Lead jobs in Wakefield, west yorkshire

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. 

This is a rare opportunity to lead the development and delivery of our digital learning and natural history publishing at our national environmental education charity.

You will oversee a talented team and collaborate with authors, designers, and creators in the natural history community to deliver innovative training and resources that set the standard for environmental learning.

• Permanent full-time contract
• Starting salary circa £36,973 per annum + excellent benefits
• Flexible base location with remote / home working welcomed
• Make a visible, lasting contribution to environmental education across the UK

Love where you work!

At the Field Studies Council, our mission is to create outstanding opportunities that inspire everyone to engage with and care for the environment.

Your team will be responsible for creating high-quality training courses, publications, and resources that inspire learners of all ages. You’ll work together to extend our charity’s impact across the UK.

We value the contribution each team member makes and provide excellent benefits to reward and support you in your role.

What you’ll be doing

In this key leadership role, you will guide the Digital Learning & Publishing unit, ensuring our courses and publications are impactful, financially sustainable and aligned with our charitable mission. Your work will include:

• Overseeing the production and management of biodiversity training courses and natural history publications
• Leading a team to deliver both in person and digital learning experiences
• Managing budgets, business planning, and the operational performance of the unit
• Working with Marketing to grow ecommerce revenue and promote the portfolio
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with partners, authors, tutors, designers, and the wider natural history community
• Identifying new opportunities, markets, and partnerships to expand our reach
• Leading editorial workflows, rights management, licensing, and version control
• Commissioning new titles and resources that support environmental understanding
• Ensuring compliance with GDPR, safeguarding, and copyright requirements

Where you’ll be based

The base location for this position is negotiable, with remote working / home working welcomed. If you prefer working in an office environment, you can work from one of our Field Studies Centres across the UK. Hybrid working options can also be considered.

This role includes travel to Field Studies Council locations and other venues throughout the UK and will involve some overnight stays.

You’ll thrive in this role if you are:

• An experienced senior manager with a strategic mindset
• Skilled at leading teams, freelancers, and creative contributors
• Confident working with authors, artists, designers, and content creators
• Experienced in delivering training materials at regional or national scale
• Commercially aware, with strong budget management experience
• A clear and engaging communicator with excellent written and verbal skills
• Highly organised, detail focused, and able to deliver at pace
• Comfortable using digital tools, databases, and online learning platforms
• Motivated by our mission and values

If you are looking for a role where your leadership can make a genuine difference to environmental learning, we would be delighted to receive your application.

* Your benefits whilst working with us will include:

• 28 days annual leave + bank holidays
• 2 extra loyalty days dependent on length of service
• Life assurance 5 x your annual basic salary 
• Health and Wellbeing Support App for you and eligible family members to access remote GP appointments, mental health consultations, physiotherapy sessions and financial & legal support
• 24-hour Counselling Helpline Service
• Cycle to work and EV schemes
• Discounts and cashback opportunities 
• Flexible working options where roles permit
• Quality learning and development opportunities

The closing date for receipt of your completed application is 27th April 2026.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we’re in receipt of sufficient applications. Please apply early to avoid disappointment.

Interviews are scheduled to take place at Field Studies Council online in the week commencing 11th May 2026.

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by email.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and we expect all team members to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will only be confirmed following the successful completion of rigorous pre-employment checks, including appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks / PVG Scheme check with Disclosure Scotland.

This role will support the work of the World Obesity Federation in its role leading dissemination activities under a specific research consortium project; alongside support for intersecting areas of work across the WOF portfolio. Key activities will include: Developing content for website and social media from scientific outputs; using a media monitoring tool to gather relevant data and insights to support dissemination; and co-ordinating planning for webinar and event hosting and project participation at wider events. The role will liaise with cross-team colleagues to identify relevant dissemination opportunities, and support article formatting and submissions, alongside regularly engaging with project teams and wider stakeholders as relevant, and developing project reports. Additionally the role will support engagement of people with lived experience as part of project and wider activities. 

