Operation Manager Jobs in Tower Hamlets, Greater London
The founder and sponsor of the Harris Federation, Lord Harris of Peckham, opened our first school in 1990. We have, over the past thirty years, implemented ideas and initiatives that have transformed the opportunities of pupils from working class and disadvantaged backgrounds. Harris academies are widely recognised as a force for social mobility. We are immensely proud of the role that our alumni are now beginning to play in the world and of what we believe our current generation of pupils will go on to achieve.
We now have over 50 schools educating more than 40,000 young people across London and Essex, and employ over 5,000 staff across our academies and head office. With the majority of our academies located in areas of high socioeconomic disadvantage, a high-quality education is key to the futures of the pupils we serve.
As a provider of employment and education, we value the diversity of our staff and students, and all our staff are equally valued and respected. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff.
Our work will impact many generations to come, and our staff come from all backgrounds and walks of life, coming together to inspire young minds. We promote an inclusive culture that embraces the valuable and enriching contribution that all of our community make. We continue to be proactive in uplifting and supporting all voices at Harris.
To discover more about our culture, ethos and what it is like to work here, visit the page.
Main Areas of Responsibility
Your responsibilities will include:
- Ensuring that purchasing administration from point of order through to payment is administered in line with agreed Service Levels
- Ensuring Suppliers are informed and up to date with payments, striving to ensure positive supplier engagement as a baseline to securing favourable terms
- Ensuring creditors control accounts and purchase ledger are operated accurately, efficiently and to agreed timescales
- Ensuring smooth operation of the payment process
- Ensuring that accounting information is correct and can be relied upon
- Ensuring all employee expense processing and auditing is completed on time and in line with internal policies
- Ensuring timely problem and issue management in line with agreed service levels
- Developing and maintaining insightful management reporting on key performance indicators
- Ensuring a high level of data quality is maintained
- Driving efficiencies and effectiveness of the team, processes, data, and systems to enable improvements in the end-to-end P2P workflow
- Developing and leading an efficient and motivated team to delivery of accurate and timely P2P information and results
- Maintaining effective communication with key stakeholders developing strong and positive relationships
What We are Looking For
We would like to hear from you if you have:
- Proven experience in similar Accounts Payable leadership roles
- Experience of processing high volume transactions across complex structures
- Knowledge of accounting and VAT principles
- Experience of running and driving improvements within an Accounts Payable function
- Track record of managing and developing high performing team
- Experience of Oracle Fusion or similar complex financial systems
- Strong ownership and accountability along with a positive can do attitude
- Ability to assess performance from a holistic view, drawing out key areas for improvement and resolution
- Strong data analysis and problem solving skills
- Excellent customer service and communication skills
- Strong time management techniques to plan and organise workload
- Strong people management skills
For a full job description and person specification, please download the Job Pack.
Applying for this Position
If you would like to discuss the opportunity further, or if you have any questions, please contact us via email to arrange a conversation.
Before applying please ensure you download the job pack from our careers website, this will help with completing your application. Please note that we only accept applications submitted online before the closing date.
When applying, you will have the option to import your CV or use a LinkedIn profile which will auto populate the online application.
A reminder to check your junk mail for our email communications and add us to your safe senders list to ensure all future email communication is received.
The founder and sponsor of the Harris Federation, Lord Harris of Peckham, opened our first school in 1990. We have, over the past thirty years, implemented ideas and initiatives that have transformed the opportunities of pupils from working class and disadvantaged backgrounds. Harris academies are widely recognised as a force for social mobility. We are immensely proud of the role that our alumni are now beginning to play in the world and of what we believe our current generation of pupils will go on to achieve.
We now have over 50 schools educating more than 40,000 young people across London and Essex, and employ over 5,000 staff across our academies and head office. With the majority of our academies located in areas of high socioeconomic disadvantage, a high-quality education is key to the futures of the pupils we serve.
As a provider of employment and education, we value the diversity of our staff and students, and all our staff are equally valued and respected. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff.
Our work will impact many generations to come, and our staff come from all backgrounds and walks of life, coming together to inspire young minds. We promote an inclusive culture that embraces the valuable and enriching contribution that all of our community make. We continue to be proactive in uplifting and supporting all voices at Harris.
To discover more about our culture, ethos and what it is like to work here, visit the page.
Main Areas of Responsibility
Your responsibilities will include:
- Ensuring that financial transactions are administered in the most efficient and effective way, with effective controls and processes in line with internal and external governance
- Monthly accounts preparation
- Ensuring that purchasing administration from point of order through to payment is administered in line with agreed Service Levels
- Ensuring all income is administered effectively in line with agreed Service Levels
- Ensuring accurate financial records are maintained with effective and timely reconciliations across General Ledgers, sub-ledgers, bank and inter-company accounts
- Ensuring payroll payments are made in line with Service Levels and that effective controls/reconciliations are maintained
- Ensuring a high level of data quality is maintained to ensure maximum effectiveness of end-to-end processing
- Driving efficiencies and effectiveness of the team, processes, data, and systems to enable improvements in the timeliness of robust financial information
- Developing and leading an efficient and motivated team to delivery of accurate and value adding financial information
- Maintaining effective communication with key stakeholders developing strong and positive relationships
What We are Looking For
We would like to hear from you if you have:
- Proven experience of the provision of monthly accounts in an effective and timely manner
- Experience of running and driving improvements within an Operational Finance Function, specifically delivery of effective Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable disciplines
- Track record of managing and developing high-performing finance teams
- Experience of Oracle Fusion or similar complex financial systems
- Strong ownership and accountability along with a positive can-do attitude
- Ability to assess performance from a strategic/holistic view, drawing out key areas for improvement and resolution
- Strong data analysis and problem-solving skills
- Ability to lead, prioritise and set clear direction of teams
- Strong people management skills
- Strong communication and engagement skills
For a full job description and person specification, please download the Job Pack.
Applying for this Position
If you would like to discuss the opportunity further, or if you have any questions, please contact us via email to arrange a conversation.
Before applying please ensure you download the job pack from our careers website, this will help with completing your application. Please note that we only accept applications submitted online before the closing date.
When applying, you will have the option to import your CV or use a LinkedIn profile which will auto populate the online application.
A reminder to check your junk mail for our email communications and add us to your safe senders list to ensure all future email communication is received.
The Chief Executive will be responsible for providing leadership, developing, and implementing Living Well Bromley’s strategic and operational plans, leading on partnership and business development, and being an effective advocate for the charity and its beneficiaries.
They will lead a senior management team of three (the Operations Manager, Funding and Communications Manager and Advocacy Manager).They will be responsible for ensuring financial control and supporting and advising on governance best practice across all aspects of the charity.
This post is a first-tier post directly reporting to the Board of Trustees. Ideally the post holder will have a Christian faith and be committed to core Christian values.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Do you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same? Do you have a genuine interest and passion to make a difference to women and their children?
We’re recruiting for an experienced Philanthropy Manager whose area of expertise securing multi-year, six-figure gifts from grant-making organisations; developing and managing a trusts and grants pipeline, including the application and reporting process, in order to build a reliable and sustainable income stream. The postholder will be responsible for all areas of trusts and grants fundraising, including writing compelling applications that solicit funding for Life’s vital work as well as reporting on our service delivery outcomes, maximising the opportunities for renewed funding.
