Literacy jobs

Be part of something new while building on over 85 years of community impact.

Are you highly organised, compassionate and thrive in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same?

This is an exciting opportunity to join Bede Starfish as we deliver the Women's Safety Alliance (WSA), Southwark's newly commissioned Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) service. Working alongside specialist partners, the WSA provides co-ordinated, trauma-informed support to women, children, young people, families and male victims affected by domestic abuse, sexual violence and other forms of VAWG.

While the Women's Safety Alliance is a newly commissioned service, you'll be joining Bede, a trusted Southwark charity that has been supporting local communities since 1938. This is a fantastic opportunity to help shape and grow an innovative service from the very beginning while being part of an organisation with over 85 years of experience supporting local people.

As our VAWG Service Co-ordinator, you'll be at the heart of a busy, fast-paced frontline service. You'll be the first point of contact for many clients and professionals, ensuring people receive a welcoming, professional and trauma-informed response from the moment they reach out for support.

This is a varied role where no two days are the same. Alongside co-ordinating referrals, appointments and waiting lists, you'll have opportunities to attend community events, partnership meetings and networking forums across Southwark, helping to strengthen relationships and raise awareness of the Women's Safety Alliance within the local community.

What We Offer

• Apprenticeship and professional development opportunities.

• Ongoing training and career progression.

• Supportive and passionate team environment.

• Opportunity to shape and develop a new and innovative service.

• Meaningful work that makes a difference to the lives of women, children, and families.

Please note: This is a fully office-based role in Southwark. Due to the nature of the service and the importance of face-to-face collaboration with colleagues, clients and partner agencies, this role is not hybrid or remote working.

Closing to applications: 24 July 6pm 

Interview date: 28 July 

Start date: ASAP

On the day, all candidates will be required to complete a 30-minute written assessment and computer literacy test.

Chief Executive, Money Ready
Based in our London hub with regular UK-wide travel
£90k – £110k

Money Ready – formerly MyBnk – has been making a genuine difference to people’s financial lives for nearly twenty years. We work with children in primary schools, young adults navigating their first jobs and first tenancies, and adults facing some of the hardest financial moments of their lives.

And the need for what we do has never been more urgent. Only 40% of young people aged 16 to 24 feel confident managing their money. More than six in ten do not recall receiving any financial education at school. Poor financial literacy sits at the heart of homelessness, unemployment and declining mental health.

We are here to change that, because the language of money is a language for life, and everyone deserves to speak it.

Our current CEO leaves Money Ready financially stable, strategically clear, and with a Senior Leadership Team that is experienced and proud of what they have built together. So it’s an excellent time to join us for the next chapter, and capitalise on the strong foundations that are already in place. This is a role for someone who knows how to lead an organisation that is already strong, with the care and confidence to make it excellent.

We are looking for a leader who combines genuine strategic ambition with the warmth and emotional intelligence that earns trust quickly: from our team, our funders, the policymakers we need to influence, and the young people and adults at the heart of everything we do. We want someone who understands that culture is a core part of the work. And we want someone who is energised by the prospect of leading an organisation that is performing well – and helping it reach its next level of excellence.

We believe that financial education is a right, not a privilege. If that resonates with you, this could be exactly the next step you’re looking for.

Help people build confidence, gain skills and move into employment.

First Step Trust is a charity supporting adults with mental health challenges and other barriers to employment by providing real work experience, training and pathways into paid work.

We are looking for an Employment Development Worker (EDW) to join our team in Woolwich, SE18 and play a key role in helping people take the next step towards employment, training and independence.

This is a rewarding opportunity for someone passionate about employability, training and supporting individuals to overcome barriers and achieve their goals.

About the role

As an Employment Development Worker, you will:

• Build relationships with local organisations, employers and referral partners to promote our services and opportunities
• Recruit and support workforce members into work placements and training programmes
• Provide practical employment support, including CV writing, job searching and interview preparation
• Develop employer partnerships to create work placements and employment opportunities
• Support the delivery of training programmes and recognised qualifications
• Monitor progress, maintain accurate records and provide reports
• Support the day-to-day running of the project alongside colleagues and workforce members

About you

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Experience in employment support, careers advice, training or a customer-facing support role
• Experience supporting adults facing barriers to employment
• Strong organisational and administrative skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• The ability to motivate, support and encourage people to develop
• The ability to work independently and manage your own workload
• A team-focused approach with a commitment to achieving positive outcomes

Desirable

• Experience delivering workplace-based training
• Knowledge of the benefits system
• Full UK driving licence

Why join First Step Trust?

