Whitley Fund for Nature
The Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN) is a UK charity supporting outstanding grassroots conservation leaders across the Global South. Through project funding (Awards), training, and media profile, we support local solutions to the planet’s most pressing conservation challenges. Our winners are courageous changemakers, working alongside communities to save species and protect ecosystems. Established in 1993, we have channeled £24 million to +220 conservation leaders in 80 countries, benefitting wildlife, landscapes, and people. WFN is governed by a committed trustee board. Our team is dynamic, passionate about our mission, and ambitious. The charity benefits from high profile support from Patron, HRH The Princess Royal, and Ambassadors including Sir David Attenborough.
The Opportunity
In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to use and develop your communications skills to help amplify the work of WFN and conservation leaders. You’ll play an important role in supporting our digital channels, campaigns, and content creation - from social media and newsletters to website updates and event communications. You should have excellent writing skills, strong attention to detail and an interest in nature and wildlife conservation issues. If you are looking to build a career in communications, want to help support those protecting our planet, and are seeking experience working for a small, ambitious charity, then we want to hear from you!
“Saving our planet is now a communications challenge. We know what to do, we just need the will” - Sir David Attenborough.
COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT - PERSONAL SPECIFICATION
Essential:
- Excellent writing skills
- An eye for design to create engaging assets for diverse audiences and platforms, including our website, newsletters, social media and events
- Confident communicator with a friendly, professional manner
- Organised, with high levels of accuracy and attention to detail
- Proficient in Microsoft Office - Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
- Able to manage and prioritise a varied workload within deadline
- Reliable, proactive, and willing to take initiative
- Comfortable working as part of a small, busy team
- Interest in wildlife conservation.
Desirable
- Experience drafting and scheduling social media posts, and producing campaign assets
- Familiarity with programmes such as Canva and Hootsuite to aid with content creation and scheduling
- Experience with basic video editing
- Competency using a Salesforce database, WordPress, or Mailchimp.
Additional details and benefits:
- Attractive holiday package totaling 30 days p.a. plus bank holidays
- Training and professional development opportunities provided
- Hybrid working opportunities
- The charity operates a Pension Scheme and a Life Assurance Scheme
- Access to 24hr Employee Assistance Programme.
This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship. Only applicants who have the right to work in the UK at the time of application will be considered for this role.
Regrettably, due to limited resources and the high number of applications we receive, we are only able to contact short-listed candidates. If you do not hear from us within four weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been successful on this occasion.
Diversity and Inclusion
At WFN we are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse organisation, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. We celebrate and respect diversity in nature and among the people and partners with whom we work. We need more people and diversity across the environment sector, and to achieve our vision. We therefore encourage applications from Black, Asian or minority ethnic; disabled; LGBTQ+; or from lower socio-economic backgrounds. As a small organisation we are committed to progressing and continuing development across DE&I. Please contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application. Applications are considered solely on your demonstrated suitability for the role.
COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT - JOB DESCRIPTION
REPORTING TO HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS
DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS
WFN’s communications amplify the work of Whitley Award winners, raise the profile of the charity, bolster fundraising efforts, and contribute to global conservation conversations, positioning WFN as a leader within the sector.
- Monitor, and create and schedule content for WFN’s Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn accounts, helping to grow engagement and channel performance, driving traffic to WFN’s website, and sharing charity, winner, and sector news – in line with WFN’s communications strategy and with oversight from the Head of Communications (HoC)
- Lead management of WFN’s photo library and footage archive (Google photos): naming, categorising, and uploading winner and event photos
- Support delivery of social media campaigns during the lead up to events to drive engagement and/or donations, and supporting with posting content throughout the event period
- Help produce video content
- Support production and distribution of our regular e-letter (through MailChimp)
- Work with the HoC on WFN’s website to regularly review and update content
- Draft copy for website news stories and any additional copywriting as needed throughout the year
- Assist the HoC with monthly reporting on the website, social media platforms, newsletter and media coverage
- Support digital event communications including creation of e-letters, e-invitations, website pages, email signatures and visual assets.
PR
WFN shares impactful stories that resonate with supporters and demonstrate we can make a difference. Throughout the year, we actively work to secure PR coverage for Whitley Award winners. Increased visibility helps winners to attract further funding, gain new connections, and increase political clout – all tools which strengthen conservation work.
- Produce reactive social media to share PR coverage secured by the HoM
- Create and distribute toolkits for press and partners to bolster media campaigns
- Collate charity and winner press coverage, including website news pages, throughout the year
- Support the Head of Media (HoM) and HoC in responding to press enquiries and supplying materials.
EVENTS
Whitley Awards Ceremony
The Whitley Awards are the result of an international search to find, fund, train and put a spotlight on outstanding grassroots leaders and their conservation projects. Finalists are invited to London for a week of training and events, culminating with the Whitley Awards Ceremony, where winners receive their Awards from WFN Patron, HRH The Princess Royal in front of 400 guests and many more tuning in via our livestream.
