Group activity support manager jobs in Belfast

This role is remote however we require someone to be based in or a short commutable distance to cover the region.

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

We are looking for an enthusiastic Regional Development Officer for North East Scotland. A recent reshaping of our Regional teams means this role will sit under our newly appointed Head of Scotland and be part of an exciting new chapter in Mary's Meal UK's fundraising vision.

You will be a warm, visible ambassador for Mary’s Meals – igniting enthusiasm, inspiring action, and helping people across your region join our mission and help feed more children. By building genuine, values‑driven relationships and using insight to guide your priorities, you’ll nurture local networks, identify high‑potential opportunities, and confidently grow income, participation, and supporter engagement. Through strategic, outward‑facing work, you’ll turn first conversations into committed, long‑term support that strengthens our movement and fuels our mission.​

Working closely with the Head of Scotland, you will co-create and deliver a tailored local growth plan that reflects your region's communities and opportunities. You will represent Mary’s Meals across schools, churches, corporates and community partners and play a pivotal role in activating supporters, mobilising volunteers, and sharing compelling local stories.​

Operating with high autonomy, you will use insights and data to focus on high potential and growth areas, and collaborate closely with our Philanthropy & Partnerships, Supporter Experience and Communications teams to deliver seamless supporter journeys and strong storytelling. Everything you do will reflect Mary’s Meals’ warmth and dignity, helping us reach more children through relationship-led growth.

Key responsibilities include

• Work with the Head of Scotland to design and deliver a clear, insight‑driven local growth plan with defined priorities, income drivers, volunteer mobilisation efforts, and visibility activities.​

• Use data, local insight, and (Region-specific) understanding to focus your time where growth potential is strongest.​

• Balance relationship‑building with a proactive, opportunity-led approach, identifying new supporters, networks, and partnerships and developing them from prospective supporters into committed donors.

• To create the conditions for a volunteer Deputy and a motivated volunteer network to confidently lead talks, events, introductions and other activities that broaden our reach​

• Empower volunteers through clear delegation, coaching, and recognition, ensuring they feel confident and aligned with Mary’s Meals’ mission and values.​​

• Inspire and back volunteers to own the mission. Spot people with energy and networks, invite their ideas, give light-touch support and tools, and celebrate their impact so they bring others into our movement.

• Represent Mary’s Meals throughout your region with confidence and authenticity, engaging schools, parishes, community groups, businesses, and local networks.​

• Deliver talks, small events, parish visits, school assemblies, partner meetings, local networking engagements, and other targeted activities that grow income, participation, and visibility.​​

• Make confident, values-led asks that move supporters from interest to action across giving, volunteering, and awareness raising.​

• Actively network across your region to identify new prospects, initiate first meetings, and follow up quickly and purposefully.​​

• Collaborate closely with the Philanthropy & Partnerships team on key opportunities and ensuring the donor is at the heart of each stewardship decision.​​

• Build a diverse pipeline of leads, opportunities, and partnerships reflective of your regions communities and faith landscape.

• Work closely across the organisation to ensure your regional activity feels seamless and aligned, collaborating with Supporter Experience so that journeys, thanking and stewardship feel warm and timely; with Creative Communications to deliver compelling local storytelling; with Philanthropy & Partnerships to coordinate opportunities for major donors and corporates; and with the Volunteer Manager to strengthen mobilisation and development across your region.

To apply for the role of Regional Development Officer (0.6 FTE) based at Mary’s Meals UK, please follow instructions on the Charity Job website.

Applicants must hold full right to work in the UK and be based in the North East of Scotland.​

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

Closing date for applications is Wednesday, 25 March 2026.

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

Interviews will commence week of 30 March. If you have any special requirements or adjustments before an interview, please let us know. 

This role covers postcodes KT, GU, SO, PO, BH.

Applicants must live in the region or a short commutable distance to cover the region. 

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

We are looking for a Regional Development Officer for South Coast, London. In this role, covering postcodes KT, GU, SO, PO, BH, you will be a warm, visible ambassador for Mary’s Meals – igniting enthusiasm, inspiring action, and helping people across your region join our mission and help feed more children.

By building genuine, values‑driven relationships and using insight to guide your priorities, you’ll nurture local networks, identify high‑potential opportunities, and confidently grow income, participation, and supporter engagement. Through strategic, outward‑facing work, you’ll turn first conversations into committed, long‑term support that strengthens our movement and fuels our mission.

Working closely with the London and South East Lead, you will co-create and deliver a tailored local growth plan that reflects your region's communities and opportunities. You will represent Mary’s Meals across schools, churches, corporates and community partners and play a pivotal role in activating supporters, mobilising volunteers, and sharing compelling local stories.​

Operating with high autonomy, you will use insights and data to focus on high potential and growth areas, and collaborate closely with our Philanthropy & Partnerships, Supporter Experience and Communications teams to deliver seamless supporter journeys and strong storytelling. Everything you do will reflect Mary’s Meals’ warmth and dignity, helping us reach more children through relationship-led growth.

