Dignity in Dying and Compassion in Dying are partnering with Robertson Bell to recruit a Head of Finance on a permanent basis.
This is an exciting opportunity to join two sister organisations working at the centre of an important and evolving area of public policy and individual choice. Operating with a shared vision and strong collaborative culture, both organisations are committed to supporting people through high-quality information and support services, advocacy and campaigns.
Reporting to the Deputy CEO, the Head of Finance will play a key role in supporting the organisations’ ongoing work by providing integrity and efficiency across financial processes, systems, controls and reporting. This role offers the opportunity to join a collaborative and values-led organisation with a supportive leadership team, flexible hybrid working and the chance to contribute meaningfully within a small but highly impactful environment.
The role:
- Provide integrity and efficiency in the financial processes, systems, controls and reporting across both organisations.
- Prepare statutory annual accounts in accordance with Charity and Company law.
- Work with the Senior Management Team (SMT) to prepare, present and implement annual budgets.
- Monitor and manage financial performance including production of quarterly management accounts, finance reports and ongoing cash flow forecasts.
- Reconcile major balance sheet accounts and revenue reporting between systems.
- Oversee transactional input of income and expenditure transactions, and all payroll procedures.
- Support the Finance and Audit Sub Committees, preparing relevant papers and attending meetings.
- Work closely with auditors and maintain relationships with professional advisors, insurance brokers and bankers.
- Ensure compliance with all statutory reporting and filing requirements, including the Charity Commission and Companies House.
- Provide support and advice to the SMT on financial and relevant matters as they arise.
- Monitor and manage organisational funds on cash deposit platforms.
- Manage partial VAT exemption and VAT reporting requirements.
- Develop and implement financial systems and procedures to ensure best practice and adherence to applicable accounting standards.
- Identify opportunities to improve reporting, operational efficiency and financial processes.
- Line manage and support the development of the Finance Officer.
The organisations:
Dignity in Dying and Compassion in Dying share the aim of improve dying in the UK by putting people in charge of decisions about the end of their life. Dignity in Dying campaigns to change the law to allow the option of assisted dying for terminally ill, mentally competent adults in the UK. It is a not-for-profit membership organisation. Compassion in Dying is a registered charity which provides information and support to people to be in control of their end-of-life decisions, alongside gathering evidence to improve culture and policy.
Operating within a collaborative and supportive culture, this role offers the opportunity to work alongside committed and passionate colleagues within a flat organisational structure. The successful candidate will join a team that values initiative, accountability and strong working relationships, while offering the autonomy to take ownership of the finance function and contribute to future improvements.
Essential criteria:
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
- Experience in a managerial finance role, ideally within a charity or not for profit organisation.
- Strong understanding of charity accounting and Charity SORP.
- Experience preparing management accounts, budgets, forecasts and statutory accounts.
- Strong understanding of financial controls, governance and compliance requirements.
- Experience supporting audit processes and working with external auditors.
- Knowledge of VAT reporting and partial VAT exemption.
- Ability to explain financial concepts to non-financial colleagues and managers.
- Self-starter with the ability to manage responsibility within a small team environment.
- Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to quickly establish credibility internally and externally.
If you are a qualified finance professional looking to join a collaborative and mission-led organisation where you can contribute both strategically and operationally, we would love to hear from you. Apply before the 7th June to be considered!
This role is based in London with hybrid working and an expectation of a minimum of two days per week in the office at Oxford Street.
Job Title: Community Fundraising and Engagement Executive – North West
Salary: £24,160 per annum (£30,200 FTE)
Hours: 0.8FTE, 30 hours per week (flexible over 5 days – to be discussed with successful candidate). There may be occasions when evening or weekend availability is needed.
Contract Type: Permanent
Location: Hybrid – based 2/3 days per week in our Liverpool centre
Reports to: Fundraising Manager Community
THE CHARITY
Suicide is the leading cause of death of men under 35 and three quarters of those who die by suicide are men. James’ Place exists to save the lives of men in suicidal crisis through delivering clinical services. We are a charity currently offering free, life-saving therapy to suicidal men at our centres in Liverpool, London and Newcastle.
James’ Place was set up by Clare Milford Haven and Nick Wentworth-Stanley in 2008 after their twenty-one-year-old son, James, died by suicide ten days after a minor operation. James had no history of mental illness or depression and had sought urgent help for anxiety and suicidal thoughts but didn’t find it.
