Local development officer jobs

High Trees are seeking a new team member to provide full administrative and programme support to the Research & Impact team. You will be joining us at an exciting time as High Trees continues to grow the reach and scale of our research and impact. This is an exciting opportunity for a thoughtful and proactive individual to work within a small, collaborative and dynamic team in a varied role. You will be passionate about ensuring that the voices of the communities that we work with remain at the heart of what we do and how we do it.

This role is central to supporting the team in the day-to-day running of our service. You will be responsible for producing dynamic and impactful marketing and communications content, and providing administrative support for our research, evaluation and partnership activities and events. You will also be proactive, keeping abreast of developments and opportunities in the sector to raise the profile of our work. You will be highly organised and details-focused, a compelling communicator, and confident to take initiative.

Collaboration with colleagues is an essential part of this role and you will enjoy working with others and be a valued partner, peer and colleague. Supporting the Head of Community Research and Impact and the wider team, you will actively contribute to delivering and shaping our service. You will need to be highly responsive to the needs of colleagues, service users, partners, and be able to provide practical solutions for a range of situations. This is an entry-level post, and you will be encouraged and supported to grow and develop your skills and expertise across a range of areas.

Purpose of Post: The post holder will lead on the delivery of our volunteer programme. You will be responsible for the recruitment of new volunteers and the support of existing volunteers and volunteer contacts to maintain a positive volunteer experience.

You will work across teams to ensure the volunteer’s experience is positive and will play a key role in volunteer retention. You will work with the different teams to identify and develop new volunteering opportunities. You will increase the diversity and variety of our volunteering opportunities to reflect our local community and better serve our members. You will work to ensure our volunteers feel valued, fulfilled, and have opportunities to meaningfully contribute to Hear Us.

As well as oversight of all our volunteering activities, the post-holder will assist in delivering, developing and expanding upon the success of our existing independent peer support Linkworking Project at inpatient wards at the Royal Bethlem Hospital (RBH) and Croydon’s Mental Health Community Services, Jeanette Wallace House (JWH) and Queens Resource Centre (QRC). The post-holder will assist the Peer Support Coordinator in managing and supporting our team of peer support Linkworkers (volunteers) to monitor the quality of Croydon’s statutory mental health services.

This role is crucial for maintaining the efficiency and effectiveness of our volunteer activities, enabling us to support more people in our community.

This post holder will work towards achieving a Hear Us Volunteer Accreditation as part of ensuring good practice for our staff and volunteers, and developing the future creative direction of our volunteering offer.

Given the collaborative and engagement-focused nature of this role, and its direct delivery responsibilities, regular face-to-face working is required, with the post-holder based primarily in the office and attending events and community activities as needed.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

· Develop and support different techniques to attract lived experience volunteers to Hear Us to build a strong and diverse volunteer base

· Develop and produce volunteer recruitment and information material for our public events, website, and social media

· Monitor and screen incoming volunteer applications and make first contact with applicants

· Liaise with Hear Us managers to schedule, plan, and organise in-person and online volunteer recruitment drives and/or information days

· Support with the development and delivery of a standardised volunteer induction.

Volunteer Management

· Lead on organising and managing volunteer involvement in events and activities, ensuring effective briefing and debriefing.

· Provide volunteer supervision and support where required (usually volunteers will be line managed by their project manager if volunteering with a specific project)

· Conduct regular volunteer surveys and establish routes for volunteers to provide feedback.

Volunteer Training

· Schedule, plan, and organise group training days for volunteers to access and complete mandatory training

· To support volunteers to access and complete mandatory training, (including safeguarding, Prevent and information governance) and to encourage attending further training, workshops or other opportunities that may support in their own development.

· To provide bespoke Hear Us training to new volunteers as part of the induction process, and provide refresher and ongoing training for existing volunteers, updating and/or redesigning the training manuals where necessary.

· In collaboration with colleagues, to develop the Hear Us Academy (accredited peer support training modules)

 Volunteer Database Management

· Manage the volunteer database by maintaining an accurate record of Hear Us volunteers, including but not limited to activity status, address, and communication preferences on Hear Us database(s).

· Ensure all recruitment checks are completed and accurate volunteer records are held in compliance with the Data Protection Act and GDPR.

