Policy research officer jobs in Kensington, greater london

Lead the operations, governance and compliance that enable Solving Kids' Cancer UK to deliver its mission and impact for children and families affected by neuroblastoma. Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will play a critical role in ensuring the charity operates effectively, compliantly and sustainably.

This broad and varied leadership role spans governance, risk, HR, IT, data protection and organisational operations, supporting delivery of the charity's strategy through robust systems, policies and processes. Acting as Company Secretary, you will work closely with the CEO and Board of Trustees, providing advice on governance, regulatory requirements and best practice. As a member of the Leadership Team, you will oversee key operational functions, lead cross-organisational projects and deputise for the CEO where required.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for a strategic, highly organised and values-driven leader with strong experience in charity operations, governance and compliance. You will have a track record of ensuring organisations are well run, compliant and effectively managed, with the ability to oversee multiple operational areas and support strong governance and decision-making at Board level.

You will be comfortable working across a broad remit, including governance, risk, HR, IT and data protection, and confident providing clear, practical advice to senior leaders and trustees.

Person specification

Key requirements include:

• Significant senior-level experience in operations, governance or compliance within a charity or similar environment. 
• Strong understanding of charity governance and regulation, with experience supporting boards and senior leadership. 
• Experience overseeing organisational functions such as HR, IT, data protection or risk. 
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and lead cross-organisational work effectively. 
• Strong judgement, integrity and the ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion. 

See our Recruitment Pack for the full role description and specification and for information about Solving Kids' Cancer UK. 

This is an opportunity to make a significant contribution at the heart of a small, ambitious charity where strong operations are a vital enabler of impact for children and families.

Location: Home-based, within easy reach of London, with regular travel to the London office and occasional UK-wide travel.

First-stage interview: Thursday 6 August 

Second-stage interview: Thursday 13 August

We are seeking a Digital Marketing Officer to join our Development and Communications directorate and contribute to the ICR’s digital marketing needs – in particular, to support fundraising across all digital touchpoints. The successful candidate will play a key role in producing and editing digital fundraising content for the ICR’s website and donation platform; creating content for digital ads, including writing copy, working on video briefs, and collating appropriate imagery; our email marketing by writing compelling copy, building templates and working with data.

Key Responsibilities

• Creating fundraising content for the ICR's website
• Developing effective digital supporter journeys
• Writing copy for email marketing
• Creating and optimising content for digital advertising

About You

We are looking for someone with experience in writing engaging copy for email marketing, social media and paid advertising, and have good knowledge of email marketing and digital platforms including Mailchimp, Google Search Ads, Ad Grants and Meta. 

Overview

Race Against Dementia is a global charity founded by three-time Formula 1 World Champion Sir Jackie Stewart OBE to find preventions, treatments and cures for dementia – faster. 

We fund and support pioneering early-career scientists around the world, giving them the tools, mentoring and Formula 1-inspired mindset to accelerate breakthroughs. From the UK to the USA, Australia to South Africa, our researchers are rethinking how dementia research is done – applying data science, AI and engineering to neuroscience in bold, collaborative ways. 

Purpose of the role

Race Against Dementia is seeking a proactive and relationship-driven Senior Partnerships Officer to support the delivery of our ambitious fundraising strategy. You will play a key role in managing and developing partnerships that generate income and increase global awareness of our work.

Working closely with the Strategic Partnerships Lead, you will support the stewardship and growth of corporate and strategic partnerships, with an additional focus on international fundraising and partnership development. You will help identify and cultivate new opportunities across priority markets, including the USA, Switzerland and other emerging regions.

