Training associate jobs

Job Title: Test and Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer - Web Applications

About You:
You would be working within the Cadet Digital Services framework, ensuring the UK’s Cadet Forces MIS and associated web apps are maintained to an exceptional standard. We are looking for a dedicated and detail-oriented Test and Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer to join our Agile Delivery team. If you are passionate about ensuring the highest quality implementation and delivery of web applications and have a proven track record in both manual and automated testing, we’d love to hear from you!

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct comprehensive manual testing of web applications to ensure functionality, usability, and performance.
• Develop, implement, and maintain automated test scripts using tools such as Playwright, Cypress or Selenium Web Driver.
• Collaborate closely with the development and project teams throughout the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), ensuring Agile and SCRUM methodologies are followed.
• Utilise test management and bug tracking tools such as Azure DevOps or JIRA to document test cases, track defects, and manage testing processes.
• Work closely with developers to ensure the seamless integration and architecture of web applications using technologies like HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Analyse test results, identify problems, and work with developers to seek solutions to ensure optimal performance and user experience.
• Leverage knowledge of Oracle Application Express (APEX) in testing and troubleshooting web applications.
• Work in an Agile environment with a key role in all ceremonies.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Proven experience in manual testing of web applications.
• Strong practical knowledge of MS365 applications.
• Strong background in creating and running automated testing scripts (experience with Cypress or similar is highly preferred).
• Solid understanding of SDLC, Agile, and SCRUM methodologies.
• Experience with test management and bug tracking tools (e.g., Azure DevOps or JIRA).
• Knowledge of core web technologies such as HTML5, CSS, JavaScript, and web application architecture.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Familiarity with Oracle Application Express (APEX) is a plus.

What we can offer you

In addition to your salary, we offer all staff:

· Flexible working arrangements (you agree a working pattern with your line manager).

· Personal Accident Insurance, including loss of earnings cover and death benefit.

· 15 days of sick pay in any 12-month period (after 12 months employment - pro-rata for part time staff).

· A contributory pension scheme (you contribute at least 5% and we will contribute 10%).

· Good leave allowances (which are offered pro-rata for part time staff):

o 20 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays.

o Additional privilege leave, on set days each year, such as between Christmas and New Year.

o An additional five days of volunteering leave.

· Support for qualifications and personal development.

· Employee Assistance Programme.

· Season ticket loan.

· Railcard (if you are eligible)

· A caring and supportive team environment.

How to apply

Please send a covering letter that details how you meet the requirements of the job description along with a CV by 2359 hrs on Sunday 21st June 2026 by 2359.

Interviews will be held ishortly after.

While AI tools can be beneficial, we value the personal touch and authenticity in job applications. We encourage you to highlight your unique experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, ensuring all information is accurate. Please use AI tools responsibly and with integrity throughout the application and selection process.

Please note that as a charity dedicated to improving the lives of young people, we require staff to make a declaration about any relevant convictions, undergo both a Disclosure and Barring Service check and a Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) check (one of the requirements being that applicants must have been resident in the UK for 3 years). In addition, we will follow up references.

The National Criminal Justice Arts Alliance (NCJAA) is embedded in Clinks. It has a distinct network, identity and website as well as an advisory group, an independent chair and distinct funding for specific work.

The NCJAA aims to ensure that the arts are used within the criminal justice system as a springboard for positive change. The NCJAA represents a network of over 500 individuals and organisations that deliver creative interventions to support people in prison, on probation and in the community, with impressive results. We support this transformative work by providing a network and a voice to promote access to arts and culture for people in the criminal justice system, as a springboard to positive change.

Clinks supports, promotes and represents the voluntary sector working with people in the criminal justice system and their families. Our vision is of a vibrant, independent and resilient voluntary sector that enables people to transform their lives.

Job purpose

To develop and grow the NCJAA network and develop and maintain effective working relationships with partners and stakeholders.

Job summary

The coordinator is responsible for overseeing all work and development of the NCJAA and sits within Clinks’ National Influencing & Networks directorate . The coordinator will work with a range of different stakeholders, including the NCJAA Advisory Group and the wider membership, to improve policy and practice in relation to arts-based work with people in prison, on probation and in the community. This includes maintaining and strengthening the NCJAA as the leading national network for arts organisations and individuals that work in the criminal justice system.

