Volunteer assistant volunteer jobs in Birmingham

Community Fundraising Assistant – East

Are you ready to take on a new challenge with a leading charity making a real difference in brain tumour research?

Brain Tumour Research is an exciting, innovative, and ambitious charity. We are passionate about finding a cure for brain tumours through the establishment of dedicated Brain Tumour Research Centres of Excellence around the UK.

After a successful 2025, we’re building on our momentum and looking ahead with ambition. As our work continues to expand, so does our impact. We are now looking for passionate people to join us on the next stage of our journey!

It is a fantastic time to be joining us and we are keen to share this with likeminded and talented individuals. We currently have an opening for a Community Fundraising Assistant - East, to join our Income Generation and Development team.

• Do you want to make a difference in one of the most innovative and exciting medical research fundraising charities in the UK?
• Are you able to provide friendly and professional support to fundraisers and supporters?   
• Do you have experience in supporting events or community activities?
• Do you live in our East Region (which includes Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, London, Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Essex)?

Have you answered Yes to these questions?

Does this sound like the opportunity to really take the next step in your career?

Excited to learn more about this position? Then please take a read through our recruitment pack below. 

If you have the skills and ambition that we are looking for we are excited to receive your application.  We are really looking forward to welcoming a new member to our team!

We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process.  Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.

We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.

Closing Date: 30th August 2026 

We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.

Digital Fundraising Assistant

£115.86 per day + £19.22 daily holiday pay (PAYE) | 4-Month Contract | Remote (UK-based)

The Talent Set is delighted to be working with a respected UK charity to recruit a Digital Fundraising Assistant.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a busy fundraising team, supporting the delivery of engaging digital fundraising campaigns and providing an excellent experience for supporters. You'll play a key role in helping to deliver digital fundraising activity, managing supporter communications and ensuring campaigns run smoothly from start to finish.

The Role

As the Digital Fundraising Assistant, you will:

• Support the planning, delivery and administration of digital fundraising campaigns and virtual fundraising activities.

• Help manage supporter communications across email, social media and other digital channels.

• Create and schedule engaging digital content to promote fundraising campaigns and encourage participation.

• Provide excellent supporter care, responding to fundraising enquiries and ensuring supporters feel valued throughout their journey.

• Assist with digital marketing activity, monitoring campaign performance and identifying opportunities to improve engagement.

• Maintain and update supporter records within the CRM, ensuring accurate data management.

• Coordinate fundraising resources, supporter packs and recognition materials where required.

• Support relationships with internal teams, volunteers and external partners to ensure campaigns are delivered successfully.

• Assist with financial administration, including processing invoices and tracking expenditure.

• Keep up to date with digital fundraising trends and contribute new ideas to enhance future campaigns.

About You

To be successful in this role, you'll have:

• Experience supporting fundraising, marketing or digital campaigns, ideally within the charity sector.

• An understanding of digital fundraising and supporter engagement.

• Excellent written communication and copywriting skills.

• Experience managing social media content across a range of platforms.

• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

• Excellent attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem solving.

• Experience using CRM systems and maintaining accurate supporter data.

• A collaborative approach and a passion for delivering excellent supporter experiences.

What's on Offer

• £115.86 per day plus £19.22 daily holiday pay (PAYE).

• 4-month contract.

• Fully remote working (UK-based).

• The opportunity to join a collaborative and supportive fundraising team.

• The chance to contribute to meaningful work within a respected UK charity.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your CV by clicking the "Apply Now" button.

The Process

If your experience aligns with what we're looking for, a member of our team will be in contact to discuss the role with you in more detail before presenting your profile to the client. We will also ensure that all applicants receive an email to inform them of the outcome of their application.

To avoid any potential delays or your application being missed, please apply solely via the "Apply Now" button.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

The Talent Set are committed to diverse and inclusive recruitment practices, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability, or age. We actively encourage applications from a wide range of backgrounds and are always happy to make reasonable adjustments to ensure a fair recruitment process.

Are you a data protection and compliance professional looking for a new opportunity? Would you like to work in a fantastic team in a leading UK charity?

We have an opportunity for an Assistant Data Protection Officer to join our team here at RBL on a permanent basis.