The Philanthropy Manager (Trusts, Grants and Foundations) will be responsible for delivering a strategic approach to trusts, grants and foundations; working with service delivery areas of the organisation as well as the finance department, in order to create compelling projects, with measurable outcomes that can be reported on. The postholder will be able to articulate these projects into cases for support within written applications, matching projects with appropriate funders and delivering a compelling ask. This role requires the development of a trusts, grants and foundations pipeline, from research through to reporting, ensuring a sustainable and maximised income stream.
About Life:
Life’s a national pregnancy and maternal support charity that helps over 60,000 people a year. Through our services, we help people – whoever they are – to meet pregnancy or pregnancy loss with courage and dignity so they can flourish.
Our services include
- Supported housing and community support
- Counselling and skilled listening
- Free pregnancy tests and baby supplies
Our values
All our work is underpinned by the following universal human values:
- Humanity – All people are special and equal
- Solidarity – We’re with you and for you
- Community – We’re better together
- Charity – Doing good for one another
- Common good – Building a better world
Through our services, we help more than 45,000 people each year meet pregnancy or pregnancy loss with courage and dignity so they can flourish.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Do you have experience connecting university students and non-profits for mutual gain? Are you a storyteller and collaborator?
We are looking for a Community Research Initiative Manager to lead the innovation, delivery, and evaluation of a range of community-based student opportunities at UCL. This currently includes: collaborative PGT dissertations; research skills volunteering; our new Pro bono Community Research Service; and developing community-based class projects for university colleagues. We are seeking an innovative, creative, and passionate person to fill the role of Community Research Initiative manager.
This is an exciting role in a unique organisation. Our vision is of an outstanding experience for all UCL students and to be one of the best students’ unions in the UK and the world. We aim to build a vibrant and empowered student community with real influence in UCL and beyond, that enables students to enjoy their time at university; pursue their interests and passions; see the world in new ways; and develop the skills and experience to change the world for the better.
We are a registered charity employing over 100 career staff and 300 student staff, delivering a wide range of services and representative functions for UCL students. We have the widest portfolio of services of any student organisation in the country, managing UCL’s extracurricular programmes for sport, music, drama, dance, media, volunteering, academic societies and intercultural engagement; providing a wide range of fantastic social spaces; leading on student democracy and representation across UCL; and offering excellent student support services.
It's an exciting time our growing organisation as we lead the delivery of UCL’s groundbreaking new Student Life Strategy. This is enabling us to build more programmes to improve students’ mental and physical wellbeing, promote genuine equity for all, build students’ skills and confidence, develop their international connections and intercultural skills, and make a real contribution to our local community.
We support hybrid working. Excellent benefits including defined benefit pension scheme and generous holiday entitlement. We are proud of high levels of staff engagement and pride ourselves on being a great place to work.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Every 6 minutes someone learns that they are losing their sight. Every five hours, a baby is born with sight problems. In these moments, two profound questions emerge:
• Can this be stopped?
• How do I (or my child) live this life?
The merger of Fight for Sight and Vision Foundation on 1st April 2023 will enable us to address both questions. By combining our strengths and expertise we’ll be the only significant national funder with the efficiency, capability, and capacity to increase investment in medical research and social improvement. Together we can mitigate both the prevalence and impact of sight loss.
We have a clear ambition, led by our CEO, Keith Valentine, who has valuable lived experience of sight loss. This ambition includes retail growth plans and an income generation strategy to open more shops over the next 5 years. We currently operate 11 shops selling donated goods, including an online eBay shop.
We are now looking for experienced, committed, and creative individuals to join our dynamic team as we devise and launch a new five-year strategy. You’ll be part of something impactful, we’d love to hear from you.
The Muswell Hill Shop Manager will play a crucial role in the future growth of our newly merged charity and the impact that we can achieve through partnership for people with sight loss.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND PERSON SPECIFICATION
Responsible to
Area Manager
Direct reports
Immediately responsible for recruiting and developing a team of dedicated volunteers. In due course the role and responsibilities may grow in line with organisational growth and priorities.
Working hours and contract
Permanent, full-time
Salary
£23,933 plus OTE Bonus
Location
Muswell Hill
Role Responsibilities:
Purpose of Job
· To coach, lead and manage a team of volunteers
· Drive sales performance to exceed targets, maximising cost efficiency
· Maximise shop profits through delivery of the retail strategy, including income, gift aid donor sign up and conversion, donations and other income generators.
· To achieve compliance with relevant regulation e.g., health and safety and safeguarding, whilst adhering to all policies and procedures
· To promote strong relations within the local community to enhance the profile and good name of the charity
Main Responsibilities
· To deliver shop income plan
· To achieve gift aid income objectives, donor sign up and conversion. Improving processes to deliver maximum value, coaching colleagues to success
· To support and manage volunteer pricing to ensure items are processed in line with policies and procedures, recognising and thanking the team for their contribution
· To develop a culture of ownership and follow up within own team and volunteers
· To adhere to safe, legal & secure requirements and standards for the shop, both front and back of house
· To induct, train and coach new colleagues, as evidenced through induction paperwork and development plans
· To role model and promote effective team communication, celebrating success and sharing best practice
· To liaise closely with the Warehouse Manager, Area Support and Volunteer Manager and Area Manager
· To role model exceptional customer service to supporters and donors, providing feedback in a timely manner
· To ensure the highest standards of customer care and service are demonstrated by self, line reports and volunteers
· Promote, monitor and act on internal and external customer feedback
· To evidence effective local networking to generate donations and volunteer engagement, including local business and other stakeholders
· To monitor and check security of stock and debrief variances with the Area Manager
· To proactively assess own development needs and seek out development opportunities to enhance contribution to Retail objectives and operations
· To take ownership of good housekeeping for all areas of responsibility
· To accept responsibility and carry out any other task commensurate to the role
Person specification:
Skills, knowledge & experience
Sales and Profit
· Monitor and be accountable for sales and category performance, as well as ensure that the team are aware of and engaged in the shop’s financial performance
· Foster a creative and entrepreneurial shop environment where team members seek to maximise income in new and innovative ways both within the shop and through a variety of channels, such as community events
· Manage the team to maximise income from Gift Aid on donated products
· Ensure that all of Vision Foundation financial procedures are adhered to and executed in a timely fashion by the shop team
Shop Floor
· Ensure sourcing sufficient levels of donated stock locally in collaboration with the shop team
· Establish efficient and commercially successful stock processing systems (such as pricing, quality standards, consumer safety, stock density and culling stock), including backroom systems and ensure these are adhered to by the volunteer team. Ensure that all legal and Vision Foundation internal regulations regarding donated stock are adhered to
· Inspire the team to provide a great customer and donor experience, which enables The Vision Foundation to attract new supporters every day. Ensure that feedback, including complaints are escalated to the Area Manager within the agreed timeframes
· Empower the team to create original, appropriate and commercially successful visual merchandising displays, including shop windows
· Make sure that all procedures for the sale of new products are followed by the volunteer team (if applicable)
· Work with the Area Manager to ensure our shops are in good condition, maximise their potential and are fit for purpose
· Provide a safe and healthy working environment and ensure that all team members are aware of and operate within Vision Foundation’s health and safety policies and procedures, including waste management and customer safety
Leadership - Volunteers
· Recruit, induct, and retain an inclusive and diverse volunteer team, which is large enough in numbers and capable to maximise the shop’s income and profitability and guarantee the smooth running of the shop.
· Maintain an empowered, well trained, motivated and engaged volunteer team with excellent levels of communication at team and individual level.
