People and organisational development director jobs

Have you got what it takes to help St Margaret’s Hospice raise over £10m+ every year? Do you have a passion for people and building relationships to realise vital income? Do you have experience of fundraising or the commercial acumen to know what makes a great charity retail brand? Can you craft a compelling case for support and negotiate multi-year six figure grants?

Join St Margaret’s Hospice as our Director of Income Generation and play a vital role in ensuring fundraising and retail remain central pillars of our new five-year strategy.

What can you expect to be doing? 

As a senior leader, you’ll help shape the future of St Margaret’s at a defining moment for the hospice sector, where financial sustainability is essential.

Hospices play an integral role in local communities, and here at St Margaret’s, we pride ourselves on thinking of our income generation activities as an extension of the care and compassion that is core to who we are. 

Working closely with your peers within the executive, as well as the Board, you’ll be an ambassador for St Margaret’s, and expected to represent the hospice. You’ll develop and own pivotal relationships both internally and externally, and role model the values of compassion, collaboration and ambition, while holding yourself and others to account so the best interests of St Margaret’s are always met. 

What can you expect to be good at?

From legacies to lottery, challenge events to collections, merchandising to retail operations, you’ll know how to raise significant funds, and will be experienced in leading and inspiring teams to achieve their goals.

Ideally, you will have a strong grounding in charity, either as a fundraiser yourself or having worked in charity retail. Alternatively, you may have transferable skills and the drive to learn and apply your knowledge and experience in a hospice setting.

Either way we are looking for an individual who can demonstrate relevant and lived experience, tenacity, curiosity and a hunger to succeed.

We also welcome high performing individuals who are looking for their first director role.

We invite applications from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to helping you thrive. If you're excited about this role but don’t meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply.

What can we offer you?

• Salary: £80,000 to £87,975 per annum
• Location: Taunton or Yeovil, with regular travel across Somerset
• Contract: Permanent
• Working Pattern: Full time (37 hours per week), including some evenings and weekends

Holiday entitlement

• 29 days holiday, plus bank holidays, increasing to 33 days after 5 years
• Ability to buy and sell annual leave

Pension scheme

• NHS employees eligible to continue with their NHS pension scheme*
• Non-NHS employees will receive 5.5% employer and 5% employee contribution.

Plus…

• Life assurance cover
• Health Cash Plans
• Virtual medical care with unlimited access to a GP 24/7,
• Confidential and free 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme for you and your family offering: Counselling, Support, Legal, Financial and Medical Information and Advice
• A Vitality & Wellbeing health portal.
• Blue Light Discount Card
• Enhanced maternity leave*
• Excellent learning and development opportunities
• Free on-site parking in Yeovil and Taunton
• Volunteering and fundraising opportunities

*Eligibility criteria applies

How to Apply
Click the apply button to complete the online application form and upload your CV.

As part of the application process, you will be asked for to complete a supporting statement detailing how your skills, knowledge and experience align to the person specification.

You can learn more about the role via the candidate pack attached to this advert or, for an informal chat with our CEO, Joanna Hall, contact the Recruitment Team.

With a new CEO in post, and momentum being built as we roll out our new strategy – it’s an exciting time to join the team. We look forward to learning more about you and why you think you can be a great match for St Margaret’s.

Closing date: 6th March 2026. We may close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.

Unfortunately, we are not able to offer visa sponsorship at this time. 

DBS Information

This role requires a criminal background check via the disclosure procedure.

The Disclosure and Barring Service offers a confidential checking service for transgender applicants. This route gives applicants the choice not to have any gender or name information disclosed on their DBS certificate and is available for all levels of DBS check.

About Screen Share

Screen Share is the leading refugee digital inclusion charity in the UK. Our mission is to ensure every refugee in the UK has access to a connected digital device and the skills to use it to achieve their goals. We provide devices, connectivity, digital skills support and IT repair training to refugees and asylum seekers who are digitally excluded — unlocking their access to education, employment, wellbeing, information and support services. By digitally including refugees, our support fosters agency and independence and allows refugees to rebuild their futures on their own terms.

This is a really exciting time to join Screen Share. Our new 2026–2030 strategy sets an ambitious vision: to scale our impact to reach 5,000 people annually; build a nationwide, integrated programme model across multiple cities; deepen our lived-experience leadership; and deliver a sustainable, circular-economy approach to device reuse. Every element of our work is guided by Responsibility, Sustainability, Equity, and Collaboration.

We are looking for a hands-on leader who can bring significant programme expertise to a new challenge. You’ll sit at the heart of the organisation, be a collaborative “do-er” who leads inclusively and wants to add value from day one. We need someone who is excited by our mission and growth journey and can be flexible as we scale. We are looking for you to take ownership of programme delivery and development, lead the team effectively, and drive a high-impact social value offer for our clients and partners.

