, and visiting selected schools to ensure the success of the programme. The Schools & Families Officer will also support with the design and delivery of the new programme in secondary schools.

We are looking for someone who can support with this dynamic activity, is flexible, able to manage their time effectively, and willing to adapt to the changing needs of the charity. National Numeracy has an office in Falmer, near Brighton, in East Sussex, but the expectation for this role is that you will be primarily based at home, travelling occasionally as needed across the UK.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

We recognise that there is more to do to improve diversity across our organisation and we are actively working to make meaningful, long‑term change. We are committed to building a workforce that better reflects the communities we serve and to removing barriers that may prevent people from different backgrounds from joining, progressing and thriving with us.

Through inclusive policies, flexible working, fair recruitment practices and ongoing learning, we aim to create a supportive environment where everyone feels valued, respected and able to do their best work.

We actively encourage applications from people from under‑represented and diverse backgrounds, as we know a more diverse workforce will strengthen our organisation and help us deliver our mission more effectively.

What You’ll Be Doing

Building and managing a pipeline of churches, donors, and supporters
Delivering speaking engagements, events, and presentations
Driving regional fundraising activity and growing donations
Hosting and facilitating prayer meetings
Recruiting and leading volunteers
Expanding Barnabas Aid’s reach through networking and partnerships

What We’re Looking For
Proven experience working to targets (sales, fundraising, outreach or similar)
Confidence in asking for commitment—financial or otherwise
Strong communication and public speaking ability
Highly organised, self-motivated, and able to work independently
A natural relationship builder with commercial awareness
Practising Christian, actively involved in a local church (occupational requirement)

Why Join Barnabas Aid?

You’ll be part of a global ministry supporting Christians in over 100 countries—providing food, aid, Bibles, training, and hope where it is needed most.

This is a role where performance matters—but so does purpose.

About Us 

Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid have for over 45 years supported women and children with services around domestic violence and abuse. Could you be a part of our team as we continue our mission to end domestic violence and abuse? 

The region’s leading charity in tackling violence against women and girls, BSWA offers a helpline, webchat, drop in and and community support as well as emergency accommodation in six refuges across the area.

Projects supports women in the criminal justice system, in healthcare settings, and throughout the community, offering support to women and children experiencing domestic violence. Alongside this, we also have staff offering training and consultancy to businesses and health and social care professionals alike, raising awareness on gender based violence issues.

We seek like-minded women to join our enthusiastic team of workers, all of us passionate about the vital and valuable work we do to support women and children who have experienced domestic abuse, and tackling the wider issues of violence against women and girls. 

Key Responsibilities -

To plan and implement high quality support and advocacy services for women affected by domestic violence who are deemed as being high risk.

To work within a multi-agency framework to ensure the safety of women is prioritised.

Experience Required- 

Providing practical and emotional support to women and children affected by domestic violence. 

Offering advice and information and advocating for service users on a range of issues including homelessness, benefits, legal, social welfare issues etc. 

Developing and maintaining effective working relationships with external agencies 

Working within safeguarding guidelines to protect and promote the well-being of children and vulnerable adults. 

Benefits

• 31 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays) 

• Up to 6% matched pension contribution 

• Free access to Employee Assistance Programme 

• Life Assurance scheme while in employment (a lump sum of 4 times salary) 

• Cycle to Work scheme 

• Health Cash Plan scheme available to all employees from day one 

• Successful candidates may have the opportunity to work under hybrid working arrangements, subject to the role and to the terms of our Hybrid Working Policy 

BSWA is a Disability Confident Employer. We want everyone to have equal chance at being considered for our jobs. Should you be unable to submit your application online and would prefer an alternative method, or you are experiencing another barrier to completing your application, please contact us via our website. 

These posts are covered by a Genuine Occupational Requirement (Schedule 9; Equality Act 2010) and women only need apply.

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is at 12 noon on Wednesday 6th May. Interviews will take place weeks commencing 18th May. 

About Us 

Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid have for over 45 years supported women and children with services around domestic violence and abuse. Could you be a part of our team as we continue our mission to end domestic violence and abuse? 

The region’s leading charity in tackling violence against women and girls, BSWA offers a helpline, webchat, drop in and and community support as well as emergency accommodation in six refuges across the area.

Projects supports women in the criminal justice system, in healthcare settings, and throughout the community, offering support to women and children experiencing domestic violence. Alongside this, we also have staff offering training and consultancy to businesses and health and social care professionals alike, raising awareness on gender based violence issues.