· Connect the volunteer team with Vision Foundation’s work and help them to understand the value of their contribution
Leadership - Paid Staff
· Recruit, induct, and retain an inclusive and diverse volunteer team, which is large enough in numbers and capable to maximise the shop’s income and profitability and guarantee the smooth running of the shop.
· Maintain an empowered, well trained, motivated and engaged volunteer team with excellent levels of communication at team and individual level.
· Connect the volunteer team with Vision Foundation’s work and help them to understand the value of their contribution.
Management - being part of Vision Foundation
· Play active part in the charity, including attending and contributing to all-staff meetings
· Play a key role in enabling the shop to represent Vision Foundation and increase the knowledge of the local community about our mission and work
· Be accountable for the integration of the shop into the local community in collaboration with the shop team
· Empower the team to respond to all appeals and fundraising opportunities.
· Adhere to and enforce Vision Foundation’s safeguarding policies.
Other
· Required to adhere to Vision Foundation’s vision, mission and values
· Understanding of and commitment to adhere to equality, diversity, and staff health and wellbeing principles
Personal qualities
· The ability to work under pressure whilst remaining calm and organised
· To be receptive to change and to act as a change agent
· The ability to maintain excellent rapport with staff, volunteers, supporters, and donors
· To demonstrate a calm and logical approach to problem solving
· To consistently demonstrate a dedicated approach to the quality of customer service and team working.
· Comfortable working in a small team both strategically and operationally
· Commitment to teamwork, business partnering and a collegiate approach – with a ‘can do’ attitude and a sense of humour.
· Able to provide positive, dynamic, tenacious and flexible leadership at all times.
· Results-driven, able to measure and quantify own outcomes.
· Adaptable to changing landscape and evolving organisation.
· Willing and able to operate at pace in an organisation going through rapid change, using your initiative and delivering to tight deadlines
· Excellent verbal and written communication skills
· Highly organised with ability to plan effectively and allocate resources appropriately.
· An understanding of and commitment to London’s blind and partially sighted people.
Flexibility
· The role description is a general outline of duties and responsibilities and may be amended as the newly merged charity develops and the role grows. The post holder may be required to undertake other duties as may be reasonably required from time to time.
When writing job applications, we want to see if candidates are the right fit for our charity, so they should be written using your own words. Use of Artificial Intelligence, such as Chat GPT, is considered plagiarism, and applications drafted with the assistance of AI will be automatically rejected.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Director of Operations will work as part of the management team to develop and implement the organisation’s strategy and operational plans and to build the longer term sustainability of the organisation. They will be required to deputise for the Chief Officer in their absence and assist in the overall management of the organisation. As part of the management team the role demands a high level of flexibility, initiative and commitment. The role also involves working with the Chief Officer to design and improve our monitoring, evaluation and learning across the organisation in line with our new strategy.
The Director of Operations will have lead responsibility for overseeing the day to day operations and coordinating external partnerships and relationships. Operational oversight includes the two core pillars of work:-
- Streams of Sanctuary programmes and awards (by streams we mean mainstream sector e.g. schools)
- Coordination and development of network of refugee supporting groups
If you are an expert by experience (a refugee or a migrant with direct, first-hand experience of issues and challenges of the UK asylum or immigration system), you can ask for an independent and confidential support for your job application from the Experts by Experience Employment Network. Please complete the form on their ewbsite to request support and they will confirm if they can match you with a mentor to support your application.
For further information please see the job description and person specification.
Closing date – Monday 6th May at midday (we will be unable to accept applications after this deadline)
Interviews will be held online on Tuesday 14th May
Hours: 37 hours per week
Holiday entitlement: 28 days plus 8 statutory Bank holidays, pro rata
Salary: £43,050
Based: Home working
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
ABOUT THE ROLE
We are looking for a Bid Manager and Writer to join our Bid Team, which is part of the wider Development, Marketing, and Communications Department! You will support the delivery of effective business development strategies and activities to achieve organisational growth and to enhance our existing services!
Social Interest Group (SIG) believes good care and support improve lives. Our values of ambition, empowerment, transparency, and inclusivity drive everything we do. Our mission is to empower people who are marginalised by building powerful partnerships and creative solutions that bridge gaps in provision and aid recovery, reablement and resettlement.
You will be responsible for leading on specific competitive tendering and bidding processes on behalf of the group, writing high-quality competitive tenders and proposals, understanding the current market and feeding information to guide strategic planning, and supporting colleagues within the wider group to develop products, funding bids, and proposals!
Working Pattern: 37.5 hours per week, 09:00 - 17:00 Monday to Friday, based in our central office in Islington, with flexible work from home available. You will also be expected to travel across London and the South East, as well as our other locations to attend market engagement and bid related activities and attend regular service visits.
Benefits, including Non-Contractual Perks
- 25 days annual leave, increasing with the length of service
- Training and Development, including access to courses, upskilling, and progression plans
- Medicash includes discount gym memberships, routine optometry care, dental treatments, and physiotherapy treatments
- Employee Assistance Programme, including counselling
- Reflective Practice regular sessions with a therapist provided by an external provider to support Mental Health and Wellbeing.
- Life Assurance Scheme
- Cycle-to-work scheme
- Annual Staff Awards
ABOUT YOU
We're looking for a passionate writer, someone with previous experience writing bids and/or proposals, securing new or existing contracts. We're looking for an effective communicator, with a high attention to detail and quality. You will be passionate about what we do, supporting vulnerable people and understand the complexities of their backgrounds.
We're looking for a self-starter, someone who can form effective purposeful relationships within the organisation and externally, someone innovative, creative, and able solve problems to support our growth!
OVERVIEW OF KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Bid Writing and Management
- Lead in all elements of the bidding process which includes writing competitive bids within strict deadlines.
- Identify, research, and communicate opportunities and needs across the organisation, working proactively with colleagues at all levels to identify fundable initiatives.
- Host internal and external briefings and liaise with relevant teams to develop compelling bids which are fit for purpose, realistic, and aligned with organisational needs and aims.
- Lead the development of specific bid responses which includes the structure, content, and responses. Ensure tenders are submitted on time and achieve the highest scores by the evaluator(s).
- Develop and manage an internal network of subject matter experts and bring them into the development and writing process as required.
- Support colleagues in developing presentations, and briefings.
Partnership Building
- Build and maintain effective stakeholder relationships internally throughout the organisation and externally with external partners and organisations.
- Represent Social Interest Group and our subsidiaries in market engagement and events online and in-person and support with all aspects of enhancing and developing our brand.
Organisational Growth
- Identify priorities from strategy and business plans, translating growth plans into effective practices aligned to SIG’s mission, vision, and values.
- Collect and share information relevant to teams involved in Mobilisations and TUPE’s for won bids. Ensure communication is clear, and concise, providing a logical strategy and direction to follow to ensure a smooth transition for new contracts.
Other responsibilities than those described above may be required to be undertaken from time to time and will be expected to be performed to as long as it is within the capability and level of the position.
KEY CRITERIA
What we are looking for:
- Previous experience in a similar role with similar responsibilities, this includes a track record of securing new bids and/or retaining existing contracts
- Previous experience in bid/proposal writing, reviewing, and editing
- IT Proficiency, ability to learn new software programs, experience in Microsoft, including Word, Excel, and Outlook
- Ability and willingness to travel and attend market engagement events and to visit services to gain greater understanding of what SIG offers and to inform teams of relevant tender responses
- Ability to create and write engaging content, with proofreading skills
- Proven ability to prioritise and juggle multiple tasks and competing priorities within a fast-paced environment
- Excellent communication skills both written and oral and ability to build relationships
- Ability to review large amounts of information and research materials to inform model development and shape tender responses
- Proficiency in navigating tender portals
What we would like, but not essential:
- Previous experience managing the full bidding process end to end from pre market engagement and contract notification, through to award
- Previous experience working in the same or similar sector
Please refer to the JDPS attached for more details on the vacancy and our requirements/key criteria.