Supporting the Data Protection Officer and based in our Technology Operations and Security team, this role will see you working to ensuring RBLs compliance with all GDPR/data protection requirements. You will work across the RBL Group to promote awareness of data protection policies and procedures and will take action to ensure compliance with legislation, manage requests, triage and respond to breaches, manage reporting and communication internally and more.

This is an exciting time to join RBL as we deliver our new 10-year strategy. Our Technology Operations and Security team plays a key role in helping the organisation prioritise, deliver and embed technology and systems that improve how we can best support the Armed Forces community.

Come and be part of the leading Armed Forces charity, making a difference to the lives of those who have served to keep us safe and protect our way of life.

Reporting to our Data Protection Officer, your key responsibilities will include:

- Accurately logging details of new requests for support received into the Data Protection inbox
- Receiving, acknowledging, and responding professionally to individual rights requests, working with stakeholders and database managers across the RBL group
- Providing professional risk-based and timely advice and relevant information to internal stakeholders and external parties in relation to all aspects of data protection
- Working with stakeholders to prepare formal lawful basis assessments, including legitimate interest and consent assessments, ensuring our lawful bases for processing personal data is suitable and appropriately documented
- Working with the wider legal team and the procurement team to support contracting arrangements across the RBL group, ensuring all data processing, retention and sharing is compliant with data protection legislation
- Supporting the preparation and delivery of bespoke training and drop-in sessions to colleagues across the Legion group, either in collaboration with the Learning & Development team or as requested by the DPO

You will be experienced in providing advice and guidance to colleagues on data protection matters and working in a compliance environment within a large and complex organisation, ideally in the not for profit sector. You will have solid knowledge and understanding of GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 and the Privacy and Electronic Communications regulations 2003 and their application. You will have effective communication skills and be a confident communicator, able to confidently engage with a range of audiences.

You will be contracted to your home address, and you will perform most of your work remotely there, with occasional travel (incl. for monthly team meetings).

Should you wish to explore a London Head Office hybrid working contract, to include £4,452 London Supplement to salary, we are happy to discuss this at interview stage.

Employee benefits include –

- 28 day’s paid holiday (plus bank holidays) increasing with service, with optional annual leave purchase scheme of up to 5 working days
- Enhanced paid maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- Generous pension scheme with employer contributions ranging from 6% to 14%, depending on length of service
- Range of flexible working options may be available, depending on your role
- Employee Assistance Programme providing confidential counselling, financial and legal advice
- Range of courses delivered by learning specialists to support your development goals and objectives
- Opportunities to volunteer
- Travel loans, Cycle to Work, and more!

For more detailed information about the role, please see the Job Description attached to our direct advert. Our teams take a personalised approach to shortlisting, which is carried out without the use of AI and is based on the evidence provided in your application against the essential and desirable criteria in the Person Specification.

RBL is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive organisation, reflecting the diversity of the armed forces community and of wider society. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and personal characteristics.

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer interview schemes for candidates who declare an Armed Forces connection and/or a disability. However, candidates are only eligible for this scheme if their application clearly demonstrates that they meet all of the essential criteria listed in the Person Specification for the role.

We may close this vacancy early if we believe we have enough strong applications to be able to successfully fill the role. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Location: Field-based delivery across the Midlands, particularly Coventry, Sutton Coldfield and Birmingham

Reports to: National Programme Manager

Fees: A daily rate of £160-£200 per day depending on experience

Expected Start Date: Jan-Feb 2027

Contract: Freelance contractor

Application deadline: Friday 14th August 2026 at 9AM

Interview information: Interviews will be held on a rolling basis. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications, so early applications are encouraged.

About The Girls’ Network:

The Girls' Network is a national charity with a mission to inspire and empower girls from the least advantaged communities by connecting them with a network of professional women role models and volunteer mentors. We believe no girl should have her future limited by her gender, ethnicity, background, or parental income. Our vision is a future where all girls are supported to realise their ambitions, discover their self-worth, and shape their own futures.

We partner with secondary schools and colleges across multiple regions in England, including London, Merseyside, Portsmouth, Southampton, Sussex, Tees Valley, Tyne & Wear and Midlands. We match girls aged 14–19 with trained volunteer mentors for one-to-one support. In addition to this core mentoring, workshops, and access to an Ambassador Community that provides continued opportunities for development, career support, and connection.

Role Summary:

The Associate Facilitator plays a key role in delivering high-quality, engaging programmes across The Girls’ Network regions. This role focuses on facilitating impactful workshops and mentoring programmes for girls aged 14-19, supporting them to develop confidence, personal and social skills, and aspirations for their futures.