James' Place was set up to make the experience of finding help as easy as possible. We offer men who are experiencing a suicidal crisis a brief, intensive, therapeutic intervention in a safe environment. Men who walk through the door at James’ Place will be in a space where they feel valued and respected. We provide a calm and peaceful environment both inside the centres and in our outside spaces, accessible to men who visit us as well as their friends and families. We have so far treated over 5,100 men who might otherwise have been unable to access the support they desperately need.
THE OPPORTUNITY
This is a new role designed to raise and facilitate fundraising for James’ Place Liverpool and to grow community and voluntary sector relationships across the region to raise awareness of James’ Place to drive referrals to our Liverpool centre.
As part of the Fundraising team, you will take a leading role in building strong networks across Liverpool and the North West, helping to establish our centre as a sustainable source of life-saving support for men in suicidal crisis.
The postholder will spend 50% of their time working collaboratively and taking responsibility for establishing fundraising activity across the North West with appropriate support from centre staff and fundraising colleagues, the Head of Fundraising and Communications, Director of Fundraising and External Affairs and the Chief Executive and Trustees. They will spend 40% of their time building community-based relationships with the aim of raising awareness to drive referrals to the centre, working closely with the Head of Centre Liverpool and the Centre Manager in Liverpool to do so. It is recognised that this will vary week to week depending on the current needs of the organisations.
This opportunity is ideal for an ambitious individual eager to grow their skills and career while helping to secure the funding and relationships needed to achieve the charity’s long-term goals.
Direct Fundraising Work 50%
- Develop and grow a network of local donors - (including HNWI, corporates, community fundraisers as well as Trusts and Foundations) volunteer supporters and influencers across the North West with a view to increasing the fundraising reach of the organisation.
- Steward existing donors volunteers and prospects to secure long-term multi-year support.
- Support community engagement and attend fundraising events to help achieve the organisation’s fundraising ambitions.
- Identify regional funding opportunities and support with the preparation and submission of grant applications and funding proposals.
- Collaborate closely with internal teams across fundraising, communications, events, and clinical teams to maximise opportunities.
Direct Outreach Work 40%
- Support Heads of Centre to identify and engage with a range of partner organisations across Liverpool and the North West, helping to raise awareness of the charity’s work.
- Build and maintain positive relationships with local statutory, voluntary, and community sector organisations, acting as a professional and approachable representative of the charity.
- Assist with partnership activity, including attending meetings, forums, and events, to share information about services and strengthen local connections.
- Help to coordinate partnership communications and ensure relevant information about the charity’s work is shared clearly and consistently with external partners.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to support joined-up approaches to partnership and engagement activity.
- Identify and feedback opportunities for partnership working that could support fundraising, community engagement, and service awareness.
Administration 10%
- Ensure all fundraising activities are delivered to a high standard ensuring compliance with fundraising regulations and best practice guidelines.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records on the CRM database.
- Work collaboratively with both clinical and non-fundraising colleagues within the Liverpool centre and across the organisation, building their confidence and capability in fundraising activities.
- Ensure all fundraising activities are delivered to a high standard, meeting regulatory and ethical requirements.
Working in the Wider Charity
- Represent James’ Place with professionalism, respect, and confidence at all times.
- Participate in review and evaluation processes to support the ongoing development, effectiveness, and sustainability of James’ Place as a respected charity.
- Undertake any additional duties as required to support the successful delivery of the organisation’s business plan.
Values
- Demonstrate commitment to the James’ Place values of Focus, Bravery, Respect, Compassion, Professionalism, Collaboration and Hope through all aspects of work
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential
- Proven experience of fundraising in the charity sector, with a track record of achieving results in at least two of the following income streams: Community fundraising, Corporate partnerships, events, major gift fundraising from High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs) and Trusts and Foundations.
- Strong understanding of donor motivations and what drives charitable giving across different audiences.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft persuasive messages and build rapport.
- Confidence and professionalism in engaging and maintaining relationships with stakeholders and partners.
- Excellent time management skills
- Practical, resilient, and flexible, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities.
- Innovative thinker, open to exploring new ideas and approaches to fundraising.