Key responsibilities include

• Work with the London and South East Lead to design and deliver a clear, insight‑driven local growth plan with defined priorities, income drivers, volunteer mobilisation efforts, and visibility activities.​

• Use data, local insight, and regional understanding to focus your time where growth potential is strongest.​​

• Balance relationship‑building with a proactive, opportunity-led approach, identifying new supporters, networks, and partnerships and developing them from prospective supporters into committed donors.

• To create the conditions for a volunteer Deputy and a motivated volunteer network to confidently lead talks, events, introductions and other activities that broaden our reach.​

• Empower volunteers through clear delegation, coaching, and recognition, ensuring they feel confident and aligned with Mary’s Meals’ mission and values.​

• Inspire and back volunteers to own the mission. Spot people with energy and networks, invite their ideas, give light-touch support and tools, and celebrate their impact so they bring others into our movement.

• Represent Mary’s Meals throughout your region with confidence and authenticity, engaging schools, parishes, community groups, businesses, and local networks.​

• Deliver talks, small events, parish visits, school assemblies, partner meetings, local networking engagements, and other targeted activities that grow income, participation, and visibility.​

• Make confident, values-led asks that move supporters from interest to action across giving, volunteering, and awareness raising.​

• Actively network across your region to identify new prospects, initiate first meetings, and follow up quickly and purposefully.​

• Collaborate closely with the Philanthropy & Partnerships team on key opportunities and ensuring the donor is at the heart of each stewardship decision.​

• Build a diverse pipeline of leads, opportunities, and partnerships reflective of your regions communities and faith landscape.

• Work closely across the organisation to ensure your regional activity feels seamless and aligned, collaborating with Supporter Experience so that journeys, thanking and stewardship feel warm and timely; with Creative Communications to deliver compelling local storytelling; with Philanthropy & Partnerships to coordinate opportunities for major donors and corporates; and with the Volunteer Manager to strengthen mobilisation and development across your region.

• Proactively translate and tailor national messages and campaigns for regional audiences using templates, supporter stories, and local successes.​

• Spot and share regional stories, images, results, and moments of advocacy to enhance national storytelling.​

• Strengthen local visibility by cultivating community connectors and being confident in supporting and delivering appropriate local media engagement in coordination with Comms colleagues.

To apply for the role of Regional Development Officer based at Mary’s Meals UK, please follow instructions on the Charity Job website.

Applicants must hold full right to work in the UK and be based in or within short commutable distance of the region covered in the role. ​

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

Closing date for application is Thursday, 26 March at 5pm.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.​ Interviews will commence week beginning 30 March. 

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

Job Title: Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Organisation: The Skill Mill
Location: Remote, with expectations to travel to Gateshead and occasional travel to other UK locations
Salary: £45,000 pa 
Contract Type: 2 years fixed term contract, Full-Time
Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Job Purpose:

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will play a pivotal role in driving the operational success of The Skill Mill. Working closely with the CEO, the COO will oversee day-to-day operations through line-management of the 3 regional Operations Managers, will ensure the delivery of exceptional services, and will support the growth of our social enterprise model across the UK and beyond. This is a strategic leadership position, requiring a dynamic individual with a passion for social impact, operational excellence, and business development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operational Leadership: Oversee all operational functions, including service delivery, project management, and workforce coordination, ensuring high standards and client satisfaction.

• Strategic Growth: Collaborate with the CEO to develop and implement expansion plans, identifying new partnerships, contracts, and opportunities to scale The Skill Mill’s impact, ensuring operational readiness and quality as the organisation scales.

• Team Management: Lead, motivate, and develop The Skill Mill’s operational delivery teams (see attached structure chart), including the Operations Managers, the Pathway Advisors, and the Supervisors, fostering a culture of inclusion, accountability, and continuous improvement. Lead workforce planning, staff development and wellbeing to ensure a sustainable, motivated and resilient workforce.

• Financial Oversight: Work with the finance team to manage budgets, monitor performance against targets, and ensure cost-effective operations while maintaining quality.

• Governance: Supporting organisation and partnership governance by contributing to papers, risk registers and performance reports, engaging in solution-focused discussion at relevant forums, and ensuring feedback loops with operational delivery teams.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including local authorities, commercial clients, criminal justice partners, and community organisations.

• Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure all activities comply with legal, regulatory, and health and safety standards, mitigating risks effectively and escalating through appropriate organisational and legal pathways where necessary.

• Safeguarding: Act as senior lead and an initial escalation point for safeguarding, ensuring robust policies, training, reporting and continuous improvement.

• Impact:

         - Measurement: Monitor and report on social and environmental outcomes, ensuring alignment with The Skill Mill’s mission and funding requirements.

         - Performance: Work alongside partners, including Social Outcomes, evaluation and funding partners to drive performance in line with key success milestones, and engage in collaborative problem-solving to improve the offer and overcome challenges.

         - Quality Assurance: Contribute to organisational quality assurance processes by providing operational insight to support effective monitoring and review. Facilitate and support quality assurance audits, reviews and continuous improvement practices across operational delivery, working closely with operational delivery teams and relevant partners to ensure learning is embedded and service standards are consistently met.

• Innovation: Drive operational efficiencies and explore innovative approaches to service delivery and trainee support.
   

