Lead jobs

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.

Are you a HR professional passionate about people, culture, and inclusion?

Would you like to use your HR expertise in a values driven organisation supporting conservation aims?

DWT is seeking an HR Operations Team Leader to oversee day to day HR advice and delivery at Devon Wildlife Trust. They will use their HR expertise to guide managers, support staff and to develop HR processes that support DWT. They must be confident and knowledgeable in up-to-date HR law and good practice.

Key priorities

· Oversee day to day HR administration relating to employee lifecycle

· Coach managers to resolve employee relations issues proactively

· Refresh HR processes optimising digital solutions

· Provide HR management information

· Lead on staff wellbeing initiatives
 

What we’re looking for

· CIPD Level 5 (or working towards) or equivalent experience

· Proven experience in employee relation issues

· Understanding and commitment to values led HR practice

· Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)

This is a full-time, fixed term appointment for 12 months based at Cricklepit Mill, Exeter.

Interviews are being held on Tuesday 7 April.

We welcome candidates of all backgrounds and abilities who meet the essential criteria for this role. To achieve our vision, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse organisation, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves.

For further information and to apply for the post, please visit our website.

DWT is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in employment.

Registered Charity Number no 213224

Contract: Full time, Fixed Term Contract
Salary: £29,264 per annum
Location: HMP Bedford and HMP Littlehey
 
Shannon Trust facilitator - HMP Bedford & HMP Littlehey 
 
Full time role (Part time role 3 days at HMP Bedford or 2 days at HMP Littlehey considered). 
 
Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy levels amongst people in prison?
 
Shannon Trust are delighted to be working with His Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) to provide peer-led learning programmes at HMP Bedford and HMP Littlehey. Working closely with the prison and their staff, people in prison, Shannon Trust volunteers and mentors, this post will lead the delivery and development of our prison-based reading and numeracy programme, maximising opportunities for people in prison to learn to read.  
 
Ideally you will have some experience of prison settings underpinned by the ability to build relationships and personal qualities that include resilience, determination and a problem-solving approach. 
 
This role is a fixed term role until 31st May 2027 with the opportunity to be made permanent subject to contract renewal.
 
The role will be prison-based. Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme. The biggest benefit though is our culture – our people really want to work for the organisation.
 
?We welcome job applications from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system and do not routinely ask for details of any criminal convictions. These roles do require prison security clearance, so we will need to ask for details of any relevant criminal convictions before an offer of employment is finalised.
 
Please note this role is subject to contract award
 
?Interviews are planned for 17th April 2026
 
REF-227 257

I am currently recruiting an Interim Senior People & Culture Partner role with a charity based in the East Midlands (Leicestershire area M1 corridor) on a 12-month fixed term contract at a salary in the range of £60,570 to £62,813 per year. This role can be carried out over 4 or 5 days per week with a minimum of 1 day per week in the office and the remainder working remotely.

Reporting to the HR Director, your role will be to provide leadership and management of the People and Culture team of 5 and drive forward existing and new projects. The ideal candidate will have experience of working in the Charity or Not-for-profit sector as an HR generalist with a background and ability to: -

• Work closely with the Senior Management Team and the Director of People and Culture to run an effective, compliant and well-supported people service
• Lead and manage the People and Culture and Facilities teams, ensuring high standards of service and strong teamwork
• Mentor the People & Culture Partner as part of a succession plan
• Support Organisational Change and the ongoing development of the People and Culture function
• Lead key people projects, including: HR systems (HRIS), Pay and benefits, Policies and procedures, Improvements to ways of working
• Advise and coach senior leaders and managers on all aspects of people management and building high-performing teams
• Overseeing the full employee journey, including: Recruitment and induction, Workforce planning, Learning and development, Apprenticeships, Engagement and wellbeing
• Support managers to run effective performance and development conversations

Experience of building and implementing a Development Framework would also be an advantage for this role.

If you are available within a months' notice and you have the skills and experience to undertake this role in the Leicestershire area, please submit your up to date CV and contact details in application.

