Monitoring And Evaluation Manager Jobs in Croydon, Greater London

Fundraising Officer – Grants and Events 

£35k FTE, PR 25 hours per week, flexible and hybrid, plus opportunities for ongoing L&D and training for sector-related qualifications (great candidates seeking a full-time role will still be considered)

About Us

The Upper Room (TUR) works with a wide range of financially and socially disadvantaged groups including homeless people, people with long-term mental health conditions, asylum-seekers, refugees and ex-offenders – helping them to improve their lives and become productive members of society. Central to our offering is our UR4Meals service, providing free, home-cooked food to people who cannot afford to provide for themselves. We are also very proud of our UR4Driving programme, which supports people recently out of prison with free driving lessons in exchange for community volunteering. Gaining a driving licence greatly enhances their future employability prospects and helps break the cycle of re-offending. Additionally, our UR4Jobs project focusses on both client wellbeing and breaking down the many barriers to employment faced by disadvantaged people every day.

The role

This newly scoped role reports into the CEO and is critical to our ability to create the income we need to keep up with the ever-increasing demand on our services. Primarily, the role has two fundamental elements to it: firstly, working with both a specialist external consultant and the CEO in planning, submitting and reporting on the grants that make up a large proportion of our income; and secondly, the planning and managing of TUR’s traditional (and always fun) annual events. These include celebrity interviews and talks, garden parties and various community events such as the Green Days festival in Chiswick. There are additionally a number of community relationships that add great value to our work and efforts to raise funds which require regular contact. Occasionally, the role will also require presenting or talking to both funders and community groups as we share our magnificent story with them – and ultimately, convince them to support us.

About You

You live within – or know well – West/Central London; you probably need a job with some working flexibility and want to have genuine belief in the cause you’re promoting. You have a CV that demonstrates experience in a comparable role: this could be in another charity, CIC or other Non-Profit organisation. You are comfortable and confident with working autonomously, so you will need to be disciplined; you can articulate and ‘bring to life’ our story through your advanced written and oral communication skills, enabling us to always deliver highly compelling reasons to secure gain financial (and other) support. You don’t need to be a Microsoft Office expert, but you should be familiar with Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Finally, you are self-motivated and energetic, as well as passionate about making sure disadvantaged groups across West London get the opportunity to improve their highly challenging lives.

Are you passionate about empowering and supporting carers?

This is an exciting opportunity to work for a Queen’s Award winning charity supporting unpaid carers in the London borough of Redbridge.  You will give advice and information to carers and work closely with them to develop person centred support plans.  You will work within a Community Support Team to deliver peer support groups, wellbeing activities, advice surgeries, outreach and events across the borough.

If you have experience of 1-1 support work and of providing advice and information, particularly around welfare benefits, this could be the perfect role for you.  We are looking for someone with an understanding of carers issues and experience of working with people from diverse communities.  This is a varied and demanding role requiring good communication and time management skills and a common sense approach to helping others.  Your skills and experience will make a positive difference to the lives of carers and their families.

This is a part time 21 hour per week post mainly based in Ilford with some community outreach and home working.

Please read the Job Description/Person Specification before completing the application.

Failure to address the requirements of the Person Specification may result in applications not being shortlisted.

Our Sport Team has an exciting opportunity for you to join them, working in Camden and across London to engage those experiencing homelessness into physical activity and improving their quality of life. 

About the role: 

As a Sport Coordinator, you'll be responsible for planning and delivering varied activity sessions for both adults and young people across different services, both internally and externally. You will work closely with the Sport Manager to effectively coordinate support from freelancers and volunteers. Your role will extend to broadening the accessibility of sports and exercise within SHP's services and among its residents, for both adults and the young people we support. Additionally, you'll play a key part in growing the programmes reach, forging partnerships with similar organisations and charities, while also advocating for the significance of physical activity within the homeless community. 

The approach taken with clients will be psychologically informed, incorporating an understanding of Personality disorder, complex trauma and addiction. The outcomes for your role include developing positive and sustained relationships of trust with clients supporting them to engage in regular physical activity, and see an improvement in their overall health. 

About you:

• Demonstrable knowledge of fitness and sporting activities, application and implementation 
• Sports and coaching qualifications relevant tot he sector. 
• Demonstrable knowledge of motivating and supporting vulnerable adults and young people into sport and exercise. 
• Ability to develop and deliver structured group-based physical activity sessions with both adults and young people. 
• Ability to advocate for the importance of physical activity within our services. 

About us:

Single Homeless Project is a London-wide charity. Our vision is of a society where everyone has a place to call home and the chance to live a fulfilling life.

We help single Londoners by preventing homelessness, providing support and accommodation, promoting wellbeing, enhancing opportunity, and being a voice for change. From supporting people in crisis to helping people take the final steps towards independence and employment, we make a difference to 10,000 lives every year across all 32 boroughs.

We offer you more than a job; we offer you a chance to be part of a compassionate, driven team that's committed to making a real difference in people's lives. You'll have the opportunity to lead, co-create, and inspire change while enjoying a collaborative, growth-oriented environment.

Join us in creating a brighter, more hopeful future for individuals in need. 

Important info:

Closing Date: Sunday 26th May at Midnight

Interview Date: Tuesday 4th June

This post will require an Enhanced DBS check to be processed for the successful applicant. 

About Reprieve

Reprieve is a UK charity founded in 1999. Reprieve uses strategic interventions to end the use of the death penalty globally, and to end extreme human rights abuses carried out in the name of “counterterrorism” or “national security”.

 Reprieve works with the most disenfranchised people in society, as it is in their cases that human rights are most swiftly jettisoned and the rule of law is cast aside. Thus, Reprieve promotes and protects the rights of those facing the death penalty and those who are the victims of extreme human rights abuses carried out in the name of “counterterrorism” or “national security”, with a focus on arbitrary detention, torture, and extrajudicial executions.

Reprieve’s main office is in London, UK. Reprieve also supports full-time fellows, who work as lawyers, investigators and campaigners in the countries in which we work. We work closely with a number of partner organisations in jurisdictions all over the world, who provide access to beneficiaries, expertise, knowledge and guidance on specific issues or regions. We work in cooperation with relevant government officials, individual lawyers and human rights defenders, as well as individual, corporate and foundation funders to further the cause of our shared goals.

