Payroll and hr officer jobs in Newcastle

About Adolescent Health Study

The Adolescent Health Study (AHS) 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 aged eight to 18 years 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. Recruitment will take place mainly through schools. 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.

Purpose of the post

The HR Officer plays a key role in delivering an effective, professional, and compliant HR service across the organisation. Supporting both operational HR processes and employee experience, the post holder will contribute to attracting, developing, and retaining talent in a collaborative and values-driven research environment.

Main responsibilities

HR Operations & Administration Support

• Lead recruitment campaigns in consultation with hiring managers, including drafting job adverts, short-listing and coordinating interviews.
• Manage employee life cycle process, including background checks, onboarding and offboarding.
• Maintain accurate and confidential employee records in compliance with GDPR and organisational policies.
• Administer HR systems, contracts, and employment documentation.
• Manage relationship with 3rd party suppliers including HR consultancy and DBS check providers.
• Support payroll preparation including monthly absence reporting and ensuring accurate data submission and coordination with Finance/Payroll.
• Support the wider central administrative team as required.

 Employee Relations

• Provide first-line HR advice to managers and staff on policies, procedures, and employment matters.
• Support casework relating to absence, performance, disciplinary, and grievance processes.
• Support managers and the COO with complex people cases, working with the external HR partner as required.
• Promote a positive and inclusive working culture aligned with the organisation’s values.

Learning & Development

• Coordinate training activities and support professional development initiatives for research and support staff.
• Some delivery of internal people-related training
• Assist in identifying skills gaps and contributing to workforce development plans.

Policy & Compliance

• Ensure HR practices comply with employment legislation, charity sector regulations, and best practice.
• Monitor and assist with the development, review, and implementation of HR policies and procedures, including handbook updates.
• Support equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives across the organisation.

HR Projects & Continuous Improvement

• Contribute to HR projects such as staff engagement, wellbeing initiatives, and organisational development.
• Support the implementation of HR systems improvements and process efficiencies.
• Collect and analyse HR data to inform decision-making and reporting.

Knowledge, skills and experience 

Essential

1. Experience in an HR administrative or officer-level role.
2. Sound knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
3. CIPD Level 3 or equivalent.
4. Experience of supporting payroll and finance processes.
5. Proven ability to establish and evolve people processes in a growing organisation.
6. Proficiency in HR systems, such as BreatheHR or equivalent, and Microsoft Office applications.
7. Experience of working in organisations with multiple staffing arrangements i.e. direct employees, secondees, contractors etc.
8. Strong organisational and administrative skills with excellent attention to detail.
9. Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and professionalism.
10. Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Desirable

1. CIPD Level 5 qualification (or working towards).
2. Experience working in the charity, academic, or research sector.
3. Experience supporting EDI and wellbeing initiatives.
4. Familiarity with public funded and/or project-based staffing environments.
5. Experience supporting or negotiating secondment arrangements, particularly within academic, charity or research environments.

Dimensions

• This is a full-time role, 37.5 hours per week, offered initially as an 18-month fixed-term contract with potential route to permanency.
• Flexible working across several geographical locations in the UK.  Travel may be required to AHS locations and partner organisations.
• AHS is a national organisation, and our activities take place across the UK.

Application Process

All candidates are required to complete the application form which can be found when clicking 'Apply Now' via Charity Job. 

Please refer to the ‘How to Apply’ section of the downloadable application form.

Please note that only applications submitted directly to Gravitate HR will be accepted for this position.

The closing date for applications is 11:00pm on Sunday 5 July 2026.

Interviews are currently expected to take place on Wednesday 5 and Thursday 6 August 2026.

Equal Opportunities Policy Statement

 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:

• Gender, including gender reassignment
• Marital or civil partnership status
• Having or not having dependants
• Religion or belief
• Race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins)
• Disability
• Sexual orientation
• Age

We are opposed to all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination.  All job applicants and employees who work for us will be treated fairly and will not be unfairly discriminated against on any of the above grounds. Decisions about recruitment and selection, promotion, training or any other benefit will be made objectively and without unlawful discrimination. 

Values

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

Location: UK – Open to remote arrangement (Only candidates who are eligible to work legally without work visa sponsorship in the UK will be considered.)

Contract Type: Part-time (0.5 FTE / 20 hours per week), Permanent contract

Hiring Salary: GBP 46,474 per annum (before taxes, to be pro-rated to 0.5 FTE)

Target Start Date: As soon as possible

Application Closing Date: 8 July 2026 23:59 BST

This job advert is for an existing vacancy.

