Organisation development manager jobs in Leighton buzzard, central bedfordshire

Are you passionate about driving excellence in patient-centered imaging? Join us at the Royal College of Radiologists where you’ll lead expert teams in assessing radiology services across the UK from independent clinics to major NHS trusts delivering evidence-based evaluations that spark real, lasting improvement.

The Quality Standard for Imaging (QSI) defines what’s needed to deliver safe, effective, and patient-centred imaging services. A well-established partnership between the RCR and the College of Radiographers, the QSI supports imaging providers in embedding a culture of continuous quality improvement and achieving excellence.

As a Quality Review Partner, you’ll play a pivotal role in upholding and advancing these standards. Drawing on your professional expertise, you’ll lead assessments of radiology services across a diverse range of settings — from small independent providers to large, multisite NHS and private organisations. You’ll guide expert review teams in delivering independent, evidence-based evaluations, and produce focused reports and action plans that drive meaningful improvement.

What you’ll do:

• Act as the designated Quality Review Partner for a portfolio of imaging services across the UK.
• Provide expert guidance to QSI leads on both the review process and the standards.
• Manage the full review cycle for services in your portfolio.
• Select and coordinate review team members in collaboration with the Quality Improvement Administrator.
• Participate in quality assurance and moderation activities to ensure consistency and rigour.

What you’ll bring:

• Demonstrable experience in quality assurance, accreditation, or evaluation assessments, or in healthcare quality management.
• Strong knowledge of quality assurance and assessment approaches.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, tailored to diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to prioritise effectively while remaining adaptable to changing needs.
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to build strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.

If you’re a confident, high-performing professional with a passion for quality improvement, we’d love to hear from you. Learn more about the role, the RCR, and how to apply in the Quality Review Partner candidate pack.

Why join us:

• Make a difference to the lives of Doctors and the specialities they work in every day!
• Hybrid working (60% working week can be done remotely)
• Modern working environment
• Equipment provided to work from home
• Generous annual leave allowance
• Excellent pension scheme
• Interest free season ticket loan and cycle to work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme

We are looking for a strategic, values-driven and collaborative Charity Director/CEO to lead DS Achieve (a small charity) through its next stage, building on strong foundations to ensure long-term sustainability and meaningful impact for the families we support.

This is a rewarding opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of a small community-focused charity supporting children and young people with Down Syndrome. Working closely with the Board of Trustees, you will provide strategic leadership, guide the development of the organisation, and support a committed team to deliver high-quality services for families across Hertfordshire and surrounding areas.

Please see the attached Role Profile for details.

Strategic Partnerships Manager

MedicAlert
Salary: £37,000
Location: Office based; hybrid; or home based (with 1-2 days per month at the office)
Contract: Permanent, full-time

Charity People is delighted to be partnering with MedicAlert to recruit a Strategic Partnerships Manager, a fantastic new role at an exciting point in the charity's growth.

MedicAlert is the UK's only medical ID charity, supporting people living with medical conditions, allergies and implants to live with confidence, independence and peace of mind. Through its globally recognised medical ID system and 24/7 emergency support, MedicAlert ensures vital medical information is available when it matters most.

2024 marked the 60th anniversary of The MedicAlert Foundation. Over six decades, MedicAlert has been a trusted provider of emergency identification for individuals with medical conditions and allergies.

MedicAlert's purpose is simple yet powerful:

To ensure that everyone with a medical condition or allergy can live a safer, more independent life - with emergency responders able to access their critical medical details instantly.

This role offers a brilliant opportunity to shape and grow MedicAlert's strategic partnerships function, helping to significantly extend reach, diversify income and grow membership - ultimately enabling more people to live safer, more independent lives.

The role

As Strategic Partnerships Manager, you will be a driving force behind MedicAlert's life-saving mission, developing, securing and stewarding partnerships across the charity, public and private sectors.

