Literacy jobs

Responsible for managing the Association's approach to high-quality, evidence-based patient information and meaningful patient involvement.  A core aspect of the role is overseeing and maintaing compliance with the PIF TICK quality mark, ensuring that all patient information meets the PIF TICK principles and demonstrates best practice in co-production, accesibiility and governance.  You will work closely with the BAUS Trustee for Patient and Public Involvement, the Chair of the BAUS Patient Information Reader Panel, independent medical education providers and the BAUS Clinical Sections to ensure that a robust framework is in place for the creation and review of BAUS patient information.

Would you like to join an effective and encouraging team that helps people who are homeless find housing? You will be making a tangible difference every day. 

HOPE worldwide provides a compassionate, person-centred housing service ‘Two Step’ that helps people find and sustain accommodation in the private rented sector and in supported housing. 

The team spirit, opportunities for staff development, and the way that staff live out Christian values were instrumental in HOPE worldwide being awarded Investors in People Gold Accreditation.

The nature of the work will require someone who is resilient, quick to learn and is a good team player. Full training and regular support will be provided. 

Relevant experience is desirable but not essential.

Salary: £29,000 – £32,000 per annum

Working hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week - hybrid role: can work up to 2 days from home by arrangement)

Annual leave and benefits: 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, 5% pension contribution, Employee Assistance Programme.

Requirements - this job is for you if you:

• Have good written and oral communication skills in English and can liaise with external agencies in a professional manner 
• Can communicate compassionately and build trust to help people navigate challenging circumstances
• Have good IT literacy and organisational skills
• Can take initiative as a member of a team
• Can work under emotional pressure and respond to stressful situations professionally and with integrity

What will you do in the role?

• Assess client needs and suitability for accommodation in the private rented sector and/or supported housing via in-person meetings 
• Provide advice, guidance and support over the phone, in person, and via email to clients and stakeholders
• Arrange viewings of suitable properties with clients and liaise with agents and landlords
• Make referrals to hostels and supported housing
• Assist clients to access grants and with benefit claims
• Support clients with issues such as rent payments, liaising with landlords and dealing with neighbours
• Update client records and referrers using our CRM system, In-Form.
• Work with the team to keep improving the service

Desirable Experience and skills:

At HOPE worldwide, we value both lived and learnt experience. The following skills and experience would be helpful but if you don't have them, rest assured that we value attitude and willingness to learn, not just experience and skills:

• Working within a team of professional staff
• Successfully building relationships with a variety of stakeholders
• Experience of working with a charity/third sector organisation
• Working or serving within an organisation with a Christian ethos
• Supporting people to resolve issues with benefit claims
• Personal experience of overcoming homelessness or disadvantage
• Supporting people to access or sustain accommodation 

Equal Opportunities:

HOPE worldwide is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to ensuring that our workplace is free from discrimination within the framework of the Equality Act 2010.

We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Candidates will require Right to Work in the UK.

Please note that our office is in Angel, Islington and is up two flights of stairs with no lift. The requirements of job applicants and existing members of staff who have a disability will be reviewed to ensure that, wherever possible, reasonable adjustments are made to enable them to enter into or remain in employment with us. 

DBS checks:

Due to the nature of the role, a criminal record check is required before a final job offer is made.

How to apply:

Please submit a CV and cover letter outlining your motivation, skills and experience.

We know that there will be strong candidates who will not fit all the criteria, or who have important skills we have not mentioned. If that is you, please do not hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to in-person interviews at HOPE worldwide’s office in Islington.

We look forward to hearing from you!

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.

This is not a turnaround role, but nor is it a stewardship-only role. We are looking for a CEO to lead the next ambitious phase of Literacy Pirates’ journey: building on strong foundations to deliver a disciplined, digitally enabled phase of national growth. The successful candidate will not be expected to reinvent the mission or abandon the existing strategy. They will be expected to sharpen execution, increase momentum, strengthen the growth engine, and lead the organisation through the next phase of scale. 

The CEO will work closely with a strong Senior Leadership Team and Board to scale the Virtual Ship, strengthen partnerships and income, protect what is distinctive about Literacy Pirates, and ensure the organisation is operationally and financially ready for sustained growth. 

