Member and business support manager jobs in Horton kirby, kent

Job Title: Community Project Officer

Team: Ramblers England

Location: Hybrid (London Office)

*This role sits within a pay grade with a pay range of £22,155.20 to £34,913 (FTE £27,694 to £43,642). The salary on appointment will be set at the lower end of the pay range, to a maximum of £24,370 (FTE £30,463) depending on the candidate's skills and experience. This approach aims to ensure fair compensation for new hires while maintaining alignment with the structured pay scale for the role.

*The project will run for three years. The initial fixed-term contract will be for 12 months, with a potential extension for a further two years subject to funding.

Context and purpose of role

By 2034 Ramblers ambition is that everyone in England and Wales will be able to join a Wellbeing Walk close to where they live – for communities to come together and experience the health and wellbeing benefits of walking. This work is part of the strategic plan and business objectives of Ramblers GB.

The role will deliver the Walking Together Project across communities in north London, Slough and Reading. The role will engage directly with the most disadvantaged communities, where loneliness, social isolation and inactivity could be prevalent, through a ‘Getting Started’ Wellbeing Walks programme. This is a community delivery role to work with local communities to establish walks and find potential walk leaders within the community to sustain walking.

Key responsibilities

• Deliver the Ramblers Getting Started element of the Walking Together Project
• Maintain positive working relationships with local and regional partners to deliver the project
• Maintain positive working relationships with local members/volunteers
• Attend Community/Borough or Town Council, steering group and other partner meetings and events and use to deliver the project
• Ensure relevant policies and procedures, compliant with current legislation and in line with Ramblers’ approach, are supported
• Set up a total of four community walking programmes in the identified areas each year
• Deliver and coordinate training opportunities for the communities who sign up to the project
• Support the Community Development Officers in identifying further opportunities in the area
• Manage and record project expenditure
• Provide regular progress reports

• Undertake such other duties as may be reasonably required of the post
• Engage and proactively develop excellent working relationships across the organisation

The person

Qualifications

Lowland Leader or working towards (Desirable)

Knowledge and Experience

• Experience working with a wide variety of groups and communities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with demonstrable attention to detail and the needs of different audiences
• Experience of successfully managing projects or programmes delivering against agreed objectives
• A proven track record in recruiting and working with volunteers
• Experience of designing and delivering training and support resources
• Excellent IT skills, including social media and web skills, and an ability to support others to use software and programmes
• Interest in/knowledge of walking/physical activity/public health

Ability to appropriately collect data for monitoring and evaluation purposes and collation of associated reports

Skills

• Ability to work with a range of internal and external stakeholders, including volunteers, managing requirements and expectations
• Ability to develop and lead a project with the related co-ordination, planning and organisational skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to build strong relationships with a variety of stakeholders
• Skills to enable the leading of safe and inspiring group walks
• Facilitation and training skills – in-person and online
• Ability to diagnose problems, provide solutions and make logical, timely decisions
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team to achieve common goals

Personal Attributes

• Interest in walking and a commitment to the principles of inclusion and enabling everyone to feel welcome in the outdoors
• Flexible and resilient with the ability to balance competing demands
• Willing to travel and spend some evenings and weekends working
• Willing to undertake training and professional development to ensure skills and knowledge are up to date

The Ramblers promote diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community

Values and Behaviours

Our values are the core principles that guide us daily in our work and our membership of the Ramblers. We all share the passion that walking is for everyone and by living our shared values we can ensure the Ramblers is an organisation to be proud of. Our values will earn trust for the Ramblers brand which will allow us to open up a world of walking opportunities for even more people.

Inclusive

We make everyone feel welcome and part of the Ramblers community. We make sure we all feel respected and accepted and know our contributions make a difference in achieving our mission.

Inspiring

We strive to inspire people through the way we act and the things we say. We channel our passion and ambition so others are moved to help us achieve our mission.

Empowering

We empower and encourage each other to make a positive contribution to our teams and the Ramblers. We do all we can to make sure everyone has the ability, and feels confident, to take action.

Responsible

We take responsibility for ourselves and those around us seriously, by always acting in a safe and supportive way. We care about the environment and make sure we do what we say we will do.

Job Profile

Reporting to the Managing Director, you will lead on the recruitment, retention, and value growth of Afghanaid’s supporter base by directing and implementing communications, fundraising and engagement strategies, aligned with broader organisation goals. Designing and managing a tight budget, you will direct the Communication and Giving unit to maximise their success.

