Learning and development lead jobs in congleton, cheshire east

We have an exciting opportunity for experienced and skilled caseworkers to join the staff of a unique social enterprise. The core function of this role is to provide comprehensive casework, advice and advocacy which assists and supports clients throughout the NHS continuing healthcare assessment, appeal and care planning process. With a long history in delivering skilled casework and training in NHS continuing healthcare, we want you to be part of a strong team committed to delivering excellence and achieving success in line with our commercial and social objectives.

You will be an excellent communicator and skilled caseworker with a minimum of 2 years’ experience working within the field of NHS continuing healthcare or a similar role with a transferrable skills. A health, social care, advocacy or legal qualification is desirable but not essential. Proven experience of the ability to understand, digest and disseminate complex information, and to prepare well-reasoned reports is essential.

The successful candidate will have excellent oral and written communication skills with an ability to engage effectively with a range of stakeholders in challenging circumstances. You will be able to establish a good rapport with clients in a professional and caring manner, upholding brand values.

In return, you can look forward to working with a highly-skilled and dynamic team and having influence over the future strategic direction of the company. We also offer a competitive salary with performance-related bonus and an excellent benefits package.

This role is primarily home-based with opportunities nationally. Ability to periodially travel long distances to attend client meetings across England from time to time is essential.

MAIN DUTIES:

1. To provide an independent and comprehensive casework, advisory and advocacy service to private and NHS-referred clients (typically health and social care service users or their representatives) in England and Wales throughout the entire NHS Continuing Healthcare assessment, appeal and care planning process from initial assessment stage through to complaints to the Ombudsman.
2. To provide specialist information and advice to our clients tailored to their specific situation and needs regarding the interpretation of a primary health need from a thorough understanding of relevant criteria, assessment frameworks and legal tests which are based upon case-law. 
3. Provide advocacy and active case support remotely and in person to clients in England and Wales, and their representatives throughout the appeal and complaint processes, and occassionally assessments. This will include periodic travel to assessments and appeal meetings across England and Wales (including overnight stays where necessary), as well as attending virtual meetings via videoconference.Please note: most meetings are now completed virtually via videoconference, however a small number of in-person meetings are still taking place. Applicants will need to be comfortable working from home for long periods as well as with periodic long-distance travel.
4. To keep informed of issues, policies, guidance and legislation affecting clients ensuring that the information provided is relevant, current, complete and accurate.
5. To analytically examine all relevant health and social care records and assessments, and to prepare detailed advisory letters and appeal statements based upon a sound understanding of the facts, and referencing evidence compiled from such records.
6. To assist clients in the preparation of submissions which will be presented on their behalf to relevant Integrated Care Boards and NHS England review and/or appeal panels.
7. To respond to new referrals by making prompt initial contact with the client within the timescales specified by company policies. To keep clients informed of progress at regular intervals.
8. Work closely and efficiently with health professionals from relevant Continuing Healthcare (CHC) teams with the aim of resolving client issues at the earliest possible opportunity so as to provide an efficient and cost-effective service, and to minimise stress for the client.
9. To develop and maintain working relationships with health and social care colleagues within the field of Continuing Healthcare in order to influence best practice.
10. To work with partner organisations and stakeholders to share knowledge, make appropriate referrals, maintain consistency and draw upon each other’s expertise, always striving to improve the quality of both services and provide a better customer experience.
11. To keep relevant and sufficiently detailed case records at each stage and as the case progresses; ensuring that all client information is kept up to date in line with Beacon’s systems and procedures, including data protection (GDPR) policies.  This applies to case files, database entries, authority forms, client correspondence, use of the project management system, filing and archiving.
12. To minimise business costs and maximise income for the company by meeting chargeable time targets, working efficiently, charging clients appropriately and in a timely manner.
13. To uphold the principles of paralegal casework as specified by the Institute of Paralegals, providing a good standard of client care by working with skill and competence thereby ensuring clients are able to place their trust in you.
14. To uphold organisational values, promoting Beacon’s social goals through each area of your work.
15. To manage your own caseload and work independently within the boundaries of Beacon policies and procedures.
16. To undergo a minimum of 12 hours of professional development each year.  To foster an atmosphere of continuous learning and development.
17. Attend line management, supervision and team meetings as appropriate, and to play a full part in the development and success of Beacon.

