People and change lead jobs in Manchester

Location: Home based within commuting distance of either Edinburgh, Cardiff or Belfast 

Salary: £32,750 per annum
Hours: 35 hours per week 

Interview date will be scheduled as and when applications are received. Please apply promptly as the vacancy will close once we have appointed a successful candidate.  

This is a full time fixed-term position for one year (with possible extension subject to funding). 

Who we are looking for  

Breakthrough T1D is the UK’s leading type 1 diabetes charity, dedicated to funding research, advocating for change, and supporting the T1D community. A year into our exciting rebrand from JDRF to Breakthrough T1D, we’re looking for a Senior Policy and Public Affairs Officer – Devolved Nations to help us build on this momentum.

The role of the Senior Policy and Public Affairs Officer - Devolved Nations is vital to achieving our UK-wide advocacy mission: to reduce health inequalities in type 1 diabetes, to widen access to type 1 diabetes treatments and technologies and to ensure that people with type 1 get access to emerging new treatments and future cures in the devolved nations.  

You will lead on projects with key stakeholders and high-level Parliamentarians, such as our access to treatments and early detection work, as well as people with type 1 diabetes, policy makers and researchers. You will help to deliver Breakthrough T1D’s influencing plans, improving access to and choice of type 1 diabetes treatments and technology in the devolved nations.  

Experience required 

• Experience of working successfully with politicians, their offices, Government departments, and other public affairs stakeholders to influence policy and to influence public/stakeholder discourse across the devolved nations

• Experience of leading public affairs delivery in at least one (preferably all) of the devolved nations 

• Experience in analysing Government policy in-depth and creating policy briefings  

• Experience of drafting briefings, reports and policy submissions   

• Experience of communicating across a range of parliamentary and professional stakeholders at all levels   

• Demonstrable knowledge, interest and experience of working in a public affairs and policy-based environment 

• Experience of organising stakeholder events  

About Breakthrough T1D 

Breakthrough T1D is the world’s leading charitable research funder into type 1 diabetes, improving lives until we find the cure. We are dedicated to our 400,000 strong type 1 community in the UK and work closely with our international affiliates across the world, including the US, Canada and Australia. 

You will find a vibrant atmosphere and spirited team at Breakthrough T1D, always striving to make a difference to people living with type 1. 

Employee benefits 

As an employer we offer: 

• Hybrid working arrangements 

• Flexible working and will consider compressed hours 

• Generous annual leave entitlement – 25 days per year plus bank holidays for full-time staff with leave increasing after three and five years’ service 

• Health cash plan that allows you to claim for some treatments such as dental, optical and physiotherapy treatment 

• Season ticket and cycle loan 

• Pension scheme 

• Family-friendly policies – maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave at enhanced rates 

• Personalised training to suit your career aspirations and professional development 

Breakthrough T1D is an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all individuals regardless of race, gender, disability, religious belief, sexual orientation or age. 

External Communications Manager

Salary: £40,000–£42,000 FTE
Hours: 30 hours per week
Location: Remote, with regular travel to FitzRoy services, team and stakeholder meetings as agreed. The role requires attendance in London once per month and applicants must be able to commute to services in Norfolk, Nottingham and Hampshire.
Reports to: Head of Communications
Directorate: Business Development and Partnerships

FitzRoy is a national charity supporting people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health needs to live lives rooted in choice, meaning and happiness.

We are strengthening our external voice and looking for a confident, perceptive and warm communicator to help more people understand FitzRoy’s expertise and impact and increase our influence.

This is a moment of change for social care. We want to play a more active role in shaping its future, ensuring the people at the heart of it are seen, heard and involved in the decisions that matter.

About the role

As External Communications Manager, you will help build FitzRoy’s profile and reputation by identifying the stories, insight and opportunities that show what good support looks like in real life.

You will work closely with the Head of Communications, fundraising, business development and operational colleagues to turn external communications priorities into practical plans, content and opportunities.

This is a delivery role with real influence. You will be expected to bring ideas, advise colleagues, shape practical plans and turn opportunities into action.

What you will do

You will:

• develop proactive external communications activity that raises awareness of FitzRoy’s work, expertise and impact
• spot opportunities for FitzRoy to contribute constructively to sector conversations
• identify realistic opportunities for media, sector press, partner or local coverage
• gather stories, photos, video and quotes that help people understand what good support looks like in real life
• use social media, website content, audience insight and analytics to strengthen FitzRoy’s external profile

About you

You may come from charity communications, PR, journalism, public affairs, stakeholder communications or another external communications background.

You do not need to have worked in social care before, but you will need to be interested in people, willing to learn quickly and able to handle stories about people’s lives with care, respect and good judgement.

We are looking for someone who is:

• an excellent writer and editor
• confident developing clear, accessible content for different audiences
• warm, curious and able to build rapport quickly
• able to spot strong stories, ideas and opportunities
• confident creating social media and website content shaped by audience insight
• comfortable working independently and managing competing priorities
• able to think strategically about audiences and influence, while being practical about what can be delivered in a small team
• confident gathering content including photos, videos and quotes
• willing and able to travel to FitzRoy services and meetings as needed

A full clean driving licence and access to a car for work travel are required, as some services are not easily accessible by public transport.

Working at FitzRoy

You will join a small, friendly communications team with big ambitions. This role will suit someone who enjoys a mix of planning, writing, relationship-building, story-gathering and hands-on delivery.

You will help us show the difference good support makes – and help ensure the voices, experiences and achievements of people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health needs are seen and heard.

How to apply

To apply, please submit your application and a covering letter.

We do not expect your covering letter to address every point in the person specification. We would like you to tell us:

• what interests you about this role and FitzRoy
• three things you would bring to the role
• a piece of communications work you are proud of and why
• how you approach using social media, website content and audience insight to build external profile
• how you would approach telling stories about people’s lives with care, respect and good judgement

If you are using AI tools to write your application, please use them with caution. We are looking for your own voice and writing style.

Groundwork South is seeking a motivated and experienced Senior Project Officer to lead on the delivery of our Climate Action Fund project over the next five years.

Senior Project Officer (Climate Action Fund Training and Development Lead)
Reference: CAF0626
Contract: Fixed term until June 2031
Hours: Full-Time, 37.5 hours each week
Salary: £28,000 - £32,000 per annum
Location: Home-based (with travel across England) – There is a focus on South West England during the pilot phase

About Us

Groundwork South works with communities across the south of England to transform their lives and the places where they live. We have been at the forefront of social and environmental regeneration for over 25 years, and today we have a simple mission: to create better places, improve people’s prospects, and promote greener living and working.