About the role

This is a senior leadership role and a key early appointment within EQUISS.

As Head of Advocacy and Safeguarding, you will lead the development of our advocacy and safeguarding work, shaping how EQUISS supports individuals navigating abuse, misconduct and safeguarding concerns across the equestrian sector.

You will establish and oversee the organisation’s advocacy service and support line, including recruiting and managing advocacy caseworkers, and ensuring individuals receive safe, informed and survivor-centred guidance. You will also lead the development of safeguarding frameworks, case management systems and organisational safeguarding practice.

As a founding leadership role, you will help shape the safeguarding framework of a new independent organisation, providing strategic oversight of the EQUISS safeguarding training programme and contributing safeguarding expertise to the development of our standards and accreditation frameworks, ensuring learning from advocacy informs sector practice.

Working closely with the leadership team, you will help establish EQUISS as a trusted organisation driving stronger safeguarding, clearer reporting pathways and greater accountability across the equestrian sector.

As a developing organisation operating with a small and collaborative team, this role requires someone who is comfortable balancing strategic leadership with practical delivery. We are looking for a compassionate and inclusive leader who can support and develop others, foster a culture of trust and reflective practice, and contribute positively to building the organisation as it grows.

Key responsibilities

Strategic leadership and safeguarding oversight

• Provide strategic leadership for EQUISS’ advocacy and safeguarding work
• Establish safeguarding frameworks, case management processes and risk management structures across the organisation
• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead, providing oversight of complex safeguarding cases and ensuring appropriate referrals and partnership working
• Ensure EQUISS maintains robust safeguarding governance, confidentiality and data protection standards

Advocacy and support services

• Lead the development and delivery of EQUISS’s advocacy service and support line.
• Recruit, manage and support advocacy caseworkers, ensuring high-quality, survivor-centred support and safe case management practice
• Shape how EQUISS supports individuals navigating reporting processes, organisational complaints and statutory systems
• Oversee case management systems and triage processes to ensure safe, consistent and effective responses to safeguarding concerns

Safeguarding training and sector learning

• Provide strategic oversight of the EQUISS safeguarding training programme, ensuring training reflects the realities of safeguarding within equestrian environments and aligns with best practice across sport and safeguarding sectors
• Lead the recruitment, management and quality assurance of safeguarding trainers, including freelance trainers, consultants and subject-matter experts delivering EQUISS training programmes
• Work with trainers and external partners to develop and refine training content, ensuring consistency, accuracy and high standards of delivery
• Establish processes for trainer induction, guidance and quality assurance to ensure training is delivered in line with EQUISS safeguarding principles and standards
• Ensure learning from advocacy work informs training content, sector guidance and safeguarding practice

Contribution to standards and sector improvement

• Contribute safeguarding expertise to the development of EQUISS standards and accreditation frameworks, ensuring safeguarding expectations reflect best practice
• Use insight from advocacy and safeguarding work to inform sector learning, standards development and organisational guidance
• Support the development of sector resources that help organisations strengthen safeguarding practice

Sector engagement and partnerships

• Build relationships with safeguarding professionals, statutory agencies and specialist support organisations
• Represent EQUISS in sector conversations relating to safeguarding, welfare and organisational accountability
• Contribute to knowledge-sharing, policy discussions and initiatives aimed at improving safeguarding standards across the equestrian sector

Culture, learning and survivor-centred practice

• Ensure EQUISS’s work remains grounded in survivor-centred principles, independence and transparency
• Embed learning from lived experience into service design, safeguarding practice and training development
• Foster a culture of reflective practice, safeguarding vigilance and professional integrity within the organisation

Person specification

Qualifications

• A relevant professional qualification or degree in safeguarding, social work, psychology, law, education, criminology or a related field, or equivalent professional experience
• ISVA, IDVA or CHISVA qualification, or willingness to work towards one
• Advanced safeguarding training, including Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) training and Safeguarding Level 4 or Level 5 training, or equivalent senior safeguarding training
• Evidence of continued professional development in safeguarding practice

