Quality and practice development lead jobs in Merton, greater london

HMC is seeking a confident and capable Community Manager to deliver our community-based 'Wednesday Service' for migrants and refugees. Our Wednesday Service is a multi-functioning hub, offering a warm, welcoming space for appointments and activities, and has long been the heart and soul of HMC's service. 

The Community Manager role is responsible for the coordination and delivery of HMC's Wednesday Service, including the management of all volunteers involved in the delivery of the service and oversight of our popular Holistic Advocacy service, delivered by volunteers.

This is a new post which recognises the importance of our Wednesday Service and the focus and resources required to deliver it effectively, whilst also recognising and seeking to empower the vital role our volunteers play in sustaining and enriching our services.

Please review the full Job Description & Person Specification for details of the role.

Job Title: Finance Business Partner

Location: Homeworking with a requirement to occasionally work at Head Office (Vauxhall, London). The role will also be considered on a fully homeworking basis.

Salary: £47,701.95 per annum plus £3000 London Weighting (which may not be applicable depending on your home location and any agreed permanent homeworking arrangement)

Contract type: Full Time, Fixed Term (until April 2027)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

This is an opportunity to join Refuge as a Finance Business Partner on an interim fixed term contract basis during a period of significant change for the charity. 

Refuge is transforming the way it manages its finances, modernising all aspects of financial management across the organisation with the implementation of a new finance system.

We are looking for an experienced Finance Business Partner to cover this Interim Fixed Term Maternity cover contract, you will bring a deep understanding of delivering a modern finance partnering service, ideally in a charity or housing association setting.  As the Finance Business Partner in this very hands-on role, you will manage and carry out all aspects of business partnering, preparation of monthly management information and insights to meet the needs of our colleagues across the organisation.

This is an exciting time to join an organisation which provides crucial services to women and children, helping us build our capabilities and make a significant contribution. This is a fixed term contract role and will allow you to focus on delivering what we need in the short term, whilst putting in the foundations for the next stages of financial transformation.

If you are inspired by our mission and would like to bring your skills and energy to our work, we look forward to receiving your application.

Closing Date: 09:00am 26 May 2026

Interview Date: Week Commencing 8 June 2026

Role Title: Communications Officer, Europe

Contract Type: Permanent

Reporting To: Associate Director, Communications

Program/Department/Unit Name: Communications

Location: London

Team Name: Executive and Geographic Communications

Opportunity or Team description

The Open Society Foundations (OSF) is one of the world’s largest private funders of organizations advancing justice, democratic governance, and human rights. Active in more than 120 countries, OSF works to build vibrant and inclusive democracies whose institutions are accountable, transparent, and responsive to the participation of all people.

The Communications function plays a mission-critical role in advancing Open Society Foundations’ global mandate. It shapes and safeguards the public narrative of the Open Society Foundations, strengthens the visibility and impact of its work and protects institutional credibility in increasingly contested civic and political environments. The communications team leads strategic positioning across complex and rapidly evolving landscapes—proactively elevating the networks achievements while responding decisively to misinformation and coordinated attacks to open society values worldwide.  

Role Purpose

The Communications Officer, Europe serves as a senior strategic leader of external communications engagement for Open Society’s priorities across Europe, with a mandate that extends globally as needed.

Key responsibilities

Through integrated media engagement, digital strategy, social media platforms, publications, executive communications and internal communications, the department partners with  dozens of Open Society Foundations and programs to drive coherence, clarity, and influence across the global network.

Reporting to Associate Director of Communications, Europe and working in close partnership with Program and Advocacy leadership, this role will:  

• Develop and execute high-impact, regionally grounded  communications strategies aligned with institutional priorities.

• Shape compelling organizational narratives and positioning on issues central to Open Society’s mission;

• Lead proactive risk assessment and reputational strategy, anticipating communications and media risks across the region and develops and executes mitigation strategies; serves as the lead during crisis situations, ensuring values-aligned response management.

• Shape and drive strategic communications opportunities aligned with institutional priorities—leveraging both real-time news cycles and long-term advocacy opportunities to advance Open Society values, influence public discourse and shape policy relevant narratives.