About the Role

The Director of Programmes is a new senior leadership role responsible for ensuring the integration, effectiveness, and evidence-based delivery of Screen Share's sector-leading programmes. The role sits at the heart of the charity and will oversee the development and execution of programmatic plans that deliver our new organisational strategy. It will oversee and advance our key programme areas, including digital access, digital skills, digital connectivity and IT repair.

The postholder will be responsible for the smooth running of our charitable programmes, managing staff and ensuring our monitoring and evaluation and safeguarding is of a high quality. They will work closely with the Head of Operations to ensure a high-quality and multi-faceted support product for thousands of refugees across the UK, managing risk and budgets accordingly. They will also work closely with the Head of Outreach to ensure we are communicating our social value proposition effectively. 

The Director of Programmes will play a crucial role in translating strategic objectives into clear operational outcomes, overseeing the performance of programme managers, and leading a collaborative approach to programme delivery across the organisation. They will also deputise for the CEO, ensuring strong organisational leadership as the charity continues to grow and mature. 

The Director of Programmes will also champion the integration of lived experience leadership throughout the organisation, ensuring that the perspectives and expertise of refugees and those with lived experience of digital exclusion are embedded within programme design, delivery, decision-making and strategic direction at Screen Share. 

The postholder will also serve as the Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring that safeguarding practices are fully integrated into all programme strands and that our safeguarding process and practices are up-to-date, understood and activated in an inclusive and trauma-informed way.

Please see the attached Appicant Pack for full information on the role's responsibilities. To view the pack, click the blue 'Apply' button. 

If you have any questions about the role or it’s scope, please feel free to get in touch. 

Recruitment Schedule

Advert Closes: Monday 9th March 2026

First Round Interview (online): 18th & 19th March 2026

Second Round Interview (In person): 25th and 26th March 2026

Our Approach to Recruitment

Screen Share is committed to building a fair, inclusive and equitable organisation where everyone feels respected, valued and able to thrive. We aim to make our recruitment process consistent, transparent and accessible.

As the leading charity supporting digital inclusion for refugees in the UK, we value diverse perspectives and especially welcome applications from people with lived experience of displacement and forced migration or digital exclusion

We involve clients from refugee backgrounds in our recruitment as part of inclusive and participatory hiring approaches.

We’re happy to make reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process to remove barriers for disabled candidates.

Selection decisions are based on skills, experience, potential and values alignment, supported by a fair and transparent process.

If you don’t meet every requirement of the role but feel aligned and excited by our mission, we still encourage you to apply.

We want to hear from talented and driven people who share our commitment to inclusion, equity and meaningful social change.

Strong relationships change lives.

At Relationship Works, we support individuals, couples and families to build healthier, happier relationships and better emotional wellbeing — strengthening communities in the process. As part of the TLC Group, we deliver safe, ethical and high-quality counselling services rooted in compassion and professionalism.

We’re entering an exciting phase of growth and development and are now looking for an Executive Director to lead day-to-day delivery and strengthen our operational foundations.

The Role

This is a senior operational leadership role with meaningful scope and support from the wider TLC Group infrastructure.

You will:

• Lead the day-to-day running of Relationship Works
• Ensure high-quality, safe and ethical clinical practice
• Support the delivery of agreed growth and development plans
• Strengthen financial oversight and manage budgets responsibly
• Improve systems, processes and the client journey
• Support marketing and partnership activity alongside TLC colleagues
• Develop and support a skilled, diverse counselling workforce

You’ll work closely with TLC Group colleagues who lead on strategy, marketing and wider organisational development — giving you the support and structure to focus on excellent service delivery and sustainable operations.

About You

We’re looking for a values-led, people-focused leader with sound judgement and strong operational experience.

You’ll bring:

• Experience of leading teams and managing services
• Financial awareness and confidence working within budgets
• A collaborative leadership style that develops and motivates others
• Emotional intelligence and clear communication
• A commitment to inclusion, safeguarding and high ethical standards

Experience within counselling, health, social care or the charity sector would be advantageous.

The Offer

• Salary: £40,504 – £47,957
• 37 hours per week
• Hybrid working, with time spent at TLC Group offices (various locations across England)
• The opportunity to lead a respected local service with strong group-level support

If you’re motivated by delivering excellent services, supporting talented people and making a tangible difference in your community, we’d love to hear from you.

Application Deadline: 13 March 2026
Interviews expected in Bristol on 20 and 23 March 2026

Be the spark that turns creativity into impact.

​Help Age Exchange grow arts & heritage programmes that change lives in social care.

Age Exchange—embedded in social care and powered by the arts—is hiring a Business Development Manager to ignite partnerships and funding that deliver innovative programmes across the UK. If you come from museums, galleries, archives or cultural organisations and can spot opportunities, craft compelling bids and open doors fast, this is your stage. Lead the growth of projects that boost health, wellbeing, learning and social connection—so creativity reaches the people who need it most.

