New Schools Network Jobs

BookTrust is the UK’s largest children’s reading charity. We know that children who read are happier, healthier, more empathetic, and more creative. They also do better at school.

Working with every local authority and across every region in the country, and supported by Arts Council funding, we reach over 1.3 million children and families a year via partners in schools, children’s centres, health visitors and libraries. This incredible network helps us to get children reading across the country.

The Project Manager role in the Strategy and Planning Team will help us to continue to improve the delivery of our projects and programmes, and so to achieve our desired outcomes for children and families. You will enable and support the delivery of our strategy business plan. You will help to manage and carry out plans and projects, conduct ongoing monitoring, have the ability to adapt to changes along the way, and will collaborate with colleagues. You will have the rare skill of being able see the big picture - to help teams and projects to best contribute to our strategy and mission – with being comfortable working with data and detail – to ensure project management documentation and deliverables are accurate and logical.

You will report to and work closely with the Strategy and Business Planning Lead, to support delivery of BookTrust’s strategy through business planning, project management, measurement of progress and impact, and governance matters. The Project Manager, Strategy and Planning team, will work with all the teams across BookTrust, and with staff at all levels of seniority.

To apply please complete the application along with a copy of your CV and covering letter showing how you meet the person specification and your motivations for applying for the role. In the covering letter, please tell us how you meet the person specification and your motivations for applying for the role, specifically giving evidence of how you have the rare skill of being able to keep the big picture and end in mind whilst also maintaining attention to data and detail. Your covering letter should not be longer than two sides.

PLEASE NOTE: Applying as soon as possible is advised, as the vacancy may close early, due to the high volume of applicants.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity

We aim to provide an inclusive recruitment process and actively welcome applications from diverse talent pools: minority ethnic candidates, candidates with disabilities and long-term conditions and candidates from underrepresented communities.

We are committed to equality of opportunity and want to ensure we have an accessible application process for all candidates. If you need any reasonable adjustments or would like us to do anything differently during the application process, please contact our HR team (contact details can be found on our website) to discuss your requirements further.

BookTrust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The recruitment and selection process reflect our commitment to safeguarding therefore, the suitability of all prospective employees will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment, and pre-employment checks.

Approach Social Work (formerly known as the Frontline programme)

Designed and delivered by social work charity Frontline, we teach social work differently. By blending learning and practice, what you discover in theory is eased into real-life settings, supervised by a social worker. Gaining your postgraduate diploma within 12 months, will be the first step in your life-changing career.

You’ll learn how to connect with children, young people, parents and carers. How to gain all important trust, so a family opens their door to you again. You’ll gain the technical knowledge and build on your relational skills. We’ll give you the time and support to develop your approach, with confidence. 

You earn while you learn, and once you gain your qualification you’ll step right into a job. And through our Frontline Fellowship, you’ll join a network of peers intent on transforming social work practice in England.

Be part of something bigger. Join the next generation of social workers.

What’s in it for you?

• Earn as you learn with a salary of up to £34,000 from year two.  
• Qualify as a social worker and complete a fully funded master's degree. 
• Get high-quality training and supervision from experienced social workers, academics and coaches in a rich, supportive environment. 
• Become part of the Frontline Fellowship and receive ongoing support and training throughout your career.

What to expect as a trainee social worker

Year 1:

• Start with five weeks of intense online study, including five in-person sessions, led by experts in social work theory.
• Begin your 12-month placement in a local council social work team, where you'll work closely with fellow trainees and an experienced social worker. You'll gradually take on more responsibility in supporting children and families.
• Qualify as a social worker by the end of your first year.

Year 2:

• Manage your own caseload, building on your skills and confidence.
• Engage in ongoing study to further develop your professional abilities.
• Receive continued support from Frontline tutors, your employer and fellow trainees.

Year 3:

• Conduct a research project and complete the academic credits needed for your fully-funded social work master's degree.
• Receive leadership coaching to enhance your professional capabilities.

Who we’re looking for 

We are looking for your potential to become an outstanding children’s social worker and leader, empowering families to achieve positive change. No specific experience is required to apply. We value diverse perspectives and experiences and a commitment to advocating for the communities’ social workers serve. We're dedicated to fostering diversity in our programme and supporting applicants from underrepresented backgrounds.

You will also meet the following criteria: 

• Have at least a 2.2 (predicted or obtained) in an undergraduate honours degree (or international equivalent) 
• Have obtained GCSE English Language at Grade C/4 or above (or approved equivalent qualification) 
• Possess the right to work and study in the UK (including access to public funds) for the duration of the programme (until September 2028) 
• Be resident in England by the time the programme commences 
• Not be a qualified social worker

Be part of something bigger. Join the next generation of social workers.

