Office administrator jobs in home based

Mary’s Meals is a global movement supported by people from all walks of life and we are focused on one goal – that every child receives a nutritious daily meal in a place of education. We offer more than just a career, we offer the opportunity to support our global movement in a dynamic and inclusive environment with a real focus on personal development.

We are delighted to be recruiting for a Finance Business Partner to support and assist the Senior Finance Manager in providing day to day financial and management accounting. Reporting to the Senior Finance Officer, you'll be the first point of contact to each of the Directorates in Mary's Meals UK for all expenditure related matters.

We have a remote-first approach to work and are happy for you to work remotely and flexibly, in a way that best supports your work-life balance. We also have an office near Glasgow city centre for those who live nearby and would like to work from here occasionally or on a regular basis. 

Key responsibilities include:

• Establish regular communication with each of the Directorates to support existing business processes and provide guidance for any potential changes to business processes which have a financial impact.
• Communicate any relevant changes back to the wider Finance Team.
• Prepare and analyse monthly expenditure against budget, investigating and documenting explanations for any significant variances, and liaising with directorates for review.
• Prepare monthly management information (expenditure).
• Lead on the preparation of the annual expenditure budget.
• Prepare consolidated income and expenditure budget.
• Lead on expenditure forecasting.
• Prepare consolidated income and expenditure forecast.
• Prepare quarterly VAT returns for submission to HMRC.
• Prepare the monthly payroll and coordinate payroll processes including supply of information to payroll bureau and authorisation of submission to HMRC.
• Maintain and update employee information for online submission of Group Pension Scheme and other providers of employee benefits.
• Be responsible for the expenditure audit requirements for the annual audit.
• Assist in the development, implementation and maintenance of appropriate financial policies and procedures.
• Deal with finance related queries, both internal and external, as they arise.
• Support the wider finance team in any finance related matters. 

 About you:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent professional experience.
• Numeracy skills and an ability to understand, analyse and manipulate complex information and data.
• Excellent communication skills and be able to communicate financial information to non-finance colleagues, other partners and suppliers.
• Able to work independently and proactively, with the ability to consult wherever necessary.
• Excellent administrative and organisational skills.
• Able to use initiative to identify improvements to systems and procedures within own level of authority.
• Experience of using and maintaining purchase ledger.
• Experience of using SAGE financial system.
• Experience of using and maintaining databases.
• Experience and familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Experience of a flexible approach to managing and prioritising a high workload and multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines.
• Experience of organising and providing administrative assistance in an office environment.
• Experience of handling a wide range of enquiries and an excellent telephone manner.
• Knowledge of data protection act and responsibilities.
• Clear understanding of confidentiality with written and computerised materials and processes.

Please visit our website for further details by selecting the apply button on Charity Job.

Applications for this role will be reviewed and interviews arranged on an ongoing basis.

About UKCF 

At UK Community Foundations (UKCF), we put inclusivity at the forefront of all we do, we put relationships first and we are ambitious for our members and the communities they serve. 

Everyone should have the opportunity to have a fulfilling life and to feel they belong. This can’t be mandated by government, or done to people, only with them. Change needs to be driven by people who understand the local situation and our support makes this possible. 

UKCF is a national network of community foundations based all over the UK. Community foundations connect philanthropic people with local causes that matter to them. They are charitable organisations focused on supporting a defined geographical area by leveraging funds to support community needs and local organisations making a difference. As well as supporting our members, at UKCF we explore social challenges, we provide national funding and we work with those who have the solutions to improve lives. 

Benefits of working at UKCF include 30 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays, up to two days paid leave for volunteer days, enhanced pension and a flexible working plan. As a disability confident employer, we encourage applications irrespective of your age, disability, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion and belief, gender reassignment, sex or sexual orientation. 

About the role 

This is an exciting opportunity to join UKCF at a time of growth, ambition and innovation. We are looking for an interim Partnerships Officer to help us build and deliver impactful national partnerships that bring real, measurable benefits to communities across the UK. 