The role will require someone who can work from our head office in Blackheath and the role will include some national travel as and when required so the ideal candidate will be based within an hours commute of the Community Hub in Blackheath, London. 

What is The Deal for you?

• Flexibility! You will be working 35 hours per week over 5 days with some weekend work.
• Location: You need to be based within a commutable distance to our Community Hub in Blackheath, London.
• Benefits: retail discounts, holiday discounts, cycle to work scheme and travel discounts through our benefits app
• Best Lives Possible: You'll be working for an award winning charity who is passionate about ensuring our colleagues and the people we support lead the best lives possible 
• Development: We'll work with you to develop your career or to learn and experience new things. We're passionate about developing our people!
• Support: From our Employee Assistance Programme (available 24/7), financial support options, and wellbeing fund you'll have the support available to lead an easier (financial) life

This role will design and secure a portfolio of national and local strategically aligned, market-relevant and impactful programmes which use arts, culture and creativity to achieve a positive impact on our target audiences. These programmes will empower the health, wellbeing, learning, social mobility and social connection of people supported by Age Exchange and Community Integrated Care. The role holder will play an essential role in leading the growth, reach and sustainability of Age Exchange by generating funding and commercial revenue and new partnerships.

​What You'll do (list not exhaustive):

• Win funding & partnerships that fuel our programmes and core costs—trusts & foundations, corporates/sponsorships, individual giving, and earned income.
• Build and manage a high-quality pipeline—prospect, cultivate, write compelling bids/proposals, negotiate, and steward partners.
• Collaborate across the delivery team—aligning with colleagues so proposed projects and tenders are fundable, impactful, and on-brand.
• Report outcomes & learn—own quarterly KPI reporting and iterate approaches to hit clear income and partnership targets.

Our ideal Candidate:​

• Degree-level education or equivalent experience.
• Proven success in bid writing and securing projects/tenders of £250k+.
• Strong experience in fundraising, commercial development, and project management within a funded environment.
• Creative thinker with the ability to design innovative programmes aligned to strategic objectives.
• Excellent relationship-building and influencing skills, with experience engaging stakeholders at senior levels.
• Skilled communicator and presenter, able to craft compelling proposals and pitches.
• Proficiency in MS Office and project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet).
• Bring proven success in the arts or heritage sector (e.g., museums, galleries, performing arts, creative health, community arts) with a track record of securing grants and/or sponsorships.
• Are a confident storyteller and bid writer who can turn creative ideas into fundable, strategically aligned propositions.

Why join us ?

• Be part of a nationally recognised charity making a real difference in people’s lives.
• Lead ground-breaking projects that combine creativity and social impact.
• Work in a collaborative, values-driven environment with opportunities for professional growth.

Success in this role means:​

• Meeting funding and growth targets.
• Delivering a diverse portfolio of innovative programmes.
• Enhancing the charity’s profile through impactful projects and partnerships.

Ready to make a difference ?
Apply now and help us shape a future where arts and creativity empower communities across the UK.

​Please note, if you are interested in this role, we welcome your application as soon as possible! Depending on the volume of applications received, the vacancy may be closed before the expected advertising end date.

​We’re really proud to be a Hive HR Employee Voice Certified organisation, a recognition that confirms our commitment to creating a culture where our colleagues are not only encouraged to share their thoughts, but where this feedback is actively sought and acted upon to drive positive change at every level.

In our 2025 Colleague Engagement Survey, 59% (nearly 3,800) of our people shared their feedback and insights, giving us an incredible Employee Net Promoter Score of +34.

The Employee Net Promoter Score is a measure of how willing our colleagues are to recommend us as a good place to work to their loved ones – and a score of +34 is considered a Very Good score when compared to global benchmarks set by hundreds of other organisations.

Ready to step into a national leadership role - and make an immediate impact?

Centre for Mental Health is seeking a highly experienced policy leader for a 6–9 month interim role at the heart of our organisation. We need someone who can operate confidently at senior level from day one.

You will:

• Lead and direct our national policy and campaigning work

• Translate robust research into influential, high-impact policy proposals

• Represent the Centre with ministers, parliamentarians and senior stakeholders

• Provide strategic oversight to the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Coalition

• Contribute as a full member of our leadership team

We’re looking for someone with significant experience in a policy environment, deep knowledge of mental health and public policy, and a strong track record of producing influential analysis and building high-level relationships. You’ll be politically astute, credible in national debates, and committed to tackling inequality and promoting antiracism.

This is a great opportunity for an established mental health policy professional to take on a visible, strategic interim leadership role, shaping national conversations and advancing mental health equality at pace.

Please note that interviews will be held in person at our London office on Thursday 19th March 2026.

If you have the experience and confidence, with a readiness to deliver on the Centre's vision of mental health equality for all, we’d love to hear from you.

About CoppaFeel!

CoppaFeel! are the UK’s only youth focused breast cancer awareness charity, and we’re on a mission to get every 18-24 year old checking their chest. We educate people on the signs of breast cancer and encourage them to check their chests monthly, so that if they notice something unusual they are empowered to contact their GP and advocate for themselves.