Essential experience and knowledge

• Significant professional experience in safeguarding, advocacy or victim-survivor support, ideally within violence against women and girls (VAWG), sport, welfare or related sectors
• Strong understanding of independent advocacy models, including ISVA and CHISVA frameworks, and how these operate alongside statutory services
• Experience overseeing complex safeguarding cases, including risk assessment, referrals and partnership working within multi-agency safeguarding environments such as police, social care and safeguarding hubs
• Experience leading and managing teams, including providing supervision or reflective practice support to staff working with complex safeguarding or advocacy cases
• Experience recruiting, supporting or overseeing trainers, facilitators or external practitioners, ensuring quality and consistency of delivery
• Experience supporting or working with individuals affected by sexual exploitation, sex trafficking, modern slavery or related forms of abuse
• Demonstrable understanding of trauma-informed and survivor-centred practice
• Strong knowledge of UK safeguarding legislation and guidance, including responsibilities relating to children and adults at risk, and experience contributing to organisational safeguarding policies, procedures or governance frameworks
• Ability to exercise sound professional judgement in complex safeguarding situations, maintaining confidentiality and appropriate professional boundaries

Leadership and personal qualities

• A compassionate and inclusive leadership style, with the ability to support staff working with complex and sensitive safeguarding issues.
• Ability to work effectively in a small and collaborative team, contributing to the development of systems, processes and culture as the organisation grows.
• Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence, with the ability to build trust with colleagues, partners and those seeking support.
• A collaborative mindset and willingness to work flexibly in a developing organisation, balancing strategic leadership with hands-on delivery where required.

Desirable

• Experience working within sport, equestrian environments or athlete welfare contexts.
• Experience contributing to sector standards, accreditation frameworks or safeguarding policy development.
• Membership of, or engagement with, a relevant professional safeguarding body or network.

 

About EQUISS

EQUISS is an independent organisation working across the equestrian sector to improve safeguarding, welfare and accountability. We support individuals affected by abuse and misconduct, work with organisations to strengthen safeguarding practice, and drive systemic change through training, standards and advocacy.

Our work brings together three key areas: supporting individuals navigating concerns, strengthening safeguarding practice across the sector, and campaigning for meaningful reform where systems are failing.

As a developing organisation, EQUISS is building the structures, services and standards needed to ensure safeguarding and welfare are prioritised across the equestrian world.

Please note: There will be a requirement to travel for this role.

Employment package:

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• A personal pension plan provided through NEST after 3 months
• Private Healthcare insurance after successful completion of probationary period
• Reporting to CEO

Salary: £14,632 per annum
 
Shannon Trust Probation Facilitator – East Midlands Probation 
 
Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy levels amongst people in prison?
 
Shannon Trust are delighted to be working with His Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) to provide peer-led learning programmes across Leicestershire and Lincolnshire Probation Delivery Units. Working closely with People On Probation, probation and their staff, this post will lead the delivery and development of our digital reading programme Turning Pages Digital, maximising opportunities for People On Probation to learn to read.  
Ideally you will have some experience of probation delivery underpinned by the ability to build relationships and personal qualities that include resilience, determination and a problem-solving approach. 
 
This role is a fixed term role until 31st March 2027 with the opportunity to be made permanent subject to contract renewal.
 
The role will be home-based, with extensive travel across Lincolnshire and Leicestershire to integrate into teams within probation buildings. Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme. The biggest benefit though is our culture – our people really want to work for the organisation.
 
?We do not routinely ask for details of any criminal convictions but these roles do require probation security clearance, so we will need to ask for details of any relevant criminal convictions before an offer of employment is finalised.
 
Interviews to be held 1st April 2026
 
REF-227 222

St Hugh’s is one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford, and the second-largest college in the University by student numbers, with a long-standing commitment to academic excellence, inclusion, and widening access. The College supports a diverse and active academic environment across a wide range of disciplines, bringing together students, academic staff and professional services colleagues in support of its core academic mission. Situated on a beautiful site near the new Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities, the College is made up of 70 academics, 130 professional services staff and 900 students. The College offers a unique and vibrant environment in which to work. 