The above is not an exhaustive list of duties and you will be expected to perform different tasks as necessitated by your developing role and the overall objectives of the companies.

This post may be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Baring Service check or equivalent.

STAFF BENEFITS: Pension Scheme, Generous Annual Leave Entitlement, Death in Service Benefit 4x salary, Flexible Working, Health & Dental Care Plan, Professional Development Plan, Employee Rewards Scheme (Perkbox) and Performance-Related Bonus.

What is NHS Continuing Healthcare?

NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) is the name given to a package of care that some people need to receive due to disability, accident or illness. People who are eligible for CHC have the full cost of their care and residential accommodation funded by the NHS. This relieves families of sometimes astronomical care bills.

The criteria for determining who is eligible for CHC are highly complex and can be very difficult for the public to understand, and for professionals to apply consistently. The assessment process is lengthy and detailed. Likewise, the appeal process can be very daunting and perplexing.

 

About our organisation

Beacon was established in May 2014 for the purpose of providing independent and high-quality support to individuals and their families in England who need help navigating the NHS Continuing Healthcare process.

Beacon is a registered social enterprise and a proud member of Social Enterprise UK. We operate with a core set of ethical social objectives and values through which all of our work is delivered.

Social enterprises are businesses. Like any other business, they seek to make a profit and succeed commercially. But how they operate, who they employ, how they use their profits and where they work transforms lives and communities across the UK. At Beacon, we donate any surpluses to supporting charitable objectives that are in line with our aims.

Through expert advocacy, advice and training, Beacon enables people to be heard and to enact real and positive change in their lives. We help people to understand their rights and the realistic options available to them, equipping some of those most vulnerable in society with the knowledge and practical support to make meaningful and transformative decisions.

Our Values

At Beacon, we employ people who want to do things differently to other organisations working in this field. Five values sum up our culture and how we treat our clients and our staff:

1. Ethical

Commitment to our clients

We operate with honesty and integrity. We are transparent about our funding set-up and our fees, which we keep as low as we sensibly can. We never ‘hard sell’ our services, we keep you informed at every step, and we always give our honest opinion of your chances of success. As a social enterprise, we donate any profits to charity.

Commitment to our team

We operate with honesty and integrity, and always work hard to get the best results for our clients and the business. We work to high standards, and trust our people to respectfully speak out if we fall short.

1. Expert

Commitment to our clients

We pride ourselves on being recognised as leading independent experts in NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC). We apply our knowledge and experience to help every case and caller. We also strive to improve CHC for everyone, by training health and social care professionals.

Commitment to our team

We are the leading experts in our field. We encourage and value innovation and evolution in what we do, and how we do it. We are united in developing the business and its services.

1. Personal

Commitment to our clients

By listening carefully to you and the people who really know about your care needs, we can provide excellent advice and powerful advocacy tailored to your unique situation.

Commitment to our team

We get results by getting to know our clients. We do the same with our people, offering flexible working options to suit your circumstances, and taking time out to have fun as a team.

1. Compassionate

Commitment to our clients

We are mindful of the immense stress that our callers and clients can be under, at what is often a really tough time. We do our best to lift some of that burden by providing a quality service that you can trust, and by being compassionate and courteous at all times.

Commitment to our team

The nature of the work can be stressful and emotionally draining. We take care and time to look out for each other, and encourage healthy work habits.

1. Rewarding

Commitment to our team

We take the time to celebrate success and are inspired by one another’s achievements. We provide a generous and varied suite of benefits that can be enjoyed by our people and their families. 

Working pattern: full-time (36.25 hours per week) 

It is essential that you live within the Thames Valley region, or close enough to commute 

Working location: mostly remote work with some travel required. You will deliver a face-to-face service to clients in their own home or safe meeting place across the Thames Valley area as well as providing support by phone, email or other means to suit the service user. We take a person-centred approach so the amount of travel will vary depending on your caseload at the time. You’re in control of your own diary. 