 About the Role

The Africa Death Penalty Team Project Manager is responsible for coordinating Reprieve’s litigation and advocacy in Sub-Saharan Africa. At the moment, the team works on death penalty casework and abolition advocacy in Malawi, Tanzania, and Kenya. Our casework includes work on individual cases on behalf of people facing a death sentence; large-scale projects, such as the Kenya resentencing project, wherein we support stakeholders to ensure 5,000+ people are able to access a chance at reducing their sentence from death via a new sentence hearing; and  long-term regional projects, such as our strategic litigation before the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which challenges the mandatory death penalty, torture, and other associated violations of the African Charter.

Regional context

 There is a trend toward the abolition of the death penalty in Africa. In recent years, countries across the continent have taken the decision to limit the application of the death penalty or to abolish it altogether. This has been seen as a turning away from old laws and systems that were imposed by former colonial governments, which obstructed alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, and were designed to remove discretion from the local judiciary. African lawyers and judges are now at the forefront of a wave of progressive jurisprudence on issues related to the death penalty including methods of executions, torture, sentencing practice, conditions of confinement, and intersections of gender, disability, and socioeconomic status with criminal justice. This jurisprudence has become a model for the international movement to limit the death penalty, and is being held up as best practice in jurisdictions around the world.

Contract and location

This is a full-time, permanent role based in Reprieve’s London office. Reprieve operates a hybrid working model with staff working part of the week from home and part of the week from the office. Applicants must have the current right to work in the UK, which will be checked prior to interview.

Your presence is important during core office hours, whether remotely or in the office. You will also be available outside of office hours in the event of an emergency, for example case developments that require urgent action. This is a role that may require travel. 

The annual salary is £50,571 full-time per annum, less any required deductions for income tax and national insurance.

Further details and how to apply

Please see the job description for full details including a person specification and information on how to apply. The deadline for applications is 02 June 2024. 

Applicants should note that CVs, cover letters and other documents cannot be considered.

Viva is an international charity whose vision is for all children to be safe, thriving and learning – living life in all its fullness. We do this by inspiring, supporting and connecting networks of churches and organisations – enabling them to make a bigger, better and longer-lasting impact in the lives of children.

As Viva’s Head of Impact, you will work closely with the Network Partnerships Team Leadership to lead the development of a new approach to Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning, with the primary purpose of supporting partner networks to know their impact and share learning with each other. You will enable partner networks and Viva to build, measure and learn together, evaluating the effectiveness of programmes and methodologies, adapting them to ensure desired impact is reached and sharing learning with each other and with other development partners.

You will also work to ensure all programmes funded by Viva are accountable, well-monitored and contribute to our learning environment with clear opportunities to learn and adapt throughout the programme delivery and reporting processes.

Some of your responsibilities will include:

• Shared leadership: You will contribute to strategic decision making as part of the Network Partnerships Leadership Team and be part of shaping the vision and practice of Viva as an organisation from a Christian faith perspective.
• Viva MEAL framework: You will develop and manage a robust MEAL Framework for Viva
• Network health: You will work closely with the Network Partnerships Leadership Team to review Viva’s Network Health Check process and develop a system designed to support partner networks to build strong and sustainable networks
• Reviewing project delivery: You will work closely with Network Coaches to agree the most efficient outworking of the MEAL Framework with the Viva partner networks for projects where Viva has brokered funding.
• Evaluating Viva’s work: You will lead the process of evaluating Viva’s work, including but not limited to needs assessments, baseline survey, final evaluation, data quality audits, collecting monitoring data, network satisfaction surveys, and field supervision.
• Representing Viva: You will at different times and ways represent Viva externally, for example, through speaking in churches, prayer meetings, meeting with other Christian organisations.

This role will suit you if you:

• have at least a Bachelor’s degree in impact measurement or international development with a MEAL module, or a related field
• are experienced in working in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning-related functions or related field
• have experience in project management including grant management and reporting
• are to demonstrate an active Christian faith, with an understanding of the Christian faith and church culture to be able to effectively engage with partner networks and churches
• think creatively and have a growth mindset, willing to challenge established ways of doing things
• enjoy working with people of different nationalities and cultures
• are looking to join a welcoming, creative, supportive and international team

Due to the nature of some of the key responsibilities, there is an Occupational Requirement for the postholder to be a Christian (Schedule 9 to the Equality Act 2010).

This is a part-time role for Viva, based anywhere in the world where Viva can employ you. If based in the UK, the full-time salary range is £36,000 to £40,000 per annum (pro-rata), depending on experience. If you are based outside of the UK, the reward package will be adjusted to reflect the relevant local market and terms and conditions.

The role can be remote, hybrid or office-based where Viva has an office (Hong Kong, UK, Uganda). The post is subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check and registration with the DBS Update Service (or police check where possible outside the UK), paid for by Viva.

Take a look at the full job description and person specification in the information pack and, if this is you, then apply today to be part of this incredible work, making a real and lasting difference for children.

Part home/Part office (London) based

UNICEF ensures more of the world’s children are vaccinated, educated and protected than any other organisation. We have done more to influence laws and policies to help protect children than anyone else. We get things done. And we’re not going to stop until the world is a safe place for all our children.

This is a great opportunity to join the UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) as one of our Ambassador Relations Executives, ensuring the team’s Ambassador Programme and its admin systems and records are kept accurately and to a high standard; helping the team to develop and project manage some of our high level public activations with UNICEF UK’s most significant Ambassadors and High Profile Supporters delivering towards organisational priorities. This role will focus on supporting priority projects within our department, working closely with wider internal teams. You will keep our dedicated web pages up to date, and deliver our quarterly e-newsletters.

Reporting to one of our Senior Managers, you will have:

· Experience of supporting a busy team within a Communications department, keeping and improving systems, procedures and project management, working on tight deadlines and managing conflicting priorities.

· Excellent communication skills to communicate persuasively to engage an audience they are seeking to influence.

· Experience in successfully developing high-profile relationships - translating organisational objectives into impactful Ambassador fronted activities.

· Motivation to role-model UNICEF UK’s Values: Putting children first, Inclusion and belonging, Finding solutions, Compassion, Mutual trust & respect and Collaboration.