Initially for a period of six months, you will hit the ground running to pick up an existing portfolio of national programmes currently under delivery. You’ll lead on programme administration including design and delivery, as well as collaborating with UKCF finance and membership colleagues to collate and disseminate programme data for funders and internal stakeholders. 

In this client facing role, you will be responsible for administration and operational support in the development, delivery, and evaluation of high-value, strategic partnerships, whether with government departments, major trusts and foundations, corporate partners, or other longstanding partners. 

You’ll work closely with the Director of Partnerships & Insight and community foundations to deliver an existing portfolio of programmes and to shape strong proposals and administer the end-to-end implementation of new partnerships. 

You’ll also play a key role in helping UKCF and the wider network become more insight-led and data-driven, strengthening our approach to programme design, learning, and impact evaluation.

This role requires exceptional organisational, programme and project management skills. Experience in a trust or foundation, grantmaking, especially within programme design, is a bonus.

You will report to the Director of Partnerships & Insight and also work closely with the wider team including finance, membership and communications staff. 

Key responsibilities 

• Programme delivery and administration – Support the smooth running of national partnerships and programmes, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to a high standard. Maintain accurate financial and programme records, track deadlines, and make sure monitoring and reporting requirements are met. 

• Reporting and insight – Analyse programme data and contribute to clear, high-quality reports for funders, partners, and internal teams. Capture learning and examples of good practice to strengthen future programmes. 

• Collaboration and communication – Work closely with colleagues across UKCF, including communications, finance and membership, to ensure effective programme delivery. Provide timely advice and support to team members, community foundations, and funders, resolving queries quickly and accurately. 

• Relationships and improvement – Build and maintain strong, positive working relationships with funders, community foundations, and delivery partners. Identify opportunities to refine and improve processes to make delivery more efficient and impactful. 

Who we’re looking for: 

We’re seeking someone who is proactive, highly organised, confident with data, and comfortable juggling competing priorities while building strong relationships. You’ll bring experience in programme administration, accurate record-keeping, and reporting, with the ability to translate information into clear insights. Strong digital and technology skills are important, as is the ability to work collaboratively across teams and with external partners. Ideally, you’ll also have some experience in grant-making, process improvement, or using systems like Salesforce, but above all we’re looking for someone who is adaptable, curious, and motivated by UKCF’s values of inclusivity, collaboration, and ambition for communities. 

ROLE SUMMARY 

Reporting to the Director of Partnerships & Insight, this role is central to the effective day-to-day running of UKCF’s national partnerships and grant programmes. You will play a key role in keeping programmes on schedule and within budget, with strong administration and attention to detail at the heart of the position. At the same time, you will build and maintain positive working relationships with funders, community foundations, and colleagues across UKCF, acting as a reliable point of contact and ensuring information flows smoothly. This role is well suited to someone who enjoys balancing deadlines and detail with the opportunity to work alongside a wide range of people. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Under the supervision of the Director of Partnerships & Insight ensure the partnerships and programmes are delivered on time and in budget. 

• Administer the partnerships and programmes, keeping accurate records of funding allocated, spending by Community Foundations, and collating monitoring reports etc.

• Analyse partnership and programme data and contribute to reports for funders and internal teams. 

• Write and/or support with production of internal and external reports on delivery and impact. 

• Work closely with the UKCF Communications, Finance and Membership teams to deliver programmes.

• Develop and maintain quality relationships with delivery partners, including Community Foundations and funders. 

• Provide appropriate advice, guidance and support for grant applicants, Community Foundations or funders.

• Capture good practice and learning from grant recipients, Community Foundations and funders. 