Linkwork Project Support

· Act as a deputy for the Peer Support Coordinator where required, in managing a small, vibrant team of peer support volunteer Linkworkers (all of who are current or former mental health service users).

· Assist with Linkworking Project support, such as supporting volunteers in signing up for the SLaM Involvement Register, arranging an induction with Hear Us and introducing peer support Linkworkers to wards and services.

· In the absence of the Peer Support Coordinator, organise and manage the peer support Linkworking rota, finding cover where necessary, ensuring as few sessions are cancelled as possible.

· In the absence of the Peer Support Coordinator, maintain good relations with the SLaM Involvement Register, and submit peer support Linkworkers’ timesheets as required.

· In the absence of the Peer Support Coordinator, ensure the ongoing delivery of Linkworking Sessions

· Help monitor the peer support Linkworking Project, evaluating its effectiveness on improving services and gathering feedback from service users, Linkworkers, and SLaM staff.

· Gather and provide peer support Linkworkers with signposting material and information that can be shared with service users.

Stakeholder Management

· Work in partnership with the Peer Support Coordinator, Engagement and Campaigns Manager, Welfare Rights Manager, Events Coordinator, Deputy CEO, CEO, trustees, and other staff members to achieve the charity's aims and ensure stability and longevity for Hear Us and its members.

· Represent Hear Us on appropriate external committees, networks and other bodies, with other voluntary, statutory and private sector agencies.

· Work on volunteer incentives, recognition and reward schemes across the year.

Other Duties

· Attend supervision and identify your own training and support needs with your supervisor.

· Develop and maintain a healthy working practice for yourself and the volunteers (including peer support Linkworkers) by having clear personal and professional boundaries.

· Keep up to date with best practice and legislation in the volunteer sector.

· Actively oppose discrimination against people who experience mental distress in Croydon in line with the Hear Us diversity and inclusion and recruitment policies

· Adhere to all Hear Us policies and procedures in all aspects of their work (including safeguarding, equity, inclusion & diversity, health & safety and confidentiality)

It is the nature of the work that tasks and responsibilities are in many circumstances unpredictable and varied. All employees are expected to work in a flexible way, as required by Hear Us. Some meetings and other events may be held out of normal office hours and could involve travel away from the local area. 

BIND UK is a specialist team offering expert advice and guidance to organisations that are determined to deliver practical, positive and permanent impact to the UK’s Food Waste Challenge. We believe change is created not by a handful of people doing sustainability perfectly, but by everyone doing a little something. Find out more about our values and purpose here. 

About Eat Smart 

Eat Smart is a successful primary school educational programme born in the NE of England designed to inspire children and schools to reduce food waste and build sustainable food systems. We deliver engaging resources and learning experiences that empower schools and pupils to have more ownership of their kitchens/dinner halls, improve student wellbeing, and have increased environmental awareness.

Since 2018 Eat Smart has enabled 70 schools in North East England to rescue their food waste by over 25%, equivalent to saving 6,000 meals worth £13,000 per school, per year, and our expansion to other areas of the UK has already begun. With an ever-growing data set and credibility for school food waste prevention, we have increasing potential to affect school food policy and deliver food waste prevention interventions on a national level. 

As we expand our delivery across the UK, we are seeking a dynamic and strategic Development Manager to lead the expansion via a franchise model, build partnerships, and oversee the operational excellence of our growing network.

This is a pivotal leadership role focused on scaling the Eat Smart model nationally. The postholder will drive growth by developing regional and national partnerships, securing funding streams, recruiting and onboarding delivery partners, and ensuring quality and impact across all Eat Smart schools and organisations. 

You will combine strong operational management with strategic business development — ensuring Eat Smart continues to grow sustainably, aligning with Bind’s aims and values. 

