Office and facilities manager jobs

Fixed term 12-month contract

About the role:

We are recruiting an Associate Director, Strategic Planning, People & Culture to join the Estates & Facilities (E&F) Strategic Management Office (SMO) on a 12‑month maternity cover.

This is a great opportunity to make a visible impact at a pivotal time, supporting the recalibration of E&F’s flagship Fit for King’s programme and embedding the Estates & Facilities Philosophy. Working with senior leaders, you will help shape the strategic direction of the directorate so that we can deliver a Fit for King’s Estate for the King’s community.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Strategy & Performance, you will lead the Strategic Planning, People & Culture team and be accountable for effective strategic planning, robust programme oversight, and directorate-level budget planning and risk management. You will take ownership of key strategic initiatives, ensuring appropriate governance, reporting, benefits realisation and change management arrangements are in place. You will work closely with the Senior Director of Strategy & Performance to establish and embed the structures, governance and reporting needed to provide assurance against delivery of the directorate’s strategic plan (the Estates & Facilities Philosophy), with a particular focus on finance, people and internal processes.

As a key member of the SMO leadership team, you will build and maintain trusted relationships across Estates & Facilities and the wider university, bringing clarity to priorities, enabling effective collaboration, and supporting confident, evidence-based decision making.

This is a full-time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed term 12-month contract or until the return of the substantive post holder (maternity cover).

About you:

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

1. Strong experience in strategic business planning, with the ability to develop and deliver strategy.
2. Expertise in programme and project management, including establishing governance, managing risks and dependencies, and leading change activity across complex, multi-year programmes.
3. Demonstrable leadership abilities, with experience managing teams and developing high-performing teams.
4. Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to collaborate across diverse stakeholder groups all levels of the organisation.
5. Proven experience of building and maintaining effective senior-level relationships with sophisticated influencing/negotiating skills
6. Experience of budget planning and financial oversight of large and complex, including building business cases and balancing risks.
7. Strong analytical skills, with experience in risk management and the use of data to inform strategic decision-making.
8. A collaborative, solutions-oriented mindset, with a commitment to high standards of service, innovation and continuous improvement.

Desirable criteria

1. Experience and/or knowledge of the challenges of UK higher education.
2. Change management qualifications and/or experience of implementing cultural change
3. Experience of working in EDI or knowledge of EDI including EDI legislation and issues that may impact workplaces and/or education

Downloading a copy of our Job Description

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the page. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

Closing date: 10 May 2026.

About Action Tutoring
At Action Tutoring, we believe every child should be given the opportunity to succeed in school. But in the UK today, young people from disadvantaged backgrounds are less likely to 

achieve the grades they need to progress in life. This isn't because they are any less able; they have less access to the tools to help them reach their potential. 
 

We don't think this is fair. We know tutoring is an effective way of improving academic attainment and so we harness the power of volunteer tutors to bridge the gap and ensure this help can be accessed by every pupil who needs it, not just those who can afford it. 
 

We specifically help pupils facing socio-economic disadvantage and who are at risk of leaving primary or secondary school without reaching national standards in their exams. We work in partnership with schools in different cities and regions across the UK, delivering weekly tutoring in English or maths to those pupils who need it most. 
 

About the opportunity
The Director of Finance and Operations works closely with the CEO to build the organisation, operations and systems to enable us to scale and respond to emerging opportunities. A critical strategic role, they are a hands-on financial leader that brings strategic insight and challenge. Passionate about our mission, they lead a small team and use their experience and expertise to make our strategy a practical reality.

Closing date: Sunday, 17th May 2026
Interviews:Thursday, 28th and Friday, 29th May 2026, in our London office. There will be a second round of interviews.
Start date: Ideal start date is asap. However, we’re happy to wait for the ideal candidate.
Contract and hours: Permanent. Full time. We offer flexible hours with 9.30-4 as core hours. A full working week is 37.5 hours. 
Place of work:  Hybrid/flexible. This role requires 6 days a month in our London Office, Fivefields, Grosvenor Gardens, London SW1W 0DH.

Duties and responsibilities
 
Finance

Lead financial strategy and long-term planning to support the development of the organisation, as well as holding overall responsibility for finance processes and controls. 
 

Operations

Drive continuous improvement of operations to increase productivity, quality of delivery and value for money. With the operations team, provide oversight of all operational matters to ensure compliance and the smooth running of the organisation.
 

HR and team development

Action Tutoring has a Head of People & Culture who oversees day-to-day HR operations. However, with a permanent staff team of around 60, this role holds strategic responsibility for talent development and HR processes. This includes training and development strategy, effective diversity and inclusion policies and regular reviews of performance and reward systems.
 

Senior Leadership 

As one of the four members of the Senior Leadership Team of Action Tutoring, you will contribute to leadership decision-making, representing your own areas of expertise but also advocating for the best strategic options for the charity as a whole. 
 