Reports to: Clinks Director of National Influencing & Networks

1. Duties and key responsibilities

Strategy and planning

· Work closely with Clinks colleagues and the NCJAA network to develop and deliver the NCJAA annual work plan which include a range of activities that will raise the profile and promote the work of the arts sector in the CJS, including events, publications, training, mentoring, research and networking opportunities

· Work closely with Clinks colleagues, the NCJAA advisory group, chair and wider network to help inform and shape the future direction of the NCJAA and its strategic goals, paying particular attention to its role, sustainability and emerging opportunities

· Coordinate the quarterly arts forum in collaboration with the Reducing Reoffending Third Sector Advisory Group (RR3) arts seat holder and government representatives

NCJAA project management & delivery

· Provide leadership for the NCJAA in the arts and CJS sectors

· Deliver the projects set out in the NCJAA’s annual workplan

· Coordinate the functioning of the advisory group of the NCJAA, including its quarterly meetings, minutes and election

· Manage work as required by NCJAA’s role as an Arts Council England Sector Support Organisation, including how we effectively capture and measure the NCJAA’s impact as the leading national arts and criminal justice network

· Provide regular and relevant reporting information as necessary to ensure all NCJAA projects and activity are working to the agreed timetable, budget and are achieving agreed outputs and outcomes, reporting any exceptions promptly to the Director of Support and Development

· Work collaboratively with various Clinks’ staff teams to deliver the NCJAA work plan and support the delivery of Clinks’ wider work plan

Stakeholder and external relations

· Work closely with HM Prison and Probation Service and other government departments and agencies to promote communication and partnership between Government and the arts in the criminal justice sector e.g. working with and supported by Clinks’ policy team, participate in meetings of the Reducing Re-offending Arts Forum convened jointly by Clinks and HM Prison and Probation Service

· Work within Clinks’ National Influencing & Networks directorate to ensure the experience and knowledge of arts and cultural organisations working in criminal justice is reflected in Clinks representation and influencing work with national government

· Assist colleagues working in the arts sector to interpret the emerging criminal justice environment and develop sustainable opportunities

· Maintain a wider view of criminal justice and arts policies and guide and support arts organisations to interpret these in a relevant and appropriate manner

· Identify and promote research and evidence in the field of arts and criminal justice

Income generation

· Work with Clinks colleagues responsible for income to identify funding sources, submit funding applications and monitoring reports when required, both for specific NCJAA projects and for the future funding of the work as a whole to ensure the sustainability and future development of the NCJAA

Budget

· Work with Clinks colleagues responsible for finance to maintain financial oversight of the overall NCJAA budget and all relevant project budgets to support the NCJAA work to progress effectively

2. General responsibilities 

· Represent and be an ambassador for NCJAA and Clinks

· Work to support the mission, ethos and values of Clinks

· Be flexible and carry out other associated duties as may arise, develop or be assigned in line with the broad remit of the position

· Support and promote diversity and equality of opportunity in the workplace

· Work collaboratively with others in all aspects of our work

This job description does not form part of your contract of employment and can be amended from time to time as the needs of the organisation require.

Person specification

Experience

· Experience of the arts and social inclusion sector is essential

· Experience of the criminal justice voluntary sector is desirable

· Experience in forming working relationships with opinion formers and key stakeholders to influence policy and practice.

· Experience in leading and monitoring complex projects and measuring impact with national strategic significance, preferably in the arts.

· Experienced in multiple funder and stakeholder management

· Proven track record of developing and delivering successful projects, including the development of project plans and budgets; implementation; evaluation; reporting and monitoring

· Working to deadlines singularly and as a part of a team responsibility

Skills and abilities

· Excellent interpersonal and strong spoken and written communication skills which engage audiences, encouraging understanding and participation

· Ability to liaise with a wide range of stakeholders with different perspectives, including voluntary sector agencies, arts organisations, government, private sector, service users and media

· The ability to lead, inspire and co-ordinate a complex network of organisations working  and supporting arts in criminal justice settings

· Influencing, negotiation and communication skills at a national level

· Facilitate and chair meetings at all levels of the organisations engagement – nationally, regionally, locally

· Highly organised with an ability to maintain effective record keeping systems

· Adopt a problem solving, solution-focused approach and make decisions effectively and timely

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

· Strategic thinking, planning and project management skills

· IT skills at a level that supports report writing, email, internet and databases

· Adaptability and flexibility in being able to take on new roles and manage a range of different internal and external relationships.

· Budget management and reporting skills

Knowledge

· Knowledge and understanding of the criminal justice system policy and operating environment in order to promote and support the arts within it.