Key Responsibilities 

Strategic Growth & Project Development 

• Co-develop and deliver a UK-wide expansion strategy for Eat Smart
• Develop and manage the franchise/licensing model for national delivery partners
• Lead on the recruitment, onboarding, and support of partner organisations to deliver the Eat Smart programme effectively 

Funding & Partnership Development 

• Identify, establish and nurture partnerships with national and local government agencies, policy makers, school bodies and funders
• Build strategic relationships with relevant education, environment and community organisations 
• Research relevant funding opportunities for delivery partners and Bind
• Support delivery partners with the submission of funding applications 

UK Network Management & Evaluation 

• Co-design/develop the Eat Smart monitoring and evaluation system to monitor KPIs and the environmental and social impact of Eat Smart across the UK
• Lead on the management of the monitoring and evaluation system, supporting delivery partners where necessary 
• Create local and national impact reports for Eat Smart and use insights to inform improvement and growth 
• Manage the support network of UK delivery partners, ensuring they are able to deliver the programme effectively 
• Assist delivery partners with meetings with Local Authorities and catering organisations 

Marketing & Communications 

• Co-design and lead on delivery of annual Eat Smart conferences
• Represent Eat Smart at events, conferences, and networking opportunities across the UK 
• Manage Eat Smart UK social media channels 
• Develop digital and print materials to support programme promotion and recruitment

Person Specification

Essential: 

• Align with Bind’s values. If you are this, we can teach you the rest!
• Understanding of third sector grant funding landscape and experience in successful bid writing 
• Strong project management and organisational skills 
• Experience in partnership and stakeholder recruitment and management
• Ability to lead, inspire, and develop teams of partners remotely
• Experience with monitoring, evaluation, and reporting frameworks
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for improving environmental and education outcomes. 
• Excellent written and verbal communicator and proficient in IT systems (shared documents, spreadsheets, Zoom/Teams/Meet, social media, website editing and emails) 

Desirable: 

• Interest in, and awareness of, food waste on a local and global level
• Experience in business development, franchise management, or operational leadership
• Experience working in education, environment or social impact sectors
• Knowledge of primary school systems 
• Experience of community engagement in the UK 
• Full driving license and access to own vehicle 

** A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure Check will be required for the post, but a clean DBS certificate is not essential for the role - we will review employees with a criminal record on a case-by-case basis. **

What We Offer 

• Opportunity to shape and lead the national growth of an amazing educational programme 
• A collaborative, mission-driven environment with real social and environmental impact 
• Flexible working arrangements and supportive leadership. Many of our Eat Smart staff choose to work term-time only 
• Remote working, with an office in Newcastle's Ouseburn Valley 
• Being part of a small and passionate team, who believe in a positive disruptive mission to change the food waste landscape across the UK. 

Key Information

• Deadline for all applications is Mon 12th January 2026 at 9am – applications received after this date will not be considered.
• In-person interviews will take place on 21st January 2026 in Newcastle.
• Based in Newcastle’s Ouseburn Valley but this role can be worked remotely/hybrid (some UK-wide travel required incl. a trip to Newcastle minimum monthly)
• Contract: 30-32 hours per week (with the option of increased hours during term-time and reduced hours in school holidays). 
• The start date will be end of February 2026, but start dates will be discussed at interview.
• We will contact all applicants as soon as possible to inform them of the status of their application.

We are looking for a proactive and people-focused fundraiser to join our ambitious team as Community Fundraising and Partnerships Officer. This is a pivotal role where you will:

• Grow community income and build meaningful partnerships with local companies, schools, individual supporters and groups.
• Shape and deliver inspiring fundraising initiatives that engage the community and raise vital funds.
• Be the key link between Dash and our supporters, ensuring every donor, volunteer, and partner feels valued and connected to our mission.

This is a fantastic opportunity to make the role your own. While some community fundraising has taken place, there is huge potential to grow our income and partnerships given our location near major companies and active community groups. You will work closely with our CEO and Trusts & Foundations Lead and play a central role in securing the resources needed to continue our life-changing work.

4-5 days per week (flexible), hybrid location (home-based with regular travel to Maidenhead, Slough, and
Windsor, so ideally based within 1 hour of the area)
Term: Permanent or we will consider contract

This role is perfect for someone who wants to use their fundraising expertise to make a real and lasting difference to families in crisis.

Are you a good all-rounder in fundraising, including a background in Foundations and Trusts? Can you inspire and motivate donors and fundraisers?

If so, then join an ambitious organisation with a determination to transform the future for the 220,000 people in the UK living with axial spondyloarthritis.  

We are a small team, looking for a second Fundraising Officer to work alongside our existing Fundraising Officer to deliver activity across all our income streams, supported by a Fundraising Board. We’re aiming to grow income from individual giving, Trusts and Foundations, community and individual fundraising, trading and further build our community of legacy pledgers. 2026 is our 50th Anniversary, a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our achievements and grow our income.