We are looking for an experienced and confident facilitator who can create inclusive, engaging learning environments and adapt delivery to meet the needs of diverse groups. The role requires someone who is comfortable working with volunteers and building positive, professional relationships with schools and other stakeholders.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is highly organised, reliable and passionate about working with and for young people. Delivery will take place across England, so a willingness to travel is essential (travel expenses will be reimbursed).

We are particularly interested in facilitators based in the Midlands.

Key Duties/Responsibilities:

• Deliver engaging in-person workshops and onboarding sessions to young people aged 14-19 in secondary schools and colleges, empowering them to develop personal and social skills. Prepare thoroughly by reviewing and adapting session plans to meet the diverse needs of different groups.

• Facilitate end-to-end mentor matching with young people (both in-person and virtually) and be present to support positive mentoring relationships.

• Build and maintain positive, working relationships with schools, colleges, volunteers and other stakeholders. This includes retaining key relationships and supporting volunteers to ensure they feel confident and clear on their role.

• Accurately collect and maintain records of programme participation, attendance, and outcomes. This includes logging pre-and post-programme data into Salesforce and gathering qualitative feedback from young people.

• Uphold safeguarding and GDPR policies and procedures at all times, promptly escalating any concerns or disclosures to the National Programmes Manager and/or Designated Safeguarding Officer(s).

• Facilitate the overall success of workshop delivery, volunteering, and mentoring cohorts in your region.

• Coordinate and deliver events and communications to meet regional and national KPIs, ensuring smooth operations.

• Utilise effective, high-quality workshop and training materials to deliver impactful programme activities.

• Engage in regular supervision with the National Programme Manager and attend additional training sessions and briefings as required.

• Manage travel arrangements in line with the Expenses policy, ensuring timely submissions of expenses.

Note: This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities and duties required.

Person Specification:

Essential

• Applicants must hold a full, clean driving licence and have the ability and willingness to travel regularly across the region.

• Experience of delivering high quality workshops and/or training sessions to groups of young people, aged 14-19.

• Proven ability to build and independently manage multiple relationships with key stakeholders, including young people, volunteers, education providers and local partner organisations.

• Excellent organisational, prioritisation and time-management skills, with a proven ability to meet deadlines in a target-driven environment.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.

• Project or programme coordination experience, with the ability to manage conflicting priorities effectively.

• Experience of working towards agreed objectives or performance measures and contributing to performance monitoring.

• Practical knowledge and experience of safeguarding and child protection working practices.

• Competence in using digital tools, such as Salesforce or other CRM platforms, with attention to detail and the ability to maintain high-quality records for monitoring and evaluation purposes.

• Understanding of equal opportunities and inclusion in youth work and how they apply in youth work in the charity and/or education sector.

• Understanding of the barriers experienced by girls and young women from disadvantaged backgrounds, with a commitment to helping address these through the organisation’s work.

• Commitment to The Girls’ Network mission and keeping young people at the centre of all work.

• Ability to work flexibly, including occasional evenings and weekends, where required.

Desirable

• Qualified Teacher Status or other relevant teaching qualification

• Experience working in a charity, youth, or education setting.

• Experience of working with young people from diverse backgrounds.

• Experience of safer recruitment in volunteering.

• A mentoring, coaching qualification, or equivalent experience.

• Specific knowledge of mentoring programmes and/or youth/education services.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. If you believe you have relevant experience and the potential to thrive in this role, we encourage you to apply, even if you do not meet every single criterion listed.

We welcome applications from outreach youth workers and/or teachers/teaching assistants or equivalent roles.

Typical delivery pattern

Programme delivery is scheduled around the needs of partner schools and colleges. As a guide, most programmes consist of a series of three workshops, delivered either:

• Once a week over 3 weeks; or

• Once a fortnight within a school half term.

Delivery schedules may vary depending on the needs of each education setting.

Work will be offered on an ad hoc basis according to programme demand and contractor availability. We cannot guarantee a minimum number of programme delivery assignments.

How to apply

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. As part of your application, you will be asked to submit your CV and answer a few application questions.

Appointees will be subject to a DBS check. You must have the right to work in the UK to apply for this role.

The deadline to submit your application is 29 July at midday. Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We therefore encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.