You will provide strategic and supervisory oversight of fundraising income from individual giving, regular giving, major donors, trusts and foundations, corporates, community and student fundraising and events, managing annual fundraising appeals and driving organisational unrestricted income growth. 

You will lead on communications for Afghanaid, overseeing print, digital, and paid marketing activities and the growth of communications channels. You will execute Afghanaid’s organisational brand strategy which ensures the integrity of the brand and maximises awareness. You will manage all public relations including crisis communications, as well as the growth of strategic media placements and high profile relationships. You will drive the success of organisational impact storytelling and communications for both internal and external stakeholders. As a member of the executive department, you will collaborate and synergise with other departments to promote organisational success.

Key Responsibilities:

• Drive organisational strategy, culture and cross-department collaboration to advance Afghanaid’s mission and objectives.

• Lead development and delivery of Communications, Engagement and Fundraising strategies and work plans.

• Line manage and develop a high-performing team, including staff, volunteers and interns.

• Build and maintain relationships with consultants, agencies and pro bono partners.

• Oversee budgets, reporting and data-driven performance management to ensure efficiency and impact.

• Promote a positive and cohesive London team environment, coordinating hybrid working, inductions and HR support.

• Oversee public fundraising strategy across multiple income streams.

• Lead design and delivery of internal and external appeals, campaigns and donor stewardship.

• Identify new funding opportunities, partnerships and innovation in engagement.

• Oversee the full range of Afghanaid’s event portfolio, and attend relevant events to represent Afghanaid;

• Ensure effective CRM management, data integrity and financial reconciliation.

• Serve as brand guardian, ensuring consistency and evolution of Afghanaid’s identity.

• Oversee creation and execution of integrated communications and marketing plans.

• Direct production of engaging digital and print content, including newsletters, social media, and fundraising collateral.

• Manage website optimisation, SEO and analytics to drive engagement and conversions.

• Lead innovation in digital marketing, email campaigns and supporter journeys.

• Advise leadership on reputation management and crisis communications.

• Develop media policies and act as spokesperson when required.

• Manage proactive and reactive media relations, building relationships with journalists, influencers and advocates.

• Promote Afghanaid’s thought leadership through strategic storytelling and public commentary.

• Commission and direct multimedia content to strengthen organisational storytelling.

• Lead content planning, production and performance analysis.

• Champion participatory storytelling approaches and creative innovation.

Undertake any other duties as and when required by the line director.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

You will be an experienced and dynamic communicator with significant demonstrable experience in fundraising and/or communications at a senior level, coupled with an awareness and up to date knowledge and experience of the tools that would maximise the success of our communications and fundraising activities. In addition, you will have excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to confidently build and maintain strong relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders. Possessing strong management skills, you will have experience of managing small multi-disciplinary teams, providing direction and leadership to enable development and high performance, and the ability to role-model a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion.

Education/ Training

Master’s Degree in communications, marketing, public fundraising or another relevant field (or at least 5-years’ experience).

Work Experience

• At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, supporter engagement or communications, with at least 2 years’ experience directly managing staff.

• Experience developing and leading integrated multi-channel and multi-stakeholder communications, engagement and/or fundraising strategies.

• Experience in growing audiences, engagement and/or income streams.

• Experience communicating about and/or fundraising for and/or maintaining engagement with Afghanistan or a similar context.

• Experience using KPIs and data to make data-driven decisions to improve efficacy and efficiency.

• Experience managing and monitoring a tight budget.

• Experience conceptualising, producing and commissioning multimedia content, from marketing and fundraising collateral to audiovisual content.

• Experience running full-funnel, multi-channel marketing strategies including paid advertising.

• Understanding of risks associated with communications, public fundraising, and NGO operating contexts, and experience in mitigating those risks.

• Experience supervising, organising, motivating and developing staff.

• In depth knowledge of trends in storytelling, brand, PR, marketing and fundraising.

Professional Skills, Competencies, Values and Attitudes

Afghanaid’s core values are creativity, fairness and honesty. Our staff is passionate about and proud of Afghanaid. Teamwork is fundamental to our standards and demonstrated by taking initiative, assisting others and taking on additional responsibilities and tasks if necessary. We are results driven, committed and motivated to achieve targets and take accountability for our own actions.