Person Specification:
Experience:

• An understanding of, and sensitivity to, working with vulnerable or disadvantaged groups.

Skills and Abilities:

• A values-led approach to strategy, with the ability to balance social impact, quality, and financial sustainability in strategic and operational decision-making.

• Exceptional leadership and people management skills, with a collaborative and empowering approach.

• Confident in using insights from performance data and information to drive continuous improvement

• A clear, confident and inclusive communication style, with the ability to engage, motivate and align within the organisation and externally

• A collaborative approach to partnership working, with the ability to navigate differing priorities and build trusted relationships across sectors/ stakeholders.

• Proficiency in working with digital tools that support operational efficiency (e.g., CRMs, project management software, Microsoft Office/Google Suite)

• Ability to translate organisational strategy into actionable operational plans
  ​

Personal Attributes:​

• Passionate about social justice, youth development, and environmental sustainability

• Resilient, adaptable, and solution-focused, with a hands-on approach to problem-solving.

• Commitment to The Skill Mill’s values of opportunity, integrity, and excellence.
  ​

What We Offer:​

• The chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of young people and the environment.

• A supportive and purpose-driven work environment.

• Opportunities for professional growth as part of a growing social enterprise.
   

Essential Requirements:

Experience:

• Proven senior leadership experience in managing operations, ideally within criminal justice or a social enterprise, charity, or environmental services sector.

• Demonstrable ability to lead and manage complex operational delivery in multiple geographical areas, ensuring quality and consistency across teams.

• Demonstrable success in growing an organisation or enhancing service delivery, including securing contracts and partnerships.

• Experience managing diverse teams in a hybrid work environment

• Experience of working effectively with external partners, including commissioners, criminal justice agencies and/or commercial organisations.
   

Skills and Abilities:

• Analytical mindset with experience in budgeting, performance monitoring, and process improvement.
   

Qualifications and Certifications:

• A relevant degree or equivalent professional qualification (e.g., business management, operations, or social enterprise leadership) is preferred but not essential.

• Enhanced DBS check is required.

About The Skill Mill:

The Skill Mill is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified individuals, regardless of background.

The Skill Mill is an innovative social enterprise dedicated to transforming lives and communities. We provide employment opportunities for young people with criminal convictions, equipping them with skills and experience through delivering high-quality environmental services, such as grounds maintenance, horticulture, and flood prevention. Our mission is to reduce reoffending, enhance employability, and create sustainable social and environmental impact.

The Woodland Trust is looking for an Engaging Communities Officer to join our exciting Sherwood’s Living Legends project funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. A development grant has been awarded by Heritage Fund to help the Woodland Trust progress the project over 18-months to apply for a 5-year delivery stage grant. If this application is successful, the project will safeguard the future of ancient and veteran trees in Sherwood Forest and reconnect communities with this iconic landscape. This is a fixed term contract for 18-months, with the potential for an extension. 

The Role: 

• Lead the community-focused development of Sherwood’s Living Legends, shaping how people connect with the cultural, historical and ecological significance of ancient and veteran trees. 
• Co-create imaginative engagement approaches with consultants, using storytelling, heritage and local myth to inspire urban and rural communities. 
• Define target audiences and craft compelling key messages that will underpin the project’s delivery-stage communications. 
• Promote the project across the Sherwood NCA through social media, local press, PR events and creative outreach activity. 
• Ensure engagement plans are inclusive, accessible and responsive to the needs of diverse communities and participants. 
• Build and maintain strong relationships with partners, community groups, landowners and Woodland Trust teams to support joined-up project development. 
• Monitor and evaluate engagement activity, gathering insight and data to inform project design and future delivery. 
• Represent the project internally and externally, sharing successes and supporting alignment with wider Woodland Trust communications. 

The Candidate: 

• Experienced in coordinating and delivering varied community events, including consultations tailored to different audiences and locations. 
• Confident leading groups outdoors, with experience engaging children, schools and community participants in nature-based activities. 
• Skilled in partnership working, able to collaborate with volunteers, community groups and external organisations to achieve shared outcomes. 
• Strong communicator with excellent written, verbal and digital skills, including social media content creation and public-facing representation. 
• Committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, with an understanding of how to design accessible and welcoming engagement. 
• Organised and proactive, able to manage multiple workstreams, prioritise effectively and work independently within a dispersed team. 
• Competent with IT systems, particularly MS Office and collaborative platforms such as Teams. 
• Professional, positive and adaptable, able to represent the Woodland Trust and partners with confidence and clarity. 
• The successful candidate will be required to undertake a Basic DBS Check, as part of our pre-employment screening. 

Benefits and Wellbeing: 

Joining our team means you’ll be a big part of tackling environmental and climate issues. We take good care of our staff, offering support and training opportunities. We also offer: 

• Enhanced Employer Pension 
• Life Assurance 
• Flexible & Hybrid Working Options 
• Generous Annual Leave - 25 Days Plus Bank Holidays (pro rata’d for part-time) 
• Buy and Sell Holiday Scheme 
• Enhanced Parental Pay 
• Employee Assistance Programme 

About Us: 

The Woodland Trust is the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity.  We want to see a world where trees and woods thrive for people and nature. The Trust engages and inspires people to make their difference tackling the nature and climate crisis helping protect, restore and create our vital woods and trees. 