Why this role is important: Every 20 minutes, someone is killed or seriously injured on UK roads. For families affected, the emotional and practical challenges are immense. As a Caseworker, you will provide trauma-informed care to individuals and families suffering from the sudden bereavement or life-altering injury of a loved one. Working mostly remotely, with some home visits to service users, you’ll offer vital emotional and practical support—including helping them access therapeutic resources, financial assistance, and guidance through the complexities of medical and legal processes. 

About Brake: Brake is a renowned and respected road safety charity with a 30-year history dedicated to supporting people affected by road crashes and advocating for safer streets. 

The role: This is a rewarding role where every day brings the opportunity to make a positive difference to people's lives. We regularly receive testimonials from service users describing the life-changing impact of receiving support from our caseworkers in the National Road Victim Service.

You'll join a closely knit team of fellow caseworkers, each using their individual experience and skills to provide person-centred support to victims. This provides a ready-made peer group who share best practice and knowledge and support each other so, in turn, they can best support road victims. There's no sugar coating it, this isn't an easy role, it requires a special type of person with strong resilience, but the reward is a strong sense of purpose, every day. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so we have strong support systems in place to support our caseworker's wellbeing, including clinical supervision. 

What we offer:

- A generous 35 days of annual leave (including bank holidays and 3-day end of year shutdown) 

- Birthday day off 

- Flexible working (choose a working pattern to suit you between the hours of 8am-6pm Mon-Fri) 

- Enhanced sick pay and compassionate leave 

- Death in service benefit 

- Pension 

- Employee Assistance Programme 

- Clinical supervision and excellent support 

- A rewarding role with purpose 

- Be part of a skilled, friendly team with an engaged Board of Trustees 

- Opportunity to attend prestigious events such as the Brake annual reception and awards (if you want to) 

Who we're looking for 

Full training will be provided under the guidance of our dedicated Training Officer. Our induction program has been developed to equip caseworkers with the skills they need to provide high quality support to road victims and covers topics such as being trauma-informed, safeguarding and risk management. We're open to candidates from all sorts of backgrounds, as long as you're a compassionate, self-starter with a background in providing high-quality emotional support and advocacy. Your experience in roles within the NHS, any health and social care, road safety, counselling, the police and family liaison officers, lived experience or any type of casework could make you an ideal candidate. 

Essential Requirements: 

• A full, clean UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle (travel expenses are reimbursed) 

• Resident in the Thames Valley area. 

• Experience delivering frontline support, preferably involving sudden bereavement or heightened vulnerabilities. 

• Strong advocacy and research skills to liaise with multiple organisations on behalf of service users. 

• Competency in I.T skills to work remotely. 

Desirable Experience: 

Comprehensive understanding of the processes involved in the criminal justice system and coronial process 

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion: Brake is passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that values diversity. We’re committed to supporting employees to achieve a good work/life balance and flexible around caring commitments. We welcome your application whatever your background or situation. We particularly welcome applications from those who are part of the global majority, the LGBTQIA+ community or disabled. We are proud to be a disability confident employer. We don’t want you to ‘fit’ our culture, we want you to enrich it. So, if you have a passion for making a difference and share in our vision for a world where no one is killed on our roads, we would love to hear from you. 

Apply now: If you're up for a new challenge and have the skills, apply now by sending your CV and cover letter. We'd like to get to know the real you through your application, not an AI version. If you do use AI to write your cover letter, please check it and make sure it reflects who you are. We encourage cover letters in alternative formats such as videos or presentations. 

Not for traffic offenders: Due to the nature of our work we can't accept applications from traffic offenders. Candidates will be asked to disclose whether they have any unspent points on their licence at screening/interview. 

An enhanced DBS check is required due to the sensitive nature of our service. 

Questions? If you would like to discuss the role further, please get in touch, we'd love to chat. 

The role: This is a rewarding role where every day brings the opportunity to make a positive difference to people's lives. We regularly receive testimonials from service users describing the life-changing impact of receiving support from our caseworkers in the National Road Victim Service.

Working location: mostly remote work with some travel required. Based in the central area of the South West region you will deliver a face-to-face service to clients in their own home or safe meeting place across the Dorset, Avon, Somerset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire area  as well as providing support by Teams, phone, email or other means to suit the service user. We take a person-centred approach so the amount of travel will vary depending on your caseload at the time. You’re in control of your own diary. 