Act now and visit the website via the apply button to apply online.

Closing date: 9am, 24 May 2024.

Interview date: w/c 10th June 2024.

In return, we offer:

· excellent pay and benefits (including flexible working, generous annual leave and pension, big brand discounts and wellbeing tools)

· outstanding training and learning opportunities and the support to flourish in your role

· impressive open plan office space and facilities on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

· an open culture and workplace with colleagues who share our values, enjoy their work and are motivated to do their utmost for children.

· the opportunity to work in a leading children’s organisation making a difference to children around the world

Our application process: We use a system called "Applied" that anonymises your responses and focuses on your actual skills that are relevant to this role. This benefits you by giving you a greater chance of expressing your skills in this objective selection process.

We anticipate most colleagues will work one or two days a week in the office on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, East London and the rest of the time from home.  We will happily discuss other flexible options to suit your circumstances.

We particularly welcome applications from black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates, disabled candidates, and from men, because we would like to increase the representation of these groups at this level at UNICEF UK. We want to do this because we know greater diversity will lead to even greater results for children.

UNICEF UK promotes equality, diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We make employment decisions by matching business needs with skills and experience of candidates, irrespective of age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.

We welcome a conversation about your flexible working requirements, personal growth, and promoting a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.

The successful candidate will be required to apply for a criminal records check. A criminal record will not necessarily bar you from working with us. This will depend on the nature of the role and the circumstances of your offences.

We only accept online applications as this saves us money, making more funds available for us to help ensure children’s rights.

If you require support in completing the online form or an application form in an alternative format, please contact the Supporter Care line during office hours.

If you do not hear from us within 14 days of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. Please note that we only provide feedback to shortlisted candidates.

Registered Charity Nos. 1072612 (England and Wales) SC043677 (Scotland)

METRO, In partnership with Turning Point, NAZ and London Friend, delivers a model of sexual health support (SASH) throughout the three London boroughs of Hammersmith and Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster. We are looking for a manager to lead the counselling team to deliver high-quality person-centred services within a busy inner London environment. The clients are from diverse communities affected by sexual health and mental health issues, and the role will support staff to work with people from communities such as LGBTQ and Black and Asian Minority Ethnic backgrounds and young people.

[Programme]

METRO, in partnership with Turning Point, NAZ and London Friend, deliver a model of sexual health support throughout the three London boroughs of Hammersmith and Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster. Turning Point is the lead partner for the contract and a matrix staffing model is in place. The post-holder will be line-managed by METRO Head of Mental Health and Wellbeing and work alongside staff from other agencies. They will need to work closely with the Turning Point Operations Manager, contributing to management team meetings, and working

collaboratively with other managers across the service. The role will also be clinically supervised via independent supervisor arranged through METRO.

The post holder will also manage an additional contract under METRO called Cherish Hounslow. This contract is in partnership with NAZ, to deliver groupwork and counselling to LGBTQ+ BAME residents in Hounslow. There will be two posts to line manage in this contract, a group work lead and a counsellor.

[Role]

You will lead the liaison and development of work in the local community to promote referrals and joint working across the client pathway and be responsible for supporting the Operations Manager at Turning Point with reporting on the SASH counselling service. The post-holder will also work with the Head of Youth and Mental Health & Wellbeing, to manage Cherish Hounslow.

You will be required to lead and manage the therapeutic team including direct line management of counsellors for sexual health and HIV, LGBT HIV/Sexual health counsellor (supported by London Friend), Black African and other global majority counselling (supported by NAZ) and volunteers within all aspects of the programme. Also, the post holder will carry out clinical assessments, and recruit and line manage volunteer counsellors to support the programme. The postholder will also carry a small client caseload themselves.

The post holder will ensure the completion of all external and internal monitoring and evaluation requirements, including regular performance reports for funders for both services. This will involve the use of appropriate outcome measuring tools, including CORE, and maintaining good relationships with funders and other external stakeholders and partners through regular communication.

Citizens UK and the NRPF Partnership

Citizens UK

We are Citizens UK. We’re working together to make change on the issues that matter, from campaigning for zebra crossings on dangerous roads, to reforming the immigration system, to the Living Wage campaign.

We bring together everyday people and local organisations to build a better, fairer society. Too often communities are left out of decisions that affect their lives, but we know everyday people have the ability to shape the world around them. We develop local leaders who find solutions to problems big and small and hold power-holders to account. 

We work with hundreds of civil society organisations, who we call our members - schools, universities, faith groups, charities, unions and more - to help them win change. Over the last 30 years, we’ve worked in alliance with 500+ members, trained 4,000+ community leaders, accredited 13,000 Living Wage employers, and won hundreds of campaigns. 

NRPF Partnership

The NRPF partnership was set up in 2023 and is being developed by Citizens UK, Migration Exchange, and Praxis. We are working to build the necessary infrastructure for collaboration across a range of organisations, amplify their work, and build power to win change against the No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) condition. You can learn more about the overall initiative via our FAQs page. 

Each partner contributes staff capacity and will work closely with the appointed person to ensure a positive, professional and supportive culture. The Partnership centres around: 

1)  Placing decision-making power and strategic vision in the hands of people doing the work 

(frontline staff and people with lived experience), via a steering group and working groups.

2) Establishing a strategic pooled fund so that the steering group has sufficient budget to guide the collaboration, act, identify and seize political opportunities, and facilitate active participation of everyone involved.

3) Expanding the movement and building power, using incremental wins to build towards broader change towards the goal of ending NRPF.

The Person and the Role

100,000s people in our communities have put down roots in the UK but are denied access to the welfare safety net (No Recourse to Public Funds).

Citizens UK has worked with Migration Exchange and Praxis to raise over £2m to develop a 5 year partnership to enable the movement to end NRPF.

This Senior Project role will be a core part of the support to the steering group of the partnership to make sure it runs effectively and achieves its potential.

If you're angry about injustice in the immigration system, have good communication and relationship building skills and self organised - apply below. We are particularly keen to hear from candidates who have been through the immigration system themselves.