Approach Social Work (formerly known as the Frontline programme)

Designed and delivered by social work charity Frontline, we teach social work differently. By blending learning and practice, what you discover in theory is eased into real-life settings, supervised by a social worker. Gaining your postgraduate diploma within 12 months, will be the first step in your life-changing career.

You’ll learn how to connect with children, young people, parents and carers. How to gain all important trust, so a family opens their door to you again. You’ll gain the technical knowledge and build on your relational skills. We’ll give you the time and support to develop your approach, with confidence. 

You earn while you learn, and once you gain your qualification you’ll step right into a job. And through our Frontline Fellowship, you’ll join a network of peers intent on transforming social work practice in England.

Be part of something bigger. Join the next generation of social workers.

What’s in it for you?

• Earn as you learn with a salary of up to £34,000 from year two.  
• Qualify as a social worker and complete a fully funded master's degree. 
• Get high-quality training and supervision from experienced social workers, academics and coaches in a rich, supportive environment. 
• Become part of the Frontline Fellowship and receive ongoing support and training throughout your career.

What to expect as a trainee social worker

Year 1:

• Start with five weeks of intense online study, including five in-person sessions, led by experts in social work theory.
• Begin your 12-month placement in a local council social work team, where you'll work closely with fellow trainees and an experienced social worker. You'll gradually take on more responsibility in supporting children and families.
• Qualify as a social worker by the end of your first year.

Year 2:

• Manage your own caseload, building on your skills and confidence.
• Engage in ongoing study to further develop your professional abilities.
• Receive continued support from Frontline tutors, your employer and fellow trainees.

Year 3:

• Conduct a research project and complete the academic credits needed for your fully-funded social work master's degree.
• Receive leadership coaching to enhance your professional capabilities.

Who we’re looking for 

We are looking for your potential to become an outstanding children’s social worker and leader, empowering families to achieve positive change. No specific experience is required to apply. We value diverse perspectives and experiences and a commitment to advocating for the communities’ social workers serve. We're dedicated to fostering diversity in our programme and supporting applicants from underrepresented backgrounds.

You will also meet the following criteria: 

• Have at least a 2.2 (predicted or obtained) in an undergraduate honours degree (or international equivalent) 
• Have obtained GCSE English Language at Grade C/4 or above (or approved equivalent qualification) 
• Possess the right to work and study in the UK (including access to public funds) for the duration of the programme (until September 2028) 
• Be resident in England by the time the programme commences 
• Not be a qualified social worker

Be part of something bigger. Join the next generation of social workers.

Contract: Full-time, permanent. We welcome proposals for flexible working arrangements.
Salary: Starting at £50,000 to £55,000 per annum

This is an exciting, creative opportunity to be a key member of the Senior Management Team, leading an ambitious fundraising strategy while ensuring that all fundraising activity aligns with the Festival's core organisational mission and values.

Reporting to the Festival Director and overseeing a team of five fundraisers responsible for bringing in significant income, this role will be crucial in ensuring the Book Festival’s ongoing success and ability to meet its targets and goals.

As well as team management, the Development Director will personally manage a small high-value portfolio of funding relationships across all income streams and will have significant opportunity to develop new income streams, including legacies and US fundraising, as well as continuing the growth of the existing areas of income.

Closing date for applications: Monday 11 November at 12.00 midday
Interviews will be held: w/c 18 November 2024

We welcome conversations with potential applicants. Please contact our Executive Assistant, Danielle McCann in the first instance to arrange a call with Festival Director Jenny Niven.

This post will deliver policy outputs across the Young Lives programme, with a strong focus on laying the foundations for a new Young Lives ResearchHub on Climate Change and Environmental Shocks. The delivery of high-quality impactful policy outputs is central to the success of Young Lives as an innovative international longitudinal study, including supporting new fundraising opportunities.

The post holder will report directly to the Young Lives Deputy Director, and will work closely with the Young Lives Director, Senior Researchers and Head of Communications based in Oxford. S/he will also collaborate closely with researchers and policy leads in each of the four Young Lives study countries.