Location: Rotherham

Mentored by: Regional Head

Type of Employment:  Full-time

Hours of Work: 40 hours per week

Days of work: Monday-Friday

Pay Level: £48,000

The Really NEET Project is seeking a highly skilled and passionate Special Educational Needs Coordinator to lead & strengthen the quality of our SEND provision across the region.

The SENCo will drive excellence in SEND practice, support staff development, and ensure that statutory responsibilities are fulfilled with professionalism and care.

Working collaboratively with staff, external agencies, families and local authorities, the SENCo will help shape an inclusive environment where every young person can thrive.

Some of the key areas include:

• Champion and embed high standards, values and inclusive practices in SEND across the centre.
• Provide effective line management to the Pastoral Caseworker, including regular supervision and developmental coaching.
• Lead and contribute to self-improvement audits in SEND and education, ensuring recommendations are fully implemented.
• Advocate confidently for yourself, staff, young people, and their families within an inclusive practice.
• Act as a key point of accountability to Local Authorities and Ofsted.
• Present clear and accurate reports on SEND performance and provision to internal and external stakeholders.
• Work closely with Teaching, Learning and Assessment Coordinators (TLAs) to deliver EHCP outcomes effectively.
• Support the embedding of adaptive teaching strategies across the provision.

Our Benefits:

• 10 weeks paid holiday per year (during school holidays)
• Vitality Health package (with no employee excess to pay on claims)
• Royal London Pension Scheme
• Job valuations to ensure competitive salaries
• 45p per mile for any work related journeys
• Annual 2 night staff Getaway
• Christmas spending voucher
• Regular social activities
• Annual Employee Wellbeing budget
• Occupational Health Offer
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave policies
• Foster & Kinship Policy – time off for training
• Time of for fertility/IVF treatments & appointments
• Bespoke CDP Opportunities

What to expect from the recruitment process:

1. Application form submitted and reviewed by the panel
2. Shortlisted candidates invited to a first stage interview
3. Candidates who are successful at the first stage interview will be invited for a second stage assessment which may consist of an in tray task, scenario presentation or microteach along with time with the learners and a tour of the workplace.
4. Candidate selection – the panel will review any applications and a selection decision made
5. Recruitment Manager will make contact with applicants to let them know the outcome of their interviews

All applications must be submitted by 20th April 2026 with interviews being held the following 2 weeks. All candidates should be notified of the outcome of interviews within 3 working days. (subject to change)

For more information on this role and our organization please visit our website

Please note that we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our learners and expect all those who work with us to share this commitment. Successful applicants will need to undertake a DBS Enhanced Clearance check (Disclosure and Barring Service) and complete a Self Disclosure.

Impact & Communications Coordinator

Salary: c.£30,000
Contract: Permanent | 35 hours per week
Location: Hybrid (North London & homeworking)

FEAST With Us (FEAST) is looking for a driven and creative Impact & Communications Coordinator to lead the measurement, evaluation and communication of our work tackling food insecurity across London. This pivotal role combines impact evaluation, data analysis and storytelling—using evidence to improve our services, strengthen fundraising, and clearly communicate the difference FEAST makes to individuals and communities.

About Us

FEAST improves the nutrition, wellbeing and health of people at risk of food insecurity. We deliver nutritious community meals, and Healthy Eating on a Budget programmes across London venues, working in partnership with charities and community organisations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead FEAST’s impact measurement, evaluation and learning, including Theory of Change and impact frameworks
• Collect, analyse and interpret qualitative and quantitative impact data
• Produce accessible impact reports, case studies and insights
• Support funding applications and reporting with robust evidence
• Develop and deliver FEAST’s communications and marketing strategy
• Create engaging digital and print content (website, social media, newsletters, reports)
• Manage FEAST’s website and ensure consistent brand messaging and tone of voice
• Build relationships with partners, ambassadors and stakeholders

About You

You will have:

• At least 2 years’ experience in charity impact/evaluation
• At least 2 years’ experience in communications or marketing
• Strong data analysis, writing and storytelling skills
• Excellent organisation and project management abilities
• Experience using tools such as Excel, PowerBI, Mailchimp, CMS/WordPress and Canva
• A strong commitment to FEAST’s mission and values

Knowledge of food insecurity, nutrition, PowerBI dashboards, PR or policy work is desirable.

