Office manager jobs in cardiff

About us

Literacy Pirates’ vision is for every child to have the literacy skills, confidence and perseverance to succeed at school and beyond. We provide free, after-school literacy support to children who are falling behind in class and who have fewer opportunities for additional support due to their personal circumstances than others. Founded in East London, Literacy Pirates’ programme now runs online and serves children anywhere in the United Kingdom.
 
Literacy Pirates is on an exciting journey of growth, rolling out our innovative learning programme to reach more children than ever before. An ambitious, fast-growing charity we have set ourselves a goal of reaching 3,000 children a year nationally, by 2030 compared with 650 this year.

What we're looking for

We are looking for a talented Bookkeeper to maintain our financial records and handle financial operations in the charity.

Core duties include processing all routing transactions encompassing supplier invoices, sales invoices, bank transactions, petty cash, credit cards and treasury management. You will also make payments, prepare our in-house payroll and submit pension returns. 

You will work closely with our Finance Director to support the month end close while complying with and upholding the Charity’s policies and procedures. 

 Our ideal candidate will have experience in a similar role, ideally have worked for a charity and be familiar with Xero. You will also have at least one of the following: 

• A relevant qualification such as an accountancy or business degree
• Part or fully qualified with an accountancy body, such as the AAT
• Demonstrative qualification by experience.

Required skills 

• Proven bookkeeping experience in a similar enviroment 
• Solid understanding of financial operations in a SME environment 
• Proven ability to calculate, post and manage accounting figures and financial records 
• Accurate data entry skills along with an eye for numbers 
• Proficiency in English and in MS Office 
• Qualified to degree level, or partly or fully qualified with an accountancy body, or demonstrable QBE 

Person specification 

• Highly organised 
• Dedicated to providing excellent service and building positive working relations 
• Able to balance speed of work with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills 
• Able to work independently at times and use initiative 

Responsibilities

Process all financial transactions in our finance IMS (Xero) accurately and promptly encompassing: 

• Accounts payable 
• Employee and volunteer expense claims 
• Sales invoices, grants, donations and other income 
• Bank transactions 
• Petty cash 
• Credit cards
• Download bank records into the IMS and reconcile all bank accounts 
• Monitor savings and move funds between accounts ensuring that we comply with our investment policy 
• Operate credit control on the sales ledger and issue payment receipts to customers and donors 
• Make payments to creditors and settle expense claims 
• Prepare payroll to draft status, pay staff and HMRC, report pension contributions 
• Electronically store all required records in line with statutory requirements 
• Update contacts and restricted fund profiles in the finance IMS 
• Make Gift Aid claims 
• Operate within the Charity’s financial procedures and prevailing accounting standards 

Support the Finance Director with any of the following: 

• Operating restricted funds 
• Balance sheet reconciliations 
• Financial reporting (internal/external) 
• Budgeting and forecasting 
• Statutory reporting 
• Supporting the annual audit process 
• Any other reasonably requested duty

The Case Coordinator will work closely with the Head of Direct Work to ensure the delivery of high-quality Independent Social Work Reports (ISWRs) across the direct work strand of SWWB. The Case Coordinator will supervise volunteer social workers, carry out social work assessments themselves, and support quality assurance processes to maintain excellence in social work practice. 

We seek a Finance Officer to join our small team. You will report to the Head of Finance to provide bookkeeping and accounting support for Global Dialogue and Global Dialogue Ventures Limited. You will use Xero and be responsible for many aspects of operational finance including maintaining accurate records in the organisation’s purchase and sales ledgers; processing accounts payable and receivable; bank and other reconciliations; supporting month, quarter and year-end closes; and resolving ad hoc queries. 

This role is part-time. We are open to negotiating a working pattern that works for the successful candidate and for Global Dialogue. 

Terms Permanent, 21-28 hours per week, subject to 12-week probationary period

Location Home-based. Must have right to work in UK.

Reporting Reports to the Head of Finance 

Remuneration This role has been benchmarked at a UK salary of £33,000 (pro rata for a part time position). Global Dialogue offers a range of benefits including 25 days’ annual leave plus public holidays (pro rata), a flexible working policy, and personal development leave. We contribute 6% to our employee’s workplace pension (on qualifying earnings).