We are passionate about creating a future where every neighbourhood is vibrant and green, every community is strong and able to shape its own destiny, and no-one is held back by their background or circumstances. This vision drives the work that we do. Each year we deliver over 100 innovative projects, tackling the biggest issues facing our communities and creating real and lasting, positive change.

About the Project

Communities Prepared works with volunteers and communities across England to help them build the skills, confidence and knowledge needed to prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies. This includes supporting communities to plan for climate-related risks such as flooding, storms, heatwaves, and severe weather.

Despite the successes we have had through our programme to date, we are not currently reaching diverse enough audiences and too often there are people missing from the resilience sector. This needs to change. To address this we are now embarking on an exciting new UK-wide partnership programme funded through the National Lottery Community Fund’s Climate Action Fund over the next five years.

The programme responds to growing evidence that climate-related emergencies, including extreme heat, flooding, fire, cold and severe weather, disproportionately impact marginalised communities, while those same communities are often excluded from resilience planning and decision-making.

The programme brings together Equally Ours, Communities Prepared (part of Groundwork South), and the VCS Emergencies Partnership (VCSEP, part of the British Red Cross) to strengthen climate resilience by ensuring that communities experiencing discrimination and disadvantage are at the heart of climate preparedness, response, recovery and policy-making.

Through a rights-based and co-produced approach, the programme seeks to shift climate resilience policy and practice away from models that frame communities as “vulnerable”, and towards approaches grounded in agency, participation, equality and shared responsibility.

Key Responsibilities

As Senior Project Officer, you will:

• Work with the project team to map stakeholders and co-develop a structured engagement plan to recruit and work with marginalised communities.
• Build a collaborative and trusting relationship with the partner organisations and other stakeholders for this project, ensuring this work meets their expectations and complements areas of the work programme led by others.
• Work with project participants and partners to co-design Communities Prepared material and delivery methods that are more accessible and relevant to diverse audiences.
• Lead on the delivery of resilience training and workshop sessions with diverse audiences, both in-person and online.
• Work with project participants and partners to co-design a train the trainer model that will enable diverse audiences to deliver resilience training within their own communities, amplifying reach and impact.
• Work with the core Communities Prepared team to adapt our offer with the long-term goal of the Programme reaching more diverse audiences, especially those seldom heard in this sector.

The role involves regular travel across the UK, with a focus on South West England during the project’s pilot phase.

We are looking for someone with:

• Experience in community engagement or community development.
• Experience delivering training or workshops.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, confident to engage people from a range of different backgrounds.
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders or partners.
• Confidence working independently in a remote role.
• An interest in climate change, community resilience and wider community development.
• A willingness to travel across the country.

Closing date for applications: 11.59pm, 30th June 2026
Interview date: 15th July over MS Teams
Interview panel: Representatives from Groundwork South, Equally Ours and VCSEP (tbc)

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

Groundwork South is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all members of the community.

No agencies please.

Policy and Research Coordinator 
Location: Hybrid (typically 3 days in the office), central Manchester with occasional travel 
Contract: Permanent, full-time
Salary: £25,000 - £30,000 
Closing date: 10am, Monday 13th July 2026 

About Belong 

Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is a national organisation working to strengthen social cohesion and integration across the UK. Through research, policy development and place-based programmes, we bring people together, support communities and champion approaches that help create a more connected and less divided society. 

Belong is entering an exciting new phase of growth. With a strengthened national profile, an ambitious strategy and a passionate team, we are looking for talented people who share our commitment to creating positive change. 

About the Role 

As Policy and Research Coordinator, you will play an important role in supporting the delivery of Belong’s policy and research work. Working closely with the Policy and Research Lead and wider team, you will help ensure projects are well organised, rigorous and impactful. 

This varied role combines research coordination, stakeholder engagement and project support. You will contribute to research and policy projects from planning through to dissemination, supporting activities such as literature reviews, data collection and analysis, stakeholder engagement, report writing and project administration. You will also help coordinate meetings, workshops and consultation activities, ensuring research findings and insights are effectively shared with a range of audiences. 

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working with information and evidence, managing multiple priorities, and contributing to work that informs policy, practice and positive social change. 

About You 

You will be an organised and proactive individual with experience supporting research projects, policy development or related activities, ideally within a charity, public policy or research environment. 

You will have strong information-handling skills, with the ability to analyse, summarise and synthesise complex material clearly and accurately. Alongside excellent written and verbal communication skills, you will be comfortable building relationships with a wide range of stakeholders and managing competing priorities effectively. 

Most importantly, you will be intellectually curious, collaborative and committed to Belong’s mission and values. You will bring a solutions-focused approach, a strong attention to detail, and a genuine desire to learn and develop within a policy and research environment. 

Benefits  

• 30 days’ annual leave per year 

• Hybrid working (typically 3 days in the office) 

• Enhanced sick pay 

• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay 

How to Apply 

Please click ‘Apply’ to be redirected to our recruitment partner's site, where you can download the Candidate Information Pack and find details of how to apply. As part of your application, you will be asked to answer three questions. 

1. Please tell us about a piece of work that you are particularly proud of and the role you played in its success. (max. 300 words) 

1. Please describe a situation where you had to work with a range of different people to achieve a shared outcome. (max. 300 words) 

1. Belong works with people, communities and organisations from a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. What values or principles guide how you work with others? (max. 300 words) 

Deadline:  10am on Monday 13th July 2026 
Interviews: 21st or 22nd July 2026 (in-person in Manchester)

For questions or to arrange an informal conversation, please contact Atkinson HR Consulting.

Belong’s Commitment to Inclusion  

Belong is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. They welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly encourage individuals from communities under-represented in the charity sector to apply. Impostor syndrome can disproportionately impact candidates from marginalised groups—if you are unsure whether to apply, we encourage you to do so.

Are you an experienced Trusts and Foundations fundraiser seeking an exciting role in the nature and rewilding sector? Are you looking for a friendly, flexible and values-driven organisation where you can make a tangible difference and advance your fundraising career?  This opportunity could tick all your boxes! 

SCOTLAND: The Big Picture (SBP) is a charity dedicated to making rewilding happen, as a solution to the biodiversity and climate crises. We work across Scotland, from the mountains to the sea and from the remotest communities to our urban centres. Our vision is of a vast network of rewilded land and water, where wildlife flourishes  and people thrive. 