Key Benefits

• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Pension: 3% employee / 5% employer contribution
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• Flexible hybrid working
• Supportive, mission‑driven team culture

How to Apply

Send your CV and covering letter by 5pm, Friday 24 April 2026. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis.

The Mason Foundation is a national charity supporting neurodivergent young people and communities to thrive. We deliver three core programmes: Propel (neuroinclusive employment support for young people aged 14 to 25), Community Mile (locally led physical activity with trained Champions), and community impact programmes. We work across England and Scotland, partnering with schools, colleges, community youth settings, employers, and local communities to champion neuroinclusion and create opportunities for people to thrive.

We're proud to create an inclusive, supportive workplace where everyone can succeed.

The Opportunity

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Programme Delivery and Support Coordinator to be the delivery arm of The Mason Foundation in the North West, delivering all three of our programmes across the region.

As the Training and Support Worker, you will engage with schools, colleges, community settings, employers, and local communities, delivering training, supporting implementation, and championing neuroinclusion. You will deliver Propel (neuroinclusive employment support), Community Mile (locally led physical activity), and community impact programmes that empower underserved communities.

You will be required to travel regularly to deliver face to face training within schools, colleges, community settings, and workplaces across the North West.

What We're Looking For

• A passionate advocate for neurodivergent young people and communities with experience in SEND, employability, community development, or physical activity

• Strong facilitator who can deliver engaging, impactful training to diverse audiences

• Excellent communicator who builds genuine relationships across education, community, and employer sectors

• Self-motivated with a 'make it happen' attitude and ability to work independently

• Team player who understands the importance of collaboration

• Comfortable working part time hours efficiently

• Driving licence and access to a vehicle (essential)

Why Join Us

In return, you get to work for an ambitious, values driven charity making a real difference in the lives of neurodivergent young people and communities. You will have the flexibility of remote working, opportunities to shape the programmes in the North West, and the chance to be part of a supportive team where everyone's contributions matter.

There are two parts to the Primary Science Mentor role. The majority of the role will focus on strengthening primary science teaching and leadership by leading our third Priority Areas initiative in North-West England. Through their knowledge of and passion for primary science education, the successful candidate will inspire transformational change in schools taking part in this project. They will build close working relationships with participating schools and create a vibrant and exciting learning community based on mutual support and the sharing of expertise.

The remaining hours in the role will be as a Primary Science Mentor: joining PSTT’s growing team of primary science experts who provide bespoke support directly to individual schools, multi-academy trusts and other school groupings and organisations. This includes developing and delivering training in a variety of contexts, including online; working individually with Science Leaders; being a leading voice, expert and advocate for primary science (both regionally and nationally); and creating partnerships with other organisations that support science within the region.

A crucial part of the role is to ensure collection of appropriate data for both Priority Areas and Primary Science Mentor activities, so that we can evaluate our work against intended outcomes.

CQC Registered Manager (Independent Living/Domiciliary Care) 
Location: Remote – National  
Contract: Full Time | Permanent
Salary:  £33,000 - £35,000 per annum
Requirement: Full UK Driving Licence essential

A leadership role with heart.

Are you looking for a management role where you can see the impact you make every day in a worthwhile (and often overlooked) area? Where you can benefit from the specialist experience of a committed, established team around you AND be a part of the growth of a national charity? Where no two days are the same, but where each day makes a difference to people living with deafblindness and complex needs?

What you’ll be doing

As Registered Manager, you will be responsible for the day to day operational management of Deafblind UKs Independent Living/Domiciliary care Services, and community communicator guide support.