Our dedicated team at NASS is passionate about transforming lives for people with axial SpA. We truly value our people, who do meaningful work that directly impacts the lives of people living with axial SpA. You'll be supported to succeed and genuinely appreciated for your contributions. We pride ourselves on our collegiate spirit and willingness to support each other in all aspects of our work.  We operate a hybrid model of working, with some staff working remotely for most of the time, so applicants need to be comfortable with working in this way.

The Benefits

· Salary up to £30,000 - £32,000 p.a.

· Employer pension contribution of 10%

· 25 days annual leave plus 3 days leave between Christmas and New Year, plus Bank Holidays

· Time off in Lieu scheme

· Death in Service benefit to loved ones

If this sounds like you, then please get in touch. We would love to hear from you.

To apply, please submit: 

• Your CV
• A two-page cover letter explaining your interest in the role – the letter must describe how your skills and experience meet the person specification.

Application Deadline: 10 am on 6th January 2026.

Interviews:  15th January at our office in Hammersmith.

For further information, and to submit your application, contact Dale Webb

Commitment to equality, diversity & inclusion: NASS is proud to welcome everyone. We aim for a truly inclusive culture with talented, diverse teams that represent a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We celebrate difference and individuality and encourage everyone to join us and be their whole selves always. We particularly encourage applications from individuals with lived experience of axial SpA and from underrepresented groups in the charity sector.

As Managing Director, you will provide strategic direction for the charity, employing a collaborative leadership style to ensure that the achievement of the charity’s vision and objectives is supported by an engaged and culturally healthy staff team.

You will ensure the projects are run in-line with our policies, legal requirements, and budgets, with an overarching understanding of the charity’s finances and fundraising.

You will also be a figurehead for the organisation, effectively networking, partnering and influencing across sectors.

Lastly, but most importantly, you will be passionate about the transformative power of connection across division, and how the projects we create serve this core purpose.

We’re an award-winning charity running local learning centres in the heart of the communities where the young people we support live. Our centres provide a high-impact education programme which includes practical learning support, pastoral care, and motivational and confidence-building activities for young people aged 7-18. Our aim is to enable students from the least advantaged neighbourhoods to realise their ambitions and achieve their wonderful potential.

As the UK’s leading university access organisation, our staff team is helping over 50,000 young people each year at its 44 learning centres and extension projects across England and Scotland, and we plan to scale-up our provision to 50 centres over the coming years.

We are looking for someone who will enjoy working each day with young people and who will thrive in a frontline, community-based, fast-paced and rewarding role. You will be taking up a fixed-term contract as an Education Worker at our
centre in Oxford.

Location: IntoUniversity Oxford South East
Contract: Full-time, fixed-term until April 2027
Applications close: 9am Tuesday 6th January 2026
Start date: January 2026

Salary

£28,250 per annum

What could my day look like?

The Education Worker role is a frontline, fast-paced and rewarding role where no two weeks will look the same. A typical day will have different activities, possibly spread between the IntoUniversity centre, partner schools and the offices of a corporate partner.

In the morning, you might be setting off with resources to run a workshop for sixth-form students in their secondary school. In the afternoon you may be setting up the classroom ahead of running Primary Academic Support for young people in your IntoUniversity centre. On other days, you may be travelling to a corporate partner to run a business simulation workshop for 15 year-olds or leading a group of final year primary school students on a campus visit for their graduation.

As an Education Worker, you’ll always be delivering the programme as part of your centre team, which means that any delivery is always a team effort. 

Director of Operations

Lead with Purpose. Shape the Future of Christian Care.

Pilgrims’ Friend Society has been providing Christian care to older people for over 200 years. Today, as the UK faces an unprecedented ageing population, we are growing to meet the challenge and we need an exceptional leader to help us deliver our vision of fulfilled living for older people.

We operate 12 care homes and 9 housing schemes across England, with ambitious plans to expand to 15 homes and beyond. Our mission is clear: to provide outstanding care rooted in Christian values, and to partner with local churches so that older people experience dignity, community, and the love of Christ.

About the Role

As Director of Operations, you will:

• Lead and oversee our portfolio of established care homes and housing schemes.
• Ensure regulatory compliance, quality of care, and financial sustainability.
• Drive operational excellence, innovation, and efficiency through systems and processes.
• Work closely with our Executive Team to deliver our Growth and Renewal Programme, including new builds and acquisitions.
• Inspire and develop a talented team of managers and operational leaders.

This is a senior leadership role with significant influence on the future of our organisation and the lives of hundreds of older people.

About You

• We are looking for a strategic, values-driven leader who brings:
• Significant experience in adult social care operations or a closely related sector.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory, Health & Safety, and compliance frameworks.
• Proven ability to deliver quality and financial targets at scale.
• A collaborative leadership style, with a commitment to developing people and culture.

A personal Christian faith and alignment with our basis of faith(a genuine occupational requirement under the Equality Act 2010).

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a growing organisation with a clear vision and calling.
• Influence how society values older people and supports churches in ministry.
• Work in a culture that prioritises prayer, faith, and excellence.
• Competitive salary, generous holiday, pension scheme, and life assurance.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced and motivated finance professional to bring expertise to an established local charity. This is a hands-on leadership role, reporting directly to the CEO and working closely with the senior management team and trustees.You will manage and support a small finance team. 

Investing in this specialist role is a crucial step for Valleys Kids. It will enable us to build upon recent work done to deliver better financial management across the organisation. Securing a sustainable future for the charity in the face of external funding pressures will be challenging but, only in this way, can we hope to maintain our significant successes in improving the well-being of local families and communities. 

This role is perfect for someone who is looking for a part time position, thrives on being part of a dynamic team yet can also work independently. You will need to be highly motivated, well organised, and comfortable in providing updates and reports to the senior management team and key external partners. 

Based at the Factory in Porth, but with working from home opportunities, you will need to have your own transport when travel between the various hubs is necessary.

The role requires a DBS check and the right to work in the UK.

Main Responsibilities 

Strategic Leadership 

• Lead financial planning, budget setting, forecasting, and cashflow management. 

• Provide financial insights to support strategic decisions 

• Ensure compliance with Charity accounting standards and regulatory requirements (VAT, SORP, and Gift Aid) 

Operational Management 

• Lead and manage the finance team (2 direct reports) and report directly to the CEO/Trustees 

• Effective use of Xero and accurate maintenance of financial records. 

• Oversee day–to–day finance operations and maintain strong financial controls. 

What we are Looking for 

Essential 

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or equivalent experience. 

• Strong technical accounting skills, with proven experience in budgeting and forecasting. 

• Confident leader with excellent communication skills 

• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands on delivery, including team management 

• Proven experience in a senior finance position 

Desirable 

• An understanding of charity governance 

• Experience with Xero accounting software 

Additional benefits for our employees: 

• 25 days holiday a year plus bank holidays (pro rata) 

• Hybrid working options 

• Employer contributed pension scheme 

• An Employee Assistance Programme 

• Death in Service Benefit 

• Training development opportunities 

• Reimbursement of essential travel expenses at agreed rates 

• Training and development opportunities 

Equality and Diversity 

Valleys Kids are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Please let us know if you need to make any adjustments during the recruitment process and we will be happy to support you.

About us

Rainforest Foundation UK (RFUK) is a values-driven organisation working with Indigenous Peoples and local communities to protect the world’s rainforests and uphold their human rights. Since 1989, RFUK has partnered with forest peoples and grassroots organisations to secure land rights, challenge destructive industries, and influence laws and policies that safeguard forests and the people who depend on them.

Our mission is clear: to combine human rights and environmental protection to tackle deforestation. From the Congo Basin to the Amazon, our work has helped communities protect millions of hectares of rainforest. With a growing team of passionate advocates for social and environmental justice, we are committed to scaling up our impact to confront the accelerating climate and biodiversity crises.

About the role

As Fundraising Officer, you’ll play a key role in supporting RFUK’s income generation and donor engagement strategies. Working closely with the Senior Fundraising Coordinator, you’ll contribute to a range of activities—from researching trusts and foundations, assisting with grant applications, and managing donor care, to supporting events like the London Marathon and helping implement our digital engagement strategy.

This is a part-time role (21 hours per week), fixed-term for 12 months with the possibility of extension. Based in London with hybrid working options, we offer flexibility, a supportive culture, and the chance to make a lasting difference.