• Identify refinements and improvements to our programmes

EXPERIENCE/SKILLS REQUIRED 

Essential: 

• Support and administration – accuracy/record keeping/ working to deadlines across multiple programmes and/or priorities 

• Customer service/relationship management

• Analysing information and producing or contributing to reports

• Working as part of a team

• Experienced with Microsoft Office, with strong excel skills 

Desirable: 

• Implementing new processes to streamline and improve delivery 

• Grant making

• Experience of community foundations

• Experience with Salesforce or other similar CRM system

• Analytical experience – used to working with large data sets

SKILLS AND ABILITIES 

• Effective verbal and written communication skills 

• Persuasion and interpersonal skills; diplomatic, and confident with people from all backgrounds 

• Ability to manage competing deadlines and priorities 

• Ability to problem solve and act on initiative 

• Committed to learning and developing skills and experience 

• Willingness to learn and take on a variety of tasks 

• Creative, thorough & organised, flexible, and intuitive

This is initially a 6 month contract, full time 35 hours per week, remote working but with the opportunity to work flexibly from the London office if desired.

A rapid start is required - please state notice period on application.

WHO WE ARE

Animal Equality is an international animal protection organisation working with society, governments and companies to end cruelty to farmed animals. Animal Equality has offices in the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, Italy, Spain, Mexico, Brazil and India.

Animal Equality releases investigative materials captured from inside factory farms and slaughterhouses, exposing the conditions that farmed animals face around the world. We publish our findings on television, in newspapers and online. We routinely secure mainstream media coverage, including on the BBC, ITV, Sky News, The Times, The Guardian, The New York Times and many more.

Animal Equality also advocates for political change. Our current campaigns include a UK ban on foie gras imports, increased enforcement of existing animal protection laws, legal protections for farmed fish, and Government subsidies for transitioning towards a plant-based food system.

We focus on farmed animals because of the scale and severity of the issue. More than a billion animals are confined and killed for human consumption every year in the UK. Farmed animals also often suffer in some of the worst ways: pigs typically endure painful mutilations, many chickens die of heart attacks, fish are confined in underwater cages, and some farmed animals are victims of deliberate abuse and neglect. But the problem is solvable! By utilising effective campaigning strategies, Animal Equality is having an impact for animals around the world and building a future where all animals are respected and protected and are no longer exploited for human consumption.

Animal Equality UK’s current key campaigns include:

• Strengthening enforcement of animal protection laws.
• Halting the expansion of Scotland’s salmon farming industry.
• Achieving a ban on foie gras imports.
• Securing species-specific slaughter legislation for fish.
• Inspiring the public to eat plants, not animals.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking a highly organised, detail-oriented Operations Officer to play a central role in ensuring the smooth running of Animal Equality UK’s internal operations and supporter services.

This is a varied role covering administration, finance, data management, supporter care, and event coordination. You will be the first point of contact for many of our supporters and stakeholders, providing excellent service while supporting team members across all departments.

The ideal candidate will be proactive, solutions-focused, and comfortable balancing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment. You will have a ‘can-do’ attitude and a calm and professional demeanour, thrive on problem-solving, and take pride in ensuring that systems and processes run efficiently behind the scenes.

JOB DESCRIPTION

• Culture and internal support: Act as a culture ambassador, upholding Animal Equality’s values of professionalism, resilience, accountability, and compassion. Strengthen communication between teams and ensure effective use of project management tools. Identify and lead process improvements with guidance from the Operations Manager.
• Supporter and donor care: Serve as the first point of contact for supporter queries via phone, email, post, and social media. Provide excellent donor support, including thanking donors, resolving payment issues, and sending mailings. Maintain supporter and volunteer records accurately in CRM systems and ensure compliance with GDPR.
• Finance and reporting: Process expenses, supplier payments, and support budget forecasting. Assist with Gift Aid claims, monthly data uploads, and finance reports. Prepare scheduled reports and presentations to track progress against objectives.
• Team processes: Support recruitment processes, including application handling, interview coordination, and onboarding/offboarding schedules. Ensure smooth induction for new staff and manage equipment, training resources, and access.
• Events and operations: Assist with the organisation of internal training, team meet-ups, and supporter events. Support health and safety measures for team members and volunteers at peaceful protests, undertaking risk assessments and first aid training. Manage stock and campaign materials, fulfil supporter requests, and oversee mailing logistics.
• Data and systems: Conduct database cleansing and maintain accurate supporter, volunteer, and executive records.
• Represent Animal Equality’s culture: Support Animal Equality’s life-saving work by producing high-quality output, embracing and representing the organisation’s culture principles proudly at all times, and supporting our philanthropic efforts.
• Support with other ad hoc duties, as requested by your line manager.