This is an opportunity to join an organisation that makes a real difference to people’s lives. You will play a direct role in helping individuals build confidence, gain skills and move into meaningful employment or further training.

The closing date will be 24th July, interviews to be held week commencing 27th July.

If you are passionate about supporting people and creating opportunities, we would love to hear from you.

Apply now to be part of a team that changes lives through work, training and opportunity.

Shannon Trust Probation Facilitator – East Midlands Probation 

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy levels amongst people in prison?
Shannon Trust are delighted to be working with His Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) to provide peer-led learning programmes across Leicestershire and Lincolnshire Probation Delivery Units. Working closely with People On Probation, probation and their staff, this post will lead the delivery and development of our digital reading programme Turning Pages Digital, maximising opportunities for People On Probation to learn to read.  

Ideally you will have some experience of probation delivery underpinned by the ability to build relationships and personal qualities that include resilience, determination and a problem-solving approach. 

This role is a fixed term role until 31st March 2027 with the opportunity to be made permanent subject to contract renewal.

The role will be based in Leicester Probation and with potential travel across Leicestershire and Rutland to integrate into teams within probation buildings. Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme. The biggest benefit though is our culture – our people really want to work for the organisation.
?We do not routinely ask for details of any criminal convictions but these roles do require probation security clearance, so we will need to ask for details of any relevant criminal convictions before an offer of employment is finalised.

Interviews to be held 5th August 2026

REF-229634

Shannon Trust Reading Strategy Coordinator – HMP Whatton 

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy levels amongst people in prison?

Shannon Trust are delighted to be working with His Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) to provide reading strategy coordination at HMP Whatton. Working closely with the prison and their staff, people in prison, Shannon Trust volunteers and mentors, this post will lead the delivery and implementation of HMP Whatton’s prison wide reading strategy, maximising opportunities for people in prison to learn to read and enjoy the benefits of reading. 

Ideally you will have some experience of prison settings underpinned by the ability to build relationships and personal qualities that include resilience, determination and a problem-solving approach. 

This role is a fixed term role until 30th April 2027 with the opportunity to be made permanent subject to contract renewal.

The role will be prison-based. Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme. The biggest benefit though is our culture – our people really want to work for the organisation.

?We welcome job applications from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system and do not routinely ask for details of any criminal convictions. These roles do require prison security clearance, so we will need to ask for details of any relevant criminal convictions before an offer of employment is finalised.
Interviews are planned for 5th August 2026.

REF-229 635

Job Title: Support worker

Location: London Borough of Tower Hamlets

Salary: £30,784.00 per annum 

Hours: Hours: 40 hours per week, including weekends

Contract: Permanent

PRHA is a great place to work – Our award-winning teams work together to improve the lives of our residents and make a real contribution to ending homelessness. As an IIP Gold standard employer, we value our staff and commit to develop their skills and support them in their important work.

We have an exciting opportunity for Support Workers within two of our specialist services. We are looking for self-starters with a passion for sparking change in people’s lives. You will have the necessary skillset to empower people and support residents to achieve their goals.

PRHA hostels guarantee a fast-paced, challenging and dynamic environment where no two days are ever the same. We are seeking motivated and energetic individuals to join our teams and help our residents to change their lives for the better.

We are looking for:

Competencies

• Knowledge, empathy, understanding and proven ability to work creatively and engage homeless people whose alcohol/ drug misuse/ mental health/ complex trauma has had significant effect on their physical and mental health, social and coping skills .
• Ability to assess needs, risks (within a framework of positive risk taking) and develop user led support plans.
• Awareness of and ability to identify and address health and care issues with partners, especially substance misuse, mental health, dementia etc.
• Ability to respond to challenging behaviour in a safe way.
• Ability to develop successful professional relationships, working collaboratively with external and internal partners , sharing expertise and learning from colleagues in health, social care,probation and voluntary sector etc
• Knowledge of and commitment to service user involvement, self empowerment, equalities, diversity andservice improvement
• Basic understanding of the principals of delivering support within a Psychologically Informed Environment (PIE) and commitment to working within this model
• Robust knowledge and practical application of adult safeguarding requirements.
• Knowledge and understanding of Healthand Safety in a hostel setting, including dealing with emergencies and working alone.
• A good listener and communicator at all levels, including people with communication difficulties
• A good standard of literacy, numeracy, computer skills and the ability to write accurate and succinct reports.
• Proven ability both to work within a team and use initiative to problem solve.
• Excellent time management skills
• Willingness and ability to support personal care where the service user is at risk
• Ability to implement policies and procedures,standing orders and financial regulations