More about Global Dialogue 

We currently host seven large networks and collaborations.  Internationally, these including Ariadne, the network of European funders for social change and human rights; the Funders Initiative for Civil Society (FICS) including narrative initiative The Hive; Hamrah, an initiative to strengthen the resilience and increase the impact of a cohort of Afghan civil society organisations in exile; and the International Education Funders Group (IEFG). 

We have five organizational commitments – when you work with Global Dialogue, you will find us to be Purposeful, Accountable, Respectful, Practical, and Equitable. These are not abstract values but active principles that guide how we work together, make decisions, and support the people, programmes, and movements we serve.

Job Description

Maintaining purchase ledger: 

• Review staff and consultant expense claims 

• Reconcile monthly credit card and Soldo statements

• Help prepare for bi-monthly pay runs by reviewing bill postings, ensuring they have received appropriate approvals 

• Setting up payments in bank accounts

• Manage the posting and reconciliation of Employee of Record invoices

 Maintaining sales ledger: 

• Post grant income to Salesforce and Xero, following up any missing paperwork and queries

• Manage monthly programme income and reporting reminders 

• Maintain Salesforce to ensure accuracy of data

 Bank: 

• Bank reconciliation for organisation’s GBP, EUR, USD bank accounts, for review by Head of Finance

• Paypal processing and reconciliations

• Support Head of Finance with FX transaction adjustments

 Reconciliations and journals: 

• Support Head of Finance with a variety of monthly and quarterly reconciliations, prepayments and accruals

• Help maintain the fixed asset register and support with monthly depreciation journals

• Help to prepare a variety of other monthly journals 

Finance systems, policy and training development: 

• Work with Head of Finance to keep finance policies and other documentation up to date

• Help draft new policies and guidance notes as required

• Provide Xero training for all new-starters and work with Head of Finance to keep training needs under review

• Act as a sounding board to programmes on finance queries and manage the Finance Team inbox

• Manage staff Soldo requests

Person Specification 

• A recognised accountancy qualification and/or qualified by experience in accounting 

• Able to demonstrate strong experience of Xero accounting software

• Good MS Office skills, especially Excel

• Track record of working to deadlines without close supervision and can ‘hit the ground running’

• Detail orientated

• Strong analytical and numerical skills, including the ability to sense check your own work

• Solid understanding of processes and a commitment to continual process improvement

• Good written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain finance to non-financial staff

• Able to manage a varied workload and to work flexibly in a small team

• Good interpersonal skills, supportive of other colleagues and with the ability to build effective working relationships

• Understands the importance of confidentiality

Desirable: 

• Commitment to personal progression development in the field of finance 

• Advanced Excel skills 

• Experience of training staff in the use of finance procedures and systems 

• Experience of voluntary sector or charity accounting is not essential but would be advantageous 

• Interest in human rights and social change 

Statement of Equal Opportunities   

We value, welcome and respect all the differences that make us who we are and recognise that the intersections of our identities enrich our community. This includes age, cultural background, disability and mental health, ethnicity and race, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, and social background. We also recognise that the interconnected nature of these social categorisations can lead to overlapping systems of discrimination. We have a robust Equality and Diversity Policy that is periodically reviewed, ensuring that candidates and employees are treated fairly.   

When talking to our team candidates can expect:    

• To be asked questions that are relevant to the role    

• All recruitment materials to be written in such a way that avoids direct and indirect discrimination, for example, without the use of gendered language   

• To be given a chance to ask questions ahead of the interview  

• To be given a clear understanding of what to expect in the interview  

• To be compensated if asked to undertake an exercise that requires significant input

• To be treated with kindness and respect in every stage of the recruitment process    

• Never to be asked irrelevant questions related to a protected characteristic   

• That reasonable adjustments will be offered and implemented at every stage of recruitment 

• Any concern or complaint raised to be taken seriously, investigated fully and managed in such a way that it would not negatively impact any recruitment decision.  

How to apply   

We use an online platform to manage our applications. Please follow the link to submit a CV and cover letter (not more than 2 pages) in English, detailing why you are interested in this role and how you meet the criteria set out in the person specification.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an initial online interview during the week commencing 24th November 2025.  