That means:

• Lead the day-to-day management of domiciliary care, independent living, and communicator guide services
• Deliver high-quality, person-centred support that promotes independence and positive outcomes
• Manage and develop Care Coordinators, Team Leaders, and support staff to drive performance
• Ensure full compliance with Care Quality Commission standards, including inspections, audits, and reporting
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local authorities, health professionals, and stakeholders
• Oversee care planning, reviews, and service delivery in line with individual needs and outcomes
• Manage service budgets, rotas, and resource allocation effectively
• Lead recruitment, induction, supervision, and ongoing development of staff teams
• Promote a positive, open culture with a focus on quality, safeguarding, and continuous improvement
• Monitor performance, manage risk, and implement improvement plans where required
• Ensure safe practices across all services, including medication, safeguarding, and health & safety
• Act as an ambassador for Deafblind UK, supporting service growth and development
• Participate in on-call duties and work flexibly to meet service needsI

In short — you’ll keep the service strong, the team motivated, and the standards high.

About you

You will need to have solid previous experience as a Registered Manager with CQC, along with:

• Experienced in supported living or regulated care
• Comfortable leading teams and juggling rotas
• Familiar with CQC regulations and compliance
• A natural communicator who can build strong relationships
• Level 5 Leadership & Management (or equivalent) or working towards

Never worked with deafblind individuals before? No problem at all. We’ll give you all the training you need.

What matters most is your leadership, compassion and drive to make services better.

What you’ll get in return

• 25 days annual leave plus Bank holidays (increases by a day at both 3 years of service and 5 years of service)
• Westfield Health – which includes the below:
• Cash reimbursement for a range of health-related costs that we all incur regularly, such as dental and optical costs, hospital in patient or day care, and more.
• Cover is for yourself, and certain cash benefits cover up to 4 dependent children
• A Doctor line giving access to a GP 24/7
• A discount scheme
• Gym membership discounts
• 24-hour employee helpline
• Workplace Pension - eligible employees are enrolled onto the workplace pension scheme

Why Deafblind UK?

We’re a national charity with a big mission: helping people with deafblindness live full, independent and connected lives.

From specialist support services to national advocacy, we work every day to create a world where sensory disabilities don’t limit opportunity.

And we do it with passionate people who care about what they do.

CEO

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

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

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

Closing date for applications: Midnight on 22nd April 2026

Interviews with Trustees:  April / May 2026

At TLG, we’re passionate about building an exceptional staff team that’s committed to making a real difference in the lives of struggling children across the UK. We’re always on the lookout for great people to journey with us towards our vision, and we’re excited to offer a unique opportunity for a motivated and mission-driven individual to join us as Operations Manager.

About the role

The Operations Manager sits at the very heart of TLG, working closely with the Executive Director to turn vision into reality and ensure the organisation runs smoothly at every level. From trustee board and governance rhythms, through the leadership team, and out across the whole organisation, this role is pivotal in holding together the systems, structures and environments that enable TLG to flourish.

Our Operations Manager will lead and coordinate core organisational functions, champion a healthy and effective office culture, and provide confident, cross‑organisational leadership. With oversight of strategic and operational coordination, they will ensure that TLG’s systems, rhythms and ways of working are not just efficient, but actively support our people to thrive and our mission to be lived out day‑to‑day.

Your Impact

We’re looking for someone who brings clarity, steadiness and strong operational instincts to a fast‑moving, purpose‑driven organisation. They will thrive on making organisational life run smoothly - someone who can confidently hold the rhythms, plans and processes that keep TLG functioning at its best, while translating bigger strategic priorities into clear, practical action.

This person will be naturally organised, proactive in spotting improvements and able to simplify complexity into manageable systems that serve the whole team. They will be comfortable influencing across the organisation, building trust, and partnering well with others. Above all, they will care deeply about TLG’s mission and bring a thoughtful, solutions-focused approach that strengthens our culture, compliance and operational excellence.