At ODID we embrace and cherish our differences, and endeavour to be considerate and welcoming of all. You are most welcome at ODID, without the need to hide any part of who you are. We acknowledge societal inequalities and how these affect us, and those around us, personally and professionally. We hold an Athena Swan bronze award in recognition of our efforts to introduce organisational and cultural changes which promote equality, cherish diversity and create a better working environment for all. We are also taking active steps to promote race equality and reduce the risk of bias and discrimination. We work together to enrich, fortify and grow our community and dedicate our combined efforts to teaching and research to increase our impact and influence in development debates at the national and global level. We encourage all eligible candidates to apply for our vacancies and join us in pursuing our goals.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to laying the foundations for a new Young Lives (YL) Research Hub on Climate Change and Environmental Shocks.
• Support the Deputy Director to deliver the YL Policy Influencing Strategy and key research-to-policy outputs across the YL programme, including key messages, policy briefs, impact case studies, blogs and other policy focused materials relating to YL research themes. Key themes include education and skills, employment, health & wellbeing and family lives, with a specific focus on the crosscutting impacts of climate change and environmental shocks, poverty and inequalities.
• Track and analyse international and national policy debates, with a specific focus on the impact of poverty, inequalities and climate change on young people in low- and middle-income (LMICs) countries, including the disproportionate effects on girls and women.
• Proactively engage and build relationships with key international policy stakeholders working on the impacts of poverty, inequalities and climate change in LMICs, including policy influencers and practitioners (e.g. governments, donors and civil society), research-to-policy networks and researchers.
• Work closely with the Deputy Director and YL Country Directors to identify opportunities to influence policy debates both internationally and in the four study countries and provide technical support in developing research-to-policy engagement plans.
• Work closely with the YL Head of Communications to ensure research findings and related policy implications are effectively disseminated for maximum impact, including through website and social media, webinars, conferences, policy events and meetings to encourage the maximum uptake and impact of Young Lives evidence. Represent Young Lives at external events and meetings where necessary.
• Provide support to the Young Lives Director and Deputy Director in the development of fundraising proposals and submission of grant applications to generate future Young Lives research income. 

Selection Criteria 

Essential selection criteria 

• Education to Degree level in a relevant subject (e.g. social or public policy, development studies, sociology, anthropology, or economics).
• Substantial experience in a policy analysis/advocacy role within the international development arena, including experience of developing and implementing policy influencing and engagement strategies.
• Proven track record of contributing to high-quality policy-related publications, including policy briefs and blogs. Significant experience of using research evidence to engage with policy and practice.
• Broad knowledge of relevant international policy and practice debates including the cross-cutting impacts of climate change, poverty and inequalities on young people in LMICs.
• Excellent analytical skills, able to synthesise and distil key messages from a wide range of technical academic research and policy reports.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to write quickly for publication, tailor communications to different audiences for maximum user access and impact, and experience of presenting at external events and high-profile meetings.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills. Ability to work collaboratively within a large team as well as independently, to prioritise tasks, to manage multiple demands and to work to deadlines. 

Desirable selection criteria

• Experience of writing fundraising proposals.
• Experience of working in a multidisciplinary, multi-national research team and contributing ideas for new research projects.
• Willingness to undertake overseas travel. 

Endometriosis UK is the leading UK charity supporting those living with endometriosis. Formed in 1981, we offer information and support to women and those assigned female at birth with endometriosis, for example through our website and information leaflets, and via our local support groups, Helpline and online forum. As well as directly supporting those with endometriosis, we work to raise awareness of endometriosis amongst healthcare professionals, the public and the media; lobby for improved treatment and management; and support research.

The Communications and Campaigns team works to improve awareness of endometriosis and drive change for those affected by the disease. Our current campaigns and calls on Governments include getting menstrual wellbeing taught in schools across the UK, decreasing diagnosis times, improving rights in the workplace and improving access to treatment. 

This will be a busy, varied and important role working closely with the Head of Campaigns and Communications to raise awareness and increase the visibility of endometriosis and Endometriosis UK, and supporting campaigns that really make a difference across the UK. You will be working as part of a passionate team with a strong commitment to achieving change to help those with living with endometriosis.

You’ll be creative, resourceful and be able to create media opportunities that drive awareness and change for those with endometriosis. This is an exciting opportunity to help drive forward Endometriosis UK’s new strategy and boost our impact for the benefit of everyone affected by endometriosis

We are looking for a highly organised, pro-active and confident Communications Manager who creates opportunities to raise awareness of endometriosis with the media. You’ll be experienced in pitching stories across broadcast and print outlets, and have experience of working with case studies to share their story. You will also have a strong understanding of the UK political landscape, supporting policy and public affairs colleagues to create proactive communication opportunities to raise the profile of Endometriosis UK’s policies.

Location: Waverley Abbey Trust, Waverley Abbey House, Waverley Lane, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 8EP
Contract: Permanent, Full time
Salary £40,000 - £43,000 FTE (experience dependant)
Hours 4-5 day/week

Waverley Abbey College is one of the largest providers of Counselling and Chaplaincy training for Christians in the UK. All of Waverley Abbey College’s courses are designed to bring transformation and change to the nation.