Thank you for your interest in working with Global Dialogue. We look forward to hearing from you.    

The Organisation

This is a well-established national charity with an income in excess of £100 million, playing a vital role in supporting people affected by a major health condition. The organisation is values-driven, impact-focused, and undergoing continuous improvement in its financial operations. The Finance & Assurance directorate is a trusted partner across the charity, enabling better decision-making through high-quality financial insight and compliance.

The Job

As Financial Accountant, you'll lead a small team and report to the Head of Financial Accounting. You'll be responsible for producing accurate financial statements, managing audit deliverables, ensuring compliance with charity and company law, and driving improvements in financial processes and reporting. This is a hands-on technical role with leadership responsibilities, requiring collaboration across finance, systems, and planning teams to deliver a seamless finance function.

Key responsibilities include:
- Preparing statutory accounts and technical accounting adjustments
- Leading year-end processes and audit engagement
- Ensuring compliance with VAT, Corporation Tax, and Gift Aid
- Driving system and process improvements
- Supporting and developing Associate Accountants

The Person

You'll be a qualified (or part-qualified with suitable experience) accountant with strong technical expertise in SORP/FRS102 and experience in a large, complex organisation. You'll bring a track record of producing high-quality financial reports, managing audits, and improving performance through data and collaboration.We're looking for someone who:

- Communicates confidently with senior stakeholders
- Builds high-performing, accountable teams
- Is resilient, adaptable, and committed to continuous improvement
- Works collaboratively across departments and disciplines
- Champions inclusion and values-driven leadership

What's in it for You?

- A meaningful role in a purpose-led organisation making a real difference - Remote working with occasional office attendance
- Competitive salary in the region of £50,000-£55,000
- 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays, rising with service
- Up to 8% employer pension contribution
- Life assurance and income protection
- Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support
- Season ticket loan and cycle-to-work scheme
- Opportunities for professional development and career progression
- A collaborative, high-support environment focused on learning and impact

What to Do Now

If you're a technically strong accountant who thrives in a collaborative, mission-driven environment, I'd love to hear from you. Apply now or get in touch for a confidential conversation.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk

1 Personal Wellbeing FTE Coach - Fixed Term until 28/02/2027

1 Personal Wellbeing FTE Coach - Maternity Cover - 6 months but possible extension

Location: South Wales - Cardiff and Newport 

Ref PEW 251

Closing date: Monday, 10th November 2025 at 9.00am

Are you a proactive, organised and compassionate individual with a proven record of working with male adults in the criminal justice system whether in the community or in prisons?  Do you have experience of engaging successfully with challenging people such as people who have complex needs, people who are reluctant to discuss their needs, and people who are angry and confused?

If so, St Giles Trust is looking for a Personal Wellbeing Coach to join us and help to oversee the delivery of Personal Wellbeing services to referrals made by Wales Probation Service.

About St Giles Trust

An ambitious, well-established charity that helps people facing adversity to find jobs, homes and the right support they need. Central to our ethos is our belief that people with first-hand experience of successfully overcoming issues such as an offending background, homelessness, addictions and gang involvement, hold the key to positive change in others. 

St Giles is now a kickstart employer, so we are part of the scheme which provides job opportunities for 16-24-year-olds who are currently on Universal Credit and are at risk of long-term unemployment.

The Wise Group is a leading social enterprise working to lift people out of poverty.  St Giles and The Wise Group came together to form a partnership with the aim of supporting the Probation Resettlement reforms by offering a high-quality service underpinned by staff who have lived experience and cultural competency.  As a result, we have been awarded contracts to deliver Personal Wellbeing Services for North and South Wales. These services will involve a range of support to community offenders and prison leavers including families, emotional wellbeing, lifestyle and associates and social inclusion (including meet at the gates).

About this exciting opportunity

Working as part of a multi-agency team, you will provide person-centred support to a caseload of service users who will either be serving community sentences or being released from prison.  You will undertake assessment and action planning with individual service users, create a safe and trusting environment, using trauma-informed practice to successfully facilitate a supportive and constructive relationship with service users, plus deliver a range of interventions to service users which contribute towards achievement of prescribed outcomes.