In the five years since we were founded, we’ve established ourselves as a leading force for rewilding in Scotland: a charity that achieves outsized impact through our powerful storytelling and innovative collaborations.  We’re a small, agile and friendly team that works hard to:

• Drive support for rewilding – through our films, creative storytelling, conferences, training courses and political advocacy.

• Commit land and water to rewilding – by supporting over 100 landowners to enhance nature on their land, from crofts and community-owned sites to farms and large estates.

OUR FUNDRAISING 

SBP is a growing organisation with an exciting portfolio of nature recovery projects across Scotland.  Our key income streams include grants from charitable trusts, foundations and statutory bodies, philanthropic donations, corporate partnerships, regular giving and appeals. We have a strong track record in fundraising from trusts and foundations, and we are currently in receipt of grants from Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, the National Lottery Heritage Fund and other significant environmental funders. 

Our Fundraising Team comprises a Rewilding Investment Lead (who develops corporate partnerships) and a Trusts and Foundations Lead, led by our Fundraising Manager.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As Trusts and Foundations Lead, you would establish and maintain relationships with a wide portfolio of charitable trusts and foundations, and be responsible for securing both project-specific and core income.

KEY DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Identifying and researching funding opportunities, including due diligence as appropriate.

• Networking, and building and stewarding relationships with prospective funders.

• Liaising with senior, project and finance staff to identify, prioritise and cost key fundraising needs.

• Managing a dynamic pipeline of applications matched to the agreed fundraising priorities.

• Preparing and submitting compelling expressions of interest and funding proposals, including accurate financial information as required. 

• Processing grant offers and ensuring income is recorded accurately. 

• Managing a schedule of reporting and stewardship deadlines to ensure timely feedback and thanks to funders. 

• Securing progress updates from colleagues delivering funded work, in order to produce high-quality reports that meet funders’ requirements.

• Seeking feedback in relation to unsuccessful bids, in order to guide and strengthen future proposals.

• Maintaining accurate and comprehensive records on our fundraising CRM database. 

• Contributing to the development of fundraising strategies, plans and campaigns. 

• Participating fully in Fundraising and SBP team meetings, events and cross-team activities as appropriate. 

Essential skills and experience:

• At least two years’ experience securing and reporting on grants from trusts and foundations, and/or reviewing and advising on grants within a grant-giving organisation.
• Excellent written communication skills and attention to detail. Experience writing compelling bids and reports that align with funders’ priorities.
• Ability to communicate confidently with funders and colleagues in a friendly and engaging manner.
• Experience using a variety of information management tools, including CRM databases and spreadsheets, to accurately record and manage information.
• Confident with numbers. Experience working with project and finance colleagues to develop project budgets.
• Able to organise day-to-day activities according to agreed priorities, manage a busy workload, and consistently meet deadlines.
• Demonstrable passion for nature and rewilding in Scotland.
• Able to maintain personal wellbeing, productivity and effective communication in a remote team.
• Share and demonstrate our core values (see below).

Desirable skills and experience:

• Experience securing grants at £250,000 and over.
• Experience of using desktop design tools to create attractive materials that combine written content with imagery.
• Experience building and managing relationships with senior or strategically important stakeholders, e.g. Board members, CEOs.
• Proficient with DonorPerfect CRM.
• Experience developing complex, multi-year budgets for grant applications, including full cost recovery where applicable. 
• Experience using a range of tools and approaches to manage priorities, meet deadlines and hit targets.
• Experience with funders that support nature and climate causes.
• Degree or equivalent professional qualification within a relevant discipline.

OUR VALUES

Our values define us as a charity and guide our relationships with colleagues, partners, funders, supporters and wider interest groups. 

● We are passionate about Scotland and its huge potential for nature restoration.

● We are bold and willing to push boundaries to make rewilding happen. 

● We trade in hope and possibility, not fear and conflict. 

● We are inclusive and respectful, inviting everyone to join the conversation. 

● We are collaborative, building connections across interest groups to drive change.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Salary: £35,500 - £37,500 FTE, depending on experience. Salaries are paid on the last working day of each month by bank transfer and cover the period of the first  of the month to the last day of the month. 

Contract: Permanent position. 

Place of work: This role is home-based and will require a suitable home office working  environment. SBP will provide a laptop and additional equipment as needed. 

Travel: Attendance of team meetings held across Scotland will be required (typically two to three times per year), and the role may also involve occasional travel elsewhere within the UK. Travel expenses will be paid in accordance with SBP’s  expenses policy. Applicants must be based within a reasonable commuting distance and must have the right to work in the UK (we are unable to provide visa sponsorship). 

Hours: We are open to this role being full-time or part-time (minimum 0.6 FTE, equating to
22.5 hours per week).  Working hours are flexible. The nature of the post may require occasional evening and weekend work. Paid overtime is not routinely available, but time off in lieu will
be given. 

Flexibility: Subject to ensuring that the needs of the charity and the role are met, SBP endeavours to meet the flexible working needs of its staff. 

Holidays: 28 days FTE (pro rata for part-time), including public holidays, plus 5 additional office closure days between Christmas and New Year. 

Pensions: We offer a workplace pension scheme with a 5% employee contribution and 3% employer contribution. 

Probationary period: 3 months. 

Notice Period: 1 month during the probationary period, thereafter 2 months.

Training: SBP is fully committed to personal development and training and offers staff regular opportunities for both internal and external training. 

Commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion: SCOTLAND: The Big Picture is committed to equality of opportunity for all and we make recruitment decisions by matching our business needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage or civil partnership. We regularly review our recruitment practices to improve the accessibility of SBP, and we would welcome feedback from you. 

TO APPLY 

Please email your CV and a covering letter (maximum two pages). The covering letter should detail why you are interested in the role and how your skills and experience equip you for
this role. 

Applications should be sent by 5pm on Monday 13 July.

Interviews will be conducted by video call on Monday 20 July. 

We endeavour to provide feedback on request to unsuccessful applicants. However, as a small charity – and depending on the number of applicants we receive – we may need to prioritise feedback to those candidates who are shortlisted for interview. 

Thank you very much for considering this role.

Head of Communications (Job Share)

Location: Remote

Salary: £19,160 - £21,424 per annum

Vacancy Type: Permanent

2–3 days per week (flexible, subject to agreement)

Please note that the salary has been calculated on a pro-rata basis, reflecting the role's two-day-per-week working pattern.

Join us - transform lives, change minds

We are a leading social justice charity supporting people to recover from addiction and leave behind crime - helping them move on in life with family, friends, jobs, homes, and a sense of belonging. Working in over 80 prison and community settings across England and Wales, we support more than 40,000 people each year to achieve lasting, transformational change.