Waverley Abbey’s vision, mission and values focus on enabling a new generation to be encouraged, excited and equipped for the great commission. We also seek to offer courses relevant to individuals and professionals at all life stages.

The purpose of this job is for the post holder to build partnerships and to develop relevant courses suited to the organisation and stakeholder’s requirements in the field of chaplaincy and practical theology. This requires someone who is creative, imaginative and able to conceive and develop new high impact courses that articulate with Waverley Abbey’s vision, values and mission. It is a senior role involving being part of the college’s Senior Leadership Team. It is desirable that the post holder has a background in chaplaincy and missional ministry.

The college’s Practical theology courses currently include Contemporary Chaplaincy (a non-HE course), a Graduate Diploma in Ministry (HE course – set a level 6), Self-paced courses in Discipleship and Chaplaincy, and an MA in Spiritual Formation (that finishes in 2026). It also includes a significant round table project that involves leading an initiative with partner chaplaincy agencies at work in schools, with the goal of seeking to place a Christian chaplain in every secondary school in the UK (i.e. 4,190 schools).

Also, the chaplaincy CPD courses are being developed as digital courses to extend the reach of the college, so that the goal of a chaplain in every school may be realised. Practical theology also includes development, and coordination of the Association of Waverley Abbey Ministers (AWAM), which is a membership network for those who complete the Contemporary Chaplaincy course. AWAM provides an accountability structure for those at work in volunteer chaplaincy ministries.

This role holds a Genuine Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010 to be a practising Christian who assents to Waverley Abbey’s Statement of Faith.

or further information on key responsibilities and person specification please see the Job Description.

If you’d like to apply, please provide your CV, and a cover letter that directly addresses the requirements of the job description, including why you are interested in the role.

Applications will close on Sunday 10th November 2024; we reserve the right to close applications early.
 Please note, an appointment will be subject to: 

- Evidence of Right to Work in the UK
- Satisfactory references
- A satisfactory Enhanced DBS disclosure
- Meeting the Occupational Requirement criteria
- Satisfactory completion of a probationary period
- Sound interesting? Apply now!

Closing date 23-11-2024

REF-217 696

We are looking for someone who has experience and understanding of working with local food groups and potentially an understanding of local procurement. They would have a research background and some experience in project management and working within a wider team of senior colleagues.

Role: Senior Research Officer
Location: Ryton with some flexible working

Key Requirements: An understanding of sustainable food procurement in the UK, along with proven research skills to ensure the successful delivery of multi-faceted research projects. Combined with an ability to design and deliver workshops, along with collaborating effectively with schools, local food groups and organisations at all stages of the food chain.

Hours: Full-time (35 hours week)
Duration: Fixed Term until September 2028
Salary: £28,000-32,000 per annum
Role subject to DBS Check: No

About us:

At Garden Organic we care about organic growing, composting, seed conservation, research and citizen science. Our small but hugely knowledgeable and committed team is backed by a family of members and volunteers, all dedicated to growing food and flowers in harmony with nature. We are an established, experienced and innovative membership charity, working in communities around the UK and campaigning for organic practice which protects and promotes life above and below the soil. Now in our seventh decade, we are also home to the vitally important Heritage Seed Library a living collection of 800 rare vegetable varieties that otherwise would have died out.

Our mission is to show people how to be organic growers and in doing so, we strive to be a great place to work, volunteer or partner with. We care about what we do, how we do it, and the impact we make. We believe that our time is now – when people are actively seeking positive contributions that they can make in the face of biodiversity loss and climate change.

About the role:

Key responsibilities include the design and facilitation of workshops, evaluation and exploitation of research, stakeholder engagement, and collaborating on research outputs, reports and deliverables. You will play a significant role in contributing to the project's impact while supporting your own professional development.

The project is led by Coventry University's Centre for Agroecology, Water, and Resilience (CAWR) focusing on sustainable, place-based food procurement in the UK. This position will work with a similar role within CAWR to deliver a range of research and dissemination activities across the project.

• The project involves interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research, utilizing living case studies of community food hubs (Cultivate Food Hub – Wales, Cambridge Food Hub, The Better Food Shed – London and Galloway Food Hub – Scotland) and open-source socio-technical innovations like the Open Food Network (OFN).
• It aims to drive transformative changes in food systems by addressing research questions related to small-scale producers, open-source innovations, place-based governance, sustainability impacts, and scaling mechanisms.
• The project involves multi-actor collaboration, data management practices, ethical considerations, and aims to create environmentally sustainable, local food systems while engaging stakeholders and contributing to policy development.
• The core team includes individuals from Coventry University, Garden Organic, and Social Farms & Gardens, with partners from organizations like Soil Association, Birmingham City Council, and Open Food Network involved in the project.
• The project runs for 48 months from October 2024, aiming to generate new knowledge and drive just, sustainable transitions in food systems.