• Strategically position key Open Society leadership, experts and thought-leaders across top-tier domestic, regional and international media, cultivating relationships with influential journalist and editorial boards to expand reach, credibility and thought-leadership impact.

• Author and oversee high-impact written communications, including Op-Eds, policy commentaries, thought-leadership pieces, and other press materials—ensuring clarity, narratives coherence and alignment.

• Design and lead strategic media engagements, including press briefings, editorial meetings, high level media convenings and background discussions that deepen understanding of Open Society work and priorities.

• Oversee integrated content strategy and production across digital and print platforms, ensuring strategic coherence, audience targeting and performance impact; manages and coordinates external creative and PR partners to deliver high quality outputs.

• Co-design and delivers communications trainings for program staff, leadership, and partners to strengthen message discipling, media readiness and narrative alignment across the network.

• Contribute to global communications leadership initiatives, partnering with communications colleagues across regions to drive cross-portfolio collaboration, institutional consistency and shared strategic objectives across the highly-matrixed global environment.

Key external relationships

Media partners including journalists and editors; and Public Relations firms; grantees and partners; human rights and legal experts; public intellectuals and academics

The ideal candidate

Key Considerations and Requirements

This is a fully remote position operating within a highly distributed, global team. The role requires exceptional self-direction, disciplined time management, and the ability to independently prioritize and execute against strategic objectives without day-to-day supervision.

Given the global scope of the Communications function, this role requires significant flexibility in working hours to ensure effective collaboration across multiple time zones. Regular availability during late afternoons and evenings will be necessary to align with colleagues and leadership in Africa, the United States, and the Middle East, including participation in cross-regional meetings scheduled during New York morning hours.

Qualifications

Essential:

• Educated to a degree-level (or equivalent) relevant to Communications

• Evidence of continued professional development in media strategy, crisis communications, geopolitical analysis, or digital strategy.

Experience

Essential:

• Substantial relevant communications experience driving strategic communications in complex political and international environments, including journalism OR experience as a communications professional in the not-for-profit or private sector

• Established and active network of high-level media, editorial, and digital influencers across regional and international levels

• Experience managing crisis communications and high-risk reputational environments.

• Experience leading integrated communications strategies across media, digital, and stakeholder engagement platforms.

• Proven track record advising senior leadership on reputational risk, media engagement, and public positioning

Desirable:

• In-depth media knowledge of open society issues

• Established relationships with journalists, editors, producers and creative partners

• Proven skills in the development of communications strategies in regional and/or international contexts

• Excellent skills in writing for and pitching to media

• Demonstrable social media and digital campaign and management expertise

• Ability to provide strategic guidance around communications opportunities (media interviews, public events, campaigns) for senior officials and others

Functional Competencies:

• In-depth knowledge of open society issues

• Established relationships with journalists, editors, producers and creative partners

• Proven skills in the development of communications strategies in regional and/or international contexts

• Excellent skills in writing for and pitching to media

• Demonstrable social media and digital campaign and management expertise

• Ability to provide strategic guidance around communications opportunities (media interviews, public events, campaigns) for senior officials and others

Personal Competencies:

• Demonstrates commitment to OSF’s core values of humility, commitment, collaboration, respect, inclusivity and integrity

• High level of self-motivation, initiative, and creativity

• Willingness to travel extensively for work

• Substantial knowledge of organizational and project management

• Ability to work with minimal supervision, and solve problems independently or collaboratively a needed

• Diplomatic manner and ability to adapt to a range of cultures and experiences in interacting with program management, colleagues at all levels, contacts, and the public

Languages:

An excellent knowledge of English. Knowledge of French or Spanish desirable.

What we offer

• Exceptional opportunities to learn, grow, and make an impact; from a generous annual professional development allowance for every employee to onsite training and learning conversations with visiting experts.

• Excellent benefits and perks to promote well-being and a healthy work-life balance, including:

• Generous time off and flexible work arrangements.

• Employer-paid health insurance and dental plans for individuals and families (no employee contribution required).

• Exceptional retirement savings plan (non-contributory for employees) and life insurance.

• Progressive paid parental leave, reproductive and family planning support, and much more.

• A commitment to nurturing a diverse and inclusive workplace, so you can bring your whole self to work and make a positive impact.

About the organization

Open Society Foundations aim to establish vibrant and inclusive democracies where governments are accountable to their citizens. Our operating model organizes grantmaking around specific, time-limited projects, developed alongside support for established partners, enabling us to respond swiftly to emerging needs. We are committed to promoting human dignity, equality, and rights; reimagining democratic ideals and practice; and advancing equity in governance systems.

Guided by our founder’s values and the belief in the art of the possible, we engage directly with global entities, individuals, and policymakers through grants, advocacy, impact investing, and strategic human rights litigation to drive positive change. At the heart of our mission is a deep commitment to rights, equity, and justice, inspiring every action we take.

Additional information

Open Society Foundations is committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We actively seek applications from talented individuals across all backgrounds, identities, and life experiences. Each candidate is evaluated solely on their unique qualifications without regard to race, age, sex, religion, ethnic origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, or any other legally protected characteristics.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities.

Competitive rates of pay apply.

Open Society Foundations is committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion, and to building a diverse staff that reflects the movements, issues and communities that our mission serves. Candidates from all underrepresented backgrounds, identities and communities are encouraged to apply.   

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and colleagues with disabilities.

Location: Remote (Based in England & Wales with occasional travel required)

Salary: £24,479 - £25,360 pro rata (£9,792 - £10,144 actual)

Hours of work: 14 hours per week 

Contract type: Permanent

Why work for Kids Matter?

• Generous annual leave – 25 days (plus bank holidays) per year pro rata, with time off between Christmas and New Year's additional to this allowance.
• Remote working contribution – receive £26/month pro rata towards the costs of working from home and/or using a co-working space.
• Access to coaching sessions, training opportunities and our Employee Assistance Programme (a confidential support service for staff).
• Flexible working across weekdays to suit your schedule.

About us

Kids Matter is one of the UK’s fastest growing children’s charities.

Our vision is to see every child in need raised in a strong family. Our mission is to reduce the impact of poverty on children through community-based parenting programmes.

Research shows that group-based early intervention parenting groups are the most effective way to support children in need. We train peer facilitators in local churches - the largest voluntary body in the country - to run our affordable, accessible and highly effective parenting programmes, written by Clinical Psychologists. They come alongside parents and carers, building long-lasting community in addition to encouraging confidence and learning positive parenting skills.

We value difference and diversity, and we want our workplace to be built on shared values of equality and mutual trust, with team members representing the wide range of backgrounds and experiences that exist within the UK. We therefore actively encourage applications from people of diverse backgrounds and varied experiences, particularly those who are African, Afro-Caribbean, Asian or part of other minority ethnic communities, who have lived experience of the impact of low-income/low-support circumstances, and who are living with a disability or identify as being neurodivergent.

About the role

The Accounts Assistant role involves:

• Processing day-to-day finances, ensuring all bank accounts and transactions are reconciled and coded correctly on Xero at month end.
• Ensuring all income is accurately processed and recorded on Xero and our CRM system (Beacon).
• Generating invoices as required, inputting into Xero, and chasing outstanding payments
• Overseeing and managing the expense card system (Volopa), topping up individual cards as required and processing payments
• Supporting the Finance Manager in the planning and production of accurate annual budgets.
• Supporting the Finance Manager with preparing documents required for annual audit.

About you

Are you organised with good attention to detail? Do you have booking training or experience? Are you a Christian with an active faith in Jesus? Do you have a passion for Kids Matter’s vision of seeing every child in need raised in a strong family?

Then we would love to hear from you!

How to apply

You can apply for the Accounts Assistant position by clicking ‘Apply via Website’ and completing a copy of our online application form.

The deadline for applications is Monday 25th May at 4pm. All successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified by email.