ABOUT YOU

You are a reliable, proactive, and solutions-focused team player who takes pride in creating order and efficiency. Embracing Animal Equality’s culture principles and reinforcing them proudly, you balance meticulous attention to detail with a flexible, positive, level-headed approach and are motivated by helping the organisation succeed for farmed animals.

You actively seek constructive feedback and use it to continuously improve your work. You show ownership and a growth mindset that is focused on improving the world for farmed animals. Knowledge of farmed animal issues and alignment with Animal Equality’s mission is a must, as is professionalism, adaptability, and discretion.

You must have a minimum of one year’s experience in operations, administration, project management, or a related role. With exceptional communicational and time-management skills, you are comfortable balancing competing priorities and will bring a friendly, professional attitude at all times. Adaptable and solutions-focused, you are confident when learning new technologies.

You will be based remotely in the UK. In addition to monthly meet-ups, some travel within the UK may be required for demonstrations, meetings, and events. While not common, occasional evening or weekend work may be necessary to support campaigning activities. Any additional hours worked and agreed with your Manager can be reclaimed as TOIL.

BENEFITS

• Holiday entitlement equal to 33 days per year (including standard public holidays).
• Personalised employee assistance programme (EAP): An Animal Equality-funded benefit that offers employees confidential counselling and advice on a wide range of work and personal issues. The programme offers several services, such as a 24/7 confidential helpline and expert cognitive behavioural therapy.
• Flexible hours, with the option to start between 8am and 10am and finish between 4pm and 6pm.
• Able Futures Support: The service is a nine-month, practical and confidential support service for employees whose circumstances or mental health may impact their wellbeing or work. Employees can work with a mental health professional to deepen their understanding of how their mental health may impact them and build coping skills and resilience to thrive at work.
• Yearly stipend to access learning and development resources to help employees further grow their personal and professional skills.
• A free vegan lunch every month at the Animal Equality monthly meetups.

APPLY NOW

For more information and to apply, please visit our vacancies page.

Closing date: 5.00pm on Friday 19th September 2025.

Do you want to help improve the lives of people with disabilities through the power of assistance dogs? To help us create amazing partnerships, we need amazing people.
 
Canine Partners’ mission is to change the lives of disabled people using expertly trained dogs to improve physical, emotional and social wellbeing. Our amazing dogs bring greater independence and an improved quality of life to their partners, offering security, companionship, and practical help with everyday household tasks.
 
We are looking for a passionate and innovative individual to join our dedicated Puppy Training Team as a Puppy Trainer. This is an exciting opportunity at a prominent assistance dog charity for a dog training instructor to develop their skills and take on new responsibilities within this rewarding field.
 
Position: Puppy Training Coordinator
Hours: 22.5 hours per week (3 days per week).
Contract: Temporary Maternity Leave Cover (9 month minimum contract)
Location: Homebased in South Hampshire. This role covers a specified geographical location in the Southeast of England - South Hampshire (purple area on the map attached). There will be regular travel involved in this role to undertake visits, training sessions and to transport dogs and puppies, therefore it is essential that you have a driving licence and appropriate vehicle for work purposes or the ability to travel significant mileage in line with the requirements for the role. See the job description for the area map.
Direct Reports: Puppy Training Volunteers
 
You will be part of the ambitious puppy team, developing, coordinating, and supporting the puppy training programme. You will have the opportunity to work with and train volunteers in the appropriate care and training of Canine Partners’ puppies. You will work with puppies from eight-weeks to approximately 15-months old, ensuring they receive appropriate socialisation and training before entering our assistance dog training, giving them the foundations to learn how to be life-changing assistance dogs, bringing greater independence and quality of life to people with physical disabilities. A proactive approach is key to maintaining the welfare and behavioural standards for the puppies. All training at Canine Partners follows best practice, positive reinforcement methods and this role is an ambassador for this approach.
 