Role purpose 

To lead Literacy Pirates through its next phase of growth by: 

• scaling the Virtual Ship nationally in line with the 2030 strategy; 
• maintaining impact while improving the organisation’s economics and operating model; 
• building the partnerships, income and organisational capacity needed for long-term success; and 
• protecting and evolving the culture, values and quality that make Literacy Pirates distinctive. 

Calibre Audio is a national charity providing accessible audiobooks to people who are unable to read print due to visual impairment, dyslexia, or other conditions. Through a digital-first service and a diverse library, we enable people to experience the joy and lifelong benefits of reading.

Everyone has the legal right to equal access to information, yet only 7% of print books are converted to audio, the format needed for many disabled people. For young people, this has serious implications for their ability to learn and develop, and for the elderly, socially isolated, or disadvantaged, coming to terms with the loss of their sight, health and mobility, losing a lifelong love of the written word can be a real blow.

Calibre Audio’s vision is an inclusive society where everyone with a print disability can enjoy accessible books. The charity distribute 1,500 books daily to children and adults whose lives are transformed by access to literature. They work with all major publishers and record many of their own titles, including books unavailable elsewhere in audio. Calibre Audio are now broadening their mission to deliver wider social impact: improving literacy and education outcomes, supporting wellbeing, and tackling loneliness.

This is a pivotal role responsible for leading and growing income from trusts and foundations. Reporting to the Director of Fundraising & Communications, the postholder will develop and deliver a strategic trusts fundraising programme, securing five- and six-figure grants, building long-term partnerships, and contributing significantly to organisational sustainability and growth.

As Senior Trusts Fundraiser, you will: 

• Develop and implement a multi-year trusts and foundations strategy aligned with organisational priorities
• Identify and cultivate new funding opportunities, with a focus on high-value and multi-year grants
• Build a robust pipeline of prospective funders
• Develop compelling, high-quality funding proposals and reports
• Secure significant income from a portfolio of trusts and foundations
• Manage and grow relationships with key funders, ensuring excellent stewardship
• Work closely with colleagues across services and senior leadership to gather impact data and shape funding cases
• Act as a key ambassador for Calibre Audio with external stakeholders

Essential skills and experience: 

• Proven track record of securing five-figure+ income from trusts and foundations
• Excellent written skills, with the ability to craft persuasive, tailored proposals
• Strong relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills
• Strategic thinking with the ability to translate organisational need into compelling cases for support
• Highly organised, with strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple deadlines

Desirable:

• Experience securing six-figure or multi-year grants
• Knowledge of the charity, disability, literacy, or arts sectors
• Advanced CRM skills (preferably Beacon CRM) and pipeline management

Employee benefits include: 

• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with an additional day at Christmas
• 7.5% employer pension contribution

The Literacy Pirates is an educational charity working across the UK to develop the literacy, confidence and perseverance of children who are falling behind in school and have fewer opportunities in their personal lives. We offer in-person and online literacy programmes that support children to meet age-related expectations in reading and writing, succeed in school, and thrive beyond the classroom. 

Literacy Pirates is at an incredibly exciting point in its 15-year journey, as we embark on a period of national expansion with a target to quadruple the number of young people we support over the next four years. The Communications Manager role is critical to achieving our national expansion ambitions. We are excited to be able to recruit for this specialist role to develop our brand and lead the investment in our communications and marketing capacity. 

Objectives

To develop and implement a communications strategy that supports the organisational expansion strategy as well as growth in the three key areas of school recruitment, volunteer recruitment and fundraising performance. 

Developing high-quality communications content and stewarding key external relationships in support of organisational comms work.  