Formula 1 remains our flagship global partner, and this role will support the activation and maximisation of this and other high-profile relationships to drive fundraising and brand visibility.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Deliver partnerships that contribute to Race Against Dementia’s fundraising targets and strategic objectives.
• Support the management of key partnership accounts, acting as a point of contact for partners and maintaining strong, positive relationships.
• Develop tailored partnership plans, ensuring alignment with partner objectives and demonstrating the impact of their support.
• Contribute to new business development by researching, identifying, and engaging prospective partners, including internationally.
• Support international fundraising activity by helping develop opportunities in priority global markets and assisting with partner engagement across different regions.
• Prepare high-quality partnership proposals and presentations, clearly communicating value, impact, and alignment with funder priorities.
• Working closely with the Research team, lead the development and delivery of a strategic partner communications programme, strengthening partner engagement through regular research updates, impact reporting, and organisational news.
• Take ownership of the Partnerships team's use of the CRM system - Salesforce, maintaining accurate records, developing tracking and reporting processes, and supporting prospect research, pipeline management, and new business development activities.
• Collaborate with internal teams to support the delivery of partnership campaigns, activations, and marketing initiatives.
• Monitor and report on partnership performance, tracking income, engagement, and impact against agreed targets.
• Stay informed on trends in corporate partnerships, CSR, and international fundraising to support innovation and growth.
• Support the activation of Race Against Dementia’s partnership with Formula 1 and associated global opportunities to maximise fundraising and awareness. 

Supporting Events

Provide support for key fundraising events, including partner engagement, stewardship and delivery support where required.

Assist with the coordination of international events and activations linked to partnership opportunities.

Other Duties

Carry out any other duties as required by the Strategic Partnerships Lead, CEO and Board of Trustees including:

• To attend, where appropriate, local, regional, national and international meetings/events.
• To maintain a good knowledge of international, national and local initiatives which are of benefit to Race Against Dementia.
• To administer your own workload, including meeting targets and deadlines in line with the Race Against Dementia appraisal system.
• To attend relevant CPD training events as required.
• To undertake responsibility, as part of the team, for all Health and Safety work related matters.
• To work within the guidelines of Race Against Dementia’s policies and procedures.

All team members are expected to uphold and actively demonstrate Race Against Dementia’s values and purpose, fostering a culture of integrity, innovation, and shared ambition to accelerate progress in the race against dementia.

This is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Your job description may be subject to change.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

Race Against Dementia aims to be an inclusive organisation where the individuality of every person is treated with respect. Race Against Dementia is committed to eliminating discrimination in any form. This means that all staff, volunteers and everyone with whom we come into contact will be treated with dignity, equality, fairness and respect and no one will receive less favourable treatment. 

Safeguarding Statement

Race Against Dementia is committed to safeguarding and protecting vulnerable adults, children and young people. All our posts are subject to a safer recruitment process, including the discourse of criminal records and vetting checks where appropriate. We have policies and procedures in place that promote safeguarding and safer working practices across the organisation.

We reserve the right to interview and appoint before the advertised closing date.

Job Title - Health Consultant

Contract - Permanent

Hours - 21 hours per week

Salary - £31,920 per annum (£53,200 FTE)

Location - Coram Campus, London – hybrid of office and home working. Occasional travel to other venues in the UK is required

About Coram

Coram is committed to improving the lives of the UK’s most vulnerable children and young people.

We support children and young people from birth to independence, creating a change that lasts a lifetime.

Coram is the UK’s oldest children’s charity founded by Thomas Coram in London helping vulnerable children and young people since 1739. Today, the Coram group helps more than one million children, young people, families and professionals every year by providing access to the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.

CoramBAAF is the UK’s leading membership organisation for professionals working across adoption, fostering and kinship care. We provide information, best practice guidance, advice, training and resources to support our members and influence policy to improve outcomes for children and young people.

Our corporate members in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland represent 94% of all local authorities as well as regional adoption agencies, health and social care trusts, independent fostering providers and voluntary adoption agencies, and cover 88% of all children and family social workers.

Our 650+ individual and associate members - comprising lawyers, health professionals, educational institutions, therapeutic and family support services, and more - reflect the multidisciplinary nature of our work.

Together, our members make up the largest network of organisations and individuals involved with children in their journey through the care system.

Health Consultant Role

This role is an essential part of CoramBAAF’s multi-disciplinary offer for CoramBAAF members, providing expertise, knowledge and experience of health practice and policy within Adoption, Kinship and Foster care. Key responsibilities include

• Providing leadership and direction in respect of CoramBAAF’s goal to promote positive health outcomes for care experienced children and young people including adopted children and children in kinship care.

• Developing policy and good practice guidance for health and social care professionals and services in a multi-disciplinary context.