We will also count on you to develop and maintain positive working relationships with external agencies, including probation, prisons, partners, and others who will assist in achieving prescribed outcomes for service users, ensuring you work towards contractual targets and outcomes within agreed timescales.  Using agreed CRM databases and recording all activity relating to caseload and providing updates and reports are also key duties.

What we are looking for

• Experience working with partner agencies either as part of a multi-agency team working towards common objectives or negotiating to establish links to further the aims of a project
• L3 in Advice and Guidance or equivalent
• The ability to assess clients’ needs and provide tailored, client-led support through action planning and interventions involving advice, guidance, advocacy, and coaching
• An ability to work sensitively with clients applying trauma-informed strategies
• Impressive IT, relationship-building and communication skills, both verbal and written

Please note this role requires an Enhanced Adult DBS check.

In return, you can expect a competitive salary, generous leave allowance, staff pension, flexible working, a mentoring programme, an advice and counselling service, season ticket loan and much more.

We are an equity and inclusion confident employer. We welcome all applications and we particularly encourage applications from people of the global majority (black, brown, multi- heritage ) and those who identify as disabled, neuroexpansive, neurodiverse, with any protected characteristics and/or social barriers or challenges. We value the empowering and informative impact that all lived experiences and diversity of thought can offer the organisation.

St Giles will guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria set out in the Job Description for the vacancy.

Closing date: Monday, 10th November 2025 at 9.00am

A ydych chi'n unigolyn rhagweithiol, trefnus a thrugarog, gyda hanes profedig o weithio gydag oedolion gwrywaidd yn y system cyfiawnder troseddol boed yn y gymuned neu mewn carchardai?  A oes gennych chi brofiad o ymgysylltu'n llwyddiannus gyda phobl heriol, er enghraifft pobl sydd ag anghenion cymhleth, pobl sy'n amharod i drafod eu hanghenion, a phobl sy'n ddig ac yn ddryslyd?

Os felly, mae Ymddiriedolaeth St Giles yn chwilio am Hyfforddwr Lles Personol i ymuno â ni a helpu i oruchwylio'r gwaith o ddarparu gwasanaethau Lles Personol i atgyfeiriadau a wneir gan Wasanaeth Prawf Cymru.

Ynghylch Ymddiriedolaeth St Giles

Elusen uchelgeisiol, wedi’i hen sefydlu sy’n helpu pobl sy’n wynebu helbulon i ddod o hyd i swyddi, cartrefi a’r gefnogaeth gywir y mae ei hangen arnynt yw Ymddiriedolaeth St Giles. Yn ganolog i’n hethos yw ein cred bod pobl sydd â phrofiad uniongyrchol o oresgyn problemau, megis cefndir troseddol, digartrefedd, dibyniaeth ar gyffuriau ac alcohol neu fod yn aelod o gang, yn allweddol i sicrhau newid positif mewn eraill. 

Mae St Giles bellach yn gyflogwr Kickstart, felly rydym yn rhan o'r cynllun hwn sy'n darparu cyfleoedd gwaith i bobl ifanc 16-24 oed sydd ar Gredyd Cynhwysol ar hyn o bryd ac sydd mewn perygl o ddiweithdra hirdymor.

Mae’r The Wise Group yn fenter gymdeithasol flaenllaw sy'n ceisio codi pobl allan o dlodi.  Daeth St Giles a The Wise Group at ei gilydd i ffurfio partneriaeth gyda'r nod o gefnogi'r diwygiadau Ailsefydlu Prawf drwy gynnig gwasanaeth o ansawdd uchel wedi'i ategu gan staff sydd â phrofiad byw a chymhwysedd diwylliannol.  O ganlyniad, dyfarnwyd cytundebau i ni i ddarparu Gwasanaethau Lles Personol ar gyfer Gogledd a De Cymru. Bydd y gwasanaethau hyn yn cynnwys amrywiaeth o gymorth i droseddwyr cymunedol a'r rhai sy'n gadael carchardai gan gynnwys teuluoedd, lles emosiynol, ffordd o fyw a chysylltiadau cyswllt a chynhwysiant cymdeithasol (gan gynnwys cwrdd wrth y gatiau).