We seek like-minded women to join our enthusiastic team of workers, all of us passionate about the vital and valuable work we do to support women and children who have experienced domestic abuse, and tackling the wider issues of violence against women and girls. 

Key Responsibilities - 

To provide individual information, support and signposting for women disclosing experiences of domestic violence. 

To provide support to health professionals in general practice on understanding and responding to domestic violence.

Experience Required -

Carrying out needs and risk assessments and support of women experiencing abuse 

Working within safeguarding guidelines to protect and promote the well-being of children and adults 

Monitoring and evaluating projects 

Benefits

• 31 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays) 

• Up to 6% matched pension contribution 

• Free access to Employee Assistance Programme 

• Life Assurance scheme while in employment (a lump sum of 4 times salary) 

• Cycle to Work scheme 

• Health Cash Plan scheme available to all employees from day one 

• Successful candidates may have the opportunity to work under hybrid working arrangements, subject to the role and to the terms of our Hybrid Working Policy 

BSWA is a Disability Confident Employer. We want everyone to have equal chance at being considered for our jobs. Should you be unable to submit your application online and would prefer an alternative method, or you are experiencing another barrier to completing your application, please contact us via our website.

These posts are covered by a Genuine Occupational Requirement (Schedule 9; Equality Act 2010) and women only need apply.

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is at 12 noon on Wednesday 6th May. Interviews will take place weeks commencing 18th May.

Are you passionate about ensuring safe, high‑quality environments where people can thrive? Do you enjoy improving processes, supporting compliance, and making a tangible difference across a diverse property portfolio?

We are looking for a proactive and dedicated Estates Coordinator to join our national charity—someone who is motivated to drive continuous improvement, support a positive health & safety culture, and help us maintain safe, compliant, and welcoming spaces for all who use our services.

In this role, you’ll work closely with the Estates Manager and teams across the organisation to ensure our estates, facilities, and properties are maintained to the highest standard and meet all relevant regulatory requirements.

Please note: We are open to job share arrangements, with the role delivered across two individuals working 16 hours per week each; if on job share, salary per annum would be £10,574.72

What You’ll Be Doing:

Health & Safety & Compliance

• Carrying out safety and compliance checks, risk assessments, and maintenance assessments.
• Supporting health & safety projects, audits, investigations, and monitoring activities.
• Creating reports, identifying areas of improvement, and contributing to a positive safety culture.
• Taking part in the Health & Safety Committee and helping communicate legislative updates across the charity.

Premises & Property Management

• Conducting premises audits and ensuring all repairs and maintenance tasks are completed on time.
• Coordinating with contractors and suppliers to deliver compliance-related works.
• Maintaining records of works, inspections, and compliance checks including gas, fire, legionella, and asbestos safety.
• Supporting the commissioning and decommissioning of properties across the UK.
• Helping manage contracts, services, and day‑to‑day estate operations at the National Office.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Highly organised, proactive, and confident managing multiple priorities.
• Able to work independently while building strong relationships across teams.
• Communicative, with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Professional, confidential, and committed to continuous personal development.

Essential Experience & Skills

• Experience in maintenance of property or a property portfolio.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to coordinate others.
• Problem‑solving capability and a growth mindset.
• Knowledge of safety, compliance, or continuous improvement principles.

Desirable

• Safeguarding Level 3 training.
• Experience with continuous improvement training or change management.

About Life: 

Life is a national pregnancy support charity that helps over 60,000 people a year. Through our services, we help people – whoever they are – to meet pregnancy or pregnancy loss with courage and dignity so they can flourish. 

Our services include:  

• Supported housing and community support   
• Counselling and skilled listening   
• Free pregnancy tests and baby supplies  

Our values :

All our work is underpinned by the following universal human values: 

• Humanity – All people are special and equal 
• Solidarity – We’re with you and for you 
• Community – We’re better together 
• Charity – Doing good for one another 
• Common good – Building a better world 

Information about the role: 

For further information, please see the attached job description. 

Salary: £23,132 per annum

Hours: 35 hours per week

Location: Based at National Office, Leamington Spa with extensive travel to locations around the UK, particularly in the Midlands and the South of England.

Benefits:  

At Life we are passionate about providing our employees with a supportive and engaging environment. As well as ongoing development and training, we offer our:  

• Generous holiday allowance, starting at 25 days per year, plus 8 Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time hours) 
• Birthday Leave  (applicable after 1 years service)
• Additional annual leave for long term service  
• Company Pension Scheme  
• Signed member of the Menopause Workplace Pledge 

Safeguarding and Equality: 

Life is committed to protecting all staff, volunteers and service users from harm of any kind. Life expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct.   