• Facilitating the CoramBAAF Health Group and the Health Advisory Committee and ensure that the work of the health group continuously develops to meet the first two objectives.
• Working in partnership alongside the CoramBAAF’s existing health consultant

As a professional membership organisation CoramBAAF is responsible for delivering high quality research-based policy advice and briefing updates to its members and other relevant stakeholders, including central and local government. This role sits within the policy, research and development (PRD) team. The PRD team is led by the Managing Director of policy, research and development and consists of consultants who specialise in different forms of family placement from an interdisciplinary perspective including social work, legal, health and research. Core to the team’s role is the contribution to membership services and products, including publications, conferences, briefings, practice notes and forms. The team also convenes a number of advisory committees and special interest groups that support and feed into these primary functions.

To apply for this role, please click on the 'apply now' button below to complete the application.

Closing Date: 27th July 2026 at 11:59pm

Interview Date: TBC

Coram is an equal opportunities employer and we believe a diverse workforce enables us to improve the services to the children and families we help. We are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from all sections of the community we seek to support. This includes those from global majority ethnic backgrounds, those that identify as LGBQT+, those with disabilities, those with lived experience of care, those with neuro-diversity, and those from other groups who are underrepresented at Coram.

If applicants feel comfortable, we would encourage them to draw on lived experience as well as professional experience in their personal statement as part of their application.

We are committed to the safeguarding of children and where appropriate will require the successful applicant to undertake a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Registered Charity No. 312278.

Green Alliance is an environmental thinktank, charity and advocate committed to achieving a greener, fairer future for the UK. We believe that ambitious political leadership is essential for meaningful environmental change at the speed and scale necessary.

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual to join our operations team, someone with a strong financial background with excellent attention to detail, a flexible attitude, an ability to work effectively under their own initiative and as part of a small team, together with excellent organisation and administrative skills.

Effective financial control is central to our strategy and operating model. The finance officer plays an essential role in maintaining control over our finances and operations. You will process and monitor financial transactions, liaise with our payroll bureau regarding staff payroll and pensions and support the Head of finance. You will be experienced in using Dynamics 365 Business Central as an accounting system.

This is a part-time role for two days a week (0.4FTE), with flexibility about when the hours are worked. It's a hybrid role, working from home and from our office. You will report to our Head of finance. You will also work with all staff on financial matters including personal and credit card expenses, central and project income and expenditure, and processing of payroll by liaising with our external bureau.

We are excited to be recruiting a Communications Officer to help strengthen and expand the reach of Eczema UK’s work.

This is a new role, created as the charity grows and takes on increasingly proactive campaigns and community engagement. You will play a hands-on role in delivering our day-to-day communications — creating and scheduling content across our social media channels and website, supporting the production of our monthly e-newsletter, and monitoring and engaging with our online community.

Beyond digital communications, this role offers real variety. You will provide valuable support across our wider operations — from helping to coordinate webinars and podcasts to assisting with health information, research and policy work. No two days will be quite the same.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a small, friendly and ambitious team at the heart of a charity making a genuine difference to the lives of everyone affected by eczema.

Key responsibilities

Digital Communications and Content

· Support the planning, creation and scheduling of social media content across platforms (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube), in line with organisational messaging, brand tone of voice and editorial calendar

· Coordinate and support our eczema community champions

· Assist with the planning, drafting and formatting of our monthly supporter e-newsletter using Mailchimp

· Monitor e-newsletter mailing lists and support with performance tracking

· Monitor media coverage of eczema-related topics and maintain records of press coverage

· Act as a first point of contact for media enquiries, coordinating responses and media briefing documents using pre-approved sources

· Monitor and respond to community engagement on social media in line with Eczema UK’s community engagement guidelines, escalating comments or queries when needed

· Assist with uploading and updating content on the website, including information resources and event content

· Support logistics for webinars, podcasts and online talks, including scheduling, tech set-up and note-taking

· Provide communications and administrative support for charity campaigns, including planning and delivery

· Support and occasionally attend events to promote Eczema UK, such as the British Association of Dermatologists Annual Meeting

Team and Office Support

· Support the Head of Communications and wider team with meeting organisation, minute-taking and note circulation

· Help track performance data and KPIs across communications, research and fundraising activities

· Manage the main email inbox and coordinate responses or internal referrals

· Act as a point of contact for general office queries

General Responsibilities

· Adhere to Eczema UK’s policies and procedures

· Comply with data protection regulations, ensuring personal information remains confidential

· Take responsibility for your own personal learning and development, and support the learning and development of others

· Ensure your work is accurate, meets quality standards and is delivered to agreed deadlines

· Undertake any other reasonable tasks or projects as required

This is a pivotal role within a small, ambitious team, working closely with clinical leaders and committees to deliver high-quality education for a diverse membership including nurses, consultants, resident doctors, pharmacists, scientists and allied health professionals. 