WORKING FOR US
ABOUT US
SIG is a not-for-profit organisation providing thousands of people with good-quality support and care in residential, drop-in centres, community floating support settings (including people's own homes), probation settings, and hospitals awaiting discharge. We do so across London, Brighton, Bedfordshire, Luton, and Kent. We believe in the power of well-planned, well-managed services to make a difference. We work with high standards and external and internal regulatory frameworks.
Want to know how we work? Watch our short Theory of Change video to see how we support people towards a brighter future: Theory of Change
Further details can be found on our website here: Theory of Change - Social Interest Group - Social Interest Group.
Our Values
Ambition – Eager to succeed and to accomplish as much as possible for our people
Empowerment – Giving staff and the people we support the tools, training, and information they need to achieve their potential
Transparency – Upfront and visible about our actions and open to scrutiny from stakeholders, service users, and staff
Inclusivity – Listening to, understanding, and including all our stakeholders to ensure we make a difference and get things right
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Please note that this job advert may close early due to screening applications on an ongoing basis. We advise applying as soon as possible for your application to be taken into consideration at the early stages.
Additional information on our company policies including Gender Pay, Equality and Diversity, Company Benefits and our Candidate Privacy Policy can be found on our website.
Do you want to improve the lives of people with disabilities and vulnerable people?
Humanity & Inclusion (HI) is an award-winning international humanitarian and development organisation. Working alongside people with disabilities and vulnerable populations, we take action and raise awareness in order to respond to their essential needs, improve their living conditions and promote respect for their dignity and fundamental rights.
Our UK team is looking for an enthusiastic and committed individual to join us as a Operations Coordinator. This is an exciting and varied role working across many areas of our operations. You will be regularly in touch with colleagues across the network, suppliers and partners. You will also get a chance to gain understanding of our operations in the UK and across the world. If this sounds like the next role for you, we’d love to welcome you to our friendly and dedicated team.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND PURPOSE OF THE POST
The Finance and Resources Team is responsible for responsible for HI’s finances, general services and HR in the UK. It comprises the Chief Finance and Operating Officer, a Finance Officer and an Accounting Officer.
The main purpose of this post is:
- To ensure smooth and efficient running of the HI UK office, including office services, IT, internal communications and health & safety
- To act as a key point of contact within the organisation and externally
- To undertake human resources administration for staff and volunteers, including supporting recruitment and follow-up
- To provide administrative support to the Chief Executive, Leadership Team and Board of Trustees
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Operations
- Maintain the office facilities and environment to agreed service levels
- Act as primary point of contact with the landlord and all suppliers for the office space, proactively dealing with arising issues
- Be responsible for the operation and maintenance of office equipment and IT equipment for all staff and volunteers, and arrange their repair or replacement, in conjunction with the Finance Officer and the Accounting Officer, as need arises
- Act as principal contact person for HI UK’s IT infrastructure and support provider, helping colleagues to access IT support when required and developing and implementing the organisation’s IT strategy
- Manage budget lines associated with running of the office and participate in procurement, primarily of office and IT supplies, liaising with external suppliers.
- Act as designated Health & Safety Officer for the office, including ensuring Health & Safety policies are up to date and being adhered to
- Continually review systems in place within the office, make improvements where required, and communicate these to relevant people
Human Resources
- Provide administrative support and advice for the recruitment of staff, consultants and volunteers, including advertising, interviews, issue of contracts and inductions, liaising with the federation manager and recruitment teams when relevant
- Assist with other HR tasks, including managing staff and volunteer files, managing the HR information system, administrative support for payroll and contributing to updates of the staff handbook
- Support teams on volunteer recruitment, contracts, induction, support and training
- Maintain an up-to-date welcome kit for new starters and provide and coordinate induction training sessions
· Make sure that HR policies and internal processes are updated and well known by all the staff
- Provide support and advice to managers on HR matters, in collaboration with the Chief Finance and Operating Officer and the Chief Executive, including leave management, payroll, pension, changes in contracts or situation, flexible working and flexible hours, diversity and inclusion, potential conflict and interpretation of the Staff Handbook
Administrative support
- Provide administrative support to the Chief Executive, including diary management, preparing and servicing meetings and filing
- Organise and support meetings of the Board of Trustees, including room booking, diary management, preparation of papers, minute-taking and organising catering
- Maintain filing systems
- Deal with enquiries, calls and emails from the public, partners and other HI entities
- Support specific projects as needed
Other tasks
- Contribute to projects led by the Finance and Resources team and the HI UK whole team.
Equal opportunities policy
HI UK is committed to diversity and inclusion. We recognise that discrimination shapes the opportunities that many people have in society and that people have different needs in order to realise their full potential. Addressing this requires organisations to be proactive in creating environments that encourage the inclusion and development of all. Though we still have a long way to go, inclusion is central to our identity at HI UK and we are strongly committed to the continuous work that it requires.
We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates with disabilities and/or from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds, to help make us more representative. If you have a disability and meet the minimum requirements for the role, we will guarantee you an interview.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
If you’re passionate about building partnerships which transform lives, we want to hear from you. Every year, thousands of people receive life-changing support from Back Up – and with your help, we can do even more
As Corporate Partnerships Manager you’ll be responsible, for driving and developing the Corporate Fundraising Strategy. With support from our trustees, the fundraising board and committees, your focus will be on identifying and securing long-term, strategic partnerships with a variety of organisations as well as building on and maintaining those already in place.
We pride ourselves in the strength of our partnerships and the impact they have – and are looking for someone who feels just the same as we do. Sound like you? Get in touch!
We have a proven track record in service delivery and a well-established donor base of longstanding relationships. With current pressures on health services, the need for our services is greater than ever and we must explore new ways of working in partnership to ensure we deliver. What sets us apart as a charity is our user-led philosophy, and our fun and inclusive culture. We value diversity and prioritise work-life balance and the wellbeing of our staff and volunteers. We focus on staff development, empowerment, and recognition.
Key stakeholders:
Trustees, fundraising boards and committees, corporate foundations, supporters, major donors, friends, and families of people with spinal cord injury, Back Up staff, volunteers, and trustees.
Application instructions:
Please apply by submitting the below to recruitment @ backuptrust . org . uk
• To apply please send your CV and covering letter max two sides A4 (saying why you want the job and explaining how you fit the person specification)
Any questions about the role, just email charlene @ backuptrust . org . uk to find out more information.
We will acknowledge receipt of your application, and then let you know if you are to be invited to interview.
Closing date: We will work on a rolling basis, arranging interviews as suitable applicants come through. We expect this role to be popular, so please apply early.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Every 6 minutes someone learns that they are losing their sight. Every five hours, a baby is born with sight problems. In these moments, two profound questions emerge:
• Can this be stopped?
• How do I (or my child) live this life?
The merger of Fight for Sight and Vision Foundation on 1st April 2023 will enable us to address both questions. By combining our strengths and expertise we’ll be the only significant national funder with the efficiency, capability, and capacity to increase investment in medical research and social improvement. Together we can mitigate both the prevalence and impact of sight loss.