Legal compliance, risk management and governance

This role ensures legal compliance of the organisation.
 

Line management

Overseeing a small team, this role has direct line management responsibility for the Head of People & Culture, the Operations Manager, and the Senior Finance Officer. You will also, with support from your team, manage relationships with external support agencies, including the outsourced management accountant, IT support company, and HR and employment law consultancy.
 

This role also plays a key part in a number of internal working groups, including leading the Digital Systems working group and serving as a member of both the Sustainability and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion working groups.
 

A full list of duties and responsibilities can be found in the job description attached to the BreatheHR advert.

Person specification
 
Qualifications criteria: 

• The right to work in the UK.

We are looking for some of the following attributes, though you might be more experienced in some areas than others:

• Deep finance and operations experience as well as a track record of strategy development. You will have significant experience overseeing finances and managing budgets and be able to demonstrate a high level of understanding of financial management and forecasting within a fundraising setting. Familiarity with charity accounting and SORP will be essential. 
• Someone with the ability to see the big picture and lead long-term strategy while being able to zoom into the detail and set high-expectations for the team and wider organisation. 
• An excellent eye for detail and an experienced project manager who relishes delivering long-term projects through to completion, you will be a self-starter with a strong ability to take initiative to drive change.
• An ability to identify areas for organisational development and growth. You are someone who leads change and development. Alert to reputational risk, proactively preventing errors.
• An established track record in delivering results in a growing environment at the management level.
• Experience with a range of business functions and systems, including budgeting, finance, legal, IT and human resources or a willingness to build expertise in these areas.
• Understanding of developing policies and procedures; experience in good governance practices, including:
  • Familiarity with routine HR legislation and processes.
  • A good understanding of GDPR compliance and processes.
  • Familiarity with reporting at Trustee level (or equivalent). 
• Excellent team leadership skills. 
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. 
• A commitment to the mission and values of Action Tutoring.
• A commitment to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children.
• Always aiming to help more pupils and have a bigger impact, we continually seek ways to improve tasks, processes and culture.

You will likely be more successful in this role if you have: 

• Additional formal qualifications relevant to the role (e.g. qualified accountant, MBA, CIPD Level 7).
• Experience or knowledge of safeguarding procedures.
• Digital transformation project management.
• Experience in the charity sector or the education sector, particularly in charity legislation and accounting.
• Experience in monitoring and evaluation processes and/or school data.
• Experience in improving systems and processes.

The Communications Lead will own GFO’s communications across both the organisation and OxFarmToFork, with a clear brief: to grow our reach, amplify the work of our network, and help translate what we do into income and impact. That means building and delivering a coherent annual comms plan, maintaining a consistent presence across our channels, and actively spotting the connections between GFO projects and OxFarmToFork that make for the strongest stories. 

You’ll shape how GFO presents itself externally and make sure our communications work hard for the organisation. 

The role is 0.4–0.5 FTE and can be worked flexibly across the week. We encourage interested candidates to discuss arrangements that suit their needs. The successful candidate will ideally be based within Oxfordshire and able to work from our Oxford office on Wednesdays, our team day. 

What You’ll Be Doing 

Communications Strategy and Planning 

• Develop and own GFO’s annual communications plan, covering both GFO and OxFarmToFork, with clear goals, audiences, channels, and success measures. 

• Advise the CEO and project leads on communications priorities and timing throughout the year. 

• Track and report on communications performance, using data to inform decisions about content, channels, and audience engagement. 

• Ensure comms plans meet funding requirements/deliverables for projects. 

Content and Channel Management 

• Write and publish content across GFO’s digital channels: social media (primarily Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook), the website, email newsletters, and blogs. 

• Manage the social media presence for both GFO and OxFarmToFork: planning content calendars, writing copy, scheduling posts, and responding to engagement. 

• Monitor and actively work to grow engagement metrics across key platforms, using platform analytics to understand what’s working and adjust accordingly. 

• Maintain and update GFO’s website, including campaign pages, news, and project updates. Basic CMS work; more significant design or development can be contracted out. 

• Write and distribute press releases and support media relations when opportunities arise. 

Project and Campaign Communications 

• Provide communications support for GFO campaigns across their full lifecycle, from initial promotion through to impact reporting – including the Great Big Green Lunch, the Pumpkin Festival, and the WISH initiative. 

• Develop audience-appropriate messaging for OxFarmToFork, aimed at potential producers, institutional buyers, and the wider public. 

• Support the production of funder reports and stakeholder updates by providing communications evidence and impact content. 

• Brief and manage external contractors for specialist design work as needed. 

Network and Stakeholder Communications 

• Support GFO’s member network communications, keeping network members informed, engaged, and connected to GFO’s work. 

• Help develop and maintain a CRM approach to stakeholder communications, ensuring key audiences receive timely and relevant updates. 