- Collaborative and solution-focused, able to work constructively with others to overcome challenges.
- A team player, willing to support colleagues and take on additional responsibilities when required.
- Capable of working on difficult and sensitive issues, demonstrating kindness, integrity, and emotional resilience, and seeking or offering help when needed.
Desirable
- Experience using CRM databases (e.g. Salesforce)
- Understanding of, and interest in, mental health and suicide prevention.
WE OFFER
- A 7% employer contributory pension scheme.
- Family friendly policies.
- Death in service insurance scheme.
- 25 days plus bank holidays leave entitlement (FTE), including enhanced holiday allowance with incremental rises after qualifying period.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, please use the online application system to submit your CV detailing your experience, roles and responsibilities, and answer the screening questions.
If you have any queries or experience challenges with the application process, please email [email protected].
Closing date: 9am on Monday 22nd June 2026
Interviews are expected to be held online on 6th July 2026
Here at James' Place, we want you to feel comfortable in sharing your authentic selves and personal experiences, so we ask that you do not submit an application that has been formulated by AI. You may wish to use AI to support with structural aspects such as grammar and formatting, however your application must reflect your own genuine experiences, critical thinking and creativity.
James’ Place is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community. Our aim is that no job applicant, temporary worker or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender and transgender status, race and ethnicity, religion and belief (including no belief), marriage or civil partnership status or sexual orientation.
If you have a disability or health conditions which means you'd benefit from any adjustments to the interview process to help you perform at your best, please do let us know in advance.
Any job offers made are subject to the receipt of two relevant satisfactory employment references. We expect this to include one from your most recent or current employer. Any job offers made are also subject to a satisfactory DBS check and a Right to Work in the UK check.
REF-229 054
Job Title: Community Fundraising and Engagement Executive – West Midlands
Salary: £24,160 per annum (£30,200 FTE)
Hours: 0.8FTE, 30 hours per week (flexible over 5 days – to be discussed with successful candidate). There may be occasions when evening or weekend availability is needed.
Contract Type: Permanent
Location: Hybrid – based 2/3 days per week in our Birmingham centre
Reports to: Fundraising Manager Community
THE CHARITY
Suicide is the leading cause of death of men under 35 and three quarters of those who die by suicide are men. James’ Place exists to save the lives of men in suicidal crisis through delivering clinical services. We are a charity currently offering free, life-saving therapy to suicidal men at our centres in Liverpool, London, Newcastle and Birmingham.
James’ Place was set up by Clare Milford Haven and Nick Wentworth-Stanley in 2008 after their twenty-one-year-old son, James, died by suicide ten days after a minor operation. James had no history of mental illness or depression and had sought urgent help for anxiety and suicidal thoughts but didn’t find it.
James' Place was set up to make the experience of finding help as easy as possible. We offer men who are experiencing a suicidal crisis a brief, intensive, therapeutic intervention in a safe environment. Men who walk through the door at James’ Place will be in a space where they feel valued and respected. We provide a calm and peaceful environment both inside the centres and in our outside spaces, accessible to men who visit us as well as their friends and families. We have so far treated over 5,100 men who might otherwise have been unable to access the support they desperately need.
THE OPPORTUNITY
This is a new role designed to raise and facilitate fundraising for James’ Place Birmingham and to grow community and voluntary sector relationships across the region to raise awareness of James’ Place to drive referrals to our Birmingham centre.
As part of the Fundraising team, you will take a leading role in building strong networks across Birmingham and the West Midlands, helping to establish our centre as a sustainable source of life-saving support for men in suicidal crisis.
The postholder will spend 50% of their time working collaboratively and taking responsibility for establishing fundraising activity across the West Midlands with appropriate support from centre staff and fundraising colleagues, the Head of Fundraising and Communications, Director of Fundraising and External Affairs and the Chief Executive and Trustees. They will spend 40% of their time building community-based relationships with the aim of raising awareness to drive referrals to the centre, working closely with the Head of Centre Birmingham and the Centre Manager in Birmingham to do so. It is recognised that this will vary week to week depending on the current needs of the organisations.
This opportunity is ideal for an ambitious individual eager to grow their skills and career while helping to secure the funding and relationships needed to achieve the charity’s long-term goals.