We have a clear ambition, led by our CEO, Keith Valentine, who has valuable lived experience of sight loss. This ambition includes retail growth plans and an income generation strategy to open more shops over the next 5 years. We currently operate 11 shops selling donated goods, including an online eBay shop.
We are now looking for experienced, committed, and creative individuals to join our dynamic team as we devise and launch a new five-year strategy. You’ll be part of something impactful, we’d love to hear from you.
The East Sheen Shop Manager will play a crucial role in the future growth of our newly merged charity and the impact that we can achieve through partnership for people with sight loss.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND PERSON SPECIFICATION
Responsible to
Area Manager
Direct reports
Immediately responsible for recruiting and developing a team of dedicated volunteers. In due course the role and responsibilities may grow in line with organisational growth and priorities.
Working hours and contract
Permanent, part-time
21 hours per week over three days, primarily weekends but flexible over a seven-day rota
Salary
£23,933 pro-rata plus OTE Bonus
Location
East Sheen
Role Responsibilities:
Purpose of Job
· To coach, lead and manage a team of volunteers
· Drive sales performance to exceed targets, maximising cost efficiency
· Maximise shop profits through delivery of the retail strategy, including income, gift aid donor sign up and conversion, donations and other income generators.
· To achieve compliance with relevant regulation e.g., health and safety and safeguarding, whilst adhering to all policies and procedures
· To promote strong relations within the local community to enhance the profile and good name of the charity
Main Responsibilities
· To deliver shop income plan
· To achieve gift aid income objectives, donor sign up and conversion. Improving processes to deliver maximum value, coaching colleagues to success
· To support and manage volunteer pricing to ensure items are processed in line with policies and procedures, recognising and thanking the team for their contribution
· To develop a culture of ownership and follow up within own team and volunteers
· To adhere to safe, legal & secure requirements and standards for the shop, both front and back of house
· To induct, train and coach new colleagues, as evidenced through induction paperwork and development plans
· To role model and promote effective team communication, celebrating success and sharing best practice
· To liaise closely with the Warehouse Manager, Area Support and Volunteer Manager and Area Manager
· To role model exceptional customer service to supporters and donors, providing feedback in a timely manner
· To ensure the highest standards of customer care and service are demonstrated by self, line reports and volunteers
· Promote, monitor and act on internal and external customer feedback
· To evidence effective local networking to generate donations and volunteer engagement, including local business and other stakeholders
· To monitor and check security of stock and debrief variances with the Area Manager
· To proactively assess own development needs and seek out development opportunities to enhance contribution to Retail objectives and operations
· To take ownership of good housekeeping for all areas of responsibility
· To accept responsibility and carry out any other task commensurate to the role
Person specification:
Skills, knowledge & experience
Sales and Profit
· Monitor and be accountable for sales and category performance, as well as ensure that the team are aware of and engaged in the shop’s financial performance
· Foster a creative and entrepreneurial shop environment where team members seek to maximise income in new and innovative ways both within the shop and through a variety of channels, such as community events
· Manage the team to maximise income from Gift Aid on donated products
· Ensure that all of Vision Foundation financial procedures are adhered to and executed in a timely fashion by the shop team
Shop Floor
· Ensure sourcing sufficient levels of donated stock locally in collaboration with the shop team
· Establish efficient and commercially successful stock processing systems (such as pricing, quality standards, consumer safety, stock density and culling stock), including backroom systems and ensure these are adhered to by the volunteer team. Ensure that all legal and Vision Foundation internal regulations regarding donated stock are adhered to
· Inspire the team to provide a great customer and donor experience, which enables The Vision Foundation to attract new supporters every day. Ensure that feedback, including complaints are escalated to the Area Manager within the agreed timeframes
· Empower the team to create original, appropriate and commercially successful visual merchandising displays, including shop windows
· Make sure that all procedures for the sale of new products are followed by the volunteer team (if applicable)
· Work with the Area Manager to ensure our shops are in good condition, maximise their potential and are fit for purpose
· Provide a safe and healthy working environment and ensure that all team members are aware of and operate within Vision Foundation’s health and safety policies and procedures, including waste management and customer safety
Leadership - Volunteers
· Recruit, induct, and retain an inclusive and diverse volunteer team, which is large enough in numbers and capable to maximise the shop’s income and profitability and guarantee the smooth running of the shop.
· Maintain an empowered, well trained, motivated and engaged volunteer team with excellent levels of communication at team and individual level.
· Connect the volunteer team with Vision Foundation’s work and help them to understand the value of their contribution
Leadership - Paid Staff
· Recruit, induct, and retain an inclusive and diverse volunteer team, which is large enough in numbers and capable to maximise the shop’s income and profitability and guarantee the smooth running of the shop.
· Maintain an empowered, well trained, motivated and engaged volunteer team with excellent levels of communication at team and individual level.
· Connect the volunteer team with Vision Foundation’s work and help them to understand the value of their contribution.
Management - being part of Vision Foundation
· Play active part in the charity, including attending and contributing to all-staff meetings
· Play a key role in enabling the shop to represent Vision Foundation and increase the knowledge of the local community about our mission and work
· Be accountable for the integration of the shop into the local community in collaboration with the shop team
· Empower the team to respond to all appeals and fundraising opportunities.
· Adhere to and enforce Vision Foundation’s safeguarding policies.
Other
· Required to adhere to Vision Foundation’s vision, mission and values
· Understanding of and commitment to adhere to equality, diversity, and staff health and wellbeing principles
Personal qualities
· The ability to work under pressure whilst remaining calm and organised
· To be receptive to change and to act as a change agent
· The ability to maintain excellent rapport with staff, volunteers, supporters, and donors
· To demonstrate a calm and logical approach to problem solving
· To consistently demonstrate a dedicated approach to the quality of customer service and team working.
· Comfortable working in a small team both strategically and operationally
· Commitment to teamwork, business partnering and a collegiate approach – with a ‘can do’ attitude and a sense of humour.
· Able to provide positive, dynamic, tenacious and flexible leadership at all times.
· Results-driven, able to measure and quantify own outcomes.
· Adaptable to changing landscape and evolving organisation.
· Willing and able to operate at pace in an organisation going through rapid change, using your initiative and delivering to tight deadlines
· Excellent verbal and written communication skills
· Highly organised with ability to plan effectively and allocate resources appropriately.
· An understanding of and commitment to London’s blind and partially sighted people.
Flexibility
· The role description is a general outline of duties and responsibilities and may be amended as the newly merged charity develops and the role grows. The post holder may be required to undertake other duties as may be reasonably required from time to time.
When writing job applications, we want to see if candidates are the right fit for our charity, so they should be written using your own words. Use of Artificial Intelligence, such as Chat GPT, is considered plagiarism, and applications drafted with the assistance of AI will be automatically rejected.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Play a leading role in ensuring every child can flourish in their school and community.
About us
West London Zone is an award-winning charity that proactively identifies children at a tipping point of need in some of the UK’s most under-resourced neighbourhoods. Working in schools through tailored Impact Programmes we support each child’s Social, Emotional, and Academic progress to drive a SEA change, promoting positive community change.
We are a medium-sized charity, with annual revenue of approximately £7m and a headcount of over 110 employees. Following eight years of impact for children and families in west London via an innovative partnership model – involving young people, families, schools (50+), local authorities (4), charities and community organisations (50+) – our next 3-year plan takes us to a £10m charity committed to pursuing more and broader social change across our communities in three places and having a national influence.
Since our launch in 2016, we have helped over 4,500 children and young people to build the relationships, self-belief and skills they need to get on track to flourish into adulthood. However, we have ambitions plans to help more children and young people.