Key Responsibilities

• Develop audience specific communications strategies and work with departmental managers to deliver targeted campaigns to recruit volunteers, school partners and new funders. 
• Produce high-quality written, visual and digital content translating our impactful work to be accessible, engaging and audience/channel specific. 
• Develop close and supportive relationships with external ambassadors and other allies, in support of organisational communications work.
• Track engagement across media channels and email marketing, and produce monthly reports for leadership team showing activity 
• Continue the development of our new website, including monitoring analytics. 
• Support freelancers, interns and internal colleagues to design high quality video, social media, print and digital material 
• Drive storytelling initiatives by sourcing and sharing case studies and impact stories that inspire donors and the wider public. 
• Proactively identify communication opportunities as well as new relationships with external individuals and organisations.
• Manage an engaging newsletters distribution system to a range of key audiences. 
• Continue to develop the quality of all external communications ensuring all materials are aligned with our brand guidelines, key messages, and core organisational strategy. 
• Recruit and then manage a Communication and Marketing Associate in year two, resource permitting. 
• Work with the Senior Leader Team to develop and implement our PR & media strategy. 
• Work across the charity to upskill and develop the team in effective, user-centred communications. 
• Work to ensure safeguarding and dignity of children and families are central to all organisational communications.  
   

Person Specification

• 3 years’ experience within a digital communication role 
• Excellent copywriting skills with an ability to craft clear, engaging content for different audiences to tight deadlines 
• Experience with digital advertising and promoted social media posts, analysing trends, reviewing efficacy, and adjusting campaigns in real time 
• Good knowledge of the digital and social media landscape and emerging trends. 
• The ability to simplify complex concepts into plain, compelling English. 
• Proven experience working in an editorial capacity, developing compelling copy for online audiences, with a varied portfolio of written work 
• Experience of digital content creation, commissioning and management 
• Proficiency newsletter creation, working to tight deadlines, collaborating with other departments, and using mail clients 
• Experience of managing suppliers, partners and contributors 
• Familiarity with design software for creating digital assets, such as Canva 

Personal attributes 

• Self-starter, able to work proactively and intuitively 
• Able to work to varying timelines and prioritise own workload accordingly 
• Ability to communicate with a range of people of different levels, disciplines and backgrounds 
• Passionate about addressing poverty and inequality, and commitment to equality and diversity 

Salary: £40,000 – 42,000 (incl. London Weighting)

Contract: Full time, Permanent
Location: London based, two days in the office, with the option to work remotely three days

How to apply

To apply for the position, complete our online application form and upload a CV by midday on Friday 1st May 2026.

Age UK is hiring Customer Advisers to join our National Advice Line!

We are still in a cost-of-living crisis and changes to the winter fuel payment criteria mean that many older people in the UK are in desperate need of advice and support. As a Customer Adviser, you will be playing an important role in this vital service; providing information and advice for older people in need, and signposting them, their families, carers and other professionals to relevant bodies that can help with their specific requirements.

Our team of Customer Advisers are dedicated to providing a high-quality service to those in later life and are passionate about ensuring all callers receive the guidance and support they need. The team handles thousands of calls, emails and webchats each year. Some of these enquiries can be emotionally tough, but there is no better feeling than knowing that you have helped someone.

If you are passionate about helping others while providing an excellent customer service, this may be the role for you.

This role offers hybrid working between home and our offices in Blackpool and Ashburton (a robust home broadband connection is essential). The team work from the office at least one day a week, although this can be more if you prefer. You will need to live within an easily commutable distance of the office either by car or public transport, we suggest up to an hour's commute. During the probation and training period you may be required to come into the office 2-3 days a week. We are currently trialling fortnightly office attendance, but this could be subject to change in future.

The Advice Line is open from 8am to 7pm, 365 days of the year and you will be required to work a variety of shifts including some weekends and bank holidays. Full time contracts are for 35 hours per week.

Last date for applications Tuesday 14^th April 2026.

Must haves:

The below competencies will be assessed at the indicated stage of the recruitment process:
Application = A, Interview = I, Test = T, Presentation = P

In your Supporting Statement, please include examples of how you meet the Must Have criteria below.

Experience

• Experience of computer-based systems, applications, and keyboard skills. A, I, T
• Experience of working to set time scales. A, I

Skills and Knowledge

• Ability to communicate with a wide range of people in a professional manner. I
• Ability to deal with difficult and distressed callers calmly and politely. I
• Ability to handle confidential, sensitive information and personal details professionally and in line with current legislation. I
• Commitment to customer care and equal opportunities. A, I
• Good numeracy and literacy skills. A, T
• Accurate data entry skills. A, T
• Excellent communication skills including a confident telephone manner. I

Personal attributes

• Personal resilience in dealing with difficult and distressed callers whilst managing own wellbeing. A, I
• Flexible approach to hours of work. I
  