We are looking for a values-driven and experienced person with exceptional skills and knowledge in project management, relationship-building, and community organising. This role will lead and coordinate all project management and tactical activities necessary to support the day-to-day functioning of the NRPF Partnership. The right person will be highly motivated by joining the distinctive ethos of Citizens UK and the shared values of the NRPF Partnership, where local leaders and people experiencing injustice are in the lead, and where grassroots community organising is combined with strategies for social change. 

This role is a really exciting opportunity to forge real change and to shift the power dynamics in social change work. The successful candidate will be at the heart of making change happen on one of the most important social justice issues of our time. Top Priorities

• Building and maintaining relationships and communication – maintaining excellent working relationships and effective communications with the Coordination Backbone Group (CBG), Steering Group, working groups, wider community partners involved in the NRPF partnership, and the Citizens UK Migration Team 

• Managing and coordinating capacity-building and leadership development in support of the shared strategy set by the steering group– developing and maintaining the effectiveness of a capacity-building and leadership development inputs that enables everyone in the Partnership, especially those with expertise by lived experience, to fully participate across all levels of the Partnership

• Project managing all partnership implementation logistics and follow-up – managing meeting logistics from planning to scheduling to outreach to follow-up to ensure seamless participation of Steering Group and Working Group members and ensure that planned activities take place effectively in support of the goals and values of the Partnership

  The role will be reporting to Assistant Director, Migrant and Refugee Organising.

Main Responsibilities

Reporting directly to X with  oversight from the NRPF Partnership CBG, the post holder will be expected to manage their own independent workload, as well as support the broader CBG. The main responsibilities are outlined below:

Working with the NRPF Partnership’s key stakeholders

• Developing and maintaining relationships with Partnership stakeholders 

• Working with the CBG to update outreach strategy as new needs emerge

• Building and maintaining trust and relationships across the whole Partnership and more widely (within and across sectors from migration to anti-poverty to children’s rights, etc.)

• Supporting with the facilitation of Working Group meetings

• Develop and implement ideas for action that are consistent with the goals of the project

Strategic coherence

• Supporting the coordination of activities with partners to align strategies and actions and minimise duplication

• Working with the CBG to coordinate with other related projects and coalitions to maintain a full understanding of the current landscape of local and regional activities

• Maintaining understanding of current implementation challenges and developing comprehensive solutions to address them in dialogue with partners

• Developing, maintaining, and monitoring political opportunities to support Working Groups to develop and execute on their action plans

• In partnership with the CBG and steering group, providing support to partner organisations to coordinate and collaborate on joint initiatives

• Coordinating advocacy activities across stakeholders that support the wider aims of the Partnership

• Supporting the independent learning partner to deliver evaluation and learning activities

Communications

• Organising appropriate outreach and communications efforts across the Partnership (e.g. publishing a regular newsletter, email updates, insights from learning and evaluation etc.) 

• Ensuring effective internal communication with CUK organisers, leaders, and partners involved with the NRPF Partnership and with funders

• Facilitating on-going communication across the NRPF Partnership to ensure alignment of activity

• Supporting the development of any communications materials such as summary documents, brochures, FAQs, social media content, etc.

Build leadership development offer for the Partnership

• Working alongside CBG and the CUK Migration team, refine community organising and leadership development support for all members of the NRPF partnership especially those with lived experience of NRPF

• Ensuring that everyone in the group can contribute to the best of their ability by managing a training and external facilitation budget to build skills, confidence and trust

Fundraising and reporting 

• Working with the CBG to develop and support fundraising bids and support reporting requirements and funder relationships

• Contributing to the budgeting process and the effective management of financial resources in the project working closely with Global Dialogue who will hold pooled funds on behalf of the partnership

Managing meeting/event logistics 

• Planning and managing the logistics of all Partnership meetings and gatherings of the Steering Group, working groups and CBG (e.g., dial-in, attendance, cancellations, etc.)

• Consolidating Working Group updates for Steering Group, including summarising meeting notes and highlighting key outputs and decisions so they can be easily shared with others across the Partnership

Any other reasonable tasks as required by the line manager.

Person Specification

REQUIREMENTS

ESSENTIAL (E)

DESIRABLE (D)

QUALIFICATIONS

Degree or equivalent professional qualification (D)

EXPERIENCE

Significant  proven, comprehensive experience in a project management role (E)

Experience of initiating new projects and developing them so that they become sustainable underpinned by strong values (E)

Experience of building consensus between diverse stakeholders and managing complexity in relationships (E)

Experience of organising and managing all aspects of community events, incl. logistics (E)

Proven experience of raising significant funds for charitable purposes (D)

A proven track record of delivering and reporting against targets and on budgets (D)

KEY SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Knowledge of No Recourse to Public Funds and working with individuals who have an NRPF designation on their immigration status (E)

Outstanding communication skills (verbally and written) combined with the ability to liaise with stakeholders (E)

Ability to work well as part of a team, and maintain effective communication with colleagues (E)

Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships, lead, influence and motivate others (E)

Ability to act on own initiative to introduce and develop new projects and systems (E)

Proven computer literacy to include MS Office (E)

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

Exceptional leadership skills, with an ability to enthuse and inspire staff and volunteers (E)

A proactive approach to all areas of work with a flexible approach to work demands (E)

An appreciation and respect for different communities; including faith groups and different cultures. (E)

A strong commitment to the CUK values and the values of the NRPF partnership, which include: (E)

• Being open to new ideas (specifically ensuring that all our 121 conversations, small group discussions with the sector and funders create an environment that fosters creative problem-solving and innovation)

• Fostering connection 

• Championing co-design and co-production

• Being equity-focused and enabling any one interested to participate and feed into the design and development of this work

Please note there will be recruitment webinar on Tuesday, 7th May from 14:30-15:30. Please register via the following link if you are interested in attending: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwpcO-rrzsoH9ecIXUaaFbqDjaVxVSvqJLq.

Interviews are planned to take place on Thursday, June 13th (subject to change.)

The Youth Endowment Fund  

Youth Voice & Project Officer 
Reports to: Youth Understanding Manager (Programmes) 

Salary:  £32,300 

Contract: 2-year fixed term (potential to extend) 

Location:  Central London, Hybrid – 2 days in the office 

Closing date for applications: 09:00am, Wednesday 22nd May 2024 

Interview dates: week commencing the 3rd June 2024 

About the Youth Endowment Fund 

We’re here to prevent children and young people becoming involved in violence. We do this by finding out what works and building a movement to put this knowledge into practice. 