Ynghylch y cyfle cyffrous hwn

Gan weithio fel rhan o dîm aml-asiantaeth, byddwch yn darparu cymorth sydd wedi’i ganolbwyntio ar yr unigolyn i lwyth achosion o ddefnyddwyr gwasanaeth a fydd naill ai'n cyflawni dedfrydau cymunedol neu'n cael eu rhyddhau o'r carchar.  Byddwch yn ymgymryd â chynllunio asesu a gweithredu gyda defnyddwyr gwasanaethau unigol, yn creu amgylchedd diogel ac ymddiriedus, gan ddefnyddio ymarfer trawma-gwybodus i hwyluso perthynas gefnogol ac adeiladol gyda defnyddwyr gwasanaeth, ynghyd â darparu ystod o ymyriadau i ddefnyddwyr gwasanaethau sy'n cyfrannu tuag at gyflawni canlyniadau rhagnodedig.

Byddwch hefyd yn datblygu a chynnal perthnasoedd gweithio cadarnhaol gydag asiantaethau allanol, gan gynnwys y gwasanaeth prawf, carchardai, partneriaid, ac eraill a fydd yn cynorthwyo i sicrhau canlyniadau rhagnodedig i ddefnyddwyr gwasanaethau, gan sicrhau eich bod yn gweithio tuag at dargedau a chanlyniadau cytundebol o fewn amserlenni y cytunwyd arnynt.  Mae defnyddio cronfeydd data CRM y cytunwyd arnynt a chofnodi'r holl weithgaredd sy'n ymwneud â llwyth gwaith a darparu diweddariadau ac adroddiadau hefyd yn ddyletswyddau allweddol.

Yr hyn rydym yn chwilio amdano

• Profiad o weithio gydag asiantaethau partner naill ai fel rhan o dîm aml-asiantaeth sy'n gweithio tuag at amcanion cyffredin neu o negydu gyda’r nod o sefydlu cysylltiadau i hyrwyddo nodau prosiect
• L3 mewn Cyngor ac Arweiniad neu gyfatebol
• Y gallu i asesu anghenion cleientiaid a darparu cymorth wedi'i deilwra a arweinir gan gleientiaid drwy gynllunio gweithredu ac ymyriadau sy'n cynnwys cyngor, arweiniad, eiriolaeth a hyfforddi
• Y gallu i weithio mewn dull sensitif gyda chleientiaid gan ddefnyddio strategaethau sail-trawma
• Sgiliau TG, meithrin-perthynas a chyfathrebu nodedig, ar lafar ac yn ysgrifenedig

Sylwch fod y rôl hon yn gofyn am wiriadau DBS Oedolion Uwch a fetio HMPPS.

Yn gyfnewid am hyn, gallwch ddisgwyl cyflog cystadleuol, lwfans gwyliau hael, pensiwn staff, gweithio hyblyg, rhaglen fentora, gwasanaeth cynghori a chwnsela, talebau gofal plant, benthyciad tocyn tymor a llawer mwy.

Bydd St Giles yn gwarantu cyfweld â phob ymgeisydd anabl sy'n bodloni'r meini prawf gofynnol a nodir yn y Disgrifiad Swydd ar gyfer y swydd wag.

Rydym yn gyflogwr hyderus ecwiti a chynhwysiant. Rydym yn croesawu pob cais ac rydym yn arbennig yn annog ceisiadau gan bobl o'r mwyafrif byd-eang (du, brown, aml-dreftadaeth) a'r rhai sy'n nodi eu bod yn anabl, niwro-eang, niwroamrywiol, gydag unrhyw nodweddion gwarchodedig a/neu rwystrau neu heriau cymdeithasol. Rydym yn gwerthfawrogi'r effaith rymusol ac addysgiadol y gall pob profiad byw ac amrywiaeth meddwl ei gynnig i'r sefydliad.