You will own the full partnership lifecycle - from research and relationship building through to delivery, evaluation and renewal - working closely with the Director of Marketing and Development, CEO and Leadership Team. Acting as a central point of coordination internally and externally, you will design partnership models that deliver meaningful social impact alongside sustainable income and organisational growth

Key responsibilities

• Identify, research and prioritise prospective strategic partners whose values, audiences and objectives align with MedicAlert's mission
• Develop and implement flexible partnership models across sectors, assessing opportunities based on impact, reach, income and strategic value
• Lead the development and management of partnership proposals, negotiations and agreements
• Deliver partnership-led income generation, including B2B sales of MedicAlert membership, sponsorship and commercial opportunities
• Build and steward strong, long-term relationships, ensuring mutual commitments are delivered effectively
• Coordinate partnership activity across the organisation, ensuring clarity, feasibility and strong internal engagement
• Monitor, evaluate and report on partnership performance, impact and ROI for a range of internal audiences

About you

You will be an experienced partnerships or business development professional with a track record of developing and managing strategic partnerships that deliver tangible results.

You are likely to bring:

• Experience building partnerships within the charity, public or private sectors
• A commercially minded approach, with experience of income generation through partnerships or B2B relationships
• Strong stakeholder management skills, including confidence working with senior leaders
• The ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on delivery
• A collaborative, proactive and solutions-focused approach

Application process & timeline

To express your interest in this fantastic opportunity, please send your CV to Kevin Croasdale at Charity People, our recruitment partner. If your profile aligns with what we're looking for, we will be in touch with more information and next steps.

Closing date: Monday 13th April

First stage interviews: Tuesday 21st April
Second stage interviews: Tuesday 28th April

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.

WORK WITH US – FOR WILDER, INCLUSIVE NATIONAL PARKS  

We are the only independent charity dedicated to securing the future of National Parks in England and Wales. Our independence from government means we can speak out for Protected Landscapes when no-one else can. Our mission is clear: we’re here to unite, inspire and empower everyone to take action and enjoy wilder National Parks.  

We recognise that the environment sector is under-represented by people of colour, those from low-income backgrounds, LGBTQ+ and disabled people. We want to change that and warmly welcome applications from people from all backgrounds. We can offer support with the recruitment process (including reasonable adjustments) to ensure everyone can apply on an equal footing. If you would like support, please email recruitment @ cnp . org . uk.
 

NATIONAL PARKS REIMAGINED MANAGER 

If you have an interest in National Parks and are excited about the prospect of working on a project that invites us to imagine what’s truly possible for our National Parks — and to use that imagination as a catalyst for bold, positive change, we want to hear from you!

• £35,000 - £38,000 per annum

• Permanent  

• Home based - within commutable distance to London/South East for monthly meetings in person  

• Full-time (35 hours per week)  

The National Parks Reimagined project is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. We are recruiting a Project Manager to lead development and delivery of the project that will drive landscape recovery by bringing a more diverse range of people in caring for our shared natural and cultural heritage. By listening to and learning from young people, members of the public, and those working every day to realise nature-rich National Parks for everyone, we’ll scale up action.

The Project Manager will manage the delivery of this exciting new project, working closely with the whole Campaign for National Parks team.    

We invite you to add your imagination, your energy and your excellent project management skills to reimagine National Parks as even better places where people and nature thrive.
 

About our team 

Work/life balance is really important to us and everyone in our team has a flexible working arrangement so that our work fits in with our lives. We offer: home working, support including an Employee Assistant Programme, and enhanced holiday allowance and pension contributions. Above all, by joining our team you can make a big difference – we’re a small organisation and everyone in the team has a big say in what we do and how we do it.  
 

To find out more, including how to apply, download the Job Description and Application Pack. 

Apply by 18:00, Monday 6th April.  

Please note, we intend to hold 1st interviews online during the week of the 27th April. 

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

We are looking for a Regional Development Officer for Glasgow. In this role, you will be a warm, visible ambassador for Mary’s Meals – igniting enthusiasm, inspiring action, and helping people across your region join our mission and help feed more children. We require someone to be based in or a short commutable distance to cover the region.