Alongside frontline local delivery, we are driving change nationally - challenging stigma, influencing policy, and creating a society that believes in second chances and long-term recovery.

The opportunity

We are looking for an exceptional communications leader to join us in a job share Head of Communications role, working alongside an experienced colleague to shape and deliver a high-impact, organisation-wide communications strategy.

This is a unique opportunity to lead high-profile national campaigns, strengthen our voice across the media and digital landscape, and ensure our people - over 900 staff across the country, many with lived experience - remain connected, engaged, and inspired by our mission.

What you’ll lead

You will play a central role in amplifying our impact and growing our influence, including:

• • National campaigns and public engagement — including our flagship Taking Action on Addiction campaign and Addiction Awareness Week, supported by our Royal Patron, HRH Princess of Wales, reaching millions each year
  • Media and profile-building — securing high-quality coverage, managing relationships with press, ambassadors, and influencers, including Lily Allen, Alasdair Campbell and many others
  • Audience growth and supporter engagement — expanding our network of donors, partners, and advocates
  • Digital and content strategy — driving a multi-platform approach that positions us as a thought leader in our field and also helps us reach the people who most need our support
  • Internal communications and culture — ensuring our 900+ staff feel informed, connected, and part of a shared purpose
  • Team leadership — jointly leading a skilled communications team and working closely with senior leaders, including our Chair, Tony Adams OBE, the CEO and Executive Team and Trustees.

Why this role matters

This role sits at the heart of how we influence change - shaping how we tell our story, how we reach people who need support, and how we mobilise public and political will.

You’ll help ensure our communications are not only compelling, but impactful - supporting service delivery, influencing systems, and ultimately helping more people rebuild their lives.

Who we’re looking for

We want a dynamic, values-driven communications professional who can operate both strategically and ‘hands-on’. You will:

• Bring a strong track record across PR, campaigns, digital, and internal communications
• Be confident leading complex, multi-channel communications activity
• Experience navigating complex organisational environments with diverse operational and service functions.
• Have experience translating organisational mission into clear, engaging messaging for diverse audiences
• Be a collaborative leader, comfortable working in a job share arrangement and across senior teams
• Combine creativity with delivery—able to move from strategy to execution at pace
• Bring a strategic and pragmatic approach to marketing, with strong attention to brand consistency and discipline.
• Be passionate about social justice and motivated by real-world impact

What we offer

• A high-profile, purpose-driven leadership role
• Flexibility through a supportive job share model
• The opportunity to shape national conversations and influence change
• A collaborative and ambitious organisation committed to growth and innovation
• A generous benefits package

If you’re ready to use your communications expertise to drive real social change, we’d love to hear from you.

About Us

We are The Forward Trust, the social enterprise with charitable status that empowers people to break the often interlinked cycles of crime and addiction to move forward with their lives. For more than 25 years we have been working with people to build positive and productive lives, whatever their past. We believe that anyone is capable of lasting change. Our services have supported thousands of people to make positive changes and build productive lives with a job, family, friends and a sense of community.

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Forward Trust, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application.

Lincolnshire Rural Support Network (LRSN) is seeking an exceptional new Chief Executive Officer to lead the next chapter of our journey, supporting the agricultural and horticultural community across Lincolnshire.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a charity with real heart, strong community roots, and a clear purpose: ensuring no one in Lincolnshire’s rural community faces difficulty alone.

For over 25 years, LRSN has been a trusted lifeline, providing confidential, compassionate support to individuals and families facing crisis, isolation, and change. We are a listening organisation at our core, rooted in empathy, trust, and a deep understanding of rural life.

We are now looking for a professional, strategic CEO, who can build on this strong foundation; someone who will inspire people, strengthen partnerships, and lead with clarity and conviction in a changing world.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This is a pivotal leadership position, responsible for shaping the strategic direction, sustainability, and impact of LRSN. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, you will lead a committed team of staff and volunteers, working collaboratively to ensure our services continue to reach those who need them most.

YOU WILL

• Provide clear, values-driven strategic leadership to grow LRSN’s reach and impact.

• Champion a positive, inclusive culture that empowers staff and volunteers.

• Strengthen income streams and ensure long-term financial sustainability.

• Act as a compelling ambassador for LRSN, building partnerships across sectors.

• Ensure strong governance, compliance, and effective organisational performance.

• Use insight and data to drive decision-making and continuous improvement.

WHY JOIN LRSN?

At LRSN, everything we do is guided by our values: we listen, we care, we serve others, we value people, we reach out, and we strive for excellence.

You will be joining an organisation with:

• A strong reputation and trusted presence across Lincolnshire.

• A dedicated and skilled volunteer network at its heart.

• A clear mission: that no one in our rural community should face difficulty alone.

• The opportunity to shape the future of a vital charity.

ABOUT YOU

You’ll bring senior leadership experience, strong charity and fundraising insight, financial confidence, and the ability to motivate people around a shared mission. A genuine connection to rural life and the farming community will help you thrive in this role.

Whether you are already operating at CEO/Head of Charity level or ready to step into your first top leadership role, you will be driven by purpose and passionate about making a difference.

WHAT WE OFFER

SALARY: Competitive Salary to be discussed on application

HOLIDAYS: 28 days plus public holidays

HOME-BASED WORK: with the requirement to travel for events and meetings

PENSION SCHEME: Contributory Pension Scheme - further details on application

For more information, a recruitment pack is available which will be sent on application.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please submit your current CV and a supporting letter of application addressed to our Chair of Trustees, Matthew Phillips, outlining your reasons for applying, motivation and what you would bring to the role.

Closing date: 30th June 2026

Interviews will take place in two stages: First interviews 6th July and second 24th July 2026.

LRSN is committed to equality of opportunity. All applications will be treated in confidence.

Role Overview
Stroke Association are delighted to partner with The Talent Set on a fantastic Associate Director of Marketing & Communications role.

Reporting directly to the Executive Director of Giving, Volunteering and Voice, this role will lead the talented Marketing and Communications team and play a critical role in shaping how the charity engages with stroke survivors, supporters, partners, policymakers and the wider public. Working closely with Executive Directors and teams across the organisation, you will develop and deliver an integrated marketing and communications strategy that advances our organisational goals and strengthens impact.

As Stroke Association builds a more agile and collaborative culture, multidisciplinary teams are embracing test-and-learn approaches, using insight and evidence to focus efforts where they can make the greatest difference. 