Direct Fundraising Work 50%
- Develop and grow a network of local donors (including HNWI, corporates, community fundraisers as well as Trusts and Foundations), volunteer supporters and influencers across the West Midlands with a view to increasing the fundraising reach of the organisation.
- Steward existing donors volunteers and prospects to secure long-term multi-year support.
- Support community engagement and attend fundraising events to help achieve the organisation’s fundraising ambitions.
- Identify regional funding opportunities and support with the preparation and submission of grant applications and funding proposals.
- Collaborate closely with internal teams across fundraising, communications, events, and clinical teams to maximise opportunities.
Direct Outreach Work 40%
- Support Heads of Centre to identify and engage with a range of partner organisations across Birmingham and the West Midlands, helping to raise awareness of the charity’s work.
- Build and maintain positive relationships with local statutory, voluntary, and community sector organisations, acting as a professional and approachable representative of the charity.
- Assist with partnership activity, including attending meetings, forums, and events, to share information about services and strengthen local connections.
- Help to coordinate partnership communications and ensure relevant information about the charity’s work is shared clearly and consistently with external partners.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to support joined-up approaches to partnership and engagement activity.
- Identify and feedback opportunities for partnership working that could support fundraising, community engagement, and service awareness.
Administration 10%
- Ensure all fundraising activities are delivered to a high standard ensuring compliance with fundraising regulations and best practice guidelines.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records on the CRM database.
- Work collaboratively with both clinical and non-fundraising colleagues within the Birmingham centre and across the organisation, building their confidence and capability in fundraising activities.
- Ensure all fundraising activities are delivered to a high standard, meeting regulatory and ethical requirements.
Working in the Wider Charity
- Represent James’ Place with professionalism, respect, and confidence at all times.
- Participate in review and evaluation processes to support the ongoing development, effectiveness, and sustainability of James’ Place as a respected charity.
- Undertake any additional duties as required to support the successful delivery of the organisation’s business plan.
Values
- Demonstrate commitment to the James’ Place values of Focus, Bravery, Respect, Compassion, Professionalism, Collaboration and Hope through all aspects of work
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential
- Proven experience of fundraising in the charity sector, with a track record of achieving results in at least two of the following income streams: Community fundraising, Corporate partnerships, events, major gift fundraising from High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs) and Trusts and Foundations.
- Strong understanding of donor motivations and what drives charitable giving across different audiences.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft persuasive messages and build rapport.
- Confidence and professionalism in engaging and maintaining relationships with stakeholders and partners.
- Excellent time management skills
- Practical, resilient, and flexible, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities.
- Innovative thinker, open to exploring new ideas and approaches to fundraising.
- Collaborative and solution-focused, able to work constructively with others to overcome challenges.
- A team player, willing to support colleagues and take on additional responsibilities when required.
- Capable of working on difficult and sensitive issues, demonstrating kindness, integrity, and emotional resilience, and seeking or offering help when needed.
Desirable
- Experience using CRM databases (e.g. Salesforce)
- Understanding of, and interest in, mental health and suicide prevention.
WE OFFER
- A 7% employer contributory pension scheme.
- Family friendly policies.
- Death in service insurance scheme.
- 25 days plus bank holidays leave entitlement (FTE), including enhanced holiday allowance with incremental rises after qualifying period.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, please use the online application system to submit your CV detailing your experience, roles and responsibilities, and answer the screening questions.
If you have any queries or experience challenges with the application process, please email [email protected]
Closing date: 9am on Monday 22nd June 2026
Interviews are expected to be held online on 7th July 2026
Here at James' Place, we want you to feel comfortable in sharing your authentic selves and personal experiences, so we ask that you do not submit an application that has been formulated by AI. You may wish to use AI to support with structural aspects such as grammar and formatting, however your application must reflect your own genuine experiences, critical thinking and creativity.
James’ Place is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community. Our aim is that no job applicant, temporary worker or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender and transgender status, race and ethnicity, religion and belief (including no belief), marriage or civil partnership status or sexual orientation.
If you have a disability or health conditions which means you'd benefit from any adjustments to the interview process to help you perform at your best, please do let us know in advance.
Any job offers made are subject to the receipt of two relevant satisfactory employment references. We expect this to include one from your most recent or current employer. Any job offers made are also subject to a satisfactory DBS check and a Right to Work in the UK check.
REF-229 053