Head of Programmes
United Way UK
Home-based with frequent national and international travel and overnight stays around 2-3 times a month. The ideal candidate will be based close to good transport links and able to get to London easily, with access to a car and/or a full clean driving licence
Salary £42,000 - £45,000 based on experience
12-month contract with potential for extension
Full-time, with flexible working
Excellent benefits including annual leave of 25 days per year plus bank holidays, increasing by a day annually for each year of service up to 30 days and 6% employer pension contribution

Charity People are delighted to be partnering with the United Way UK, a charity which believes that all individuals should be empowered through opportunity and resources to reach their true potential, to recruit a Head of Programmes.

United Way is a global organisation that supports local communities around the world in more than 40 different countries. Communities all over the world face similar challenges, but each one requires a unique approach to solving them. United Way UK was established in 2014 and harnessing experience and learnings from United Way Worldwide, UWUK uses local knowledge and global expertise to implement the very best programmes for communities across the UK and is constantly evolving to meet the needs of the times.

Driven by the local community, UWUK works with charity partners, businesses and individuals to provide everything a community needs to thrive (education, financial stability and health), providing support in the form of funds, time and expertise. UWUK funding is privately sourced so that the charity is driving new revenue to the voluntary sector.

The Head of Programmes leads UWUK's talented delivery team and works closely with the CEO on relationship development and strategic planning. As part of a small team (UWUK is currently five staff members), the Head of Programmes will be a strong team player and problem solver, with initiative, reliability and high emotional intelligence.

Key responsibilities

* Programme design, delivery and growth: You ensure the successful delivery of programmes, monitor and report on impact, oversee the budget and ensure compliance with safeguarding, data protection and charity regulations. You will support the growth of programmes by creating, developing and writing proposals, and travel throughout the UK to support project delivery.
* Partnership development: You will scope, develop and secure partnerships across sectors, building and maintaining strong relationships with funders, partners, schools and charities across the UK and support the organisation of fundraising events, campaigns and other fundraising activities.
* Line management: You will line manage the programmes team (x 2 posts), supporting professional development, conducting performance reviews, and promoting strong team moral and wellbeing.
* Operations and strategy: You will support reporting to United Way UK Board of Trustees, United Way Worldwide and UK regulators, as well as work closely with the CEO on strategic planning and implementation.

What we're looking for

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following essential skills and experience:
* Experience in programme management, stakeholder engagement and partnership building, with strong relationship skills combined and a natural ability to cultivate positive relationships with internal stakeholders, charity partners, prospects, funders, corporates, volunteers and internal partners
* Strong project management skills with ability to manage diverse tasks and priorities with attention to detail and accuracy.
* Experience of monitoring and evaluation to collect feedback from stakeholders and continually improve and learn from programmes and report to funders.
* Solid communication skills, in both written and oral English, with the ability to present to stakeholders and write compelling project proposals.
* Experience working in the charity sector or within corporate social responsibility.
* Experience managing staff, including supporting professional development, conducting performance reviews, and promoting strong team moral and wellbeing.
* Experience in volunteering, either working with, or leading volunteer programmes, or being a volunteer.
* Experience either leading or supporting proposal writing for programme delivery.
* Advanced Microsoft Office skills, including Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint.
* Full driving license.

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following personal attributes:
* Self-motivated and results-driven
* Proactive and responsive
* Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team
* Collaborative work style and positive team player.
* Commitment to the core mission, values and work of UWUK.

As UWUK is a small organisation, the ideal successful candidate may also have fundraising experience although this is not essential.

The UWUK team are passionate about their mission and delivering results and have a caring, trusting, collaborative and close-knit culture, based on shared values and respect. This role is home-based, but you will be able to travel regularly across the UK, at least 2-3 times a month and be willing and able to easily attend meetings in London on a regular basis. Travel is covered but you will need to be able to be based with easy access to a major transport hub.

How to apply

If you would like to apply, please upload your CV using the link below in the first instance. Jen D'Souza from Charity People will be in touch with the full details about the job and how to apply. The deadline is 9am Tuesday 11 November. The interviews will take place online w/c 24 November. The ideal candidate will be able to start in December and at the latest in mid-January. We will be hosting a webinar on Friday 7 November at 1pm for candidates interested in the role (this will be recorded and shared if you are unable to attend).

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

Policy Specialist (Children and Young People)

Are you interested in improving the lives of children and young people with a learning disability? Can you turn complex ideas into evidence-based policy? Are you a skilled communicator able to influence decision-makers? If so, we would love to hear from you!