Specifically, the holder of this position should also demonstrate the following:

Essential

• Fluent in spoken and written English. 

• Track record of increasing audiences, fundraising totals and engagement metrics from multiple different sources, with a strong business development mindset.

• Experience securing five or six figure gifts from funders;

• Solutions and results orientated; energised by thinking outside the box, and by finding and pursuing novel or innovative approaches and solutions.

• Experience using Salesforce CRM and Marketing Cloud

• Skilled at spotting and prioritising opportunities and synergies, and effective in securing wide-ranging forms of engagement and partnership.

• Excellent listening, speaking and writing skills; strong capabilities of persuasion and a proven track record of uniting people around a common goal.

• Multimedia skills, with knowledge, experience and enthusiasm in driving digital innovation.

• Highly organised with strong leadership and project management skills, able to collaboratively manage competing priorities with senior and junior colleagues.

• Demonstrably skilled brand custodian, able to mitigate risks, anticipate and capitalise upon opportunities, and strengthen reputation.

• Capable of working independently as well as collaboratively, both in leading a team and as part of the team.

• Passionate about driving change, and inspiring individuals and groups to support a cause to deliver that change.

Desirable

• Experience working within an international development or humanitarian context, particularly with causes related to Afghanistan

• Strategic understanding of UK and global fundraising landscapes and emerging giving trends.

• Proven ability to represent an organisation publicly with confidence, professionalism and credibility.

• Experience guiding senior leaders or trustees on media, communications and reputational matters.

• Skilled in crisis communications and reputation management.

• Understanding of inclusive and ethical storytelling practices, with sensitivity to safeguarding considerations.

• Experience developing high-value corporate or media partnerships.

• Comfortable working in a fast-moving, resource-limited environment and adapting to changing external circumstances.

The Organisation

Afghanaid is a British humanitarian and development organisation. For over forty years, our dedicated personnel have worked with millions of families in some of the poorest and most remote communities in Afghanistan. We build basic services, improve livelihoods, strengthen the rights of women and children, help communities protect against natural disasters and adapt to climate change, and respond to humanitarian emergencies. We are headquartered in Kabul, and operate provincial and district offices across Afghanistan, as well as a Marketing and Fundraising office in London. We employ around 500 personnel, 97% of whom are Afghans.

Other Information

Afghanaid’s core values are creativity, fairness and honesty. Our staff are passionate about and proud to work at Afghanaid. Teamwork is fundamental to our standards and demonstrated by taking initiative, assisting others and taking on additional responsibilities and tasks if necessary. We are results driven, committed and motivated to achieve targets and take accountability for our own actions.

Our remuneration and benefits package is competitive with other similar organisations. 

This position presents an excellent opportunity for someone who has the ambition and determination to move up in their career.

Location: London Hybrid (1-2 days per week in London office)
Interview date: w/c 19th January 2026 

Change lives in a life-changing career

When a child or young person is diagnosed with cancer, their whole world can feel like it’s falling apart. Independence is taken and confidence is stolen. Stability no longer exists. The future suddenly feels uncertain.

The impact of cancer on young lives is more than medical. And that impact can be felt by entire family. That’s why we exist. Our specialist social workers help children and young people with cancer and their families navigate the emotional and practical impact of cancer.

We remove barriers, solve problems and prioritise wellbeing. And we stop at nothing to make their voices heard and their unique needs understood, so they can get the right care and support at the right time

About the role

We are excited to be looking for someone with expertise in high value fundraising communications and project management to join our growing Philanthropy and Partnerships team. This role is central to ensuring our fundraisers are equipped with the tools, assets, and information they need to fundraise efficiently and effectively through every step of the donor journey

This exciting role will play key part in helping to drive our ambitious plans to grow Young Lives vs Cancer’s high value (for us, this means income from major donors, grant-making trusts & foundations, and companies) income to £8m net by 2028.

In this role, you will work on a variety of projects from concept stage through to delivery that will help create a step change in the pace and scale at which the team can attract, engage, secure and retain support from high value audiences.

You will also lead on the delivery of  an exceptional high-value stewardship and cultivation strategy, ensuring every supporter experiences a personalised, impactful journey. This includes developing innovative engagement opportunities, showcasing the tangible difference their support makes, and building deep, trust-based relationships that inspire long-term commitment. You will champion best-in-class stewardship practices, leveraging insight and creativity to strengthen connections and unlock transformational giving.