Training and induction

Successful contractors will receive an induction and training programme to support them in the role. This is expected to take approximately 3 days, although the duration may vary depending on your previous experience.

Training and induction time will be paid at the agreed day rate. Any reasonable travel and accommodation costs incurred while attending training or carrying out work for The Girls' Network will be reimbursed in line with our Expenses Policy.

Diversity at our core

The Girls' Network is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating discrimination. In line with the Equality Act 2010, if you require any reasonable adjustments to support you with any stage of this recruitment process, please contact the Recruitment Team.

At UHCW Charity, we believe everyone deserves the best possible care when they need it most. As the official charity for University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust - including University Hospital Coventry and the Hospital of St Cross in Rugby - we go beyond what the NHS alone can provide. With the support of our community and partners, we fund everything from state-of-the-art equipment and enhanced hospital environments to pioneering research and staff wellbeing initiatives.

We're now looking for an experienced and ambitious Fundraising Manager to help drive our fundraising to the next level. Leading our corporate, community and events fundraising, you'll build meaningful relationships with supporters, inspire new partnerships, oversee high-quality fundraising events and campaigns, and ensure every supporter has an exceptional experience. You'll also line manage our Fundraising Assistant and play a key role in shaping the future growth of the Charity.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a small, passionate team where your ideas, leadership and expertise will have a direct impact on patients, families and NHS staff across Coventry and Warwickshire. Together with our supporters, we're proud to help create the best possible experience for every patient and their loved ones, every day.

University Access Officer

We are looking for a University Access Officer based in Birmingham.

The University Access Officer works with school staff at all levels, volunteer tutors and coaches, and with the rest of the team to ensure that the delivery of our programmes is optimised.

Join an education charity that believes that every young person can make the most of education, unlocking their potential and creating a fairer society.

Position: University Access Officer

Location: Birmingham/Hybrid

Contract: 12 months Fixed Term Contract with possibility of extension

Salary: £26,227.50 pro rata (£15,736 actual)

Hours: Part-time, 3 days a week. For two days of the week the University Access Officer is based in the school; the 3rd working day will be a Friday (based at home), which is a compulsory working day for training and team meetings.

Close Date: 9am Friday 21st August 2026

Interviews: Friday 28th August 2026 online.

Start date: September 2026.

About the Role

This vacancy is for a University Access Officer to work part time in one school, currently Waverley School. The University Access Officer works with school staff at all levels, volunteer tutors and coaches, and with the rest of the team to ensure that the delivery of the programmes is optimised to ensure that young people are fully supported and have the best possible chance of achieving social mobility and enhancing their future prospects. 

Role responsibilities include:

• Work directly with students, mentoring in an impactful, professional and safe manner.
• Engage with school staff, your Programme Manager, and students in school to ensure that you have fully enrolled cohorts across all programmes.
• Coordinate the delivery of the programmes across allocated schools, acting as the sole on site representative of charity.
• Assess student progress towards being able to make successful university applications.
• Upload information onto the Salesforce database in a timely manner (training is provided).
• Work proactively with school staff to ensure their cooperation and timely completion of activities, enabling effective communication to contribute to the smooth running of the programmes.
• Present at termly school meetings with Senior Management to report on the programmes progress.
• Support the wider team by attending university site visits which take place on occasional Saturdays and weekday evenings (paid time off is provided).

About You

You will also have:

• Skills in mentoring groups of students and 1:1.
• Excellent organisation and time management skills
• Able to communicate and influence impactfully at all levels.
• Able to work towards and meet deadlines with a problem-solving mindset.
• Able to effectively time manage and actively prioritise.
• Able to work independently, in busy school environments, with an ownership mindset.
• Skilled in building and maintaining excellent relationships with young people and school staff/leaders
• Good sense of attention to detail 
• Can demonstrate an ability to take action to keep young people safe and raise concerns.

Training and Development 

You will be provided with regular training so that you can develop your skills and succeed in the role. There is support from your line manager (Programme Manager), as well as guidance from more senior University Access Officers and the wider University Access Officer tea . There are opportunities for progression, including several additional responsibility roles which are available for University Access Officers to apply for once they have completed their probationary period successfully.

About the Organisation

Join an organisations that believes that every young person should have the opportunity to fulfil their potential and make the most of their education. The team are passionate about reducing the educational barriers students face, helping them to pursue a career in their chosen field and follow their dreams. 

