Partnership development manager jobs in Belfast

We are looking for someone who:

• Demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust with key stakeholders
• Has experience of supporting the wellbeing of caring professionals, ideally with those in Christian ministry
• Is familiar with the Anglican diocesan structures and culture
• Is a strategic thinker with experience in partnership development
• Shares our vision to see flouishing clergy

This newly created role within St Luke's is supported by a generous grant from the Henry Smith Foundation to develop our wellbeing programmes over the next three years. The Associate Director will engage with dioceses and individual clergy as they explore and embed our wellbeing programmes. 

The post holder will represent St Luke's and our Christian ethos within senior diocesan teams and help shape and deliver our strategic vision for flourishing clergy. This role will support the advancing clergy reflection programme and support dioceses, other networks and communities and Theological Educational Institutions in establishing wellbeing practices.

The role is home based with travel around the UK as required. There will be a requirement to be in London at least once a month for team meetings. 

This role carries an occupational requirement for the postholder to be a practicing Christian, in accordance with Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010. The role involves representing and upholding the Christian ethos of St Luke’s in both internal leadership and external engagement.

Please see job pack for more information.

Applicants must have eligibility to work in the UK.

About SCEC

SCEC was founded over twenty years ago to provide learning enrichment opportunities to primary school children in disadvantaged communities in south London. Together with our partners, several leading independent schools, we currently operate four schemes in math, literacy, science and art. Children learn through fun, engaging group activities like science experiments, storytelling and mathematical treasure hunts, all taught by qualified teachers with added support from student mentors. Through the schemes, children explore their curiosity, build knowledge and develop their confidence as learners.

Your Role

The Scheme Director is a newly created role that will be pivotal in helping SCEC extend its reach. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, you will help SCEC design and implement an expansion programme as well as coordinating the delivery of the existing schemes via our school partners. You will also serve as a trusted partner to the Board in the administration of the charity.

Similar to a COO, this role straddles the operational and the strategic. We are looking for a confident communicator and relationship builder who can work across varied stakeholder groups. You will have project management experience that can be applied to challenges like process design and change management. You should be able to grasp the big picture and have an eye for the details needed to deliver successful outcomes.  This is an exciting opportunity for the right candidate to join SCEC on a transformational journey working with excellent learning partners and established leaders to improve educational outcomes for children.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee scheme operations including pupil recruitment, enrolment and attendance to ensure the smooth running of schemes and maximum impact
• Promote the charity to prospective partners and donors
• Support the Board in developing, implementing and monitoring an expansion programme
• Monitor and report on scheme performance and impact
• Prepare and manage budgets and disbursement of funds 
• Build and maintain systems and processes to support scheme operations, compliance and monitoring

Key Qualities

• Passionate about making a difference in the lives of children
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing strategic plans to achieve organisational goals
• Track record of effectively managing programmes and services, including programme development, implementation, and evaluation
• Committed to working collaboratively to build strong relationships with business partners and colleagues and proactively engaging stakeholders when making decisions
• Self-motivated and highly organised, you have a strong sense of initiative and take a hands-on approach to planning and administration

Child Protection

SCEC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. This is the responsibility of the whole organisation (trustees and staff).  An enhanced DBS Disclosure is required for this role.

For more information, please see the attached Job Description below

This is an extraordinary opportunity to join Belong’s Senior Leadership Team as Director of Programmes, a pivotal role at the heart of our mission. You will lead the design, delivery, and impact of Belong’s programmes across England and Wales, ensuring they are strategic, inclusive, and evidence-based. Working closely with the CEO and senior colleagues, you will shape programme strategy, oversee complex portfolios, and drive systemic change that strengthens social cohesion nationwide.

As Director of Programmes, you will:

• Lead strategic development and delivery of Belong’s place-based programmes, ensuring alignment with our mission and values.
• Oversee programme design, implementation, evaluation, and learning to guarantee quality and measurable impact.
• Line manage a talented team of Programme Leads and Coordinators, fostering a culture of collaboration and empowerment.
• Apply systems thinking to understand the interconnected nature of community, policy, and service ecosystems.
• Build and maintain high-level partnerships with funders, commissioners, local authorities, and community organisations.
• Represent Belong at national forums, events, and networks, championing our work and influence.
• Identify and pursue new opportunities for programme development and funding, supporting organisational growth.

This is a senior leadership position that combines strategic vision with hands-on delivery. You will play a key role in shaping Belong’s future and ensuring our programmes make a lasting difference to communities across the UK.

About You
We are seeking a visionary and experienced leader with:

• Proven experience in leading complex programme portfolios and delivering impactful initiatives.
• Strong strategic thinking and planning abilities, with a track record of shaping programme strategy.
• Excellent leadership and line management skills, with the ability to inspire and develop teams.
• Experience managing diverse stakeholders, from senior decision-makers to community partners.
• Familiarity with systems change and participatory approaches.
• Understanding of social cohesion, integration, and related social policy issues.
• Strong communication and influencing skills, able to translate complex ideas into accessible messages.
• Highly organised, diplomatic, and politically astute, with experience in income generation and bid development.

Desirable: Experience in areas such as Prevent, PCVE, community tensions, hate crime, or tackling misinformation.

Personal qualities matter too: we’re looking for someone passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK, collaborative and inclusive in their leadership style, and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Why Join Us?
At Belong, you’ll be part of a dynamic, values-driven team united by a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and connected society. We offer:

• 30 days’ annual leave
• Hybrid working (typically 3 days in the office)
• Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies
• Opportunities for professional development and growth

Salary: £65,000–£70,000
Location: UK-wide (regular travel across England and Wales)
Contract: Permanent, Full-time
Closing Date: 12 January 2026

About Belong
Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is the UK’s leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to building a more united and less divided society. We work with communities, local authorities, and national partners to strengthen trust, belonging, and resilience. Through innovative place-based programmes, research, policy influence, and thought leadership, we help create stronger, kinder, and more connected communities. Our growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society, and businesses, and we are proud to champion collaboration, diversity, and evidence-led approaches.

*Our office is based in Manchester and we offer hybrid working for those able to travel there. However, this role is open UK-wide and can be worked remotely, with regular travel across England and Wales required.*

Application Closing Date: 16 January 2026 

Location: Remote or hybrid working within the UK; individuals will be required to attend episodic in-person office days in London as needed and prescribed by the organisation. This role requires applicants to be able to show that they have the right to work in the UK. 

Term: full time - 35 hours a week

Organisation: Global Greengrants Fund UK 

Salary: Salaries at Global Greengrants Fund UK (GGF UK) are dependent on applicable salary scales, internal pay policies including equity considerations and budget. Due to the ways in which salary negotiations perpetuate existing structural inequities, GGF UK has moved away from salary negotiation processes for any candidate. Our best offer for this position is £42,000 per annum. 