• Contribute to event communications, including invitations, programmes, and follow-up content for events such as the Food Summit and Annual Celebration. 

What You’ll Bring 

• Demonstrable experience in a communications role, with responsibility for content creation and channel management. 

• Strong writing skills across different formats and audiences: social media copy, newsletters, web content, and longer-form pieces. 

• A solid understanding of social media platforms and how to grow and sustain audience engagement, including use of platform analytics. 

• The ability to develop and deliver a communications plan, not just execute individual tasks. 

• Confidence with basic website maintenance using a standard CMS (e.g. WordPress or similar). 

• An organised, self-directed working style – comfortable managing a varied workload with limited day-to-day oversight. 

• Genuine interest in food sustainability, community development, or the social/environmental sector. 

Design skills aren’t essential – we can bring in contractors for specialist work. Experience with email marketing platforms, CRM systems, or SEO would be a bonus, as would a background in the charity or non-profit sector. 

We’re a small team and we value warmth, curiosity, and a collaborative approach. If you don’t tick every box but feel the role is a good fit, we’d still love to hear from you – particularly from candidates with a range of lived experiences.

We’re looking for an organised, proactive and community-minded Project Officer to join our small and supportive team. This is a genuinely varied role, spanning project delivery and network development as well as operational support for our growing OxFarmToFork food hub. It’s a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working across different kinds of tasks and wants to contribute to real change in the Oxfordshire food system. 

The role is 0.8 FTE and can be worked flexibly across the week. Full-time is available if preferred. We encourage interested candidates to discuss working arrangements that suit their needs. The successful candidate will ideally be based within Oxfordshire and able to work from our Oxford office on a Wednesday, our team day.

What You’ll Be Doing 

Project Support (approx. 1.5 days/week) 

Working closely with the Project and Comms Leads, you’ll support the delivery of GFO’s local projects and public-facing campaigns. This includes contributing to initiatives such as the Great Big Green Lunch, and the WISH initiative with our partners at Cherwell Collective, a groundbreaking project that empowers the community to build more sustainable daily habits, including reducing food waste. You’ll help coordinate activity, track progress, and make sure things run smoothly from planning through to delivery. 

Organisational Development (approx. 1.5 days/week) 

You’ll steward GFO’s member network, nurturing robust community and connections. This means attending events, visiting network members and community food groups, and making sure GFO remains well-connected and able to support the people and organisations it works with. 

You’ll also work with the CEO on opportunity horizon scanning: helping to identify income prospects, partnerships, and strategic developments relevant to GFO’s mission, and keeping track of these in a structured and accessible way. 

OxFarmToFork Operations (approx. 1 day/week) 

GFO hosts OxFarmToFork, an exciting local food project and the UK’s first regenerative B2B online marketplace, connecting agroecological growers with buyers in local institutions such as Oxford University colleges. You’ll provide the weekly operational backbone that keeps it running: managing the online marketplace platform (Tream), coordinating with producers and buyers around weekly market cycles and deliveries and supporting the onboarding of new producers and buyers. It’s hands-on work that sits at the heart of a genuinely innovative local food project. 

What You’ll Bring 

• Experience of project coordination or support, in any sector – non-profit, community, food, or otherwise. 

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to juggle a range of tasks. 

• Confidence engaging with a wide variety of people, from community food groups to institutional procurement teams. 

• A methodical approach to admin and data – comfortable with spreadsheets, invoicing processes, and keeping accurate records. 

• Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to share updates clearly and promptly. 

• A proactive mindset: you spot what needs doing and get on with it. 

• Genuine interest in food sustainability, community development, or the local food economy. 

We’re a small team and we value warmth, reliability, and a willingness to muck in. If you don’t tick every box above but feel the role is a good fit for your skills and experience, we’d still love to hear from you – particularly from candidates with a range of lived experiences. 

About the role

The Climate and Resilience Expert is a specialist role that will contribute to strengthening and expanding Practical Action’s Climate and Resilience portfolio, with a primary focus on Early Warning Systems and Early Action. The postholder will play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of our EWS/EWEA work, providing high‑quality technical expertise, thought leadership and sector engagement to enhance the impact of our programmes, partnerships, and consultancy services.

This role will support the delivery of ongoing workplans for key EWS/EWEA initiatives, including maternity cover responsibilities for priority projects. Approximately 50% of the postholder’s time will focus on coordinating delivery of the EWS Thematic Lead work under the Zurich Climate Resilience Alliance, ensuring continuity, effective collaboration, and high technical standards across research, programme design, partnership development, and influencing activities.

About you

The successful candidate will bring strong technical knowledge of early warning systems and early action, experience working in climate resilience in low‑ and middle‑income contexts, and the ability to collaborate effectively with global teams, partners, and external stakeholders to advance Practical Action’s mission of putting ingenious ideas to work for a world that works better for everyone.