This is where you can make a substantial difference in the newly created position of Chief Finance and Operations Officer (CFOO).
About the role
The CFOO will report to the Chief Executive and play a pivotal role for us, as we broaden and deepen our impact, transitioning from local to national scale. You will oversee and drive development of all financial and operational management, processes and reporting. As we continue to evolve, you will lead the integration of our most developed place of work, west London, with our new place of work, Wigan in the Greater Manchester area, followed by a third place in the near/medium-term.
Working closely with the Chief Delivery and Impact Officer, who oversees all of our collaborative work in our communities with children and families, you will lead the development of our operating model for our growing range of activities. Ensuring we have the highest quality governance, business planning, finance, compliance and risk management functions, as well as robust systems, processes and policies to do our best work will be vital. To achieve this, you will be responsible for bringing together some of our existing functions and building a new team within the organisation.
About you
We seek an experienced strategic leader who has held a broad finance and operations position, with a track record of interacting at Board level and presenting clear financial and management information. Whilst you don’t have to be financially qualified, we do need someone with strong financial acumen and demonstrable ability to monitor, interpret and communicate financial information effectively. You will be experienced at scaling organisations and have delivered new and/or successful improvements to existing systems and processes, with a track record of driving changes or improvements to business plans, policies and procedures.
You will have a passion for our purpose, commitment to our mission and alignment with our organisational values. Whilst being robust about process, you need to be able to flex to changing circumstances and be skilled at getting the best out of people as well as driving a culture of continuous improvement and learning. Crucially, you be wholly committed to driving forward the core infrastructure for our work supporting children and families to flourish and communities to strengthen themselves.
If you are excited at the prospect of driving change that leads to better outcomes for children and young people in their communities and takes us into our next chapter of growth, we’d love to hear from you!
Closing date: By 9am, Monday 20th May 2024
For further information, please click 'Apply Now' to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website.
At Guy’s & St Thomas’ Foundation, our mission is crystal clear – to lay the foundations of a healthier society. Nestled in the heart of Southwark, London, our foundation boasts a rich history. We operate in collaboration with our local NHS hospitals through our charity brands. Additionally, we establish partnerships with local organizations, offering funding to drive essential programs, delivered through our subsidiary organization, Impact on Urban Health.
We are recruiting for a Fundraising Compliance Manager looking to make a difference in how we fundraise and support our fundraising charities: Guy’s & St Thomas’ Charity, Evelina London Children’s Charity and Guy’s Cancer Charity.
The successful candidate will need to be a detail orientated, solution focused, project manager with expert knowledge in fundraising and data protection regulations. We are looking for someone to lead and maintain a culture of compliance across all elements of fundraising and supporter engagement in this stand alone role.
As our Fundraising Compliance Manager, you will be the focal point for compliance, providing guidance and advice to colleagues ensuring that we have sufficient controls and processes in place across all areas of fundraising. In addition, you will provide comprehensive front line and administrative support, to facilitate best practice across Fundraising/Charity regulation and the General Data Protection Regulation and help embed this in our ways of working. You will produce and deliver training and supporting documents to upskill staff and to ensure consistency across the team, as well as identifying areas for improvement and development. You will keep your knowledge up-to-date and will be confident in communicating with staff at all levels and with varying levels of understanding; in an engaging and accessible manner.
Excellent organisation and project management skills will be required to ensure that projects and the day-to-day delivery and reporting of compliance is on track.
Key Responsibilities
Overarching responsibilities
- To oversee and be the main port of call for all compliance, data protection and gift administration queries in respect of fundraising.
- To develop and maintain robust operational frameworks, processes, systems and governance structures for compliance and gift administration that instil confidence and assurance in our fundraising operations and our ability to fulfil our contractual obligations as data processors and controllers.
- To provide guidance to fundraising colleagues and other stakeholders on compliance and data protection queries.
- To develop and maintain a culture of compliance across the Foundation through developing and delivering training and producing guidelines and departmental policies.
- To conduct periodic reviews or audits (to include external suppliers) to ensure that compliance procedures are followed and fit for purpose.
Gift Administration and Implementation
- Support our fundraising colleagues to maximise their income and engage with supporters in a compliant way
- Triage and respond to gift administration and compliance queries and requests within defined service level times
- Produce and keep updated, relevant guidance, tools and resources for colleagues across the fundraising function
- Develop new strategies to provide the best support for our fundraisers and work to build new and lasting relationships with key stakeholders
- Advise senior stakeholders on the benefits and risks of our activities and advise on the best course of action
- Working with the legal team, develop and maintain the appropriate gift agreements and similar documents, supporter communications and online pages, and support fundraising colleagues and supporters to complete the appropriate paperwork ·
- Manage the Fundraising Support email address/enquiry channels
- Ensure policies around philanthropy and gift management are up to date and disseminated appropriately across the Foundation.
Fundraising compliance and data protection
- To evaluate and apply the Data Protection principles to variable and challenging scenarios, supporting colleagues to find solutions to their problems within the limits of the law.
- Ensuring we are aware of and reacting to any fundraising and data protection regulations changes. Regulations include GDPR/UK Data Protection Act 2021, Fundraising Regulator's Code of Fundraising Practice, Charity Commission guidelines, BACS, and PCI DSS Compliance. HMRC Gift aid guidelines.
- Recognise that a change in procedure or legislation external to the Foundation has implications and who needs to be notified of the changes.
- Produce and continually monitor our operational policies; modelling best practices against the Fundraising Regulator's Code of Fundraising Practice
- Responsible for reviewing all fundraising contracts and third-party agreements for data capture to ensure they are in line with all compliance regulations, ensuring our supporter data is adequately protected, any new fundraising processes and procedures are compliant, and fulfilling the operational commitments associated. Suggest and negotiate amendments, and if the necessary compliance clauses cannot be met then decline authorisation to work with that third party.
- Assess data risks and complete Data Protection Impact Assessments where required, being prepared to work with colleagues to pull together the relevant information and present to the data protection lead for sign off. ·
Leadership
- Where necessary, be prepared to make pragmatic decisions on where we should be focusing resources.
- To develop a programme of training and guidelines to cover complicated rules and processes in a concise and accessible manner. To identify and address where the knowledge gaps exist.
- Monitor workflows and procedures identifying and implementing new efficiencies to increase work output and reduce service delivery timeframes
Skills and Experience
Essential criteria
- Experience of working in a compliance or similar function
- Experience of working in fundraising or with fundraisers
- Project management experience, leading multi-faceted projects
- Experience of working in a regulated environment
- Experience in creating and delivering strategic objectives and plans
- Experience of reviewing a variety of legal agreements, including gift agreements and similar documentation
- Experience of writing policies and procedures Knowledge of the Raiser's Edge or similar fundraising CRM system (desirable) or demonstrable ability to get quickly to grasp with new data systems Essential criteria
- Extensive knowledge of UK Data Protection legislation (in particular UK GDPR and PECR), Fundraising Regulations (Code of Fundraising Practice and Charity Commission regulations) and a track record of how to apply them.
- Problem-solving skills
- Ability to understand and interpret complex legislation, regulations and guidance and make it accessible to others.
- Ability to constructively challenge the status quo and see alternative solutions to overcome barriers.
- Excellent team player willing to be flexible to support colleagues in a busy environment.
- Numerate with the ability to record and assimilate complex information accurately
- Excellent time management with the ability to prioritise the work of a team and produce high-quality outputs
Benefits
- Up to 12% employer pension contribution.