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: 

To achieve our vision of a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature, we need to better reflect society and the communities we work in. All people, no matter their background, identity, ability, or circumstance, should benefit from trees.

People of colour and disabled people are currently under-represented across the environment and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we particularly encourage you to apply.  

Please contact us to discuss any additional support or adjustments you may need to complete your application. 

Application Advice: 

For fairness we keep our candidates’ personal details hidden from the hiring managers, and CVs are redacted until after shortlisting is complete. Make sure that your Personal Statement clearly shows how your skills and knowledge link to the specifications in the job description and you share with us your passion for the role. Even if you don't meet every requirement of the role, we would encourage you to apply.

Acceptable Use - Artificial Intelligence (AI): 

We understand that candidates may choose to use AI tools to support their job applications-for example, to help structure or edit written responses. We welcome the use of AI in this way, particularly where it helps improve accessibility, such as for neurodivergent applicants. However, we ask that any information submitted reflects your own experience, skills and understanding. During interviews, candidates are expected to respond independently without the use of AI tools.

Apply Now: 

If you're ready to make a difference and grow with us, send in your application today. We might close the job opening early if we get a lot of applications, so it's a good idea to apply soon. If we do close the advert early, and you have an application in process, we will email you prior to closing to give you time to complete. 

Interviews to be held on April 21st 2026.

This is a Remote Role however candidates must be based in Scotland.

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

We’re looking for a Head of Scotland to become a senior ambassador and strategic leader for Mary’s Meals across the nation. As Head of Scotland, you will combine a deep understanding of fundraising in local communities – including the faith landscape, education system, and community networks – with strong strategic leadership. By building trusting, long‑term relationships, you will champion the charity’s vision and inspire people, churches, schools, businesses, and local partners to join us in feeding the next hungry child.

You will lead a small team, foster volunteer leadership, and collaborate with colleagues across MMUK so that national campaigns, storytelling, and supporter journeys land meaningfully within the local context.

You will be a highly visible presence across Scotland, spending considerable time externally to open doors, build alliances, and make confident, values‑led asks. You will guide how Mary’s Meals is seen, understood, and felt in Scotland – shaping our public profile, driving sustained income growth, and building the partnerships and grassroots energy needed to grow our movement.

Key responsibilities include

• Working cross-directorate to create and deliver a fundraising growth strategy for Scotland, rooted in regional insight, cultural understanding, and community needs, and aligned with the global and national strategy.
• Working with the Communications team, shape a clear and compelling narrative, respecting the nation’s strong identity, and acknowledging our brand is most recognised in Scotland.
• Identify emerging opportunities across Scotland, including diocesan networks, local relationships, high-growth business sectors, and regional giving patterns, adjusting plans quickly to drive maximum impact.
• Serve as the senior MMUK representative in Scotland, ensuring activity aligns with the national organisational strategy.
• Act as the leading spokesperson for Mary’s Meals in Scotland, representing the charity to churches, schools, local authorities, individuals, universities, and civic or business networks.
• Spend focused time externally; networking, nurturing partnerships and driving growth through representing the charity at events, meetings, faith gatherings, conferences, and civic forums.
• Build alliances with leaders across churches, schools, businesses and community groups.
• Confidently deliver values‑led presentations and public speaking engagements that inspire trust, generosity, and long‑term commitment.
• Lead by example and work closely across the organisation to ensure that all Scottish activity is fully aligned with Supporter Experience, so that journeys, thanking and stewardship feel warm and seamless, with Communications to deliver compelling campaigns and storytelling, with Philanthropy & Partnerships to coordinate major donor and corporate engagement, and with the Volunteer Manager to strengthen volunteer mobilisation and development.
• Play an active role as a member of the Extended Leadership Team (ELT), contributing to organisational strategy and direction, playing an important role in the wider leadership of the organisation.
• Proactively cultivate, pursue, and develop fundraising opportunities via networking and outreach with the aim of securing support for our school feeding programme.
• Develop and maintain a robust national growth pipeline, ensuring proactive identification, cultivation, conversion, and stewardship of opportunities.
• Collaborate closely with Philanthropy and Partnerships, co‑owning major donor and corporate pipelines with clear roles and handovers.
• Make bold, relationship‑led asks, tailored to supporters’ motivations and capacity.
• Ensure that all donor journeys, from first engagement to long‑term stewardship, are warm, timely, and mission‑driven.
• Serve as a trusted media spokesperson for press, broadcast, and faith media when required.
• Work closely with the Communications team to provide compelling Scottish supporter stories, impactful moments, and local activity to showcase.
• Shape national‑to‑local messaging so that campaigns resonate with Scottish audiences.
• Work with your regional team and support appropriate local media coverage to raise profile and strengthen regional engagement.

To apply for the role of Head of Scotland based at Mary’s Meals UK, please follow instructions on Charity Job.

Applicants must hold full right to work in the UK and be based in Scotland.

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

Closing date for applications is Friday, 3 April 2026.