Why this role is important: Every 20 minutes, someone is killed or seriously injured on UK roads. For families affected, the emotional and practical challenges are immense. As a Caseworker, you will provide trauma-informed care to individuals and families suffering from the sudden bereavement or life-altering injury of a loved one. Working mostly remotely, with some home visits to service users, you’ll offer vital emotional and practical support—including helping them access therapeutic resources, financial assistance, and guidance through the complexities of medical and legal processes. 

About Brake: Brake is a renowned and respected road safety charity with a 30-year history dedicated to supporting people affected by road crashes and advocating for safer streets. 

You'll join a closely knit team of fellow caseworkers, each using their individual experience and skills to provide person-centred support to victims. This provides a ready-made peer group who share best practice and knowledge and support each other so, in turn, they can best support road victims. There's no sugar coating it, this isn't an easy role, it requires a special type of person with strong resilience, but the reward is a strong sense of purpose, every day. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so we have strong support systems in place to support our caseworker's wellbeing, including clinical supervision. 

What we offer:

• A generous 35 days of annual leave (including bank holidays and 3-day end of year shutdown) 
• Birthday day off 
• Flexible working (choose a working pattern to suit you between the hours of 8am-6pm Mon-Fri) 
• Enhanced sick pay and compassionate leave 
• Death in service benefit 
• Pension 
• Employee Assistance Programme 
• Clinical supervision and excellent support 
• A rewarding role with purpose 
• Be part of a skilled, friendly team with an engaged Board of Trustees 
• Opportunity to attend prestigious events such as the Brake annual reception and awards (if you want to) 

Who we're looking for 

Full training will be provided under the guidance of our dedicated Training Officer. Our induction program has been developed to equip caseworkers with the skills they need to provide high quality support to road victims and covers topics such as being trauma-informed, safeguarding and risk management. We're open to candidates from all sorts of backgrounds, as long as you're a compassionate, self-starter with a background in providing high-quality emotional support and advocacy. Your experience in roles within the NHS, any health and social care, road safety, counselling, the police and family liaison officers, lived experience or any type of casework could make you an ideal candidate. 

Essential Requirements: 

• A full, clean UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle (travel expenses are reimbursed) 

• Resident in the central area of the South West Region. 

• Experience delivering frontline support, preferably involving sudden bereavement or heightened vulnerabilities. 
• Strong advocacy and research skills to liaise with multiple organisations on behalf of service users. 
• Competency in I.T skills to work remotely. 

Desirable Experience: 

• Comprehensive understanding of the processes involved in the criminal justice system and coronial process 

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion: Brake is passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that values diversity. We’re committed to supporting employees to achieve a good work/life balance and flexible around caring commitments. We welcome your application whatever your background or situation. We particularly welcome applications from those who are part of the global majority, the LGBTQIA+ community or disabled. We are proud to be a disability confident employer. We don’t want you to ‘fit’ our culture, we want you to enrich it. So, if you have a passion for making a difference and share in our vision for a world where no one is killed on our roads, we would love to hear from you. 

Apply now: If you're up for a new challenge and have the skills, apply now by sending your CV and cover letter. We'd like to get to know the real you through your application, not an AI version. If you do use AI to write your cover letter, please check it and make sure it reflects who you are. We encourage cover letters in alternative formats such as videos or presentations. 

Not for traffic offenders: Due to the nature of our work we can't accept applications from traffic offenders. Candidates will be asked to disclose whether they have any unspent points on their licence at screening/interview. 

An enhanced DBS check is required due to the sensitive nature of our service. 

Questions? If you would like to discuss the role further, please get in touch, we'd love to chat. 

About The Role

Are you passionate about turning data into powerful insights that drive meaningful change? Do you have a knack for telling stories with data?

At Alzheimer's Society, we're seeking a Reporting Analyst to join our Data team within the Technology directorate. In this essential role, you'll shape how we gather, interpret and visualise data to support strategic decision-making across all directorates. From developing comprehensive reporting directories to conducting business analysis and building dashboards, your work will be instrumental in strengthening our mission.

This is more than just a reporting role. It's a chance to champion data-led thinking across the Society, prototype and build new solutions, and help ensure we deliver the right support, in the right way, at the right time. You'll work with passionate, values-led colleagues, applying your technical expertise whilst making a real difference to people's lives. 