Benefits include:

• 25 days annual leave p.a. (pro rata) plus Bank Holidays and 5 Winter closure days 
• PerkBox
• Employee Assistance Programme, a 24-hour helpline for staff.
• Online Medical assistance
• Interest-free travelcard loans and travel-allowance for expenses over £10 per day, where applicable.
• Cyclescheme loans.
• 2 paid Volunteering Days and 1 paid Wellbeing Day
• Employer’s pensions contributions (3%).
• Learning and Development opportunities.

The organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

As a proud to be a Level 1 Disability Confident employer, if you require any reasonable adjustments please contact us. Please note, if you are selected for appointment to the role, you will be subject to a DBS check.

You also have experience in roles such as Teaching Assistant, Schools Officer, Mentor, Pupil Mentor, School Mentor, Teacher Support, University Office, Access Officer, School Access Officer, University Access Officer, Education Access Officer, Higher Education Access Officer.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client, Not For Profit People. #INDNFP

Community Fundraiser – East Midlands

Are you ready to take on a new challenge with a leading charity making a real difference in brain tumour research?

Brain Tumour Research is an exciting, innovative, and ambitious charity. We are passionate about finding a cure for brain tumours through the establishment of dedicated Brain Tumour Research Centres of Excellence around the UK.

After a successful 2025, we’re building on our momentum and looking ahead with ambition. As our work continues to expand, so does our impact. We are now looking for passionate people to join us on the next stage of our journey!

It is a fantastic time to be joining us and we are keen to share this with likeminded and talented individuals. We currently have an opening for a Community Fundraiser – East Midlands, to join our Income Generation and Development team.

• Do you want to make a difference in one of the most innovative and exciting medical research fundraising charities in the UK?
• Are you able to provide friendly and professional support to fundraisers and supporters?   
• Do you have experience in supporting events or community activities?
• Do you live in our East Midlands region (Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire or Rutland)?

Have you answered Yes to these questions?

Does this sound like the opportunity to really take the next step in your career?

Excited to learn more about this position? Then please take a read through our recruitment pack attached below. 

If you have the skills and ambition that we are looking for we are excited to receive your application.  We are really looking forward to welcoming a new member to our team!

We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process.  Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.

We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.

Closing Date: 06th September 2026

We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.

Area Manager Role

Location: London (field-based with some home working)
Salary: £46,000
Contract: Full Time
Closing Date: 24 August 2026

Join FARA and Help Transform Lives Through Retail

Founded over 35 years ago, FARA Foundation is a UK registered charity and a successful charity retailer with a network of 39 vibrant shops across London. FARA raises vital funds to support vulnerable and disadvantaged children, young people and their families in Romania, providing services that help break the cycles of poverty and give young people a better start in life.

We are looking for an exceptional Area Manager to lead and develop a portfolio of 10+ charity shops, supporting Shop Managers to deliver outstanding commercial results while creating welcoming, community-focused spaces that embody FARA’s values and mission.

This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially-minded and people-focused leader who enjoys developing others, driving performance, and contributing strategically to a charity retail operation.

The Role

Reporting to the Trading Director, you will be responsible for supporting and developing a group of Shop Managers, helping them maximise sales, donations, Gift Aid income and community engagement while ensuring shops operate safely, compliantly and efficiently.

As a member of the Senior Management Team, you will contribute to the wider development of the trading business, lead operational projects, and play a key role in delivering FARA’s long-term retail strategy.

About You

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate the following competencies:

• Values-led leadership: A strong commitment to FARA’s mission, vision and values, with the ability to lead, coach and develop Shop Managers in a supportive, accountable and collaborative way.
• Commercial focus: Experience of achieving results through others, using KPIs, budgets and financial reports to improve sales, contribution, Gift Aid, stock generation and controllable costs.
• People development: Strong line management skills, with experience of recruitment, induction, performance management, succession planning and handling employee relations matters.
• Retail operational excellence: A sound understanding of shop operations, including pricing, culling, density, curation, sales space, sorting, layout and the ability to coach managers to improve the retail proposition.
• Compliance and risk management: Working knowledge of health and safety, risk assessments, fire risk assessments, regulatory requirements and the ability to maintain safe, compliant shops.
• Project and planning skills: Experience supporting target setting, five-year plans, shop improvements, refits, relocations or other operational projects.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in an Area Manager, Regional Manager or equivalent multi-site retail role (or demonstrable desire to gain wider experience).
• Strong track record of leading teams to achieve and exceed commercial and operational KPIs.
• Excellent commercial awareness with the ability to analyse financial and operational data.
• Experience in coaching, developing and motivating staff.
• Experience handling employee relations issues, including performance management, disciplinary and grievance matters.
• Knowledge of health and safety, risk management and compliance requirements.
• Strong organisational, planning and project management skills.
• Ability to build effective working relationships across a wide range of stakeholders.
• Proficient IT skills to perform a range of professional functions on excel, word and other applications.