We’re looking for an exceptional leader who combines strategic vision with creativity, influence and collaboration. Someone who can inspire and develop a high-performing team, champion the value of marketing and communications across the organisation, and help the charity reach more people affected by stroke than ever before.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure a coherent and compelling marketing, communications and brand strategy that strengthens the charity's profile, supports organisational priorities and builds public understanding of stroke and its impact.
• Drive insight, evidence and learning to inform decision-making, enabling the continuous evolution of marketing and communications approaches, channels and activities.
• Create the conditions for marketing and communications to operate as a strategic partner across the organisation, supporting the delivery of fundraising, influencing, research and stroke support priorities.
• Champion a co-creation approach, building meaningful partnerships with colleagues, stroke survivors, volunteers, supporters and external stakeholders to shape communications, campaigns and organisational priorities
• Embed an audience-led approach that enables meaningful engagement, broadens reach and deepens connection with diverse communities.
• Ensure the voices and experiences of stroke survivors, carers and communities are authentically represented and embedded within the charity's communications, campaigns and brand narrative.

Person Specification

• Proven experience of developing and delivering organisation-wide communications and marketing strategies that support organisational objectives and drive measurable impact.
• Experience of leading and developing high-performing multidisciplinary teams, creating an inclusive, empowering and values-led culture.
• Demonstrable experience of building and protecting organisational reputation, including managing complex communications, sensitive issues and reputational risk.
• Experience of working collaboratively with senior leaders to shape organisational priorities and influence decision-making.
• Experience of developing compelling audience-led communications, campaigns and engagement approaches across multiple channels.
• Experience of working with lived experience, service users, beneficiaries or communities to shape communications, campaigns or organisational activity.
• Experience of managing significant budgets, resources and external agency relationships.
• Experience of supporting organisational influencing, campaigning or policy objectives.
• Experience of leading communications through organisational change, transformation or periods of significant growth.

What’s on Offer

• Salary: £75,000 (+ London weighting depending on post code)
• Permanent
• Home-based, with national travel in the UK as require, including some overnight stays

How to Apply
To apply, please submit your CV demonstrating your suitability for this role by clicking the 'apply now' button (please do not apply via email). We aim to get back to all successful candidates within 48 working hours.

Commitment to Diversity
The Talent Set are committed to diverse and inclusive recruitment practices, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability, or age. We actively encourage applications from a wide range of backgrounds and are always happy to make reasonable adjustments to ensure a fair recruitment process.

Digital Communications Coordinator 
Location: Hybrid (typically 3 days in the office), central Manchester with occasional travel 
Contract: Permanent, full-time 
Salary: £25,000 - £30,000 
Closing date: 10am, Monday 13th July 2026 

About Belong 

Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is a national organisation working to strengthen social cohesion and integration across the UK. Through research, policy development and place-based programmes, we bring people together, support communities and champion approaches that help create a more connected and less divided society. 

Belong is entering an exciting new phase of growth. With a strengthened national profile, an ambitious strategy and a passionate team, we are looking for talented people who share our commitment to creating positive change. 

About the Role 

As Digital Communications Coordinator, you will play an important role in helping Belong communicate its work, impact and ideas to a growing national audience. Working closely with the Communications & Engagement Manager and wider team, you will support the delivery of digital communications that raise awareness of Belong’s work and strengthen engagement with communities, partners and stakeholders. 

This varied role combines content creation, digital communications and audience engagement. You will support social media activity, webinars, website content and email communications, helping to ensure Belong’s messages are communicated clearly, consistently and creatively across a range of channels. You will also contribute to communications planning, create digital assets, support website updates and help coordinate newsletters and wider engagement activity. 

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys creating engaging content, bringing ideas to life and working across a range of projects that contribute to positive social change. 

About You 

You will be an organised and proactive individual with experience managing social media channels and supporting digital communications activities, ideally within a charity, public policy, research or wider social impact environment. 

You will have strong written communication skills, excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively. You will be confident creating content for different audiences, using digital platforms and tools, and working collaboratively with colleagues and external partners. 

Most importantly, you will be passionate about Belong’s mission and values. You will bring creativity, curiosity and a solutions-focused approach, alongside a genuine desire to learn and develop within a communications and engagement role. 

Benefits 

• 30 days’ annual leave per year 

• Hybrid working (typically 3 days in the office) 

• Enhanced sick pay 

• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay 

How to Apply 

Please click ‘Apply’ to be redirected to our recruitment partner's site, where you can download the Candidate Information Pack and find details of how to apply. As part of your application, you will be asked to answer three questions. 

1. Please tell us about a communications project, campaign or piece of content that you are particularly proud of and the role you played in its success. (max. 300 words) 

1. Please describe a situation where you had to communicate with or engage a range of different audiences to achieve a positive outcome. (max. 300 words) 

1. Belong works with people, communities and organisations from a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. What values or principles guide how you communicate and engage with others? (max. 300 words) 

Deadline: 10am on Monday 13th July 2026 
Interviews:   21st or 22nd July 2026 (in-person in Manchester)

For questions or to arrange an informal conversation, please contact Atkinson HR Consulting.

Belong’s Commitment to Inclusion 

Belong is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly encourage individuals from communities under-represented in the charity sector to apply. Impostor syndrome can disproportionately impact candidates from marginalised groups—if you are unsure whether to apply, we encourage you to do so.

Programme Coordinator
Location: Hybrid (typically 3 days in the office), central Manchester with occasional travel 
Contract: Permanent, full-time
Salary: £25,000 - £30,000 
Closing date: 10am, Monday 13th July 2026 

About Belong 

Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is a national organisation working to strengthen social cohesion and integration across the UK. Through research, policy development and place-based programmes, we bring people together, support communities and champion approaches that help create a more connected and less divided society.

Belong is entering an exciting new phase of growth. With a strengthened national profile, an ambitious strategy and a passionate team, we are looking for talented people who share our commitment to creating positive change. 

About the Role 

As Programme Coordinator, you will play an important role in supporting the delivery of Belong's place-based programmes across England and Wales. Working closely with the Programme Director, Programme Leads and external partners, you will help ensure projects are well organised, inclusive and impactful. 

This varied role combines project coordination, stakeholder engagement and administrative support. You will help coordinate programme activities, events and communications, maintain project records and resources, support reporting and evaluation activities, and contribute to the smooth day-to-day delivery of programmes. 

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working across multiple projects, building relationships with a range of stakeholders, and contributing to work that makes a meaningful difference in communities. 

About You 

You will be an organised and proactive individual with experience supporting projects or programmes, ideally within a charity, public sector or wider social impact environment. 