About you:

• Experience of working with puppies.
• Good working knowledge of best practice dog training and behaviour.
• Good practical dog handling and training skills.
• Effective interpersonal, communication and relationship building skills.
• Strong administration skills with accurate record keeping.
• Coaching/ Teaching skills.
• Computer literacy/ IT skills (MS Office – minimum requirement basic level)
• Full UK driving licence and use of appropriate vehicle for work purposes.
• Ideally, you may have experience of working with volunteers.

 
It may be advantageous, but not essential, for you to have a relevant Animal Behaviour and Training Council – Animal Training Instructor (ABTC-ATI) accreditation. Most importantly, you will be passionate about the transformative impact that our assistance dogs provide to our beneficiaries.
 
Interested?
 
If this sounds like the perfect role for you, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please apply online with a comprehensive CV and supporting statement explaining how you believe you match the requirements of the role.
 
Please note we may interview candidates prior to the closing date. If we find a suitable candidate or receive a high volume of applications, we may close this advertisement prior to the closing date so apply now to ensure you don't miss out! Please be assured that we contact all candidates regarding the outcome of their application, this may take longer if we receive high volumes of applications.
 
Closing date: 22nd September 2025
 
First interviews are scheduled to take place online (via MS Teams) in the week commencing 29th September 2025.

Second interviews are scheduled to place in person the week commencing 6th October 2025.
*Subject to changes.
 
We recognise the benefit of diverse experience and welcome and encourage applications from all sections of the community. We are a disability confident committed employer.
 
REF-223 525

Position title: Communications Manager

Reports to: Director of Operations

Direct reports: None currently

Key stakeholders: UKMSA staff, members and volunteers, Board of Trustees, Sheds and Shedders, the public

Location: Remote (with occasional UK travel)

Salary: Level 4 – £35,000-£45,000

The Communications Manager plays a vital role in shaping how UK Men’s Sheds Association (UKMSA) communicates, both internally and externally, and with the community at its heart. Operating with a high degree of autonomy and professional expertise, the postholder leads the development and delivery of communication strategies that connect, inform, and inspire.

This is not just a messaging role. Rather, it’s about building trust, clarity, and connection across UKMSA communities. Internally, the Communications Manager helps staff feel informed, included, and united across a remote-working environment. The post holder will coordinate internal communications, shape the tone and culture of how information flows, and ensure the brand is consistently and professionally represented.

With volunteers, especially UKMSA’s Ambassadors, the Communications Manager plays a key part in ensuring people feel heard, valued, and kept in the loop, especially during moments of change or challenge. They will work closely with the Head of Volunteering and the wider team to keep the voices and experiences of Shedders, Sheds and Shed Networks at the centre of UKMSA’s communications.

Externally, the postholder curates and amplifies the stories, impact, and energy of the Shedding movement. They manage the website and social media channels, support the CEO and Chair in their digital visibility, and respond to external enquiries with professionalism and purpose.

This is a mission-driven role that sits at the heart of how UKMSA connects with the world. It requires emotional intelligence, editorial judgement, and a deep appreciation for the unique volunteer-led spirit of the movement. The postholder will be confident working across staff, volunteers, trustees, and media, joining the dots, finding the story, and ensuring communications always reflect UKMSA’s values and community.

Key responsibilities:

 

1. Internal communications

· Develop and deliver internal communication approaches that ensure staff across a remote-working environment are kept informed, connected, and engaged.

· Coordinate and facilitate regular team meetings, updates, and communications, including all-staff briefings, newsletters, and shared messaging.