We are currently looking for a Policy Specialist to join Mencap. This position sits within the Policy and Public Affairs teams of Mencap’s Campaigns, Advocacy and Activism Directorate (CAA). You will work closely with our influencing, information and advice, campaigning, and research work, as well as sector partners like the Disabled Children's Partnership. 

This is an exciting new role to deliver policy change and enhance the rights of children and young people with a learning disability. At a key time to influence Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) education reform, we are seeking a policy specialist to shape policy work that reflects the needs and experiences of children, young people, and their families. Working within the policy team, you will be responsible for developing evidence-based policy work and influencing decision-makers.

This is a full time position (37.5 hours per week). We are flexible with your work location, but there may be some occasional travel needed to our London office or Westminster.

You will: 

• Translate complex work into clear and persuasive policy briefings, consultation responses and reports.
• Work within wider coalitions of charities, building collaborative relationships and ensuring that the needs and priorities of our community are addressed.
• Develop and expand Mencap’s ‘Policy Shapers’ work, ensuring our work reflects the experiences of children and young people with a learning disability and their families.
• Support our information and advice team, briefing them on important developments, inputting into casework discussions relevant to your areas of work, and supporting the creation of public information resources.
• Represent Mencap at meetings and events, with MPs, civil servants, and sector partners.
• Identify and analyse relevant research to develop evidence-based policy recommendations.

You will bring to this role:

• Experience of working on public policy issues.
• Strong communication skills: experience tailoring your messaging to a variety of different audiences and representing an organisation.
• Experience building positive relationships and working collaboratively to achieve outcomes; able to positively challenge, negotiate and compromise.
• The ability to work on your own initiative while contributing to team priorities and sustain enthusiasm under pressure.
• Experience analysing evidence to develop recommendations.
• Knowledge the issues facing children and young people with a learning disability and/or the SEND system, as well as the wider parliamentary system. 
• Passion about making the world a better place for people with a learning disability. 

If you're passionate about driving meaningful change for children and young people with a learning disability and you're ready to use your policy expertise to make a real impact, please apply now with an up-to-date CV. This role will close on Monday 27th October. Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams during the week commencing 3rd November.

Benefits

Here at Mencap, we offer an impressive range of benefits designed to support and reward our employees to ensure that our teams feel valued and appreciated.

Our benefits package offers 32 days of paid holiday (including bank holidays, pro rata), along with a range of perks such as discounts at leading high-street retailers, access to health cash plans, interest-free loans, and many more exciting offerings.

For more details on what we have to offer, please see the attached document outlining all the fantastic benefits available to you as a member of our team!

About Mencap

Our vision is for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

We're here to support people with a learning disability, their families and their carers. We fight for a kinder, fairer and more inclusive society for people with a learning disability to live in.

At Mencap, everyone works with people with a learning disability either providing support or advice, or alongside one another as colleagues.

Belonging at Mencap is for everyone, every day, everywhere.

• Everyone is expected to treat people well and make Mencap an inclusive organisation.
• Every day we grow and learn. It’s okay to make mistakes but we learn from them and make changes
• Everywhere people will feel respected, valued, and safe to be themselves.

We have Belonging network groups that meet online and are open to all colleagues. The groups include people who identify as Black and Asian, LGBTQIA+, disabled or with a long- term health condition, women, parents and carers, and their allies.

We want to encourage everyone to apply to work at Mencap and we offer a variety of different contract types and working patterns. We’re not looking for specific experience. It is your personality and values that will make you a great colleague. We will train and develop you to succeed in the role you’re applying for.

Who we’re looking for 

We’re looking for an exceptional Director of Fundraising and Communication who will lead our fundraising and communications with vision and purpose, helping us grow our reach, deepen our impact and amplify our voice. You’ll be joining a people-centred, mission-driven team, united by a shared commitment to making a meaningful difference. At a time when vulnerable young people face increasing challenges, our work has never been more urgent. If you’re motivated by impact and driven by purpose, this is a good opportunity to contribute to lasting change. 