- Annual personal development budget.
- Annual health and wellbeing personal allowance.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, and parental leave pay accessible without length of service requirements.
- Health and wellbeing programme that offers optional free yearly health check-ups.
- Support for healthy eating via fruit bowls and onsite lunch facilities.
- Agile working, flexible hours, and supportive IT Kit.
- Shower facilities and bike lock area.
- Generous annual leave (27 days + bank holidays)
- Subsidies for glasses
- Employee Assistance Programme
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Every 6 minutes someone learns that they are losing their sight. Every five hours, a baby is born with sight problems. In these moments, two profound questions emerge:
• Can this be stopped?
• How do I (or my child) live this life?
The merger of Fight for Sight and Vision Foundation on 1st April 2023 will enable us to address both questions. By combining our strengths and expertise we’ll be the only significant national funder with the efficiency, capability, and capacity to increase investment in medical research and social improvement. Together we can mitigate both the prevalence and impact of sight loss.
We have a clear ambition, led by our CEO, Keith Valentine, who has valuable lived experience of sight loss. This ambition includes retail growth plans and an income generation strategy to open more shops over the next 5 years. We currently operate 11 shops selling donated goods, including an online eBay shop.
We are now looking for experienced, committed, and creative individuals to join our dynamic team as we devise and launch a new five-year strategy. You’ll be part of something impactful, we’d love to hear from you.
The East Sheen Shop Manager will play a crucial role in the future growth of our newly merged charity and the impact that we can achieve through partnership for people with sight loss.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND PERSON SPECIFICATION
Responsible to
Area Manager
Direct reports
Immediately responsible for recruiting and developing a team of dedicated volunteers. In due course the role and responsibilities may grow in line with organisational growth and priorities.
Working hours and contract
Permanent, full-time
Salary
£26,750, plus OTE Bonus
Location
East Sheen
Role Responsibilities:
Purpose of Job
· To coach, lead and manage a team of volunteers
· Drive sales performance to exceed targets, maximising cost efficiency
· Maximise shop profits through delivery of the retail strategy, including income, gift aid donor sign up and conversion, donations and other income generators.
· To achieve compliance with relevant regulation e.g., health and safety and safeguarding, whilst adhering to all policies and procedures
· To promote strong relations within the local community to enhance the profile and good name of the charity
Main Responsibilities
· To deliver shop income plan
· To achieve gift aid income objectives, donor sign up and conversion. Improving processes to deliver maximum value, coaching colleagues to success
· To support and manage volunteer pricing to ensure items are processed in line with policies and procedures, recognising and thanking the team for their contribution
· To develop a culture of ownership and follow up within own team and volunteers
· To adhere to safe, legal & secure requirements and standards for the shop, both front and back of house
· To induct, train and coach new colleagues, as evidenced through induction paperwork and development plans
· To role model and promote effective team communication, celebrating success and sharing best practice
· To liaise closely with the Warehouse Manager, Area Support and Volunteer Manager and Area Manager
· To role model exceptional customer service to supporters and donors, providing feedback in a timely manner
· To ensure the highest standards of customer care and service are demonstrated by self, line reports and volunteers
· Promote, monitor and act on internal and external customer feedback
· To evidence effective local networking to generate donations and volunteer engagement, including local business and other stakeholders
· To monitor and check security of stock and debrief variances with the Area Manager
· To proactively assess own development needs and seek out development opportunities to enhance contribution to Retail objectives and operations
· To take ownership of good housekeeping for all areas of responsibility
· To accept responsibility and carry out any other task commensurate to the role
Person specification:
Skills, knowledge & experience
Sales and Profit
· Monitor and be accountable for sales and category performance, as well as ensure that the team are aware of and engaged in the shop’s financial performance
· Foster a creative and entrepreneurial shop environment where team members seek to maximise income in new and innovative ways both within the shop and through a variety of channels, such as community events
· Manage the team to maximise income from Gift Aid on donated products
· Ensure that all of Vision Foundation financial procedures are adhered to and executed in a timely fashion by the shop team
Shop Floor
· Ensure sourcing sufficient levels of donated stock locally in collaboration with the shop team
· Establish efficient and commercially successful stock processing systems (such as pricing, quality standards, consumer safety, stock density and culling stock), including backroom systems and ensure these are adhered to by the volunteer team. Ensure that all legal and Vision Foundation internal regulations regarding donated stock are adhered to
· Inspire the team to provide a great customer and donor experience, which enables The Vision Foundation to attract new supporters every day. Ensure that feedback, including complaints are escalated to the Area Manager within the agreed timeframes
· Empower the team to create original, appropriate and commercially successful visual merchandising displays, including shop windows
· Make sure that all procedures for the sale of new products are followed by the volunteer team (if applicable)
· Work with the Area Manager to ensure our shops are in good condition, maximise their potential and are fit for purpose
· Provide a safe and healthy working environment and ensure that all team members are aware of and operate within Vision Foundation’s health and safety policies and procedures, including waste management and customer safety
Leadership - Volunteers
· Recruit, induct, and retain an inclusive and diverse volunteer team, which is large enough in numbers and capable to maximise the shop’s income and profitability and guarantee the smooth running of the shop.
· Maintain an empowered, well trained, motivated and engaged volunteer team with excellent levels of communication at team and individual level.
· Connect the volunteer team with Vision Foundation’s work and help them to understand the value of their contribution
Leadership - Paid Staff
· Recruit, induct, and retain an inclusive and diverse volunteer team, which is large enough in numbers and capable to maximise the shop’s income and profitability and guarantee the smooth running of the shop.
· Maintain an empowered, well trained, motivated and engaged volunteer team with excellent levels of communication at team and individual level.
· Connect the volunteer team with Vision Foundation’s work and help them to understand the value of their contribution.
Management - being part of Vision Foundation
· Play active part in the charity, including attending and contributing to all-staff meetings
· Play a key role in enabling the shop to represent Vision Foundation and increase the knowledge of the local community about our mission and work
· Be accountable for the integration of the shop into the local community in collaboration with the shop team
· Empower the team to respond to all appeals and fundraising opportunities.
· Adhere to and enforce Vision Foundation’s safeguarding policies.
Other
· Required to adhere to Vision Foundation’s vision, mission and values
· Understanding of and commitment to adhere to equality, diversity, and staff health and wellbeing principles
Personal qualities
· The ability to work under pressure whilst remaining calm and organised
· To be receptive to change and to act as a change agent
· The ability to maintain excellent rapport with staff, volunteers, supporters, and donors
· To demonstrate a calm and logical approach to problem solving
· To consistently demonstrate a dedicated approach to the quality of customer service and team working.
· Comfortable working in a small team both strategically and operationally
· Commitment to teamwork, business partnering and a collegiate approach – with a ‘can do’ attitude and a sense of humour.
· Able to provide positive, dynamic, tenacious and flexible leadership at all times.
· Results-driven, able to measure and quantify own outcomes.
· Adaptable to changing landscape and evolving organisation.
· Willing and able to operate at pace in an organisation going through rapid change, using your initiative and delivering to tight deadlines
· Excellent verbal and written communication skills
· Highly organised with ability to plan effectively and allocate resources appropriately.
· An understanding of and commitment to London’s blind and partially sighted people.
Flexibility
· The role description is a general outline of duties and responsibilities and may be amended as the newly merged charity develops and the role grows. The post holder may be required to undertake other duties as may be reasonably required from time to time.