· Work with the CEO and senior team to plan in-person staff meetings, designing the content, format and approach so the sessions align with staff and organisational requirements.

· Design and implement mechanisms that foster internal cohesion and trust, drawing on ideas and good practice for remote working teams.

· Work closely with the senior team to ensure that important updates - strategic, operational, or cultural - are communicated in a timely, consistent, and accessible way.

· Uphold and promote a consistent tone of voice across all internal messaging, ensuring that staff understand and reflect UKMSA’s values and identity in how they communicate.

· Working with the Operations Officer, support the creation and internal rollout of branded materials and ensure consistency in logo use, templates, formatting, and professional standards across the organisation.

2. Community and organisational communications

· Act as a key link between staff, trustees, volunteers (particularly Ambassadors), and other internal stakeholders to ensure information is shared clearly, consistently, and inclusively.

· Collaborate with the Head of Volunteering to ensure that UKMSA’s volunteers are kept informed and involved, particularly during organisational updates, change, or key moments.

· Help embed a culture of openness and two-way communication, ensuring volunteers and trustees feel heard, recognised, and informed, and that their contributions are visible and valued.

· Coordinate messaging across staff and teams so that different groups across UKMSA receive the right information, in the right way, at the right time.

· Support senior leaders in maintaining effective communication with the Board of Trustees, including updates, briefings, and key documents.

 

3. External communications

· Manage and maintain the UKMSA website and social media channels, working with our external web designer to ensure content is accurate, up to date, and aligned with the organisation’s values and tone.

· Source, shape, and share stories from Shedders, volunteers, and communities to celebrate and amplify the impact of the Shedding movement.

· Lead on the production of UKMSA’s regular newsletter Shoulder2Shoulder, Review and develop the newsletter on a regular basis, in collaboration with staff and volunteers.

· Collaborate with staff and volunteers to collect and develop case studies and lived experience content and ensure these are shared meaningfully and respectfully.

· Support the Membership Manager and Director of Income and Investments to ensure any promotional activity for external partners is aligned with UKMSA’s communications strategy, delivers clear value, and is proportionate.

· Support Director of Income and Investments to shape and deliver marketing campaigns and communications aimed at generating income and supporter engagement

· Support the CEO and Chair in their digital communications - drafting content, advising on tone and timing, and increasing the visibility of their leadership voices, in the service of UKMSA.

· Respond to media and external communications queries, draft press releases where appropriate, and act as the first point of contact for general communications enquiries.

· Monitor UKMSA’s external presence and ensure consistency in messaging, tone and branding, across platforms and partners.

 

Key expertise required:

· Professional communications experience, with a strong track record in planning and delivering internal and external communications in a mission-led or purpose-driven organisation.

· Excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to tailor tone, structure, and content for different audiences: from staff and volunteers to trustees, partners, and the wider public.

· Confidence leading internal communications across a remote or distributed team, including experience developing engaging formats, regular updates, and a shared organisational voice.

· Experience working with or alongside volunteers, trustees, or community stakeholders, and a strong appreciation for the importance of inclusive, two-way communication.

· Brand and tone-of-voice awareness, with the ability to maintain consistency and quality across channels, platforms, and contributors.

· Digital confidence, with experience managing websites (e.g. WordPress), social media channels, and email communications tools (e.g. Mailchimp), and using them strategically to reach different audiences.

· Storytelling and content development skills, with the ability to source, sensitively shape, and amplify stories that reflect lived experience and community impact.

· Strong organisational and planning skills, able to manage multiple priorities, coordinate with colleagues across teams, and deliver work to deadline with attention to detail.

· Collaborative mindset, with the confidence to influence tone, content, and strategy while also being hands-on in delivery and responsive to others’ needs and input.

· Judgement and discretion, with experience handling sensitive information, managing risk in communications, and supporting senior leaders with professional external representation.

· Genuine connection to UKMSA’s mission, with a respectful, values-led approach that centres the role of volunteers and champions the voice of the Shedding movement.