You will play a key role in shaping and delivering BSH’s educational offer – from webinars and podcasts to in-person events and digital learning resources – as well as leading the development of our new online Knowledge Hub. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Support the BSH Education Committee and deliver its programme of educational activity 

• Plan, coordinate and deliver webinars, podcasts, events and educational resources 

• Lead the development and management of the BSH Knowledge Hub, ensuring content is high-quality, relevant and up to date 

• Track engagement and usage data, including CPD activity 

• Support delivery of education sessions at external events and contribute to BSH events 

• Work collaboratively with other societies and organisations to enhance educational content and signposting 

• Support educational outputs across BSH committees, particularly the Nurse Forum and Research Forum 

Salary: £62,415 - £64,058 (if UK based) / Competitive Birches rated salary for the
local market if based outside of the UK
Location - London, United Kingdom or the following Start Network countries of operation: DRC · Pakistan · India · Somalia · · South Sudan · Philippines · Kenya · Bangladesh
Team - Communications
Line Manager - Director of Impact and Change
Line Reports - Manage the Communications team, including line management of, Communications Manager and Digital Communications Manager.
Hours - 35 hours per week
Contract - Permanent

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Head of Communications is a senior role responsible for shaping and delivering Start Network’s communications strategy—externally and internally—to strengthen organisational influence, impact and coherence across all audiences. The role provides leadership to a global hybrid and remote working communications team, including direct line management responsibilities.

The role is responsible for ensuring an integrated, audience-led approach to communications that effectively engages key stakeholders and advances organisational priorities. The role will also oversee the delivery of key publications and act as our brand champion, ensuring that our outputs, messaging and communications are consistently on-brand, clear, compelling and aligned with our values and strategic objectives.

As part of the Impact and Change Directorate, the role will work with colleagues across Policy, Advocacy and External Affairs, Evidence and Learning, and Systems Innovation and Change in positioning Start Network as a leading agent of change, translating evidence and learning into compelling communications that influence policy, practice and funding across the humanitarian system.

The role plays a critical part in strengthening Start Network’s profile, influence and thought leadership across the global humanitarian system.

WHAT IS START NETWORK?

Our purpose is to be a catalyst for system-level change that improves the efficiency, effectiveness and ethics of humanitarian action. We do this by working as a network to develop, test & spread new ways of collaborating and resourcing locally-led crisis response and anticipation.

Our current membership is made up of nearly 145 local, national and international NGOs based all around the world. We also support 10 national and regional hubs made up of civil society organisations and NGOs as our vehicle for devolving power, resources and accountability.

OUR VALUES

WE PUT PEOPLE FIRST: Communities come first in our decision-making and programming.

WE ARE BRAVE: We have great ambition and are willing to explore new things and take risks to achieve it

WE OPERATE COLLECTIVELY: We leverage the value of working as a network, sharing risk and resources, and learning together.

WE ARE INCLUSIVE: We see the value in diverse perspectives and work to remove the barriers that prevent voices from being heard.

WE ARE OPEN: We work transparently and with integrity, building mutual trust in all levels of our work, from governance to programming.

WE ARE ETHICAL: We behave and operate based on key principles of anti-racism, non-discrimination, and anti-colonialism. This is a work in progress.

OUR OFFER TO YOU

• Being a part of a network involved in bringing change to the humanitarian sector.
• Hybrid working with options to work from home and remotely to support your work/life balance
• Employee Assistance Programme through Smart Health (depends on the country based)
• Family friendly policies, e.g., flexible working, maternity policy, parental leave and more!
• 25 days’ holiday (if UK based) plus 2 company days over the End of Year period for all staff (depends on the country based)

INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES

Our roles are open to discussion about flexible working. For part-time working and job-shares, please get in touch with us before putting in an application.