You will have strong organisational and communication skills, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively. You will be confident working collaboratively with colleagues and external stakeholders, while also taking ownership of your own workload. 

Most importantly, you will be passionate about Belong's mission and values, with a collaborative, inclusive and solutions-focused approach and a genuine desire to learn and develop within a programmes team. 

Benefits  

• 30 days’ annual leave per year 

• Hybrid working (typically 3 days in the office) 

• Enhanced sick pay 

• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay 

How to Apply 

Please click ‘Apply’ to be redirected our recruitment partner's site, where you can download the Candidate Information Pack and find details of how to apply. As part of your application, you will be asked to answer three questions. 

1. Please tell us about a piece of work that you are particularly proud of and the role you played in its success. (max. 300 words) 

1. Please describe a situation where you had to work with a range of different people to achieve a shared outcome. (max. 300 words) 

1. Belong works with people, communities and organisations from a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. What values or principles guide how you work with others? (max. 300 words) 

Deadline: 10am on Monday 13th July 2026 
Interviews: w/c 27th July 2026 (in-person in Manchester)  

For questions or to arrange an informal conversation, please contact Atkinson HR Consulting.

Belong’s Commitment to Inclusion  

Belong is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. They welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly encourage individuals from communities under-represented in the charity sector to apply. Impostor syndrome can disproportionately impact candidates from marginalised groups—if you are unsure whether to apply, we encourage you to do so.  

We are looking for a highly motivated Volunteer and Engagement Coordinator to develop meaningful roles for volunteers across our delivery, and increase the external profile and reach of Arc.

From our base in the Hat Works building in Stockport town centre, Arc’s creative programmes provide life-changing opportunities for people experiencing mental health challenges and inclusive, welcoming spaces where they can develop a sense of belonging, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness. 

This is an exciting opportunity to join our small, dedicated team and make a real difference to the lives of people facing mental health challenges. If you are a ‘can do’ person with great people skills and experience of inspiring, training or developing volunteers and engaging the local community, this is the role for you. 

Contract Type: X3 Permanent

Location: We are advertising three roles in Manchester, London, and Liverpool

Interviews: Please check our careers site for interview dates for each location

Join The King’s Trust as a Delivery Partnership Development Manager and play a pivotal role in expanding the partnerships that power life-changing opportunities for young people. Sitting at the heart of our Delivery Partnerships team, you will lead the development of high-quality, commercially viable partnerships across priority locations, ensuring we can reach more young people with impactful employability programmes. This is a highly visible role where strategy meets delivery: shaping local partnership plans, unlocking employer and training opportunities, and driving measurable impact at scale.

You will translate strategy into clear, deliverable plans and performance outcomes. Working closely with internal teams and external partners, you will identify growth sectors, build strong employer networks, and develop compelling partnership proposals and agreements. Your work will directly influence how effectively we connect young people to jobs, training and work experience, while maintaining strong standards in safeguarding, compliance, and inclusion.

We’re looking for a commercially minded, purpose-led leader who brings strong stakeholder management, analytical thinking, and the ability to turn insight into action. You will combine partnership development expertise with a genuine passion for supporting young people, alongside the confidence to influence others, deliver on key performance metrics, and produce results in complex environments. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on building relationships, creating opportunities, and driving tangible social impact.

This role will suit someone who:

• Has experience developing partnerships across employers, training providers or sector networks
• Brings strong commercial acumen, with the ability to build proposals, budgets and agreements
• Understands the barriers facing young people and is motivated to create meaningful change
• Is confident working with data, insight and labour market trends to inform decisions

If you want to combine leadership, partnership development and social impact in a role where your work directly improves young people’s futures, this is a powerful opportunity to do exactly that.

What happens next?  

Please submit a CV and Cover Letter that includes your experience, transferable skills and motivation to work for The King's Trust! The Team will be in touch about the next steps shortly after the closing date. 

Why do we need Delivery Partnership Development Managers? 

Last year, we helped more than 40,000 Young People, with three in four young people on our programmes moving into a positive outcome in work, education or training. The young people we help face a range of challenges, such as unemployment, mental health issues or some who have been in trouble with the law. We believe all young people should have the chance to succeed, and that young people are the key to a positive and prosperous future for all of us. We want to continue having a positive impact on young people’s lives, and we couldn’t do this without the important work of Delivery Partnership Development Managers! 

Perks for working at The Trust! 

• Great holiday package! 30 days annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays. Office closure on the days between Christmas and New Year 
• Flexible working! Where operationally possible, our roles require a combination of office days and working from home (please speak to the hiring manager about this particular role)
• You can volunteer for and/or attend events – The King's Trust Awards, Pride, active events, etc. 
• In-house learning platform! Develop your skills for your career and your role 
• Benefits platform! Everything from health and financial well-being support to discounts on your favourite restaurants, shops and cinemas. 
• Personal development opportunities through our Networks – KT CAN (Cultural Awareness Network), KT GEN (Gender Equality Network), KT DAWN (Disability & Wellbeing Network), and PULSE (LGBTQIA+ Network). 
• Fantastic Family leave! Receive 13 weeks of full pay and 13 weeks of half pay for maternity and adoption leave. Receive 8 weeks of full pay for paternity leave. 
• Interest-free season ticket loans 
• The Trust will contribute 5% of your salary to the Trust Pension Scheme 
• Generous life assurance cover (4 x annual salary) 

Manchester Central Foodbank is a busy Trussell Trust-affiliated food bank, with centres in Central, North, and East Manchester. We were established in Ardwick in 2013 by students at the Manchester Universities’ Catholic Chaplaincy, making us the first student-led food bank in the country. Since then we have grown significantly, expanding our weekly sessions into Harpurhey and Openshaw.

Our core aims are to deliver the best quality support that we can to the largest number of our neighbours in need, while working with partners and influencing and organising at a neighbourhood and citywide level to reduce and end the need for food banks in Manchester.

We currently support 16,000 people per year with nutritionally balanced 3-day food parcels. This is double the number of people we supported in the first year following the Covid-19 pandemic, and four times the number supported in 2019. We also provide financial inclusion support with advice workers in public sessions, access to energy vouchers, SIM cards, and other voucher or material support. We coordinate across a network of 200 active front-line referral agencies with the aim of ensuring everyone who accesses our service has appropriate, specialised, and ongoing support alongside the material provision that we provide.