Benefits: We have improved our benefits package and we now offer 10% employer’s pension contribution, remote and flexible remote working, generous family and sick leave, employee assistance programme, health and life insurances, 28 days annual leave plus all UK bank holidays. 

About Global Greengrants Fund: 

Global Greengrants Fund (GGF) supports grassroots activists and civil society organisations around the world working to address environmental and social justice in over 160 countries.GGF applies a participatory and decentralised model in making grants to grassroots groups through regional and thematic boards of advisors, global partner networks and independent funds, to support grassroots environmental and social justice action. 

Global Greengrants Fund comprises two organisations located in the USA, Global Greengrants Fund Inc (established in 1993), and Global Greengrants Fund UK (established in 2012). The two organisations work closely together with a shared grantmaking programme and strategic collaboration at the senior leadership level. GGF UK consists of thirteen staff members working on fundraising and influencing philanthropy; finance; communications; and operations, with all of these functions operating autonomously but in close collaboration with their US counterpart functions. 

In 2025, Global Greengrants Fund is amid a strategic journey in which we collectively centre our values, including diversity, equity and inclusion, and organisational care in our work, and to rediscover our identity and potential after 30+ years of work. We have experienced tremendous growth over the past two years and we are thoughtfully, yet rapidly, growing our annual grantmaking, our philanthropic advocacy, and our global partnerships and collaborations to new levels. This includes creating a globally networked learning organisation and transforming our organisational culture to be more collaborative and self-steering – we call this our transformational journey. The Senior Finance and Operations Administrator needs to understand the challenges and opportunities that come with these transformations and can remain flexible, steady, and adaptable. 

The Role 

The Senior Finance and Operations Administrator is a critical, multi-functional role supporting the financial, operational and administrative systems of GGF UK. The role will report to the Head of Finance with a dotted line to the Operations Manager on all operational tasks.

Acting as a key liaison between grants management, operations and finance, this role requires taking ownership of specific financial processes – particularly those intersecting with grants payments, forex providers and internal systems. The ability to clarify issues and relay technical information across functions will be essential and hence demand high attention to detail, initiative, and the ability to navigate and communicate complex financial and grant-related processes to non-financial colleagues.

Coordinating closely with the Director of Finance and Operations, the postholder will provide proactive administrative support including diary management. 

The candidate profile. 

The successful applicant will have significant relevant experience in a similar role in a charitable, environmental, development, social justice, feminist, gender, human rights organisation, and/or grant-making organisation. They demonstrate knowledge and experience in charity/nonprofit grant accounting/financial issues and dealing with both financial and grant information and processes, understand accounting principles, and have knowledge of accounting, and grantmaking processes. They have experience of using banking services and payment experiences (including international payments). They demonstrate excellent administrative and organisational skills, and the ability to ensure the accuracy of work and demonstrate precise attention to detail. They will have the skills to give, receive, and work with feedback constructively. They also thrive in a virtual environment, motivated to take on challenges and collaboratively find innovative and creative solutions. Multiple language skills would be ideal, while English fluency is a must. 

The right candidate will understand Global Greengrants Fund’s core values and be committed to the guiding principles and mission of Global Greengrants Fund and ensure they uphold them in the way they take up the responsibilities of the role. They will value transparency and accountability, demonstrating strong critical thinking, strategic risk management, and the ability to influence and resolve differences across boundaries. With a high degree of self-awareness and insight, the candidate will excel in building strong interpersonal relationships, both within and outside the organisation, and possess outstanding communication and collaboration skills. 

How to apply: 

Applications need to be submitted through GGF UK’s job platform by 16 January 2026 date at 23:00 GMT. To apply via the job platform and to see the detailed Job Description, please click on the 'Apply' button and you will be redirected to our recruitment platform. You will be required to complete a set of screening questions and upload a current CV. You will need to submit these in English. If you’re intrigued by this position but feel like you don’t fit the profile precisely, please still apply. 

We thank all those who apply, but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 

Global Greengrants Fund UK is an equal opportunities employer. We strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life. We believe that diversity and inclusion among our team is critical to our success. We seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool and welcome applications from all qualified candidates. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity. 

Are you an experienced content creator? Do you have excellent editing skills? Can you spot a good story and create engaging narratives for editorial? Are you familiar with publications processes? 

We are seeking a Communications and Content Editor to support our communications output across multiple channels, including production of the SLA’s flagship publication, The School Librarian. This new role will be pivotal to elevating our publication, and supporting strong narratives across our communications.This is a hands on role, with an opportunity to help shape our communications and TSL as we approach the SLA’s ninetieth year in 2027. 

You will be an experienced editor and content creator. Creative and with a strong eye for detail, you will be confident in overseeing the publications process, alongside copy-editing, proofing and commissioning content and associated administration. You will enjoy opportunities to apply your creative skills to creating interesting and engaging content to support our outputs. As we develop new ways of working, your insight and ideas will help support new activity. You will be comfortable working with a variety of stakeholders and happy to get stuck in as needed. Areas of work include managing production of The School Librarian journal which publishes three times per year, developing a strong understanding of the TSL audience, its circulation and readership figures to inform content development and identify opportunities to attract new subscribers. You will also contribute to digital communication and content strategy across the organisation, helping to determine the best platforms or channels for a variety of content types. While leading on TSL, you will also support content creation for our newsletters, website and social media, working with the Publicity and Partnerships Manager to determine the most appropriate format for different stories, features or news items.

The salary for this position is £24, 324.32 per anum (based on FTE £30,000) for 30 hours per week, and comes with a 6% employer pension contribution.

Find out more about the role including full job description and how to apply by downloading the job specification pack.  

Application deadline: 12th January 

Interviews will take place as follows:  

First round interview (online):  26/28th January  

Second round interview in person TBC:  3rd /4th February  

Applications without a covering letter will not be considered. No agencies please.    

Due to the volume of applications we cannot provide individual feedback. We really appreciate your interest. If you haven’t heard from us within four weeks of the deadline, it means we’ve moved forward with other candidates on this occasion. We encourage you to apply again in the future. Please note we may close recruitment early should the right candidate be identified.   

Salary

£15,069 - £17,400 (22.5 hours per week) per annum (£25,115 – £29,000 per annum full time equivalent (FTE) for 37.5 hours per week) – pending salary review in April 2026.

Contract

Fixed term, funded by the National Lottery, until 31st March 2030.

Location

Devon – travelling widely in and around the county, with some home working.

About Resource Futures

We want to create a future where organisations, people and communities can thrive and rebalance their relationship with material resources.

Resource Futures is an organisation accelerating the shift towards a circular world: putting restorative practices of reuse, repair, recycling at the heart of the fight to address the climate crisis. We help governments, businesses, NGOs and non-profits embrace regenerative change.