About Right To Play:

For more than 25 years, Right To Play has been protecting, educating, and empowering millions of children each year to rise above adversity through the power of play.

We offer programs in 13 countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and North America, reaching millions of children each year in some of the most difficult places on earth, helping them to stay in school and learn, overcome prejudice, heal from trauma, and develop the skills they need to thrive. We do this by harnessing play, one of the most fundamental forces in a child's life, to teach children the critical skills they need to dismantle barriers and embrace opportunities, in learning and in life.

This work is supported by our two global offices in Toronto, Canada and London, UK; and seven National Offices in North America and Europe.

Right To Play UK is a charity registered in England and Wales and in Scotland that works in partnership with Right To Play International to raise funds and awareness across the UK and Ireland.

Benefits Highlights:

• Connect and collaborate with a global team who are passionate about protecting, educating and empowering children and youth using the power of play!
• Culture premised on our Culture Code (accept everyone, make things happen, display courage, demonstrate care, and be playful)
• Flexible work arrangements
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays per year (to be pro-rated for part-time employees)
• Competitive benefits such as Income Protection and Life Assurance
• Learning opportunities and 5 learning and development (L&D) days per year (to be pro-rated for part-time employees)
• More information on what we offer is available on our website.

Application Method:

Apply with your resume and cover letter in English via the application link.

Right To Play provides equal employment opportunities to employees regardless of their gender, race, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation or marital status. We strongly encourage groups who have been historically disadvantaged with respect to employment to apply for positions at Right To Play.

As part of our selection process, final candidates will be required to complete security checks and Vulnerable Sector Check or equivalent criminal record check as a condition of the offer. More details about our recruitment process are available here. Safeguarding information is available here.

As part of our recruitment and selection process, Right To Play uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) - assisted tools to support the assessment of candidates or applications. This may include but not limited to generating and editing of job adverts, assessment and interview questions, scheduling, translation, transcription, note taking, etc. Our Applicant Tracking System (ATS), VidCruiter, also use AI-powered ChatBot to answer candidates' enquiries. These tools are used only to assist human reviewers in evaluation and do not make selection or screening decisions. All hiring decisions are made by human reviewers. All AI-assisted processes comply with applicable privacy and data protection regulations, including GDPR and PIPEDA. For more information, please refer to RTP AI Policy and our Best Practice: Use of AI in Recruitment.

We value and promote a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We are committed to providing accommodations to candidates with disabilities during the recruitment and selection process, and thereafter. Please reach out to the People & Culture team by email. All information provided will be treated as confidential and used only to provide an accessible candidate experience.

Job Description:

Job Title:  Finance and Operations Manager

Grade: 7

Reports to: Executive Director, UK and Global Strategic Initiatives

Reports Technically to Director, Finance HQ

Location: UK (open to remote arrangement)

Direct Reports: NA

Department: Finance

1- Purpose:

The Finance and Operations Manager ensures the effective financial, administrative, and operational functioning of Right To Play UK and support the establishment of Right To Play Ireland by overseeing accurate financial records, coordinating people and legal processes, and continuously improving business systems and practices to support and enable successful fundraising outcomes.

2- Accountability & Responsibilities:

Finance (90%)

• Lead financial management, compliance, budgeting and reporting for Right To Play UK and Right To Play Ireland by ensuring accurate and timely recording of all expenses and revenue connected with the operation of the offices
•  Ensure revenue is appropriately captured and coded and reconciled with bank.
• Oversee liquidity/cashflow, procurement, payroll, audits, tax reporting, and external financial relationships
• Deliver reliable management and statutory reports to leadership, Boards, HQ, and authorities.
• Lead for staff payroll and benefits, HRIS data accuracy, payroll coordination, contracts, insurance and benefits administration, and employee records to ensure compliance, efficiency, and strong organisational support
• Supporting global finance in finance related initiatives, as needed
• Where applicable, ensure compliance on all governance requirements

Operations (10%)

• Direct office operations, administration, IT, and legal coordination by establishing efficient administrative processes, managing office infrastructure and IT security, coordinating vendors and service providers, monitoring licenses and compliance requirements, and supporting organisational risk management and legal obligations.

Perform other duties as assigned.

3-Scope (geographical and/or functional), Impact and Autonomy

The incumbent operates with significant autonomy, holding delegated authority over financial management, systems, and office operations, including safeguarding all funds received, and preparing supplier invoices for payment. They operate with high trust and independence and is expected to safeguard assets and ensure full statutory, fiscal, and HR data compliance.