About you 

You’re a confident and collaborative data professional who enjoys transforming complex information into clear, accessible insights. With a strong technical foundation and a proactive approach, you're able to work independently while building strong relationships across teams. You take pride in high-quality outputs and thrive in environments where your expertise can drive real-world impact. 

You'll have:

- Proven experience developing sophisticated operational and analytical reports using tools like Power BI or Tableau, tailored to varied audiences across multiple directorates.
- Strong SQL skills, with the ability to extract, transform and manipulate large datasets for analysis and reporting purposes.
- A good grasp of business analysis techniques to identify new data opportunities and deliver effective, iterative solutions.
- Experience with comprehensive testing approaches, including user acceptance testing and quality assurance processes.
- Excellent communication skills, with ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical colleagues and provide user training.
- Strong time management and attention to detail, with ability to prioritise requests and meet deadlines across multiple projects.
- Collaborative mindset, with confidence to guide, support and advise stakeholders at all levels whilst maintaining high data quality standards.
- Knowledge of GIS tools, such as ArcGIS would be advantageous but not essential. 

What you’ll focus on:

- Gathering requirements from across all teams and directorates, developing comprehensive reporting directories and sophisticated reports that maximise benefits for diverse user groups.
- Using SQL and business intelligence software to create accessible dashboards, data structures and report definitions for management teams across the organisation.
- Coordinating comprehensive testing of new data products, ensuring compliance with privacy-by-design principles and data governance policies.
- Assessing user experience of reports and analytics, demonstrating value through KPIs and prototypes whilst continuously improving accessibility and design.
- Providing training, guidance and ongoing support to colleagues on effective data use, quality practices and reporting tools.
- Supporting managers in liaising with suppliers and external agencies, whilst identifying procedural improvements and maintaining documentation.
- Spreading knowledge of data storage and usage, using business analysis techniques to identify better ways to utilise data across the Society. 

Deadline for applications is 23:59 on Sunday 27th July. 
Interviews begin week commencing 11th August. 

About Alzheimer's Society

Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer. One in three people born in the UK today will develop dementia in their lifetime.

At Alzheimer’s Society, we’re the UK’s leading dementia charity and the only one to tackle all aspects of dementia by giving help and hope to people living with dementia today and in the future. We give vital support to people facing the most frightening times of their lives, while also funding groundbreaking research and campaigning to make dementia the priority it should be.

Together with our supporters, we’re working towards a world where dementia no longer devastates lives.

Our values make sure that our focus is clear for the challenges and opportunities ahead and remind us of what we all stand for.

Our commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

We need to ensure the voices around our table better reflect and understand the communities we exist to serve. We strongly encourage individuals to apply who have a disability, impairment or health condition or individuals who identify as Black, Asian or from another minority ethnic background, as these groups are currently under-represented at Alzheimer's Society.  

We want everyone we work with, as a colleague, volunteer, supporter, or someone we support, to feel included and that they belong at Alzheimer's Society. 

Our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy here along with our internal employee forum and Employee Lived Experience network groups help us promote inclusion and belonging, becoming an engaged and inclusive organisation for all our people. 

Our hiring process

During your recruitment process we want to make sure that you bring your whole self and can be at your best. We are working hard to ensure our recruitment process is as inclusive as possible, so please do inform us of your experience and anything you think we could do better by completing our candidate survey when you apply.  Please also contact Alzheimer’s Society Talent Acquisition Team via [email protected] for application support or any adjustments you might need.

To ensure fairness and consistency to select the best candidate for this role, all our applications are anonymised up until an interview has been confirmed. We recognise the benefits of AI, but if you're considering using it to submit your application, we encourage you to reflect on the value it truly adds. AI tools often lack the personal touch and authenticity that set candidates apart. We want to hear your unique perspective, experiences, and skills, so we encourage you to showcase them in your own voice.

We try to avoid closing roles early where possible, however if we receive a high volume of applications, we may close earlier than the advertised closing date. Should this occur, we will aim to provide you with at least 48 hours' notice.

We are committed to safer recruitment and ensuring the welfare of those we work with, due to the nature of some of our roles, we might need to carry out a DBS check at the relevant level.