We are non-profit-distributing and have a close-knit team of 50+ trusted employees who collaborate across various areas of the business. Our multi-disciplined and connected approach sets us apart from the competition and enables us to build robust solutions that have a meaningful impact in the world.

We are passionate not only about what we do but how we do it, and we’re proud to be a part of the global B Corp movement to use business as a force for good. Employee-owned and independent, we’re all about helping each team member grow, and together striving towards our goal of creating a sustainable world.

The opportunity

We are recruiting two part-time Project Officers to support the Together for Tomorrow Project, a five-year National Lottery-funded programme supporting grassroots climate action across Devon. Working in close partnership with Libraries Unlimited, you will support delivery to new and established grassroots groups who are working, or seek to work, with libraries, helping communities to develop practical climate initiatives and inspiring libraries to become active sustainability hubs.

You will support the creation of toolkits, training and new activities, while also supporting monitoring and reporting. The role blends hands-on delivery and behind the scenes support to groups.

This role sits within the CAG (Community Action Groups) Devon team, a network that supports community groups to take action on reuse, repair, food waste, composting, biodiversity and wider sustainability issues. CAG provides the tools and support that groups need to thrive, including training, resources, and opportunities to connect with others. Your role will contribute to the consolidation of the network and its membership across Devon. 

The role can be worked flexibly across 3 days a week. This will include some work during evenings and weekends.

You will be expected to travel widely across Devon, and this will be reimbursed. Whilst we promote public transport where possible, due to the rural nature of the county a current full driving licence with own transport, and necessary business use insurance, or ability to travel easily around Devon County is required.

What you will be doing 

Day to day project support 

· Helping groups run initiatives and activities at libraries, and at other community spaces, supporting with event planning and engaging diverse audiences.

· Supporting groups to set up and get started, or to develop new activities. 

· Responding to enquiries from CAG groups and other organisations. 

· Co-ordinating training and events.

· Attending CAG events and planning meetings.

· Building and maintaining partnerships with grassroots groups, libraries and underrepresented communities. 

· Assisting with group and event risk assessments, insurance documents, safeguarding policies and other related administration. 

· Creation and dissemination of guides and resources to support the projects. 

Publicity and communications 

· Generating content and building online audiences for social media and CAG Devon’s regular newsletter.

· Assisting groups with effective publicity for their events, including 1-2-1 social media clinics. 

· Producing publicity material, news releases, stories/case studies and articles relating to the Together for Tomorrow Project. 

· Speaking in public about the Together for Tomorrow Project, CAG Devon and the work of its members.

· Working with the CAG team to promote and deliver events.

· Liaising with the wider CAG team to ensure a coherent CAG support offer to grassroots community groups across Devon.

· Working with the Library Unlimited Outreach Officers to promote events.

Administration

· Liaising with and supporting groups, and gathering documentation, as part of the membership joining process. 

· Logging communications with groups and partners in the CAG database. 

· Keeping mailing lists and database up to date.

· Monitoring projects, utilising tools such as Excel, SurveyMonkey and the CAG data collection tool.

· Supporting with quarterly and annual reporting. 

· Assisting the project team with any other administrative tasks that they require. 

· Supporting groups to use the CAG data collection tool, to help them demonstrate their impact.

· Collecting data and testimonials/stories from CAG groups and the general public.

The essentials

· Passion for the community/voluntary sector. 

· Experience of setting up and delivering new initiatives and activities with community groups and volunteers. 

· Experience of social media. 

· Competent IT user, particularly Microsoft packages and web. 

· Previous experience in a role in communications and/or public engagement.

· Excellent organisational and time management skills to meet deadlines. 

· Good communication skills (e.g. written, verbal, presentation). 

· Ability to take and edit photos/videos. 

· Confidence to engage with the public and present to groups. 

· Experience of organising and leading events. 

· Great people skills. 

· Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team. 

· Willingness to work evenings and weekends to support community engagement (approximately one to two times a month). 

· Current full driving licence with own transport, and necessary business use insurance, or ability to travel easily around Devon County.

· Proactive and problem-solving attitude.

Great to haves

· Knowledge of sustainability issues such as resource use, waste and recycling, biodiversity/wildlife, energy and active travel. 

· Knowledge of Devon and Devon communities. 

· Experience of running or being actively involved with a community group. 

· Experience of working with schools and/or businesses. 

· Knowledge/experience of Social Enterprise Development. 

· Experience of engaging with difficult to reach audiences.

· Understanding of the barriers to volunteering and steps that can be taken to address these. 

Benefits

· Embedded flexi working culture.

· 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, each year (pro rata for part-time hours) – flexibility to work or use some bank holidays for annual leave.

· Buying and selling annual leave policy to add further flexibility around how you manage your work/non-work time and give you better control over how much and when you take leave from work.

· Paid volunteer time each year (a full day for those working 19 hours or more per week, and a half day for those working up to 18.75 hours per week).

· Enhanced maternity and paternity pay.

· Enhanced sick pay.

· Scottish Widows pension plan – the company will match up to 7% of your contribution.

· Group life assurance cover.

· Healthcare portal offering 24/7 GP access and prescription service, mental health support, wellbeing advice, financial and legal guidance.

· Mental health and wellbeing group with trained mental health first aiders and responders, maintaining a focus on support for our team.

· A cycle to work scheme for all and on-site showers at the Bristol office.

· Home and tech scheme - costs at Currys and Ikea spread across 12 months, and up to 10% savings.

· Paid professional membership such as CIWM or ISEP.

· An opportunity to become a company member, contributing to decision making and the future direction and success of our business.

· Consultative Group – a group of employees providing an anonymous vehicle for employee voice, raising issues, proposing changes and engaging senior management.

· Regular line manager 1:1s and performance reviews, with opportunities to discuss and build targets that inspire and push you professionally.

· Annual training budget to ensure continued progression and development, as well as regular internal ‘Lunchtime Briefs’ and other sessions to share skills and knowledge across all roles.

· Two annual team away days, each followed by evening socials.

· Green and accessible Bristol office, surrounded by nature, and close to the harbourside.

· Accessible central Glasgow office close to local public transport links as well as cafés and shops, with various complementary facilities, events and networking opportunities.

· An opportunity to join a friendly, fun, professional, challenging, and supportive place to work, and a team that is collectively focused on making a positive impact.

Resource Futures is an equal opportunities employer. We strive to create a working environment where everyone can make best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment.

We celebrate difference and encourage everyone to join us in being themselves at work. We pride ourselves on working flexibly to enable our people to take care of their mental health and maintain a good life-work balance.

We are Disability Confident and a Living Wage employer, and our hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs.

We recruit and treat everyone with equality and respect regardless of age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, marital or partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. In line with the expectations set out in our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy, we place an obligation upon all of our people to respect and act in accordance with this statement.