· Understanding the value of different art forms in criminal justice settings

· Knowledge and experience of national policy, practice and membership organisations relating to arts and/or criminal justice sector

Education and training

· No one specific qualification is required, but evidence of recent continuing professional development in a professional area with demonstrable relevance to the role

Personal attributes and other requirements

· Able to travel extensively nationally

· Able to work some evenings and weekends and stay overnight where necessary.

· Works well in a team with a flexible approach to work

· Personal resilience and the ability to stay focused in a rapidly changing environment

· Demonstrable passion for and commitment to the transformative role of the arts in criminal justice settings

· Demonstrable commitment to anti-racism, anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities. An ability to apply awareness of diversity issues to all areas of work

· Commitment to the values and ethos of supporting people in the criminal justice system

· Commitment to upholding the rights of people facing disadvantage and discrimination in the CJS

Are you looking for a dynamic and rewarding role working for an organisation with the feminist agenda at the core of its ethos? Then Advance Charity could be the career choice for you!

We are looking for a Specialist Prison & Probation Advocate

Salary: £27,000 - £29,000 (pro rata)

Location: HMP Bronzefield

Hours: 21 hours per week

Contract: Fixed Term – until 31st March 2027

This post is open to female applicants only as being female is deemed to be a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010.

Please note: Any offer of employment will be made subject to references, confirmation of the right to work in the UK, and satisfactory enhanced DBS check. This role is also subject to Police Vetting.

About us

Advance is an award-winning and innovative women-only organisation, established in 1998, providing emotional and practical support to women and girls survivors of domestic abuse and supporting women with short-term sentences to reduce offending. We believe in empowering women and girls to lead safe, non-violent, equal lives so that they can flourish and contribute to the community.

We are a community-based organisation who lead in best practice approaches to supporting women in their local community. We achieve this by being available to meet and support women in local settings and at our women’s centres, and by working in close partnership with other agencies.

Our values are to listen and support, to empower and respect, collaboration, innovation, and accountability.

About the role:

The Advance Prison Advocate will support sentenced women facing imminent release from custody, providing pre-release support; focused on Accommodation, Finance, debt & benefits, Family & significant others and Social inclusion.

The Prison Advocate will develop a referral pathway with the Offender Management team within the prison, for women to access the service and will work in partnership with the existing service providers operating within the prison. You will co-design a person-centred support and action plan with women accessing support, enabling you to support them to address their needs and any risks in relation to the interventions identified above including providing ‘through the gate support’. The role will combine a casework- based approach, along with a signposting and advice service for the women in custody.

You will have demonstrable experience and understanding of working with women in a challenging multi-agency environment, ideally working with prisoners and/or their families.

You will build strong relationships with the Pre Release teams to ensure clients are able to maintain or access suitable accommodation, finance, benefits and debt, family and social inclusion support including negotiating terms on behalf of the women. Ensure that interventions are responsive to and meet the needs of women from diverse and minoritised backgrounds. This, together with referrals to wider partner organisations in the community, will ensure additional support needs are addressed post-release and continuity of support exists

A car may be desirable for this role, though not essential

About You:

To be successful as the Advance Prison Advocate you will need the below experience and skills:

Knowledge and experience of the criminal justice system obtained through academic study, experience of working in the criminal justice system (or closely associated social system).

The ability and experience as a caseworker delivering gender specific and trauma responsive interventions which support resettlement and rehabilitation of female adults in the criminal justice system whether in the community or in prisons.

You will possess excellent organisational skills, excellent communication skills and be able to work in a prison environment whilst remaining calm.

Knowledge and understanding of the requirements of managing a caseload including maintaining and updating records, remaining focused on action plan goals, and keeping to deadlines

You will have the ability to complete trauma informed, support and action plans in collaboration with the woman; to support in addressing their multiple and individual needs and enable them to engage with services, which will result in timely and prescribed outcomes being achieved.

How to apply:

Please apply with a copy of your CV and a cover letter through our website.

Closing Date for Applications: 21st June 2026

Interviews will take place on a rolling basis

*Advance reserves the right to close the advert early, or on the appointment of a candidate.