As the College looks ahead to celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2036, we are seeking an exceptional Development Director to play an important role in the College’s future. This is a pivotal role, responsible for setting the strategic direction of the College’s fundraising activity, and for building deep, last relationships with alumni, supporters and friends of the College. Working in close collaboration with Fellows and colleagues across St Hugh’s, they will shape and deliver an ambitious new fundraising campaign to be launched ahead of the College’s 150th anniversary.  

The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on fundraising.  The Development Director will cultivate and secure principal gifts and steward key donors. They will lead the Development Office, developing and motivating a small, highly capable team of five. Reporting to the Principal, the postholder will be put forward to the College’s Governing Body for election as a Fellow by Resolution, reflecting the importance of close relationships between the Development Director and the Fellowship as a whole.

We are looking for an outstanding collegial individual, with a successful track-record of setting and delivering ambitious fundraising targets and personally securing principal gifts. Experience of leading or contributing to a major capital campaign would be an advantage. The successful candidate will be a confident communicator and diplomat, with natural influencing skills, who will be able to engage effectively with all College members, including Fellows and alumni. They will bring an inclusive and collaborative leadership style, respect the traditions of the College, and combine this with a forward-thinking approach.  This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in securing philanthropic support that will sustain the College’s academic mission for future generations.

The closing date for this role is midday on 24th March 2026.

Institutional Donor Manager

Salary: £42,850–£47,130 per year
Location: London – hybrid (three days a week in the office)
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: 9-day fortnight

This role offers the chance to shape and grow an international organisation’s institutional funding portfolio at a pivotal moment in its mission to accelerate climate action. You will build relationships with major donors, lead the development of high-value proposals, and help secure the support needed to deliver programmes that reduce global emissions. If you enjoy turning ideas into fundable projects and working collaboratively across teams, this role will give you scope to make a real impact.

The role
You will develop and manage relationships with government agencies and foundations, identifying opportunities that align with organisational strategy. You’ll lead the full proposal process — from shaping concepts and coordinating colleagues to writing persuasive six- and seven-figure bids.
You will also manage a diverse funding pipeline, support high-quality donor reporting, and help strengthen internal processes that support donor compliance and bid development.

What we’re looking for

• Significant experience securing institutional or government funding
• Strong understanding of European institutional donors
• Excellent bid-writing ability and clear, confident communication
• Strong numeracy and ability to design and interpret complex budgets
• Good understanding of monitoring and evaluation approaches
• A collaborative, organised and solutions-focused approach

What we offer

• Permanent role with a 9-day fortnight working pattern
• 25 days’ holiday plus public holidays and three additional Christmas closure days
• 10% employer pension contribution
• Health cash plan and private medical insurance (after probation)
• Enhanced family-friendly policies
• Monthly wellbeing allowance and Headspace membership
• Paid volunteering leave, moving-house leave and life assurance
• E-bike and bike loan schemes, and season-ticket loans
• Learning and development opportunities

Our commitment
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, perspectives and experiences.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.

We are looking for a part time Global Trust Fundraiser to join a small team and play a critical role in securing funding from diverse sources to support the charity with their innovative development initiatives.

The ideal candidate would bring senior-level fundraising experience from a similar role at an NGO, organisation, or charity with an established network of executive relationships in major foundations.

This is a remote working role.

The charity
A passionate international development charity, dedicated to to collaborating world wide to make a lasting social impact.

The Role
Relationship Management
Oversee the complete grant lifecycle, from initial lead to application to reporting and closeout.
Build and maintain relationships with current and prospective donors, program officers, and other key stakeholders.

Applications & Fundraising Development
Lead the development of high-quality grant proposals, ensuring proposals are compelling, well-written, and tailored to meet the requirements and priorities of each donor.

Events and Networking and Representation
Effectively convey the charity mission, vision, and programs to potential donors, organising fundraising events while overseeing teams of volunteers and probono partners.

The Candidate
Senior-level fundraising experience from a similar role at an NGO, organisation, or charity.