Resource Futures operate a blind recruitment process which reduces bias and promotes diverse hiring. The hiring team do not have access to the application forms that include any personal details and select candidates for interview based only on information provided on Application Form – Part 2.

Please let us know if you would like to submit your application in a different format.

Closing date for applications is 9am on Monday 12th January 2026.

We aim to hold interviews for this role on 4th and 5th February 2026.

Medical Detection Dogs trains dogs to save lives.

We train specialist dogs to detect the odour of human disease, providing life-saving alert assistance dogs to people with complex health problems across the UK and collaborating with NHS Trusts and other researchers and Universities both in the UK and internationally to advance the early diagnosis of disease.  

We have an exciting new opportunity to join this innovative charity that is a world-leader in its specialist field.

JOB TITLE:Regional Assistance Dog Instructor Scotland

LOCATION:Scotland (Central belt, between Glasgow and Edinburgh)

SALARY:£24K - £29K per annum, depending on experience

JOB TYPE:                         Part time and full time hours considered, with occasional evening and weekend work required

REPORTS TO:                   Instructor Manager

The Job

We are looking for a passionate and driven person who ideally has previous experience and skills working as an Instructor within an Assistance Dog organisation, who has worked with clients and partnerships. The role includes supporting both clients who have had a MDD dog placed with them and also our own dog applicants with their puppies and young dogs to ensure they receive the highest standard of socialisation and early training in terms of obedience, public access and developing an alert to the applicant’s condition, with the aim to reach an accreditable assistance dog partnership status. It is also will include carrying out client specific and odour training for MDD own dogs, placing these dogs with their new clients and looking after a number of established partnerships. This role would suit somebody residing in the central belt of Scotland, between Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Duties that encompass the role of an Instructor include:

• Be the first point of contact for the allocated partnerships in your area, covering all areas of Scotland. To provide guidance and instruction to applicants who have applied to the charity to have their own dogs considered for the training programme guidance and instruction on handling, behaviour and obedience and odour training as well as newly placed partnerships.
• Alongside the Instructing team, to run puppy classes, public access training, recall sessions in small groups for applicant own dogs that are in line with the charity’s quality standards and in accordance with timescales and targets. 
• To also carry out support visits and home interviews for applicants and clients that have been allocated to you.  
• Regularly monitor progress of the puppies and partnerships in training in your area and provide detailed, evidenced feedback to Instructor Manager and Head of Assistance Dog Programme.
• To carry out client specific training with any MDD owned dogs that have been matched, including the required odour scent training.
• Instructing, guiding and supporting new assistance dog clients in managing and handling a Medical Alert Assistance Dog effectively, via pre training, placement training and aftercare visits.
• Supporting partnerships in training in successfully reaching an accreditation standard and in maintaining this
• standard throughout the life of the partnership.
• To support a number of established partnerships in the form of aftercare, refresher training and yearly re-accreditations, assisting further afield on occasions as required.

Responsibilities

• To escalate issues and problems to the Instructor Manager as appropriate.
• To assist the Dog Supply Team with carrying out scent assessments on any MDD dogs in socialising as and when required with the support of the Instructor Manager and rest of the Instructing Team.
• To plan, organise and deliver practical and theoretical training to clients, meeting their individual needs in line with agreed standards to include areas such as dog welfare, appropriate handling, commanding and overall management. This will involve working with the parents as Team Leader and child as Client and working with adult clients.
• Assess the team dynamics of the family & balancing the needs of all family members as well as those of the dog.
• Assess the individuals preferred learning style and amending as relevant to aid a client.
• To accompany the client into all regular environments that they will take the dog to, ensuring the dog behaves in an acceptable manner and that the client and others are aware and clear in terms of where they dog should reside and behave for eg public transport, place of work. To complete a check list of environments for any applicant own dogs in training who are on the programme to be assessed within.
• To support and advise clients in transferring the odour training from pot training and recognising alerting behaviours to establish real life alerting.
• To monitor the correct and false alerting percentages of allocated partnerships via data analysis, advising where necessary until the correct alerting levels are achieved.
• To complete comprehensive reports and paperwork for any time spent with applicants or partnerships in training or established. Maintain accurate records by providing verbal and written information with agreed timescales about clients, dogs, applicants and apprentices as appropriate.
• To work alongside allocated partnerships with the aim of the partnership reaching an accredited standard and feeding back to the Instructor Manager and Assistance Dog Programme Manager if there are any concerns that the accreditation cannot be achieved.
• To provide clients with appropriate aftercare services at regular intervals in their own homes in the form of annual visits, support visits or at refresher workshops run at the Centre to agreed standards.  This will include continual re-assessment of the dynamics of family and dog, formulating and training on appropriate solutions, as well as offering additional dog training advice.
• To deliver handling days as part of an applicant’s pre training to include ‘Introduction to Assistance Dog’ ‘Advanced Handling’ and Family Handling.
• To scent train and seizure proof advanced dogs in preparation to be partnered with an adult or child client and ensure that applicant own dogs have received this at the earliest opportunity.
• To maintain the ongoing public access training with any advanced dog in scent training that has been allocated to them.
• To provide local support to the growing puppy socialisation scheme, based in and around Perth.
• To provide support to the Charity’s public relations and fundraising functions as required, specifically in your area.
• To act as the ‘contact’ person for the assistance dog programme in relation to training policy procedures with clients and their families, other professional service providers and members of the public.  This will include on-going research and development of the project.
• To liaise with and provide support for Volunteers who may operate as part of the aftercare programme provided by the charity.
• To ensure all partnerships are in line with the ADUK regulations with regards to behaviour, obedience and welfare and branding.
• Due to the nature of the role, flexible working hours may be required in some instances to facilitate the effective delivery of the work e.g. working during the school holidays with school age clients.

Other

• Share best practice with colleagues across the charity.
• Any other duties or tasks that are required to ensure the successful running of the Medical Alert Assistance Dog Department and the Charity overall.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• High level of preparation, organisational and co-ordination skills
• Strong and clear teaching and instructing skills
• Experience of running puppy classes and carrying out public access training and recall sessions
• High level of self – motivation and planning
• Approachable, calm and empathetic to children and adults with debilitating and life threatening conditions
• Happy to travel alone within the UK to visit any clients as necessary.
• Happy to be on call at all times for partnerships as and when required.
• Happy to stay away from home and stay in local hotel when the client’s location is too far from your home to travel back.
• Happy and able to have Medical Alert Assistance Dogs in training to reside in their home.
• Good team worker, but equally able to work alone.
• Positive, empathetic and calm attitude
• Able to embrace a constantly evolving organisation
• Flexible

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Previous Assistance Dog Instructing or Dog Training with puppy socialisers experience
• Knowledge of AD(UK) and ADI regulations
• Law in relation to dogs. 
• Knowledge of medical conditions relevant to puppies between 8 weeks and 2 years of age. 
• Dog and human psychology. 
• Proven evidence and experience of dog handling and training skills
• Previous experience of teaching and instructing
• Sound dog training and dog behaviour knowledge
• IT literacy and report writing skills
• Experience of using Microsoft based programs such as Outlook, Word,
• Excel, Internet Explorer and Power Point, teams, zoom and Microsoft
• Share point for data etc
• Full UK driving licence
• Pass a DBS (CRB) check due to regular contact with children

Preferable

•  Knowledge of debilitating medical conditions and understanding of how they can impact people, both physically and psychologically, particularly when they are unstable and fluctuating.
•  Previous knowledge of odour/scent training.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• High level of preparation, organisational and co-ordination skills
• Strong and clear teaching and instructing skills
• High level of self – motivation and planning
• Approachable, calm and empathetic to children and adults with debilitating and life threatening conditions
• Happy to travel alone within the UK to visit any clients as necessary.
• Happy to be on call at all times for partnerships as and when required – to include outside standard working hours.
• Able and willing to stay away from home and stay in local hotel when the client’s location is too far from the Centre to travel back.
• If able, possibility of having Medical Alert Assistance Dogs in training to reside in their home through the 6 – 8 week training phase.
• Good team worker, but equally able to work alone.
• Positive, empathetic and calm attitude
• Able to embrace a constantly evolving organisation
• You should be supportive of the charitable aims of Medical Detection Dogs and capable of working as part of a team, as well as able to motivate yourself. 
• You should be adaptable and positively embrace change by not only being flexible towards the ideas of others but also putting forward ideas to colleagues. This will involve creativity in problem solving and making appropriate responses to new ideas and unexpected situations.
•  

DIVERITY, EQUALITY & INCLUSION

We are a welcoming, diverse and inclusive charity. Medical Detection Dogs thrives when everyone feels comfortable bringing their best self to work. We celebrate difference, whilst striving to create an environment where colleagues feel respected and valued for their unique potential. We are committed to our values on equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Values & Behaviours

Working at Medical Detection Dogs will be a richly rewarding experience.

Our Values & Behaviours encapsulate who we are, what we stand for and what it will feel like to be part of our team:

• We are respectful.
• We stay positive.
• We strive for excellence.
• We communicate and listen.
• We are ambassadors.
• We are one team.

And of course, we advocate for Medical Detection Dogs whenever we get the chance, and we pride ourselves on our role as ambassadors for the charity.

Finally, the successful candidate will also be expected to:

• Hold a full UK Driving Licence
• Provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the UK.
• Undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
• Work some evenings and weekends
• Be willing to travel to the Centre based near Milton Keynes

Cord is an international charity working to make peace a reality where people don’t have the freedom to exercise their rights. We work to build the relationship between those in power and local communities. 

We believe that people flourish when all parts of society work together. Peaceful relationships make that possible. The simple act of talking begins a journey of growth which transforms mistrust, includes the excluded and turns adversaries into allies.

Cord operates in eight countries and implements programmes in the following areas:

• Empowering Women & Girls
• Accessing Fundamental Freedoms
• Climate & the Environment
• Economic Empowerment
• Supporting Stronger Societies

We are a small, committed team who love working together to make a huge impact. If you like the sound of us, then take a look at the recruitment pack and come and join our team!

About the Role

Are you someone who is passionate about seeing positive change in our world? Can you analyse data efficiently, present information clearly, and work collaboratively?

We are looking for someone to join our Programme Operations Unit, which exists to provide support to country programme teams Finance, Programme Quality, OMEAL (Organisational, Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning), Operations (which includes human resources facilities including digital working).

The Programme Operations Officer role reports to the Programme Quality Lead (PQL) who has overall responsibility for quality oversight of programme compliance including reporting and project implementation across Cord’s country programmes and provides support in developing overall capacity for implementing programmes. The PQL also leads on Cord’s OMEAL system linked to learning and knowledge, ensuring that impact is monitored and learning is disseminated.

The Programme Operations Officer will support the Programme Quality Lead to deliver programme quality and OMEAL oversight and support to country teams and partners. Additionally, the role will support the wider Programme Operations Unit to ensure country programmes teams have the facilities and operational systems needed to deliver their work effectively. This role work closely with country teams to ensure they have the support required and will involve travel to programme locations.

The four focus areas of the role are: programme compliance, country programme support, OMEAL, and global operational support.

This role would suit someone with M&E and project cycle experience gained within a peacebuilding or development iNGO. You will have qualitative and quantitative skills, be able to analyse data efficiently, present information clearly, and work collaboratively demonstrating understanding the needs of a range of stakeholders.

If you like what you read and are passionate about real and lasting change, come and join us and be part of the Cord story.

Application Instructions

To apply please send you CV and a covering letter that explains your interest in Cord and the role, and details how you fulfil the requirements of the role.  

This is a UK based remote role and applicants must have the right to work in the UK and the ability to travel to Coventry for team meetings. 

Job Location: Home-based, with travel to office/sites as required. 
Responsible to: Drive Programme Manager 
Hours: Full time (37.5 hours per week)
Contract until March 2027
Grade: Point 46-47, £48,734- £49,771 (a London Allowance will be applied to employees 
who live in London, plus 6% employers’ pension subject to a minimum additional 
2% contribution by the employee) 

Purpose of the role: 
The role of the Drive Practice Adviser Team Lead is to support the practice team in fulfilling their role 
whilst also acting as an expert advisor providing expert knowledge in Domestic Abuse to the Drive 
teams and to support the get new title from Rosie and Kelly and Drive central team in their work. 
We have extensive learnings from 10 years of delivery. The Drive Practice Advisor will play an 
important role in applying this best practice to new and existing delivery areas through training and 
providing sites with expertise of the Drive Project model, ensuring that local systems and processes 
are developed and adapted the for Drive Partnership and supporting the Drive Project service 
provider. 
In addition to developing practice within the sites, the Practice Advisor Team Lead will ensure that 
learning is captured and applied to a continuing developing a national model and practice 
framework that is fit for further scale up and replication.

Closing date: January 11th 2026

Interviews to take place: Online 

Please see the link for full information and application process

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. 

About Adolescent Health Study

The Adolescent Health Study (AHS) (Registered Charity Number 1213337) is an ambitious new UKRI-funded initiative to establish a prospective, longitudinal population study that will generate a globally leading open science data platform and research resource. AHS aims to recruit at least 100,000 young people from across the UK and to follow their mental and physical health and wellbeing over at least 10 years. It plans to collect data through questions and measures; to obtain bio-samples for a wide range of genomic and other high-throughput assays; and to capture linked data relevant to health and wellbeing from participants’ health, education and other administrative records. There will be a strong emphasis on engaging with and involving young people, schools, parents and other relevant stakeholders in the design and delivery of the study, as well as on including young people that represent as wide as possible a range of backgrounds, experiences and characteristics. AHS will focus on enabling a wide range of research, including studies of the critical biological and social developments that occur during the transition from childhood to adulthood and the determinants of both mental and physical health and wellbeing in adolescents and young adults.