This role is ideal for a curious, creative and collaborative individual who is committed to delivering exceptional supporter experiences. If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.   

What will I be doing?

No two days are the same at Young Lives vs Cancer. So, summarising your ‘day to day’ isn’t easy. Here are some of the main things you’ll be doing, but you’ll find more details in the job description.

Main responsibilities

• Create and maintain a suite of clear and compelling written and designed communications including funding propositions, toolkits and cases for support to secure six and seven figure gifts from high value audiences.
• Coordinate stewardship moments across Philanthropy and Partnerships aligned to key calendar events throughout the year.
• Being responsible for development and overseeing an exciting stewardship and cultivation strategy and action plan for newly identified and top prospects, designed to support the delivery of targets and KPIs around high value fundraising development and income growth.
• Support the development of a culture of philanthropy across the organisation by helping colleagues understand and engage with high-value fundraising. This includes keeping internal teams informed about donor impact, sharing updates through meetings and internal channels, and responding promptly to requests for information. You will help coordinate materials, prepare briefings, and assist with internal events that showcase the importance of philanthropy, ensuring everyone feels connected to and invested in our fundraising success.
• Ensure accurate and timely updating of donor stewardship activities and communications in the fundraising CRM, supporting effective donor journey tracking and reporting.

What do I need? 

Diverse perspectives and unique skillsets are at the heart of Young Lives vs Cancer. If you're passionate about making a positive impact and eager to learn, we encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet the criteria and person specification fully. Your potential is what matters most to us, and we’re committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment to help you develop.

Knowledge and skills

• Strong understanding of visual design principles and highly skilled in using Canva and other similar programme to design and create engaging fundraising assets.
• Knowledge of philanthropy & partnerships fundraising including an understanding of the different high value audiences and typical motivations for giving.
• Outstanding writing skills e.g. copy writing, proofreading and editing with the ability to adapt messaging for different high value audiences.
• Strong planning and organisational skills; able to work with tight deadlines.

Demonstrable experience of:

• Writing winning bids, applications, proposals or reports for at least one of our high value audiences e.g. companies, trusts and foundations, or high net worth individuals.
• End-to-end project management.
• Developing and managing relationships with multiple internal stakeholders to deliver results.
• Experience working with fundraising CRMs, with a strong understanding of how to record, track and report on donor interactions and stewardship activities.

What will I gain?

 For people to reach their full potential, they need the right environment. As a member of Team Young Lives, you’ll be made to feel supported, valued and appreciated. Here’s how we do it:

• Flexible working: we’re open to working hours outside of 9 - 5 and we can talk through your flexibility requirements at interview stage
• Wellbeing, Thinking & Growth Days: four days a year to to step back from the day-to-day and focus on your own learning and development
• Generous annual leave allowance
• Great family/caring leave entitlements
• Enhanced pension
• Access to our employee savings scheme

To find out more about our benefits package, have a look on our website.

Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At Young Lives vs Cancer, we recognise that opportunities for too many people remain a condition of their sex, ethnicity, class, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation – or a combination. This has never been acceptable to us as an organisation. We don’t just accept difference, we value it, celebrate it, nurture it and we thrive because of it.

We’re on a journey to be reflective of the diverse children, young people and families we support. We know we aren’t there yet, and we’re passionately committed to taking actions and making changes to be a truly diverse, inclusive and equitable organisation. This includes taking anti-oppressive action and removing barriers in our recruitment practices. We particularly welcome applications from members of minoritised communities. Our Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging strategy will tell you more.

We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. CVs can be uploaded, but we won't be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to fully complete the work history sections of the online application form for us to be able to assess you quickly, fairly and objectively.

Accessibility

We’re committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always aim to be as accommodating as possible.Please let us know in your application form of any adjustments or access requirements we could make to help you with the application process and interview.

To arrange an informal chat, please contact Liam Mills. 

#ShowTheSalary #NonGraduatesWelcome

The Organisation

A not-for-profit association with an annual income of approximately £3 million. Their work includes events, learning, networking, and research, delivered in collaboration with leading partners and academic institutions. Operating primarily from the UK with a growing presence internationally, all team members contribute to the successful delivery of their flagship Annual Conference & Exhibition.