What we offer

We offer our staff a generous benefits package, which includes:

• Pension Scheme – We offer a group stakeholder pension scheme with 3% employer's contribution, employee contribution is 5%
• Holidays - Employees receive up to 22 days annual leave plus bank holidays rising with long service
• Medical – we provide a “Cash Back" Scheme for a range of services such as dental, physio, chiropody, health& wellbeing
• Training Programmes – We provide comprehensive training to our employees to enable them to grow in their career and achieve their professional aspirations.
• Season Ticket Loans – We offer interest-free season ticket loans after successful probation
• Life Assurance - Upon death whilst in service, a Death in Service payment may be made according to the scheme rules. The payment covers 3 times of the employee’s annual salary.

How to apply

Please read the full Job Description & Person Specification which can be found on our website. To apply, please send your CV and Supporting Statement outlining your interest in working for PRHA and explaining how you meet the criteria set out in the Job Description & Person Specification. Please send your CV and Supporting Statement by clicking the Apply Now button. Furthermore, applications with no attached personal statement explaining how you meet the job description will not be considered.

It is required for this post that the successful candidates will have to complete an enhanced DBS disclosure check.

Overview:

Join The Story Museum’s Development team as a Fundraising Officer and play a key role in helping us transform young lives through stories. This is a great opportunity for an early-career fundraiser to broaden their experience across a range of income streams and develop their skills at an exciting time for the Museum’s development. You will be a key member of the team, researching and cultivating new prospects, delivering excellent stewardship and events, and keeping our systems firing on all cylinders. If you’re excited by the power of stories to change lives and ready to make your mark on our fundraising campaigns, we’d love to hear from you.

The main purpose of the job is:

• Identify through research new funding prospects and opportunities for the museum. 
• Pursue individual and team-wide fundraising targets through a portfolio of prospects and donors.
• Support the museum in delivering exceptional supporter services including fundraising events, reports, and stewardship activity.
• Support an effective and sustainable fundraising function by maintaining accurate systems and records.

A copy of the full job description can be found on our website.

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy levels amongst people in prison?

Shannon Trust are delighted to be working with His Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) to provide peer-led learning programmes across a number of prisons. To ensure the continuation of our programmes during times of staff absence, we are now seeking to recruit a Prison Facilitator on a bank working basis to work across the South Central (HMP Bullingdon and HMP Aylesbury). Working closely with prisons and their staff, people in prison, Shannon Trust volunteers and mentors, this post will support with the delivery and development of our literacy and numeracy programme in the area, maximising opportunities for people in prison to learn to read.

You will have experience working within prison settings underpinned by the ability to build relationships quickly and personal qualities that include resilience, determination and a problem-solving approach. You will also have a willingness to travel, sometimes at short notice, to provide short or long term cover within the prisons in this area.

This role will be prison-based. This is a bank role and so the number of days to be worked will vary and are not guaranteed. Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme.  The biggest benefit though is our culture – our people really want to work for the organisation.

These roles require prison security clearance.

Closing date: 31st July 2026
Applications for this role will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews may be held before the closing date so early applications are encouraged.

REF-2296 082

Fawcett is recruiting a Campaigns & Content Manager to help shape our campaigns and public-facing content at an important moment for women’s rights.

This is a manager-level role with real responsibility. You will support the development of campaigns aligned to our strategic priorities, create compelling content across channels, and help ensure our public-facing work is clear, engaging and rooted in tackling sexism and misogyny. We are looking for someone with strong content development and digital literacy, a digital-first approach to communications, and the ability to translate feminist, policy or social justice issues into accessible and impactful campaigns and content.

There is real scope for creativity and curiosity in this role. We are a small team, open to new ideas about how to use content and digital engagement to campaign effectively, build momentum and reach new audiences.

We know that women and people from marginalised backgrounds are less likely to apply unless they meet every requirement. If this role feels like a strong match for your skills and approach, we would encourage you to apply.

The British Academy – the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences – is seeking a Publishing Assistant to join our small publishing department and provide key editorial and production support with our publications.

The role

The Publishing Assistant will be responsible for supporting the timely delivery of publications by assisting with the editorial processes for book publications and the Journal of the British Academy.