Great to haves:

• Experience of working in a contact centre or call centre environment. A, I
• Experience of providing information and signposting on a broad range of subjects. A, I
• Knowledge of issues which affect older people. A, I

What we offer in return

• Competitive salary, 26 days annual leave + bank holidays + annual leave purchase scheme
• Excellent pension scheme, life assurance, Health cashback plan and EAP
• Techscheme - buy any tech from Apple or Currys, up to £1000, and spread the cost over 12 months, interest free
• Blue Light Card Scheme
• Many additional benefits

Additional Information

Supporting statements and anonymisation
Candidates are expected to provide a supporting statement that explains how they meet the competencies annotated with an 'A' in the job description, to assess suitability for the position. Age UK acknowledges and accepts that AI may be used to support the application; we do expect candidates to personalise experience, knowledge and skills and failure to do so, may result in your application being rejected.

Please submit a Word version of your CV as it will be anonymised by our recruitment system when you apply for a role. Our system is unable to anonymise supporting statements and heavily formatted CVs. Please could you remove any personal information including your name before you upload to support our inclusive recruitment process. All equalities monitoring information is also anonymised and not shared with the hiring panel. Your name and address will only be known to us if invited for interview.

Reasonable adjustments
Disabled job seekers can access reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. All requests for reasonable adjustments are considered on a case-by-case basis, in collaboration with the disabled job seeker to best meet their needs, by contacting the Recruitment Team. Disability disclosures will be kept confidential and only shared on a need-to-know basis to support the implementation of adjustments. Disclosures will not be used to inform hiring decisions.

Age UK is committed to safeguarding adults at risk, and children, from abuse and neglect. We expect everyone who works with us to share this commitment.

Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert at any time.

Age UK politely requests no contact from recruitment agencies or media sales. We do not accept speculative CVs from recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.

Mind in Haringey is an independent charity organisation providing vital mental health services to our community in Haringey since 1989.

We have a broad and exciting range of services and projects running in a dynamic, evolving environment. We are constantly striving to develop and improve our services through listening to our community, peers, and staff team to evaluate and deliver the best possible projects for our community.

Working with Mind in Haringey will give you the opportunity to join a small, creative team with many opportunities for learning and progression. We are a diverse and passionate team, who welcome experiences and perspectives from all backgrounds. 

We particularly encourage applications from those with lived experience of mental health, from racialised communities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and residents of Haringey who are passionate about changing things for the better in the borough. 

Haringey is a melting pot of culture, history, and resilience. Though there is much that needs to be improved, we are proud to work as part of a community that has displayed great strength in hardship both in the past and in more recent years. Interested in joining us in this work? We look forward to receiving your application for the role.

We are seeking a passionate and dedicated SMI Support Worker who will improve access, engagement and outcomes for Haringey residents living with Severe Mental Illness (SMI). The role strengthens pathways into community and statutory services, supports residents to navigate wellbeing and physical health offers, and works closely with the Haringey Wellbeing Network (HWN), Social Prescribing teams, and the SMI Health Check team. The postholder will provide targeted outreach, health literacy, and supported introductions to ensure residents receive the right support at the right time to improve mental health outcomes for those living with SMI across the borough.

Marine Policy Officer
Scotland (Hybrid/Flexible)
£30,533 per annum

Fixed Term until June 2027, Full Time (35 hours per week)

Reports to: Marine Policy Manager

Closing date: 12 noon 13th April 2026

Interview date:  it is anticipated that interviews will be conducted week commencing 20th April 2026

Join us in shaping Scotland’s marine future.

We are looking for a passionate and skilled Marine Policy Officer to join our Policy & Advocacy team and help drive forward our marine conservation and ocean literacy work. This is an exciting opportunity to influence how Scotland manages and protects its marine environment, and to play a central role in the Trust’s Sea the Connection project - an initiative designed to remove barriers and empower communities to participate meaningfully in marine decision making.

The role is varied, high-impact, and ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic policy landscape and enjoys working collaboratively with government, partners, and communities.