You will be reporting to our Research Manager, and your core responsibilities and main duties are as follows:

1. Day-to-day management and delivery of the research project P4G.
2. Manage the internal communications with other GO staff involved with the project.
3. Be the day-to-day conduit with the project leader (CAWR).
4. Undertake research into public procurement focusing on the use of living case studies through:
   • Stakeholder mapping and analysis,
   • On-farm surveys
   • Local data collection through interviews with procurers and producers, focus groups, mapping current procurement
5. Developing market dialogues with farmers, chefs, kitchen staff, school leaders, and procurement officers to develop mutual understanding and contribute ideas to public food tender design.
6. Working with the food hubs, and Heritage Seed Library, to implement small scale crop trials which will require travel throughout the UK.
7. With our Head of Knowledge Transfer, work with local schools to improve their understanding of where food comes from and the role they play within local food systems, linking directly to aspects of the curriculum including food diversity and climate resilience.
8. Supporting Garden Organic Staff in project communications (across a range of media types), dissemination of findings and impact assessment.

What we are looking for:

We are looking for someone who has experience and understanding of working with local food groups and potentially an understanding of local procurement. They would have a research background and some experience in project management and working within a wider team of senior colleagues.

What we can offer:

• Salary: £28-32,000 per annum
• 25 days Holiday plus bank holidays and additional leave at Christmas (pro-rata)
• Additional long service holiday
• Group Pension Scheme with 8% employer contribution
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Salary Extras benefits platform (Instant discount scheme and health, wellbeing and financial support)
• We Care benefits platform (With access to virtual GP consultations, nutritionist support, get fit programmes, smoking cessation and further health and wellbeing support)
• TOIL for additional hours worked
• Life Assurance
• Garden Organic membership

How to Apply:

All applicants must complete a Garden Organic Application Form along with a covering letter explaining why you think you would be a great fit for the role. We pay close attention to covering letters so please do send us one. Our application form can be downloaded via our website.

We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and we reserve the right to close the vacancy early depending on response levels.

As part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion applications will be anonymised before being submitted to our recruitment panel.

Recruitment Timetable:

Application Deadline: Monday 18th November

Interview Dates: Week of 2nd December

Interview Location: Ryton, CV8 3LG

Equal Opportunities:

At Garden Organic we embrace diversity and recognise the value it brings to our organisation. As such, we match charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates and welcome candidates from various backgrounds irrespective of age, disability, gender, gender identity or reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief or sexual orientation. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and take pride in ensuring that everyone feels welcome, respected and empowered.

Garden Organic is also a Disability Confident Employer and aims to create opportunities wherever possible. It should be noted that some of our roles require travel and attendance at events where accessibility arrangements will vary.

Safer Recruitment:

Garden Organic is also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects employees, associates and volunteers to share this commitment. We may require some candidates to undertake a DBS check relevant to the requirements of the role.

Please note that we only accept applications from individuals with the right to work in the UK. We are unable to sponsor working visa applications.

To find out more about our Charity, our ambition, our successes and why it is a great time to be joining Garden Organic, along with our Privacy Statement please visit our website.

Trees for Cities is an independent, national charity that works with communities to plant and care for urban trees, helping to create greener and healthier cities across the UK and internationally for the last 30 years.

We are in a pivotal decade for environmental action, and our current strategy, The Turn of Trees (2022-25), is focused on engaging communities in climate action through the simple yet powerful act of tree planting. Looking ahead, our new strategy launching in 2025 will build on this momentum to create a social movement for tree equity - ensuring that all communities regardless of socioeconomic status, race, or geographic location have access to the benefits that trees provide, including cleaner air, cooler temperatures, improved mental health, and enhanced biodiversity.

The Role
We are seeking a dynamic and visionary Head of Marketing & Digital Engagement to lead our efforts in inspiring, engaging, and empowering communities, volunteers, and supporters across the UK. This is a critical new role, focused on implementing and operationalising our new strategy, enhancing our reach, and building the foundations for our future growth. The role offers the opportunity to lead the development of Trees for Cities’ first national digital engagement strategy, ensuring we build strong connections with communities and supporters through creative campaigns and digital platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of our first national digital engagement strategy, driving public awareness and support for urban trees.
• Inspire and mobilise communities and supporters through innovative campaigns that highlight the benefits of tree planting and urban greening.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to ensure the successful implementation of our organisational strategy, enhancing our digital presence to extend our reach.
• Oversee a talented marketing and engagement team, providing leadership, direction, and fresh ideas to foster growth and deepen our connections.
• Act as a senior voice in the organisation, influencing decision-making and shaping the future direction of Trees for Cities.