Giving back to you

Our employees work hard every day to make a true difference in people's lives. We are proud to support them with a range of benefits, recognition and many options for working agilely, all contributing to a strong work life balance. We also have various learning programmes to support you in your development and help you grow to realise your potential and shape a career with Alzheimer's Society. 

You can also visit our Working for Us pages, which give you more information about what it’s like to be an employee at the Society.

About the role:

When a family member sustains a spinal cord injury it is a life changing experience for the whole family. They can feel very isolated and that no one understands what they’re going through.

Back Up’s Family Support Service is there to help. We enable a wide range of family members of all ages whose loved one is affected by spinal cord injury (SCI) to improve their wellbeing, build a support network and transform their lives through Back Up’s services. 

The Family Support Coordinator will assist in supporting family members on an individual basis as well as in group settings as appropriate, together with providing support in the process of identifying, recruiting and training new family support volunteers.

A Family Support Coordinator will be comfortable and efficient with data management and GDPR compliance.

Lived experience of having a relative with SCI is essential, together with sharing our commitment to transform the lives of everyone affected by spinal cord injury.

For full details please see our role description.

 

About us:

At Back Up, we have big ambitions. Over the next few years, we’re going to be transforming the lives of even more people affected by spinal cord injury.

Together we’ll be working hard to make sure everyone affected by spinal cord injury has access to the support they deserve; and we are the only spinal cord injury charity in the UK providing specific services to children and young people.

At Back Up, inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. Please read our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy Statement. We are committed to creating an inclusive working environment where all our employees are encouraged to reach their full potential, and individual differences are valued and respected. We particularly welcome applications from those from black, Asian or ethnic minority backgrounds or those with higher level spinal cord injuries.

In 2024 Back Up won The Times and The Sunday Times Spotlight Award for Best place to work for disabled employees. As well as this, Back Up has been voted one of the top ten charities to work for (Third Sector Best Charities 2020). The enthusiastic, inclusive and supportive spirit of our very skilled staff ensure excellence in the services we deliver.c

About the role:

When a family member sustains a spinal cord injury it is a life changing experience for the whole family. They can feel very isolated and that no one understands what they’re going through.

Back Up’s Family Support Service is there to help. We enable a wide range of family members of all ages whose loved one is affected by spinal cord injury (SCI) to improve their wellbeing, build a support network and transform their lives through Back Up’s services. 

The Family Support Coordinator will assist in supporting family members on an individual basis as well as in group settings as appropriate, together with providing support in the process of identifying, recruiting and training new family support volunteers.

A Family Support Coordinator will be comfortable and efficient with data management and GDPR compliance.

Lived experience of having a relative with SCI is essential, together with sharing our commitment to transform the lives of everyone affected by spinal cord injury.

For full details please see our role description.

 

About us:

At Back Up, we have big ambitions. Over the next few years, we’re going to be transforming the lives of even more people affected by spinal cord injury.

Together we’ll be working hard to make sure everyone affected by spinal cord injury has access to the support they deserve; and we are the only spinal cord injury charity in the UK providing specific services to children and young people.

At Back Up, inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. Please read our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy Statement. We are committed to creating an inclusive working environment where all our employees are encouraged to reach their full potential, and individual differences are valued and respected. We particularly welcome applications from those from black, Asian or ethnic minority backgrounds or those with higher level spinal cord injuries.

In 2024 Back Up won The Times and The Sunday Times Spotlight Award for Best place to work for disabled employees. As well as this, Back Up has been voted one of the top ten charities to work for (Third Sector Best Charities 2020). The enthusiastic, inclusive and supportive spirit of our very skilled staff ensure excellence in the services we deliver.

About the role:

When a family member sustains a spinal cord injury it is a life changing experience for the whole family. They can feel very isolated and that no one understands what they’re going through.

Back Up’s Family Support Service is there to help. We enable a wide range of family members of all ages whose loved one is affected by spinal cord injury (SCI) to improve their wellbeing, build a support network and transform their lives through Back Up’s services. 

The Family Support Coordinator will assist in supporting family members on an individual basis as well as in group settings as appropriate, together with providing support in the process of identifying, recruiting and training new family support volunteers.