Person Specification

• Minimum of 5 years professional experience in a related role, including significant time working in different geographical contexts globally. 
• Masters degree level qualification or equivalent in a related field.
• Strong personal empathy with Practical Action’s mission, vision and values.
• Ability and willingness to travel overseas several weeks a year.
• Established professional relationships with relevant key actors/networks in the Early Warning System sector.
• Experience of developing and leading consultancy assignments, projects and teams.

Skills, Abilities and Competencies:

• In-depth knowledge of Early Warning Systems, and relevant stakeholders and funders.
• Knowledge of Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) as a priority in EWS.
• High standards of written and spoken English. 
• Strong analytical skills.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to build and maintain strong working relationships and networks.
• Enthusiastic and results driven.
• Ability to write and speak in a language other than English would be an advantage (e.g. Spanish, French, Portuguese).

 The opportunity to work for an organisation that is making a positive difference to the lives of people worldwide, a friendly and supportive culture, and working with values-driven and highly engaged colleagues are just some of the reasons we think Practical Action is a great place to work.

This role will be based in the UK.

The successful applicant must have the pre-existing right to both live and work in the UK.  The successful candidate will be expected to attend the Rugby office on regular occasions.

Interviews: It is anticipated that interviews will take place in the weeks commencing 11th and 18th May 2026.

If you do not hear from us within five weeks of the closing date, please assume your application has not been successful on this occasion.

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and numeracy levels amongst people in the criminal justice system?

We’ve made substantial progress in recent years, with improvements and expansions to our delivery model and significant growth in our staff team. In Spring 2026, we will launch our refreshed organisational strategy, which will shape our work over the next three years and beyond. To support this growth, we are recruiting for a full time National Director of Operations to lead our delivery across England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and emerging community settings, with an ambition to reach Scotland. This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in scaling our impact and strengthening our presence across the criminal justice system and beyond.

As National Director of Operations, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for our learning programmes in prisons and community settings. You will ensure high‑quality, consistent and accessible delivery, overseeing a team of six Regional Managers and a wider workforce of around 65 staff, volunteers and over 2,000 peer mentors trained each year.

Working closely with senior colleagues, partner organisations and national bodies such as HMPPS, you will drive programme excellence, innovation and partnership working. You will also play a key role in new business development, operational strategy, contractual delivery and ensuring we can reliably demonstrate the impact of our work.

The role requires an experienced operational leader with a deep commitment to improving outcomes for people facing disadvantage. You will bring:

• Senior leadership experience in a complex, multi‑site environment.
• A track record of delivering large-scale programmes and leading distributed teams.
• Strong strategic thinking, problem‑solving and relationship‑building skills.
• Experience working with statutory bodies or large public-sector partners (e.g. HMPPS).
• Excellent judgement, communication skills and the ability to influence at all levels.
• Understanding of the criminal justice system, safeguarding, or alternative education environments (desirable).
• A collaborative, inclusive leadership style aligned with Shannon Trust’s values.

We want to hear from applicants who are as committed to the cause as we are.

This is a home-based role but will require travel around the UK including overnight stays. This role is 5 days per week (35 hours) with working days/hours to be mutually agreed in line with business needs.

Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme. The biggest benefit though is our culture – our people really want to work for the organisation.

We welcome job applications from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system and do not routinely ask for details of any criminal convictions. This role does require prison security clearance, so we will need to ask for details of any relevant criminal convictions before an offer of employment is finalised.

Interviews, which will be held online, are planned for the w/c 18th May.

We are seeking a dedicated, and highly professional Personal Assistant to the Headteacher at Islamia Girls’ School and Brondesbury College, a high-achieving secondary school rooted in strong Islamic values and a commitment to academic excellence.

This is a vital and rewarding position where you will provide comprehensive administrative and organisational support to the Headteacher and senior leadership team. You will play a central role in ensuring the smooth and effective daily running of the school, handling sensitive information with discretion and working collaboratively across departments.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-level personal assistant support to the Headteacher, including complex diary management, meeting preparation, minute-taking, and follow-up.
• Maintain a high degree of confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
• Serve as a point of contact for key internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage administrative tasks including correspondence, document preparation, and filing systems.
• Support school compliance, communication, and reporting tasks.
• Oversee or assist in the coordination of school-wide events and functions.
• Ensure a professional, efficient, and welcoming environment in the Headteacher’s office.

Support the school's ethos, values, and strategic vision through effective communication and administration.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an individual to join our newly established Student Communities Team based in Sunderland. The team supports a wide range of student leadership activity, including officer support, societies, student representation, volunteering, and campaigns.

The successful candidate will be responsible for working with a wide range of student leaders to mobilise the community organising model for a particular faculty within the University of Sunderland, harnessing their talents and enhancing student skills development.