We are active leaders in anti-poverty organising and community development, as convenors of the citywide Building an Anti-Poverty Community collective and aim to be key shapers and influencers of new strategies and policies, working closely to support and influence local government, NHS, education and research agendas in Manchester and more widely building upon our track record of successful anti-poverty partnership work, social value impact and Parliamentary influencing. Our core values are: care, partnership, dignity, partnership, anti-stigma and rights-based.

Key responsibilities
As Chief Executive Officer you will be the key senior staff leader for the charity. You will lead the team to ensure they have the resources, frameworks, and support to effect smooth day-to-day running of our frontline support service. You will provide a strong business management focus, through supporting the financial process, overall metrics and reporting, day to day HR and input for the external Payroll Team, Health and Safety, appropriate working conditions, and strategic planning and communications. 

As the senior lead you will also facilitate and support the Board of Trustees to develop and lead strategic development objectives and plans for transformation, and ensure the delivery and implementation of the charity’s overall strategy and specific focused strategies. You will develop and manage strategic relationships with stakeholders including Council, NHS, and other statutory partners and funders, corporate and social value funders and partners, and high-value and donors. You will also plan and lead fundraising strategies. 

You will be a key external interface for our community and partners.  You will do this by:

Staff/Board Leadership and Governance:

• Line managing a current team of operations staff, including those supporting the recruitment, training, and management of a large team of volunteers. 

• Building team spirit and employee engagement and offer.

• Leading and delivering regular staff performance and development reviews.

• Developing and delivering robust metrics and reporting to the board and staff team, through consistent monthly and quarterly reporting packs to the board of trustees.

• Ensuring all staff and volunteers are familiar and engaged with the charity’s long-term goals and objectives, and know how their work helps to implement these on the ground. Leading the development of induction packages and ongoing offers for staff and volunteers. You will be responsible for writing, implementation, and update of institutional policies as needed to staff and volunteers.

• Leading targeted volunteer recruitment strategies to maximise core delivery capacity through volunteer roles and prioritise staffing capacity to core charity operations.

• Ensure policies are kept current.

• Ensure recording and management of absence/leave.

• Ensure Health and Safety aspects of all organisational operations are compliant, in collaboration with the Board sponsor.

• Manage day to day financial input, through the Xero app, and ensure accurate and up-to-date financial reporting for the Board/Treasurer. This includes administering monthly payroll requests.

• Oversee training and personal development plans for staff and volunteers, as appropriate.

• Working with the Chair of Trustees to implement the charity’s strategic plan and structural development objectives.

• Develop and implement ongoing plans and actions to ensure operationally-appropriate and safe office, warehouse, and working spaces.

• Lead on development, modelling, and maintenance of service delivery standards, quality control, and ensuring frontline teams have the appropriate resources, support, and frameworks to deliver high quality and consistent support offers.

Foodbank Management:

• Support the Operations and Project Lead to deliver the smooth running of food bank sessions across multiple centres, ensuring an excellent standard of service across all centres, and seeking to continually develop our service in line with our goals to support the largest number of people with the best support we can while working to reduce and end the need for food banks in Manchester.

• Develop and build a new Delivery Strategy with the Chair of Trustees and Operations and Project Lead.

• Support the Operations and Project Lead and Warehouse and Logistics Coordinator to safely store and maintain optimal stock levels, maximise food donation levels and reduce food spend, develop and maintain relationships with community donors, and record incoming and outgoing stock, with the aim of ensuring that all centres are well stocked to provide as many varied, balanced, and nutritious and culturally-appropriate food parcels as necessary.

• Ensure compliance with the procedures set out in Manchester Central Foodbank’s policies, the Trussell Trust’s Operating Manual, and relevant statutory requirements at all times.

• Ensure our food bank centres provide a safe and dignified environment for clients, free from discrimination, judgement, and stigma.

Strategy and External Relationships:

• Working with the Chair of Trustees on development, monitoring, and implementation of the core charity strategy and sub-strategies. Ensuring the involvement and participation of the food bank’s staff, volunteers, external partners, and service users in all strategic planning and decision making, where appropriate.

• Support the Operations and Project Lead to work build strong relationships with referral partners and wider community and statutory networks of collaborators and support to ensure that our service users are able to access the maximum amount of support before, during, and after accessing our service to minimise the length and severity of financial crisis, maximise their incomes, and provide pathways to ongoing and longer-term support.

• Play an active role in strategic and convening spaces around our city and neighbourhoods to present the foodbank’s approach, bring more partners into our network, and influence policy and funding frameworks.

• Develop and manage a Corporate Relationships and Social Value strategy, including communications, networking, and relationship management.

• Lead on directing the charity’s external communications, including social media, in person, newsletters, company visits, and other content.

• Manage internal communications, including developing and delivering two-way team briefings with the board and staff/volunteers, biannual town halls or away days with board members and staff/volunteers, newsletters, and an open and collaborative, person-focused, and developmental culture within the organisation.

About you

Essential Experience and Knowledge:

• 5 years’ experience of leading a similar profiled charity or organisation and successful Board interaction.

• Experience of leading successful transformation and change for a charity and a strong developmental mindset and focus.

• Have led a team of 5 or more staff members to successful performance, demonstrating experience of coaching and individual development skills.

• Experience in developing and leading successful and engaged volunteering programmes and support.

• Full valid driving licence. 

• Proven experience of leading the development and delivery of strategy and sub-strategies to successful conclusion and fashioning evidenced business cases for current and new development projects.

• Leading multiple complex projects or services, balancing the needs and interests of a range of stakeholders.

• Experience of implementing rigorous reporting and evaluation practices on operations.

• Experience of managing day-to-day financial administration and reporting.

• Evidence of delivering clear metric dashboards and reports.

• Experience of high-quality implementation of Health and Safety and Safeguarding policies and a leadership practice that centres care for staff, volunteers, and service users. Safeguarding lead qualification is desirable but will provide training if not.

• Demonstrable knowledge and experience in HR processes and management.

• Experience in building and delivering strategic plans.

• Proven experience of effective problem solving and responding to crisis situations.

• A good working knowledge of the social welfare and political landscape in Manchester – or demonstrable experience in similar expertise and networking and an openness to learn and develop sector-specific knowledge.

• A nuanced and sensitive understanding of the complex reasons people attend food banks.

Desirable Experience and Knowledge:

• Partnering with and building relationships with Council, NHS, and other statutory partners and funders, corporate and social value partners and funders, high net worth donors, and fundraising through grant applications and individual/community donors.

• Experience of working collaboratively with stakeholders from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, faiths, and views. 