Start Network is committed to protecting people, particularly children, at-risk adults and affected populations from any harm. We are also committed to safeguarding staff from any forms of bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and abuse of power as outlined in the Dignity at Work policy. Start Network embraces diversity, promotes equality of opportunity and eliminates unlawful discrimination. We are an equal opportunities employer and treat every application on merit alone. We particularly encourage applications from disabled, BAME, LGBTQ+ and non-binary candidates. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet our essential selection criteria set out in the Person Profile.

APPLICATION

Please contact the People and Culture Team if you have any questions or need support with your application. 

We use Recruitment+ IRIS Cascade as our online recruitment platform. Recruitment+ IRIS Cascade allows you to demonstrate your skills and abilities through blind-review by our team to reduce bias.

 Closing date: 26th July 2026

Date for 1st Interview: 18th August (Subject to change)

Date for 2nd Interview: 25th August (Subject to change)

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications and we may review candidates on an ongoing basis, so please apply early where possible to avoid disappointment.

Any offer of employment will be conditional subject to relevant checks. Please refer to our privacy candidate privacy notice regarding treatment of your data. Start Network also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. The core of the scheme is that participating organisations share information about safeguarding-related misconduct (i.e., sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment) that a candidate has been found to have committed during employment, or incidents under investigation when the candidate left employment. For more information regarding this scheme, please visit their website.

The Company

Start Network is made up of more than 90 non-governmental organisations across five continents, ranging from large international organisations to local and national NGOs. Our programmes allow members to deliver humanitarian action around the world.

Our mission is to create a new era of humanitarian action that will save even more lives. We aren’t driven by media headlines or political will, we’re here for the communities affected by and at risk of crises.

We are an organisation committed to doing things differently. For some roles, we need more technical humanitarian expertise, but for other roles, we are looking for relevant transferable skills, the right attitude, and a passion to bring change.

This is an exciting opportunity for a new leader to guide the organisation through its next phase of development, building from a position of strength. The organisation is in the first year of a clear and ambitious three-year strategy, with a strong core team of staff and a healthy financial position.

The outgoing Executive Director was previously also the organisation’s Advocacy Director, and continued to deliver both functions within one role. For this reason the Board of Trustees is advertising the position in two configurations. Applicants are welcome to express an interest in either:

• Option A — Part-time Executive Director. A 0.6 FTE part-time post which is a leadership and management role only, and does not include delivering the advocacy activities of the organisation. These will be undertaken by a separate part-time Advocacy Director, who carries the advocacy responsibilities covered by the associated Advocacy Director job description.

• Option B — Full-time Executive Director. A single full-time post in which the successful candidate takes on both the part-time Executive Director role and the responsibilities of the part-time Advocacy Director role being advertised concurrently. The successful candidate must meet the person specification requirements of BOTH roles.

Finance Officer
Full-Time | London | £40,000 | Hybrid

Prospectus are delighted to be supporting a highly respected membership organisation in their search for a Finance Officer. This is a hybrid, full-time permanent position.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a friendly and collaborative team based in a prestigious Central London setting, with the opportunity to contribute to exciting projects including the refurbishment of the organisation's historic building, the development of a new website and CRM system, and a varied programme of events.

You will be proactive, detail orientated and play a key role in ensuring the smooth running of their financial operations. You will have experience managing payroll, bookkeeping and it is essential that you are an experienced user of Sage 50. You will be collaborative, a good communicator and comfortable working with stakeholders at all levels. You will bring a high level of accuracy, work efficiently and be able to prioritise effectively.

You will be an experienced Finance Officer, who is AAT or part-qualified (ACA, ACCA, CIMA), or have relevant equivalent experience. As the organisation’s Finance Officer, you will be responsible for the day-to-day financial operations of the charity, with a primary focus on bookkeeping, payroll and banking. You will also contribute to wider financial processes, such as audit support, and helping to strengthen the organisations financial policies and procedures. This is an exciting opportunity for someone to not only take responsibility for the transactional elements of finance, but to also further develop their skills.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain Sage 50 Accounts, including sales and purchase ledgers, and bank receipts/payments
• Process and verify expenses, grants, and prize claims
• Analyse and post credit card transactions
• Manage and process supplier and staff payments
• Perform bank and investment account reconciliations
• Handle accounts queries from staff, trustees, and suppliers
• Prepare monthly payroll and pension contributions
• Maintain and reconcile the fixed asset register
• Post and update prepayments and accruals
• Support the annual audit process
• Provide ad hoc support to the Finance Director