Job Purpose

At the heart of the Operations Manager role is the opportunity to shape how TLG works at its best. This role brings strategic insight to the design and continual improvement of our organisational rhythms - streamlining key processes, strengthening ways of working, and unlocking efficiencies that free our people to focus on what matters most. By stewarding the operational heartbeat of TLG, the Operations Manager ensures that our rhythms are not only well‑managed, but intentionally aligned with our mission, enabling clarity and momentum across the organisation.

TLG is a Christian charity and, as a team, we want to bring our faith to the work we do; as such, we are recruiting an individual with a strong and vibrant Christian faith. We would welcome applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds to enable us to better reflect the needs of the communities we serve.

Hours: 22.5 - 37.5 per week (0.6 – 1.0 FTE)

Closing Date: Sunday 26th April

Initial Interviews: Thursday 30th April – Online

Final Interviews: Monday 11th May – at our National Support Centre in West Yorkshire

Location: Working remotely from home across the four nations of the UK, occasionally co-working spaces, with occasional travel

Start date: As soon as possible (Spring/Summer 2026)

Salary: £38,422 p.a. (FTE)

Benefits: 38 days (FTE) annual leave (including bank holidays) so that leave can be taken when you wish, not necessarily on the fixed bank holiday days / Christian calendar. Pension Scheme. Flexible working arrangements. Access to co-working budget

Hours of work: Full-time or part-time (1 FTE or 0.8 FTE) worked flexibly around business needs (28 to 35 hours per week)

Contract type: Permanent contract

Do you feel passionate about supporting a charity who are reshaping the systems that support children and young people across the UK?  Do you want to develop skills and get involved in a range of innovative social research and design initiatives? 

Dartington Service Design Lab is a national charity that harnesses experience, cutting edge evidence and design to tackle the challenges children and young people face today, securing thriving futures for tomorrow. As we move forward with our refreshed strategy, we are looking for a new Research and Design Officer to join our dynamic team.

The Research and Design Officer plays a crucial role in our work at Dartington. They work alongside experienced Leads, Senior Researchers and Designers, to support a varied portfolio of research and design projects.

As an organisation, we recognise that a diversity of backgrounds, identities and lived experiences is fundamental to shaping research and design that genuinely tackles inequalities. This is reflected in our anti-racism commitments and Anti-racism Action Framework, and in our broader ambition to be a workplace where people of all backgrounds can thrive and do their best work. We particularly welcome applications from members of Black, Asian and ethnically minoritised communities, who remain underrepresented in the social research and design sector. We also warmly encourage applications from disabled people, those from the LGBTQ+ community, people from lower socio-economic backgrounds, and anyone who brings experience of navigating the barriers that inequality creates. If you share our commitment to equity and inclusion, we want to hear from you. 

Key duties of the Research and Design Officer include data collection and analysis, covering both qualitative research and design engagements (workshops, interviews, and focus groups – with young people, practitioners and system leaders) and quantitative work (surveys, synthesis of secondary and administrative data).

The Research and Design Officer also plays a key role in synthesising learning and insights, into digestible, engaging reports and outputs for a varied mix of clients and partners.

As well as strong research skills, the candidate will also bring a strong approach to co-design, facilitation and visual design.

Research and Design Officers work across multiple concurrent projects and report directly to experienced Leads (who specialise in research, evaluation, service design, youth and community engagement, and systemic change).

The role demands a highly relational approach – working with a diverse range of clients, partners and working styles - flexing approaches as required.  It also requires an ability to effectively context-switch and manage a varied workload and set of priorities. It will suit a candidate that thrives with a varied workload, is able to effectively prioritise and communicate well.

This is a fantastic opportunity to learn, develop new skills and experiences, and be part of a passionate, curious and highly skilled team.

If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.

Don’t meet every single requirement outlined in the Job Description? Studies have shown that women and racially minoritised groups are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single requirement. Here at Dartington we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone. So, if you’re excited about this role but your experience or qualifications don’t match the job description exactly, we encourage you to apply anyway. You might just be the right person to help us achieve our impact for children and young people.

The post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service certificate and pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.

We are looking for an inspiring Support Services Manager to lead our supported housing schemes, ensuring high‑quality, person‑centred support for women and children across our services.