What we can offer you - Employee Benefits:

•  35-hour working week
• An exceptional 30 days of paid holiday per year (pro rata for part time), PLUS public holidays on top (that's nearly 40 days paid holiday per year!)
• Additional days off to celebrate International Women’s Day, and for religious observance and moving home
• Perkbox - an employee discount platform where you can receive free rewards as well as take advantage of savings on clothes, groceries, travel, leisure and more
• Pension scheme
• Enhanced maternity/adoption provision
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee eye-care scheme
• Clinical supervision for front line staff and first line management roles
• Refer a Friend Scheme - £250 for each referral who passes probation
• Organisation wide away days
• One-week paid carers’ s leave
• Career development pathways

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Under the Equality Act 2010, we are required to make any reasonable adjustments. If you have a disability as defined under this act and/or have special needs, please email the Talent Acquisition Team via the Advance website and will aim to make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs.

Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunities

We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and actively seek to recruit people from groups underrepresented in our current team. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay and benefits.

Safeguarding

Advance is committed to safeguarding and creating a culture of zero-tolerance of harm and expects all staff, including volunteers to share this commitment. We believe all individuals have the right to live their life free from violence and abuse and the right to feel and be safe. We have a suite of safeguarding policies, procedures and practice guidance, accessible to all staff, which promotes safeguarding and safer working practices across all our services and activities. When we recruit staff, we follow rigorous safer recruitment practices, this involves carrying out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, and identity checks. We ensure all staff undertake mandatory safeguarding training relevant to their role and responsibilities, to empower them to be competent and feel confident in recognising and responding appropriately to safeguarding issues and promote wellbeing.

The Woodland Trust is looking for an Assistant Site Manager for our Scotland Region. The role will assist the Site Manager with the management of mainly urban woodlands in West Lothian, Central Scotland. This will involve leading on the management our growing Volunteering teams, assisting with monitoring contracts, liaising with maintenance contractors, engaging with neighbours and the public, running events and carrying out surveys associated with delivery of site management plans and work programme.

A company vehicle will be provided for this role. Please note that out Company Vehicle Policy is also under review as part of our Job Families and Contract Review project, so the eligibility criteria therein are subject to change in due course.

The Role:

• Oversee and monitor estate contract works, ensuring delivery to the highest professional standards and full compliance with FSC certification.
• Implement and maintain Health & Safety compliance on sites, including risk assessments, recording, safety surveys and overseeing resulting works.
• Support woodland and land management planning, including ecological condition assessments, compartment records, species checks and site surveys.
• Plan, deliver and financially manage site management programmes, working with agents, contractors and volunteers to agreed budgets.
• Lead tendering, procurement and contract management, ensuring value for money, accurate pricing and effective delivery.
• Support site budgeting and work programming, assisting the Site Manager with forecasting and monitoring expenditure.
• Manage volunteers and community engagement, working with the Volunteering Team to recruit, coordinate and support volunteer activity (including Woodland Working Groups).
• Act as a professional external representative, engaging with schools, community groups, neighbours, contractors and stakeholders. Additionally, supporting events, funding bids and visits
• This is a homebased role, requiring regular travel to locations within the West Lothian landscape and wider Scotland, sometimes to remote locations. You would be expected to live within reasonable travelling distance of your area of responsibility. Occasional travel to regional offices and overnight stays will be required.

The Candidate:

• You’ll have experience working in a public-facing land-based management role, within either the conservation or commercial sector, ideally in an urban environment.
• You’ll have experience working within the charity sector, collaborating across internal teams and with external partners.
• A proven ability to manage Health & Safety, including conducting site inspections and overseeing safe delivery of activities.
• Strong experience in community, school and volunteer engagement, supporting participation and inclusive involvement.
• Excellent communication skills, able to engage confidently with diverse audiences in writing and verbally, and to represent the Trust professionally and positively.
• You’ll have experience managing contracts and contractors, delivering site-based works including access and people-focused projects.
• You’ll have an ability to plan, prioritise and manage workload effectively, working with internal and external partners to deliver shared objectives.
• You’ll possess relevant technical knowledge and practical capability, including awareness of UKWAS, NPF4 and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, supported by a qualification in forestry/land management (or equivalent experience) and IT literacy.
• The successful candidate will have a full UK driving licence, and ability to meet pre-employment checks. The successful candidate will also be required to undertake a PVG Background Check, as part of our pre-employment screening.