The Job

You will be a key part of a small Finance team, reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, managing the Accounts Executive and working collaboratively within the wider team. The Head of Finance will be responsible for delivering accurate and timely financial data, and monthly reporting, budget monitoring and year-end accounts.
Key responsibilities include:

• Managing invoicing, payments, and reconciliations
• Preparing UK and Irish VAT returns
• Supporting the annual audit and year-end accounts
• Producing monthly budget reports and management accounts
• Monitoring cash flow and liaising with asset managers
• Deputising for the COO when required
• Contributing to system improvements
• Acting as Secretary to the Finance and Audit Committees

The Person

We're looking for a qualified accountant, ideally immediately available or on short notice.
You'll bring:

• Strong financial systems and Excel skills
• Excellent attention to detail and analytical thinking
• A methodical, organised approach and strong time management
• A collaborative mindset and high-level communication skills
• A proactive attitude to improving systems and processes

What's in it for You?

Salary: £70,000

Contract: Full-time, 9 months - 1 year (35 hours/week)

Location: Hybrid - 2 days/week in their City of London office, with Tuesday as a core office day

Employee Benefits Package:

• 12.5% bonus (pro rata)
• Annual Leave: 27 days (rising to 30 days with service)
• Pension: 7.5% employer contribution, with a minimum 5% employee contribution
• Life Assurance: 4x salary
• Income Protection: Up to 75% of salary after 6 months' incapacity
• Private Medical Insurance: Bupa
• Dental Cover: Bupa dental plan
• Wellness Programme: Discretionary benefits

What to Do Now

If you're interested in joining a purpose-driven organisation with a collaborative culture, please apply now.This role is being managed by Peter O'Sullivan at Hays Senior Finance.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk

The British Academy – the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences - is seeking a Facilities Coordinator to join our Estates and Facilities Team to monitor and manage the day-to-day maintenance of our historic building, supporting staff and organising sub-contractors to resolve issues as and when they arise.

The role

We are looking for a Facilities Coordinator to help us maintain a secure and well-functioning work environment in our Grade 1 listed building near St James’ Park SW1.

The role holder will be primarily responsible for providing effective and efficient support for the running and maintenance of our prestigious building, responding to facilities issues as they arise along with the operation and administration of hard and soft services.

You will support the Health and Safety functions, run the Facilities Help Desk and manage the CAFM system, amongst other day-to-day responsibilities. You will contribute to establishing best practice and work under the supervision and guidance of the Operations and Facilities Manager to ensure adherence to regulatory, statutory requirements and best practice guidance.

We are looking for a proactive team player with great communication skills. You will need to be well-organised, able to prioritise your own workload and show flexibility in meeting the needs of the team.

Please note this role is on-site five days a week.

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 1700 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. We have increased staffing in the last 12 months and expect to continue to grow this year.

Working at the Academy

Our senior management team have 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 & development, wellbeing, and equality, diversity & 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.  Find out more about the British Academy, including our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Statement.

Terms and conditions

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

How to apply

We use Applied for our recruitment. Applied aims to overcome unconscious bias in recruiting. Instead of using CVs, candidates are asked to answer questions that test skills needed for the role. The responses are then anonymised and reviewed in a random order by members of the hiring panel.

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

Please contact the HR team if you have any questions.

To apply, and to see the full job description and our workplace values, please follow the link via the apply button to apply now on the Applied recruitment platform.

Applications must be received no later than 12:00 noon on 22 December 2025.

Policy Specialist (children and young people)

Are you interested in improving the lives of children and young people with a learning disability? Can you turn complex ideas into evidence-based policy? Are you a skilled communicator able to influence decision-makers? If so, we would love to hear from you!

We are currently looking for a Policy Specialist to join Mencap. This position sits within the Policy and Public Affairs teams of Mencap’s Campaigns, Advocacy and Activism Directorate (CAA). You will work closely with our influencing, information and advice, campaigning, and research work, as well as sector partners like the Disabled Children's Partnership.

This is an exciting new role to deliver policy change and enhance the rights of children and young people with a learning disability. At a key time to influence Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) education reform, we are seeking a policy specialist to shape policy work that reflects the needs and experiences of children, young people, and their families. Working within the policy team, you will be responsible for developing evidence-based policy work and influencing decision-makers. 

This is a full time position (37.5 hours per week). We are flexible with your work location, but there may be some occasional travel needed to our London office or Westminster.

You will:

· Translate complex work into clear and persuasive policy briefings, consultation responses and reports.

· Work within wider coalitions of charities, building collaborative relationships and ensuring that the needs and priorities of our community are addressed.