Desirable

• Experience within charity retail or the not-for-profit sector.
• Experience recruiting and managing volunteers.
• Knowledge of retail refurbishment, relocation or property projects.
• Understanding of Gift Aid and donation-led retail operations.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.

Additional Information

• Travel across London will be required.
• Participation in an on-call rota approximately one weekend per month will be required.
• Occasional cover for colleagues during periods of annual leave/absence will be required.

How to Apply

If you are an inspiring retail leader who can combine commercial expertise with a passion for people development and social impact, we would love to hear from you.

To apply, please submit a CV and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) by email outlining how you meet the skills & experience required for the role and why the role excites you.

Join FARA and help us grow a retail operation that changes lives, strengthens communities and delivers lasting impact.

Who we are

IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) is a national charity working to ensure that children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receive the educational support they are legally entitled to. Since we were formed in 1983, we have helped to improve the education experience of thousands of children and young people across England. We do this by providing free and independent legal advice and casework support for families, undertaking policy work and delivering training on the SEND legal framework.

What you’ll do

Reports to: Chief Executive

Location: Home-based or Hybrid (with frequent travel for events and meeting with parliamentarians and other stakeholders) 

We are seeking a Policy Manager to lead IPSEA's policy and influencing work to achieve positive change for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families. Working closely with the Chief Executive, Head of Legal and Training, trustees and colleagues across the organisation, you will set strategic policy priorities and develop evidence-based influencing plans that support IPSEA's mission and long-term objectives.

Drawing on insights from our advice and tribunal services, legal expertise and the experiences of families, you will identify systemic issues within the SEND system and develop policy solutions that improve children and young people's access to the support and education to which they are entitled. You will ensure that IPSEA's policy positions are credible, legally robust and informed by the lived experiences of those we support.

You will lead IPSEA's engagement with government, Parliament and other key decision-makers, identifying opportunities to influence legislation, policy and practice at both national and local level. This includes overseeing responses to consultations, parliamentary inquiries and calls for evidence, as well as preparing briefings and strategic advice to support senior-level engagement and advocacy.

Working collaboratively with colleagues across legal, communications, fundraising and training teams, you will ensure IPSEA's policy, campaigning and public affairs activities are aligned and maximise the organisation's impact. You will also monitor developments across the political, legal and policy landscape, helping IPSEA respond proactively to emerging opportunities and challenges affecting the rights of children and young people with SEND.

This role offers the opportunity to make a real difference as part of a small, friendly, and dedicated team. If you are passionate about helping children and young people with SEND and have the skills and experience needed, we would love to hear from you.

Who are we looking for?

You will have significant experience in a senior policy and campaigning/public affairs role and have good knowledge of local and national government structure including the legislative process.

You the ability to build and maintain relationships with a range of stakeholders including MPs, civil servants, campaigners and parents. You exhibit tact and diplomacy and can be impactful with people of varying levels and experience.

Your research and critical thinking skills enable you to analyse policy and data to produce relevant reports and position papers. You have experience of drafting organisation responses to government consultations and parliamentary calls for evidence.

IPSEA should also reflect the communities we support. We would particularly like to hear from candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people, under-served communities and disabled people, as well as those with lived experience of the SEND system, either as a child or as a parent/carer.

What we can offer you

• 5% employer pension contributions
• Healthcare cash plan
• Flexible working arrangements
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays plus an additional day off for your birthday (pro-rata if part-time).

To apply

Visit our website to download a recruitment pack and application form.

Deadline for applications: 9am on 7 September 2026.

First-round interviews: on 15 September 2026 in our offices in Takeley, Essex, with second-round interviews (online) on 18 September 2026.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE.