Volunteer quality health specialist volunteer jobs in Manchester

Could you play a key role in ensuring residents in our care homes receive safe, compassionate and high-quality care every day? We are looking for an experienced Quality Assurance Manager, with strong knowledge of CQC regulations, to support and work alongside our small, close-knit team across the Royal British Legion’s six care homes.

In this role, you will help our care homes deliver our Quality Assurance Framework and internal audit schedule in a way that supports learning, consistency and continual improvement.You will spend time undertaking planned and ad hoc audits, helping teams understand what is working well and where improvements are needed. You will also review the quality of internal audit activity and improvement plans, making sure any concerns are raised clearly and promptly with the Head of Quality and Care Standards.

A key part of the role will be helping our homes stay safe for everyone who lives, works in or visits them. You will provide quality assurance oversight of health and safety compliance, making sure audits, reporting and escalation processes support safe environments for residents, staff, visitors and contractors. Your audit reports will help show where positive change is happening and give senior leaders confidence that our internal standards and regulatory requirements are being met.

This is a great opportunity to use your quality assurance experience to make a real difference. You will work closely with home teams, Quality & Performance Managers, Registered Managers and senior care leaders, building relationships and helping to create a culture where learning, improvement and accountability are part of everyday practice.

We are looking for someone who brings strong experience in quality assurance, audit and improvement within a regulated care environment. You will be organised and analytical, but also approachable and supportive, with the ability to turn audit findings into practical actions that help teams deliver safe, high-quality care.

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.

*This role is homebased with regular travel.

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(s). Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

This role delivers one to one case work including ongoing support to resolve both immediate and crisis situations, in the main relating to welfare benefits, referring to appropriate support agencies and other ICCM services promoting a multiagency approach. The aim of the service is to empower people through access to appropriate support services and improve quality of life, health and wellbeing.

This is a fixed term role to cover for Maternity Leave (9 Months)

· Delivering client focused, culturally appropriate support services for the benefit of members of the Irish community in Manchester on an appointment office basis, drop in service, and on outreach for those with mobility issues facilitating access to mainstream health, housing, education and employment services.

• To provide support to members of the Irish community who are vulnerable through age, poor physical or mental health, homelessness, risk of homelessness, drug/alcohol use, offending, hate crime, social and cultural isolation etc.
• To complete an initial assessment of Service Users’ needs, presenting issues and risks, making onward referrals to statutory and other voluntary support agencies as appropriate for people to access specialist support
• An understanding of how to deal with people who have experienced trauma.
• Inputting all client based work onto the CMS; maintaining accurate and up to date case files and reporting.
• To facilitate the successful running of ICCM’s health and well being activities as required.
• To promote the wider work of ICCM, facilitating pathways to support where needed.
• To be aware of and maintain best practice in safeguarding.
• To commit to continuous professional development and keep up to date with best practise in the sector.
• To attend relevant training, conferences and seminars locally, regionally and nationally as directed by line manager.
• To participate and engage in supervision and appraisal provided by the manager
• To work as an accountable member of the staff team, working within the charity’s policies and procedures
• It is the nature of the work at ICCM that tasks and responsibilities are in many circumstances unpredictable and varied. All staff are therefore expected to work in a flexible way, when the occasion arises, when tasks not specifically covered in their job have to be undertaken.
• To ensure you fully embrace ICCM’s values in all your work.

Hours: You will be required to work the hours as are necessary for the proper discharge of the duties with the notional requirement being 35 hours per working week. Work will normally be undertaken in office hours, Monday to Friday, but weekend and evening working will be required

Remuneration: Up to £42,440 GBP gross per annual (dependent on experience)

Duration: 12 months, with the possibility of extension subject to funding

Location: Manchester, UK (hybrid working available), with an expectation of up to 80% international travel/deployment as required by UK-Med. (Open to candidates based in the UK or internationally, with a preference for UK-based candidates due to operational considerations.)

We are seeking a Medical Doctor with expertise and experience in international humanitarian responses, conflict and/or disasters to provide expert technical leadership across UK-Med’s growing portfolio of emergency health programmes.

UK-Med is a frontline humanitarian medical NGO, delivering life-saving healthcare in emergencies and strengthening health systems in some of the world’s most challenging environments. As a key partner of the UK Emergency Medical Team (UK EMT), we work closely with the UK Government, WHO, Ministries of Health and international partners to respond rapidly when crises strike.

This is a unique opportunity for a highly experienced humanitarian clinician who is passionate about emergency response and willing to deploy internationally in support of UK-Med’s operations. Our teams have responded to some of the world's most complex humanitarian crises, including conflicts, disease outbreaks, natural disasters and public health emergencies. Current and recent programmes have included conflict responses in Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan, as well as support to Ebola preparedness and response activities in DRC, and disaster responses in countries including Venezuela.

The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping humanitarian health programmes, providing technical expertise, supporting programme design and strategy, contributing to funding proposals and deploying overseas to provide leadership to multidisciplinary health teams when required.

You will bring significant experience in emergency and humanitarian health, strong technical credibility and the ability to work effectively with health authorities, WHO and international partners in complex and fast-moving environments. Join us and be part of a passionate, purpose-driven organisation making a real difference where healthcare is needed most.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, a supportive and collaborative working environment, and the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to humanitarian health outcomes worldwide. UK-Med is a dynamic and ambitious organisation with a dedicated team of staff, volunteers and Register members committed to delivering high-quality healthcare where it is needed most.

How to apply

We strongly recommend that you read the Candidate Information Pack - Health Advisor - roving - July 2026 before applying for this role.

To apply, please submit a current CV and a supporting letter (no more than 2 pages) that includes a detailed explanation of your suitability for this post with specific reference to the essential criteria in the person specification.

Applications must be submitted through our online jobs portal no later than Monday 10th of August 2026

Please note that this is a rolling recruitment process. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and hiring manager will review applications as they are received, decisions may be made at any time if a suitable candidate is identified.

UK-Med is committed to safeguarding of our personnel and beneficiaries and has a zero-tolerance approach to sexual exploitation and abuse. We conduct thorough vetting before any appointment is confirmed.

UK-Med is committed to the principles of diversity, equality, and inclusion. We strive to provide an inclusive and supportive environment where employees feel respected and supported to be able to fulfil their potential.

Company Description

Marie Curie is the UK’s leading end-of-life charity. We are the largest non-NHS provider of end-of-life care in the UK, the only provider across all 4 nations, delivering community nursing and hospice care across the country, while providing information and support on all aspects of dying, death, and bereavement. Our leading research pushes the boundaries of what we know about good end-of-life, and our campaigns fight for a world where everyone gets to have the best possible quality of life while living with an illness, they’re likely to die from.

Job Description

Join us at a pivotal moment as we deliver a major clinical systems transformation programme, leading the transition from to SystmOne and helping create a single Electronic Patient Record platform that will support better, more connected care across Marie Curie services.

You'll be a part of a collaborative and forward-thinking team responsible for ensuring Marie Curie's critical business and clinical systems deliver real value to colleagues, patients and services across the organisation. Working closely with operational, clinical, digital and technology teams, you'll play a key role in improving processes, enabling better decision-making and supporting the delivery of high-quality care through effective use of technology.

As Business Product Lead, you'll shape the future of one of our most important systems, ensuring it continues to meet the evolving needs of the organisation. You'll act as the bridge between users, business functions and technology teams, driving improvements, championing innovation and helping colleagues get the most from the systems they rely on every day. Your work will directly support service delivery, operational efficiency and positive outcomes for patients and families.

Your Impact:

• Lead the development, optimisation and continuous improvement of key business and clinical systems, including SystmOne.
• Act as the subject matter expert, providing guidance on system capabilities, enhancements and best practice.
• Work closely with stakeholders across the organisation to understand business needs and translate them into effective system solutions.
• Lead system upgrades, releases, testing and change initiatives to ensure successful implementation.
• Monitor system performance, service delivery and agreed KPIs, taking action to address issues and risks.
• Develop and deliver user training, guidance and support materials to maximise adoption and effective use of systems.
• Drive improvements in data quality, governance and reporting capabilities.
• Manage relationships with external suppliers and system partners to ensure high-quality service and support.
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes and introduce more efficient ways of working.

Key Requirements:

• Experience working with and developing business-critical IT systems, particularly SystmOne.
• Demonstrable experience leading system improvements, enhancements or implementation projects.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build effective relationships at all levels.
• Excellent communication skills, with the confidence to explain complex concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proven ability to influence change and drive adoption of new processes or ways of working.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify practical solutions to complex challenges.
• Experience delivering training, support and guidance to end users.
• A collaborative approach and commitment to continuous improvement, customer service and delivering positive outcomes while meeting deadlines.

Please see the full job description.

Additional Information

Application & Interview Process

• As part of your online application, you will be asked for a CV and supplementary details. Please review both the advert and job description and outline your most relevant skills, experience and knowledge for the role.
• Close date for applications: 14 August 2026. We encourage early applications as we may close the job advert sooner after receiving a sufficient number of applications.

Salary: Up to £42,230 per annum

Contract:Fixed-term 12 months, full-time (35h per week)

Location: Home-based (UK) with occasional travel

Benefits you’ll LOVE:

• Flexible working. We’re happy to discuss flexible working at the interview stage.
• 25 days annual leave (exclusive of Bank Holidays)
• Marie Curie Group Personal Pension Scheme (we will match your contribution up to 7.5%)
• Loan schemes for bikes; computers and season tickets
• Continuous professional development opportunities.
• Industry-leading training programmes
• Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programmes
• Enhanced bereavement, family friendly and sickness benefits
• Access to Blue Light Card membership
• Subsidised Eye Care
• 15% discount in-store at our Marie Curie Shops (Terms & Conditions apply)

At Marie Curie, our values are central to everything we do. They guide how we care for people, how we work together, and how we make decisions every day. We are committed to creating a workplace that is safe for everyone — staff and volunteers alike — supportive, inclusive and rewarding. We take stringent steps to ensure that anyone who joins our organisation are suitable for their roles and are committed to safeguarding all our people from harm. We actively consider our impact on the planet, embedding sustainability into everyday decisions to create a lasting, positive difference for the individuals we care for and the world we share.

We believe everyone should have the opportunity to thrive and fulfil their potential. Marie Curie is deeply committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, recognising both the social justice imperative and the strength a diverse workforce brings. We actively encourage applications from people of all cultures, perspectives and lived experiences.

We are happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. If you require any support, please contact us at .

Every application we receive is personally reviewed by a member of our Talent Acquisition team, and in return, we ask that your application authentically reflects you — your experience, perspective and voice.

Context of role:

Key responsibilities:

Support Service:

1. Event Coordination and Delivery

1.1: Coordinate and deliver regular community engagement activities, including; coffee mornings and

support events.

1.2: Organise and facilitate regular wellbeing and social activities, such as; walks or group sessions.

1.3: Represent the organisation at regional events, including supporting fundraising and CYP teams

when required.

1.4: Co-lead on bookings and coordination of Ty Uchaf, our respite house.

2. Awareness, Training and Engagement

2.1: Lead on regional awareness training delivery for non-emergency services and community-based

organisations.

2.2: Deliver additional 2wish training programmes as required, including Children & Young People

(CYP) and Bereavement in workplace support training.

2.3: Lead awareness and advocacy activities with local ‘support champions’, including professionals

within non-emergency services.

3. Partnership and Network Development

3.1: Actively engage with local bereavement networks through attendance at meetings, hosting

information stands and building strong professional relationships across the region.

3.2: Develop and maintain effective links with community partners to expand reach and awareness of

services.

4. Volunteer Support

4.1: Act as a key local contact for volunteers.

4.2: Support the recruitment, training and retention of volunteers in collaboration with the wider

team.

5. Administration, Monitoring and Reporting

5.1: Maintain and take ownership of relevant systems and spreadsheets, including those used for:

52: Event planning and delivery

5.3: Marketing and communications

5.4: Contact and engagement tracking

5.5: Professional and family engagement records

5.6: Accurately record interactions with stakeholders, including; families, professionals, champions

and referral partners.

5.7: Monitor and manage posts/content on Facebook family accounts.

6. Quality Assurance and Improvement

6.1: Support quality audits and contribute to continuous improvement processes.

6.2: Collect and review feedback from events and training sessions to inform future development.

2.0 General:

1.1: To be responsible for organising own work agenda, time management and administration

1.2: To keep clear and up to date records on database of activities with families and any ensuing

action

1.3: To promote the on-going work and continued support that 2wish can offer

1.4: To work as part of a team providing support to suddenly bereaved families

1.5: To work alongside support team and maintain a seamless approach to service delivery

1.6: To maintain a high degree of confidentiality in accordance with the charity’s policies

1.7: To show respect and sensitivity for the cultural and religious beliefs of families

1.8: To undertake learning opportunities and seek them out for the team

1.9: To adhere to all company policies and procedures including Safeguarding, Confidentiality,

Health and Safety and Lone Working; and to be proactive in implementing new safe working

practices as appropriate

1.10: To attend weekend and evening community events in support of the charity as necessary

1.11: Participate as and when required in team meetings and one-to-one meetings, and

undertake, as appropriate, courses/training/other developmental activities, which is relevant to

the role

1.12: To contribute to the evaluation and monitoring processes to ensure effectiveness of

services and activities provided

1.13: Contribute on the social media platforms maintained by 2wish

It is the nature of the work that tasks and responsibilities are in many circumstances

unpredictable and varied. All employees are therefore expected to work in a flexible way and

tasks, which are not specifically covered in their job description may have to be undertaken.

This role is subject to a DBS check.

ABOUT THE JOB

This is a Home-based role, with occasional travel to London and within our operating areas of Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Slough, Milton Keynes and Luton as required.

To make a full application, please send your CV & one side of A4 covering letter letting us know why you are interested in this position and provide information on any relevant experience that may assist your application. 

For the full job description & recruitment pack, please visit our website.

PURPOSE OF ROLE

Major donors and philanthropists are currently responsible for over a quarter of Caudwell Youth’s annual income – due in part to the generosity of the networks of our founder, John Caudwell.

As Caudwell Youth enters its fourth year, we are seeking a Senior Philanthropy and Corporate Partnerships manager to help us expand beyond our strong founder-led base into a sustainable major donor and corporate supporter portfolio.

Proactive and commercially-minded, you will be confident driving and developing all stages of the major donor and corporate supporter stewardship process. Confidence in engaging in new business research, prospecting, initial meetings and pitches is a must, as you will be responsible for growing our small pipeline of supporters and warm prospects into a long-term income stream.

This is essential to Caudwell Youth’s future sustainability, with corporate partnerships and major donor income currently making up 30% of Caudwell Youth’s annual fundraising income (forecast to be around £450,000 this year).

Our ambition is to increase this revenue stream by around 50% to over £800,000 by 2030, in order to support more at-risk young people from across the UK, as set out in our recently launched strategy, Going National.

This is a role for a self-starter who is excited to drive high value growth and be a key part of Caudwell Youth’s upward trajectory, working within a small but dynamic fundraising team. It offers significant opportunity to shape and lead this area of fundraising as it grows.

You will be an experienced fundraiser with a proven track record of securing major gifts of four, five and six figure gifts, familiarity with managing corporate partnerships and evidence of growing and developing new pipelines and revenue streams.

You will own a significant portion of this income stream, with responsibility for securing new high-value relationships and growing existing supporters.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Operating at a senior level within the fundraising team, this role will take the lead across Caudwell Youth’s philanthropic and corporate giving.

Working closely with the Fundraising Director to drive income growth and strategic development, your key duties will include:

MAJOR DONORS & PHILANTHROPISTS

You will manage a mixed portfolio of existing supporters and warm prospects, while building a pipeline of new high-value opportunities. To do this, you will:

• Take personal responsibility for securing, retaining and growing high-value (four, five and six figure) gifts and philanthropic partnerships, by engaging in detailed prospect research and building contacts with high-net-worth individuals and their intermediaries to create a pipeline of new opportunities.
• Provide a high-quality supporter stewardship experience to Caudwell Youth’s existing major donors and philanthropists and warm prospects, tailoring this to their wishes to create a unique journey for each donor which seeks to deepen their engagement with the charity. This may include:
• Personalised reporting
• Bespoke communications
• Face-to-face meetings and events
• Unique ways to be consulted on and engage with our work
• Opportunities to be recognised.
• Lead on the continued growth, development and stewardship of Caudwell Youth’s Oracles fundraising board in order to maximise its annual revenue.
• Support John Caudwell’s Charity Pioneer with the stewardship of existing and potential Life Changers Circle donors, including through hosting cultivation and network events.

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS AND FUNDRAISING

• Develop our corporate support pipeline, seeking to strengthen connections with existing corporate donors. This will include developing partnerships typically in the £10,000 - £100,000+ range through CSR, fundraising and sponsorship opportunities which align with Caudwell Youth’s values.
• Work with major donors and philanthropists, colleagues across the charity, volunteers and other stakeholders and contacts to proactively identify new corporate fundraising opportunities for Caudwell Youth.
• Work on Charity of the Year applications, pitches and proposals in conjunction with the Senior Leadership Team and representatives from volunteering and operations as required.
• Act as an account manager and first point of contact for corporate supporters of Caudwell Youth, coming up with tailored programmes of supporter engagement to maximise their fundraising, increase connection with our cause and engage them in strategic multi-year support partnerships.
• Supported by our Supporter Engagement Coordinator, encourage our corporate donors, major donors and philanthropists to meaningfully engage with our challenge fundraising programme.
• Review our existing Torchrunners model as a means of engaging corporate supporters as a group.

ACROSS THE FUNDRAISING TEAM

• Promote other ways to support Caudwell Youth, including gifts in wills, payroll giving, help in kind, challenge fundraising, charity-wide appeals and campaigns, events and digital content to your network of major donors, philanthropists and corporate supporters as appropriate.
• Work in partnership with the Grants and Impact Lead to develop applications and reporting for family philanthropic trusts where required.
• Work effectively as part of the fundraising team, together seeking ways to enhance and strengthen each others’ activities and diversify our revenue streams as required, including in relation to systems, policies, supporter engagement communications and fundraising events.
• Attend team meetings, personal work reviews and relevant meetings proactively and as a contributor.
• Deputise for your line manager as required in their absence, with support from the rest of the SLT.

ACROSS CAUDWELL YOUTH AND EXTERNALLY

• Work with Caudwell Youth’s operations and volunteering teams to create bespoke and sustainable opportunities for major donors, philanthropists and corporate supporters to engage in our work, while ensuring the needs of the at-risk young people that we support are always put first.
• Collaborate with our communications team to develop compelling copy and content which promotes our corporate fundraising offering and major donor support as required.
• Develop strong collaborative working with the wider teams to maximise income generation, and promote good communication and shared focus

ADMINISTRATION

• Use our CRM database, Beacon, to ensure all activity is properly captured, manage your pipelines, forecast income, track trends and data.
• Provide timely reports internally on performance, informing budget setting and subsequent reforecasts as required

GENERAL

• Behave and communicate in a way that is courteous and professional at all times, including representing the charity professionally to anyone you come into contact with and role modelling appropriate behaviour to colleagues.
• Express and promote equal opportunities and encourage inclusion and involvement.
• Ensure your work is aligned with the vision, mission and values of the charity.
• Ensure your work involves and reflects our young people’s views and voices where appropriate.
• Undertake and identify training as required and take a positive approach to personal development.
• Fulfil the duties and responsibilities of an employee as regards to Health and Safety at Work, including own safety and self-management.
• Undertake any other reasonable tasks deemed necessary as required.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

ON APPOINTMENT, YOU ARE EXPECTED TO HAVE:

• Significant professional knowledge and experience in your specialist area
• The ability to take on substantial responsibility quickly
• Critical and detailed understanding of the specialty.

IN YOUR ROLE YOU WILL BE EXPECTED TO:

• Solve complex problems creatively
• Make judgements requiring analysis and interpretation
• Carry out duties with significant strategic influence
• Lead and line-manage others
• Deputise for your line manager, including handling serious issues, where required.

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• In-depth understanding of major donor and philanthropy fundraising, including a demonstrable track record of managing a portfolio of high value supporters and securing and managing four, five and six-figure gifts.
• Knowledge of corporate fundraising and partnership development, including experience developing and managing corporate partnerships worth £10,000 and upwards.
• Ability to identify, qualify and cultivate high value prospects, with evidence of strong commercial awareness to spot opportunities, grow fundraising income and build new pipelines.
• Understanding of impact-led fundraising and how to communicate charitable outcomes effectively to supporters.
• Exceptional networking and relationship-building skills, with experience developing long-term fundraising plans and tailored donor engagement journeys.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for presentations, proposals, pitches, reports and stewardship materials.

ESSENTIAL PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Self-motivated, proactive and comfortable with a high degree of autonomy.
• Entrepreneurial and commercially minded, with good business sense.
• Results-driven, with the ability to translate strategic ideas into tangible action.
• Confident and persuasive when working with senior stakeholders and major donors.
• Resilient and persistent when pursuing new opportunities.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Possess a passion for making a positive impact on young people's lives.

The Southmead Project is seeking an experienced and motivated Fundraiser to support the charity’s long-term financial sustainability.

The postholder will identify, research and secure funding from trusts, foundations, charitable bodies, statutory funders and other appropriate sources. They will lead on developing high-quality, persuasive funding applications and reports that clearly communicate the impact of the Southmead Project’s work and the needs of the people it supports.

Working closely with the CEO, Head of Finance and trustees, the Fundraiser will develop and deliver an annual fundraising plan, maintain a strong funding pipeline, and support the organisation to diversify its income. The role will require excellent writing, research, relationship-building and organisational skills, alongside a strong commitment to the charity’s values and mission.

• Develop an annual fundraising plan, alongside the Head of Finance and CEO.

• Carry out ongoing prospect research to identify new sources of funding from trusts, foundations, charitable bodies, statutory funders and other appropriate sources.

• Maintain a fundraising pipeline, ensuring that opportunities, deadlines, applications and reporting requirements are monitored effectively.

• Build and maintain a database of prospective and current funders, including key contacts, deadlines, funding priorities and application requirements.

• Monitor relevant local, regional and national funding opportunities, including being a sponsored charity at community events.

• Produce funding applications for trusts, charities, foundations and statutory bodies as an ongoing part of the charity’s income generation.

• Analyse data and feedback collected through outcomes processes for report writing.

• Build and maintain positive relationships with funders, partners and relevant stakeholders, including the corporate sector as part of the charity’s income diversification strategy.

• Attend monthly meetings with the Senior Leadership Team and trustee meetings as required.

• To work within the framework, spirit and ethos of the Southmead Project’s Equal Opportunities Policy, and actively engage in promoting the policy within the charity and in all dealings with clients and other agencies.

• To follow the Southmead Project policies, procedures and professional code of conduct as outlined in the Team Handbook.

• All members of staff, paid and unpaid, are required to undergo the   enhanced level of Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Please see job description for full details.

Job Purpose

Sequence ME & Long Covid is one of the most ambitious whole-genome sequencing studies ever undertaken into ME and Long Covid, co-led by Action for ME. Building on the success of DecodeME, this proposed £20 million study will use large-scale, long-read whole-genome sequencing to analyse the entire genetic code of 9,000 people with ME and 9,000 people with Long Covid - making it the world's largest 'long-read' whole-genome sequencing study of any disease.

Current funding supports project mobilisation, partnership development, and the development of the Long Covid arm of the study, including agreeing case definitions and gathering expressions of interest from people with Long Covid. Phase 2 has recently been confirmed, backed by £4.75m from the UK government and a further £174,414 from the WE&ME Foundation, and will focus on sequencing 6,000 ME/CFS samples previously collected through DecodeME using Oxford Nanopore's long-read sequencing technology, running alongside Phase 1.

You will play a pivotal role supporting the Sequence ME & Long Covid project in several different ways. Working closely with the project's management team and other team members, you will help ensure the smooth day-to-day running of this landmark study, providing administrative support to the various people and partners involved in delivering it.

As a self-starter, you will manage a range of tasks including meeting scheduling, taking meeting minutes, preparing governance documents, event administration, and broader project support - no two days will be the same.

You will need to maintain a high level of confidentiality at all times, particularly when supporting governance meetings and handling sensitive project documentation.

As a team player, you will provide comprehensive, confidential and organised administrative support, developing a deep understanding of the project and building strong, effective working relationships with colleagues, researchers and external partners.

Remote working at home can be challenging for some and works incredibly well for others. You will need to be able to work independently, use your own initiative, and remain proactive in maintaining good levels of communication with colleagues.

Key Duties

• Help monitor inboxes and respond to routine project enquiries in a timely and sensitive manner, escalating more complex matters as appropriate
• Assist the project's management team and other team members with meeting scheduling and diary coordination
• Take accurate minutes at project, management and other project-related meetings, and follow up and track resulting actions to completion
• Prepare, format and proof-read governance documents and papers
• Maintain and update project databases including the Teams channel, ensuring documents are saved correctly, other management information/recording systems to ensure accurate and timely record-keeping. Help with the tracking of expressions of interest from potential study participants.
• Provide administrative support for project events - from planning and logistics through to on-the-day support
• Help prepare presentations, slide decks and briefing materials for internal meetings, funders, partners and participant-facing communications
• Support the drafting, formatting and coordination of project communications, such as updates for partners, funders or the wider ME and Long Covid community
• Support coordination between internal teams and external partners, including research and funding partners
• Maintain project files and documentation in line with agreed communication operating procedures with internal and external partners ensuring information is well organised, up to date and easy for the team to access
• Maintain confidentiality at all times and in line with relevant policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with GDPR and that all data consent processes have been followed in relation to data protection
• Positively promote the work of the Sequence ME & Long Covid project and Action for ME at all times
• Undertake any other reasonable activity in line with the responsibilities of the post, as requested by the CEO, Business Development & Partnerships Manager, Senior Research Manager or the project's Management Team

 

Person Specification

Essential skills and experience

• Organisational skills - Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple tasks across a fast-moving research project, with attention to detail and accuracy maintained under pressure
• Communication - Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with diverse audiences including researchers, funders and people affected by ME and Long Covid
• IT literacy - Proficient with common office software, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint), and able to quickly learn relevant project management, database or communications systems as needed
• Problem-solving - A creative and solution-focused mindset to address challenges and find innovative ways to improve processes
• Adaptability - Capable of managing changing priorities, working flexibly, and adapting to the needs of a fast-paced, ambitious research programme
• Initiative - A proactive approach, with the ability to work independently and take initiative, while also following clear instructions when given
• Teamwork - A collaborative team player with a proven ability to work effectively as part of a team, including a remote-working team spanning multiple partners and stakeholders
• Interest in the sector - A genuine interest in health research, the Third Sector, and a desire to take action to improve the lives of people with ME and Long Covid
• Experience - Demonstrable ability to be an effective administrator, ideally within a charity, research, or project environment. Experience supporting governance processes, events, or communications would be an advantage but is not essential

Desirable skills and experience

• Experience providing administrative support for scientific or research-related projects
• Experience writing and communicating with non-specialist or general audiences

The Communications Manager provides operational leadership for CLAPA's communications delivery, ensuring communications and marketing activity is effectively planned, prioritised and delivered in support of the charity's strategic objectives. 

Reporting to the Head of Communications and Marketing, the postholder is responsible for translating the communications strategy into coordinated day-to-day delivery. They will oversee the planning, scheduling and operational management of communications activity across the organisation, ensuring work is appropriately prioritised, resources are allocated effectively and projects are delivered to a consistently high standard. 

The role directly manages CLAPA's Communications Officers, embedding effective planning, briefing and workflow processes that enable the team to deliver proactive, creative and high-quality communications.

Acting as the primary operational lead for communications delivery, the postholder will ensure colleagues across CLAPA receive responsive, well-planned communications support while maintaining clear priorities and protecting the team's capacity to deliver its best work. 

If you think you have the talent, passion and experience to help us ensure we can always meet the needs of the community we serve, we want to hear from you.

Head of Communications & Public Affairs 

Salary: Up to £62k depending on experience
Location: Remote, with regular planned travel nationwide, particularly to London and the South, plus attendance at monthly and quarterly team meetings
Hours: Full Time, 35 hours per week
Contract: Permanent

We're looking for an exceptional communications leader to join Help for Heroes as our Head of Communications & Public Affairs. This is a rare opportunity to shape how one of the UK's most recognised charities engages with the media, policymakers, supporters and the wider public, ensuring the voices of veterans and their families are heard where it matters most.

Leading our integrated communications, public affairs, policy and PR activity, you'll develop influential campaigns that continue to strengthen our reputation, support fundraising and drive meaningful change for the Armed Forces community. Working closely with senior leaders across the charity, you'll act as a trusted adviser, bringing insight into the political, media and stakeholder landscape while helping to navigate the opportunities and risks that affect our mission.

This is a high-profile leadership role for someone who combines strategic thinking with outstanding delivery, thrives on building influential relationships and wants to use their expertise to create lasting impact for those who have served our country.

Please see below for more information on what just might be your future role.

About the Role

As Head of Communications & Public Affairs, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping how the charity is seen, heard and understood by the public, media, policymakers and supporters. Ensuring the experiences of veterans and their families remain at the heart of national conversations and decision-making.

• Developing and delivering an integrated communications, public affairs and policy strategy that advances the charity's mission and influence.
• Leading high-profile campaigns that raise awareness, support fundraising objectives and drive systemic change for the Armed Forces community.
• Building influential relationships with media, government, political stakeholders, partner organisations and sector leaders.
• Acting as a trusted adviser to senior leaders, providing strategic counsel on reputation, stakeholder engagement, public policy and emerging issues
• Leading the charity's press office, crisis communications activity, ambassador programme and external reputation management
• Developing, inspiring and coaching a high-performing team, fostering innovation, collaboration and measurable impact.

About You

Are you a strategic communications leader who knows how to turn insight into action and ambition into results?

Do you have a strong track record of leading integrated communications, public affairs, policy or campaigning activity that has built reputation, influenced decision-makers and delivered measurable impact?

Can you confidently navigate complex issues, build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders and provide clear, credible counsel?

Are you equally comfortable shaping long-term strategy, responding to fast-moving external events and spotting opportunities to raise the profile and influence of an organisation?

If you're passionate about telling powerful stories, understand the UK media and political landscape, and enjoy leading talented teams to achieve ambitious goals, we'd love to hear from you.

You'll bring significant senior-level experience across communications, public affairs or policy, alongside expertise in media relations, stakeholder engagement and reputation management.

Most importantly, you'll be motivated by the opportunity to use your skills, networks and leadership to improve outcomes for veterans and their families.

About the Team

You’ll join our ambitious Marketing, Communications and Public Affairs directorate, a team dedicated to amplifying the voices of veterans and their families and ensuring their experiences influence public understanding and decision-making.

We are a collaborative, creative, and purpose-driven team that works across the charity to tell powerful stories, build meaningful relationships and create lasting impact. Together, we’re passionate about helping the Armed Forces community get the support they deserve.

In return we can offer you:

• Belonging to a team who make a difference to our community and value equality, diversity and inclusion.
• 29 days’ annual leave plus 8 bank holidays, regardless of service — plus your birthday off to celebrate!
• Opportunity to buy and sell up to 5 days annual leave per year.
• Added to our free health scheme from day one, including discounts on dental, opticians, massages, and more - with the option to upgrade.
• 3 volunteer days per year to support the Help for Heroes community.
• A generous salary sacrifice pension scheme with an 8% employer contribution and a minimum 3% employee contribution, plus life insurance up to 4× salary as an active member.

Closing date: 23rd August 2026

Interview Process: Two stage process with an initial competency based interview and second round stage involving a task.

First round interviews to be held in person or via Teams 4th/7th/8th or 9th September.

Second Round in person 16th or 22nd September.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high number of strong applications.

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all backgrounds.