Benefits and Wellbeing:

Joining our team means you’ll be a big part of tackling environmental and climate issues. We take good care of our staff, offering support and training opportunities. We also offer:

• Enhanced Employer Pension
• Life Assurance
• Flexible & Hybrid Working Options
• Generous Annual Leave - 25 Days Plus Bank Holidays (pro rata’d for part-time)
• Buy and Sell Holiday Scheme
• Enhanced Parental Pay
• Employee Assistance Programme

About Us:

The Woodland Trust is the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity.  We want to see a world where trees and woods thrive for people and nature. The Trust engages and inspires people to make their difference tackling the nature and climate crisis helping protect, restore and create our vital woods and trees.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:

To achieve our vision of a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature, we need to better reflect society and the communities we work in. All people, no matter their background, identity, ability, or circumstance, should benefit from trees. 

People of colour and disabled people are currently under-represented across the environment and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we particularly encourage you to apply.

Please contact us to discuss any additional support or adjustments you may need to complete your application.

Application Advice:

For fairness we keep our candidates’ personal details hidden from the hiring managers, and we do not ask for your CV at application.

Make sure that your Personal Statement clearly shows how your skills and knowledge link to the specifications in the job description and you share with us your passion for the role.

Acceptable Use - Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We understand that candidates may choose to use AI tools to support their job applications-for example, to help structure or edit written responses. We welcome the use of AI in this way, particularly where it helps improve accessibility, such as for neurodivergent applicants. However, we ask that any information submitted reflects your own experience, skills and understanding. During interviews, candidates are expected to respond independently without the use of AI tools. 

Apply Now:

If you're ready to make a difference and grow with us, send in your application today. We might close the job opening early if we get a lot of applications, so it's a good idea to apply soon. If we do close the advert early, and you have an application in process, we will email you prior to closing to give you time to complete.

First round interviews will take place via Microsoft Teams on 17th July 2026.

Are you a payroll professional who loves precision, thrives on responsibility, and enjoys making a real difference behind the scenes? North Hampshire Urgent Care (NHUC) is looking for a motivated and detail‑driven Payroll & Pensions Officer to join our friendly Finance Team in a part‑time role.

Working as part of a supportive job‑share, you’ll help deliver a smooth, accurate monthly payroll for around 275 employees, support GP contractor payments, and ensure compliance with NHS Pension Scheme requirements. Your work will directly support our Same Day Care, TalkPlus and Head Office teams - the people delivering vital care to our communities.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

Undertake the following tasks in relation to the monthly payroll process with the support of the Finance Team as required.

• Update employee tax code changes as advised by HMRC.
• Update the Sage 50 payroll system for changes in respect of Same Day Care employees. This includes starters, leavers, changes in pay rates, personal details etc.
• Process extra hours claims and variations as advised by the HR team
• Update salaried staff Same Day Care RotaMaster schedules for any changes, prepare import schedule and import pay data into Sage 50 payroll.
• Review, retrieve and reconcile pay data from RotaMaster (RM) and import Same Day Care pay data into Sage 50 Payroll.
• Check and reconcile payroll data and produce associated reports
• Issue payslips to North Hampshire Urgent Care staff and monthly and annual Earnings Reports to self-employed GPs
• Process Same Day Care leavers and distribute any related documentation
• Submit North Hampshire Urgent Care staff FPS and EPS to HMRC
• Process North Hampshire Urgent Care staff Net Payments to Bank
• Reconcile and pay North Hampshire Urgent Care staff PAYE
• Reconcile Government Gateway account for North Hampshire Urgent Care staff
• Maintain Same Day Care dual role records.
• Process monthly payroll journal into Sage 50 Accounts software. 
• Maintain RM to Sage payroll link
• Process payroll year end in Sage 50 Payroll / Government Gateway
• Keep up to date with payroll legislation
• Be the main point of contact, internal and external, for all payroll queries.
• Update Same Day Care Hourly Payrates in line with the annual North Hampshire Urgent Care Pay Award
• Maintain Same Day Care Hourly payrates on RotaMaster
• Communicate Same Day Care payrates to the HR team
• Process Self Employed GP payments including payments for supervision to contractual deadline