We do this because when diagnosed early, breast cancer treatments are more effective and survival rates are higher. Early detection can save lives.

Breast cancer does not need to be detected late, and as long as we are here and continue to be supported by people like you, we will do all we can to make sure this doesn’t continue to happen.

The Role

CoppaFeel! is seeking an inspiring and strategic Fundraising Director to lead our fundraising activity and help to drive the next phase of our growth.

As a key member of the senior leadership team, you’ll be responsible for shaping and delivering our fundraising strategy, ensuring a strong, diverse and sustainable income portfolio that enables us to reach more people and move closer to a world where all breast cancers are diagnosed early. Leading and supporting a newly formed but high performing team, you’ll oversee new business development, high value corporate partnerships and outstanding stewardship of our supporters. Working closely with the CEO and colleagues across the organisation you’ll set ambitious targets, identify opportunities for growth and champion long term, values aligned partnerships.

CoppaFeel! has experienced a period of exceptional financial growth, increasing income from £1.6m to £7m in 5 years, driven in large part by the success of our partnership with Asda. This has placed the organisation in a strong and exciting position with the opportunity to build for the long term, diversify our income, and significantly increase our impact.

The Fundraising Director will provide bold, strategic leadership to shape the next phase of CoppaFeel!’s growth, evolving our fundraising model, reducing reliance on any single income stream and ensuring long term sustainability. This role is about setting vision, unlocking opportunity and embedding fundraising as a strategic, organisation wide function. While oversight of day to day fundraising performance remains important, this role is fundamentally future focused building resilience and driving innovation.

This is a hybrid role requiring 2 days per week in our offices based in London Bridge. This role sits within our Senior Management Team and reports into the CEO.

Duties and responsibilities

Strategy & Leadership

• Work as part of the CoppaFeel! SMT shaping the organisational strategy, culture and cross departmental ways of working
• Set and lead an ambitious, multi year fundraising vision aligned to CoppaFeel!’s organisational strategy and impact goals
• Develop and support the Fundraising Team in the delivery of the fundraising strategy to ensure long term sustainability and maximum impact
• Provide strong, clear and consistent leadership through a period of growth, transformation and increasing complexity
• Champion innovation, testing and learning across all fundraising streams to unlock new opportunities and audiences
• Work collaboratively across all departments to ensure that fundraising is integrated across the organisation and aligned with our organisational delivery

Governance

• Work closely with the SMT to develop strategic recommendations for the Board of Trustees and support effective governance
• Development of the 3 year budget, including regular reforecasting and longer term projections to inform investment and growth decisions
• Analyse and monitor the ROI of across all income streams, using insight to drive decision making! 
• Take on fundraising related governance responsibilities, including attendance at Finance Committee meetings and contributing to the annual report.
• Provide confident, strategic leadership on financial risk, opportunity and sustainability

Fundraising

• Drive the delivery of CoppaFeel!'s growth strategy, including achieving fundraising targets across multiple fundraising streams
• Develop new strategies and adapt existing ones in response to external trends, audience insight and organisational priorities
• Support the Asda partnership at a strategic level, ensuring income is stewarded effectively and impact is clearly reported
• Oversee and empower the Department Heads in the implementation and optimitisation of the fundraising strategy
• Lead the diversification of income, reducing reliance on any single partner or activity and building a resilient, balanced fundraising portfolio Identify and develop fundraising opportunities that are accessible, inclusive and engaging for 18–24-year-olds and priority audiences

Sector representation

• Act as a visible ambassador for CoppaFeel! within the fundraising sector
• Build CoppaFeel!’s fundraising credibility through conference speaking, thought leadership, award entries and sector engagement

General duties of a CoppaFeel! employee

• To work cooperatively, respectfully and effectively with colleagues to ensure CoppaFeel! achieves its annual strategy
• Update database with relevant contacts
• To assist in identifying and highlighting key external trends which are relevant to the Charity’s operation and provide relevant advice
• To participate, as appropriate, in staff forums and meetings
• To adhere to CoppaFeel!’s Policies and Procedures
• To be flexible with working hours and be willing to work weekend hours where appropriate (i.e. fundraising events) where time off in lieu will be rewarded
• To carry out other tasks as required by the CEO occasionally

Skills and attributes

Essential

• Strong negotiation and influencing skills, with the ability to represent CoppaFeel! credibly at the highest levels
• Experience operating successfully at a strategic leadership level within a medium sized or large organisation
• A proven, creative and commercial approach to income generation, underpinned by strong market insight
• Strong financial acumen, with confidence in budget management, forecasting and ROI analysis
• Experience reshaping or diversifying a fundraising portfolio
• Experience working closely with and presenting to a Board of Trustees and senior stakeholders
• Ability to inspire, lead and develop high performing teams
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with sound judgement around risk and reputation
• Thrives in a fast paced, ambitious and evolving environment

Desirable

• Comfortable leading through change, complexity and growth
• Experience working in a rapidly scaling organisation

Application information

Applications will close on Sunday 8th March 2026 with the aim to commence first interviews on W/C 9th March 2026.

CoppaFeel! reserves the right to close the vacancy early in the event that we receive a high number of applications before the closing date.

Main benefits, Terms & Conditions

Annual leave entitlement: 22 days, plus office closure at Christmas, a day off on our Founders birthday, and a day off for your birthday.

• Employee Assistance Programme; advice and support offered by an external body.
• Health Cash Plan; cash back on everyday health expenses, as well as a GP advice line and access to PerkBox.
• Access to Self Space training and 1:1 therapy
• Core working hours of 10am to 4pm
• Working from home up to 3 days per week
• Flex Friday; every other Friday off, offering the time to recharge and ensuring work life balance, while remaining available in case of emergencies
• Training; we have a budget each year for employees training and development plans.
• Treats cupboard; full of biscuits, fruit, chips, fancy tea, coffee, and snacks.
• Expenses; travel for events and food during events will be reimbursed.
• Notice period: 3 months

All annual leave and benefits are pro-rata'd for part time employees.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

At CoppaFeel! we support a diverse range of communities and we understand that diversity within our team is central and crucial to meeting the needs of the young people we exist to serve. We strongly encourage applications from Black, and people of colour, LGBTQIA+ candidates, candidates with disabilities, from men, and from those with a lived experience of cancer because we would like to increase the representation of these groups within the charity.

We promote equality, diversity and inclusion in our workplace and make recruitment decisions by matching the charity's needs with the skills and experience of candidates, irrespective of age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We recognise the value in encouraging a diverse range of perspectives, skills, experience and knowledge at the charity.

While the successful candidate will be selected purely on merit, in the event of a tie between two candidates with equal suitability, we may select a candidate with lived experience of the issues we are seeking to address through our work.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and we commit to offering an interview for all applicants with disabilities who meet our required criteria for the role. If you have any accessibility requirements or need any adjustments for the interview process please get in touch.

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and numeracy levels amongst people in the criminal justice system?

We’ve made substantial progress in recent years, with improvements and expansions to our delivery model and significant growth in our staff team. In Spring 2026, we will launch our refreshed organisational strategy, which will shape our work over the next three years and beyond. To support this growth, we are recruiting for a full time Director of People to help provide strategic people leadership to our growing team of staff and volunteers.

In this pivotal leadership role, you will shape and deliver our People and Culture strategy, ensuring an inclusive, values‑driven and high‑performing environment for our people. You will lead organisation‑wide strategic workforce planning, oversee the full employee lifecycle, and champion initiatives that strengthen engagement, wellbeing and belonging. As a core member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will advise on all workforce matters, drive leadership development, and support our managers to build capability and confidence. You will ensure our HR, volunteering and people operations run smoothly and efficiently, modernising processes and maintaining compliance with employment law, safeguarding requirements and best practice. You will also provide strategic oversight of EDIB work, reward and recognition frameworks, and organisational risk, while leading a dedicated team covering HR, learning and development, and volunteering.

The role requires excellent communication and organisational skills, strong knowledge of employment law, the ability to coach and influence senior leaders, and the capacity to work autonomously while managing multiple priorities effectively. You must be IT literate, with a good working knowledge of the commonly used Microsoft business tools, and be able to work independently. The role calls for a hands-on, collaborative, people‑centred leader with strong emotional intelligence, an inclusive and values‑driven mindset, and the ability to think strategically while remaining performance‑focused and learner‑centred.

We want to hear from applicants who are as committed to the cause as we are.

This is a home-based role but may require occasional travel around the UK including overnight stays. This role is 5 days per week (35 hours) with working days/hours to be mutually agreed in line with business needs.

Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme. The biggest benefit though is our culture – our people really want to work for the organisation.

We welcome job applications from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system and do not routinely ask for details of any criminal convictions.

Interviews, which will be held online, will take place on 31st March and 1st April 2026

About Figurative

Figurative is a new organisation, and this is a brand new role. Our mission is to bring new funding capital to the cultural and creative sectors, and to deploy it in ways that optimise for social impact and for sector sustainability.

We bring together deep expertise through Arts & Culture Finance (formerly part of Nesta) and New Philanthropy for Arts & Culture to unlock new and innovative ways of funding and supporting the UK’s arts ecosystem.

Figurative manages three investment portfolios that have supported over 60 organisations and raised more than £30 million in investment capital over the last decade.

About this role

Culture and creativity are essential to human flourishing, yet the financial models supporting them are in need of a serious reimagining. Public subsidy is declining in real terms, traditional philanthropy can't fill the gap, and commercial investment often doesn't align with how cultural and creative sector organisations work best.