Extensive existing network of senior executives with major global foundations and organisations.

Proven track record of identifying and closing deals for 6 - 7 figure gifts.

IMPORTANT NOTE

Our aim is to respond to all successful applications within 5 days. If you havent been contacted within 5 days your application has been unsuccessful, but we positively encourage you to apply for any other positions that you may see in the future.

We apologise that we cannot contact everybody in person but thank you in advance for your interest.

Third Solutions encourages applications from individuals of all ages & backgrounds. Appointment will be made on merit alone but candidates must be able to demonstrate their ability to work in the UK. Third Solutions acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment & an employment business for temporary recruitment as defined by the Conduct of Employment Agencies & Employment Business Regulations 2003.

We’re looking for a skilled and committed HR Manager to join our team in Swindon,with a strong focus on:

• International payroll (including EOR and COR arrangements)
• Global policy development and compliance
• Hands-on HR support across the employee lifecycle

This role is a great fit for someone who combines strategic HR thinking with the confidence to manage operational complexities across multiple countries. You’ll work closely with our International HR Director and collaborate with teams in the UK, 

USA, and other regions where we serve.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee international payroll and contract management
• Lead global HR policy review and compliance
• Support recruitment, onboarding, ER, and staff engagement initiatives
• Provide HR guidance to managers across departments and regions

What We’re Looking For:

• Solid experience in a generalist HR role with international scope
• Practical knowledge of EOR/COR arrangements and cross-border employment law
• Strong interpersonal and organisational skills
• Active Bible-believing Christian, engaged in local church life (this is an occupational requirement under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9)

Desirable:

• CIPD Level 5+ or equivalent experience
• Background in charity, missions, or international development
• Familiarity with safeguarding and wellbeing initiatives

What You’ll Get:

• Opportunity to use your HR expertise to make a real impact
• Friendly and faith-filled workplace culture
• Be part of a growing international ministry supporting suffering Christians

We’re looking for a motivated and enterprising Account Manager to manage a diverse portfolio of clients including some of the UK’s leading charities and corporates while supporting the wider partnerships team achieve ambitious growth goals for Gladiator Events Ltd.

This is a fast-paced role for a people-centric and organised person who has a flair for championing clients, spotting opportunities and building great relationships with stakeholders. The successful candidate will have an entrepreneurial streak and be able to pick up tasks and run with them.

You will be responsible for ensuring that all our clients experience the GE way of doing things which reflects our core values and collaborative ways of working. This role will involve supporting the wider business across operations, impact reporting, accounts and business development as required.

The role will be hybrid:

• Remote based (must be in the UK).

• In-person days in London once every 2 weeks, with option for more.

• Working at events from time to time for different charity clients, approximately 5 - 10 per year

The Head of Finance supports the Finance Director in ensuring the financial health, compliance, and sustainability of St John’s Foundation (SJF), its trading subsidiaries, and associated charities.

You will lead the day-to-day financial operations, oversee internal controls and reporting, and play a key role in the next phase of the new finance system implementation which will enhance efficiency and accuracy. Working closely with the Finance Director, you will ensure that robust financial governance, accurate reporting, and effective systems underpin the charity’s strategic aims and operational delivery.

This is a senior hands-on leadership role, managing the finance team and ensuring the Finance Director, Executive Team and Board of Trustees are supported with reliable financial information and strong financial control.

For more information about the role and how to apply, please select the "redirect" button.

Make a difference every day with PDSA  

About Us   

Join us to help keep even more people and pets together when times are tough. For over a century, PDSA have provided vital veterinary care for the pets of people in financial hardship.    

We’re now on a journey to expand our reach to support even more people and their beloved pets. To achieve this ambitious goal, we need passionate and driven individuals who are ready to embrace change and help shape a future-focused PDSA. Together, we'll build a stronger organisation to ensure our services help those who need us most for the next hundred years.    

If you're ready to make a real difference and be part of a team that's creating positive change, we want you to join us. Let's build a brighter future for pets and their owners, together.   