To Apply Please Submit:

• Your CV, outlining your relevant experience and skills.
• A cover letter demonstrating how your experience aligns to the role, and what you will bring

At Prospectus we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome all candidates to apply, regardless of age, sex/gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy/maternity. If you have any disability and require reasonable adjustment/s to any part of the process then please contact Shannon Sanderson at Prospectus.
 

The role of Communications and Publications Support Officer is key in helping us share knowledge, support our networks, and deliver high-quality outputs that influence practice and policy.

Responsibilities include:

• Produce and distribute the Faculty for Homeless and Inclusion Health fortnightly newsletter (via Mailchimp)

• Support the development and scheduling of social media content, helping to grow engaging content and reach

• Monitor and report on social media analytics

• Update the Pathway website with news, publications and resources, and support with website improvements

• Organise and support online meetings of the Faculty for Homeless and Inclusion Health and its subgroups

• Coordinate and support online specialist Masterclasses for people working in health and care provision for people in marginalised groups

• Support delivery of external events, including the annual Faculty for Homeless and Inclusion Health conference

• Coordinate publication of major Pathway reports, working with designers and printers

• Provide publishing and administrative support to Fellows undertaking research projects

• Deliver high-quality editing, formatting and presentation of shorter reports and documents

• Maintain the Faculty for Homeless and Inclusion Health database and mailing lists

• Maintain and support Pathway document sharing and organisation on SharePoint and OneDrive

• Ensure Pathway resources are organised and accessible to support external communications

About you – it is essential you have:

· Experience of working in a communications or administration role (including remote working)

· Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines

· Strong written and verbal communication skills

· Experience of maintaining or updating websites, including WordPress

· Experience of using social media professionally (LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.), creating content and understanding social analytics

· Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), SharePoint, MS Teams, Canva, Mailchimp and similar tools

· Experience of using digital tools to prepare and format documents, including academic reports or publications

· High attention to detail and accuracy

· Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

· Understanding of confidentiality and data protection Personal Attributes

You should also be:

• Motivated, with a flexible and proactive approach to work.

• Politically aware and able to work sensitively in a complex environment.

• Commitment to Pathway’s mission, including tackling inequality and promoting human rights.

It would be great if you also had:

• Experience of supporting events or conferences

• Experience of producing newsletters

Location: London, UK (hybrid working – from Albert House, Old Street)

Team: Resource Mobilisation

Contract: Permanent 

Salary range:  £37,590 - £39,402 per annum

Closing date: 10 July 2026 (midnight UK time)

ABOUT THE ROLE

Start Network has an exciting opportunity for a Partnerships Engagement Officer to join our growing Resource Mobilisation team. The role supports donor engagement and income growth, working with trusts, foundations and corporate funders to build strong, long term relationships through high quality stewardship, communications and engagement.

You will support the management of existing and new donor relationships, contribute to proposals and reporting, research and cultivate new funding opportunities, and work closely with colleagues across the organisation to deliver clear and compelling donor communications. The role also leads on the coordination of Start Network’s annual donor visit, taking the full range of our donors to a priority Start Network country of operation to see our work in action.

WHAT IS START NETWORK?

Our purpose is to be a catalyst for system-level change that improves the efficiency, effectiveness and ethics of humanitarian action. We do this by working as a network to develop, test & spread new ways of collaborating and resourcing locally-led crisis response and anticipation.

Our current membership is made up of nearly 100 local, national and international NGOs based all around the world. We also support 10 national and regional hubs made up of civil society organisations and NGOs as our vehicle for devolving power, resources and accountability.

OUR VALUES

WE PUT PEOPLE FIRST: Communities come first in our decision-making and programming.

WE ARE BRAVE: We have great ambition and are willing to explore new things and take risks to achieve it

WE OPERATE COLLECTIVELY: We leverage the value of working as a network, sharing risk and resources, and learning together.

WE ARE INCLUSIVE: We see the value in diverse perspectives and work to remove the barriers that prevent voices from being heard.