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

About the role

We are looking for an experienced communications professional to drive and deliver our global communications strategy and maintain momentum across our target regions during a period of parental leave. This is an exciting role for someone who is passionate about improving global health and climate outcomes, enjoys activating a diverse range of stakeholders to achieve communications objectives and can support and motivate colleagues to deliver impactful work across different time zones.

Selection criteria

Essential:

• Experience designing and implementing successful communications strategies  that support the delivery of positive social, corporate or political change. We imagine the ideal candidate will have at least 8 years of experience, but we are open to consider candidates with less experience who possess the required skills. 

• A high level of strategic thinking and an understanding of how to leverage different campaigning approaches to achieve objectives, including community organising and knowledge brokering

• The ability to translate complex information into clear, compelling and nuanced messaging 

• A proven track record of crafting and landing compelling stories in high-impact media that advance campaign objectives

• Existing relationships with journalists in at least one relevant media area, such as news, health, sustainability or food

• Experience managing communications teams in a collaborative and effective way, and a willingness to support colleagues from other teams to develop relevant skills

• A general understanding of building decarbonisation and the energy transition

• Fluency in English

• The right to work in the country you live in (please note we are not able to offer sponsorship for a business visa or work permit at this time)

Desirable:

• Knowledge of Spanish and/or French

• A passion for food and cooking cultures

What we offer

• A role in which you can have a tangible impact on global health and climate outcomes

• The chance to join a supportive and inclusive team that combines their determination to improve health and climate outcomes with a rigorous and results-oriented approach to work

• A flexible and supportive work environment 

• A diverse network of influential stakeholders in multiple countries

• Competitive remuneration for the not-for-profit sector

Key responsibilities 

Strategy

• Deliver the existing global communications strategy, adapting where necessary in line with organisational priorities during the cover period, and develop associated implementation plans 

• Participate in broader campaign and organisational strategy development, contributing perspectives on the role of communications 

Media

• Build and maintain relationships with key media contacts

• Select, brief and liaise with media spokespeople 

• Develop key media messaging and oversee the development of pitch content 

• Lead on media liaison for both reactive and proactive opportunities

Knowledge brokering

• Coordinate the development and promotion of knowledge products, including case studies, research reports and toolkits

Management

• Hire and manage contractors and agencies as necessary for the implementation of the communications strategy

• Manage the Digital Communications Manager, and lead on the recruitment and management of any other communications professionals required as the GCC grows

Coordination

• Coordinate with the wider team and coalition stakeholders to oversee the implementation of the communications strategy and to continuously refine it to reflect new opportunities and challenges 

Reporting

• Oversee the global communications budget forecasting 

• Contribute to internal and external reporting of the GCC’s communications activities

How to apply

Your cover letter should be no longer than two pages and it should outline why you are interested in this role and how you fit the selection criteria.

Please indicate ‘Head of Communications (parental leave cover)’ in the subject line.

Applications close Monday 30th March 2026.   

We are committed to diversity and inclusion in our organisation. We strongly encourage candidates from historically disadvantaged or marginalised groups to apply.

Shape public policy. Safeguard professional standards. Lead a profession towards the statutory recognition it deserves.

Not every Chief Executive role involves influencing government, protecting professional standards and occasionally resolving a registrant query before the end of the day.

After seven years, Mike Orlov is retiring as Chief Executive and Registrar of the National Register of Public Service Interpreters. The Board is now seeking a successor who can continue strengthening the organisation and raising the profile and importance of professional interpreters working across public services.

NRPSI is the independent voluntary regulator and national register for public service interpreters in the United Kingdom. It sets professional standards, upholds accountability and provides assurance to public sector organisations, including the Ministry of Justice, the Metropolitan Police and NHS bodies, in settings where interpreters are relied upon in critical situations.

In these environments, clear communication is essential. When it fails, the consequences can affect legal outcomes, safeguarding decisions and, in some situations, lives.

The organisation is entering an important moment in its development. The House of Lords Public Services Committee’s 2025 report on interpreting services in the courts has brought renewed national attention to the role that professional interpreters play across justice, policing and healthcare. At the same time, NRPSI continues to advance the longer-term ambition of statutory regulation and protection of title for Registered Public Service Interpreters.

As Victor Olowe, Chair of NRPSI, puts it: “This is an important moment for NRPSI and for the wider profession, particularly following the House of Lords 2025 report and the government’s commitment to address some of its key recommendations.”

As Chief Executive and Registrar, you’ll engage with senior stakeholders across government and public services while leading a specialist, long-standing team responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Register and the standards that underpin it.

Drawing on your experience, you’ll help shape the organisation’s next stage of development and strengthen the role NRPSI plays in safeguarding the public through professional interpreting standards.

The Role

Stepping into this role, you’ll be accountable to the Board for the governance, strategic direction and operational leadership of the organisation.

This is a hands-on leadership role, working closely with the Chair and Board to shape the organisation’s strategy and priorities, while ensuring the Register continues to operate with credibility, integrity and independence.

You’ll have direct responsibility for the integrity of the Register itself. This includes oversight of registration, renewals, complaints and disciplinary processes, as well as responsibility for ensuring the organisation’s Code of Professional Conduct and regulatory framework remain robust and fit for purpose.