If you are passionate about transforming lives, improving service quality and leading dedicated teams — we’d love to hear from you.

About the Role

As Support Services Manager, you will:

Lead and develop high‑quality support services

• Provide operational leadership across supported housing schemes
• Ensure trauma‑informed, person‑centred support plans and risk assessments
• Monitor KPIs, contractual compliance and service performance
• Drive service improvement and co‑production with clients

Manage, motivate and develop staff

• Line manage Support Workers and Volunteers
• Ensure supervision, training and performance management
• Support recruitment and staff development across the region
• Build a strong, motivated and skilled team

Champion safeguarding & risk management

• Act as a safeguarding champion across supported housing
• Ensure robust risk assessments, incident reporting and GDPR‑compliant records
• Support staff to maintain the highest safeguarding standards

Ensure housing & compliance excellence

• Work closely with Estates teams to maintain safe, compliant accommodation
• Support quality improvements across physical properties and service delivery

Build impactful partnerships

• Liaise with local authorities, commissioners, health partners and referral agencies
• Represent Life at case conferences, multi‑agency meetings and contract reviews
• Identify and respond to new referral opportunities

Drive quality, governance & reporting

• Produce performance reports and maintain audit readiness
• Support strategic growth and contribute to the department’s business plan
• Promote Life Charity within local communities and public forums

Manage budgets & resources

• Monitor expenditure and support resource planning
• Support with funding bids and service redesign
• Work with finance teams to ensure clients receive appropriate financial support

We’d love to hear from you if you have:

Essential experience & skills

• Experience managing or delivering support and/or care services
• Understanding of supported housing and estates management
• Strong knowledge of support planning, risk assessment and safeguarding
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage at all levels
• Strong organisational, leadership and problem‑solving abilities
• Ability to work independently, handle pressure and prioritise workloads
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
• Full UK driving licence

Desirable

• Relevant housing qualification (e.g., CIH Level 4)
• Experience working in a charity environment
• Experience in troubleshooting or service improvement roles
• Good strategic awareness

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: £34,000 per annum

Hours: 35 hours per week over 5 days

Location: Home Based with Extensive Travel across the Midlands and South East 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.  

We have an exciting new role at Bags of Taste!

We’re looking for an  enthusiastic and passionate experienced Corporate and Community Fundraiser to play a key role in the growth of our corporate and community income and develop new partners. This brand new role will develop fundraising opportunities with businesses and  community groups, helping to broaden our supporter base and strengthen long-term relationships. 

This is an fantastic opportunity for a motivated and proactive individual who is keen to make a tangible difference. This is the first time we’ve recruited a corporate and community fundraiser and there is significant opportunity to raise funds as our organisation grows. The issues of health and well-being across the population and food insecurity are urgent and our work directly addresses these critical issues. 

You’ll be a key part of the growth of Bags of Taste’s fundraising activity and will be able to make this your own role. We’re initially recruiting this role as a one year contract however we expect this to become a permanent role as funding allows and we’ll review this with the post holder after six months.

Key responsibilities

Corporate Fundraising

● Develop and implement a plan to raise funds from companies (this could be nationwide or within local project areas) with the Head of Fundraising and Comms

● Research corporate fundraising opportunities and develop a pipeline of prospects

● Approach new businesses to financially support Bags of Taste through presentations, applications, pitches and proposals

● Devise partnership opportunities where required eg volunteering days/fundraising ideas

● Work across the organisation to develop leads via staff, Directors and volunteers

● Account manage all corporate supporters in order to develop strong long-term relationships

● Attend networking events to develop new leads.

Community Fundraising

● Develop and implement a plan to raise funds from community groups. This could include events, peer to peer fundraising or volunteer led activity

● Provide guidance, resources, and encouragement to community fundraisersto help maximise their fundraising efforts.

● Attend networking events where needed.

Relationship Development and Stewardship

● Build and develop relationships with all corporate and community partners

● Develop fundraising tools and guidance for all supporters

● Ensure excellent stewardship for all partners in order to build strong, long term relationships. This includes good recognition and communication (reporting and updating).