By building genuine, values‑driven relationships and using insight to guide your priorities, you’ll nurture local networks, identify high‑potential opportunities, and confidently grow income, participation, and supporter engagement. Through strategic, outward‑facing work, you’ll turn first conversations into committed, long‑term support that strengthens our movement and fuels our mission.

Working closely with the Head of Scotland you will co-create and deliver a tailored local growth plan that reflects your region's communities and opportunities. You will represent Mary’s Meals across schools, churches, corporates and community partners and playa pivotal role in activating supporters, mobilising volunteers, and sharing compelling local stories.​

Operating with high autonomy, you will use insights and data to focus on high potential and growth areas, and collaborate closely with our Philanthropy & Partnerships, Supporter Experience and Communications teams to deliver seamless supporter journeys and strong storytelling. Everything you do will reflect Mary’s Meals’ warmth and dignity, helping us reach more children through relationship-led growth.

To apply for the role of Regional Development Officer based at Mary’s Meals UK, please follow the apply instructions on Charity Job and you will be directed to our website.

Applicants must hold full right to work in the UK.

We welcome applications from candidates of all different backgrounds and identities to apply. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse charity providing a supportive place for you to do the best and most rewarding work of your career.

Closing date for applications is Thursday, 2 April

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

Please note: If you have any special requirements or adjustments before an interview, please let us know.

We are looking for a dynamic, values-led, strategic leader to drive our mission for migration justice and social work solidarity. The role entails oversight of the operations and strategy of the organisation, responsibility for financial management and fundraising, maintaining the health of the organisation and embedding anti-racist and anti-opressive values into every aspect of the organisation. 

Closing date for applications: 24th April 2026, 23:59 (BST)   

Organisation: Scriptoria Sustainable Development Solutions

Contract: Full time, permanent 

Location: Flexible (remote or London-based), with regular business travel; preference given to candidates based in the South of England/Midlands, as business travel is predominantly within these regions

Salary: £35,000 – £38,000 – depending on experience 

Start date: ASAP 

Do you have a scientific PhD and postdoc/industry experience? Do you want to apply your scientific skills and research experience to health and sustainable development projects? Are you interested in meeting people, sharing your skills and learning to be a first-class communicator? Then this is the job for you.

Who we are 

Scriptoria is a values-driven, ethically focused consulting company that has a strong international reputation for excellence. We specialise in helping clients around the world to tackle sustainable development, poverty reduction, health, and climate and environmental issues. Our Consulting, Data, Communications and Training Teams focus on knowledge management, data management and communications to help research, international development, government and other organisations better manage information and communicate their findings.

Who we're looking for 

We are looking for a dynamic new team member with a PhD in a science/STEM subject to join our innovative Consulting Team and to contribute to the work of our Data and Training Teams. Agriculture and the health sciences are areas we are particularly interested in.

Specifically, we want an individual with a passion for research and sustainable development, a friendly, outgoing personality and a willingness to learn new skills. We’re looking for someone who wants to engage with international development and research projects to help them work more efficiently and have a greater impact.

This role will offer a range of experiences and the opportunity to contribute to the diverse range of services that Scriptoria provides.

Approximately half of your time will be spent working with our exceptionally experienced team of knowledge management and data consultants to help us develop and deliver cutting-edge data-management/analytics solutions and project-management software systems to our clients.

Your work will also involve working to help us manage and organise the projects we deliver to clients. The other half of your time will involve meeting with and training clients (to pass on your skills in research communications), both online and through face-to-face courses. Finally, you will be encouraged to contribute to company-wide strategy and business development.

Your role will include:

• Helping sustainable development and research programs to develop and implement digital tools and analytics systems to better manage their workflows and use their data 

• Working with projects in Africa and Asia to provide technical advisory and consulting services to help them to better manage and share information, knowledge and data

• Training and mentoring international researchers by delivering courses, workshops, and individual support in areas including journal article/report writing, grant writing, project management and communications for non-specialists 

• Contributing to business development across the company, including marketing and client outreach.

Working with Scriptoria 

Our senior team has an exceptional skill set, and we recognise that candidates with all the skills we need simply may not exist. But don’t worry, if you have some of the skills we want but lack others – we will train you to fill those gaps. This will include thorough training in the delivery of our well-respected training courses.

Our staff have the choice to work wholly or partly from home or from our office in Tooting, SW London, during regular operational hours (08:30–17:30). If working from home, staff must have a working environment suitable for holding video-call meetings/training sessions with clients.

Wherever you work, you will interact regularly with senior team members to gain new skills and exchange ideas. 

This role requires regular business travel and overnight stays to deliver training courses (mostly in the UK, estimated 2 to 8 days per month). Most in-person training is delivered across the South of England and the Midlands (typically within around 2 hours’ travel of London). The role may also involve international travel, including to developing countries (in line with UK government guidance). Applicants must be willing to travel and stay overnight as required and be based in a location with good transport links to key training locations such as London, Birmingham and Cambridge.

Key skills and experience 

Essential 

Qualifications and skills 

• A PhD in a quantitative STEM research subject 

• 2 years minimum of postdoc/industry experience (in a research or research-support role) 

• A strong understanding of research processes and data analysis and management 

• A demonstrated talent for writing - including writing journal articles and writing for non-specialists 

• At least one first-author paper in a peer-reviewed journal 

• Experience delivering live training/teaching courses 

• An excellent, practical knowledge of MS Excel and MS PowerPoint 

• Excellent English language skills, to the standard of a native speaker 

• The right to work in the UK.

Characteristics and interests 

• A friendly, open personality (bright, resilient, cheerful, confident) 

• A passion for international development and building researchers’ skills 

• An interest in information management and technology, data systems and analytics and in helping create new IT systems and software (programming skills are not required for this role) 

• A willingness to travel and to take a flexible approach to working hours when travelling 

• The confidence required to give presentations and training courses and to lead (facilitate) meetings, online and in person 

• The ability to work very well under pressure and self-manage 

• The ability to juggle multiple tasks and work alongside the company Directors. 

Desirable 

• Experience working on collaborative research projects with international partners 

• Experience working with programs such as Microsoft SharePoint, Power BI, or other knowledge management tools

• Experience with statistical analysis in R 

• Experience in grant writing and/or grant management 

• Experience writing communications materials that translate science for non-specialists and encourage engagement. 

Salary and annual leave 

Salary will depend on qualifications and experience but is expected to be between £35,000 and £38,000 p/a (depending on experience). Annual leave is 25 days per year plus public holidays (33 days).

Does this sound like you?

If you love being outdoors, enjoy talking to people and have amazing organisation skills, then our Events Fundraising Officer role is for you. Each year, almost 1,000 people take part in a Youth Adventure Challenge Event. We are looking for a dynamic Events Fundraising Officer to help recruit and support our fundraisers, assist with the organisation of events and help us to develop this significant income stream.

Working alongside the Challenge Events Manager, the Events Fundraising Officer is instrumental in every step of delivering well-managed, fun and safe events for our corporate partners and event participants, as well as ensuring the fundraising success of each event.

Excellent communication and people skills will be essential as you will play a key role in building up relationships with the clients, the participants and their supporters. Furthermore, you will be involved in the whole process of event organisation, including developing the event, preparing the resources, helping with logistics, maintaining accurate records, reporting and banking and thanking. 

The Fundraising Officer must be self-motivated, well organised, able to multi-task, a strong administrator, a fantastic team player, have excellent inter-personal skills and enjoy being outdoors.  Paid or voluntary experience in a fundraising environment is essential.  This is a great opportunity for somebody looking to take the next step in their career, with plenty of scope to develop your skills and experience within a supportive team. Whilst the role is home-based you must live in the South West to ensure easy access for in-person meetings.

The Charity

At the Youth Adventure Trust, we use outdoor adventure to empower vulnerable young people from Swindon, Wiltshire and Somerset to fulfil their potential and lead positive lives in the future. We work with them to build resilience, develop confidence and learn skills that will last a lifetime, helping them to face the challenges in their lives. Dedicated support, guidance and mentoring from our staff and volunteers ensures young people receive the maximum benefit from our long-term intervention. Our aim is to make a lasting improvement to the lives of vulnerable young people. All our services are provided completely free of charge to the young people who are nominated by schools and other youth organisations to take part.

We’re proud to offer our programmes completely free of charge to participants which means the fundraising team is crucial. With ambitious plans to help more young people over the coming years, our Events Fundraising Officer role is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference. You’ll be well-supported as part of a small fundraising team with a big heart, with plenty of opportunities to visit our programmes and see the tangible impact of your work.

Safer Recruitment

The Youth Adventure Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and requires all employees to share this commitment. The suitability of all prospective employees will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment and in compliance with current employment legislation, and relevant safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance. 

This is a a unique opportunity has arisen within a national breastfeeding charity to support the organisation through an exciting new phase of development. 

The ABM is a small but growing national charity. To support our expanding activity, we are creating a new role that provides comprehensive administrative and operational support across the organisation. The Team Support Officer will ensure the smooth running of core processes while also assisting colleagues working across all functions, including but not limited to, fundraising, communications, training, governance, and events.

This new post integrates and expands on previous administrative functions, providing flexible operational support across all areas of ABM’s work. It replaces the former Administrator and Admin Assistant roles, bringing together core administrative functions with additional capacity to support ABM’s strategic growth.

We are seeking a dynamic and highly motivated individual with excellent communication skills who will be a first point of contact with our membership network.

You will proactively increase member engagement whilst nurturing existing relationships and demonstrating commitment to promoting the value of helplines.

This role is supporting the Partnership and Engagement manager to deliver a sustainable membership and partnership model that keeps pace in a constantly moving and diverse climate.

You will be central in supporting HLP’s sustainability and will help to progress continued growth and attract new and diverse collaborations.

You will ideally have experience of working within a fast-paced and proactive team. You will enjoy engaging with a wide range of diverse stakeholders.

The role is predominantly home-based with regular travel to meetings and events. 

We offer attractive staff benefits including 25 days’ annual leave rising with length of service, a company pension scheme, free life assurance and an employee assistance programme.  HLP is committed to equality of opportunity.

Clinks 

Clinks supports, promotes and represents the voluntary sector working with people in the criminal justice system and their families. Our vision is of a vibrant, independent and resilient voluntary sector that enables people to transform their lives. 

Job purpose 

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced and organised candidate to join Clinks and play a key role in delivering our annual programme of events and training. 

The Events and Training Officer will lead on the planning, coordination and delivery of Clinks’ busy calendar of member engagement activity, including online and in-person events, training sessions, and our flagship annual conference. 

Events and training at Clinks are delivered collaboratively across teams, and the post-holder will help coordinate this programme while also taking an active role in delivery. They will ensure that Clinks’ events and training offer is high quality, accessible, well-promoted, and responsive to the needs of the voluntary sector working in criminal justice. 

This role requires someone who is confident managing multiple priorities, working collaboratively across the organisation, and building strong relationships with external stakeholders. 

Reports to:  Senior Member and Digital Development Officer

Responsible for: None 
 

1. Duties and key responsibilities 

Events and Training Programme Coordination 

• Coordinate the delivery of Clinks’ annual programme of events and training, working with colleagues across the organisation to ensure a consistent, high-quality offer. 

• Manage the full event lifecycle, including planning, logistics, speaker and facilitator liaison, registration, delivery support and follow-up. 

• Act as the main point of contact for all events and training enquiries, providing excellent support to members, delegates and partners. 

• Ensure events are delivered in the most cost-effective way, to budget, and in line with Clinks’ internal processes. 