About You
We are looking for an experienced marketing leader with a passion for the environment and community engagement. You will have a proven track record of developing and implementing successful digital engagement strategies, and experience leading creative campaigns that inspire action – this could be within a charity or a wider commercial setting. You will be an excellent communicator, capable of influencing at a senior level, and able to bring fresh perspectives to the organisation.

Why Join Us?
At Trees for Cities, we pride ourselves on our warm, inclusive, and vibrant work culture. Our team is deeply motivated by the cause, and we are committed to supporting each other as we work towards a greener, healthier future. This is a fantastic opportunity to join an organisation making a tangible difference in urban environments and communities across the UK.

If you are passionate about mobilising social action and inspiring change, and have the skills and experience to lead our marketing and digital engagement efforts, we’d love to hear from you.

To learn more about the role and organisation, including how to have an informal conversation about the opportunity and apply, please download the full appointment brief.

Closing date: 17 November 2024

Panel Interview Dates: 2 December and then 9 December 2024

If you share our vision that ‘every young person should be empowered to gain the confidence, independence and skills they need for a better and brighter future’ we might have the perfect role for you!

ThinkForward is recruiting a Progression Coach in N5, London to join our team delivering our unique programme supporting young people into further education and employment. If you are….

· Passionate about, and have experience in, supporting young people to make amazing decisions about their futures

· Committed to equity, diversity, anti-racist and anti-discriminatory practice

· Persistent, empathic and agile in your style of work and able to apply a coaching approach to the delivery of our programme

· Able to tell the stories of our work through data

· Confident in running one-to-one and group work sessions

· Knowledgeable of employability practices and the importance of tailored progression planning for young people

…then please click on the job pack for our role description and information pack for more details about ThinkForward and the role you could play, then apply via CharityJob with your CV and cover letter.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Having recently secured a strategic partnership with Sport England, this role will play a pivotal role in activating the research activities that are required to inform the Leadership Skills Foundation and the wider sector to empower a more diverse range of young people with opportunities to develop essential leadership and life skills, regardless of their background.

You will be a valued manager within the ‘Programme Delivery’ team and will work with other departments across the organization to support the development of future accessible and inclusive essential leadership programmes. With a key focus being on the needs, benefits and outcomes required among underserved and/or under-represented communities and individuals.

This role will require positive and proactive internal working relationships to be created with other teams and colleagues to support organisational objectives and goals.

In addition, the role will also be required to foster relationships with external stakeholders to shape the research that you will manage through your team.  This work will support the development of our programmes to engage thousands more young people and give them the essential leadership skills for them to believe, lead and succeed.

We’re looking for a confident, collaborative research manager that wants to make a positive social difference through research.  This role will inform the changes that are required within the organisation’s programmes and support the sector to give access to essential leadership skills development to under-served communities through breaking down barriers.

Role duties and responsibilities

1. Manage research and impact projects and activities, internally and externally, in support of our programme delivery strategic goals.
2. Develop and manage research proposals and methodologies to address strategic goals. 
3. Manage both primary and secondary research using a range of methodologies. 
4. Interpret and analyse research to derive meaningful insights and provide actionable recommendations.
5. Present research findings, into clear, actionable recommendations, and compelling presentations that facilitate informed decision making across all levels of the organisation. 
6. Identify and recommend new research and evaluation projects and approaches which address gaps in our current evidence base. 
7. Engage with the Leadership team and Head of Programme Delivery to understand the organisation’s research requirements and align with organisational goals.
8. Manage other researchers providing guidance and support in their professional development.
9. Contribute to the research project budgeting process, ensuring efficient use of resources. 
10. Scope and produce ‘Invitations to Tender’ for commissioned research and manage the commissioning process, ensuring that the proposed research meets required objectives. 
11. Manage commissioned research contracts, including monitoring progress, reviewing and editing reports. 
12. Foster collaborative internal relationships to drive a culture of research driven decisions throughout the organisation. 
13. Build and maintain relationships with external partners and funders and communicate key findings where required. 
14. Ensure all research activities comply with ethical standards. 
15. Maintain an awareness of new research developments across the sector and use this to inform planning and decision making.   