WE ARE OPEN: We work transparently and with integrity, building mutual trust in all levels of our work, from governance to programming.

WE ARE ETHICAL: We behave and operate based on key principles of anti-racism, non-discrimination, and anti-colonialism. This is a work in progress.

OUR OFFER TO YOU

• Being a part of a network involved in bringing change to the humanitarian sector.
• Hybrid working with options to work from home and remotely to support your work/life balance
• Employee Assistance Programme through Smart Health (depends on the country based)
• Family friendly policies, e.g., flexible working, maternity policy, parental leave and more!
• 25 days’ holiday (if UK based) plus 2 company days over the End of Year period for all staff (depends on the country based)

INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES

Our roles are open to discussion about flexible working. For part-time working and job-shares, please get in touch with us before putting in an application.

Start Network is committed to protecting people, particularly children, at-risk adults and affected populations from any harm. We are also committed to safeguarding staff from any forms of bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and abuse of power as outlined in the Dignity at Work policy. Start Network embraces diversity, promotes equality of opportunity and eliminates unlawful discrimination. We are an equal opportunities employer and treat every application on merit alone. We particularly encourage applications from disabled, BAME, LGBTQ+ and non-binary candidates. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet our essential selection criteria set out in the Person Profile.

APPLICATION

Please contact the People and Culture Team if you have any questions or need support with your application. Please email us.

We use Be Applied, our online recruitment platform which uses anonymised applications and predictive, skill-based assessments which are blind- reviewed to reduce bias.

Closing date: 1st February 2026

Date for 1st Interview: 15th /16th July  (Subject to change)

Date for 2nd Interview: 20th July (Subject to change)

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications and we may review candidates on an ongoing basis, so please apply early where possible to avoid disappointment.

Any offer of employment will be conditional subject to relevant checks. Please refer to our privacy candidate privacy notice regarding treatment of your data. Start Network also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. The core of the scheme is that participating organisations share information about safeguarding-related misconduct (i.e., sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment) that a candidate has been found to have committed during employment, or incidents under investigation when the candidate left employment. For more information regarding this scheme, please visit their website.

Purpose of the post

The Associate Director of Finance is a senior leadership role, responsible for ensuring the charity’s financial health through sound management of its day-to-day financial operations, strong internal controls, and regulatory compliance. This post exists to provide leadership to the team, oversee treasury management, payment processing, payroll, and audit functions, and continuously improve financial processes and systems to support the charity’s long-term sustainability and mission.

With overall responsibility for the Finance and Funding Team, reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the role ensures that the organisation’s financial framework is robust, supporting effective decision-making and delivering transparent, accurate financial reporting. The post-holder will also play a key role in revitalising the internal audit framework, ensuring the charity maintains high standards of accountability, and is prepared for future growth.

Main responsibilities

Financial Operations and Treasury Management:

• Oversee the day-to-day accounting operations, ensuring effective controls and timely processing of transactions.

• Manage the charity’s treasury function, including cash flow forecasting and management of HDR UK’s bank accounts.

• Oversee maintenance of the accounting system, ensuring it supports effective financial reporting and compliance.

• Review and approve weekly payment runs and monthly payroll.

• As the organisation’s Finance lead, provide advice and guidance to the Senior Leadership Team regarding HDR UK’s financial position, controls and processes, and strategic direction.

Financial Reporting and Compliance:

• Lead the preparation of the charity’s annual accounts, ensuring they meet statutory reporting requirements and deadlines.

• Manage relationships with external auditors and coordinate the audit process.

• Ensure compliance with reporting requirements to regulators and other authorities (including HMRC, Charity Commission, The Pension Regulator, ONS)

Quarterly Forecasting and Budgeting:

• Work closely with the Financial Planning & Analysis Manager on quarterly forecasting and the annual budgeting process.

• Ensure alignment between financial operations and the charity’s broader strategic goals.

• Support the production of monthly management accounts.

• Work with the Associate Director of People to carry out the annual salary review, making recommendations founded on economic analysis and impacts on budget to SLT and the Remuneration Committee.

Process Improvement and Systems Management:

• Drive continuous improvement of internal financial processes, ensuring they are fit for purpose and scalable.