A Family Support Coordinator will be comfortable and efficient with data management and GDPR compliance.

Lived experience of having a relative with SCI is essential, together with sharing our commitment to transform the lives of everyone affected by spinal cord injury.

For full details please see our role description.

About us:

At Back Up, we have big ambitions. Over the next few years, we’re going to be transforming the lives of even more people affected by spinal cord injury.

Together we’ll be working hard to make sure everyone affected by spinal cord injury has access to the support they deserve; and we are the only spinal cord injury charity in the UK providing specific services to children and young people.

At Back Up, inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. Please read our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy Statement. We are committed to creating an inclusive working environment where all our employees are encouraged to reach their full potential, and individual differences are valued and respected. We particularly welcome applications from those from black, Asian or ethnic minority backgrounds or those with higher level spinal cord injuries.

In 2024 Back Up won The Times and The Sunday Times Spotlight Award for Best place to work for disabled employees. As well as this, Back Up has been voted one of the top ten charities to work for (Third Sector Best Charities 2020). The enthusiastic, inclusive and supportive spirit of our very skilled staff ensure excellence in the services we deliver.

About the RSPCA

Founded in 1824, we have been saving animals for almost 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity. It has always been our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion, so our volunteers and employees work tirelessly to ensure that all animals can live free from pain and suffering.

We seek to raise standards of care through our numerous campaigns and awareness of issues affecting animals today. We rely heavily on our volunteers, who play a significant role in enabling us to carry out this important animal welfare work every day!

The RSPCA Buckinghamshire South Branch

The RSPCA Buckinghamshire South Branch is one of the branches of RSPCA, but we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area. Much of the animal welfare work of RSPCA is carried out through local branches, which is run by volunteers who have the support of the National Society of RSPCA.

The main activity of our branch is specialised in the rehoming of small animals including cats, rabbits, birds, guinea pigs and hamsters. The animals come into our care from various sources such as those which are rescued, abandoned, neglected or given up by their owners. Each animal is medically and characteristically assessed to ensure it is fit and well before being available for rehoming. This all costs money, and could not be achieved without your support. 

Job Summary

This role is responsible for the development, implementation and operation of appropriate financial and business management tools to support the day-to-day business and financial administration of the Branch.

Reporting to and working closely with the Chief Executive Office (CEO), you will be expected to make use of the full capability of the Branch’s existing software systems (Google Workspace, and Quick Books) to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery and develop management information to aid the Trustees & CEO in decision making.

You will be responsible for all financial management across the charity. This includes bookkeeping; financial statements; financial planning; financial policies, processes and controls and budgeting. 

You must ensure that all activities are carried out in compliance with current legislation, Branch and Society policy, relevant Health & Safety regulations and any associated statutory or legislative requirements.

Note: Branch targets and budgets are agreed on an annual basis and these will inform the personal targets agreed at the annual performance review. Progress towards personal targets will be reviewed at regular one-to-one meetings with your line manager.

This role is home based, with occasional travel across South Bucks.

Principal Accountabilities

Financial Management & Operations

• Support the CEO as a key strategic and operational partner, acting as second-in-command and deputising in their absence where appropriate.

• Maintain all financial records and accounting systems (the Branch currently uses Quick Books accounting software), registers and statistics as required by the CEO & Branch Trustees.

• Work with the CEO and Branch Trustees to develop financial plans and an annual financial budget.

• Maintain close oversight of the branch’s budget in collaboration with the CEO, proactively identifying and addressing any discrepancies, overspend, or unplanned financial activity to ensure effective financial control and informed decision-making.

• Process, monitor, record and manage all receipts & payments to/from the Branch in accordance with the agreed procedures and in liaison with the appropriate staff and volunteers including weekly banking, cash handling, invoice creation and processing, Branch payments (including those made via credit cards and petty cash) and account reconciliation.

• Monitor, review and reconcile monthly receipts & payments on the Quick Books accounting system.

• Produce monthly management accounts which include bank reconciliations, balance sheets, Branch/departmental profit & loss statements, departmental comparisons and performance against budget and such other financial reports/management information as may be required including monthly reporting to the board of trustees.

• Coordinate bank accounts across the charity, including set-up and balance management.

• Prepare and submit quarterly VAT returns.