About the Role

As Policy Officer, you will play a central role in advancing the Trust’s marine policy, planning, and ocean literacy ambitions across a diverse and impactful portfolio. Working closely with the Marine Policy Manager and the marine policy inclusion officer, you will contribute to the development of evidence based, solutions focused policy positions on –

• Scotland’s Marine Protected Area network
• National and regional marine planning
• Fisheries management
• Marine renewables
  - and the delivery of Scotland’s Blue Economy Vision - particularly its aim to build an ocean literate nation.

A significant focus of the role will be leading the coordination and delivery of the Scottish Ocean Literacy Coalition and supporting the development of Scotland’s first national Ocean Literacy Strategy. You will convene and chair steering group meetings, design and deliver both online and in person engagement events, and gather perspectives from a wide range of stakeholders to shape a shared national vision for ocean literacy. This will require confidence in planning, facilitating, and managing events, as well as the ability to build strong, collaborative relationships across sectors including government, NGOs, academia, communities, and marine industries.

You will also represent the Trust at external meetings, workshops, and conferences, ensuring our priorities are communicated effectively and that we remain an active, constructive voice in Scotland’s marine policy landscape. The breadth of the role offers an excellent opportunity to deepen your expertise across marine environmental topics while developing your own specialist area of interest. Ultimately, you will help strengthen the Trust’s capacity to influence marine planning processes, support marine protection initiatives, and contribute to a more ocean literate Scotland.

Why Join Us?

• Work at the heart of Scotland’s marine policy landscape.
• Influence real change for nature, climate, and coastal communities.
• Be part of a supportive, knowledgeable, and collaborative team.
• Shape national approaches to ocean literacy and marine protection.
• Develop your own specialist areas within a broad and meaningful role.

For more Information please see the job description below.

To apply please click on the “Apply now” button, which will take you to our application pages.

The Trust is a passionate employer, proactive about creating a culture of diversity and inclusive workplace that promotes and values equal opportunities for all. We welcome individuals from all networks of life, backgrounds, and experiences.

At an exciting time of growth you will be a key member of the Fundraising 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.

Barnet Mencap is a charity based in Finchley that provides support and runs a multitude of projects for people with learning disabilities and/or Autism. We are dynamic, enthusiastic, diverse, and committed to equal opportunities and the safeguarding of children and adults at risk. 

There is currently a vacancy within our Project Support Team for someone with strong communication and IT skills, with a creative streak, who enjoys a challenge. Please view the Job Description and Person Specification for a better idea of what the role entails and what we’re looking for.

The successful candidate will have:

• good interpersonal skills working as part of the administrative team 
• high attention to detail and a high standard of literacy
• excellent organizational skills working in a timely manner
• be confident and flexible, acting as the public voice of Barnet Mencap

To apply, please send your CV alongside a covering letter explaining how you meet the criteria on the person specification. 

The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service application in line with Section 115 of The Police Act 1997. 

Closing Date:Thursday 16th April 2026

Interview Date: Thursday 23rd April 2026

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 New Hall. 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.

Please note this role is subject to contract award

Closing date is 23rd April 2026.
Interviews are planned for 29th April 2026.

REF-227 632

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 Bullingdon. 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 May 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 will be held on a rolling basis.

REF-227 635

We are looking for a new CEO to lead Surrey Community Action into a bright and exciting future, where the voluntary sector and communities of Surrey are helped to survice and thrive.

Surrey Community Action

Chief Executive Officer

35 hours per week, mostly office based but with some scope for working remotely.

Based in Burpham, Guildford, Surrey

The role is subject to a satisfactory DBS check.

£62,000 for a 35-hour week

5% employers pension contribution

25 days annual leave plus three days over Christmas

Employee Assistance Programme

About Surrey Community Action

Surrey Community Action supports Surrey’s voluntary sector, the diverse communities of Surrey, and other organisations who seek to work with either. We ensure that non-voluntary sector stakeholders understand the value of our sector and how to work together to achieve shared objectives. We provide services to Surrey’s voluntary sector that increase their effectiveness or fill gaps in their capability, capacity, and resilience. Services to the Surrey’s Communities and we provide services directly to Surrey’s communities that support community action and address unsupported needs.

About The Role

We are seeking a new Chief Executive to join us at an ideal time to complete and implement our emerging new strategy and direct Surrey Community Action into a bright future.