We also ask for all applicants to submit an Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form, which will be sent to you to complete following the submission of your application. This form will be used for anonymous analysis to ensure our overall recruitment procedures are fair and transparent. It will never be viewed or used as part of the selection process. It is optional to submit this form.

If you would like any application/interview support or you need any reasonable adjustments throughout the application process, or if you would like an informal phone call to ask questions or discuss the role, please contact Katie Washington (HR & Systems Manager).

Please see the job pack for more details on the role and application process.

JOB TITLE: Northern Partnership & Dog Training Manger

LOCATION:                         Northern Region (Including Scotland, Northern England and parts of the Midlands)

SALARY: £37,000 - £45,000 p/a

JOB TYPE: Permanent, Full-Time and Part-Time applications considered

Medical Detection Dogs trains dogs to save lives.

We train specialist dogs to detect the odour of human disease, providing life-saving Medical Alert Assistance Dogs to people with complex health problems across the UK and collaborating with NHS Trusts and other researchers and Universities both in the UK and internationally to advance the early diagnosis of disease.  We have an exciting new opportunity to join this small, but ambitious charity that is a world leader in its specialist, innovative field.

MAIN PURPOSE & SCOPE OF THE ROLE:

The Northern Partnership & Training Manager is responsible for the operational leadership, coordination and quality assurance of Partnership and Dog Training Instructor roles operating within the Northern region.

Partnership and Dog Training Instructor roles within the Medical Alert Assistance Dog department combine elements of dog training, client instructing, partnership placement and aftercare, depending on programme need. This role provides direct line management and oversight of Northern region staff working in these hybrid capacities.

The postholder ensures consistent, high‑quality delivery of MAAD partnerships, working collaboratively with training, welfare and senior management colleagues to support dog progression, client outcomes and compliance with ADUK and ADI standards.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

Provide operational leadership for Northern region Partnership and Dog Training Instructor roles, ensuring staff who work across training, instructing and partnership delivery are effectively supported, coordinated and developed.

You will act as the regional lead for instructor‑delivered partnership work, maintaining oversight of workloads, partnership progression, accreditation readiness and aftercare delivery, while contributing to continuous service improvement under senior management guidance.

Reports to: Interim Head of Partnership Services

ABOUT THE ROLE

You will oversee and coordinate the Northern Medical Alert Assistance Dog function, managing staff in Partnership and Dog Training Instructor roles who support MAAD partnerships from allocation through placement and ongoing aftercare.

You will provide clear leadership, supervision and quality assurance, ensuring consistent delivery standards, balanced workloads and clarity of expectations for staff whose roles span multiple functions.

You will maintain oversight of partnership pipelines, regional capacity and accreditation timelines, ensuring accurate reporting and timely escalation of risks or concerns.

This is a senior operational role requiring strong people management, excellent dog training and instructing expertise, and a calm, organised approach to managing complex client‑facing services.

Responsibilities of the Role

Hybrid Role Leadership & Management (Northern Region)

• Line manage and support Northern region‑based Partnership and Dog Training Instructor roles
• Conduct regular 1:1s, supervision and appraisals
• Chair Northern regional team meetings and provide updates to the Interim Head of Assistance Dog Programme
• Approve annual leave and expenses, ensuring appropriate regional cover
• Support senior Partnership and Dog Training Instructor staff in mentoring or supporting less experienced colleagues
• Ensure staff adhere to departmental standards, methods and policies

Partnerships, Training & Client Delivery

• Oversee the progression of puppies within the Northern region and where required, carry out relevant assessments 
• Oversee the progression of MAAD partnerships across training, placement and aftercare within the Northern region
• Ensure client learning styles, family dynamics and individual needs are identified and supported
• Support or directly deliver Partnership and Dog Training Instructor role activity where required, including: Scent and odour training, Client‑specific training, Placement training, Aftercare and refresher support
• Maintain oversight of partnerships requiring remedial training or additional intervention
• Carry out or support final accreditation assessments where appropriate
• Ensure qualified partnerships continue to meet ADUK standards

Planning, Oversight & Reporting

• Maintain oversight of Northern region partnership activity, including: Applicants, Dogs approaching match, Partnerships in training, Accredited partnerships receiving aftercare
• Escalate risks, delays or welfare concerns to the ADPM with recommended solutions
• Contribute to departmental reports and inspection readiness