4-Leadership and Staff management

The role exercises functional and collaborative leadership with no direct reports, providing guidance and influence across Right To Play UK and Right To Play Ireland. Leadership is demonstrated through setting standards and supporting teams to work effectively within organizational policies and financial controls, by providing authoritative guidance to the offices on financial policies, internal controls, and risk management; escalating material risks and recommending mitigation actions to the Executive Director and HQ Finance. The incumbent is expected to operate effectively in a low segregation environment due to small staff size by implementing and monitoring compensating controls (spot checks, reviews with Executive Director, exception reporting) to maintain strong control integrity.

5- Information requirement for decision-making

The incumbent requires secure access to accurate financial, donor, and operational data - primarily through the MCRM and ERP systems - which is already identified and readily available and applies established analysis and reporting methods as a super-user to interpret information, ensure compliance, protect confidential constituent records, and support informed financial and operational decision-making.

6- Innovation and Improvements

The incumbent is expected to drive process improvements and functional innovations within the offices—data integrity, financial tracking, and internal collaboration—while supporting others to implement these changes, with major or high-risk innovations subject to approval by the Executive Director.

7- Relationships & Communications: Internal / External:

The incumbent maintains key internal relationships with all team members, doner services team and HQ colleagues in MCRM, Finance, and People & Culture, and external relationships with Board members, and event partners, using effective communication and donor stewardship to support organizational objectives and ensure smooth operations.  The incumbent stewards Right To Play UK and Right To Play Ireland’s fiduciary obligations and is the primary authorized liaison with banks, landlords, insurance and payroll providers, external auditors, tax advisors, and legal counsel.

8- Expertise (Certifications / Education, Professional Experience/Language)

• Post-secondary diploma or undergraduate degree in accounting, business administration, Finance, or other related fields.
• Professional Accounting Designation preferred
• 5 years of progressive finance experience, including audit coordination, statutory filings, and external advisor management
• Adaptable with the aptitude to work well under pressure, and manage multiple competing and/or changing priorities
• Experience in navigating accounting, banking and payroll platforms
• A team player who is collaborative and innovative
• Excellent organizational skills; systematic in follow-through of tasks; diligent, with strong attention to detail
• Results-oriented with a willingness to learn and take initiative
• Demonstrates professionalism and integrity, with strong judgement skills and ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
• General knowledge of fundraising practices, procedures and standards preferred
• Fluency in oral and written English

9- Core Competences

• Collaboration: Demonstrates strong teamwork by effectively partnering with internal teams and external stakeholders to achieve shared objectives.
• Growth Mindset: Actively seeks opportunities to improve processes, learn new systems, and implement innovative solutions.
• Resilience: Maintains focus and effectiveness under pressure, managing multiple priorities and challenges with composure.
• Professionalism: Upholds high ethical standards, confidentiality, and accuracy in all financial, operational, and stakeholder interactions.
• Management and Interpersonal Skills: Guides and influences colleagues through expertise, clear communication, and support, despite having no direct reports.

10- Additional Information

Ability to work irregular hours depending on event and external meeting schedule. Occasional travel for attending internal and external meetings and supporting events.

Community Fundraising Assistant - North 

Are you ready to take on a new challenge with a leading charity making a real difference in brain tumour research?

Brain Tumour Research is an exciting, innovative, and ambitious charity. We are passionate about finding a cure for brain tumours through the establishment of dedicated Brain Tumour Research Centres of Excellence around the UK.​

After a successful 2025, we’re building on our momentum and looking ahead with ambition. As our work continues to expand, so does our impact. We are now looking for passionate people to join us on the next stage of our journey!

It is a fantastic time to be joining us and we are keen to share this with likeminded and talented individuals. We currently have an opening for a Community Fundraising Assistant - North, to join our Community and Digital Fundraising team.

• Do you want to make a difference in one of the most innovative and exciting medical research fundraising charities in the UK?
• Are you able to provide friendly and professional support to fundraisers and supporters?   
• Do you have experience in supporting events or community activities?
• Do you live in either Scotland, North East England, North West England or the East Midlands? 

​

Have you answered Yes to these questions?

Does this sound like the opportunity to really take the next step in your career?

Excited to learn more about this position? Then please take a read through our recruitment pack which is included within this advert.​​​

If you have the skills and ambition that we are looking for we are excited to receive your application.  We are really looking forward to welcoming a new member to our team!​

We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process.  Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.

​

We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.​

We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.

​