About you

You’re an organised and proactive individual with demonstrable experience in fundraising, ideally within a charity or international development context. You have excellent communication skills, a strong eye for detail, and confidence in using CRM systems and digital tools to manage donor relationships. You thrive on collaboration, can juggle multiple tasks, and are committed to RFUK’s values of environmental and social justice.

If you’re passionate about protecting rainforests and supporting Indigenous communities, we’d love to hear from you.

Job description and benefits

Please download the full job description. We offer 30 days annual leave (pro rata), 4% pension contributions, Employee Assistance Programme, learning and development allowance, and four weeks of work-from-anywhere flexibility.

Location

Hybrid role based in our Bethnal Green office. The postholder would usually be required to work in the office a minimum of one day per week during their probation period. This can be reviewed with their Line Manager thereafter.

Application Process

To submit your application, kindly complete the online application form by Monday 12th January 2026, by 9AM. Please be aware that the form will be anonymised for review by the panel.

Please note that CVs will not be considered.

Regrettably, due to the large number of applications we usually receive, it is not possible to write to you should you not be shortlisted for an interview. If you have not heard from us within 10 days of the closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion. 

Interviews with shortlisted candidates will be held on 28th January 2026. Please let us know in your application if you are available to attend an online interview.

Bring your drive and passion to lead CPRE London towards its vision of a greener city and manage its strategic direction and delivery. This is a rare, part time opportunity to lead an organisation at the cutting edge of policy regarding green spaces and the environment, housing and planning. You will manage a small but motivated team of staff and dedicated volunteers. We are looking for candidates with the confidence to pitch for new funding and prioritise projects, coupled with a track record of liaison work across the environmental space ideally drawing on a background in planning.

CPRE London is a leading environmental charity in the capital, an independent charity and the London regional branch (1 of 42) of the national CPRE organisation, ‘The Countryside Charity’.

The focus of our campaigning is to make London a well-planned, greener, climate-resilient and nature rich city, which benefits everyone.

Skills in leadership, oversight of income and expenditure, communication, negotiation, and project management are needed to run our operations. In addition to leading CPRE London you will also work closely with a supportive board of trustees.

Currently at the exciting stage of developing the London Tree Ring project, additionally we are involved in many more initiatives such as Healthy Streets Scorecard and GoParksLondon and supporting local campaigns to protect our precious green spaces from development. 

Further details available on our website: Get Involved: Jobs and Volunteering Tab.

Chief Executive Officer

Salary: £49, 282 - £54,495 per annum

Location: Gorse Hill Studios, Trafford, Manchester (Some remote working will be considered)

Contract Type: Full time, permanent

About Gorse Hill Studios

Gorse Hill Studios is a dynamic and ambitious youth and community arts charity. At the heart of our organisation is a belief that all young people deserve to feel valued, supported and inspired. We work with young people to build confidence, creativity and community connections, ensuring they have the opportunities and encouragement they need to thrive.

We believe that creativity can transform lives, and we are committed to placing young people at the centre of everything we do. Their voices, ideas and experiences help shape our programmes, partnerships and strategic direction.

We are entering an exciting phase of growth and development. Our team currently includes 20 core staff and a wider network of volunteers and creative practitioners, delivering a diverse portfolio of youth arts sessions, community engagement projects, creative wellbeing initiatives and partnership-led activity with local schools and organisations. The CEO will play a pivotal role in leading this portfolio, strengthening our impact, championing youth voice and ensuring young people continue to shape our future direction as we move into the next chapter of our development.

About the Role

As CEO, you will provide strategic, compassionate and visionary leadership, ensuring Gorse Hill Studios delivers its mission to empower and inspire young people. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, you will hold overall responsibility for the organisation’s performance, culture, operations and long-term sustainability. This role calls for someone who demonstrates strong strategic insight with the ability to influence and inspire others, using emotional intelligence and collaborative leadership to build positive internal and external relationships.

A fundamental part of this role is your commitment to embedding young people’s voice in decision making. You will champion their perspectives, ensuring programme development, strategy and organisational culture reflect the needs and aspirations of the young people we serve.