We are committed to ensuring diversity and equality within our organisation by encouraging applications from all backgrounds.  

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks. Life takes its obligation to protect the rights of children and vulnerable people very seriously; therefore, the successful candidate for this post will be also subject to extensive background checking, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS) which is paid for by the Charity.  

Job Description:

We are seeking a Health and Science Information Manager to lead the development of highquality health information and research communications for people affected by polycystic kidney disease (PKD). This is an exciting opportunity to shape how individuals access, understand and engage with trusted information throughout their journey, from diagnosis and day-to-day management, to the latest scientific and clinical research developments. In this role, you will oversee our extensive portfolio of patient information resources, ensuring all content is accurate, accessible, evidence-based and aligned with the PIF TICK quality standard. You will identify opportunities to create new and engaging resources that meet the evolving needs of the PKD community, using innovative approaches to improve how information is delivered across multiple channels. A key part of the role will be translating complex scientific and medical research into clear, compelling and patient-friendly content. You will help increase awareness of clinical research opportunities, communicate emerging developments in PKD science, and support greater understanding of how research can shape future treatments and care. We are looking for someone with strong strategic thinking, excellent editorial judgement, and the ability to communicate complex health and scientific information with clarity and empathy. This role would suit someone passionate about improving lives through trusted health information while helping connect people to the future of PKD research. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Health information management and quality:

• Support the development and management of the PKD Charity’s health information portfolio across digital and print platforms

• Ensure all content meets PIF TICK standards, including robust processes for development, review, updating and governance

• Maintain oversight of the full information catalogue, ensuring content is accurate, consistent and aligned with current clinical guidance

• Work with clinicians, researchers, and people with lived experience to co-produce and review content Content development and user need

Content development and user need:

• Identify gaps in current provision and lead the development of new information resources

• Ensure content is clear, accessible, inclusive, and tailored to the needs of different audiences

• Use patient insight, feedback and data to continuously improve the quality and usability of information Innovation in information deliver.

Research and science communication:

• Explore new ways of delivering information beyond written formats (e.g. video, audio, webinars, digital tools)

• Improve how information is presented and accessed across the website and other platforms

• Stay up to date with best practice in health information and digital engagement Research and science communication

• Monitor developments in PKD research, treatments, and clinical trials

• Translate complex scientific and medical information into clear, engaging, and accurate content for non-specialist audiences

• Work with the Communications Manager and wider colleagues to plan integrated campaigns, awareness activity and audience engagement.

• Develop compelling stories, updates and features that bring research to life and show its relevance to people affected by PKD.

• Work with colleagues to increase awareness, understanding and interest in PKD research.

Building engagement with research:

• Help create a culture of interest and engagement in research across the PKD community

• Develop content that builds understanding of how research works and why it matters

• Support communication around studies and clinical trials to ensure patients feel informed.

Collaboration and stakeholder engagement

• Work collaboratively across the organisation to ensure consistency and alignment in messaging

• Build relationships with healthcare professionals, researchers, and external partners

• Involve patients and volunteers meaningfully in content development and review

Quality, monitoring and impact:

• Monitor the reach and effectiveness of health information and research communications

• Maintain accurate records of content review cycles and updates in line with PIF requirements

• Use insight and evaluation to continuously improve content and delivery 

ABOUT YOU:

• Strong Content and Editorial Skills: You have experience producing high-quality written content, with excellent attention to detail and the ability to present complex topics clearly and accurately.

• Health or Science Communicator: You have experience working with health, medical or scientific information and can translate technical material into accessible language for public audiences.

• Collaborative Relationship Builder: You work well with others, build positive working relationships quickly, and enjoy partnering with colleagues across different functions to achieve shared goals.

• Confident Team Player: You are comfortable working closely with colleagues such as communications, fundraising, support and leadership teams, contributing ideas and supporting collective priorities.

• Strategic and Proactive: You can see the bigger picture, identify opportunities for improvement and take initiative to drive projects forward.

• Organised and Self-Motivated: You are comfortable managing your own workload, balancing priorities and delivering high-quality work in a remote setting.

• Values-Driven: You are motivated by improving lives, empowering patients with trusted information and supporting progress in PKD research.

HOW TO APPLY:

For information on how to apply, please read the job pack for further details.