• Support staff across Clinks to deliver events and training sessions, including providing guidance, templates, systems support and coordination. 

• Promote all events and training opportunities through appropriate channels, working closely with communications colleagues. 

• Manage relationships with external facilitators and event partners to ensure smooth delivery and strong collaboration. 

• Monitor pricing and access to ensure smaller organisations are supported, while also contributing to Clinks’ income generation targets. 

• Collect, analyse and report on feedback and evaluation data to inform continuous improvement. 

Annual Conference Planning and Delivery 

• Lead on the planning and delivery of Clinks’ annual conference, working closely with colleagues across the organisation. 

• Coordinate venue liaison, suppliers, programme planning, speaker management, delegate communications and event-day delivery. 

• Develop and manage the conference project timeline, ensuring milestones are met and risks are proactively addressed. 

• Support opportunities for sponsorship, partnerships and income generation linked to the conference. 

• Ensure the conference reflects Clinks’ strategic priorities and provides an engaging, inclusive experience for members and stakeholders. 

Membership Engagement Support 

• Support the wider Membership team to ensure events and training align with Clinks’ membership offer and benefits. 

• Encourage member engagement through forums, learning opportunities and networking events. 

• Work with colleagues to identify unmet need across the sector and shape future event and training activity accordingly. 

• Contribute to the development and implementation of Clinks’ membership and engagement strategy, particularly where it connects to events delivery. 

Systems, Administration and Digital Support 

• Oversee event booking and registration systems, ensuring accurate records and smooth user journeys. 

• Maintain and update relevant website content linked to events, training and learning resources. 

• Ensure event data is recorded accurately to support evaluation and reporting. 

• Support ongoing improvements to systems and processes for managing events and training efficiently. 

General responsibilities 

• Represent and be an ambassador for Clinks 

• Work to support the mission, ethos and values of Clinks 

• Be flexible and carry out other associated duties as may arise, develop or be assigned in line with the broad remit of the position 

• Support and promote diversity and equality of opportunity in the workplace 

• Work collaboratively with others in all aspects of our work 

This job description does not form part of your contract of employment and can be amended from time to time as the needs of the organisation require. 

Trusts and Foundations Manager
Permanent | Full time
Ideally 1 or 2 days a week in either in Coventry or Middlesbrough
circa £38,000 - £45.000 per annum

Are you an experienced trusts & foundations fundraiser looking to join a much loved charity which supports babies and young children who have life-limiting and life-threatening conditions.

Aquilas is delighted to be supporting Zoe’s Place in the appointment of a new Trusts and Foundations Manager, a key role at an exciting time of growth for the charity.

About the charity

Zoe’s Place is the only baby specific hospice charity in the UK, providing specialist palliative, respite and end of life care for children aged 0 to 5 with life limiting and life-threatening conditions. They offer a safe, nurturing and joyful environment where families can feel completely supported. With their dedicated nurses delivering 24-hour care, they work together to make every moment of childhood count.

About the role:

Supporting the delivery of Zoe’s Place overall income generation strategy, by researching, record keeping, applying and reporting to a portfolio of trusts and foundations to deliver long term sustainable income growth for the Trust. Overall accountability for capital projects across the Trust

Key Responsibilities:

Account manage the trust and foundations fundraising function   

• Contribute to the maintenance of a comprehensive database for both hospice sites of all relevant grant making trusts and keep up to date with changes in the sector.
• Develop and write applications and bids to a wide range of funders as required.
• Work collaboratively with the Head of Fundraising and fundraising colleagues to ensure all funding opportunities are maximised
• Manage and develop relationships with new and existing funding partners.
• Work collaboratively with Director of Clinical Services, clinical teams and finance to prepare bids and reports.
• Ensure funding partners receive timely and appropriate information about the progress and outcomes of projects including written reports and evaluation in accordance with requirement.
• Responsible for delivery of income targets.
• Ensure excellent relationships are maintained with current, past and prospective funders so the Zoes Place Trust name is associated with honesty and high standards of service delivery.
• Organise visits and tours for trustees of charitable foundations if requested to both Middlesbrough and Coventry sites.