 

 

 

What success looks like:

· Staff feel informed, connected, and part of a shared organisational culture, even while working remotely. Internal updates are timely, engaging, and reflect a consistent tone that supports clarity, trust, and inclusion.

· Volunteers and trustees feel included and valued; they know what’s happening, understand UKMSA’s direction, and feel that communication is a two-way conversation, not a broadcast.

· The organisation’s public-facing communications are professional, values-led, and consistent. Social media, the website, and external content reflect the tone, mission, and energy of the Shedding movement.

· The CEO and Chair have visible, coherent digital profiles, supported with high-quality content and strategic messaging that reflects the voice and values of UKMSA.

· Good news stories from Shedders and communities are regularly shared, boosting the visibility of the movement and building pride and momentum across the network.

· Communications activity is intentional and well-prioritised. There is a clear rhythm to communications, and reactive work is handled without pulling focus from core messaging and strategy.

· The Communications Manager is seen as a trusted and thoughtful voice, able to advise colleagues, manage sensitive messaging, and champion quality and consistency in how UKMSA speaks.

· Volunteers remain central, not just as recipients of messages, but as contributors to and shapers of UKMSA’s communication story.

This job is not:

· This is not a campaigning or advocacy role. The Communications Manager will not be responsible for policy development, public affairs, political engagement, or influencing strategy.

· This is not a research or insight role. While storytelling and community voice are central to this role, the postholder will not be responsible for conducting research, writing reports (although the post-holder will support staff to get their reports right), or managing evaluation processes.

· This is not a marketing or income generation role. Although the postholder will support the visibility and professionalism of UKMSA’s public-facing presence, they will not lead fundraising, product marketing, or commercial campaigns. They will work with the Membership Manager and Director of Income and Investment if this is required.

· This is not a senior strategic leadership role. While the postholder contributes to strategy within their area and works closely with senior colleagues, they are not expected to set or lead cross-organisational strategy.

· This is not a purely reactive or administrative role. The Communications Manager is expected to take initiative, bring ideas, and shape how UKMSA communicates - internally and externally - in proactive and creative ways.

Closing date:-9th October 1200hrs
Interview: 22nd October

 

Role Summary

Join our team and help us improve public sector food across the UK with our School Plates and new Hospital Plates programmes. We're looking for a passionate and driven Chef Trainer to support schools and hospitals in delivering healthier and more sustainable menus.

The programmes continue to go from strength to strength. Through School Plates, we currently support over a third of all UK local authorities, catering for more than 12,000 schools and feeding over 1.25 million children daily. To date, we have been responsible for swapping over 50 million school meals from meat-based to meat-free or plant-based. We're now expanding our successful model into the health sector with our new Hospital Plates programme, bringing the same positive change to patient and staff menus.

Are you a skilled chef trainer with a passion for improving public food? Can you match our ambition? You'll be using your culinary expertise to train catering teams in both schools and hospitals, provide menu advice, and get involved with recipe development and culinary education. You will also run cooking workshops for pupils in secondary schools, inspiring the next generation to get excited about plant-based food. You will also build and manage relationships with our catering partners, helping them deliver delicious and sustainable meals. This is a UK-wide role and will require travel to different sites.

We’re looking for someone to join our team for 3 days a week but are open to applicants looking for flexible working hours, including, potentially, 4 days a week.

Job Details

Job Title: Chef Trainer - School Plates & Hospital Plates 
Reporting to: Programme Manager, UK
Location: Remote (home-based with travel across UK) 
Hours: 21-28 hours per week (0.6-0.8 FTE)
Salary: £32,000 per annum pro rata (based on 1.0 FTE) 

 

Responsibilities

As our Chef Trainer & Programme Support, you'll be a key player in developing and delivering our School Plates and Hospital Plates programmes. You'll use your culinary expertise and passion for food system change to create resources, train professionals, and engage with our partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Recipe Development & Training: You'll co-lead the creation, testing, and development of new plant-based recipes for our school and hospital programmes, and lead on developing ‘grab-and-go’ and internationally inspired options for secondary schools. You'll also plan and deliver training sessions, including in-person and online workshops, and create e-learning courses for caterers.