• Prepare annual financial statements and coordination of annual audit review.

• Support the staff and volunteers with day-to-day financial operations and ensuring departmental financial records are maintained and that monies received or expended are accounted for correctly.

• Work with the RSPCA Society National team regarding legacies, submission of care contribution funds, renewals of insurances etc.

• Ensure that strict protocols are followed for cash handling and that unbanked cash remains within the insured limit for cash held at each premises.

• Liaise with the Branch’s payroll provider to ensure staff hours are submitted and salary payments processed on a monthly basis and within the appropriate timescale.

• Process all staff and volunteer expenses in a timely manner.

• Manage all bookkeeping processes and functions, including the asset register, ensuring annual accounts are produced no later than the end of March each year.

• Develop, implement and maintain appropriate financial administrative procedures and processes.

Business Administration

• Responsible for day-to-day financial administrative support for the CEO and Trustees.

• Ensure that all administrative paperwork, including external correspondence is processed in accordance with Branch and Society procedures, including completion of all appropriate records for insurance and risk management purposes.

• Ensure financial data processing, retention and destruction conforms to the relevant policies such as GDPR.

• Ensure regulatory and legislative compliance of financial charity policies.

• Work closely with relevant operational staff to ensure appropriate responses are issued to all enquiries whether from members, supporters & volunteers, RSPCA colleagues or the general public.

• Liaise with staff and volunteers to facilitate the ordering of materials, supplies and equipment for the effective operation of the Branch, ensuring budgetary controls are maintained at all times.

• Work with the CEO and other staff to manage relevant licences, vendor relationships, service agreements and invoicing.

• Work with staff and volunteers across the whole charity on financial processes and controls.

Fundraising & Donations

• Identify, assess, and apply for appropriate grants and funding streams to maximise income for the branch, ensuring applications are timely, well-prepared, and aligned with funder criteria to support the branch’s strategic and operational objectives.

• Ensure that all donations (financial or otherwise) are acknowledged in a timely manner, receipts are issued for financial donations and the banking of all funds raised.

• Responsible for the accurate recording and banking of the funds raised.

• Develop, and manage relationships across relevant stakeholder groups, both within and outside the charity.

Gift Aid

• Ownership of the Gift Aid process.

General

• Attend meetings and training courses as required.

• Undertake such other duties as directed from time-to-time by your line manager.

Essential skills, qualifications and experience:

• A finance qualification or working towards level 3 AAT or ACCA with proven experience in charity financial operations.

• Good general level of education.

• Strong experience in financial reporting, budgeting and compliance.

• Demonstrable experience of managing small to medium size budgets (circa £400,000) & accounting systems (ideally with experience of Quick Books software).

• Proven experience of cash handling and financial management procedures. 

• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

• Proven ability to work to tight deadlines, be proactive and work autonomously.

• Proven IT literacy including use of business software and accounting packages (including Quickbooks), and Google Workspace.

• Strong numeracy and analytical skills.

• Experience supporting audits and implementing robust financial controls.

• Knowledge of Charity and Company Law.

• Proven ability to work under direction from superiors but equally able to use their own initiative.

• Proven ability to prioritise workload and meet tight deadlines.

• Proven ability to complete essential management paperwork and analyse data.

• Personable and with an open, positive approach to new ideas coupled with drive and enthusiasm.

• A flexible and collaborative approach to colleagues both staff and volunteers.

• Honest, trustworthy and reliable.

• A calm and friendly approach particularly when working under pressure.

• Sympathy for animal welfare and the work of the RSPCA.

• Full valid UK driving licence.

• Willing and able to travel around the Branch area on occasions.

Desirable skills, qualifications and experience:

• Experience of management & leadership.

• Training, coaching & mentoring skills.

• Experience of working with the general public and/or in a customer care environment.

• Experience of managing change in the workplace.

• Experience of managing small projects.

• Good basic knowledge of employment law.

• Knowledge of data protection requirements.

• Willingness to learn and acquire new skills through training.

We promote an inclusive working environment in which diversity is recognised, valued, and encouraged. We acknowledge the multi-cultural and diverse nature of the UK workforce and society in general. We are committed to principles of fairness and mutual respect where everyone accepts the concept of individual responsibility.