The Communications Assistant will assist the team in planning and delivery of events during the Whitley Awards Ceremony week, including the Friends Reception, Ceremony and NGO Reception, particularly in the following areas:
Communications
- Assist with supplier liaison across event filming, livestream, and photography
- Help create event visuals and on-screen graphics
- Support with creation of the Ceremony invitations and booklet
- Support with sourcing additional material for the Whitley Award films as needed
- Support the HoC with creation and uploading of content to the website and across social media platforms, including press releases, photographs, news stories, winner pages, and films.
Other WFN Events
Throughout the year WFN holds other fundraising and engagement events ranging from intimate dinners with supporters, winner talks, events as part of our Next Gen programme and major initiatives such as Biodiversity Summits which will require the CA’s assistance.
- Assist with the production of pre-event communications and marketing materials, including invitations, e-letters, social media content, and advertisements
- Assist with setting up and managing platforms such as Eventbrite as needed
- Assist with production of event materials (signage, banners, programmes, displays, slides)
- Assist with communications-related supplier liaison eg. Photography, filming, livestreaming etc.
GENERAL DUTIES
- Review and respond to general email enquiries when needed (info@ inbox)
- Represent WFN professionally at all times
- Adhere to WFN’s financial and operational procedures
- Undertake any other duties as reasonably requested from time to time. This job description is not exhaustive and may evolve.
Registered Charity
6 - 10
Whitley Fund for Nature is a fundraising and grant-giving nature conservation charity supporting grassroots practitioners across the Global South.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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.
Registered Charity
More than 1000
Empower individuals with learning disabilities and autism to reach their full potential and lead the lives they choose.
Thank you!
Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) is a pioneering, purpose-driven charity at the forefront of Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS). For over 35 years, we’ve delivered world-class, pre-hospital emergency care across Kent, Surrey and Sussex—responding to over 3,000 incidents last year alone and saving countless lives. Operating 24/7, 365 days a year, our highly skilled, multi-disciplinary team uses cutting-edge technology and medical innovation to reach patients in under 30 minutes, wherever they are in our region.
KSS is a complex and ambitious people centred, and values led charity with a unique culture across clinical, aviation, fundraising, marketing and communications, and corporate services. With a daily operating cost of £57K and 91% of our total income raised through public generosity, we are proud to be one team with one purpose – saving lives and ensuring the best possible patient outcomes. Our headquarters at Rochester Airport and aircraft base at Redhill Aerodrome enable the delivery of the highest standards of pre-hospital emergency care across our communities, helping us reach more patients and save more lives.
We are now seeking a strategic, values-driven Executive Director of Corporate Services to join Team KSS—a highly collaborative, expert team united by our vision of an end of preventable loss of life from medical emergency. This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of one of the world’s leading air ambulance charities.
Executive Director of Corporate Services
Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS)
Across Rochester, Kent and Redhill, Surrey, with flexible working considered
Circa £110,000 full time equivalent, with four day a week working considered
The role
It’s an exciting time for KSS as we refresh our strategy and take bold, collaborative action to reach more patients, improve more outcomes and save more lives. As Executive Director of Corporate Services, you’ll lead a broad portfolio of strategic and operational functions to support the delivery of the strategic plan and our lifesaving service. You’ll work closely with the Chief Executive and Board of Trustees, supported by a talented team and expert advisors, to ensure KSS remains a well-run, ethical, and innovative organisation. No matter the role at KSS, everyone is fearless and tireless in fighting to save even more lives.
About you
We are seeking a highly collaborative, financially competent leader, with:
·Commercial acumen with proven experience at a senior leadership level in treasury and finance management, budgeting and business planning
· A track record of working in innovative and ambitious environments, through a highly supportive and collaborative approach
· Experience of identifying, planning for and delivering new opportunities and efficiencies that maximise organisational-wide effectiveness.
Crucially you will be inspired by our critical work to save the lives of the thousands of people across our communities every year and our vision of an end to preventable loss of life from medical emergency.
Inclusion
KSS is committed to creating an equal, diverse and truly inclusive culture where everyone feels welcome and able to be their authentic selves. We believe that everyone has the right to live without fear or prejudice, and be treated fairly, and with respect and dignity regardless of sex, race, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, background or religion or belief and we welcome applications from those with protected characteristics.
How to Apply
For further information, to access the appointment brief and to apply to this role, please visit the Prospectus website.
If you have any queries or wish to have an informal discussion about the opportunity, please contact our retained advisors Anna Gardet or Erica Ritchie.
Recruitment Timetable
Deadline for applications: Monday 19th January 2026
Interviews with Prospectus: 26th – 30th January 2026
Engagement meetings with KSS: 4th February 2026
Interviews with KSS: w/c 9th February 2026