In recent years violent crime has risen significantly. Homicides, assaults, robberies and offences involving weapons have all seen sustained growth. We have also seen large increases in violent crime involving children and young people. This is a tragedy. Every child captured in these numbers is an important member of our community and society has a duty to protect them. 

The Youth Endowment Fund (YEF) is a charity with a £200m endowment and a mission that matters. We exist to prevent children and young people becoming involved in violence. We do this by funding great initiatives, finding what works and working for change – scaling up and spreading the practices that make a difference.

This role and why it’s important 

It's critical to our mission that we understand how and why young people become involved in violence. The YEF’s work combines conducting rigorous evaluations and research studies with hearing directly from young people. It is also important to us that young people are central to the messages we share externally.

Your role involves ensuring that young people’s perspectives are heard and integrated into our work. This includes supporting our Youth Advisory Board (YAB) and helping young people’s voices play a central part in YEFs external communications.

This role also supports the wider team managing grants, contracts and providing general team support.

Click to learn more about the Youth Advisory Board (YAB). Many have lived experience of violence and advise us across all areas of our work to ensure that young people’s perspectives are taken on board as we pursue our mission. YAB members contribute to the governance of the organisation. 

Key responsibilities: 

1. Youth Advisory Board support: 

• Plan engaging activities for YAB meetings and events. These activities require working some evenings and occasional weekends. 

• Provide support and pastoral care to YAB members, including personal development planning and safeguarding.

• Help recruit YAB members (young people aged 16 –25) through interviews and managing recruitment. 

• Develop and schedule the YAB induction programme for new members. 

• Monitor attendance and engagement of YAB members. 

• Coordinate YAB attendance at external events. 

2. Facilitating Youth Voice in communications: 

• Act as a bridge between the YAB and our external communications team. 

• Work with the communications team to amplify young people's voices on social media. 

• Assist young people in sharing their views and stories through various communication methods. 

3. Managing grants and contracts: 

• Maintain records of payments and tasks using Salesforce. 

• Assist stakeholders and team members in using Salesforce effectively. 

• Support in procurement processes and grant management by organising documents and scheduling meetings. 

• Proactively identify and address issues. 

4. Collaboration and support: 

• Work closely with other roles (including our Operations and Culture team) within YEF to ensure coordinated efforts and sharing of best practices. 

About you -you’re the sort of person: 

• You believe in young people: You have worked with young people and know the huge potential young people have to bring change. You have experience and knowledge of adhering to safeguarding processes, and are able to be flexible to suit young people’s needs - understanding when plans need to change at short notice.

• You’re passionate about helping young people to be heard: You have some experience in using media/social media to tell young people’s stories and are keen to learn more.

• You’re able to juggle many diverse tasks at once: You enjoy moving between different types of projects, whether that be leading YAB sessions, supporting the development of young people one-to-one or creating exciting content with young people. You prefer a job that looks different every day. You don’t get overwhelmed by a long to-do list and can effectively identify what’s most important and how to balance different priorities. 

• You’re brilliant at improving and organising things: You like finding ways to make things operate better for everyone. You enjoy bringing order to what is going on. You’re good at getting your head around how a process works and improving it. It’s a plus if you’ve used the Salesforce system before, but not a requirement. 

• You love supporting great teams: You’ll be happy to support beyond your immediate team, using your organising skills to support the wider organisation. You don’t know all the answers, but you enjoy helping colleagues find answers and solve problems so that the team can work brilliantly and efficiently. 

• You don't want your days to pass without making a difference. You want to play a significant part in a charity that’s making a difference. You like the idea of doing a job that makes young people safer. 

• You’re committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. You believe and act in a way that celebrates and encourages a range of experiences, views and values. 

While it’s not a criteria, we’re especially interested to hear from applicants who have lived experience of youth violence. 
 

It’s also important to us that the people we hire do not discriminate. We believe in being inclusive and giving everyone an equal chance to succeed. Applications are welcome from all regardless of age, sex, gender identity, disability, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief, race, sexual orientation, transgender status or social economic background. 
 

Additional benefits include  

£1,000 professional development budget annually, 28 days plus Bank Holidays, four half days for volunteering activities.  

Hybrid working details  

Our offices are based on Great Eastern Street in Central London. The post holder will be expected to be in office 2 days per week.  

If you’re interested 

To apply, please send a CV and cover letter, and complete the monitoring form via our application website by 9am Wednesday 22nd May 2024. 

Please ensure that your cover letter can answer, within a maximum of 1000 words, the following questions: 

1. Please share why YEF’s mission is motivating you to apply for this role. 

1. Referring to the 'About You' section on the JD, give clear examples of:

• How your work shows that “You believe in young people” and 

• How “you’re able to juggle many diverse tasks at once” 

You should also include the contact details of two referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be approached with your express permission. 

This role is advertised as full time at 37.5hrs per week. As part of our commitment to flexible working, we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at interview stage.

You will also be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK. 

Workwhile is an innovative not-for-profit initiative, with a mission to create a more equitable world of work. We work with employers to create more good work, and to ensure everyone can access it – from creating high-quality apprenticeships to boosting line management quality. We’re incubated by IPPR, a charity working towards a fairer, greener, and more prosperous society – and we’re on an exciting journey towards becoming an independent charity over the next 12 months.

We are seeking a talented Head of Programmes and Impact, to oversee the delivery of Workwhile’s programme portfolio. You’ll work collaboratively across our team to ensure rigour and focus in our delivery work, making sure that our capacity and resources are managed to deliver the best possible impact and taking a lead on the monitoring and evaluation of our work. You’ll also work closely with Workwhile’s director to develop new programmes of work and secure the funding we need to deliver them, bringing ambition and an entrepreneurial approach to this work.

To achieve this, you’ll be a skilled communicator and influencer, able to lead continuous improvement across a talented team, and to work successfully with external stakeholders at a senior level. You’ll be motivated by delivering impact, including by supporting others to do a great job, and through the right systems and processes. With experience of successful project management and delivery and an aptitude for both, you’ll enjoy a varied workload.