About you  

We’re looking for an experienced Employee Relations Advisor to join our HR Operations team, working remotely to support leaders across our UK-wide Pet Hospitals, retail stores, and support functions. You’ll play a key role in delivering a balanced, values‑driven employee relations advisory service, managing a diverse caseload and providing expert guidance across the full employee and volunteer lifecycle. Confident in coaching and influencing leaders at all levels, you’ll ensure outcomes that are fair, commercially sound, and aligned with organisational policies, legislation, and PDSA values. You’ll prioritise cases to meet SLA requirements, maintain accurate and compliant records and escalate risks or emerging trends when needed.

You’ll bring strong ER knowledge, solid case management experience and the confidence to challenge constructively. Working autonomously, you’ll manage your own workload while helping to build consistency across the organisation by supporting and coaching the wider team and contributing to the continuous improvement of HR policies and processes. Staying up to date with legislative changes and industry developments will be essential, enabling you to provide informed, high‑quality advice that supports both people and organisational success.

This is a part‑time position working 28 hours per week, Monday to Thursday, with some flexibility required when needed. Occasional travel to our Telford Head Office will be necessary for meetings.

Rewards, support and benefits    

We’re really passionate about being a great place to work, somewhere people feel proud of what they do, connected to a meaningful purpose, and able to make a genuine difference every day. Our teams are collaborative and supportive, and we encourage everyone to bring their ideas, individuality and passion for pets to work with them.  

As well as a rewarding role and a positive, people-focused culture, we also offer a wide range of benefits, including:  

• Flexible working options to support your work–life balance and individual circumstances.  

• 25 days’ holiday plus Bank Holidays, with option to buy or sell an extra five days. 

• Three paid special days off: Volunteering Day, Celebration Day and Wellbeing Day annually.  

• Generous pension options, with PDSA contributions starting at 5% and rising to 10%.  

• Life assurance providing four times your annual salary for added peace of mind.  

• AXA Health Employee Assistance Programme, with 24/7 wellbeing support   

• Retail, holiday and lifestyle discounts available through our staff Fetch benefits platform.  

• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave to support you and your family.  

• 15% discount on PDSA Pet Insurance plus access to staff veterinary services.  

To apply for this role, click Apply Now at the top of the page, create a candidate account and complete our simple application form.     

PDSA is committed to embedding a culture of diversity and inclusion within our teams that reflect the communities we serve. We aim to create a working environment in which all individuals are able to make best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment, and in which all decisions are based on merit. We offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies and opportunities for flexible working arrangements to support team members from different backgrounds.   

   

If you have any questions or concerns regarding accessibility, please contact us and we will be happy to discuss via email or telephone reasonable adjustments that you may require throughout the recruitment process.   

   

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, adults at risk and all our colleagues and expect everyone who works for us to also share this commitment and to treat people with courtesy and respect.   

   

To support this commitment, our recruitment & selection processes are robust and rigorous. All appointments will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate background checks.   

ABOUT US

The Great Friendship Project is an award-winning organisation tackling loneliness through research-informed community programmes, campaigns, and partnerships.

We design and deliver social interventions that help people build real-world friendships, strengthen social confidence, and rise out of loneliness.

Over the past four years, we have delivered hundreds of community activities, partnered with major brands and public institutions, contributed to national research and policy conversations, and built a highly engaged community of tens of thousands of young adults.

As part of this work, we also run targeted programmes that respond to specific life challenges where loneliness can be most acute - including our new LaunchPad Programme, which supports young adults who are out of work to rebuild routine, confidence, and connection alongside practical employability support.

As we look ahead, we are now entering a critical next phase of growth, strengthening our foundations in preparation for wider national expansion.

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THE ROLE

This new Programmes & Operations Coordinator role will act as the central operational lead for day-to-day delivery.

You’ll take ownership of systems, operations, volunteer coordination, and delivery logistics, while working closely with the Founder across areas such as community activity, growth planning, partnerships, and fundraising.

As a growing organisation, this is a broad, hands-on role with scope to help shape systems, processes, and ways of working as we grow.