Governance, Welfare & Compliance

• Ensure all Partnership and Dog Training Instructor role activity complies with ADUK and ADI regulations
• Liaise with the Health & Welfare Manager regarding health or welfare concerns
• Support rehoming outcomes for withdrawn dogs in conjunction with relevant teams
• Ensure accurate and timely record‑keeping within the Harlequin CRM system
• Occasional handling of the emergency phone, liaising with clients and volunteers to manage emergency situations

Stakeholder & Cross‑Departmental Working

• To ensure volunteers and Dog training contractors based within the Northern region are well supported by regional staff.
• Act as the primary Northern region contact for partnership‑related matters
• Work closely with Applications and Welfare teams
• Support fundraising, communications and volunteering activities when required
• Promote best practice and learning across the charity

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

Experience & Qualifications

Essential

• Minimum 2years’ experience managing or leading staff in the Assistance Dog roles within an ADUK‑affiliated organisation
• Extensive experience delivering assistance dog partnerships, including training, placement and aftercarProven experience mentoring, supporting and performance‑managing staff
• Sound knowledge of ADUK and ADI regulations
• Strong organisational and caseload‑management abilities
• Confident working independently and managing competing priorities
• Comfortable working in the presence of dogs

Desirable

• Experience working with medical alert assistance dogs
• Knowledge of medical conditions affecting adult and child clients
• Experience supporting accreditation reviews or inspection processes

Knowledge & Skills

DESIRABLE

• Strong practical dog handling, scent training and knowledge of dog behaviour and development
• Excellent coaching, assessment and quality‑assurance skills
• Calm, clear and empathetic communication style
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to exercise sound judgement in complex, client‑facing situations
• High level of IT literacy including Microsoft 365 and CRM systems

Other Requirements

• Full UK driving licence
• Willingness and ability to travel across the Northern region
• Willingness to stay away from home and have dogs reside in the home when required

DIVERITY, EQUALITY & INCLUSION

We are a welcoming, diverse and inclusive charity. Medical Detection Dogs thrives when everyone feels comfortable bringing their best self to work. We celebrate difference, whilst striving to create an environment where colleagues feel respected and valued for their unique potential. We are committed to our values on equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Values & Behaviours

Working at Medical Detection Dogs will be a richly rewarding experience.

Our Values & Behaviours encapsulate who we are, what we stand for and what it will feel like to be part of our team:

• We are respectful
• We stay positive
• We strive for excellence
• We communicate and listen
• We are ambassadors
• We are one team

And of course, we advocate for Medical Detection Dogs whenever we get the chance, and we pride ourselves on our role as ambassadors for the charity.

London Landmarks Half Marathon Event Assistant

The London Landmarks Half Marathon is looking for a reliable, organised and proactive Event Assistant to be on the frontline of participant support, helping ensure every runner has the best possible experience. It’s an exciting time to join the team as we look ahead to our 10th anniversary event in 2027.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working with people, solving problems and delivering excellent customer service. You’ll be the first point of contact for participant queries across email and phone, providing clear, friendly and timely support, and making sure every interaction is handled with care and accuracy.

Alongside this, you’ll support website updates, maintain accurate information across systems, and help keep day-to-day operations running smoothly. You’ll also contribute to community engagement and event delivery, including supporting the coordination of performers and musicians, assisting with our volunteer programme, and helping deliver a smooth and engaging race weekend.

We’re looking for someone calm under pressure, detail-focused and proactive, someone who can juggle multiple tasks, adapt quickly and keep things moving in a fast-paced environment.

This is a great opportunity for someone dependable, motivated and team-focused, who enjoys being busy and wants to play a hands-on role in delivering a high-profile event that brings people together and raises vital funds for charity.

To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter (max. 2 pages) outlining your suitability for the role and how your experience matches the job description and role profile. Please download and read the job pack for further information about the role and London Landmarks Half Marathon. Applications close at 9am on 18 May.