Your role will involve building excellent working relationships with authors, editors, and key stakeholders and managing time effectively while undertaking day-to-day publishing administration. You will manage proposal submissions, organise peer reviews, and keep publications moving by tracking deadlines and chasing updates where needed. You’ll be in regular contact with academics and colleagues, so being clear, professional, and approachable in your communication is key.

This role would suit someone who is early in their publishing career or looking to move into academic publishing who enjoys working with people and managing processes. A demonstrable interest in the humanities and social sciences is essential. Previous experience in publishing is beneficial but not required.

The ideal candidate will be highly organised, proactive, and able to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively. You will have excellent attention to detail and strong written communication skills, with the ability to engage professionally with a range of stakeholders. You will be comfortable working independently and able to confidently use your initiative to anticipate issues and find solutions.

You will work with three other members of the Publishing team, as well as liaising with colleagues in the Communications Directorate and the Academy’s Publishing and Conferences Committee.

About the Academy

The British Academy is the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences, established by Royal Charter in 1902. We mobilise these disciplines to understand the world and shape a brighter future. Today’s complex challenges can only be resolved by deepening our insight into people, culture, and societies. With a Fellowship of around 1,700 leading national and international academics, the Academy invests in researchers and projects across the UK and overseas, engages the public with fresh thinking and debates, and brings together scholars, government, business, and civil society to influence policy. The Academy currently has five directorates: Communications & Marketing, Development, Policy, Research, and Resources, plus a small Governance & Fellowship team.

Working at the Academy

Our senior management team has worked with staff to foster a culture of collaboration, respect, and empathy, in which all contributions are recognised as we work towards our common goals. Our people strategy and working practices focus on building strengths and sharing insights, with learning and development, wellbeing, and equality, diversity and inclusion at the centre of how we operate as an organisation. Investing in our staff and encouraging a healthy work/life balance is central to our success as we move forward and continue to grow.

Terms and conditions

The British Academy is based at 10–11, Carlton House Terrace, London SW1, a Grade 1 listed building. We offer a competitive benefits package, including a 35-hour working week, with hours and location worked flexibly under our hybrid working policy; 34 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays; a subsidised canteen and an excellent occupational pension.

Hours: Part-time, four days per week, fixed-term contract for 12 months.

How to apply

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds in line with our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment, promoting equal opportunity, and addressing under-representation. We will make reasonable adjustments to support disabled job applicants and offer an interview to those meeting the minimum selection criteria.

To apply and to see the full job description and our workplace values, please click the Apply button to access the Applied recruitment platform.

Closing date: Noon on 17 July 2026.

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Recovery Worker to play a pivotal role in our Mental Health Drop-In Service in Hillingdon.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

The main purpose of the role is to provide excellent quality support and interventions to clients with mental health needs who require early intervention and prevention support. You will support clients throughout their time in service and empower them with the skills to cope independently. You will carry out support and interventions in line with organisational values and the ethos of recovery and co-production, as well as in line with policies and procedures.

What do I need to bring with me?

You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

Here's what the team will be looking for:

The successful candidate will have demonstrable experience working with individuals affected by mental health and dual-diagnosis issues, with strong knowledge of a wide range of mental health conditions, effective communication approaches, and the ability to provide support with dignity and respect. They will understand relevant Mental Health legislation, the principles of recovery, and a variety of recovery approaches. The role requires the ability to work both independently and as part of a team, support the induction of new staff and volunteers, and work collaboratively with statutory services. The candidate will bring experience in planning and delivering added-value initiatives, alongside excellent communication, partnership-building, risk-assessment, and case-management skills. Strong organisational, IT, literacy, and numeracy abilities are essential, as is knowledge of local recovery tools, wellbeing services, and safeguarding practices.

When will I be working?

39 hours per week, including weekends and bank holidays.

Interview Steps

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
• Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.

Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

Important Information for Candidates

If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.

We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.

Job Description

The Head of Delivery & Partnerships is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the 
successful implementation, quality of outcomes, and retention of DFN Project SEARCH programmes 
across the UK, the Republic of Ireland and Iberia, in line with our franchise agreement from Project 
SEARCH . This role leads the Delivery & Partnerships team, ensuring strategic alignment, excellence 
of delivery, and sustained impactful partnerships.
You will play a pivotal role in driving programme quality, ensuring retention, maintaining model 
fidelity, and ensuring high-quality outcomes for interns. Additionally, you will oversee the growth of 
our number of programmes, in line with our strategic regional and national plans. You will also 
contribute to the strategic direction of the organisation, working closely with cross-functional teams 
to maximise DFN Project SEARCH’s impact.
Regular travel throughout the UK will be required, with occasional travel to other areas of our delivery. 
In addition, occasional international travel may be required, for example to the annual conference in 
the United States.