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)

Ronald McDonald House Charities UK is seeking a proactive and creative Mass Participation Events Manager to lead the delivery and growth of our mass participation portfolio. The role will lead on the strategy, performance and delivery of our challenge events programme, ensuring events achieve agreed income and participation targets and work closely with the Head of Mass Engagement to shape and test future Ronald McDonald House Charities UK owned mass participation events, supporting sustainable, diversified income growth.

Key Responsibilities:

Event Strategy & Planning

• Develop and deliver a clear strategy for challenge and mass participation events, aligned to fundraising targets and audience engagement objectives.
• Identify and assess new event opportunities, including third party and bespoke challenges, to diversify and grow income.
• To play a key role in developing new events, taking them to market and adopting a test and learn approach in collaboration with the Head of Mass Engagement & wider Engagement Directorate.

Event Delivery & Logistics

• Support the Senior Event Fundraiser to lead the end-to-end management of events, including budgeting, planning, supplier coordination, risk management, and on-the-day execution.
• Ensure all events are delivered to a high standard, providing an exceptional experience for supporters.

Supporter Engagement & Stewardship

• Build strong relationships with event participants, providing excellent supporter experience and tailored stewardship journeys.
• Support the development, delivery of and evaluation of effective supporter journeys across the events portfolio, focused on maximising net return and supporter retention.
• Create and develop engaging communications and materials to inspire fundraising and deepen supporters’ connections to the charity.

Marketing & Promotion

• Lead the delivery of an audience and insight led events marketing programme, working closely with the Brand, Communications and Digital team to maximise participation and net return.
• Keep abreast of income and data trends across the sector to help inform future activities and events fundraising programmes.

Monitoring & Evaluation

• Agree and deliver against ambitious income and acquisition targets, maintaining costs within agreed budgets.
• Set, manage and report against budgets, milestones and KPIs across the events portfolio, demonstrating accountability for performance.
• Use data and insight to evaluate event performance, inform decision making and continuously improve participant experience.
• Produce regular performance reports and insights for internal stakeholders

Collaboration & Partnership

• Work closely with senior managers and colleagues across the department to maximise opportunities for collaboration and integrated delivery.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders, including but not limited to - McDonald’s Relationship Team, House teams, fundraising partners, suppliers and third party event organisers.

Skills & Experience

Essential

• A proven track record of excellent management of an event portfolio to meet income and acquisition targets.
• Experience of delivering data and insight led marketing and stewardship programmes to drive acquisition and net income.
• Experience of managing multiple projects with complex budgets, multiple stakeholders and stretching KPIs.
• Line management and team development experience.
• Knowledge of health and safety, risk management in event delivery & fundraising compliance.

Desirable

• Experience of virtual fundraising and development of new events.
• Ability to plan, prioritise and balance a busy and varied workload.
• Familiarity with digital fundraising platforms and MS Dynamics.
• Experience supporting innovation or new product development, working with agencies to deliver new fundraising products.

About Us 

Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid have for over 45 years supported women and children with services around domestic violence and abuse. Could you be a part of our team as we continue our mission to end domestic violence and abuse? 

The region’s leading charity in tackling violence against women and girls, BSWA offers a helpline, webchat, drop in and and community support as well as emergency accommodation in six refuges across the area.

Projects supports women in the criminal justice system, in healthcare settings, and throughout the community, offering support to women and children experiencing domestic violence. Alongside this, we also have staff offering training and consultancy to businesses and health and social care professionals alike, raising awareness on gender based violence issues.

We seek like-minded women to join our enthusiastic team of workers, all of us passionate about the vital and valuable work we do to support women and children who have experienced domestic abuse, and tackling the wider issues of violence against women and girls. 

Key Responsibilities - 

To assist the refuge manager in the day-to-day running of the refuge, developing and delivering a front line service offering support, advice and guidance to women and their children living in the refuge.

Experience Required -

Providing practical and emotional support to women and children affected by domestic violence 

Offering advice and information and advocating for service users on a range of issues including homelessness, benefits, legal, social welfare issues etc. 

Developing and maintaining effective working relationships with external agencies 

Working within safeguarding guidelines to protect and promote the well-being of children and vulnerable adults 

Benefits

• 31 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays) 

• Up to 6% matched pension contribution 

• Free access to Employee Assistance Programme 

• Life Assurance scheme while in employment (a lump sum of 4 times salary) 

• Cycle to Work scheme 

• Health Cash Plan scheme available to all employees from day one 

• Successful candidates may have the opportunity to work under hybrid working arrangements, subject to the role and to the terms of our Hybrid Working Policy 

BSWA is a Disability Confident Employer. We want everyone to have equal chance at being considered for our jobs. Should you be unable to submit your application online and would prefer an alternative method, or you are experiencing another barrier to completing your application, please contact us via our website.