This is a fantastic opportunity to gain a variety of skills through being involved in a varied role across different areas of Student Engagement at Sunderland Students’ Union.

We have undertaken a Democracy and Governance Review to revitalise the way our students interact with their Students’ Union across both the Sunderland and London campuses. The findings highlighted the need for a clear shift away from the more traditional models of SU democracy towards a community organising approach.

The post holder will need to demonstrate how they meet the essential criteria outlined in the job description and person specification within their application statement, providing clear examples of relevant experience.

Informal conversations about the role are encouraged with our Student Communities Manager, Kara-Jane Senior, ahead of application.

How to apply:

If you have an interest in this role, please view the job description on our website for further details. Please note we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Are you an excellent communicator who is able to motivate and empower others?

We are looking for new team members to join our service supporting Carers across Havering to improve their health and wellbeing, and access wider support that meets their needs.

This is a great opportunity to support local communities, working with Adult Carers and Young Adult Carers and helping them to make informed choices, build confidence, sustain their independence, and access support that meets their individual needs. You will carry out assessments to understand people’s individual circumstances and level of need, working together to co-produce support plans. This will involve meeting Carers in community settings and conducting home visits. The team also facilities coffee mornings and activities offering Carers opportunities for peer support and to take a break from caring.

You’ll build on your local knowledge to signpost and facilitate access for Carers to support services, including financial and benefit advice, housing, health and safety home systems, and leisure and social activities. You will support the development of escalation plans so that Carers are prepared for unforeseen circumstances that would impact negatively on ability to care.

We have full and part-time roles available (minimum 22.5 hours), and applicants should have relevant personal or professional experience of working with Carers and/or vulnerable adults in a relevant sector. It’s essential that you are confident using IT and maintaining excellent records. You’ll need a practical understanding of barriers faced by Carers, and an awareness of cultural differences and access to services.

Due to the area covered by the service, you will need a valid UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle.

Apply today!

We offer our employees:

· Inclusive values-based environment

· Competitive remuneration package

· Workplace pension scheme

· Generous annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays

· Carers Leave

· Opportunities for hybrid working

· Benenden Health Care

· Death in Service Benefit

· Cycle to Work Scheme

· Employee Supported Volunteering scheme

· Development opportunities

· and more

Imago is committed to Safer Recruitment practices, and the post is subject to references and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Please either submit your CV with a short covering note or visit our website for full details.

Imago recognises that many people in our society experience discrimination or lack of opportunity for reasons that are not fair. We aim to create a culture that respects and values each other’s differences, and see these differences as an asset, as they improve our ability to meet the needs of the organisations and people we work with. We proactively seek to increase opportunities for inclusion and celebrate diversity across our organisation and within communities.

Imago recognises its duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of the children, young people and adults at risk who access its services or with whom it comes into contact.

Corporate Partnerships Executive 

Our team is growing and we're looking for a passionate, driven fundraiser to join us in making a real difference for young carers across Dorset.

We are recruiting a Corporate Partnerships Executive to lead the development and growth of our corporate partnerships, securing vital income that directly funds levelling the playing field for children and young people who care for a family member. 

This is more than a fundraising role. You'll work directly with businesses to build genuine, transformational partnerships and help companies understand the impact of young carers in their workforce and communities and give them meaningful ways to invest in change that benefit our partners as well as the work we do. 

You'll play a key role in shaping our corporate fundraising strategy to include identifying prospects, cultivating relationships, and stewarding partners to maximise long term value for both MYTIME and the businesses we work with, as well as managing and developing our extensive corporate events calendar. 

We're looking for confident, persuasive communicators with a proven track record in corporate fundraising or business development. People who can tell a compelling story, build trust quickly, and turn warm interest into committed partnerships. 

If you're ready to bring your expertise and personality to a cause that truly matters and help us secure the resources young carers deserve, we'd love to hear from you. 

Please visit the website for the full job description.

��️ Applications close 30th April 2026 

We are looking for a Caretaker to join our team at Spring School.

You'll work as part of the School Business Support Team to ensure the school site is safe, secure, and well-maintained, supporting statutory compliance and operational continuity including all aspects of the site maintenance. This includes security, cleanliness, porterage, routine maintenance and refurbishment, minor repairs, and monitoring activities in accordance with Health and Safety legislation.

You'll carry out repairs and DIY projects, as well as ensuring the school is kept clean and tidy to enable the best environment for learning. You'll conduct maintenance work in the school buildings and the wider grounds, ensuring this is effectively carried out.

We are looking for someone who has:

• Experience or skills in a trade to support basic building repairs and maintenance
• The ability to understand and apply regulations such as Health & Safety, manual handling, COSHH water hygiene Legionella etc. or willingness to learn
• Good IT skills – Microsoft Office and particularly Outlook, email, calendaring, Excel, Word and PowerPoint or willingness to learn
• Ability to perform the physical tasks required by the post including lifting, carrying and pushing various equipment to undertake the duties of the post

In return, we offer great benefits including a generous holiday allowance and commitment to continued professional development (CPD) and more!