Location: Remote working. Must be willing and able to travel to London, Edinburgh and elsewhere across the UK to support business need

Reporting to: AHS Chief Information and Technology Officer (to be appointed Spring 2026)

Hours of Work: FTE 37.5 hours per week

Purpose of the post

The Strategic Data Lead will play a critical role in managing the study’s data pipeline, devising and implementing strategies for the collection, management, storage, documentation and curation of complex participant data, and sharing data with research users. In particular, there will be a need for innovative, remote data collection methods that are acceptable to children and young people taking part in the study. The role holder will provide specialist advice, direction and input to the wider scientific team to maximise the potential of the study data and future proof the resource. They will drive forward innovative solutions which enable the long-term strategic vision for data management in the study.

Main responsibilities

Strategy

• Provide expert input into the design and delivery of the study before data collection begins, maximising data quality and efficient management from the start.
• Devise and implement a data management strategy, including appropriate data architecture, meta-data and data pipeline(s), to support the study’s aims and meet the needs of the research community.
• Consider the long-term strategy for data preservation and discoverability, to futureproof the resource and ensure maximal use.

Technology and innovation

• Identify and oversee the delivery of novel solutions for collection and management of complex health data, including transfer of data from specialist equipment and mobile technology, such as wearables or app-based data.
• Lead procurement activities, where required, to support the data management strategy, translating the needs of users into appropriate specifications and working with third parties to oversee delivery of solutions.

Risk management and compliance

• Oversee the development, management and continual improvement of all procedures used to process, manage and store data, ensuring that they are kept up to date and comply with relevant legislation and local guidelines.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

• Build relationships with other longitudinal population studies (LPS) in order to seek advice where appropriate and ensure sharing of best practise within the LPS community.
• Work closely with researchers, data scientists and national bodies, such as Population Research UK and the UK Longitudinal Linkage Collaboration, to support study objectives.
• Consult and co-operate with colleagues and stakeholders, including children and young people, to support the use of the study’s data for collaborative research purposes, identifying opportunities to maximise the potential of the data.
• ​Offer creative solutions to issues that arise, consulting with and influencing stakeholders with differing expectations, ensuring the impact of any change is communicated and understood by those involved.

Essential criteria:

• Proven track record of managing large and complex data sets within an academic, research or similar environment, including different types of data from multiple sources, including those with complex ethical and governance requirements.
• Thorough understanding of legislation regarding data management, confidentiality and security.
• Understanding of research governance.
• Demonstrable experience in developing and implementing a data management strategy.
• Experience of implementing current and developing technologies used for collecting, storing and accessing research data.
• Excellent organisational skills with the proven ability to manage multiple competing projects simultaneously to achieve deadlines.
• Educated to degree level in Computer Science or related discipline or equivalent experience.
• Proven innovation and pro-active problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to influence and negotiate with different levels of staff and external contacts.
• Excellent communication with both internal and external stakeholders including the ability to communicate technically complex ideas at an appropriate level.

Desirable criteria:

• Proven skills in programming using various languages and technologies including understanding of data manipulation and statistical packages used to manage, manipulate and analyse data e.g. SQL, Python, R.
• Proven ability to effectively lead, direct and manage a team of technical staff.
• Experience of working with a longitudinal research study, or equivalent, at a senior level.
• Excellent presentation skills, with experience of presenting to diverse audiences.

Working Environment

• Full time role with flexible working arrangements.
• AHS is a national organisation, and our activities take place across the UK.
• Flexible working will be required across several geographical locations in the UK.  Travel may be required to AHS locations, fieldwork sites and partner organisations.
• As a small charity, we offer a range of benefits, including enhanced sickness and family-friendly pay, additional annual leave, the opportunity to purchase up to five extra days’ holiday each leave year, a 10% employer pension contribution, and one paid volunteering day per year.

Application Process

This post is subject to receipt of satisfactory references and the post holder having the right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship is not available). Please apply online with a CV and a covering letter (of no more than two pages) explaining what you can bring to this role, and including your current salary.

The closing date for this position is EoD Sunday 25 January 2026.

Interviews are currently expected to be held during the week commencing 23 February or 02 March 2026.

Equal Opportunities Policy Statement

AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. It is our policy to provide employment equality to all, irrespective of age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Beyond these protected characteristics, we acknowledge the importance of socio-economic background, childcare and caring responsibilities, educational background, neurodiversity, and any other factors that shape an individual’s identity and opportunities. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel valued, supported, and able to contribute fully.

Values

It is an exciting time for the Adolescent Health Study (AHS) as we establish our senior leadership and delivery teams. As the senior executive team evolves, the AHS values will be grounded in inclusivity, integrity, accountability, and collaboration.

This is an exceptional opportunity to join Belong’s Senior Leadership Team as Director of Policy & Research, a role that sits at the heart of our mission to shape national conversations on cohesion and integration. You will lead Belong’s policy development, research strategy, and national partnerships, ensuring our work is grounded in robust evidence and lived experience. This position offers the chance to influence systemic change, amplify Belong’s voice with policymakers and opinion formers, and ensure our insights drive real-world impact.

As Director of Policy & Research, you will:

• Lead the development of Belong’s policy and research agenda, aligning it with organisational strategy and national priorities.
• Produce high-quality policy outputs, including reports, briefings, consultation responses, and thought leadership pieces.
• Oversee the design and delivery of research projects, including commissioning and partnership work, ensuring rigor and inclusivity.
• Translate research findings into actionable policy recommendations and advocacy strategies.
• Foster strong collaboration between the Policy & Research team and Programme Delivery team, ensuring insights inform both policy and practice.
• Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians, journalists, and opinion formers.
• Represent Belong externally at high-level meetings, events, and in the media, amplifying our impact and reach.
• Develop strategic messaging and narratives that position Belong as a thought leader in social cohesion.
• Support campaigns and public engagement initiatives that promote Belong’s policy goals.
• Contribute to organisational development, strategic planning, and income generation through proposal development and funder engagement.
• Line manage policy and research staff, providing leadership, support, and professional development.

This is a senior leadership role for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and wants to drive systemic change at scale.

About You
We are seeking a strategic and insightful leader with:

• Proven experience in policy development and research leadership.
• Experience working in or with government, think tanks, or advocacy organisations.
• Strong understanding of social policy and influencing processes.
• Knowledge of cohesion, integration, and community relations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including media engagement and public speaking.
• Ability to translate complex research into accessible policy messages.
• Familiarity with participatory and applied research methods.
• Strong strategic thinking and planning abilities.
• Relevant qualification in public policy, social research, or a related field.
• Experience managing teams and budgets, and supporting income generation through fundraising and proposal development.