 Administration and pipeline

• Use our fundraising CRM and in line with GDPR to ensure accurate and timely record keeping allowing for good stewardship.
• Carry out detailed research on prospective foundations, identify and maintain a calendar for submitting applications.
• Working with an income pipeline / tracker to ensure accurate and timely financial forecasting, identifying risk to income and mitigating accordingly.
• Ensure activities comply with current law, guidance and best practice of the Fundraising Regulator

Person Specication:

• strong track record in Trusts and Foundations fundraising
• Experience of working in the charity Sector
• Excellent and persuasive writing skills and a sharp eye for details
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills

To Apply:

To receive a candidate pack or arrange a confidential conversation, please contact:

Kieran McGorrian, Head of Not for Profit Appointments, Aquilas (contact details in candidate pack)

Applications close 5pm Monday 20th April

Aquilas are wholly committed to equality of opportunity and diversity and we warmly welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates.  We are truly invested in our candidates and being supportive and informative throughout the application journey

About this role:

We are seeking a motivated and experienced professional to lead our fundraising and partnership development activities, supporting the diversification and growth of income across both established and emerging streams. While the role will place significant emphasis on corporate fundraising, it will also involve the strategic development of grants and trusts. You will develop strong relationships with funders, identify new opportunities, and support our members to build their own grassroots fundraising capabilities.

Working closely with both colleagues and members, you'll help shape our funding strategy, develop high quality proposals, and ensure we have the systems and insight needed for sustainable growth. Your contributions will enable us to expand our work to engage and empower communities across Britain. 

In addition, you will help shape the guidance we provide to members of the community rail movement, strengthening their grassroots fundraising capabilities and approaches.

Main responsibilities

• Manage and grow corporate relationships for the benefit of Community Rail Network and its members, nurturing effective, lasting relationships that help community rail to deliver on its aims around community development, sustainable travel, and inclusion.
• Conduct prospect research to identify new corporate supporters and relevant grant opportunities, taking a proactive approach to cultivating new leads, building networks and flagging upcoming opportunities well in advance to ensure sufficient preparation time.
• Engage, listen and pitch to funders, understanding shared priorities, articulating the value of partnering with us, and securing continued or increased support. 
• Work cross-team to create strong proposals, using member and partner insights to identify funding needs and opportunities, and develop compelling cases for support and budgets.
• Develop joint grant applications by collaborating with colleagues, members and external partners to create bids aligned with our strategic aims and which recognise our current strengths, resources and prioritie
• Support strategic funding development, working closely with the senior leadership team to shape our approach and deliver against funding objectives and ensure it is understood by colleagues.
• Champion a positive fundraising culture and ethos, providing expertise and contributing member support, training, and events across the community rail movement.
• Contribute to wider organisational activity, including using major events and campaigns, such as the Community Rail Awards, to advance fundraising efforts.
• Develop and maintain effective fundraising systems, including funder reporting, review processes, and tracking KPIs to monitor progress and impact.

Skills, competencies and experience

1. Proven skills and experience in third sector fundraising, including corporate fundraising, grant management and funder reporting, with a broad understanding of the full fundraising mix and ability to spot new opportunities.
2. A demonstrable proactive approach to relationship building, with experience engaging and stewarding funders to create long-term mutually beneficial partnerships.
3. Strong proposal/grant application and report writing skills, able to tailor communication for different audiences and stakeholders to maximise clarity, relevance and impact.
4. Excellent verbal and written communication, with the ability to gather insight and inspire engagement both internally and externally.
5. Strong organisational and time management skills, able to balance multiple and competing  priorities and meet deadlines effectively. 
6. Experience of, or demonstrable understanding of, membership organisations, including the ability to balance member needs with our organisational objectives.
7. Appreciation of and commitment to community development, empowerment and sustainability, and the value of community engagement in relation to transport.
8. Solid understanding of KPIs, targets, budgeting, and risk management, with the ability to plan, track and evaluate performance effectively.
9. A proactive, positive and self-motivated mindset, able to work independently, collaborate well, and inspire confidence in others.
10. IT literate, with a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, TEAMs, the internet and social media.