Administration

● Prepare budgets where needed, track income and forecasts

● Maintain accurate records acrosscorporate and community fundraising

● Ensure compliance with all fundraising regulations, GDPR and organisational policies.

General

● Support and supervise volunteers as and when required

● Attend and support networking events or other events or fundraising activity as required to represent Bags of Taste, including occasional working outside of normal office hours, including some evenings or weekends.

● Undertake other duties appropriate to the role to support the aims of Bags of Taste.

Person specification

Essential

● A minimum of  2 years of experience managing all aspects of corporate fundraising within a charity (including experience of securing new business, account management and stewardship)

● Experience of community fundraising

● A successful track record of securing corporate and community income

● Exceptional interpersonal and presentation skills

● Excellent written skills - you’ll need to be able to write compelling presentations, proposals, applications and reports

● Ability to build a rapport with a wide range of stakeholders

● Strong negotiation skills

● Ability to network, build, and nurture relationships with a wide variety of people

● Excellent organisation and project management skills and ability to work to tight deadlines

● Proactive, self motivated and tenacious 

● Self starter with the ability to set your own workload

● Strong attention to detail 

● Strong IT skills including all Word packages

● Strong knowledge of all social media channels including relationship building on Linked in 

● Good understanding of the relevant fundraising codes of practice and GDPR/data protection

● Passion for the work of Bags of Taste 

● Flexible and able to attend networking events/events occasionally out of work hours as part of the role.

Desirable

● A relevant professional qualification eg Institute of Fundraising Certificate or Diploma in Fundraising or sales or marketing

● Good understanding of CANVA and WordPress

● Good understanding and knowledge of food insecurity and health issues

Why join Bags of Taste?

● You’ll be part of a small, ambitious organisation with a big vision and a strong sense of purpose. The issues around health inequalities and poor diets and the need for solutions are critical.

● This is a hugely flexible role in a supportive organisation.

About Bags of Taste

The work of Bags of Taste and the issues that we tackle are highly topical and relevant so there is a lot of opportunity and scope to raise funds from companies and the community. Our vision that everyone should be able to access and cook good food has never been more important. 

We address dietary related health inequalities and food insecurity - both these issues have been exacerbated by the current cost of living crisis and public health challenges. There is recognition now that food banks are not a sustainable solution and Bags of Taste works across a number of high need communities enabling people to be happier, healthier and more resilient.

This newly created and pivotal role comes at a crucial moment in Sands’ strategic journey. As Senior Philanthropy Manager, you will lead an ambitious, integrated high value fundraising programme spanning major donors, charitable trusts, foundations and statutory funders - driving the growth needed to fuel research excellence, strengthen bereavement support, and save more babies’ lives.

During the last strategic period, Sands successfully doubled its income, powered by a strengthened pipeline, compelling propositions and increased donor engagement. As we enter the next strategy cycle, the expectation is to match - and build on - this success, with the Senior Philanthropy Manager playing a central role in delivering the next major uplift.

You will shape and drive a step change in high value fundraising: building a sustainable long-term pipeline, cultivating transformational supporters and unlocking new networks with emphasis across the UK health and research landscape. A key focus will be aligning fundraising closely with the organisation’s new research and Saving Babies’ Lives ambitions - identifying and engaging donors passionate about research excellence, and translating research innovation into compelling, donor-led opportunities.

Confident in pairing organisational priorities with supporter motivations, you will open new doors and deepen engagement with those capable of driving meaningful impact.

With management responsibility for the Trusts & Statutory team, you will strengthen organisational resilience and contribute to sector leading fundraising performance at a time of significant ambition. You will bring a values driven, collaborative and curious leadership style, alongside excellent communication, relationship building and influencing skills. Highly organised, you thrive in fast-paced environments and deliver under pressure. A true team player, this role offers a rare opportunity to shape transformative fundraising and make a profound difference to families and babies across the UK.