· Develop and expand Mencap’s ‘Policy Shapers’ work, ensuring our work reflects the experiences of children and young people with a learning disability and their families.

· Support our information and advice team, briefing them on important developments, inputting into casework discussions relevant to your areas of work, and supporting the creation of public information resources.

· Represent Mencap at meetings and events, with MPs, civil servants, and sector partners.

· Identify and analyse relevant research to develop evidence-based policy recommendations.

You will bring to this role:

· Experience of working on public policy issues.

· Strong communication skills: experience tailoring your messaging to a variety of different audiences and representing an organisation.

· Experience building positive relationships and working collaboratively to achieve outcomes; able to positively challenge, negotiate and compromise.

· The ability to work on your own initiative while contributing to team priorities and sustain enthusiasm under pressure.

· Experience analysing evidence to develop recommendations.

· Knowledge the issues facing children and young people with a learning disability and/or the SEND system, as well as the wider parliamentary system.

· Passion about making the world a better place for people with a learning disability.

If you're passionate about driving meaningful change for children and young people with a learning disability and you're ready to use your policy expertise to make a real impact, please apply now with an up-to-date CV. This advert has been extended and will now close on Sunday, 4th January, 2026. Interviews are scheduled to take place via Microsoft Teams during the week commencing 12th January 2026.

Benefits

Here at Mencap, we offer an impressive range of benefits designed to support and reward our employees to ensure that our teams feel valued and appreciated.

Our benefits package offers 32 days of paid holiday (including bank holidays, pro rata), along with a range of perks such as discounts at leading high-street retailers, access to health cash plans, interest-free loans, and many more exciting offerings.

For more details on what we have to offer, please see the attached document outlining all the fantastic benefits available to you as a member of our team!

About Mencap

Our vision is for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

We're here to support people with a learning disability, their families and their carers. We fight for a kinder, fairer and more inclusive society for people with a learning disability to live in.

At Mencap, everyone works with people with a learning disability either providing support or advice, or alongside one another as colleagues.

Belonging at Mencap is for everyone, every day, everywhere.

· Everyone is expected to treat people well and make Mencap an inclusive organisation.

· Every day we grow and learn. It’s okay to make mistakes but we learn from them and make changes

· Everywhere people will feel respected, valued, and safe to be themselves.

We have Belonging network groups that meet online and are open to all colleagues. The groups include people who identify as Black and Asian, LGBTQIA+, disabled or with a long- term health condition, women, parents and carers, and their allies.

We want to encourage everyone to apply to work at Mencap and we offer a variety of different contract types and working patterns. We’re not looking for specific experience. It is your personality and values that will make you a great colleague. We will train and develop you to succeed in the role you’re applying for.

Salary: £58,504.00 per annum plus a company car

Location: Home based with regular travel across England and Scotland including visits to shops and Old Street

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full time 37.5 per week

Closing date: Wednesday the 14th of January at 11:30pm

Interviews will be taking place on the 23rd and 27th of January online

Are you a resilient, adaptable leader with proven experience in multi-site retail operations? Shelter is looking for a Head of Retail Operations to join our Retail Senior Leadership team in this exciting new role.

You’ll provide hands on operational leadership while driving long-term planning, systems improvement and service transformation – shaping the future of Shelter Retail to fuel our fight for home.

About the role

This brand new leadership opportunity offers the chance to shape the future of Shelter’s retail operations across England and Scotland.

You will bring strategic vision and operational authority across Shop Support & Buying, E-Commerce Reselling, Store Development, Retail Acquisitions and Retail Operations. As a senior representative you will champion the vital role our shops play as income generators, brand touchpoints and community assets that fuel the fight for home.

With proven experience of leading diverse teams, managing budgets and driving operational excellence you will inspire colleagues, strengthen communication across our shop network and ensure our estate operates consistently, compliantly and sustainably. Above all, you will drive accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement to help Shelter maximise its impact across England and Scotland.

About you

You’ll bring extensive senior leadership experience in multi-site operations, with a provide record of driving performance and commercial success. Skilled at leading diverse teams across operations, buying, projects and support functions, you will balance strategic vision with hands-on delivery.

Be confident navigating complex organisations and influencing senior stakeholders, you’ll also offer robust project management and property operations expertise, from shop openings to system rollouts. Financially astute you are comfortable with budgets, KPI’s and commercial modelling and thrive when leading through change and complexity.