Other information

This post is home-based, but with travel (including occasional overnight stays) for team meetings, events, member engagement, and external meetings. This is a permanent position and includes a probationary period of three months from the date of appointment. Successful applicants will need to provide proof that they have the right to work in the UK and provide two references.

Benefits: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (rising up to 30 days, plus Bank Holidays, in line with long service); pension with employer contribution of 3%; flexi-time working (core hours 10am-3pm); access to Employee Assistance Programme. 

We are committed to being a flexible, supportive and understanding employer.

Community Rail Network is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from disabled people and Black, Asian and other minoritised groups, who meet with the skills and competencies for this role. We will provide reasonable adjustments for interviews as required.

Department: COO’s Office
Contract type: Permanent
Salary: Up to £115,000 per annum
Location: Home Based (UK wide travel as required)
Reports To: Chief Executive and Council Chair

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to help lead the organisation through the next phase of its development. Reporting to the Chief Executive and Council Chair, Phil Garrigan, and working closely with the Board of Trustees, the COO will play a critical role in driving organisational transformation and delivery. This will ensure NFCC is well positioned to achieve its ambitious new three-year strategy and delivery plan, including preparations for the proposed College of Fire and Rescue in 2029.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a professional, responsive and agile organisation that is focused on making a real difference to public safety.

NFCC is a charity and membership organisation dedicated to making communities safer by providing national leadership, coordination and professional expertise across UK fire and rescue services. Working at NFCC offers a unique opportunity to contribute directly to public safety, national resilience and the continuous improvement of an essential public service.

Operating at the intersection of operational practice, policy, assurance and system leadership, NFCC supports fire and rescue services to collaborate effectively, respond to complex and emerging risks, and maintain the highest professional standards. We work closely with government, regulators, emergency service partners and sector stakeholders to ensure that the collective voice of fire and rescue leaders is influential, credible and evidence-led.

As a values-driven organisation and registered charity, NFCC is committed to ethical leadership, transparency and public benefit. We foster a culture that is inclusive, collaborative and rooted in service to communities. Our people are trusted professionals, empowered to lead, innovate and deliver meaningful impact, supported by robust governance, assurance and accountability frameworks.

NFCC is a modern, agile organisation with a fully remote workforce. This enables us to attract and retain talented individuals from diverse professional backgrounds, while supporting flexible, inclusive and high-performing ways of working. We place strong emphasis on wellbeing, professional development and continuous learning, recognising that our effectiveness depends on the capability, integrity and commitment of our people.

Joining NFCC means working on issues of national significance, influencing the future of fire and rescue services, and helping to strengthen the resilience and safety of the communities we serve. If you are motivated by public service and professional excellence, have a strong focus on delivery and impact, and bring experience in leading business transformation and organisational change, this role offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to operate at the highest level of leadership.

The Selection Process

How to apply:

If you are interested in this role and think you have the skills and experience we need, please do look at the Job description on the NFCC website.

Candidates are invited to submit their CV and a covering letter setting out how they can meet the requirements set out in the job description. Please email this to the Recruitment mailbox (details found on the NFCC Website) by 23rd April 2026.

Tests for shortlisted candidates are likely to be Week commencing 4th May 2026

Interviews taking place on the 18th & 19th May 2026

NFCC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults and will require a DBS check to be completed prior to commencing in post.

NFCC is committed to being an inclusive employer. We comply with the Equality Act 2010, and we believe that everyone deserves to work in safe environments that are free from bullying, harassment and discrimination, abuse, and harm, where they feel supported, welcome, and able to thrive.

NFCC acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard, protect and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice, all staff are expected to share this commitment.