Figurative exists to create a third way: impact investment that brings new capital to culture and creativity, while respecting what makes the sector special. But scaling a genuinely new funding model requires more than good intentions - it needs robust infrastructure, diversified capital sources, and deep credibility with the organisations we exist to serve.

This is a unique opportunity to join Figurative in its infancy, and to take responsibility for growing Figurative from £30m to £100m+ over the next 3-5 years. Your work will directly enable cultural organisations to access capital they couldn't reach through traditional routes - capital that allows them to take creative risks, sustain their missions, and amplify their social impact without compromising their values.

You will be joining a dynamic, inclusive, collaborative team that is committed to learning on the job, and in the open. This involves testing out new ideas, and finding partners who are keen to explore innovative ways in which their money can be used to bring about their desired outcomes through the power of culture and creativity.

Key Responsibilities

The Development Director will:

• lead our efforts to raise money into our own parent charity, from primarily new sources;
• support the CEO and investment team to raise investment capital (which may take the form of repayable grants) into our investment funds;
• lead our efforts to support organisations in the sector to raise philanthropic giving as a source of income for themselves, particularly focused around place (including the development of our existing Arts Council funded place-based philanthropy networks) and social impact (including our Big Give Arts for Impact match funding campaign);
• develop and implement our place-based strategy, which will aim to demonstrate the power of blended finance.

The Development Director will be a member of the senior leadership team and report directly to the CEO, working closely on strategy and communicating strategic priorities and progress to existing and potential grant funders (into Figurative) and investors (into our funds); whilst providing philanthropic expertise to cultural organisations and partners to optimise social impact and sector sustainability.

In this role, the successful candidate will have to be/demonstrate: 

• Strategic infrastructure builder: Proven track record designing and implementing fundraising/investor relations systems and processes in growth-stage organisations - not just using existing ones.
• Financial literacy: Comfortable with impact investment concepts, fund structures, and articulating risk/return/impact trade-offs to sophisticated investors. You can speak credibly to family offices and institutional investors, not just traditional arts funders.
• Cross-sector translator: Ability to articulate culture's value to investors whose primary focus is climate, social impact, or economic development. Fluency in making the case for why culture matters to non-arts audiences. Ability to build and manage partnerships across philanthropy, commercial creative industries, and the public sector, navigating complex stakeholder environments with diplomacy and credibility.
• Cultural sector credibility: Deep understanding of how arts organisations operate, their funding challenges, and why they might be sceptical of intermediaries. Genuine commitment to supporting sector sustainability, not extracting from it.
• Proposition development: Ability to craft compelling narratives for complex funding models. You can explain why impact investment in culture is different from traditional philanthropy and why it complements (rather than competes with) existing funding.
• Scale-up mentality: Comfortable moving from £30m to £100m+ - you understand what infrastructure and processes are needed at different stages of growth.

Core Skills

Essential:

• Strategic Philanthropic Fundraising: Demonstrated ability to design and execute philanthropic fundraising strategies aligned to mission-driven objectives, including multi-year funding pipelines and donor portfolios
• Major Donor and High Net Worth Engagement: Proven experience cultivating and stewarding relationships with, and securing gifts from high net worth individuals, family offices, and trusts and foundations, and confidence engaging sophisticated donors around arts and the creative industries.
• Foundations and Institutional Giving: Strong capability in identifying, soliciting, and managing relationships with foundations, philanthropic trusts, and institutional funders in the UK and internationally.
• Cultural and Creative Philanthropy Expertise: Demonstrated knowledge of arts and cultural fundraising ecosystems, including experience working with artists, cultural organisations, and creative industry stakeholders, to aid in the development and delivery of place-based philanthropic initiatives.
• Relationship Management and Stewardship: Advanced relationship management skills, including donor stewardship, reporting, and long-term engagement, ensuring trust, transparency, and repeat support
• Proposal Writing and Funding Submissions: Strong written communication skills, with a track record of producing high-quality funding proposals, pitches, grant applications, and tailored donor materials
• Stakeholder Engagement and Representation: Confidence representing the organisation externally at events, briefings, and convenings, including presenting to boards, donors, and advisory groups.
• Data-informed Fundraising and CRM Use: Competence in using CRM systems and fundraising data to track prospects, manage pipelines, and inform strategy, with attention to compliance and good governance
• Project Management and Delivery Strong organisational and project management skills, enabling delivery of fundraising campaigns, events, and reporting requirements on time and to a high standard.
• Judgement, Discretion and Ethical Practice: High level of professional judgement, discretion, and integrity when handling sensitive donor information, complex funding arrangements, and reputational considerations
• Leadership and Team Management: Proven ability to lead and develop teams, work effectively with Boards and senior stakeholders, and collaborate within the wider organisational structures. Experienced in managing direct reports, aligning team delivery with organisational priorities and maintaining strong internal relationships.

Desirable:

• Experience in impact investing, social finance, or blended finance - ideally in a growth/scale-up phas
• Existing relationships with family offices, climate investors, or foundations exploring innovative funding models
• Understanding of place-based funding partnerships and multi-stakeholder models
• Track record of investor diversification - successfully broadening an organisation's funding base

What We Offer

• Salary: £55,000 - £65,000 FTE, depending on experience
• Location: Hybrid working arrangement based at Somerset House in central London, with flexibility and some travel within the UK.
• Reports to: CEO
• Hours: 3 days/ week (0.6 FTE)
• Location: Hybrid working arrangement based at Somerset House in central London, with flexibility and some travel within the UK.
• Benefits:
  • 25 days annual leave + bank holidays + ability to buy additional holiday
  • Pension (Employer Contribution 8% + a further 4% where the employee contributes 4%
  • Life Assurance
  • Post probation - Private health and dental insurance 

Making an Application

To apply for this role, please submit your application below before midnight Sunday 22nd February 2026. Please include a one-page cover letter covering the following questions

• What are the main challenges you think Figurative will have to navigate within this phase of development
• What are the most important messages to convey to existing and potential stakeholders about Figurative’s mission and motivations?

First interviews will be held virtually on Wednesday 4th March 2026.

Second interviews will be held in person in our London offices on Thursday 12th March 2026.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly encourage those who are underrepresented in the investment sector to apply.

Please note that we actively screen for AI-generated applications. We are looking for authentic, personal responses that reflect your own experiences and motivations.

I look forward to hearing from you

Francesa Sanderson

CEO

Head of People & Culture

Permanent, Full Time, Hybrid working (2 days per week in the office)

Location: London or Warrington

Salary: £76,432 per annum for Warrington, £81,314 per annum for London (inclusive of London allowance)

About us

Christian Aid exists to create a world where everyone can live a full life, free from poverty. We are a global movement of people, churches and local organisations who passionately champion dignity, equality and justice worldwide. We are the changemakers, the peacemakers, the mighty of heart.

We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, and recognise the value this brings in forming strong, creative and high performing teams. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, and from those with experience from outside of the voluntary sector. And no, you don’t have to be Christian to work here – we encourage people of all faiths and none to apply. We just ask that everyone lives out our values of dignity, equality, justice and love. We value a good work-life balance, so we’re open to part-time and flexible working. We also offer hybrid working for our office-based colleagues. 

About the role

Reporting in to the Director of Organisational Effectiveness, the Head of People & Culture will drive culture and embed practices in relation to retention, talent management and employee well-being, ensuring engagement across all regions.

The successful candidate will Identify strategic opportunities in Human Resource and Organisational Development, offering technical input into the CA People Plan, whilst inspiring and empowering the CA People Team fostering continuous improvement to achieve outstanding results as a team.

The post-holder will champion a culture of innovation in relation to People initiatives, ensuring they are aligned to the organisation's growth and culture.

Some of the main responsibilities of the Head of People & Culture include:

• Foster a culture of inclusivity and engagement embedding a strong people and organisational development culture, ensuring staff motivated and aligned with Christian Aid’s vision.
• Inspiring the People team to think and act courageously to achieve its goals.
• Create opportunities for succession planning and talent development to build leadership capacity.
• Identify strategic opportunities in relation to people initiatives that champion a culture of innovation.
• Inspire and empower continuous improvement in employee relations, ensuring fair and just processes for conflict resolution, grievance handling, and disciplinary matters.
• Champion employee well-being and mental health initiatives and achieve outstanding results as a team.
• Foster a learning culture, ensuring staff have access to training and career progression.
• Identify and embed strategic performance management processes that are fair, constructive, and growth focused.
• Champion DEI initiatives, ensuring Christian Aid remains an equitable and inclusive employer.
• Challenge People BP's to think critically in MCC locations, ensuring global People practices align with local contexts.
• Foster a mindset of connection and collaboration with internal and external networks, ensuring Christian Aid is at the forefront of progressive People practices in the humanitarian sector.

About you

Who we are looking for:

Essential:

• Extensive experience in HR management at a senior level, ideally in non-profit or international development sectors.
• Extensive experience of leading HR teams and managing strategic initiatives such as talent acquisition, leadership development, employee engagement, and performance management.
• Extensive UK employment law knowledge either through experience or CIPD/SHRM elevated qualifications.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement programs that focus on employee wellbeing, mental health, and building a supportive work environment.
• Highly developed problem solving skills to resolve complex situations.
• Experience of working in or with organisations in the humanitarian sector, such as international NGOs, development agencies, or charitable organisations.
• Understanding of the unique challenges faced by organisations like Christian Aid, including working in crisis environments and managing international, multi-location teams.
• A highly detailed understanding of the cultural nuances in HR practices across diverse environments.

Further information

At Christian Aid we strive to be an inclusive and diverse employer and recognise the value that this brings in helping to build strong, creative and high performing teams.