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OPERATIONS

• Planning & Scheduling - Develop and maintain operational plans, timelines, systems, and delivery schedules to support effective coordination across the organisation.
• Process Development - Establish and maintain clear processes for tracking tasks, deadlines, risks, outputs, and learning
• Documentation - Develop and maintain scalable documentation, playbooks, and operational processes to strengthen organisational readiness for growth
• Systems Management - Build, refine, and maintain digital tools, databases, and shared filing systems to improve coordination, visibility, and efficiency
• Financial Administration - Support basic financial processes, including processing invoices, tracking expenses, and supporting grant-related financial reporting

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PROGRAMME DELIVERY

• Delivery Oversight - Support the delivery of community programmes, campaigns, and pilots, to help ensure quality, safeguarding, and consistency 
• Programme Logistics - Coordinate venues, volunteers, partners, and programme materials to ensure smooth delivery
• Participant Communications - Lead day-to-day communications with participants and community members, acting as a clear and reliable point of contact
• Community Development - Develop and refine induction, member contact, and retention processes to support a welcoming and inclusive community
• Impact Tracking - Support evaluation, feedback collection, and continuous improvement across programmes

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VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT

• Recruitment & Onboarding - Lead the recruitment and onboarding of volunteers and interns
• Volunteer Coordination - Coordinate volunteer rotas, availability, and deployment across programmes and act as the primary day-to-day point of contact for volunteers
• Training & Development - Support volunteer training, shadowing, and development plans

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FUNDRAISING & GROWTH SUPPORT

• Business Development - Support the identification of new partners and assist with building and maintaining relationships, including day-to-day coordination
• Grant Writing - Assist with grant applications, funding research, and partnership follow-up
• Marketing & Growth - Support the development of marketing and growth plans, providing operational input and capacity planning
• Campaigns & Events - Support the delivery of national campaigns, research dissemination, and stakeholder events through coordination of logistics, volunteers, and internal systems

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WHO YOU ARE

• Reliable & Adaptable - You are proactive and can prioritise effectively in a fast-moving environment
• Problem Solver - You have strong organisational skills and a sharp eye for detail
• Great Communicator - You are comfortable with public speaking and talking to everyone from community members to trustees and partners
• The Sherpa - You have experience coordinating or leading teams, projects, or delivery activity
• Tech-Savvy - You love using digital tools (Google Workspace, Notion, Slack, Canva) to make work easier and more visible
• Flexible - You’re happy to work evenings or weekends, when required (N.B. Time Off In Lieu will be provided)

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EXPERIENCE - ESSENTIAL

• Experience in an operations, coordination, programme delivery, or project support role with responsibility for outcomes
• Experience managing multiple priorities across people, systems, and deadlines in a small or fast-moving organisation
• Confidence taking ownership, exercising judgement, and working with limited supervision

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EXPERIENCE - DESIRABLE

• Experience in a charity, community, events, or volunteer-led environment
• Experience supporting partnerships, fundraising activity, or grant applications
• Experience working closely with senior leadership or a founder

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BENEFITS

Beyond the opportunity to play a pivotal role in a growing social movement, we provide a supportive environment designed to help you thrive both personally and professionally.

• Meaningful work with real impact - Play a central role in tackling loneliness and helping people build lasting, real-world friendships
• Hybrid working - A flexible mix of office-based, community, and home-based working, with autonomy around how you structure your week
• 20 days annual leave + bank holidays + your birthday off - On top of this, you’ll also earn an extra day of annual leave every year you work with us, up-to 5 years
• Learning & development support - Opportunities to build skills across operations, programme delivery, fundraising, and leadership, with mentoring from the Founder and access to relevant training - where required
• Progression opportunities - As a growing organisation, this role is designed to grow alongside the organisation, with the potential to develop into a more senior role over time

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HOW TO APPLY

Please submit your application and CV by completing the online form via the link below.

CLOSING DATE: Wednesday 21st March@ 11pm

If you have any queries about the role or application process, you can contact us via email or use the enquiry form on our website.