With your experience, moving between strategic and operational ground will come naturally to you. One week you may be engaging with senior civil servants or government departments about the importance of professional interpreting standards. The next you may be reviewing operational processes, supporting your team in the delivery of the Register’s core functions or ensuring the organisation’s financial position remains sustainable.

Your team works mainly remotely and are all long-standing, dedicated and experienced, responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Register. Working in a remote-first environment, continuing a culture of collaboration, accountability and professional development while ensuring the organisation continues to deliver high standards of service is high on the list of priorities.

Externally, you’ll act as the senior voice of NRPSI. What does this mean in reality? Engaging with stakeholders across justice, policing, healthcare and central government, representing the organisation’s perspective clearly and authoritatively. This could include contributing to sector discussions, building relationships with policymakers and making the case for why professional interpreting standards matter to public safety and effective public services, or posting on LinkedIn and social channels, giving updates or hosting town halls for registrants.

The role also sees you supporting the organisation’s longer-term ambition of achieving statutory regulation and protection of title for Registered Public Service Interpreters, a goal that will genuinely benefit from the right leader’s credibility and persistence.

Financial sustainability also sits within your remit. NRPSI is funded through registration fees paid by interpreters, and you’ll oversee the organisation’s finances while ensuring resources are used effectively to deliver its strategic priorities. Alongside this, you’ll maintain oversight of operational systems and processes, identifying opportunities to improve resilience, efficiency and the effective use of digital tools.

The Person

This is a role that calls for someone who has operated at senior or director level within a charity, not-for-profit organisation, professional body, regulatory organisation, membership association or comparable public service environment.

Someone who understands the responsibilities that come with leading an organisation whose work centres on professional standards, governance and public protection, and who brings the credibility, judgement and experience required to engage effectively with a diverse group of stakeholders including government departments, public sector organisations, registrants and sector partners.

A collaborative, trust-based leadership style will be just as important: someone equally comfortable exercising independent judgement as they are balancing strategic thinking with practical delivery in a specialist organisation where both are needed in equal measure.

You’ll bring most of the following:

• Senior leadership experience at director level or above within a charity, professional body, membership organisation, regulatory body or public service environment
• Experience influencing government policy or engaging with commissioners of public spending
• Experience developing or improving regulatory, registration or accreditation processes
• The ability to represent an organisation clearly and confidently in public, including engaging with senior civil servants, sector stakeholders and the media
• Financial literacy and experience overseeing organisational budgets and sustainability
• Experience developing and delivering strategy and operational plans
• Confidence using digital systems, data and communication platforms to support organisational priorities
• Understanding of, or experience in, a registrar or equivalent function within a professional, regulatory or standards body, including accountability for the integrity of registration processes and criteria

Desirable

• Familiarity with public affairs, policy engagement or advocacy work would be advantageous, as would exposure to justice, policing, healthcare or public service environments.
• Experience navigating politically sensitive or contested professional environments, including managing public criticism, would also be beneficial.
• A second language would be welcomed.
• Above all, you’ll share a commitment to the public interest and the role professional interpreting plays in ensuring fair access to justice and public services.

A full candidate pack providing further information about the organisation accompanies this ad.

Key Information

NRPSI is working with Michelle Paoloni, Director at House Recruitment, on this appointment.

To apply, please submit a current CV and a supporting statement of no more than two pages outlining your relevant experience, where you saw the role advertised and what has prompted you to apply.

• Applications close at 5pm on Friday 10 April 2026.
• Discovery conversations with House Recruitment will take place on a rolling basis.
• Final interviews will be held in person in London on Wednesday 29 April 2026.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

NRPSI is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds and are committed to ensuring a fair and inclusive recruitment process.

What if you could build your finance career at one of the UK's leading charities while gaining professional qualifications and hands-on experience? Imagine being part of a team that keeps our cash flow and income processes running smoothly, enabling us to deliver life-changing support to people affected by dementia?

About the opportunity

As Accounts Assistant focusing on Treasury and Accounts Receivables, you'll play an important role in delivering a high-performing, efficient financial transactions operation with partnership and improvement at its core. This is both an operational and developmental role, offered with the possibility of pursuing a formal qualification such as a financial accounting apprenticeship or another appropriate finance or administration-related qualification.

You'll be part of our Finance & Assurance directorate, reporting to the Financial Transaction Team Officers and working alongside other assistants and trainees. Focusing specifically on Treasury and AR activities, you'll gain broad experience across cash management, income processing, and receivables. From recording and processing financial transactions to supporting month-end and year-end processes, you'll monitor daily communications and role-model brilliant partnership and customer service, support reconciliations and audits, and work in an agile way across multiple projects and workstreams.

This is a role where your success is built on strong collaboration across multiple teams. You'll have opportunities to undertake specific improvement projects, identify ways to enhance processes, and support colleagues across the organisation to operate within best practice when it comes to financial transactions.

About you:

You're someone with a willingness to learn and develop on the job, sharing your learnings with colleagues to foster whole-team development. You have a working interest in quality improvement and an enthusiasm for a career in finance with ideas to help us constantly improve. You have experience with problem-solving, preferably in a financial environment, and you're willing to proactively reach across to colleagues in different teams.