This is a unique chance to contribute your expertise to an exciting early-stage not-for-profit, and to work with a talented and committed team. We bring a wide range of previous experience and diverse backgrounds to the team, and we’re all committed to diversity, inclusion and social mobility.

As part of our commitment to flexible working we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant to fill the post. All options can be discussed at interview stage.

Requests for part-time or flexible working arrangements are welcomed

Closing date for receipt of completed applications is 9am on Monday 10th June 2024

Interviews will be held w/c 17th June 2024

Position: Head of Internal Communications and Engagement
Contract: 1 year fixed term contract. (There may be the possibility to further extend the contract end date and this will continue to be reviewed while the successful candidate is in post)
Hours: Full-time (35 hours a week)
Location: Office-based in London, N4 with flexibility to work remotely
Salary: £60,946 - £66,695 per annum plus excellent benefits
Salary Band: Band H3

About us

We make sure people living with MS are at the centre of everything we do. And it’s this commitment that unites us across the UK.

Our strategy is based on what people affected by MS have told us is important to them. It gives us a clear and determined focus.

Our work is based on the hopes and aspirations of our MS community. Together we campaign at all levels, fund ground-breaking research and provide award winning support and information.

Our people are our greatest asset and the key to our success. We offer a vibrant, progressive working environment where you'll be able to make a difference.

About this job

Achieving a high level of engagement with our people is key to achieving our ambitious goals. We’re looking for a strategic thinker, effective influencer and outstanding planner to lead our high performing internal communications and engagement function.

At a time of transformative and exciting change within the organisation, this role will be responsible for developing internal communications and engagement initiatives that inspire people and drive cultural change.

This is an exciting, challenging opportunity. And is ideal for an enthusiastic and proactive individual with excellent interpersonal skills and experience in communicating strategically to an internal audience.

The post-holder will have a central role in ensuring all of our people feel engaged, valued and well informed, and have a voice which is heard.

Responsible for the delivery of a UK-wide internal communications and engagement strategy that supports our organisational strategy, this role will seek to continually improve our engagement and communications approach, including the use of new technologies and innovations.

The role will be responsible for internal communication channels and resources, such as our intranet, virtual strategic updates and e-newsletters.

As a member of our Leadership Group, you’ll also actively contribute to the strategic leadership, planning and policy formulation of the MS Society as a whole.

We recognise the significant and excellent contributions; experience; and skills our employees bring to the MS Society.

Working with external pay and reward consultants, we’re taking active steps this year to review our employees’ pay and benefits package. Ensuring we’re aligned with the most accurate and up-to-date benchmarks for the UK charity sector.

Please note this is a fixed term contract for 1 year. There may be the possibility to further extend the contract end date and this will continue to be reviewed while the successful candidate is in post.

Closing date for applications: 9am on Monday 27 May 2024

PLEASE PRESS THE 'HOW TO APPLY' BUTTON FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Equal Opportunities 
We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities and or from ethnic minority backgrounds.

We’d be grateful if you downloaded and completed the equality and diversity monitoring form and submit it with your application. 

Disability Confident Employer 
We’re a Disability Confident Employer and we’re committed to promoting equality and diversity.

You can ask for reasonable adjustments as part of both our recruitment and new starter on-boarding processes.

If you need any help or adjustments to apply for this role, please contact us. You can also ask for the application materials to be sent to you in a different format. 

Safeguarding 
We’re committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone who uses our services and we come into contact with.

This is regardless of Gender, Race, Disability, Sexual orientation, Religion or belief, Pregnancy, Gender reassignment.

We recognise our particular responsibility to make sure vulnerable adults and children are protected.

We have measures in place to protect everyone we come into contact with from abuse and maltreatment of all kinds.

Your right to work in the UK 
You must have the right to work in the UK to work in paid employment with us. You’ll need to share documents showing you’re eligible to work in the UK if we offer you employment.

You can find the UK visas and permits granting you the right to work in the UK on the UK Government website. We currently don’t have a Sponsor Licence agreement with the Home Office and aren’t able to support you with your visa applications.

More about our employee benefits:
We have a wide range of employee benefits including (but not limited to): 

Encouraging work life balance

• 38 days paid annual leave (including bank holidays), pro-rata for part-time
• More annual leave entitlement, based on length of employment
• Smart working options (with the opportunity to work remotely and find a smart working pattern that suits both you and us) 
• Flexible working options 

Caring for you and your family 

• Generous sick pay entitlement
• More sick pay entitlement, based on length of employment 
• Opportunity to buy and sell annual leave in each calendar year 
• Free access to a GP virtually 24 hours a day/7 days a week allowing you unlimited advice, reassurance and where appropriate diagnosis 
• Enhanced leave for new parents 
• Free access to a confidential 24 hours a day/7 days a week helpline service for both you and your family with a specialist range of support and information
• Special leave options (such as up to 5 days paid leave for domestic or personal emergencies a year)
• 10 days paid disability leave a year, pro-rata for part-time 
• 10 days paid carers’ leave a year, pro-rata for part-time 
• New family-friendly benefits, including paid leave:
• In the event of miscarriage or still birth 
• To support fertility treatments
• For antenatal appointments for both parents
• Cycle to work scheme 
• Death in service scheme 
• Health cash plans to help offset the cost of health care for you and your family 

Thinking about your finances 

• Enhanced salary sacrifice pension scheme
• Discounted season ticket loan and interest-free emergency loans
• Give as you earn to support other charities of your choice before tax
• New employee portal including lifestyle savings vouchers and personal wellbeing

Enriching your life at work

• Personalised development plans with a wide range of training courses and opportunities to source additional training options with your line manager
• Yearly internal apprenticeship opportunities
• New, modern offices that embrace working together both in-person and remotely 
• Various opportunities to influence how we internally operate (including surveys, and focus and committee groups) 
• Active and supportive internal employee networking groups for collaboration and peer support 
• 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering for MS Society activities during normal working hours (such as fundraising events, or campaigning in the local community) 
• 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering with other charities during normal

No agencies please.