Essential Experience and Skills
• A passion for changing the lives of young people with learning disabilities and / or who are 
autistic 
• Educated to degree level or relevant Professional Qualification 
• Highly motivated and organised self-starters with the ability to work under your own initiative 
• Strong understanding of supported employment, education, and local authority partnerships.
• Experience in project management, partnership development, and stakeholder engagement.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and negotiation skills.
• Experience using data systems and performance management tools.
• Experience delivering training and speaking at events or conferences.
• Understanding of SEND provision and funding arrangements in the UK (e.g., EHCPs, DWP, local 
authorities).
• Experience working with senior stakeholders via formal reporting mechanisms.
• Leadership experience managing people/teams.
• Financial literacy and experience managing budgets.

Desirable Experience and Qualifications
• Experience working with DFN Project SEARCH programmes or similar supported internship 
models.
• Experience in selling services or products and effective account management.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and health & safety in programme delivery.
• Knowledge and experience of using the Microsoft suite, in particular Outlook and Excel 
• Experience of using a CRM for administrative and reporting purposes

DFN Project SEARCH are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young 
people and adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject 
to an enhanced DBS disclosure. 

We particularly welcome applications from black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ 
candidates, disabled candidates, and from men, because we would like to increase the 
representation of these groups at this level at DFN Project SEARCH.

-Interviews will take place on:
  1st round July 23rd and July 24th
  2nd and final round: July 31st
  Closing date: Sunday July 12th

-Start date - Asap

0.5 FTE – 18.75 hours per week (flexible working)
Salary: £30,000-£32,000 FTE depending on experience
Location: Hybrid working with one regular day or half-day per week in Abingdon/Oxfordshire, alongside home working and occasional external meetings

About Quest for Learning

Quest for Learning is an education charity working to close the gap for primary school children in Oxfordshire who are falling behind due to disadvantage.

We work closely with schools to deliver targeted, evidence-led literacy and numeracy programmes that help children build the skills, confidence and foundations they need to thrive. Many of the children we support are growing up in poverty, facing barriers linked to low family literacy, unmet additional needs, unstable home circumstances, or limited access to wider opportunities.

Our programmes are delivered by experienced professional tutors and are built around structured interventions, strong school partnerships and measurable outcomes. On average, pupils supported through our small-group tutoring make around 13 months of progress in just 10 hours of support.

Quest for Learning is entering an important new stage of development. Following a period of organisational growth and strategic transition, we are investing in building a more sustainable and ambitious fundraising function that can deepen our impact and reach more children across Oxfordshire.

This is an opportunity to play a central role in shaping that journey.

Why join us?

This is a rare opportunity to join a small but ambitious charity at a genuinely exciting stage of development.

You’ll have:

• Real ownership and autonomy within your role
• The opportunity to help shape and build a growing fundraising function
• Close working relationships with the CEO and leadership team
• Flexibility and hybrid working arrangements
• The chance to make a direct and measurable difference to children facing disadvantage
• Opportunities for progression as the organisation grows

We are intentionally investing in fundraising and organisational growth, and this role offers the opportunity to help shape a developing fundraising function within an ambitious, evidence-led charity with strong foundations and significant future potential.

We are a collaborative, supportive and purpose-driven team that values initiative, professionalism, creativity and compassion.

Role purpose

We are seeking a proactive, highly organised and motivated fundraiser to lead and grow our trusts and grants fundraising activity.

This role will focus primarily on identifying funding opportunities, developing compelling applications, managing funder relationships and building a strong pipeline of income to support Quest for Learning’s future growth.

The successful candidate will play a key role in helping us develop a more strategic and sustainable fundraising approach. We are looking for someone who can combine strong written communication and attention to detail with initiative, pace and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

This role would suit someone with existing trusts fundraising experience, or someone with highly transferable skills who can learn quickly and thrive in a fast-moving environment.

You will work closely with the CEO, programme staff and trustees, with access to strong impact data, established programmes and a compelling case for support.

Alongside this role, Quest for Learning is also exploring the development of an additional partnerships-focused fundraising role. We are open-minded about how responsibilities are ultimately structured and welcome applications from candidates with a range of backgrounds, experiences and strengths.

