Senior advocacy manager jobs in Bushey, hertfordshire
Bid Writer — The Heritage Alliance
Application Deadline: 22 May 2026
Fixed Term: 0.4 FTE (14 hours per week) for 6 months
Start Date: June 2026
Salary: £33,000 FTE per annum, pro-rata (£6600 total for the contract period)
Leave: 24 days FTE per annum pro-rata, in addition the Heritage Alliance Office closes between Christmas and New Year
Line Manager: Head of Development and Membership
Place of Work: The Heritage Alliance Office, Central London, EC4M
(Flexible working arrangements can be considered)
The Opportunity
Are you an experienced bid writer looking for an intensive, focused role with a leading heritage organisation? We are seeking a skilled professional to join our "Creating Connections" project team for a targeted 6-month assignment.
This role is part of The Heritage Alliance's NLHF-funded resilience project, specifically supporting Strand C: Future-proofing our charity. You will work with a pipeline of funding opportunities already developed by our professional fundraising consultant to secure vital long-term funding for our sector support activities.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced bid writer to make a significant impact in a short time-frame, working with high-quality prospects and supporting England's heritage sector through sustainable funding solutions.
About The Role
Key Tasks:
Research & Development
- Conduct detailed research on prospective funders to tailor applications effectively
- Develop compelling case studies and evidence base to support funding applications
- Research and incorporate relevant sector data, impact statistics, and beneficiary testimonials
- Stay informed about current funding trends and opportunities in the heritage and charity sectors
- Identify additional funding opportunities that align with our strategic priorities
Strategic Bid Writing
- Develop compelling funding applications to trusts, foundations, and grant-making bodies using an established pipeline of prospects
- Write high-quality proposals for long-term support of the Heritage Funding Directory
- Create applications for new sector-wide support programmes addressing skills needs and emerging challenges identified in our sector capability-building strategy
- Adapt proposals to different funder requirements, priorities, and application formats
- Work closely with the Head of Development to ensure applications align with organisational strateg
Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration
- Work with a professional fundraising consultant to prioritise and progress pipeline opportunities
- Collaborate with the Heritage Alliance senior team to gather project information and organisational data
- Engage with relevant staff members to collect evidence, case studies, and impact data
- Coordinate with the Project Administrator and other team members to ensure consistency in messaging
- Liaise with potential funders as appropriate during the application process
Project Support & Administration
- Maintain accurate records of all funding applications and their progress
- Manage application deadlines and submission processes
- Support the development of a sustainable fundraising strategy for post-project continuation
- Contribute to project reporting and evaluation activities
- Participate in project team meetings and provide updates on fundraising progress
Key Competences:
Experience:
Essential:
- Proven track record of successful bid writing with demonstrable results in securing funding
- Experience writing applications to trusts, foundations, and statutory funders
- Strong background in the charity/not-for-profit sector with understanding of funding landscape
- Experience managing multiple applications simultaneously and meeting tight deadlines
- Knowledge of different application formats and funder requirements
Desirable:
- Experience in the heritage, cultural, or arts sectors
- Previous work with membership organisations or sector support bodies
- Experience with capacity-building or infrastructure funding applications
- Knowledge of NLHF and other major heritage funders
- Experience working with professional fundraising consultants
- Understanding of digital heritage projects and online resource development
Skills, Abilities and Knowledge:
Essential:
- Exceptional written communication skills with ability to adapt tone and style for different audiences, and present detailed information clearly and concisely
- Strong research skills and ability to quickly understand complex organisational contexts
- Excellent project management skills with ability to prioritise and meet multiple deadlines
- High attention to detail and accuracy in application preparation
- Understanding of charity finance, governance, and impact measurement
- Ability to work independently and take initiative in a fast-paced environment
- Strong interpersonal skills for stakeholder engagement and collaboration
Desirable:
- Knowledge of heritage sector challenges, funding landscape, and policy environment
- Understanding of digital transformation and accessibility requirements for online resources
- Experience with monitoring and evaluation frameworks
- Knowledge of social impact measurement and outcome reporting
- Familiarity with Data Protection legislation and compliance requirements
- Understanding of partnership working and collaborative funding approaches
Application Process
To apply, please submit a CV/resume detailing your qualifications and experiences together with a cover letter (to be pasted into the box labelled 'Anything else to mention').
All applications should be submitted through our WorkSmarter vacancy page by 22 May 2026.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted w/c 25 May to arrange interviews. We will also request that shortlisted candidates provide a portfolio of successful funding applications (anonymised as appropriate) demonstrating your track record and writing style.
The Heritage Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities.
Thank you for considering a career at The Heritage Alliance. We look forward to receiving your application!