Apply to be part of our team and be the change you want to see in society.

Benefits 

We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.

Shelter helps millions of people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness through our advice, support and legal services. And we campaign to make sure that, one day, no one will have to turn to us for help. We’re here so no one has to fight bad housing or homelessness on their own.

We are happy to talk about flexible working, personal growth, and to promote a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.

About the team

The senior leadership team is in period of transition, laying the foundations for the next three years as Shelter retail grows its presence across high streets in England and Scotland, ensuring to embed operational excellence in everything we do. With over 200 staff members and 2000 volunteers across 80 shops, spanning community, furniture and boutique outlets – our central team of 20 supports shop colleagues to maximise income and profitability to fuel Shelter’s fight for home.

How to apply

Please click ‘Apply for Job’ on the advert. You are required to submit a CV and a supporting statement with responses to the points in the About You section of the job description of no more than 350 words each. Please provide specific examples following the STAR format.

• We create change and align behind our strategy
• We enable decision making
• We prioritise diversity and have an inclusive and open mindset

Any applications submitted without a supporting statement will not be considered

About Shelter

Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and where we thrive. Yet everyday millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.

We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.

We need ambitious, passionate people to join us. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.

Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. To win this fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, equitable and transparent. We are committed to combating racism both within and outside Shelter. We welcome you on our journey to becoming truly anti-racist.

Safeguarding statement

Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies.

Shelter does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.

The Centre for Justice Innovation is looking to recruit a creative and pragmatic policy professional to help us advocate for evidence-based reform to criminal and family justice policy in the UK.

What will You be doing?

Our policy officer will play a key role in building on our research and practice insights to make the arguments for evidence-based policy in the UK’s justice systems, with a focus on building links in Westminster and Whitehall. You will work across our portfolio of work on issues such as:

• Diverting young people away from unnecessary criminal justice system involvement
• Ensuring that the justice system works with vulnerable women in a gender-sensitive and trauma-informed way
• Making sure that children and families involved in the family justice system have the right support.

Your duties will include:

• Producing policy materials and engaging with political stakeholders (e.g., submitting evidence to committees, emailing MPs, writing briefings);
• Working with our teams to translate research and practice work into products appropriate for policy audiences;
• Building our networks with policymakers and legislators in Westminster;
• Building our networks with third sector organisations and others who seek to influence policy, and representing the organisation at external meetings;
• Monitoring relevant parliamentary business and providing updates to the teams;
• Generating ideas for, planning and delivering on events and webinars;
• Contributing to the organisation’s thinking on strategic justice policy, and scoping new areas of work.

Every member of our team plays a part in influencing how the Centre develops. Roles and objectives may shift, and we ask everyone to work with creativity and flexibility in response to changing business needs.

Skills, Experience and Knowledge

Through your application, you should demonstrate the experience, skills and knowledge you have in the areas described below.

Experience

• Engaging with political stakeholders;
• Producing high-quality written materials to engage different policy audiences;
• Conducting desk-based research;
• Delivering events.

Skills, abilities and knowledge

• Excellent writing skills and good spoken English;
• Excellent analytical skills to succinctly develop and express key arguments;
• Good understanding of the UK political environment
• Demonstrable interest in and understanding of social policy issues
• Awareness of parliamentary processes and opportunities;
• Insight into the challenges policymakers face in delivering change;
• A creative approach to solving social problems and identifying practical solutions;
• The ability to balance multiple priorities and manage your own workload to meet deadlines.

You will also need to have:

• A willingness and ability to travel within the UK and occasionally overseas;
• Eligibility to work in the UK legally.

Timeline

The deadline for applications is 9am on Monday, 12th January 2026. Interviews will be held at our office in Kennington in the week commencing 19th January 2026.

Other benefits

• Matched pension contributions
• Employee healthcare scheme
• Flexible hous

Equal opportunities

It is the policy of The Centre for Justice Innovation to treat all employees and job applicants fairly and equally, regardless of their sex, sexual orientation, marital status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion, age, disability, offending history or trade union membership status.

We actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences, fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued and can thrive.

The Centre is committed to fair recruitment and the inclusion of applicants with criminal records. It is essential that people do not face unfair discrimination in any role within the charity, whether paid or voluntary. For that reason, we do not use criminal records to exclude people. We only ask about criminal records if they are relevant to the role.