People Management Responsibilities

• Delivery Programme Research Executive (0.8)
• Working with other managers whose direct reports will support the delivery of programme goals and activities

Key Relationships

Internal

• Line Manager: Head of Programme Delivery
• Direct report: Delivery Programme Research Executive
• Departments: Innovation, Marketing and Communications
• Leadership Team including - Directors of: Innovation & Standards; Engagement; Finance and Operations, and Chief Executive.
• Finance Manager

External

• Strategic partners including organisations such as Sport England.
• National and regional network and research partners.
• Key local delivery centres

Skills, experience and knowledge

Required/essential:

• Educated to degree level in a subject with substantial statistical or research content.
• Proven experience of working in a relevant research role. 
• Experience of leading/managing a range of different research projects, using a range of both primary and secondary research methodologies to gather both qualitative and quantitative research. 
• Experience in designing and leading high quality research proposals and tenders.
• Demonstratable experience and evidence of aligning research projects and activities with strategic goals and informing organisational decision making.
• Experience of formulating research reports and making recommendations in a range of easy to read and innovative formats.   
• Proven track record of building and nurturing highly effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including senior colleagues and external funders or partners. 
• Effective communication skills with the ability to present information confidently to a diverse range of stakeholders, including leadership team, funders and external partners.
• Excellent project management skills and experience of leading research projects on time and on budget.  
• Strong organisation skills, ability to multi-task and work effectively in a busy team environment. 
• Able to deliver at pace ensuring efficiency.
• Excellent listening and recording skills to effectively evidence the findings of research. 
• Understanding of ethical standards and practices in research including potential issues.
• Complete and finish tasks independently and/or as part of a team. 
• Show competence with IT (including Microsoft Office). 

Desired:

• Line management experience
• Knowledge and understanding of the sector, including trends, challenges, and best practices
• Experience of researching on funded projects and meeting grant requirements.

 Personal qualities

• A confident, collaborative manager that wants to make a positive social difference.
• Pro-active with the ability to work on own initiative collaboratively and independently.
• Effective and confident communicator.
• Adaptable to operational requirements with an openness to give and receive constructive feedback as part of a growth mindset.
• A creative, problem solver with the ability to think critically and analyse a range data. 
• An ability to travel across the UK is required.

Community Development and Wind Farm Manager

Location: Hybrid, based in Uist, with a desk at old Lochmaddy School, North Uist.

Application deadline: Sunday 01 December, 2024, noon.

Hours of work: Full-time, 35 hours per week, flexible working considered.

Holidays: 25 days per year plus 9 days public holidays per year.

Role summary:                   
This is an exciting opportunity to join North Uist Development Company (NUDC) and UistWind (North Uist Development Company Trading Limited) to act as a catalyst for innovative and sustainable community development and for successful operational management of the North Uist community-owned wind farm – UistWind.

UistWind has been operational since 2019 and we are pleased to have reached a point in the project to be able to fund this joint position in preparation for the first North Uist Community Benefit Fund.

The successful candidate will work with the UistWind Management Committee, its members and associated parties, to manage the Community Benefit Society’s operational business needs, meeting compliance requirements while working to maximise generation and revenue from two 900kW wind turbines at Criongrabhal near Clachan-na-Luib in North Uist for the benefit of the local community.The successful candidate will also work with NUDC and the wider community, to develop and implement both a community development plan, and a community investment plan for the UistWind community benefit fund, which takes account of opportunities to enhance the socio-economic, cultural and environmental welfare of the North Uist and Berneray area.

Who we are looking for:
We are looking to recruit an energetic and self-motivated individual, with a strong commitment to community development and community ownership.  You will have experience of partnership working, especially with community groups and associated stakeholders, and of working with and supporting voluntary trustees.  You will also have excellent communication, coordination and facilitation skills, alongside attention to detail and demonstrable ability to understand, utilise and interpret complex technical and financial information.  ​If your experience looks a little different from what we've identified, and you think you can bring value to the role, we'd love to hear from you.

About us:

North Uist Development Company, founded in 2010, registered as a Scottish Company No. 383175 and as a Scottish Charity No. SC041709, aims to develop a sustainable and viable community through promoting the social, educational, cultural, economic and environmental wellbeing of North Uist.UistWind (North Uist Development Company Trading Limited) is a Community Benefit Society, registered with the Financial Conduct Authority under registration no: RS007738.  The two UistWind 900kW wind turbines are operated by UistWind on behalf of the community, with projections indicating the project will generate over £2 million for community benefit.  For more details visit our website.

How to apply:
For full details about the role, who we are looking for, and how to apply, please see the attached application pack. You can also apply directly through charity jobs. 

Applicants should submit a cover letter and CV by noon on Sunday 1st December 2024.

The Diocese is seeking a Church Building Support Officer to join our team on a fixed-term contract, to work closely with parishes to help secure sustainable futures for some of our most historic and cherished church buildings. You'll help PCCs to identify and explore complimentary non-worship uses for their buildings, helping them to become vibrant and viable centres of mission and community life. You’ll support them in ensuring the church buildings are fit for the future, fostering greater community engagement, and developing long-term sustainability strategies.