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious individual who would like to work for a forward-thinking, open and honest organisation and make a real impact to the young people we work with. Please find our full recruitment pack on the link below.

If you have any questions about the role or would like to have a confidential chat, please contact James Axford, Recruitment Officer.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of our organisation. We warmly welcome applications from all qualified candidates, valuing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives they bring. We encourage applications from individuals regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, disability, or age.

Our recruitment process promotes equal opportunities, and we are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities or additional needs throughout the recruitment process. Please contact our Recruitment Team for accommodations. We recognise disability as a physical or mental impairment that significantly and long-term affects a person's ability to perform day-to-day activities, as defined by the UK Equality Act 2010. All applications will be considered solely on merit, aligned with our mission to support autistic children and young people.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. As part of our Safer Recruitment checks, an online search maybe carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

The Safeguarding responsibilities of the post as per the job description and personal specification.
Whether the post is exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendment to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance.

The Chief Executive & Creative Director holds the most senior post at Dance City, unites the creative and strategic functions of the organisation, and is accountable to the board of trustees for the good management and impact of the charity. The Chief Executive & Creative Director leads and works collaboratively with the board, senior management team (SMT) and stakeholders and partners to ensure that Dance City creates opportunities for people to create, produce and experience dance at its very best. The Chief Executive & Creative Director drives the business, identifying commercial opportunities, securing financial resilience, and ensuring that Dance City’s programme is at the vanguard of sustainable dance development in the region. The Chief Executive & Creative Director is based in the northeast and plays an active role in the social life and cultural communities of the region. 
 

Role Profile and Person Specification 

Key deliverables 

• Lead on Dance City’s vision, values and organisational objectives and ensure the relevance and sustainability of its creative programme.

• Ensure there is alignment between Dance City’s creative ambitions and its business needs and that all activity is delivered to the highest possible standards to plan and within budget.

• Grow the organisation’s earned income and shape and set targets for initiatives embracing commercial ventures, corporate partnerships, public funding, trusts and foundations and individual philanthropy.

• Be accountable to the board and to funding bodies, and for the responsible stewardship of Dance City.

• Ensure a strong profile and reputation for the organisation and for dance practice locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. 

• Initiate, develop and sustain partnerships with existing and potential funders and key stakeholders. 

• Lead and enable the senior team; motivate, inspire, and support the development of the wider staff team.

Role profile 

Leadership and governance  

• Develop and monitor the strategic plan with the SMT and Board. 

• Work closely with the Chair and Trustees to ensure the good governance of the charity and that organisational performance is structured and monitored using well articulated, achievable KPIs. 

• Support Trustees in being an effective Board, ensuring it comprises the appropriate range of skills and has access to training and development opportunities.

• Deploy Trustees’ skills and networks to identify and activate opportunities for commercial development and business growth.

• Be an inclusive leader, collaborate with and empower the SMT, and motivate, support and develop the wider staff team. 

Advocacy, profile and civic engagement 

• Promote the profile and reputation of Dance City locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

• Initiate and enable constructive debate about dance and its development by artists, policy-makers and the public, and to promote Dance City’s role in dance leadership.

• Articulate the transformative potential of dance in enabling social cohesion, the centrality of its place in the wider creative industries sector, and its potential, through civic partnerships and collaboration, to make a major contribution to the economy and well being of the city and region. 

• Ensure Dance City is part of local, regional, national  and international arts discussions and networks, is represented at key events and viewed as crucial to decision-making processes in the dance and wider cultural and social sectors.

• Be the face of Dance City in professional and community networks and at events in the northeast; communicate and advocate for its plans and ambitions to the widest range of people including politicians, the media, funders, artists, audiences and the public.

Creative 

• Shape, co-create and communicate the creative vision for Dance City. 

• Oversee the development and delivery of a creative programme which appeals to a wide range of audiences, demonstrates excellence, and sets out to grow appetite and demand for diverse dance experiences. 

• Build and manage sustainable commercial and funding partnerships which will enhance the profile of the programme and enable the commissioning, programming and presentation of dance within and beyond Dance City.

• Oversee the evaluation of the programme, to ensure quality, to engage in reflection and implement learning with colleagues.

• Maintain an overview of the local and national dance ecology in order to inform advocacy and planning.

Brand, commercial performance and income 

• Oversee the design and delivery of effective marketing and communications strategies that are developed and effectively delivered, to retain existing and grow new audiences for dance in the northeast and to promote the Dance City brand.

• Be proactive in the development and delivery of effective fundraising and income generation strategies for Dance City, to ensure that contributed income grows and is diversified, and to develop commercial opportunities enabled by the building and programme. 