• Oversee and refresh HDR UK’s internal audit framework, ensuring the charity maintains strong internal controls.

• Implement and monitor key financial controls to safeguard the charity's assets, including management of the fixed asset register and ownership of HDR UK’s insurance policies.

 

Team Leadership:

• Directly manage the Finance Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis Manager, Senior Finance Business Partner and Finance Business Partner, providing mentorship and development opportunities.

• Lead and develop HDR UK’s Finance & Funding team, fostering a high-performance culture focused on continuous improvement, collaboration, and professional growth.

Governance and risk management:

• Support the development and implementation of financial policies, risk management strategies, and internal controls to maintain robust financial governance.

• Management of the delegated authority framework to increase efficiency in the approvals process while maintaining accountability.

• Attend and actively contribute to meetings of Senior Leadership Team, Board and relevant sub-committees such as Audit & Risk.

Stakeholder management:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with operational and finance teams within HDR UK’s wider community and network of university partners, ensuring transparent and effective communication and collaboration.

Experience

Required:

• Proven experience in a senior finance leadership role within the UK charity sector with a robust understanding of the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice.

• Proven track record of managing and leading financial operations, including treasury management, audit oversight, and financial reporting.

• Experience in developing and improving internal financial controls.

• Previous experience managing and developing high-performing finance teams.

• Experience working with multiple stakeholders, including senior leadership, external auditors, and operational teams.

Desirable:

• Demonstrated experience in reviewing and approving payroll, payment runs, and managing complex financial transactions.

• Experience in developing and improving internal audit frameworks.

• Experience working on quarterly forecasting, annual budgeting processes, and the production of management accounts.

Senior Programme Officer (Temporary)
Location: Hybrid working, 2 days per week in London
Contract: 4-month temporary position
Rate: £22.74 per hour

Deliver programmes that shape the future of research careers

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced programme professional to contribute to high-impact mentoring and leadership initiatives that support researchers to thrive.
Joining a purpose-driven organisation, you will take a lead role in delivering structured programmes designed to widen participation, support career progression, and promote inclusive leadership across the research community.
If you bring strong programme delivery experience, confidence working with senior stakeholders, and a passion for supporting professional development, this role offers the chance to make a meaningful and visible impact.

About the role

You will be responsible for delivering mentoring and leadership programmes, ensuring a high-quality experience for participants and stakeholders.
This will include:

• Leading the coordination and delivery of mentoring and leadership programmes
• Organising and delivering workshops, training sessions and events, both online and in person
• Managing relationships with external consultants and facilitators
• Supporting participants through mentoring processes, including onboarding and engagement
• Using CRM systems to manage data, monitor programme uptake and produce reports
• Building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders across academic, research and professional communities
• Developing and producing programme materials, guidance and communications
• Supporting newsletters and website content updates
• Monitoring programme performance and contributing to evaluation and reporting
• Contributing to wider team priorities and organisational initiatives

About you

You will bring a strong track record of delivering programmes or initiatives within a structured, stakeholder-focused environment, alongside a genuine interest in research, higher education, or professional development.

This role is particularly suited to candidates with backgrounds in:

• Higher education, research organisations, charities, policy or not-for-profit sectors
• Programme or project delivery roles, particularly those involving training, events or career development initiatives
• Stakeholder engagement roles, working with academic, clinical or professional audiences

You are likely to succeed in this role if you:

• Have end-to-end experience delivering programmes, events or structured initiatives
• Are confident engaging with senior stakeholders, including academics, researchers or external partners
• Have experience using CRM systems (such as Salesforce) to manage data, track engagement and report on outcomes
• Are highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail
• Have produced communications, reports or guidance materials for professional audiences
• Take a proactive approach to improving processes and participant experience
• Enjoy working collaboratively and are motivated by supporting the development of others

You will stand out if you:

• Have supported mentoring, leadership or EDI-focused programmes
• Have worked with external facilitators or consultants to deliver learning or development activity
• Have insight into the research or academic career landscape, including challenges faced by underrepresented groups

Why join?

This role offers the opportunity to contribute to meaningful, sector-leading work that supports researchers at critical stages of their careers.
You will be part of a collaborative and mission-led environment, where your work directly contributes to improving opportunity, representation, and progression across the research community.
Apply today!

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.