As Chief Executive Officer, you will have the scope and authority to shape strategy, influence policy, empower Surrey’s voluntary sector, and champion rural communities, working closely with a committed Board, and experienced staff team.

You will be the organisation’s lead ambassador, building trusted relationships with partners, funders and decision‑makers, and ensuring the organisation’s voice is heard at local, regional and national level.

You will also play a critical role in leading change and transformation within the charity - strengthening systems, diversifying income and evolving how the organisation works so it remains resilient, relevant and impactful in a fast‑changing environment.

This is a role for someone who enjoys balancing big‑picture thinking with practical delivery, and who can bring people with them through periods of transition.

If you are motivated to improve the capability, capacity and resilience of the Surrey’s voluntary sector, communities and residents; if you thrive in complex and changing stakeholder environments; and if you are excited by the challenge of leading an organisation through its next phase of growth and influence, this role is for you.

No two days will be the same, but there are some core parts of this role.

• Strategic Leadership & Organisational Direction
• You will lead the delivery of a clear, compelling organisational strategy, adapting it in response to an evolving operating environment and ensuring the organisation remains agile, future‑focused and well positioned within the voluntary and community sectors.
• Board Partnership & Governance
• You will work collaboratively with the Board of Trustees, providing high‑quality insight, advice and assurance on strategy, finance, risk, governance and compliance, and then supporting effective Board decision‑making through clear reporting, analysis and professional guidance.
• Leadership of People & Culture
• You will lead, inspire and support the staff team through a transparent, inclusive and empowering management style, creating a high‑performance culture rooted in trust, accountability, equality, diversity and wellbeing.
• Change Management & Organisational Development
• You will be a skilled change manager, leading transformation in response to evolving funding landscapes, policy shifts, technology and community needs, designing and implementing systems, structures and processes that strengthen organisational effectiveness and resilience.
• Ambassadorial Role, Advocacy & External Relations
• You will be the public face of the organisation, representing it with credibility, passion and authority, and building strong, influential relationships with funders, partners, policymakers, communities and stakeholders.

About You

The purpose of the Chief Executive Officer’s role is to guide and plan the strategic development and overall direction of the organisation, providing strong leadership and co-ordination to ensure the aims, strategic objectives and priorities of the organisation are achieved.

To do this, we need someone who embodies the following attributes, skills and experience.

You will have:

• Senior leadership experience within a voluntary, community, public or values‑led organisation, with accountability for strategy, performance and resources.
• Proven experience of working effectively with a Board or trustees
• Demonstrable success in leading and managing organisational change, including restructuring, service development or cultural transformation.
• Experience in fundraising, income generation and business development
• Experience of financial leadership, including budgeting, financial planning, income generation and managing funding agreements or contracts.
• A strong track record of external engagement, partnership working and representation at senior level.
• People management experience, supporting a compact team delivering diverse projects.
• Excellent communication skills (including social media) and governance literacy.
• It will be a distinct advantage to have familiarity with Local Government Reorganisation and devolution, ideally in a county like Surrey.

You will be:

• Motivated, motivating and dynamic
• An effective communicator (including social media) with good network contacts, especially in the VCSE sector and across local government
• A strong team builder, able to develop, encourage and support colleagues in making the most of their experience and skillsets and to feel confident in their abilities
• A visionary leader who is able to embrace and manage change through strategic creativity and innovation, while also able to pay attention to detail when necessary.
• Ideally, you will also be able to demonstrate understanding of charity governance, compliance and safeguarding.
• Calm and confident under pressure with an evidence-based approach to prioritising finite resources.

These attributes, skills and experience will make you stand out, but even if you do not match all the criteria below, we still want to hear about you and what you can offer.

The Nuts and Bolts

The role is a permanent contract for 35 hours per week, mostly office based but with some scope for working remotely.

Our offices are in Guildford, Surrey

We are committed to continued professional development and will support you to develop your skills even further.

The role is subject to a satisfactory DBS check.

The salary for this post is £62,000 for a 35-hour week.

We also offer:

• 5% employers pension contribution
• Employee Assistance Programme
• 25 days holiday with an additional three days between Christmas and New Year, as well as all English Bank Holidays

We can only accept applications from candidates with the right to work in the UK.