You will also be an ambassador for the charity, building trusted relationships with young people, partners, funders and the wider community. This role requires a leader who is values led, resilient and passionate about supporting young people through the arts and creative engagement.

Roles and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Governance

• Lead on the development and delivery of the charity’s long-term strategy, with young people meaningfully involved
• Ensure compliance with all statutory, regulatory and governance requirements, including Charity Commission expectations and safeguarding duties
• Provide clear, timely reporting to the Board
• Support the Board to operate effectively

Financial Management and Income Generation

• Oversee budgeting, financial planning and responsible management of all funds
• Lead a diverse income generation strategy
• Identify sustainable opportunities for organisational growth

Operational Management and Programme Delivery

• Oversee day to day operations and ensure systems are effective
• Ensure programmes are high quality, inclusive and reflective of young people’s needs and feedback
• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead, or ensure robust safeguarding practices across the organisation

People Leadership and Culture

• Inspire, support and lead a dedicated staff and volunteer team
• Champion a positive, inclusive and collaborative working culture
• Oversee recruitment, wellbeing and performance management

External Relations and Advocacy

• Act as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for Gorse Hill Studios
• Build strong relationships with partners, funders and stakeholders
• Advocate for and with young people locally and nationally
• Represent the charity confidently at events and in the media

Skills and Experience

Essential:

• Senior leadership experience in the charity, youth, arts or wider non-profit sector
• Strong financial management skills
• Proven success in fundraising or income generation
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement
• Knowledge of safeguarding practices in youth settings
• Experience leading teams and developing positive organisational cultures
• Strategic leadership experience

Desirable

• Experience in the youth arts or creative community sector
• Understanding of the Trafford community landscape

Values and Commitment

We are committed to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals who share these values and are passionate about empowering young people.

An enhanced DBS check will be required.

Application Details

To apply, please submit your CV and covering letter.

Closing date: 19 January

Interview date: 23 January at Gorse Hill Studios

Interviews will include a stakeholder panel and a formal interview.

REF-225 658

For the full recruitment pack and application form, please visit our website. We can only accept applications via our website portal. 

ABOUT CAUDWELL YOUTH

Not all young people have the same opportunities in life.

Caudwell Youth exists to level the playing field for young people at risk.

We support at-risk young people who are care experienced, have mental health challenges, or are at risk of exploitation or offending.

WHAT WE DO

Caudwell Youth shapes young people’s futures by providing person-centred support to at risk 11 to 24-year-olds through volunteer-led mentoring for up to 18-months, alongside a targeted intervention programme.

Our mentoring service is designed to ensure every young person feels safe, heard and supported. Each young person gains a trusted adult (a trained volunteer) who meets with them once a week to support them as they take steps towards a more positive future.  

This year, we have supported more than 400 young people.

Our vision is to help every young person at-risk in the UK. We give young people the time, trust and support they need to shape a positive future, no matter their starting point.

ABOUT THE ROLE

To support the Deputy CEO in ensuring the effective delivery and growth of Caudwell Youth’s services.

To oversee the management of operational programmes, ensuring high-quality, person-centred support for young people. To contribute to business development, leading expansion via statutory grants and contracts.

On appointment, you are expected to have significant knowledge and professional experience of your area of specialism and the ability to quickly take on significant responsibility very quickly.

KEY DUTIES

Strategic and External Leadership:

• Lead the effective delivery and development of Caudwell Youth’s programmes, in line with our strategic plan.
• Build and maintain relationships with funders, and strategic partners, with support from the Deputy CEO.
• Identify and secure new funding opportunities, leading on public sector bids and tenders, in line with our strategic plan
• Ensure a youth participation and evidence-based approach in all aspects of service delivery and development.

Services:

• Develop, oversee and report against Operations department budget and plans.
• Oversee operational systems, risk assessments and data to ensure services are safe, needs-led and effective.
• Ensure safeguarding policies are embedded across delivery, acting as DSL if required.
• Support and develop high-performing teams, ensuring training, appraisal, and performance management frameworks are in place.
• Ensure that all programme delivery is trauma informed and person-centred
• Oversee quality assurance processes, ensuring consistent standards across all delivery regions.
• Lead on operational compliance, including health & safety, data protection, incident reporting and regulatory requirements.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and high-quality practice across the organisation.
• Ensure that programmes are monitored and evaluated effectively and that reporting requirements are met, working with the fundraising team as required