About the Heritage Alliance
Established in 2002, The Heritage Alliance represents the independent heritage movement in England. We have a unique role, promoting and championing the sector in all its diversity:
We influence legislation and policy through our extensive links with Government, Parliament and Sector Networks
We bring the sector together in our advocacy and working groups, events and publications
We help our members grow through both member-only initiatives and broader sector support programmes with partners like the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, Media Trust and Clore Leadership.
Our membership ranges from large bodies such as the National Trust, Historic Houses, Canal & River Trust to specialist charities and community organisations, across the breadth of sector, from museums, conservation, archaeology to science and construction.
We see first-hand the power of family to shape lives, for better or worse, so we speak up for the
importance of family in national and local policymaking, amplify family voices and represent the changing needs of families in the UK today.
This is an exciting opportunity for a Support Worker to join our friendly team and help support the continued work of our LifeSkills Plus team. You will provide intensive support to adults with complex needs who are further away from employment or training by using a strength-based approach, ensuring those accessing the programme receive appropriate practical and emotional support by visiting them at home or in the community.
The LifeSkills programme supports individuals and families to build their confidence, social networks, financial and employability skills. The LifeSkills Support Worker will work closely with the linked LifeSkills programme, entitled LifeSkills Open.
Family Action is an award-winning national charity working from the heart of local communities across England and Wales.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you want to support people with mental health issues in a moment of crisis?
Are you calm, non-judgemental and able to work effectively with people experiencing distress?
If you can embody our values of Hope, Courage, Togetherness, and Responsiveness, and want to help others build resilience and manage their wellbeing, we’d love to hear from you.
Peer Support Workers
Reference: 355
Responsible to: Senior Centre Support Worker – Social Support
Working hours: 1 x Full Time 37.5 hours per week and 1 x Part Time 22.5 hours per week
Contract: 1 Year Fixed Term (Subject to Contract Extension)
Salary: £25,233 per annum
Based: St Albans, Stevenage or Hatfield
We are pleased to be able to offer an opportunity for two Peer Support Workers to join our thriving team.
About the Services
The Social Support service delivers flexible and person-centred support across our Wellbeing Centres in St Albans, Hatfield, and Stevenage. The service is designed to respond to the individual needs of clients, supporting people to improve their wellbeing, build confidence, reduce feelings of isolation, and access community services and resources.
About the Role
The role involves managing a one-to-one client caseload while contributing to the delivery of Social Support Groups. Through personalised support, the post holder will offer emotional support and empower individuals to focus on what matters most to them, working towards meaningful and achievable changes in in their lives.
The Social Support service provides tailored, personalised support based on each individual needs. This includes using a range of tools and techniques to help people improve areas of their life they may be struggling with. Grounded in the values of Hope, Courage, Togetherness and Responsiveness, the service aims to empower individuals on their journey towards improved wellbeing.
As a Peer Support Worker you will:
- Offer 1-1 support in St Albans, Hatfield and Stevenage, and within other HMN Wellbeing Centres across the County depending on client need and waiting lists
- Deliver Social Support Groups within our Wellbeing Centres
- Work with clients to identify their individual needs and support them through a personalised, person-centred approach
- Support clients in a variety of settings, including within the community, their home, and our Wellbeing Centres
- Play an integral role in embedding HMN’s values through our 1-1 and group support
- Play a key part in the development and delivery of our groups
- Ensure the consistent delivery of a high quality, responsive service that promotes wellbeing and positive outcomes for clients
The successful candidate will have significant proven knowledge of models and services to meet the needs of adults with mental health needs and of delivering mental health services within a health and social care setting as well as an understanding of the relationship between mental health and social issues and how these issues may impact on physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
We offer:
- Annual leave entitlement of 25 days per year pro rata, rising in increments to a max. of 28 days after 5 years employment (plus 8 days Bank Holidays)
- An additional day of leave each year for your birthday following completion of probation period.
- Ongoing training relevant to your role.
- An Employee Assistance Programme.
- Health cover (after 6 months employment) – compensation payment for Optical, Dental, Chiropody and Therapy Treatments.
Being able to drive and having access to your own vehicle (or equivalent) is essential for this role.
Closing date for receipt of applications is 4th June 2026.
Interviews will be held at our Watford Wellbeing Centre on 11th June 2026.
Please note: Due to high numbers of expected applicants, we may close this advert early.
N.B. Please quote reference number 355 when completing your application for this role.
Interested?
If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.
We welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social origin, colour, religion, belief, or sexual orientation. In addition, during the various stages of recruitment, specific measures can be taken to ensure equal opportunities for candidates with disabilities or special needs.
Hertfordshire Mind Network is committed to the Disability Confident and Mindful Employer charters. We actively recruit staff who have a lived experience of mental ill health. Our inclusive approach recognises the unique skills, knowledge, and perspectives that lived experience brings to our team.
No agencies please.