• Play an active role in identifying and approaching prospective donors, sponsors and funding partners.

• Develop, maintain, and strengthen relationships with existing and potential supporters and to lead on key public funding and donor relationships.

Finance and operations  

• Be accountable for the financial operation of the organisation, ensuring budgets are set and monitored, appropriate financial policies and procedures are in place, compliance with appropriate legal and fiscal frameworks is followed, and that there is timely reporting to the relevant funders and authorities.

• Oversee and ensure the smooth and efficient management of Dance City’s facilities and infrastructure.

• Ensure Dance City remains a visible champion of environmental responsibility.

• Ensure the organisation is fully compliant with all legal requirements, including health and safety, and that all staff are trained appropriately. 

People and culture 

• Set the tone for and model the organisational culture, be an inclusive and consultative leader, championing employee wellbeing and engagement. 

• Ensure that appropriate policies and procedures are in place for recruitment, induction, appraisals and the professional development of staff.

• Ensure the organisation upholds its principles of equity, diversity and inclusion, valuing the wellbeing of all colleagues.

Person specification  

Essential  

• Has held a senior role in a cultural venue or within an organisation with a substantial arts programme or partnerships; is well networked in and beyond the cultural and creative industries. 

• Understanding of the current landscape and eco-system in the cultural sector and awareness of local/national political initiatives that will impact on - and create opportunities for - Dance City and its partner organisations.

• Understanding of the legal, fiscal, social and political context within which the arts operate, and the contribution they make to health, education, social cohesion and civic pride.

• Understanding of the needs of dance as an art form and a commitment to best practice and to promoting inclusion and equality of opportunity.

• An inclusive leader with experience of overseeing organisational transformation and managing change. 

• A track record in relationship building, working in partnership with a range of funders, agencies and organisations, and of successful fundraising and income generation from a range of sources. 

• A strong advocate and compelling storyteller, able to network, represent the organisation, communicate its vision and inspire confidence among existing and potential peers and stakeholders.

• Strong financial literacy and skills, knowledge of charity governance and relevant financial policies and procedures; experience of senior financial accountability.

• Experience of working effectively with a Board of Directors, understanding of best practice in governance and organisational development.

• A commitment to living in the region, able to travel nationally and internationally, and to work some evenings and weekends where there is reasonable expectation to attend events.

Desirable 

• Experience of running a building with a diverse and impactful arts programme. 

• An extensive network in the cultural sector. 

• Experience of significant national/international cultural partnership projects. 

• Experience of managing significant public investment programmes such as ACE NPO, Creative Scotland RFO or equivalent.

Equity, diversity and inclusion 

At Dance City we believe that voices and perspectives from a range of backgrounds and lived experiences make our understanding of the world and the arts more relevant.

We believe that difference is our strength.

Therefore we actively encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and those that are under-represented in our city and region and in dance leadership. 

To plan and coordinate a wide range of events on behalf of the Bishop of Carlisle, ensuring that all events are well-organised and effectively managed from inception through to completion. The Events Coordinator will be the central point of contact for all event-related activity at Bishop's House, working closely with the Bishop's Chaplain, the Bishop's household and the wider Bishop's House team.

Internal relationships: Bishop's House team; Bishop's Chaplain; Head of HR & Governance; Finance Department; Communications; Property; Diocesan Secretariat; PTO Officer; Warden of Readers; Archdeacons; Clergy
External relationships: Rydal Hall; Catering suppliers; Lord Chamberlain's Office; St James' Palace; Archbishop's Offices; Venues and hospitality providers across the Diocese

The postholder will be based at Bishop's House, Ambleside Road, Keswick, CA12 4DD. The role is primarily based at Bishop's House with some requirement to attend Rydal Hall and other Diocesan venues.

Interviews will be held in person on Monday 18 May 2026.

Circumstances

• Some flexibility is required to support events which may occasionally fall outside standard hours; time off in lieu will be granted.
• The successful postholder is required to work Friday mornings as part of their working week.

Event Planning & Forward Planning

• Maintain a forward-planning events calendar for Bishop's House, ensuring that all upcoming events are identified well in advance and preparation commences at the appropriate time.
• Proactively manage event timelines, monitoring tasks, milestones and deadlines to ensure smooth delivery.
• Produce and maintain event planning checklists and briefing notes for each event, ensuring all parties are well informed of their responsibilities.
• Conduct post-event reviews to identify learning and improve future event delivery.

Invitations & Booking Administration

• Manage the full invitation process for Bishop's House events, including drafting and sending invitations, co-ordinating RSVPs and maintaining accurate guest lists using the Try booking system.
• Administer event registrations, follow-up communications and any waiting list management through Try booking system.
• Ensure all event data is accurately recorded and maintained to support reporting and evaluation.