Personal Qualities

• Passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK.
• Strategic and visionary thinker.
• Collaborative and inclusive leader.
• Politically astute and intellectually curious.
• Practical, focused, and reliable.
• Committed to personal and professional development.

Why Join Us?
At Belong, you’ll be part of a dynamic, values-driven team united by a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and connected society. We offer:

• 30 days’ annual leave
• Hybrid working (typically 3 days in the office)
• Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies
• 3% pension contribution
• Opportunities for professional development and growth

Join us and help shape national policy and research that builds stronger, kinder, and more connected communities across the UK.

Salary: £65,000–£70,000
Location: UK-wide (regular travel across England and Wales)
Contract: Permanent, Full-time

About Belong
Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is the UK’s leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to building a more united and less divided society. Established in 2019, we work across sectors to strengthen trust, belonging, and resilience in communities. Through research, policy influence, and place-based programmes, we connect people, places, and organisations to share learning and drive systemic change. Our growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society, and businesses. Belong is collaborative, evidence-led, and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Our office is based in Manchester and we offer hybrid working for those able to travel there. However, this role is open UK-wide and can be worked remotely, with regular travel across England and Wales required.

Applicants must be located within 2 hours travelling distance of Cambridge City.

The Charity and Our Vision.

For over 15 years, Scotty's Little Soldiers has been supporting children and young people who have been bereaved of a parent who served in the British Armed Forces.  We are about to embark on an exciting journey which will see the charity evolve to support anyone affected by a military-connected bereavement and ultimately empower a community of more than 25,000 bereaved individuals and their families by 2035.

Founded in 2010 by Nikki Scott following the death of her husband, Corporal Lee Scott, the charity currently offers a unique blend of emotional, practical, and educational support to over 750 young people.

We are proud of our vibrant, non-traditional culture, which puts the needs of bereaved children and young people at the heart of everything we do. We embrace innovative approaches, are committed to creating smiles and believe in the power of community, resilience, and connection.

Role Mission.

To ensure Scotty’s delivers high-quality, consistent, and scalable support to those affected by military-connected bereavement, by leading all aspects of service delivery. 

You’ll own the structure, systems, standards, and team needed to deliver support across all four Family Programmes (SMILES, SUPPORT, STRIDES, and the planned START programme) and help ensure our support reaches the growing number of families who need us. 

The key responsibilities of this role are:

Programme Operations & Service Infrastructure 

• Overall accountability for the service provided to the bereaved military community. 

• Leading, and working closely with, the Head of each delivery Programme to ensure all activities are impactful and meeting the needs of our community. 

• Mapping and maintaining the full beneficiary journey across all programmes and cohorts (CYP and adult). 

• Developing our first adult focused services and building them in line with the charity’s long-term vision to be supporting more than 25k bereaved people by 2035. 

• Being the link between our service delivery and both internal and external technology partners to ensure our systems match, and meet the needs of, our processes. 

• Alongside our Operations Team, lead the scoping of a full future CRM (Salesforce) rebuild and related beneficiary tech interfaces such as websites, future app development etc. 

• Oversee the design of a 2026 ‘light’ CRM phase to support individual adult service delivery. 

• Ensure that lived experience remains at the heart of our services. 

• Accountability for Safeguarding within the organisation. 

Team Leadership  

• Support Programme Leads (e.g. Heads of START, SMILES, SUPPORT), providing direction and support as well as ensuring clarity of ownership and goals. 

• Create a strong, empowering culture within the service (Families) team, aligned with The Scotty’s Way and shared leadership philosophy. 

• Work with our Head of People to oversee service recruitment and onboarding.

Quality, Measurement & Improvement 

• Define and embed service-level Success Measures (KPIs) across all activities ensuring we know what success looks like for all our activities. 

• Collaborate with the Head of Research & Impact to ensure data collection is usable and meaningful. 

External Partnerships & Collaborations 

• Proactively develop senior-level partnerships with other military and bereavement charities, Armed Forces support organisations, and relevant service providers and stakeholders. 

• Explore and propose strategic collaborations where they strengthen the support we offer to families. 

• Ensure the new START (single point of contact) Programme becomes an active network-builder in the space. 

• Represent Scotty’s externally at events, conferences, meetings etc within the sector.

Cross-Functional Collaboration 

• Act as a key link to Outreach and Fundraising — providing insight and service stories to fuel content. 

• Work with the Ops team to align delivery processes with systems, IT, and compliance. 

• Support bid development and reporting for funders by sharing service insight and outcomes. 

The 30-day goals for this role are:

• Build a deep understanding of Scotty’s mission, our audience, the services we provide, and strategic direction.
• Spending time with the Families Team and understanding everyone’s role within the charity.
• Understands the ‘as-is’ current situation for the charity’s service delivery. 
• Start to document gaps, delivery inconsistencies, opportunities, risks etc. 
• Understand the landscape we operate in, particularly the military and bereavement charitable environment. 
• Fully align with the operating rhythm of the charity, leading team meetings, holding 1:1s, ownership of relevant OKRs, etc. 

The 60-day goals for this role are:

• Has met with counterparts at key partner organisations. 

• Has highlighted key organisations not currently partnered with to meet. 

• Created a stakeholder holder engagement map for our service delivery.

• Visually mapped existing beneficiary journeys across our four Programmes. 

• Began work (with Ops) on requirements for initial-phase CRM for adult services. 

• Fully aligned plans and goals with existing Programme Heads, incoming Head of START Programme, and incoming Head of Research & Impact. 

• Held one in-person session with Families team. 

The 90-day goals for this role are:

• Visually mapped year one of adult services plus any proposed changes to existing services to create a final 2026/27 service ‘to-be’. 

• Planned the launch of our new START navigating entitlements casework Programme

• Development underway of ‘Light’ CRM to launch adult services having supplied detailed brief. 

• Taken full accountability for the success of our Family Programmes and associated impact. 

• Attended 2-3 sector group meetings representing Scotty’s solo. 

• Developed a stakeholder holder engagement plan with Head of PR & Comms.

About You

Must-Have 

Senior experience in service delivery, operations, or programme leadership 

Strong skills in team leadership and service system design 

Ability to turn strategy into operational structure and rhythm 

Confident working cross-functionally and building external partnerships 

Nice-to-Have

Experience working with or supporting Armed Forces families 

Familiarity with CRM system scoping and procurement 

Experience launching new services or scaling delivery teams 

Background in bereavement or mental health support 

Additional Information

· The role may require occasional evening or weekend work

· Enhanced DBS check required

· Travel will be required to events and team training days

The Scotty’s Way

At Scotty’s, our personal performance is only 50% of what success looks like. Our culture is equally important. When you join our team, you sign up to The Scotty’s Way, rooted in our four core values:  

1. Families Come First

2. Everyone a Supporter, Every Supporter a VIP

3. Love What You Do

4. Remember, Every Day

Our values are further supported by our four non-negotiable behaviours of Show Respect, Speak Up, Take Ownership and Actively Collaborate. We are looking for an individual who embodies these values and behaviours.