Job Share interchangeable roles

• To be able to provide cover of the  TalkPlus and Head Office during any absence of your job share partner – specifically their payroll responsibilities below in respect of the TalkPlus and Head Office payroll.
• To periodically rotate monthly payroll responsibilities with your job share partner three times per annum to enable each job share partner to understand each partner’s respective role and responsibilities, remain up to date with any developments in each partner’s responsibilities and ultimately to be interchangeable in the event of an absence of one partner.
• Update the Sage 50 payroll system for changes in respect of TalkPlus and Head Office employees. This includes starters, leavers, changes in pay rates, personal details etc.
• Process of TalkPlus and Head Office extra hours claims and variations as advised by the HR team
• Update salaried staff of TalkPlus and Head Office schedules for any changes, prepare import schedule and import pay data into Sage 50 payroll.
• Review, retrieve and reconcile pay data for of TalkPlus and Head Office employees and import of TalkPlus and Head Office pay data into Sage 50 Payroll.
• Process TalkPlus and Head Office employees leavers and distribute any related documentation
• Maintain TalkPlus and Head Office dual role records.
• Update TalkPlus and Head Office Salaries and pay in line with the annual North Hampshire Urgent Care Pay Award

Pensions

• Ensure compliance of auto-enrolment and three yearly re-assessment
• Keep up to date with NHS Pensions scheme employer and member compliance
• Re-assess all part-time staff for NHS pension purposes monthly
• Maintain NHS Pension Online (POL) - joiners, leavers and changes
• Manage and resolve NHS Pensions and Employees queries
• Pay and report monthly NHS and Nest contributions
• Pay and report monthly GP Solo pension contributions
• Produce, collect and submit annual GP Solo forms
• Process NHS Pensions SD55 Annual Returns and reconcile North Hampshire Urgent Care data to payroll / Sage 50 Payroll
• Process NHS Pension retirements with support from external consultant as required
• Investigate GP requested pay and pension queries
• Investigate NHS Pensions (PCSE) requested pension queries

Key Skills

Qualifications, Education, Training

Good standard of education (Minimum 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above) or significant equivalent previous proven experience - Essential

Member of CIPP - Desirable

Experience

3+ years working in payroll team or bureau working with monthly payroll input, deadlines, monthly reporting and compliance with HMRC / Pensions Regulator - Essential

Experience running a payroll which includes variable pay data and data import into the payroll system - Essential

Ability to operate both independently and collaboratively in the team – working physically/remotely as required by the company - Essential

Familiar with operating payroll software to generate monthly payroll - Desirable

Experience working with Sage 50 Payroll software - Desirable

Experience of NHS Pensions requirements - Desirable

Ideally experience within a charity, nonprofit or public sector environment - Desirable

Experience working in a growing company - Desirable

Knowledge, Communication, Inter-personal and Personal Skills

Proficient in using standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Office, email, databases) and role-specific systems or platforms.- Essential

Flexible in approach to the needs of the service and responsive to change- Essential

Understands and supports principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. - Essential

Self-motivated, able to work independently, organising and prioritising own workload to changing and often tight deadlines - Essential

Works effectively as part of a team, supports colleagues, and contributes to shared goals. - Essential

Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to work collaboratively, manage time effectively, and maintain professionalism. - Essential

Ability to build effective working relationships, demonstrate professionalism, and maintain confidentiality. Shows initiative, reliability, and adaptability. - Essential

About Adolescent Health Study

The Adolescent Health Study (AHS) is an ambitious new UKRI-funded initiative to establish a prospective, longitudinal population study that will generate a globally leading open science data platform and research resource. AHS aims to recruit at least 100,000 young people aged eight to 18 years from across the UK and to follow their mental and physical health and wellbeing over at least 10 years. It plans to collect data through questions and measures; to obtain bio-samples for a wide range of genomic and other high-throughput assays; and to capture linked data relevant to health and wellbeing from participants’ health, education and other administrative records. Recruitment will take place mainly through schools. There will be a strong emphasis on engaging with and involving young people, schools, parents and other relevant stakeholders in the design and delivery of the study, as well as on including young people that represent as wide as possible a range of backgrounds, experiences and characteristics. AHS will focus on enabling a wide range of research, including studies of the critical biological and social developments that occur during the transition from childhood to adulthood and the determinants of both mental and physical health and wellbeing in adolescents and young adults.

Purpose of the post

 The Procurement Lead is responsible for developing and delivering a robust procurement and commercial strategy that ensures value for money, compliance with Procurement Act 2023 regulations in line with AHS being primarily public funded and supports AHS study and operational objectives. The role will lead on sourcing, contracting, supplier management, and commercial governance, ensuring ethical, transparent, and efficient use of public funds.

Main responsibilities

Procurement Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and implement a procurement and commercial strategy aligned with organisational goals and funding requirements.
• Lead procurement planning across research programmes, operations, and corporate services.
• Act as a subject matter expert on public procurement policy and best practice.
• Drive continuous improvement in procurement processes, systems, and capability.