Catering & Hospitality

• Arrange and co-ordinate all catering requirements for events, including briefing caterers, confirming dietary requirements and ensuring presentation standards meet the expectations of Bishop's House.
• Source and manage catering suppliers, obtaining quotes and ensuring value for money in line with the Bishop's financial policies.
• Ensure that appropriate hospitality is in place for all events, including day to day hospitality, maintaining the welcoming and professional ethos of Bishop's House.

Venue Management & Logistics

• Liaise with venue to co-ordinate bookings, room layouts, facilities requirements and logistical arrangements for events held there.
• Ensure that all equipment, materials, resources and room layouts required for each event are prepared and in place ahead of time.
• Conduct pre-event checks at venues to ensure everything is in order, addressing any issues promptly.
• Manage the set-up and break-down of events at Bishop's House and at other Diocesan venues as required.

Flagship & Specialist Events

• Royal Maundy: Provide co-ordination and administrative support for all arrangements relating to Royal Maundy nominations and associated ceremonies, liaising with the Lord Chamberlain's Office and other relevant parties as required.
• Garden Party: Manage the nominations process for the King's Garden parties at Buckingham Palace, co-ordinating all associated travel arrangements and communications with nominees on behalf of the Bishop.
• Clergy Spouse Events: Liaise with the Bishop's Household to co-ordinate events for clergy spouses, including managing invitations, catering, programmes and any pastoral considerations.
• Support the organisation of residentials, teaching days and other gatherings as directed by the Bishop's Chaplain.

Communication & Stakeholder Liaison

• Serve as the primary point of contact for event-related queries from internal and external stakeholders, responding in a timely, professional and hospitable manner.
• Liaise with Diocesan departments (Communications, Finance, Property, Secretariat) and external suppliers to ensure joined-up event delivery.
• Provide timely updates and briefing notes to the Bishop's Chaplain on event planning progress.
• Responsible for sending out communications from the Bishop using relevant systems.

Financial Administration

• Manage event budgets in conjunction with the Bishop's Chaplain, tracking expenditure and ensuring events are delivered within agreed financial parameters.
• Process invoices relating to events in accordance with Diocesan financial procedures.

General

• Uphold and promote the Diocese of Carlisle's commitment to safeguarding in all event planning and delivery.
• To undertake Health and Safety duties
• To assist the Bishop's EAs with office administration
• Undertake other duties as reasonably required by the Bishop's Chaplain and Bishop's EAs.

Closing date for applications is 9 am on 11 May 2026

Hours: Full time with 20% study time

Pay: £22,380

Duration: 20 months

Location: UK-Med Office, Manchester (Hybrid working available)

Are you a capable individual with a passion for Fundraising and making a difference in the world?

UK-Med is a frontline medical aid charity. Born of the NHS, we’ve been working for over 30 years towards a world where everyone has the healthcare they need when crises or disasters hit.

Our Fundraising Team plays a vital role in ensuring we can deliver lifesaving medical care by inspiring supporters to give and supporting them throughout their fundraising journey. The team works closely with individuals, communities and partners to raise funds that directly support UK-Med’s humanitarian responses worldwide.

We are recruiting for a Fundraising Apprentice who will support a range of fundraising activities, with a particular focus on supporter care, fundraising administration, and campaign support. This apprenticeship will provide you with hands-on experience and the opportunity to learn and grow within an international humanitarian charity.

Our ideal candidate will be eager to learn, able to work at pace, manage multiple priorities simultaneously, and have a passion for building a career in fundraising. You will have strong organisational and interpersonal skills and be able to demonstrate excellent attention to detail.

We offer a competitive apprenticeship salary and benefits, along with a friendly working environment and the opportunity to make a real difference through an important role supporting our humanitarian work.

Please note: This role is only available for applicants aged 18 years and above due to the nature of our work, possible deployment requirement for all of our roles, and the hours and flexibility in working requirements needed. UK-Med has risk assessed that our work environment cannot be made reliably suitable for under 18s.

How to apply

We strongly recommend that you read the Candidate Information Pack – Fundraising Apprentice - April 2026 before applying for this role.

To apply, please submit a current CV and a supporting letter (2 pages) through our online jobs portal.

Response to the following question:

• A detailed explanation of your suitability for this post with specific reference to the essential criteria in the person specification

Please apply as soon as possible and no later than Friday 7th May 2026.

Applications for work in the UK can only be accepted from people with an existing right to work in the UK.

Apply if in a Different Field or Higher Level, Especially for Those Without Related Experience or Qualifications

UK-Med is committed to safeguarding of our personnel and beneficiaries and has a zero-tolerance approach to sexual exploitation and abuse. We conduct thorough vetting before any appointment is confirmed.

UK-Med is committed to the principles of diversity, equality, and inclusion. We strive to provide an inclusive and supportive environment where employees feel respected and supported to be able to fulfil their potential.