These posts are covered by a Genuine Occupational Requirement (Schedule 9; Equality Act 2010) and women only need apply.

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is at 12 noon on Wednesday 6th May. Interviews will take place weeks commencing 18th May.

About Us 

Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid have for over 45 years supported women and children with services around domestic violence and abuse. Could you be a part of our team as we continue our mission to end domestic violence and abuse? 

The region’s leading charity in tackling violence against women and girls, BSWA offers a helpline, webchat, drop in and and community support as well as emergency accommodation in six refuges across the area.

Projects supports women in the criminal justice system, in healthcare settings, and throughout the community, offering support to women and children experiencing domestic violence. Alongside this, we also have staff offering training and consultancy to businesses and health and social care professionals alike, raising awareness on gender based violence issues.

We seek like-minded women to join our enthusiastic team of workers, all of us passionate about the vital and valuable work we do to support women and children who have experienced domestic abuse, and tackling the wider issues of violence against women and girls. 

Key Responsibilities - 

To bring expertise around DVA into the MASH teams within Solihull Childrens services to improve practice, providing guidance and support to professionals to build understanding of safe and appropriate interventions with women and children.

To provide information, support and signposting for women supported by Solihull Children’s Services disclosing experiences of domestic violence/abuse.

Experience Required - 

Influencing professional practice, including delivering training and awareness sessions

Carrying out needs and risk assessments and support of women experiencing abuse 

Working within safeguarding guidelines to protect and promote the well-being of children and young people 

Monitoring and evaluating projects

Benefits

• 31 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays) 

• Up to 6% matched pension contribution 

• Free access to Employee Assistance Programme 

• Life Assurance scheme while in employment (a lump sum of 4 times salary) 

• Cycle to Work scheme 

• Health Cash Plan scheme available to all employees from day one 

• Successful candidates may have the opportunity to work under hybrid working arrangements, subject to the role and to the terms of our Hybrid Working Policy 

BSWA is a Disability Confident Employer. We want everyone to have equal chance at being considered for our jobs. Should you be unable to submit your application online and would prefer an alternative method, or you are experiencing another barrier to completing your application, please contact us via our website.

These posts are covered by a Genuine Occupational Requirement (Schedule 9; Equality Act 2010) and women only need apply.

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is at 12 noon on Wednesday 6th May. Interviews will take place weeks commencing 18th May.

About Us 

Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid have for over 45 years supported women and children with services around domestic violence and abuse. Could you be a part of our team as we continue our mission to end domestic violence and abuse? 

The region’s leading charity in tackling violence against women and girls, BSWA offers a helpline, webchat, drop in and and community support as well as emergency accommodation in six refuges across the area.

Projects supports women in the criminal justice system, in healthcare settings, and throughout the community, offering support to women and children experiencing domestic violence. Alongside this, we also have staff offering training and consultancy to businesses and health and social care professionals alike, raising awareness on gender based violence issues.

We seek like-minded women to join our enthusiastic team of workers, all of us passionate about the vital and valuable work we do to support women and children who have experienced domestic abuse, and tackling the wider issues of violence against women and girls. 

Key Responsibilities -

To provide specialist expertise on DVA within the Public Protection Unit (PPU) and the local policing unit (LPU) across Coventry and Solihull police stations, covering Solihull Borough. This role will support the improvement of police practice by providing tailored guidance, advice, and professional support to officers and staff, strengthening their understanding of safe, trauma informed and appropriate interventions with women and children affected by DVA.

To provide information, support and signposting for women accessing WMP disclosing experiences of domestic violence/abuse.

Experience Required -

Influencing professional practice, including delivering training and awareness sessions 

Carrying out needs and risk assessments and support of women experiencing abuse 

Working within safeguarding guidelines to protect and promote the well-being of children and young people

Monitoring and evaluating projects

Benefits

• 31 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays) 

• Up to 6% matched pension contribution 

• Free access to Employee Assistance Programme 

• Life Assurance scheme while in employment (a lump sum of 4 times salary) 

• Cycle to Work scheme 

• Health Cash Plan scheme available to all employees from day one 

• Successful candidates may have the opportunity to work under hybrid working arrangements, subject to the role and to the terms of our Hybrid Working Policy 

BSWA is a Disability Confident Employer. We want everyone to have equal chance at being considered for our jobs. Should you be unable to submit your application online and would prefer an alternative method, or you are experiencing another barrier to completing your application, please contact us via our website.