Tendering and Contract Management

• Oversee end-to-end procurement processes including tendering, evaluation, and contract award.
• Ensure compliance with UK public procurement regulations (e.g., Procurement Act and associated guidance).
• Draft, review, and negotiate complex contracts, including research, clinical, and grant-related agreements.
• Manage contract lifecycle including performance monitoring, renewals, and extensions.

Commercial Governance & Compliance

• Establish and maintain procurement policies, procedures, and governance frameworks.
• Ensure all procurement activities meet audit, transparency, and reporting requirements for public funding.
• Identify and mitigate commercial risks across supplier engagements.
• Support internal and external audit processes.

Supplier & Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain strategic supplier relationships, ensuring high performance and innovation.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders (research teams, finance, legal) to understand needs and deliver value-driven procurement solutions.
• Work with external stakeholders including funders, partners and strategic advisors to develop optimum outcomes
• Provide commercial advice and guidance to senior leadership and project teams.
• Promote sustainable and ethical sourcing practices.

Financial & Value Management

• Deliver value for money through effective sourcing and negotiation strategies.
• Monitor procurement spend and identify cost-saving or efficiency opportunities.
• Contribute to budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes.
• Ensure funding is used appropriately, ethically and in line with public funding requirements.

Knowledge, skills and experience

Essential

Professional qualification in procurement or supply chain e.g., CIPS Level 5 or equivalent

Degree or comparable experience in business, finance, law, or related field.

Proven track record of managing complex procurement exercises and contracts.

Experience in procurement or commercial roles within regulated procurement environments, specifically those classed as a public authority

1. Strong understanding of UK public procurement regulations and best practice.
2. Commercial acumen with strong negotiation and contract management skills.
3. Experience of drafting and reviewing heads of terms and commercial agreements.
4. Knowledge of intellectual property (IP) considerations in research contracts.
5. Strong experience in supplier and stakeholder management.
6. Excellent analytical, financial, and problem-solving abilities.
7. Strong communication and influencing skills across all levels of an organisation.
8. Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively.

Desirable

1. CIPS Level 6 or equivalent
2. Membership of a professional body (e.g., MCIPS or FCIPS).
3. Experience managing high-value and complex contracts, including collaborative or partnership agreements
4. Experience in procurement or commercial roles within charity and/or research sectors
5. Detailed understanding of intellectual property (IP) considerations in research contracts.
6. Detailed knowledge of the UK Procurement Act (or Public Contracts Regulations 2015 historically) and transitions between them.
7. Experience of drafting and reviewing heads of terms and commercial agreements.
8. Understanding of subsidy control, state aid, or funding compliance frameworks.
9. Ability to analyse procurement data and generate insights using tools such as Excel, Power BI, or similar.
10. Experience leading organisational change or transformation programmes in procurement.
11. Ability to build procurement capability across a non-procurement stakeholder base.

Dimensions

• This is a full-time role, 37.5 hours per week, offered initially as an 18-month fixed-term contract with potential route to permanency.
• Flexible working across several geographical locations in the UK.  Travel may be required to AHS locations and partner organisations.
• AHS is a national organisation, and our activities take place across the UK.

Application Process

All candidates are required to complete the application form which can be found when clicking 'Apply Now' via Charity Job.

Please refer to the ‘How to Apply’ section of the downloadable application form.

Please note that only applications submitted directly to Gravitate HR will be accepted for this position.

The closing date for applications is 11:00pm on Sunday 12th July 2026.

Interviews are currently expected to take place on Wednesday 20th and Thursday 21st August 2026.

Equal Opportunities Policy Statement

AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. It is our policy to provide employment equality to all, irrespective of:

• Gender, including gender reassignment
• Marital or civil partnership status
• Having or not having dependants
• Religion or belief
• Race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins)
• Disability
• Sexual orientation
• Age

We are opposed to all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination.  All job applicants and employees who work for us will be treated fairly and will not be unfairly discriminated against on any of the above grounds. Decisions about recruitment and selection, promotion, training or any other benefit will be made objectively and without unlawful discrimination. 

Values

It is an exciting time for the Adolescent Health Study (AHS) as we establish our senior leadership team and begin to plan the pilot studies. As the senior executive team evolves, the AHS values will be grounded in inclusivity, integrity, accountability, and collaboration.