When Applying:

Please submit your CV, along with a covering letter detailing your experience and what excites you about this role. Please ensure you clearly annotate which role you are applying for in the email title. Closing date: Friday 16th January. Due to resource and time constraints, we are unfortunately unable to provide feedback for every application received and will only contact candidates shortlisted for interview.

Thank you for your interest in joining our team, we are an equal opportunities employer, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees are treated with respect and given equal opportunities for employment and advancement.  

We do not discriminate based on race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability or any other protected characteristic.  

We encourage all qualified individuals to apply for employment within our charity, and we provide a fair and inclusive recruitment process for all candidates.

Employer: Community Rail Network 

Salary: £43k-£51.5k pa, full time 

Location: Home based / flexible or Huddersfield 

We are seeking a dynamic director of policy and communications, to lead and develop our increasingly impactful external affairs activity. You’ll be sharing community insights and evidence with policy and decision-makers at national and devolved level, supporting a shift towards more inclusive and sustainable transport and mobility, while overseeing high-quality, inspiring member communications and thought-leadership, drawing on grassroots experiences.  
  

About us 

Community Rail Network is a national not-for-profit organisation supporting a growing ‘community rail’ movement, which helps communities get the most from their railways, promotes sustainable and inclusive travel, coordinates volunteering and place-making, and brings people together.

Community rail is made up of 76 community-based partnership organisations, and c.1,300 station friends volunteer groups and other community-led initiatives around Britain. Their activities range from creative projects for young people, to advising train operators on service improvements, to building travel confidence among marginalised groups, to biodiversity projects at stations, to promoting greener tourism by rail.

Our enthusiastic team of 24 works from home in different locations, but we come together regularly in person and online. We work collaboratively to support our members, provide training, events and resources, run campaigns, and champion community rail and its insights. We believe in developing our team and helping everyone reach their potential while having a good work-life balance.

About this role 

This role is crucial for us, our members and their communities, especially at the current time, with our need to seize on the opportunities of rail reform and devolution, promote wider use of sustainable transport, and bring communities together. You will spearhead our external affairs strategy and plans, building political relationships, influencing decision-making and raising awareness of community rail and its insights, while ensuring effective communications with our members and helping them to have a voice locally and regionally. You’ll be striving to put community rail at the forefront of a shift towards more inclusive and sustainable mobility.

As a member of our senior leadership team, reporting to and working closely with our chief executive, you will manage a passionate team of four, ensuring collaboration with our other teams, partners and funders, and drawing on members’ insights.

 
Main responsibilities 

• Lead the review, development and delivery of our communications, policy and insights strategy, working to position the community rail movement effectively, use its insights to influence policy change, and ensure our members are well-informed and have a voice; 

• Further strengthen our advisory and influencing work with national, devolved and regional government, transport bodies, parliamentarians and other decision-makers, especially around rail reform, transport devolution and integrated, inclusive, sustainable transport; 

• Ensure we’re engaging effectively with policy developments and opportunities, taking forward a programme of relationship-building, and identifying and engaging in relevant consultations, events and speaking opportunities, enabling community rail’s insights and experiences to be shared; 

• Collaborate with partners in rail, government and the third sector to feed in our expertise on community engagement with rail, amplify our campaigns, and build opportunities for joined-up communications and policy work;

• Continually develop and disseminate our evidence base and insights on the social, environmental and economic value community rail delivers, and opportunities to create greater benefits for communities from rail and transport; 

• Oversee high-quality, coherent and inspiring communications with our members and partners, promoting our work, and sharing news, opportunities, and good practice across the movement; 

• Manage production of high-quality resources, case studies and reports that our members can use to enhance their impact and which showcase community rail’s impact; 

• Lead and develop our media relations and awareness-raising PR, championing community rail and its messages on sustainable, inclusive travel and communities at national and regional level, while supporting members on local PR; 

• Develop our online presence and reach, making full use of our website, social media, our Scenic Rail Britain campaign, and partners’ channels to celebrate and position community rail and grow its reach and impact; 

• Oversee a calendar of creative and impactful campaigns that involve and empower our members, creating PR and engagement opportunities, including Community Rail Week;

• Play a key role in collective leadership, strategic focus and organisational development as a member of our senior leadership team, including through internal communications and cross-team working, annual planning, funder liaison and reporting, upholding our strategies and policies, and pursuing opportunities for continuous improvement. 

 
Skills and competencies 

1. Strong leadership and management skills, including experience managing, developing and drawing on a multi-faceted team delivering complex campaigns or projects, and budget management; 
2. Excellent communication and external leadership skills; articulate, assertive, and with the ability to work diplomatically and persuasively with stakeholders at all levels; 
3. An understanding of public affairs, ideally in relation to community development, sustainability and/or transport, and a demonstrable ability to identify influencing opportunities, deliver thought-leadership, and engage with policy-makers, including sharing community insights; 
4. Politically astute, with awareness of and commitment to social inclusion, social justice and sustainability, and a good grasp of the importance of public transport sustainable travel, and community-led action, to these agendas; 
5. Understanding of political processes and experience of engaging with policy and decision-making, ideally at national, devolved and local levels; 
6. Sound knowledge of communication and marketing methods and channels, and ability to oversee messaging and targeting of public and professional audiences, and to align content across multiple channels; 
7. A demonstrable ability to think analytically and draw on statistical and qualitative research to construct robust, evidence-based arguments; 
8. Experience of working with the media and achieving coverage at national, regional and local level; 
9. Experience working collaboratively with partners and ideally funders to deliver communications and policy activity and forming professional networks; 
10. Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines while dealing with competing priorities, and to support team members to do so; 
11. IT literate with a good working knowledge of Office, the internet and social media; 
12. Appropriate qualifications and professional development demonstrating knowledge and skills in line with the above, and a commitment to ongoing learning and development.

Other information

As you will be home-based, we are flexible about your location. However, you will be expected to travel to in-person full team meetings quarterly (usually in West Yorkshire), and you will need to bring your team together (currently all West Yorkshire based) with similar regularity in between. Attendance at in-person events and meetings is also important. We therefore welcome applications from those with decent public transport links, not too far from a railway station, to enable journeys to be made sustainably.   

This is a full-time position, 37 hours per week. We use a flexi-time system with core hours 10am-3pm, and are committed to being a flexible, supportive and understanding employer. This is a permanent position with a probationary period of six months.   

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.