Key responsibilities

Trusts and foundations fundraising

• Research and identify prospective trusts, foundations and grant opportunities
• Build and maintain a strong pipeline of funding prospects
• Develop and submit high-quality, tailored funding applications
• Manage multiple applications and deadlines simultaneously
• Produce timely and well-written monitoring reports and evaluations
• Work closely with programme staff to gather impact data, case studies and delivery information
• Maintain accurate records of applications, deadlines and funder communications within Beacon CRM
• Monitor fundraising performance and contribute to pipeline tracking and forecasting
• Support the development of longer-term funding strategies and priorities

Relationship management and stewardship

• Build positive and professional relationships with funders and supporters
• Arrange and attend occasional meetings with funders and partners where appropriate
• Ensure strong stewardship and communication throughout the funding lifecycle
• Support the CEO in managing strategic funding relationships

Organisational Contribution

• Contribute to the ongoing development of Quest for Learning’s fundraising function and systems
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation
• Represent Quest for Learning professionally and passionately to external audiences
• Contribute ideas and insight to support organisational growth and sustainability

Person specification

We recognise that strong fundraisers do not always come from traditional charity fundraising backgrounds. If you have transferable skills and experience in areas such as bid writing, partnerships, relationship management, education, sales, communications, account management or business development - and are excited by our mission - we would strongly encourage you to apply.

Essential

• Excellent written communication skills with strong attention to detail
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities
• Strong research and analytical skills
• Ability to work independently and proactively
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Confidence using databases, spreadsheets and digital systems
• Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively
• Commitment to the mission and values of Quest for Learning
• Experience of writing successful funding applications, bids, proposals or other persuasive written content

Desirable

• Experience in trusts and foundations fundraising within the charity sector
• Experience using Beacon CRM or similar fundraising databases
• Understanding of monitoring, evaluation and impact reporting
• Experience within education, children’s services or related sectors
• Knowledge of the Oxfordshire funding landscape
• Experience working within a small charity or growing organisation

What success looks like in this role

Successful performance in this role is likely to include:

• Building and maintaining a strong and active funding pipeline
• Producing a consistent volume of high-quality applications and reports
• Securing significant grant income for the charity
• Developing strong funder relationships and stewardship practices
• Contributing to the growth and professionalisation of Quest for Learning’s fundraising function
• Helping position Quest for Learning for sustainable long-term growth

As Quest for Learning grows, we expect this role to develop too, with opportunities to shape strategy and take on increasing responsibility over time.

Who thrives at Quest for Learning?

People who tend to thrive at Quest for Learning are:

• proactive and solutions-focused
• motivated by meaningful impact
• comfortable working independently while collaborating closely with others
• excited by helping build and improve systems and processes
• adaptable, thoughtful and motivated to grow professionally alongside the organisation

Working arrangements

• 0.5 FTE with flexible working arrangements
• Hybrid role combining home working with one regular day or half-day per week in Abingdon/Oxfordshire
• Occasional travel across Oxfordshire for meetings and events
• Flexible working patterns can be discussed

Benefits

• Flexible and hybrid working
• Pension contribution
• TOIL policy
• Supportive and collaborative working culture
• Professional development opportunities
• Opportunity to help shape a growing fundraising function within an ambitious charity

Application process

To apply, please submit:

• A CV
• A short statement explaining your interest in the role and how your experience meets the person specification

We encourage applications from candidates with both traditional and non-traditional fundraising backgrounds.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Chris Higgins, CEO

Closing date: midday, Tuesday 30 June
Interviews: week commencing 6 or 13 July 

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy levels amongst people in prison?

Shannon Trust are delighted to be working with His Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) to provide peer-led learning programmes at HMP Eastwood Park. Working closely with the prison and their staff, people in prison, Shannon Trust volunteers and mentors, this post will lead the delivery and development of our prison-based reading and numeracy programme, maximising opportunities for people in prison to learn to read.  

Ideally you will have some experience of prison settings underpinned by the ability to build relationships and personal qualities that include resilience, determination and a problem-solving approach. 

This role is a fixed term role until 31st March 2027 with the opportunity to be made permanent subject to contract renewal.

The role will be prison-based. Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme. The biggest benefit though is our culture – our people really want to work for the organisation.

?We welcome job applications from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system and do not routinely ask for details of any criminal convictions. These roles do require prison security clearance, so we will need to ask for details of any relevant criminal convictions before an offer of employment is finalised.

?Interviews are planned for 10th August 2026

REF-229 346