You will be stepping into a well-established and highly effective organisation, but one that remains energised by innovation and continuous improvement. We actively welcome fresh thinking and new approaches that help us evolve and enhance our work. 

What will you do? 

This is a pivotal moment to join JET as we build on fourteen years of impact and enter a new chapter in our journey. We have ambitious plans to expand our reach and influence, and we’re seeking someone who can help us strengthen our funding base and sharpen our message. 

Reporting directly to the CEO, you will lead and develop our fundraising team, shaping a cross-stream strategy and an integrated communications plan. You’ll be responsible for setting the strategic direction for fundraising, communications and events across the organisation. By doing so you will raise JET’s national profile, grow our supporter base and significantly increase income to support programme expansion. 

You’ll bring strong experience across multiple fundraising streams, with a proven track record of securing significant multi-year funding and building lasting relationships with funders—both individuals and organisations. Alongside leading our fundraising efforts, you’ll take ownership of our brand, ensuring clarity and consistency in our messaging, helping partners tell our story, and securing positive media coverage. 

You’ll lead the development of campaigns, fundraising and marketing activities, and digital engagement that not only enhance our national profile but also drive supporter engagement and income growth.

This is a home-based role, with travel required to and within the regions where we operate, including attendance at key events. 

About you 

You will provide strategic leadership across fundraising, communications, marketing and events. Your work will be closely aligned with JET’s five-year strategy, enabling continued growth in funding and programme delivery. 

You’ll bring a wealth of experience in leading fundraising and communications at a strategic level, with a strong understanding of the sector and a track record of securing and sustaining major gifts and partnerships. You’ll be adept at managing integrated campaigns across multiple channels and growing income through sustainable funding models. 

Your leadership style will be collaborative and empowering, with the ability to build high-performing teams and foster a culture of accountability and innovation. You’ll be a confident communicator, able to inspire and influence, with excellent relationship-building skills and a strategic mindset. 

Above all, you’ll be passionate about JET’s mission to empower young people facing adversity. You’ll be a credible ambassador, committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and driven by the desire to make a meaningful difference. 

Across the JET team we cultivate a culture of inclusion that respects individual strengths, views, and experiences. We believe that our differences enable us to be a better team – one that makes better decisions, drives innovation, and delivers better outcomes for our young people. We welcome applicants whatever your background and whatever your stage in life, so if you are returning to the workforce after a period away, or even seeking a change of pace, please get in touch.  

About the Jon Egging Trust (JET)

At JET, we support vulnerable young people to get back on track and realise their potential; more than 45,000 young people right across the UK to date, and there’s so much more we can do. We’re an organisation that really values its people and we’re immensely proud that our team culture is based on caring and raising each other up.

Our benefits package includes:

• Flexible working

• Enhanced annual leave

• Homeworking allowance 

• Occupational pension scheme

• Occupational sickness scheme

• Special paid leave provision

• Enhanced family leave 

Download the Candidate Information Pack

Read our Applicant Privacy Notice 

Child and adult at risk protection policy statement 

The Jon Egging Trust is committed to providing a safe and positive environment for everyone involved in its services and activities. The Trust takes its extended moral and legal duty of care very seriously in relation to children, young people, staff and volunteers. We seek to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children and to protect them from harm or abuse when they engage in any of our activities. JET expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. The suitability of all prospective employees or volunteers will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment. 

To apply 

Please complete our online application form.

The closing date is 16th November 2025 at [23:30].

Interview Process 

• First-round interviews: Monday 24th November (online) 

• Meet the team task and fireside chat: Thursday 27th November 

• Final interview (in person, London): Monday 1st December 

Questions? 

Contact us through our website. 

Please note:

Due to our anonymised recruitment process, if your application is not shortlisted, we are unable to provide personalised feedback. 

To become an employee at JET, you must be able to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK and a satisfactory DBS check – enhanced with children's barred is required for this role. As part of our recruitment process, we want to make clear that we are not able to offer visa sponsorship for this position. 

As part of our safer recruitment process, all candidates invited to a final interview will also be required to complete a confidential self-disclosure form, which allows any relevant information to be discussed in line with our safeguarding policy. 

We also reserve the right to cancel the final stage of interview on 1st December if candidate does not meet expectations at this stage.