This role offers the opportunity to be part of a developing church buildings strategy, shaping the future approach to church building support within the Diocese. You will work closely with a range of stakeholders to bring these strategies to life, ensuring that churches remain places of worship, community activity, and cultural significance.

This is a new fixed-term post funded by the Church Commissioners of the Church of England through their Buildings for Mission funding. The funding is for an initial period of twenty months, ending in September 2026, unless the funding is extended.

The main responsibilities of the Church Building Support Officer are:

• Work with Parochial Church Councils (PCCs) to develop community action plans that align with local needs.

• Support PCCs in identifying mixed-use opportunities for the church building

• Facilitate the building of strong relationships with local groups, charities, and other partners to promote the wider use of church buildings.

• Help PCCs in maintaining and developing their buildings to accommodate wider uses, and ensure they are kept in good condition

• Foster volunteer engagement, helping churches recruit for new roles and groups to aid long-term sustainability.

• Capture and share key lessons from pilot projects to inform future diocesan strategies.

What we are looking for in a Church Building Support Officer:

• Experienced in project management and/or community development.

• A passion for the conservation and sustainable use of historic buildings.

• Strong relationship-building and networking skills, with experience working with a wide range of stakeholders to achieve shared goals

• An ability to inspire and support volunteer groups.

• A proactive and creative approach to problem-solving.

This post reports to the Church Buildings Development Officer, and is based in the Coventry Diocesan Offices. There will be the option to partially work from home.

For more information and an application form please click apply to be taken to our website

Come and join a small team of doers, who have banned red tape, silos, politics and “computer says no” scenarios to work for a really uplifting cause.  At SportsAid we exist to encourage, enable and empower the next generation of athletes to achieve their ambitions in sport and life. For decades, we have been side by side with Britain’s greatest emerging sporting talent, from Mo Farah to Jessica Ennis-Hill to Ade Adepitan, Paula Radcliffe and so many others to give them vital support before they became Olympian and Paralympian stars. We are looking to appoint a Community and Alumni Engagement Manager to work with our community of supporters and alumni and deliver income, impact and memorable experiences for athletes, parents and supporters.

• Develop and nurture relationships with potential funders and fundraisers eg local schools, community groups, parents etc. and deliver a range of fundraising activities across the country. 

• Identify and cultivate relationships with former athletes who can contribute to our mission in a variety of ways, eg mentoring, advocacy and storytelling, fundraising and programme/initiative participation.

• Take responsibility for identifying and developing fundraising opportunities 

• Organise and manage events, including networking gatherings, to stimulate and develop fundraising and alumni engagement.

Does this sound like you? 

• A minimum of two years’ experience of working in a community fundraising and/or an alumni engagement role in a charity or university setting

• A passion for sport and strong understanding of the sports industry and the unique experiences of athletes.

• Solid understanding of the principles and practices of relationship fundraising

• Excellent organisational skills, comfortable managing several different projects and activities in parallel.

• Familiarity with social media and digital marketing strategies.

• Proven event planning and project management skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

The salary is £32,000 p.a. and opportunities for flexible working are available. 

SportsAid Head Office in London (near London Bridge) with hybrid working. We are normally all in the office on Mondays and one other day of our choice. We are flexible about start times to help with the cost of commuting and we are genuinely flexible all round. If you have any questions about flexibility, do tell us and we’ll do our best to accommodate. 

 A full job description is available on request.

Want to find out more?

Serena, the Head of Fundraising, would be more than happy to have an informal chat to help you decide if this is for you. Feel free to email her to arrange a good time to do it.

SportsAid recognises that certain sections of the community have been affected by structural inequities and may be denied the opportunity to participate equally and fully in sport at all levels. SportsAid as an organisation believes our role is to remove the barriers that our most under-served, at risk and minoritised groups of young people experience when trying to access sport and physical activities.

SportsAid therefore positively welcomes, and seeks to achieve, diversity in our workforce and that all job applicants, volunteers and employees receive equal and fair treatment.  We positively encourage applications from all candidates regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, disability, marriage and civil partnership status, gender identity, background, religion, faith, sexual orientation, maternity status, pregnancy, belief or nationality.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Please apply with your CV and one page outlining:

1. Tell us about the community fundraising or alumni engagement activity you are most proud of and why?

2. Your thoughts on what you consider the most difficult aspect of relationship fundraising 

3. If you could change something you did in a previous fundraising or alumni engagement role, what would that be?

On receipt of your application you will be sent a confidential equal opportunities form which all applicants will be asked to complete.