• Programme Development & Support: Work closely with programme managers to develop and refine the strategy for our initiatives. This includes supporting pilot programmes, measuring their impact, and creating bespoke catering resources for our partners.

• Stakeholder Engagement & Communication: Represent our organisation at events and in meetings, providing expert catering advice and information on our programmes. Collaborate with our communications manager to create engaging content, including recipes and videos for our website, e-learning platform and social media.

• Education & Outreach: Partner with our education manager to plan and co-deliver secondary school cooking workshops. These sessions will teach pupils basic plant-based culinary skills that align with the National Curriculum as well as inspire the next generation to choose plant-forward options and learn about the impact of their food choices in a positive way.

• Inspire Catering Teams: Your role is to build and maintain relationships with catering partners, providing expert catering advice and practical recipe suggestions. You'll work with them directly on pilot programmes, offering bespoke support to inspire positive menu changes. You'll also provide essential administrative support for our programmes and help create and deliver presentations to promote our work to a wider audience.

Qualifications

    Essential

• Experienced in planning and delivering cooking workshops to groups.

• Experience of working in a culinary setting and developing recipes with a strong interest in plant-based recipes.

• Excellent communication skills and be a confident and engaging educator.

• Flexible and agile approach, with a willingness to be a true team player and fill gaps as needed.

• Proactive with initiative and drive.

• Strong organisational skills.

• Attention to detail.

• Solution-focused and resilient.

• Confident in creating basic spreadsheets and slide decks.

• Ability to work well under pressure and manage time effectively in a fast-paced and small but fast-growing non-profit work environment.

• Ability to work well unsupervised with experience of working in remote teams with a reliable internet connection.

• Passionate about food systems change.

• Alignment with our vision and mission.

• Based in the UK and able to attend meetings, events, and training to represent the team and programme across the UK.

• Willing to travel across the UK for workshops and events. 

Desirable

• Experience of working within school and/or hospital food. 

• Experience of food photography and creating recipe content for social platforms or online courses. 

• Experience of managing projects.

• Experience of liaising with local authorities, schools, or other public sector bodies.

• Experience in the field of nutrition, including an interest in plant-based nutrition.

• Experience of working in the food, health or environmental sector.

• Experience of using customer relationship management (CRM) systems (training will be provided).

Benefits of working with us

• Generous annual leave entitlement - 25 days per year, with an additional day granted at the start of each calendar up to a maximum of 30 days (plus bank holidays)

• A strong organisational focus on personal development, with a designated training budget.

• Provision of a work laptop.

• Flexible, trust-based working arrangements and home-office arrangements.

• Career development support

• Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental and adoption pay

• Compassionate animal companion leave

• Employee Assistance Programme including counselling

• Access to 24/7 virtual GP Service

• Mindfulness support via a free Headspace account for you and up to 5 friends or family members

• Access to the Wisdom app with exclusive perks and discounts

• Membership to the OpenUp platform

• We are a workplace that encourages everyone to bring their whole selves to work. We are an inclusive workplace for our diverse employees around the world.

• And, last but not least, become part of a great team and work with us towards a world where everyone chooses delicious and healthy food that is good for all humans, animals, and our planet!

When?

Application deadline: 5th October 2025
Start date: November 2025

Application process and timeline 

Please submit your application using our online form including your CV and cover letter. By submitting your application you agree that your personal data will be processed by and shared with our UK entity (ProVeg C.I.C.) and German entity (ProVeg e.V.). 

The recruitment process consists of two rounds: 1): an online trial task; 2): an interview with the Programme Manager and Director. 
 

• Application deadline: 5th October 2025

• Online trial task: sent to longlisted candidates by 10th October 5pm, to be completed by 12 October at 5pm 

• Interviews: take place on 21st and 22nd October 2025

• Start date: November 2025