When writing job applications, we want to see if candidates are the right fit for our charity, so they should be written using your own words. Use of Artificial Intelligence, such as Chat GPT, is considered plagiarism, and applications drafted with the assistance of AI will be automatically rejected.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Task Ahead: Finance Manager
As The Difference moves from its early start-up phase into the delivery of our 2025-30 strategy, our programmes and sector-influencing work are expanding to reach more schools and to deepen our impact. Alongside this growth, our team - and the operational function which supports them - is also growing.
As Finance Manager, you will be a key member of the Finance & Operations team. You will hold end-to-end responsibility for the finance function, from reconciliations to budgeting. You will decide where and how our existing processes could be improved, as well as developing new systems that will underpin our work as a larger and more established charity. You will be supported by the Director of People, Finance & Operations, as well as our external auditors.
The Difference is still a small and growing charity. This means that our work is fast-paced, our roles are broad, and there is a culture of being reactive and flexible, as the needs of the organisation evolve. If this sounds exciting rather than daunting, then this could be the role and team for you!
Areas of Responsibility
The Difference is looking for a Finance Manager to lead our finance function in the following ways:
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Oversee our internal bookkeeping, payment, and accounting processes, and improve these systems ongoingly.
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Lead on budgeting and forecasting across the organisation, supporting teams to predict income and expenditure and make sound financial decisions.
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Lead on the production of management accounting information, including internal monthly management accounts, quarterly reports for Trustees, and financial reports for investors.
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Lead on The Difference’s audit process, with external auditors.
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Work with the Development & Impact Manager to update fundraising pipelines, and ensure the availability of high quality income projections for Trustees.
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Support accurate budgeting and reporting for grant funding, including tracking spend of restricted funds.
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Support business planning by working with teams to model potential future work - e.g. costs of expansion of an existing programme; modelling potential new programmes.
Person Specification
Essential – We are looking for the following skills, aptitude and experience; though you may be stronger in some areas than others:
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Values – Your experience evidences shared values with The Difference (see below) and a personal commitment to our mission to improve life outcomes for vulnerable people.
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Finance experience, operational and strategic – Experience across all areas of finance, from accurate invoicing, payments and record-keeping, through to setting and managing budgets, financial modelling and forecasting, and working with external accountants or auditors.
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Finance process development – Experience of developing finance systems; the ability to recognise how processes could be continuously improved, and enact this improvement.
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Leadership of self and others – Confident in identifying skills or information gaps within your team, and drawing on the expertise of others to address these gaps. Able to show how you've continually grown your own skills and those of your team members so that together you can efficiently cover workload and plan ahead.
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Proactive problem-solving – Ability to thrive in a fast-paced start-up environment and to problem-solve: from rolling sleeves up and diving into detail to working collaboratively to build capacity.
Desired – You are more likely to be successful in your application if you have one or more of the following additional experiences:
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Accounting qualification and experience - Some form of accounting qualification and post-qualification experience.
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Early-stage charity/social enterprise experience – You may have specific experience growing charities or businesses for social good at the early or start-up phase.
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Experience of charity finances – You may have worked for or supported other charities, and have experience of working with philanthropic grants, charity accounting, and governance.
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Insight into schools – You may have experience working in the education sector, whether that’s through working for a business or charities that partnered with schools, or through working in a school yourself.
Why Work for The Difference?
Schooling isn’t working for the children who need it most. Every week in England 109 children – equivalent to three full classrooms – are permanently excluded. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Since the pandemic, school suspensions have risen significantly, as has persistent absenteeism. 1 in 5 children are missing more than 10% of their time in school. Children who are excluded or persistently absent are much more likely to already be experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage. They are more likely to live in poverty, have additional learning needs, suffer mental health challenges, or experience a lack of safety outside school. Certain ethnicities are also disproportionately affected, notably Gypsy Roma Traveller and black Caribbean children.
Exclusion and high rates of absence can have a dramatic effect on life chances. These young people are more likely to drop out of education or employment, become vulnerable to long-term mental ill health, or be at risk of criminal exploitation. The Difference believes that children and young people deserve better and that the education system has to change.
Our Organisation
The Difference is a young education charity, founded to change the story on lost learning. By 2030, we want rates of exclusion and absence to be falling nationally and for schools to be better equipped to support all children, including those who may be vulnerable. The Difference was born out of a year of research into school exclusions with think-tank IPPR. This research identified a lack of inclusion expertise in schools and proposed a new leadership development programme to fill this gap. In 2018, Difference founder Kiran hired the team who took this idea from concept to reality, beginning work with our first schools.
The Difference is now a 22-strong team delivering multiple school leadership programmes, alongside a growing research and policy arm. The team is supported by our Youth Advisory Board, made up of young people who have experienced exclusion and who provide their expertise and insights on how school inclusion work should be done. This work is needed more than ever. Effects of COVID-19, coupled with the spiralling cost of living, have substantially increased levels of vulnerability. Schools serving excluded pupils face under-funding. The Difference has had excellent early impact but there is work ahead to capture this, share learning with schools and policy-makers, and grow our capacity to lower exclusions across England.
Our Values
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High Expectations - We are ambitious for excellence from young people, colleagues and ourselves. We don’t believe in writing off someone’s potential because of their identity or experience of crisis.
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Strong Relationships - We prioritise genuine relationships over transactional interactions, and know that this requires deliberate relational practice. We see colleagues and partners as people first and their roles second; and know this greater trust allows us to take more risks, gain more feedback and have greater impact.
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Internalised Locus of Control - We work hard to reframe difficult situations to discover what we have within our power in terms of solutions. We take it upon ourselves to walk towards challenges and can take a high level of ownership and agency in our work/
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Pragmatism - We believe leadership means recognising current limitations and striving for improvements within and beyond them. We develop consensus and chart new ways forward, challenging false and extreme positions like “zero exclusions” or “no excuses”.
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Scientific approach - We take a diagnostic approach to unpicking causes of problems. We are loud and proud of our failures, recognising failing fast and often is key to finding the best solutions. We test solutions and are willing to use data and feedback to make adjustments and choose new directions.
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Not Squeamish about Structural Inequality - We believe patterns of inequality can and should be disrupted. We strive to be clear-eyed about these inequalities, and both the individual practice and system-changes required to address them. We push ourselves to overcome awkwardness in talking about this; and begin by acknowledging our own biases and blind spots.
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Asset-based - We work hard to avoid deficit thinking and aim to start with what’s strong, not what’s wrong. We are careful not to frame our colleagues and stakeholders - particularly young people and families – as victims but instead to recognise their agency.
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Wise selves - To both enjoy work and do their best, we want to make decisions and work with others in our “wise” - or regulated - selves. We also want to bring our compassionate self to those we work with, externally and internally, to support one another through challenging times.
How To Apply
To apply, please complete all sections of the application form by midnight on Sunday 19th May.
First round interviews will be held during the week beginning 27th May, over video call. Please indicate if you would not be available to attend an interview during this week.
If successful in this stage, second round interviews (including a task to be completed the same day) will take place on the week beginning 3rd June, at our office in Bethnal Green.
We are committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourage applications from under-represented groups in the charity sector such as people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, people with experience in the care system, non-graduates and first-in-family graduates.
As part of our commitment to fairer recruitment, all applications will be assessed with names and any protected characteristics redacted.
Recommended Reading
If you’d like to understand more about The Difference and what we are trying to achieve, we would recommend the following:
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The research which underpins our organisation.
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Our latest Impact Report, sharing our work in 2023
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.