You'll have:

- Willingness to learn and develop on the job (including undertaking specialist training), sharing those learnings with colleagues.
- Working interest in quality improvement in processes, analysis, communications, or customer service, and experience supporting it.
- Enthusiasm for a career in finance and ideas to help us constantly improve.
- Experience of problem-solving, preferably in a financial environment, and willingness to proactively reach across to colleagues in different teams.
- Good grasp of data and how it can be analysed and presented to improve understanding, engagement, and performance.
- Experience of developing basic financial reports and performing simple bank reconciliations.

What you’ll focus on:

- Supporting the effective running and performance of the Financial Transactions team, with a specific focus on Treasury and Accounts Receivables activities.
- Undertaking specific projects to demonstrate or drive improvements across Treasury and AR processes.
- Monitoring and responding to daily communications from colleagues and role-modelling brilliant partnership and customer service.
- Recording, processing, and filing financial transactions in line with internal procedures, including completing reconciliations.
- Assisting in month-end and year-end closing processes, including preparing for and supporting audits.
- Identifying ways to improve processes and making recommendations to senior colleagues.
- Supporting colleagues across the organisation to operate within best practice for financial transactions.
- Role-modelling working in ways that always adhere to internal policies, procedures, and compliance requirements.
- Liaising with suppliers and other third parties where appropriate.
- Supporting officers and managers with reconciliations, reports, and analysis related to cash management and receivables.

Could your enthusiasm for finance and quality improvement help strengthen our Treasury and Accounts Receivables operations? Are you ready to develop your skills while gaining qualifications in an environment where learning and collaboration are valued? If you're looking for a role where development meets meaningful purpose, we'd love to hear from you.

Important Dates

- The deadline for applications is Sunday 22nd March 2026
- Interviews will take place across 31st March, 1st and 2nd April. 

About Alzheimer's Society

Dementia is the UK's biggest killer. One in three people born in the UK today will develop dementia in their lifetime.

At Alzheimer's Society, we're the UK's leading dementia charity and the only one to tackle all aspects of dementia by giving help and hope to people living with dementia today and in the future. We give vital support to people facing the most frightening times of their lives, while also funding groundbreaking research and campaigning to make dementia the priority it should be.

Together with our supporters, we're working towards a world where dementia no longer devastates lives.

Our values make sure that our focus is clear for the challenges and opportunities ahead and remind us of what we all stand for.

Our commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

We need to ensure the voices around our table better reflect and understand the communities we exist to serve. We strongly encourage individuals to apply who have a disability, impairment or health condition or individuals who identify as Black, Asian or from another minority ethnic background, as these groups are currently under-represented at Alzheimer's Society.  

We want everyone we work with, as a colleague, volunteer, supporter, or someone we support, to feel included and that they belong at Alzheimer's Society. 

Our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy here along with our internal employee forum and Employee Lived Experience network groups help us promote inclusion and belonging, becoming an engaged and inclusive organisation for all our people. 

Our hiring process

During your recruitment process we want to make sure that you bring your whole self and can be at your best. We are working hard to ensure our recruitment process is as inclusive as possible, so please do inform us of your experience and anything you think we could do better by completing our candidate survey when you apply.  Please also contact Alzheimer's Society Talent Acquisition Team via [email protected] for application support or any adjustments you might need.

To ensure fairness and consistency to select the best candidate for this role, all our applications are anonymised up until an interview has been confirmed. We recognise the benefits of AI, but if you're considering using it to submit your application, we encourage you to reflect on the value it truly adds. AI tools often lack the personal touch and authenticity that set candidates apart. We want to hear your unique perspective, experiences, and skills, so we encourage you to showcase them in your own voice.

We try to avoid closing roles early where possible, however if we receive a high volume of applications, we may close earlier than the advertised closing date. Should this occur, we will aim to provide you with at least 48 hours' notice.

We are committed to safer recruitment and ensuring the welfare of those we work with, due to the nature of some of our roles, we might need to carry out a Criminal Record Check at the relevant level. You can read more information via our Website.

Giving back to you

Our employees work hard every day to make a true difference in people's lives. We are proud to support them with a range of benefits, recognition and many options for working agilely, all contributing to a strong work life balance. We also have various learning programmes to support you in your development and help you grow to realise your potential and shape a career with Alzheimer's Society. 

You can also visit our Working for Us pages, which give you more information about what it's like to be an employee at the Society.

The Vacancies

We are seeking to appoint one registered medical practitioner and one business registrant (Companies Committee), one lay member (Education Committee) and one optometrist (Standards Committee) to our Advisory Panel Companies Committee.

About the GOC
We are the regulator for the optical professions in the UK. Our purpose is to protect the public by promoting high standards of education, performance, and conduct.  For more information about us please visit our website.

About the Advisory Panel
The Advisory Panel is a meeting of the four Council’s committees (Companies, Education, Registration, and Standards) in plenary session. They are established by statute for the purpose of giving advice and assistance to Council (whether or not in response to a request from them) on:

• matters relating to business registrants other than matters required by the Opticians Act to be referred to the Investigation Committee, the Registration Appeals, Committee or the Fitness to Practise Committee;
• matters relating to optical training, education, and assessment;
• matters relating to registration, other than matters required by the Opticians Act to be considered by the Registration Appeals Committee; and
• matters relating to the standards of conduct and performance expected of registrants or those seeking admission to the register.