Acquisitions and Discovery Assistant

Salary Range: £28,333.80 - £33,056.10 per annum

Hours: 35 hours per week

Location: St James’s Square, London SW1

Closing date: 20th May 2024 @ 9:00am

About The London Library

The London Library is one of the UK’s greatest literary institutions, providing a centre of creativity, inspiration, and ideas for 180 years. Well-known members and frequent borrowers have included Charles Dickens, Charles Darwin, George Eliot, Bram Stoker, Rebecca West, Virginia Woolf, Angela Carter, Daphne du Maurier, HG Wells, TS Eliot, Stanley Kubrick, and Ian Fleming. Current writers in membership include Kazuo Ishiguro, Raymond Antrobus, Simon Schama, Hallie Rubenhold, Tom Stoppard, Antonia Fraser, Jessie Burton, and Sarah Waters. Nearly all of its collection of around one million books can be borrowed, it offers a vast eLibrary and invaluable postal loans service. It is a home for everyone who loves the written word.

The Library is a registered charity and championed by its President, Helena Bonham Carter CBE.

About the role

The London Library is looking for an Acquisitions and Discovery Assistant to assist in the acquisition and management of Library E-resources and print resources.

The role includes supporting the successful acquisition and seamless delivery of electronic resources to library users, utilising and maintaining relevant library systems and records; assisting purchasing decisions and supporting licensing, ordering and payment processes; verifying access, liaising with suppliers & Library IT, and ensuring correct metadata is presented to users; plus monitoring resource use and collecting data for the evaluation of subscriptions. There is the opportunity to support membership and services, including giving tours to prospective members.

In addition to assisting with the administration of E-books, the role requires processes associated with the management of the print journal collection, including serials and donated materials, such as checking in new issues and ensuring publications are shelved correctly, applying stamps, recording invoices, recording changes in publishers' information and preparing completed volumes of serial parts for binding and checking. 

There is potential to grow and develop the role, which will join our busy Acquisitions and Discovery team and assisting with administrative tasks associated with cataloguing along with supporting the Library’s internal Digitisation processes as required.

About you

Flexible and adaptable, with an ability to get on with a wide variety of people, even under pressure, you will have proven experience of working in a Library environment and of basic clerical/administrative routines.

You will have exceptional organisation and communication skills with the ability to convey information clearly and courteously, with a methodical approach to tasks, including physical duties such as shelving.

Most importantly, you will have a passion for your work, literature, reading and writing, and the work of The London Library; to inspire new ideas that create a unique impact on the UK’s literary and artistic output.

We are a friendly, hardworking team and a welcoming workplace. We aim to be as inclusive and equitable as possible and can discuss specific adjustments and access needs to help make this role fit for you.

If you are excited by the opportunity to use your skills to develop The London Library, we would love to hear from you. To apply please visit our website via the link and complete the online application form.

The Library welcomes applications from all sections of the community. All applicants will be considered on the basis of their merits and abilities for the post. Please note we are unable to consider candidates without a current right to work in the UK.

Background Information

The Weir Link was established to replace what was a derelict laundry and community room with a new purpose-built building which opened on the Weir Estate in June 2010. The charity’s principal aim is to provide educational, training and social opportunities that ‘bring the community together’ from all areas and backgrounds across the streets and estates within the local area.

To date the building has been used as the base for a Children’s Centre, Nursery (currently operated by London Early Years Foundation (Leyf)), a Volunteer Project as well as a range of other Fun Days, coffee mornings, community meetings and social get togethers. In addition to the nursery, which occupies the largest rooms of the building, there are additionally two office spaces and a meeting room available for community use. 

We currently run a range of weekly after-school activities, including a homework club, two stay-and-play sessions, an arts and crafts club and a Pilates class. We also facilitate other community activities, including yoga classes, ante-natal classes and local residents’ meetings.

Job Description

Key responsibilities

1. Ensure that all aspects of the management and operation of The Weir Link are carried out effectively and in keeping with the organisation’s mission, vision and values.

2. Manage the delivery of a high-quality programme of activities and events for the local community.

3. Manage current partnerships, both those organisations with long term rental agreements and those with whom we co-ordinate activities and services for the community.

4. Continue to develop and manage new partnerships in keeping with the aims and objectives of the business plan.

5. Line-manage the Facilities and Bookings Co-ordinator to ensure the building is well-maintained, safe and meets all statutory requirements.

6. Manage the co-ordination of website updates and social media posts in collaboration with our team members.

7. Work with the Trustees to implement the 3-5 year business plan, including a sustainable funding strategy.

8. Ensure an effective marketing strategy to continue to promote our activities and events to the local community.

9. Ensure all those who visit The Weir Link feel welcome, safe and encouraged and maintain systems for monitoring our users’ satisfaction and evaluating outcomes.

Person Specification

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a range of skills and experience as follows;-

1. Experience in business development and identifying potential development opportunities with other partners and organisations.

2. Experience fundraising and researching and applying for grants and funding opportunities.

3. Demonstrable success in project management, including experience of marketing and communications (both online and offline), as well as effective reporting and evaluation.

4. Experience in community research with a wide range of individuals and community groups, including through the organisation of community events

We are looking for a motivated, organised and reliable individual who is happy to take on these responsibilities while working closely alongside others in our small team.  Above all you will be flexible, resourceful, efficient and committed to contributing in a meaningful way to our local community.  As with all small organisations, sometimes we have to go above and beyond what is expected on a daily basis, but in return we can offer greater flexibility than other larger organisations.

This is a part-time, maternity leave role for 12 months in the first instance. We are able to offer a flexible working pattern, which would comprise of 15 hours per week across three days a week. The hours can be between 9.30 and 4pm every day, with the possibility of hybrid working (combining office-based and remote working) during the school holidays.

This role would suit a parent or carer who would like their hours to work around the school day and have flexibility during school holidays. 

Ideally the person would also be a local resident who is prepared to build on our links with other community organisations that are local to The Weir Link.

Competitive and negotiable pay package.

Please send your CV and a cover letter explaining why you are suitable for the role and why you would like to work for The Weir Link.

Application Deadline: Monday 20th May, 2024

Interview Process: We will review applications on a rolling basis and may schedule interviews before the closing date. Exceptional candidates may prompt an early closure of the application process.

Ready to make an impact? Apply now!