Business Development:

• With support from the Deputy CEO, develop plans to implement a growth strategy focused on securing statutory contracts.
• Act as a key point of contact for commissioners, local authorities, and strategic partners.
• Identify and respond to commissioning opportunities across local government (crime, education, and health sectors) in line with our strategy.
• Lead on bid writing, proposal development, and contract negotiations for statutory contracts and grants
• Work with finance and fundraising teams to create budgets, proposals and tender submissions for statutory contracts
• Be responsible for starting up and implementing new funded programmes to ensure quality in delivery
• Identify new trends, emerging needs and opportunities for partnership projects.

General:

• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion across the organisation.
• Undertake and identify training as required and take a positive approach to personal development.
• Fulfil the duties and responsibilities of an employee as regards to Health and Safety at Work, including own safety and self-management.
• Ensure good administration, record keeping and reporting of all work undertaken in line with data protection and other regulations.
• Undertake any other reasonable tasks deemed necessary.

For the full job description and to make an application, please visit our website.

Lead policy and research projects that shape national conversations on cohesion and integration. Join Belong and help create lasting change across the UK.

This is an exciting opportunity to take a pivotal role in delivering high-impact projects that inform practice and influence decision-makers. As Belong enters its next phase of growth, we are determined to deepen our impact, strengthen our resilience, and champion cohesion and integration at scale.

About Belong
Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is the UK’s leading not-for-profit organisation focused on building a more united and less divided society. Established in 2019, we work across sectors to strengthen trust, belonging, and resilience in communities. Through research, policy influence, and place-based programmes, we connect people, places, and organisations to share learning and drive systemic change. Our growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society, and businesses. Belong is collaborative, evidence-led, and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

The Role
As Policy and Research Lead, you will design and deliver research and policy projects that inform practice and influence decision-makers. You will produce high-quality outputs, translate evidence into actionable recommendations, and contribute to Belong’s thought leadership. This role combines strategic insight with hands-on delivery and offers the chance to shape national conversations on social cohesion.

Key Responsibilities

• Policy and Research Leadership

  • Lead the design and delivery of policy and research projects, ensuring quality, relevance, and impact.
  • Produce policy briefings, reports, consultation responses, and thought leadership pieces.
  • Translate research findings into actionable recommendations for policymakers and practitioners.
  • Ensure projects are inclusive, participatory, and informed by lived experience.
  • Monitor policy developments and contribute to strategic positioning and horizon scanning.

• Stakeholder Engagement

  • Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, researchers, funders, and sector leaders.
  • Represent Belong at external meetings, events, and networks.
  • Support collaborative research and policy initiatives with partners and commissioners.
  • Contribute to dissemination of Belong’s work through events, media, and digital channels.

• Internal Collaboration

  • Support the Director of Policy & Research in developing Belong’s policy influencing strategy.
  • Contribute to organisational learning and cross-team collaboration.
  • Assist with proposal development and funder engagement.
  • Line manage junior staff or associates as required.

About You
We are seeking a strategic and thoughtful leader with:

• Proven experience in leading policy and applied research programmes.
• Experience working in or with government, think tanks, or advocacy organisations.
• Strong analytical and writing skills.
• Knowledge of cohesion, integration, and community development.
• Excellent project management and organisational abilities.
• Familiarity with participatory and inclusive research methods.
• Experience in income generation or bid development.
• Relevant qualification in public policy, social research, or related field.
• Ability to translate complex ideas into accessible messages.
• Politically aware and intellectually curious.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills.

Personal Qualities

• Passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK.
• Strategic and solutions-focused.
• Collaborative and inclusive.
• Practical, reliable, and detail-oriented.
• Committed to personal and professional development.
• Able to thrive in a fast-paced and evolving environment.

Why Join Us?
At Belong, you’ll be part of a dynamic, values-driven team united by a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and connected society. We offer:

• 30 days’ annual leave (plus bank holidays)
• Hybrid working
• Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies
• Opportunities for professional development and growth

Join us and help shape policy and research that builds stronger, kinder, and more connected communities across the UK.

Our office is based in Manchester and we offer hybrid working for those able to travel there. However, this role is open UK-wide and can be worked remotely, with regular travel across England and Wales required.