Time Commitment and Remuneration

This role is part time with a commitment of approximately 2-3 days per year, including time spent preparing for meetings.  Meetings will usually take place via MS Teams but may on occasion be held at the GOC Offices in London or other suitable venues.

Members are paid up to £185 per meeting. This is taxable and subject to National Insurance (NI) contributions. This is in line with our member fees policy and member fee schedule.

How to apply

Please apply with the following:

• your CV outlining your employment history, any relevant voluntary work, public service, or other experience; together with any relevant professional, academic, or vocational qualifications (please keep this to two sides of A4);
• the application form (attached), stating how your experience matches the essential criteria for the vacancy you are applying for; and
• an EDI monitoring form (linked in the candidate pack) 

Please email your completed application quoting reference GOC01/26 to appointment@optical. org.

We would welcome applications from individuals who are disabled and from diverse ethnic backgrounds, as these are currently under-represented on our Council and committees.

For more information about these roles please download the candidate information pack attached.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: midnight Sunday 29 March 2026.

Online interviews will be held on 14,15,18 and 19 May 2026.

If you have any questions, please email them to appointment@optical. org and we will aim to respond to you within 48 hours. 

We strive to be as diverse as the public we protect and welcome applications from everyone, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, maternity, and geographical locations outside of London.

Job Title: Assistant Director of Philanthropy & Strategic Partnership
Reporting To: Deputy CEO/Director of Fundraising and Communications
Manages: Head of Trusts and Foundations, Head of Corporate Partnerships
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time (36 hours per week, flexible)
Salary band: £58,000 - £66,000 per annum
N.B. To ensure fairness and consistency across Home-Start UK, new colleagues usually join at the first point of the pay band for their role. This helps us maintain a clear and equitable approach to pay for everyone joining our team.

Location: Remote – with regular travel to meetings with donors, for events and to our central office in Leicester for collaborative meetings and team activities.

About Home-Start UK

Home-Start is a federated charity consisting of a central national office – Home-Start UK - and over 170 geographically dispersed local Home-Start organisations, all working together under the same identity.

We recognise that being a parent has never been easy. Every Home-Start volunteer is trained to work alongside parents to overcome the challenges they are facing. We work with parents to build on their strengths and give them the support that they tell us they need. We offer no judgement – just compassionate, confidential help and expert support. This peer-to-peer support is key to the difference Home-Start makes and often our volunteers have lived experience of the challenges their families are facing themselves.

About The Role

This is an important moment for us and for the families we support. Parents of babies and young children are facing huge pressures, and strong, values-driven partnerships matter more than ever. We’re looking for a senior leader who can help us meet this moment with confidence and ambition.

As Assistant Director of Philanthropy & Strategic Partnerships, you will help shape the future of our national work and support our federation of 170+ local Home-Starts working in communities across the UK. You will lead a talented team, build long-lasting relationships, and help make sure Home-Start has the funding, partnerships, and influence it needs to give every child the best possible start in life. This role will suit someone who is motivated by purpose, who values people and relationships, and who is comfortable working across a large and varied network.

We are looking for someone with a strong track record, someone who has already delivered high-value fundraising and partnerships at a senior level and is ready to take on a role with significant national influence. With responsibility for an annual income portfolio of circa £4 Million – with strong potential to grow this over the next 3-5 years to between £6Million-£8Million plus, you will work with a supportive Leadership Team and Board, who have already engaged external philanthropy expertise to develop a strategy and roadmap that you can build on. You’ll need to be confident working with high-value supporters: able to build trust, communicate clearly, and nurture long-term relationships with people who want to invest in families and early years support. You’ll bring the skills and confidence to grow a portfolio that is already strong and take it further, along with the ability to work well with others in a fast-moving environment.

You will be joining a warm, collaborative organisation that believes in the power of community, the strength of families, and the importance of early help. If you feel excited by the chance to make a national difference, to build partnerships based on trust and shared purpose, and to help shape the next chapter of Home-Start’s impact, we would be delighted to hear from you.

The people at Home-Start are its most important resource. Home-Start UK has been accredited with Investors in People since March 2005, which recognises the commitment we give to developing our staff.

Benefits of working for Home-Start

• Flexible working
• Family friendly policy
• PayCare health cash plan
• Enhanced employer contribution pension
• Learning and development
• DAS Employee Assistance

If it sounds like your type of challenge, we would be delighted to hear from you.

The closing date for applications is Friday 27th March at 4pm.
As part of our recruitment process, shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in a full-day assessment centre at our Leicester office on Tuesday 14th April.
The assessment centre will include a mix of individual and group activities designed to understand your strategic thinking, relational approach, and leadership style.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

Home-Start UK is committed to Equality of Opportunity and Diversity. We wish to encourage applications from all parts of the community irrespective of gender, race, colour, age, sexual orientation or disability. 

No agencies please.