Salary: £18 per hr (Self-employed )
Contract and term: 12-month contract, with the possibility of extension
Hours: 35 hours per week 
Location: Flexible hybrid working with one/two days a week in our offices in Tower Hamlets or Southwark 
Start date: May-June 2024

Benefits of working with Kineara:

· Flexible, hybrid working and locations

·       10 Wellbeing Days, plus bank holidays

Kineara is looking for someone who can grow our fundraising potential and engage key stakeholders across the sector, while delivering engaging communications and outreach campaigns that demonstrate our social value and grow our support base. They will play a key role in helping Kineara develop our newly formed charitable arm, alongside our community interest company, to generate income through engaging fundraising campaigns, impact-driven communications and relationship-building with existing and potential funders. 

You will work closely with the Project Managers to identify how support services can reduce barriers to secure housing, work and school; prevent evictions and homelessness; and improve health and wellbeing of people facing challenges. You’ll use this understanding to motivate new stakeholders to invest in our work - whether charitable trusts, corporate foundations or individuals. 

You will feel real ownership over your work and need to be self-starting, flexible and hungry to grow with an already impactful charity with a strong social mission and vision. You will be keen to understand how our work makes a difference to people and use our impact to demonstrate our social value.  This role crosscuts a range of key charitable specialisms, so you may have experience working in communications and be keen to widen your skillset; you may have a background in impact evaluation; or you may have worked in fundraising or development for a non-profit. We are keen to invite candidates with a range of experience from a variety of non-profit roles and are especially interested to meet candidates who have been part of – or are ready to be part of - the strategic growth of a charitable organisation.

Why us, now? Kineara is going through exciting changes this year: as a newly registered charity, we are opening up to new avenues of finance, engagement and growth. Our most recent projects have put us at the forefront of innovative ways of delivering support to private renters, working in partnership with housing services, private landlords, solicitors and health services to envision secure housing for all. We are also a team with lived experience and are a culturally diverse, spirited and mission-focused group that takes care of each other.

Why you? You are motivated by seeing vulnerable and marginalised people thriving and you have the drive to grow the reach of our organisation so that more people in need can access our support. You have a wide skillset and open attitude, ready to learn what you don’t already know and confident to lead on your projects but understand the value of listening, collaboration and working to joint and shared ambitions.

Job Description

Communications:     

• Develop, contribute to and implement impact-driven and strategic communications campaigns that build Kineara’s fundraising capacity and raise awareness of the issues
• Develop brand identity for Kineara’s new charitable arm, ensuring it is consistent across all activities in the organisation, while maintaining Kineara’s overall ‘look and feel’ to ensure coherence in branding, colours, messaging, style and approach.
• Oversee the creation, development, distribution of compelling, impact-driven story-telling about Kineara’s work and beneficiaries using interviews, blogs, case studies, etc.
• Use a range of platforms to distribute print and electronic content including, but not limited to, newsletters, brochures, leaflets, posters reports, e-newsletters, and Kineara’s website
• Work closely with IT and business managers to ensure smooth running of internal communications
• Impact:
• Work closely with Operations Manager and practitioners to embed outcomes, create frameworks for monitoring and evaluate Kineara’s projects; and produce yearly evaluations and Impact Report of Kineara’s services
• Use learning from impact analysis to share with team and deliver impact-driven communications and to share our social value to funders and other stakeholders.

Business:

• Perform market research and analysing the Kineara audience and its needs
• Working with management to create and plan public relations strategies and campaigns to enhance brand image and voice
• Writing publicity content such as press releases, newsletters, speeches, website copy, leaflets etc
• Contribute to Kineara evaluation and reporting on projects and proposals
• Contribute to Kineara grant funding application
• Coordinate promotional events and attending conferences, press launches and exhibitions
• Monitoring and responding to feedback from the media and the public about the organisation on traditional and digital channels
• Recording media coverage and measuring impact of publicity campaigns on audience engagement
• Developing and disseminating publicity materials that increase visibility among stakeholders
• Ensuring that digital marketing content aligns with the company’s brand identity and message

Person Specification:

• Attributes
• With a strong alignment with Kineara’s values, you will be:
• An outstanding communicator who can engage, inspire and support colleagues, donors, trustees, volunteers and other stakeholders.
• Confident in promoting thought leadership to share our knowledge to develop external alliances and discuss topical issues online
• Passionate about addressing poverty and inequality, and commitment to equality and diversity
• A self-starter and a team player, with a flair for building relationships.
• Creative, enjoy innovative thinking and using your initiative.
• Adept at big picture thinking and project management, but also be able to engage with the detail to ensure projects are successfully completed.
• Comfortable with and skilled at change management and relish the strengths and challenges of a small and dynamic team in an evolving organisation.
• Analytical and reflective, but with excellent time management and ability to work under pressure.

Experience and Skills:

• We’d like to see a strong track record that is relevant to each of the key components of the role, although we recognise that you may have stronger experience in one or more areas. You will be able to demonstrate that you could deliver in:
• Planning, executing, achieving targets to grow income streams, including donor prospect research, developing new donor relationships, and grant writing.
• Working on effective online or offline fundraising campaigns that influence a range of stakeholders, with a reflective, creative and innovative approach.
• Using impact and outcomes to engage and promote services to funders, partners and other stakeholders. 
• Developing brands and brand awareness in line with organisational objectives
• Creating communications plans in support of strategic objectives, and executing these to a high standard, reflecting and improving these to achieve greater impact.
• Familiarity with social media channels such as LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook and solid experience of content creation and website management
• Creating and executing community, outreach and fundraising events.
• Strong IT skills and familiarity with CRM databases, MS Office, Word Press.
• Ability to put together and manage project budgets.
• Creating, developing and adapting outcomes tools such as survey, questionnaires, and focus groups
• Planning, creating and executing evaluations of projects, including creating surveys, events, questionnaires and feedback tools
• Managing communications/fundraising officers and external consultants

How to applyTo apply for the role, please send an up-to-date CV and a cover letter (up to two pages), describing how you meet the person specification. Please provide concrete examples and experience where possible, however we are open to hearing how you might develop or demonstrate these abilities or attributes if you have not yet had many years of experience in the field. You can also include: 

• Why you wish to apply for this role
• Your relevant experience, knowledge and skills, based on the person specification above.
• What other qualities you have that you could bring to the role
• When you are available to begin work