• Experience of handling safeguarding incidents, follow-ups, and debriefs with staff, volunteers, and service users.

• Demonstrated success in delivering communications strategies for internal and external stakeholders, including social media and press content and campaigns.

Personal Skills and Attributes:

• An individual who embodies the values of Manchester Central Foodbank in their core professional practice and personal approach to their work.

• An empathetic and care-centred approach and the ability to centre the experience and outcomes of people from marginalised or socially-excluded backgrounds in core decision-making and prioritisation.

• A leader who takes ownership, accountability, and responsibility to drive an organisation and team forward with a developmental mindset.

• A highly self-motivated and proactive person who centres collaboration and consensus with the staff team, volunteers and Board of Trustees in their approach.

• Able to develop strategy and plans and translate strategy to actionable delivery and developmental projects.

• A high level of literacy and communication.

• A high level of numeracy and ability to analyse data.

• Strong leadership attributes to build engagement and performance with the team.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to motivate, persuade, and coach staff and volunteers.

• Excellent personal organisation skills and the ability to manage multiple conflicting priorities and deadlines.

Cerebra is the national charity dedicated to improving the lives of children with neurological conditions and their families. We provide vital research, support, and practical solutions that empower families facing complex challenges.

With an annual income of £3 million and a headcount of 68 employees, we have ambitious plans to double our income between 2025 and 2027, ensuring we can extend our impact, reach more families, and drive real change. To achieve this, we are investing in fundraising innovation, income generating ventures, and strategic partnerships, alongside enhancing our brand to increase our national recognition.

Our work is underpinned by our values ensuring that everything we do aligns with our mission to create a better world for children with neurological conditions.

This is an incredibly exciting time to join Cerebra, as we are preparing to launch our new strategy and brand. The COO is a vital leadership role that will support the drive towards even greater impact for children and families across the UK.

Our Services

Sleep Advice Service

Cerebra understands that if you have a child that doesn’t sleep, the whole family suffers. Many children with neurological conditions suffer from disrupted sleep. Our sleep advice service provides bespoke advice and support so that everyone can get a good night’s sleep.

Legal Rights Service

Our Legal Rights Service provides help and support to families of children with neurological conditions when they are faced with barriers and difficulties in accessing statutory support services they are entitled to. The service provides information on their legal entitlements.

Book and Toy Library Service

Our specialist postal lending library contains a wide range of books for both adults and children, plus a selection of sensory toys specifically chosen for children with a neurological condition.

Innovation and Product Design Service

Our Innovation Service designs and builds bespoke products that cater to the specific needs of children with neurological conditions. The aim of the service is to make products that are desirable and exciting, therefore promoting social inclusion, peer acceptance and enabling children to participate in everyday activities that are so often close to them.

Information Products

Cerebra publishes different information products to help families with a child with a neurological condition. Our information products offer comprehensive, up-to-date support and research-driven strategies to assist families with a wide range of issues.

Buzgi and Toy Adaptation Service

Cerebra designs and builds bespoke assistive equipment for disabled children, this includes creating custom mobility aids, switch‑adapted toys, and other innovative solutions to help children access play, learning, and independence.

The Bugzi - a mini powered wheelchair for children offers many children their first experience of independent mobility. It uses either a joystick or switches and adaptable seating for complex needs, and helps develop spatial awareness, confidence, and early mobility skills. The Bugzi is available through a national loan scheme.

Additionally, we operate commercial services (including a web shop) to supplement our income to support children and their families.

Our services are provided to families free of charge.

Job Title:

Chief Operating Officer

Reports To:

Chief Executive Officer

Direct reports:

3 senior managers (Finance (headcount of 3), HR (headcount of 1), IT (headcount of 5))

Purpose of the Role:

The Chief Operating Officer will play a vital role in supporting the Chief Executive Officer, Board and Leadership Team to deliver Cerebra’s vision and ambitious strategic aims. The Chief Operating Officer will provide strategic leadership and operational management across key areas within Cerebra including:

• Operational Systems
• Governance
• Compliance
• Finance and Growth

This is a pivotal executive leadership role, responsible for driving organisational performance, sustainability and growth. The COO will translate Cerebra’s strategic ambitions into effective operational delivery, ensuring robust governance, financial stewardship and a high-performing, values-led culture.

As a trusted advisor to the CEO and Board, the COO will lead core operational services and commercial activity, enabling the charity to maximise impact and generate sustainable income in support of its charitable objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Executive Leadership

• Partner with the CEO and Board to deliver strategic priorities, growth and long-term sustainability
• Collaboration with the Director’s Group to ensure strategic alignment across the charity. The Director’s Group consists of:

            Chief Executive Officer

            Chief Operating Officer

            Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications

            Director of Research and Support Services

• Provide expert advice on finance, operations, commercial performance and organisational risk
• Lead organisational planning, business continuity, and operational resilience
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability and inclusion

Finance, Commercial & Sustainability

• Lead financial strategy, planning and performance, ensuring long-term sustainability
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, cashflow and financial controls
• Lead and develop Cerebra’s strategy for commercial income , ensuring alignment with charitable objectives
• Support funding growth through strong financial insight and business case development
• Ensure robust financial governance, audit and compliance

Operations & Infrastructure

• Lead and strengthen operational functions including HR, IT, governance and administration
• Ensure effective systems, processes and infrastructure that enable growth, efficiency and impact
• Oversee procurement, contracts, facilities, and organisational compliance
• Drive innovation and value for money across operations

People & Culture

• Champion a positive, inclusive and high-performing organisational culture
• Oversee HR strategy, workforce planning and leadership development
• Ensure compliance with employment law and best practice
• Promote wellbeing, engagement and organisational effectiveness

Digital & Technology

• Provide strategic oversight of IT, data and digital development
• Ensure systems are secure, resilient and aligned to organisational needs
• Leverage data and technology to improve insight, decision-making and organisational impact

Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Ensure effective governance frameworks, risk management and regulatory compliance
• Support the CEO and Board with high-quality reporting and strategic insight
• Lead safeguarding, data protection and organisational risk strategy
• Drive a strong culture of accountability and ethical practice

Leadership & Management

• Lead and develop a small senior team across finance, HR and IT
• Build capability, strengthen performance, and embed a collaborative culture
• Model Cerebra’s values and leadership behaviours

Key Attributes

• Strategic and commercially minded leader with strong operational delivery experience
• Strong financial leadership and business acumen
• Proven track record of driving income growth, sustainability and organisational performance
• Skilled in governance, risk and stakeholder engagement

Please see attached job description for the Person Specification.