These posts are covered by a Genuine Occupational Requirement (Schedule 9; Equality Act 2010) and women only need apply.

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is at 12 noon on Wednesday 6th May. Interviews will take place weeks commencing 18th May.

Shine supports a community of over 15,000 members living with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus, including 5,000 children and young people (0–25).

You will be delivering high-quality support and creating opportunities for children and young people living with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus and their families/carers. Supporting Shine members to lead healthy, independent, and fulfilling lives by improving condition management and fostering connections within the Shine community. 

This role will focus on children and young people (0–25), you will be primarily working within the Children, Young People and Families team. However, there will be occasions when you will work across age groups to ensure the best outcomes for our members. 

The role is home-based but you will be required to attend regular clinics in London including GOSH (Great Ormond Street Hospital). Other travel across Southern England including Bristol, Devon and Hampshire may be required. There will be occasional travel required across wider areas and nationally including attendance at events, conferences and meetings at our head office in Peterborough. 

Benefits: 

• 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 please email Gill Valentine, Deputy CEO, 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.

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

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.  

Closing date:  Monday 17th May 2026 at 11pm  

Interviews:  Tuesday 26th May 2026  (Virtual) 

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

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

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. 

Our University has a proud history of philanthropy stretching back to its foundation in 1900. With a clear vision to change the lives of the people of Birmingham, Joseph Chamberlain raised the funds required to build the University from citizens and corporations based locally and around the globe. Since then philanthropy has continued to play an important role in shaping the University. There have been a number of fundraising campaigns, including a £1m urgent capital appeal after the Second World War and a £1.4m campaign to fund the Vale ‘student village’ in the 1960s. In 2015 we closed the Circles of Influence Campaign, raising £193 million, making it the largest HE fundraising campaign outside Oxbridge and London.

The University has global reach, including several partnerships with other leading universities around the world, and is grounded in our local community, having opened the first fully comprehensive University secondary school in the country in 2015. We are an ambitious and successful research-intensive University (one of the top 100 research-led universities globally) and have produced 10 Nobel Prize winners, including three who received their awards in 2016. Academics here are exploring the impact of climate change, helping to address global health epidemics, and changing our understanding of Shakespeare. Our students come from nearly 150 countries and our flagship outreach programmes mean that almost 25% of our student population come from underrepresented backgrounds: one of the highest proportions in the UK.

DARO exists to support this academic and student community by engaging, inspiring, and celebrating alumni, individuals, and charitable funders who give their money, time, and networks to support the University’s strategic priorities. The Office, which is comprised of five teams, is focused on fundraising and volunteering from alumni, organisations and individuals who are passionate about changing lives, through funding various research projects, supporting student bursaries, mentoring students, and providing internships, as well as providing a versatile programme of engagement opportunities for our global alumni community.

As an office, we are committed to sustainability and value green working practices. The environment is an integral part of our campaign and we encourage eco-friendly ways of working in order to have a positive impact on our campus and global surroundings.

Role Summary

The Donor Experience Officer role is your opportunity to join our excellent team at an exciting time. Stewardship and donor experience are vital activities to the success of any philanthropic campaign. Donors of time and money need to be thanked and understand what their support has achieved, and how integral their gifts have been to making a positive and meaningful difference to the student community and to academic research. In doing so, donors are encouraged to continue their giving, and to increase and diversify their support.

The Donor Experience Officer will work with the Donor Experience Manager and second Donor Experience Officer, in a team of three. The Donor Experience Officer will be expected to manage and support with the stewardship activity for a number of our supporters, including our regular donors, legacy pledgers, volunteers, charitable and corporate organisations and major donors. The successful candidate will work with our Communications and Events Teams to deliver appropriate, meaningful and effective activities that express gratitude and communicate impact. They will work closely with colleagues in the Philanthropy, Charitable Partnerships, Volunteering and Regular Giving teams to build programmes to steward these key donor communities and will work alongside the Data team to help manage donor data and segmentation.

The successful candidate will have outstanding communication skills with experience in writing for impact, in creating digital content, and an understanding of the needs and expectations of different audiences. They will be able to balance creativity and imagination with a structured, thoughtful and organised approach to their work. They will be creative and conscientious programme deliverers who value integrity and sincerity, and who will demonstrate these qualities through their work.

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy.