People and organisational development director jobs in Bonnyrigg, midlothian

Transport for All has a strong reputation for leading the debate and advocating for change to improve the journeys made by disabled people. This role presents an opportunity for a strong leader with the commitment, enthusiasm and expertise to build on our success.

Our Chief Executive will be responsible for continuing to delivering the remainder of our 5-year strategy, whilst horizon-scanning to work with the team and wider DPO community to engage in the opportunities and changes ahead. We’re a small team and this is a wide-ranging role which includes:

• Representing the voice of the 16 million+ people in the disabled community by influencing policy and infrastructure decision-makers through our campaigns.

• Overseeing a highly regarded policy and public affairs function with associated communications and stakeholder engagement, maintaining our high profile and reputation with national and local governments.

• Ensuring the charity’s funding is robust and sustainable, looking at how we can diversify our income and direct it towards what matters through continuing to deliver our strategy and planning for our future.

• Overall responsibility for our successful training, research and consultancy business, building partnerships and further growth. This includes the National Accessible Transport Survey.

• Championing our award-winning support services for disabled people.

• Leading our expert teams through a period of growth and consolidation, embedding a strong organisational culture and matching our structure and systems to our upcoming challenges and increasing size.

You will report to and be supported by a well-functioning and committed Board of Trustees who are professionals with experience of working in the charity and transport sectors, as well as finance, legal and government backgrounds.

Lloyds Bank Foundation 

Strategic Lead for Systems Change 

Starting Salary: £59,098 (if London-based); £55,587 (if not London-based) 
Contract: Full-time, 2-year Fixed-Term Contract (we are open to conversations about flexibility - so please ask) 
Location: Remote role - can be based anywhere in England or Wales with an expectation of regular travel across England and Wales including overnight trips to London 

About Lloyds Bank Foundation 

Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales is an independent charitable foundation, backed by Lloyds Banking Group and the people within it. We want everyone to be in a good place - personally, in a home that’s a good place to live, and in a community that’s a good place to belong. 

We play our role by connecting and catalysing community-led change, providing the money, time, tools and connections that build organisations’ capacity and capability, to make people’s lives better and their communities stronger. 

We back people and communities across England and Wales, to make that happen, because when you back brilliant people, brilliant things happen. Our communities are full of ambitious, energetic and determined people stepping up to make their neighbours’ lives better and their communities grow stronger. Day in, day out. 

About the Role 

This is a key role strengthening the Foundation’s ability to work confidently within complex local systems and to support systems change across England and Wales. You will play a central role in shaping and developing our systems change approach, ensuring it is practical, consistent and embedded across our work in places. 

You will work closely with regional teams and partners to support effective collaboration within local systems, ensuring our work is well-informed by context and lived experience. A key part of the role is enabling others - building confidence, capability and practical understanding of systems change across the organisation. 

This is not a delivery-heavy role. Instead, you will focus on enabling, coaching and strengthening practice so that colleagues and partners are better equipped to work within complexity and drive meaningful change. 

About You 

We are looking for someone with strong, practical experience of working within systems change, place-based work or complex multi-stakeholder environments. You will bring confidence in working across boundaries and supporting others to navigate complexity. 

You will be skilled in coaching, facilitation and capability building, with the ability to translate systems thinking into practical approaches others can use. Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to work credibly with a wide range of stakeholders will be essential. 

A commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging is essential. 

How to Apply 

Please click ‘Apply’ to be redirected to our website, where you can download the Candidate Information Pack and find details of how to apply. 

For an informal conversation about the role and application process, please contact our recruitment partner, Atkinson HR via the information available in the Candidate pack.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 

We hold Disability Confident Employer status (Level 2) and are working towards full status by 2027. If you are a disabled applicant and your CV and application answers clearly demonstrate that you meet the essential criteria, we will invite you to interview. 

We are committed to building a diverse team that reflects the communities we work with. We actively welcome applications from people under-represented in the charity sector, including Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic communities, disabled people, and those with lived experience of the issues our funded charities address. 

Key Dates 

Closing Date: Midday, Monday 8th June 2026 

Optional Q&A Session: Wednesday 6th May 2026 at 09:00-10:00 

First Interview: Wednesday 17th June 2026 

Second Interview: Friday 26th June 2026 

Money & Energy Advice Service Lead

Pro rata salary: £39,825 (35 hour week)

Home-based, with travel as required

Up to 35 hours per week with occasional evenings and / or weekend work will be required

Permanent (subject to external funding)

Responsible for: 2.0 FTE Money & Energy Advisers

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced welfare benefits practitioner with a passion for sharing knowledge and enabling teams to deliver above and beyond.

With around 4 in 10 beneficiaries, we support seeking help with financial difficulties, this is a pivotal role for Kidney Care UK.

We are seeking a knowledgeable and confident specialist income maximisation activities for a role with three key parts: to lead a small team delivering benefits and energy advice and support directly to clients; to play a key role in upskilling and supporting our outstanding Patient Support team across the country; and to be the subject matter expert within Kidney Care UK.

Our external partners – British Gas Energy Trust have committed to fund our Money and Energy Service until March 2027. We are advertising this position as ‘permanent’ – we anticipate confirmation by December 2026 whether funding will be extended beyond March 2027.

This role is made possible thanks to the support of British Gas Energy Trust.

About Kidney Care UK

Around 3.5 million people in the UK live with chronic kidney disease, and one million of them don’t know that they do.

Since 1975, Kidney Care UK has been at the forefront of supporting people with kidney disease. From our early days when we campaigned to introduce donor cards in the UK, we have worked hard to support and represent the interests of everyone affected by kidney disease. 

About the Money & Energy Advice Service

The Money & Energy Advice Service (MEAS) provides information and support for welfare benefits and income maximisation and promotes awareness of efficient energy use. Working closely with Patient Support officers, MEAS provides specialist knowledge and directly supports clients to achieve sustainable financial outcomes. The service was established in 2023 with the support of British Gas Energy Trust and is embedded as a valued element of the many ways Kidney Care UK supports people affected by kidney failure.

What we offer

Working at Kidney Care UK is incredibly rewarding and you will see the life-changing impact that the charity has on kidney patients and their families:

• Flexi-time – we are flexible about start and finish times, and flexible about your location.
• Annual and Christmas leave – we offer 25 days annual leave for full time employees plus bank holidays. We also close for three days between Christmas and New Year, and you don’t need to take this from your annual leave allowance.
• Pension – you’ll be eligible for and auto-enrolled into a pension scheme where your employer will contribute 8% of your salary.
• Health cashback plan – ability to claim back a wide variety of routine medical treatments.
• Employee Assistance Programme – access to a wide variety of support including counselling, health resources and advice.
• Cycle2Work scheme

Crisis is the national charity for people experiencing homelessness. We have embarked on our 10-year strategy for ending homelessness. We know it is not inevitable. We know together we can end it.

Location: Based in Crisis Skylight Edinburgh, Cranston House 271 Canongate Edinburgh EH8 8BQ, based on-site

Job title: Strengths and Assets Coach

Contract: Permanent  

Salary: £38,645 per annum

About the Role

As a Strengths and Assets Coach at Crisis, the national charity for people experiencing homelessness, you will play a key role in supporting people who have experienced homelessness to identify, develop, and build on their personal strengths. Your work will centre on empowering individuals to create sustainable housing situations through meaningful community connections, access to training and development, and opportunities in employment, volunteering, and leisure.

In this role, you will draw on a diverse toolkit of coaching and facilitation skills to support members in setting person-centred goals and taking practical steps toward them. Using a psychologically informed approach, you will help build confidence, resilience, and the capacity to access wider community resources—enabling members to thrive as active citizens. You will also work with the learning team to support the delivery of a range of engaging formal and informal learning opportunities focused on employability, volunteering, tenancy skills, and personal development.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape and grow the Strengths and Assets services at Crisis Edinburgh Skylight, working closely with colleagues and partners across multiple sectors. Together, you will contribute to the development of innovative learning and progression pathways that remove barriers and open doors for people moving out of homelessness.

Skills, Knowledge, and Experience Essential for Success

• Experience in community education, tenancy skills development, volunteering, training, and tenancy sustainment.
• Experience working alongside marginalised individuals or groups, using a coaching approach to build strengths and assets.
• A strong understanding of the needs, challenges, and sensitivities involved in supporting people facing homelessness and exclusion, with the ability to develop practical, person-centred solutions.
• Awareness of the barriers to engagement and participation experienced by people facing homelessness and an understanding of how these might be overcome.
• Knowledge of psychologically informed approaches, particularly when working with people who have experienced complex trauma or long-term marginalisation.

Please see the full Job Pack linked below, for a full list of requirements for this role. We realise that long lists of criteria can be daunting, and you may not want to apply for a role unless you feel 100% qualified. However, if you feel you have relevant examples to answer the screening questions, we encourage you to apply.

We believe diversity is a strength, and our aim is to make sure that Crisis truly reflects the communities we serve. We are actively working towards our organisation being a place where everyone can thrive and make their best contribution to our mission of ending homelessness for good. We know that the more perspectives, voices, and experiences we can bring to this work, the better. We particularly welcome applications from people who have lived experience of homelessness, and people from all marginalised groups, communities, and backgrounds. 

Working at Crisis 

Our values, Bold, Impactful, Collaborative and Equitable, are at the heart of everything we do as we continue in our mission to end homelessness.

Our staff, members and volunteers are vital to getting the right government policies in place, providing breakthrough services, and building a supportive community. We’ll lead by example to nurture a positive and ambitious workplace guided by ending homelessness. 

As a member of the team, you will have access to a wide range of employee benefits including: 

• A competitive salary. Please note, our salaries are fixed to counter inequity and we do not negotiate at offer stage
• Interest free loans for travel season ticket, cycle to work, and deposit to secure a tenancy
• Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 8.5% 
• 28 days’ annual leave (pro rata) which increases with service to 31 days and the option to purchase up to 10 additional days leave
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, and adoption pay.
• Wellbeing Leave to be used flexibly And more! (Full list of benefits available on website) 

Alongside our excellent staff benefits, we will support your ongoing development to build your skills, experience, and career. 

When you join us, you will have the opportunity to join our staff diversity networks, which aim to champion issues across the organisation, enable staff to be their authentic and best selves and contribute to making Crisis a truly diverse organisation.

How do I apply?

Please click on the 'Apply for Job' button below. Our shortlisting process is anonymised as part of our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We do not ask for CVs, instead we ask you complete the work history section and answer the screening questions for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively. At least two members of staff score all applications.

Closing date: Sunday 24 May at 23:59

Interview date and location: In person, on Wednesday 3rd June 2026 at Crisis Skylight Edinburgh, Cranston House 271 Canongate Edinburgh EH8 8BQ

AI in Job Applications

We understand some candidates use AI tools when applying. Whilst we welcome the use of technology to support clear communication and structure, we want to learn more about you, so please ensure that your application reflects your own skills, knowledge and experiences.

Accessibility 

We want our recruitment process to be as accessible as possible. If you need us to make an adjustment or provide additional support as you apply for a role, please contact our Talent Acquisition team to discuss how we can help. 

For more information about our work please visit our website

Registered Charity Numbers: E&W1082947, SC040094 

Harris Hill is delighted to be supporting Consumers International in their search for a Strategic Growth and Engagement Lead, Sustainability. This is a brilliant opportunity for someone who wants real ownership in their role—where you can take an idea, build it, and run with it on a global stage.

Working at the heart of Consumers International’s sustainability programme, you will drive partnerships, funding and influence across areas such as energy, materials and food systems. This is not a role focused on maintaining the status quo; instead, you’ll have the freedom and trust to shape new opportunities, test ideas and deliver growth that creates genuine global impact, with scope to truly make the role your own.

Key responsibilities

· Build and manage a strong pipeline of global funding and partnership opportunities

· Develop compelling proposals and innovative partnership models

· Lead on relationship management and supporting partners in their Change Network ( you can view here.)

· Shape and deliver a growth strategy for the sustainability programme

· Represent the organisation at international events and forums

· Create opportunities for global members to engage, collaborate and influence

About you

· Proven experience in partnerships, fundraising or business development

· Track record of securing income from foundations, corporates or multilateral organisations

· Experience working across international and cross-sector environments

· A strategic and proactive mindset, with the ability to spot opportunities and run with them

· Strong communication, influencing and relationship-building skills

· A genuine interest in sustainability and systems change

Key details

Salary: Up to £50,000

Location: Fully remote – open to candidates globally

Contract: Full-time

Applications: Rolling basis – please apply ASAP as applications are reviewed weekly

Apply to Hannah at Harris Hill to learn more and get the full job pack

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics

Release Counselling and Therapy for Women is entering an exciting new chapter. 

Founded in Brighton and Hove in 2013, Release has grown from a small local charity into a financially robust organisation with a growing national reach. Under the leadership of our outgoing CEO, the charity has been transformed—moving from a challenging financial position to one with strong reserves, clear sustainability, and ambitious plans for growth. 

We now provide affordable 1:1 online counselling to women across the UK, alongside specialist group programmes supporting maternal mental health and key life transitions. One-to-one counselling is a core offer and a vital income stream, enabling us to extend our reach while staying true to our values. 

This period has also seen Release grow to working with over 20 dedicated volunteer counsellors, strengthening our capacity and community impact. 

As our CEO steps down, Release is ready for its next phase—building on strong foundations, amplifying our national impact, and remaining firmly rooted in our purpose: being a charity that supports women’s mental health, run by women, for women.

The Navigators is a Christian discipleshp charity working across the UK. We are seeking an organised and proactive Events Executive to provide maternity cover and lead the delivery of our key external events, including the National Conference and launch of our Alongside course.

The role involves co-ordinating event logistics, managing budgets, working closely with internal teams and helping ensure events are used effectively to engage people with our work and support the growth of a movment of 'Alongsiders'.

We offer a friendly and supportive team to work with, the opportunity to take responsibility for two high profile events based on solid foundations from previous successes and a competitive remuneration package.

We would ideally like to have a candidate working fully or hybrid from the Southampton Office. However we are willing to consider applications from exceptional candidates who would only be able to take the post working fully remotely from within the UK with the ability to travel to events. 

The attached candidate pack contains more details about our work, the role and the person description for this post.

Please note that there is an occupational requirement for the post holder to be a practicing Christian.

We are looking for an all-round Communications Manager to join our small team.  You'll be able to build on your existing experience with some exciting upcoming projects that will have direct impact on the head and neck cancer community – as well as generating awareness across the general public.  We have a unique opportunity to develop our organisation to create maximum impact for head and neck cancer patients and their families while staying true to our origins.  There’s a lot of work to do.

Main responsibilities and duties:

• Contribute to a PR and communications strategy in conjunction with our Executive Director.
• Produce and rollout a new brand identity for the organisation.
• Manage and develop a new organisation website.
• Maximise media opportunities by identifying news angles and producing stong stories.
• Produce high quality materials – written, digital and visual – to promote the organisation and engage audiences to action.
• Use case studies and impact to develop our storytelling and create compelling copy to encourage financial support.
• Oversee literature production to support head and neck cancer patients and their families through their experience and work towards PIFtick accreditation.
• Co-ordinate production of a quarterly e-newsletter to keep our supporters informed of charity developments and that of the wider head and neck community.
• Regularly update our website to ensure all information is current and fit for purpose.
• Design and implement a social media plan to increase awareness of the charity and its activities.
• Produce monthly reports to track engagement and use these to improve our reach.
• Create campaigns to support our work in HPV awareness in line with the government’s target to increase vaccine take up.
• Identify opportunities to promote the organisation to those diagnosed with head and neck cancer and their families.
• Work with the Fundraising Manager, develop compelling fundraising campaigns that will appeal to the wider general public as well as our existing stakeholders.
• Liaise with the Executive Director to represent head and neck cancer patients with policymakers and raise awareness of the unique issues that affect this group.
• Act as the organisation’s spokesperson when required.
• Ensure that the charity meets all GDPR and data handling responsibilities in line with UK law.

An exciting opportunity to help turn a new national initiative into reality as it moves from planning into delivery. Over the next year, we will launch a new national Foundation Degree while building the foundations of a wider programme of work. In the initial phase, this role will focus on working locally with partners and participants in one or more locations to support recruitment, onboarding and preparation for launch, while also contributing to the wider programme build-out alongside a national team. As delivery begins, the role will transition into ongoing programme management across a cluster of delivery centres, leading high-quality delivery, participant experience and programme quality, and helping to build strong, sustainable centres over time.

About Us:

At Future CFO, we're committed to excellence in financial consulting, offering bespoke solutions to our clients who are predominantly in the not for profit and social impact space. As a forward-thinking organization, we're looking for a dynamic Finance Manager to join our senior management team. The Finance Manager will be responsible for overseeing all financial aspects of Future CFO clients. This includes financial planning, budgeting, reporting, analysis, strategic decision-making and donor reporting. The Finance Manager is responsible for managing, supervising, and directing financial activities that our charity clients buy into. Other duties include strategic support and advisory to the management personnel and their Board members ensuring finances are used beneficially, developing the financial strategy, assessing investments, and ensuring legal and regulatory compliance.

The ideal candidate will have Non Profit and NGO experience and possess a blend of strong financial accounting skills and the ability to manage complex month-end processes across clients that are based globally. The individual will possess excellent communication abilities to liaise effectively with various teams and clients. They will be confident and a self-starter with excellent people skills, possess a passion for growth and create a powerful and connected team culture.

Before you apply

We’d encourage you to take a good look through the role responsibilities and person specification before applying. This is a broad and impactful role, so we’re looking for someone who can demonstrate strong experience across many of these areas and make sure your application brings this to life. We are also open to considering contractors with equivalent experience.

Please note that this role will primarily involve working with a client based in the United States. As such, candidates must be comfortable accommodating time zone differences and working flexible hours where required to support client needs.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Planning, Budgeting & Forecasting

• Lead the annual budgeting process across all programmes and country offices, ensuring alignment with organisational strategy and funding requirements

• Develop and maintain robust financial models, including forecasts and scenario planning

• Produce regular forecasts (income, expenditure, and cash flow), highlighting risks and opportunities

• Partner with budget holders to ensure accountability and ownership of financial plans

Management Reporting & Financial Performance

• Oversee the preparation of timely and accurate monthly management accounts

• Deliver clear variance analysis with meaningful insights for decision-making

• Develop and enhance management reporting to improve visibility across programmes, grants, and geographies

• Present financial performance to senior leadership and non-finance stakeholders in an accessible way

Financial Accounting, Month-End & Audit

• Oversee and ensure timely and accurate month-end and year-end close processes

• Maintain integrity of the general ledger, including review of journals, accruals, and prepayments

• Ensure all balance sheet accounts are reconciled regularly and supported by appropriate documentation

• Lead the year-end audit process, acting as the primary point of contact for external auditors

• Prepare statutory accounts and ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards and local regulations

• Continuously improve financial processes, controls, and systems

Reserves & Cash Flow Management

• Support the development and management of organisational reserves in line with policy and strategic objectives

• Monitor and manage cash flow across entities, ensuring sufficient liquidity at all times

• Identify financial risks and propose mitigation strategies, particularly in relation to funding gaps

• Provide recommendations on reserves utilisation and financial sustainability

Grant & Donor Financial Management

• Oversee financial management of grants, ensuring budgets are accurate, compliant, and aligned with donor requirements

• Support proposal budgeting in collaboration with fundraising and programme teams

• Ensure timely and accurate donor financial reporting, including variance analysis and narrative explanations

• Maintain strong oversight of grant spend, ensuring compliance with funding agreements

• Act as a key finance business partner to programme teams on grant delivery

Financial Governance & Controls

• Ensure strong financial controls and compliance with internal policies and external regulations

• Support organisational audits and ensure audit readiness across all funding streams

• Maintain and improve financial policies, procedures, and systems

• Promote best practice in financial management across country teams

Strategic Finance & Business Partnering

• Act as a strategic finance partner to country directors and senior leadership

• Provide financial insight to support organisational strategy and growth

• Strengthen financial processes, tools, and reporting in a complex, multi-entity environment

• Build financial capability across non-finance teams

Candidate Profile

Qualifications & Experience

• Fully qualified accountant (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)

• Minimum 5-6 years experience in a senior finance role, ideally within the non-profit, international development, or grant-funded sector

• Proven experience managing budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes

• Strong experience of grant and donor financial management and reporting

• Experience leading month-end and year-end processes, including external audits

• Experience working across multiple entities, countries, or complex organisational structures is highly desirable

Technical Skills & Knowledge

• Strong understanding of financial accounting principles and controls

• Excellent financial modelling, budgeting, and forecasting skills

• Ability to interpret and present complex financial data clearly to non-finance stakeholders

• Knowledge of donor compliance requirements and restricted funding environments

• Experience with finance systems and advanced Excel (or equivalent tools i.e. quickbooks, xero, etc.)

• Strong understanding of cash flow management and reserves planning

Leadership & Business Partnering

• Proven ability to act as a strategic finance partner to senior stakeholders

• Experience working collaboratively with non-finance teams (e.g. programmes, fundraising, operations)

• Ability to influence decision-making through clear financial insight

• Proactive and solutions-oriented, with the confidence to challenge where appropriate

Personal Attributes

• High level of integrity and accountability

• Strong attention to detail with the ability to see the bigger picture

• Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal

• Adaptable and comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment

• A collaborative and supportive team player with a hands-on approach

Desirable

• Experience in a multi-country or decentralised organisation

• Experience working with outsourced finance providers or shared service models

• Familiarity with international compliance, local regulations, and different accounting frameworks

• Interest in or commitment to the organisation’s mission and impact 

What We Offer

Purpose & Impact

• The opportunity to play a key role in a mission-driven organisation, contributing to meaningful and measurable impact

• A chance to shape and strengthen financial strategy in a growing, international environment

Professional Growth & Influence

• A highly visible role with exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision-making

• Opportunity to lead and improve financial systems, processes, and ways of working

• Scope to develop and broaden your experience in a complex, multi-country, grant-funded environment

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary 

• Pension contribution for permanent staff and FTC

• Annual leave for permanent staff and FTC

Flexibility & Work Environment

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements

• A supportive and collaborative team culture

• Commitment to work-life balance

Wellbeing & Culture

• A values-driven organisation with a strong sense of purpose

• Inclusive and diverse working environment

• Employee wellbeing initiatives and support

International Exposure

• Opportunity to work with colleagues across multiple countries and cultures

• Involvement in international programmes and funding landscapes 

We are looking for a highly motivated and organised individual with the ability to manage teams, build strategic relationships with employers to grow the Living Wage network, and develop projects that will grow our accreditations schemes and proactively influence change across a broad range of stakeholders in public life.

• Develop and deliver strategies, working collaboratively across the organisation.

• Direct a team and line manage multiple staff and freelancers, supporting them to deliver projects and contribute to the LWF business plan.

• Monitor and evaluate the impact of our work to refine our strategy, deliver projects effectively and demonstrate the value of the real Living Wage.

• Clearly communicate the evidence for positive change to grow the Living Wage movement. Encourage employers and key stakeholders to become champions of the Living Wage movement.

• Oversee accreditation processes, identify and implement improvements to make our work more efficient.

• Build and manage relationships with key stakeholders, policy makers and employers to support them to pay the real Living Wage and seek accreditation.

• Create, develop and employ the tools and knowledge available to inform and advise employers on implementing the Living Wage throughout their organisation.

Remote role with travel across the UK particularly to Birmingham.

Reports toDirector of External Relations

Hours37.5 hours per week 

Salary£56,959.05 - £63,886.54

ContractFixed Term Contract - 12 Months

LocationRemote (with occasional travel across UK) 

BenefitsA generous package including 25 days holiday per year plus public holidays, employee pension scheme with 4% employer contribution, Cycle2Work scheme, 365 days a year Employee Assistance Programme 

About SafeLives

We are SafeLives, the UK-wide charity dedicated to ending domestic abuse, for everyone, for good.

We work with organisations across the UK to transform the response to domestic abuse. We want what you would want for your best friend. We listen to survivors, putting their voices at the heart of our thinking. We look at the whole picture for each individual and family to get the right help at the right time to make families everywhere safe and well. And we challenge perpetrators to change, asking ‘why doesn’t he stop?’ rather than ‘why doesn’t she leave?’ This applies whatever the gender of the victim or perpetrator and whatever the nature of their relationship.

Last year alone, we delivered more than 700 sessions to over 15,000 learners across the UK in policing, health, housing, justice, education and the specialist sector. And we have reached 90,000 adult and 100,000 child survivors through programmes designed and delivered with partners.

In the last 9 years, close to 7,000 perpetrators have been challenged and supported to change through flagship interventions developed by our Drive Partnership and the programme continues to expand year on year.

Together we can end domestic abuse. Forever. For everyone.

Description

You will provide strong and steady leadership for SafeLives’ communications, marketing and public affairs work over the next year, communicating our Whole Picture Strategy, finding what works and helping it happen to end domestic abuse for everyone for good.

You will shape and deliver strategic communications and influencing work to reach decision-makers, strengthen public trust, and support our mission to drive real change in the UK’s domestic abuse response.

You will be able bring to together robust data, the voice of survivors, and the view of practice experts to position SafeLives at the centre of the conversation with professionals, key policy and decision makers and influencers as a credible and trusted voice.

You’ll lead a cross-functional team of comms, marketing and public affairs colleagues to:

• Strengthen core messaging and consistency around our Whole Picture strategy and the WP Framework, to support delivery and impact
• maintain our communications and marketing and our brand
• provide oversight of our influencing through policy and public affairs, working with senior colleagues where escalation is required
• support income generation through targeted marketing, and support for fundraising
• ensure we are sharing evidence, data and research in support of our strategy

You will connect reactive work with long-term strategic priorities, ensuring our external engagement supports our strategic priorities, policy goals, and income generation ambitions. And you will lead high-quality responses to breaking news and emerging issues, providing clear strategic advice to the Senior Leadership Team and acting as a trusted lead on reputational risk.

You will ensure SafeLives is visible, authoritative and survivor-centred in public and policy conversations, with timely responses, briefings and support, ensuring our communications and influencing are clear, consistent and drive impact.

You will work with our training, practice, and fundraising teams to drive our business development and income generation, as well as helping us to understand all our audiences and better meet their needs.

And as part of the Operational Management Team (OMT), you’ll work closely with colleagues to ensure an inclusive and supportive organisational culture, role modelling our values.

Undertake any other duties as may reasonably be required.

Responsibilities

1. Leadership

·Provide calm, structured and values-led leadership across the Comms, Marketing and Public Affairs team.

·Ensure reliable systems, processes and workflows for communications, marketing and public affairs.

·Set expectations, priorities and working rhythms that bring stability and clarity to the team.

·Promote a supportive, inclusive and collaborative culture with clear communication channels.

2. Core Narrative, Messaging and Evidence Sharing

·Lead the development of SafeLives’ core messages, ensuring they are used consistently across all teams, and the development of our influencing asks.

·Translate SafeLives’ research, data and evidence into accessible, impactful content for external audiences, including practitioners, policy and decision makers.

·Ensure all outputs are survivor‑centred, values‑aligned and evidence‑led

·Develop our brand to reflect our approach to equity, equality, diversity and inclusion and in line with our values - human, rigorous, brave and inclusive.

·Oversee production of communications, marketing and policy materials that help to amplify our Whole Picture strategy and our related priorities.

3. Communications and Media Leadership

·Lead SafeLives’ overall communications strategy and activity.

·Oversee media relations, with strong focus on clear messaging and reputational resilience.

·Implement rapid-response and crisis‑comms protocols with clear escalation to Directors.

·Lead the development and management of our website, digital channels and content strategy.

·Ensure SafeLives is timely, authoritative and survivor‑centred in its external interventions.

4. Marketing and Audience Engagement

·Lead marketing strategy to support:

·Statutory and voluntary income generation

·Training uptake

·Consultancy and practice development

·Fundraising and supporter engagement

·Strengthen audience insight, segmentation and targeting.

·Oversee campaigns that bring SafeLives’ strategy and evidence to life and drive measurable action.

·Ensure that communication and marketing resources are used effectively to support business development.

5. Public Affairs and Policy

·Provide strategic alignment between SafeLives’ core messaging and evidence sharing and our influencing work

·Ensure public affairs activities and outputs (briefings, consultations, correspondence) are clear, accurate and consistent with SafeLives’ communications approach.

·Maintain awareness of political and policy developments relevant to SafeLives’ mission, advising Directors on risks and opportunities for influencing, working with colleagues across the organisation to develop policy.

·Senior level engagement will be led by Directors, as needed, with this role and the public affairs team leading stakeholder engagement and supporting preparation, messaging and follow‑up.

6. Planning, Governance and Performance

·Lead forward planning for all communications, marketing and public affairs activity.

·Set realistic, measurable KPIs that support the delivery of our comms and influencing strategy and our income generation.

·Embed continuous improvement processes and ensure compliance with GDPR and data protection.

·Oversee budgets for communications, marketing and public affairs, ensuring value for money and resource prioritisation.

7. Authentic Voice

·Ensure that the voices, experiences and priorities of survivors remain at the heart of all external communications.

·Support colleagues and Pioneers who use lived experience in SafeLives’ work in a trauma‑informed and respectful way.

Person Specification

Experience

·Strategic communications, including influencing, brand/profile raising, media relations and reputation management in complex, high profile environments (E)

·Media relations, including securing high quality coverage and rapid-response experience (E)

·Developing and delivering effective communications and marketing cmapaigns, including support for fundraising and income generation (E)

·Digital communications across owned, earned and paid media (E)

·Experience using data, research and evidence to inform communications, influencing and storytelling (E)

·Understanding of public affairs or policy environments within the social sector (D/E)

·Leadership and people development, ideally across multi-disciplinary teams (E)

·Influencing professional and policy audiences through clear, impactful communications, information and guidance (E)

·Working with people affected by domestic abuse to support storytelling and influence change (D)

Skills

·Confident in providing strategic communications advice aligned with organisational strategy and policy priorities (E)

·Exceptional written, oral and influencing skills, including excellent writing and editing ability (E)

·Strong political and media awareness

·Excellent judgement under pressure, making sound, values‑led decisions at pace (E)

·Ability to turn complex and fast‑moving information into clear messaging for different audiences, particularly professional and policy maker audiences (E)

·Strong issue and risk management in sensitive public contexts (E)

·Excellent digital and social media skills (E)

·Strong analytical skills to design and deliver campaigns (E)

·Numerate, with experience preparing and managing budgets (E)

·Strong planning, prioritisation and ability to meet multiple deadlines (E)

·Able to identify problems early and propose solutions (E)

·Commitment to equity, equality, diversity and inclusion (E)

·Commitment to ending domestic abuse (E)

Competencies

Leadership, organisational and strategic awareness 

·Inspires trust and confidence in others 

·Commitment to SafeLives’ values – Human, Rigorous, Inclusive and Brave - underpins all actions and decisions 

·Remains calm, decisive and collaborative in fast-moving situations, while maintaining message clarity, survivor focus and organisational credibility

·Demonstrates an understanding of how your own role contributes to achieving SafeLives’ goals 

·Is responsive to change which helps achieve goals

·Pursues tasks/goals with energy, drive and need for completion 

Teamwork & collaboration 

·Fosters an inclusive working environment so that others can contribute effectively 

·Supports colleagues in demanding situations, recognises the importance of well-being in self and others, accepts help and support from other team members 

·Listens to the views of others and shows flexibility in working with collective decisions 

People management and decision making 

·Ability to lead and manage effective teams and create an inventive, responsible and generous team culture 

·Strong focus on quality, performance and impact 

·Coaches staff to reach their full potential 

·Makes effective decisions on a timely basis 

·Judgement and problem solving is based on identifying outcomes and victim focus 

Communications and relationship management 

·Communicate with energy and direction 

·Ability to build strong and effective relationships with key internal and external stakeholders 

·Promote and contribute to cross team working 

·Speaks and writes clearly and effectively and in a timely manner, tailoring communication to suit the audience 

·Maintains confidentiality 

Delivering quality 

·Self-starter with the ability to use initiative and judgement to identify problems and propose solutions 

·Excellent organisational skills including the ability to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines 

·Takes responsibility for own workload, acts on own initiative, seeks feedback from others, evaluates own performance and then acts upon it 

·Tries out new ideas and ways of working and identifies and shares learning 

Influence 

·Inspires confidence and trust– demonstrating high standards of integrity, honesty and fairness 

·Actively engages the knowledge, ideas and contributions of others 

·Uses appropriate techniques to influence others 

Great opportunity to lead and support our charity's team through the next phase of development to drive One Medicine forward. 

Job Purpose

To lead the operational delivery of Humanimal Trust’s charitable aims and strategic objectives, as set by the Board of Trustees, ensuring that plans are translated into clear priorities, well-managed programmes and effective day-to-day operations. The postholder will line manage the operational team, oversee the finances and the fundraising activities, and maintain strong governance and compliance within Charity Commission requirements, at all times representing the Trust’s One Medicine purpose with professionalism and integrity.

Dimensions

· Line management responsibility for the operational team

· Budget responsibility: manage agreed operational budgets and monitor expenditure against plan

· Oversee delivery of the annual business plan and operational work programme

· Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, supporters, partners and suppliers

· Oversee the fundraising activities

Main Responsibilities and Role

· Provide visible operational leadership for Humanimal Trust, championing One Medicine and role-modelling the Trust’s values

· Translate Board-approved strategy into clear operational priorities, delivery plans and measurable outcomes

· Line-manage the operational team: allocate work, set objectives, provide coaching, and manage performance and wellbeing

· Maintain and improve operational policies, procedures and controls in line with charity regulation, GDPR/data protection and recognised good practice

· Ensure effective delivery of core operational functions (administration, supporter care, governance support, data management and supplier coordination)

· Protect the Trust’s reputation by maintaining high standards of quality, confidentiality, safeguarding and risk management

· Monitor progress against the operational plan, tracking risks, issues and dependencies and reporting regularly to the Chair/Trustees

· Lead on team resourcing and capability: recruitment planning (where applicable), induction, training and continuous improvement

· Work closely with the Chair and Trustees to support good governance, prepare papers, and ensure actions and decisions are implemented

· Attend and present at Board meetings

Finance

· Manage day-to-day financial processes for the Trust, ensuring appropriate approvals, controls and timely processing

· Oversee expense claims and supplier payments in line with policy; ensure accurate records are maintained for audit and reporting

· Track and report on income/expenditure and operational costs, highlighting variances and supporting budget planning with Trustees and finance support (where in place)

· Maintain a clear audit trail for key financial decisions, contracts and delegated approvals

Planning and Organising

· Develop and implement operational plans that translate Trustee priorities into clear workstreams, milestones and accountabilities

· Plan, organise and prioritise team workload and resources to deliver objectives, balancing immediate operational needs with longer-term planning

· Maintain and review the organisational risk register, escalating issues and ensuring proportionate mitigations are in place

· Maintain and review the Trust’s policies and guidance documents

· Monitor and report delivery, performance and compliance (e.g., quarterly/annually as agreed), supporting effective governance and continuous improvement

Decision Making

· Make operational decisions to deliver the Trust’s agreed plans within delegated authority, escalating strategic or high-risk matters to the Chair/Trustees

· Lead and line-manage the operational team, including recruitment planning (where applicable), workload allocation and resource deployment

· Liaise with external partners, supporters, volunteers, suppliers and professional advisers to support delivery and maintain effective relationships

· Liaise with the Chair of Trustees and the Trustees on a regular basis.

· Evaluate and improve processes, systems and ways of working to enhance quality, efficiency, supporter experience and internal control

· Identify learning and development needs for the team and support continuous improvement and professional development

· Manage operational capacity and prioritisation, ensuring resources are aligned to the Trust’s delivery commitments

· Approve expenditure, contracts and commitments within delegated authority and in line with policy

Internal and External Relationships

Internal

· Chair of Trustees and Board of Trustees (including sub-committees), providing timely updates, papers and delivery reporting

· Operational team and volunteers, providing leadership, coordination and support

External

Supporters, donors, partner organisations, volunteers, suppliers and professional advisers (e.g., finance, HR, legal), acting as an operational point of contact as required

Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Style Required

Essential

· Educated to degree level (or equivalent experience), with strong digital/IT capability (MS Office and CRM/databases) and a clear understanding of GDPR/data protection.

· Proven experience in an operational leadership/management role, delivering organisational plans, improving processes and achieving measurable outcomes.

· Excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively with Trustees, colleagues, volunteers and external stakeholders.

· Strong people management skills, supporting staff through change, setting clear expectations and creating an inclusive, high-performing team culture.

· Demonstrable experience working in or with a charity/not-for-profit, with a good understanding of governance, compliance and supporter-facing operations (experience in human health, animal health or science an advantage).

· Strong judgement and analytical skills, able to manage competing priorities, budgets and risks and to deliver reliably in a small-organisation environment.

Desirable

· Understanding of the UK charity regulatory environment and good governance practice.

· Experience working with Boards/Trustees, including preparing papers, reporting on delivery and supporting effective decision-making.

· Knowledge and experience of fundraising operations and supporter care.

· Demonstrable understanding of, and commitment to, One Medicine.

Job Context and Special Features

This role is a key senior management position within Humanimal Trust, with responsibility for ensuring that strategy is translated into effective delivery, that the operational team is supported to perform at its best, and that the Trust operates with strong governance, compliance and financial control.

This is a one-year fixed term appointment for a 28-hour (3.5 day) working week, starting at the earliest opportunity.  The role is home-based in the UK, with occasional travel to other locations in the country.