We are actively encouraging racialised minorities, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, returning parents or carers who are re-entering work after a career break, people with caring responsibilities, people from low socioeconomic backgrounds, women, and older workers to apply. This is because these groups are under-represented within our teams, especially at senior level, and we recognise and value the contributions members of these groups make to strong, creative and high performing teams. 

We have a strong Christian ethos and we encourage applications from all faiths. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of and sympathy with Christian Aid’s faith identity. 

All successful candidates will require a DBS/police check appropriate to the role and location and a Counter Terrorism Sanction check as part of your clearance for commencing your role with us. We also participate in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.  In line with this Scheme, we will request information as part of the referencing process from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

This role requires applicants to have the right to live and work in the country where this position is based and undertake the role that you have been offered. If you are successful and we make you an offer for the role, we will be required to conduct a right to work check on your immigration status in the UK. We will contact you regarding the documentation you will need to provide to evidence this. 

For 140 years, the Forces Employment Charity has proudly supported Service leavers, veterans, and their families in building successful civilian careers. We provide veterans with life-long, life-changing support, jobs, and training opportunities, regardless of circumstances, rank, length of service, or reason for leaving.

By working for FEC, you will become part of a vibrant team living the charity’s values: Expert, Supportive, Passionate, Open and Honest, Resilient, and Collaborative.

Brief role description ​

The People and Systems Administrator provides comprehensive administrative support to the People Team, with responsibility for recruitment and onboarding of new employees, maintaining accurate employee records, coordinating benefits, and acting as the first point of contact for employee queries. The role holds ownership of HR administration, including the production of HR paperwork, and serves as the day-to-day generalist HR contact for all employees on behalf of the team.​

​In addition, the People and Systems Administrator plays a key role in supporting the implementation of the Charity’s HR strategy and associated projects, providing robust support to the Head of People and the People Team Advisor and wider stakeholders across the organisation. The role requires compliance at all times with company policies, procedures, and prevailing UK employment legislation.​

​The role requires a high level of IT competence and confidence in working with HR systems and digital tools, ensuring data accuracy, efficiency, and continuous improvement of people processes. A proactive approach is essential to success in the role, with the postholder expected to anticipate issues, identify opportunities for improvement, and take initiative in managing workloads and supporting the People Team.​

​There is scope for the role to develop over time, depending on the individual’s motivation, capability, and appetite to take on additional responsibility.

Some of your responsibilities as a People and Systems Administrator will include:

• Supporting recruitment activities, including candidate sourcing, coordinating interviews, and assisting with CV and application screening

• Managing onboarding processes and preparing accurate HR documentation for new starters and existing employees

• Maintaining employee records and HR systems, ensuring information is accurate, up to date, and handled confidentially

• Acting as a first point of contact for employee queries, providing clear and professional responses or signposting as needed

• Supporting the People Team with day-to-day administration, reporting, and the preparation of presentations and documents

• Using HR systems and Microsoft tools to support people processes and contribute to the smooth running of the People function

• Identifying issues or improvements in processes and raising them with the People Team where appropriate

We are looking for someone who has:

• A proactive and self-motivated approach, with the ability to work independently as well as part of a team

• A minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at Grade C or above

• At least 3 years’ experience in a relevant role

• CIPD Level 3, or a willingness to work towards it.

Interested? Want to know more about the Charity? Check our website.

Eager to know more about the role? Have a look at the Job Description.

What’s in it for you? Check out our Benefits on our website.

Have we convinced you to apply? If so, submit your CV and Covering Letter by Friday, 6 March 2026.

Please note: Applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert; therefore, we may at any time bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as possible. 

If you are an internal applicant, please ensure you have made The People Team aware before applying. 

We are committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff by fostering an inclusive, supportive environment where everyone, including those with disabilities, can thrive, develop, and achieve their full potential. We actively encourage applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and ensure reasonable adjustments are made to support candidates with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. 

We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process.

#LI-DNI

Sport England is entering a pivotal period of transformation. As we deliver our longterm strategy to improve lives and strengthen communities through physical activity, we are reshaping how we work.  We are embedding clearer accountability, greater efficiency, and a culture defined by high performance and purposeful delivery. 

We are now seeking an Executive Director, Resources to provide strategic direction and operational leadership across several of Sport England’s core corporate functions. 

This is a role for a leader who can blend strategic insight with practical delivery, and who can inspire a modern, diverse workforce to thrive. You will play a vital part in ensuring that everyone in England can access the benefits of sport and physical activity. 

With funding from both the National Lottery and grantinaid from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, our work relies on strong, strategic stewardship. As Executive Director, Resources, you will lead key corporate services such as driving performance, championing continuous improvement, and ensuring that our resources are aligned to deliver maximum value for money and measurable impact. 

As a member of Sport England’s Leadership Team, you will help shape organisational culture, promote cross functional collaboration, and model inclusive, accountable and high performing leadership. 

We are looking for an experienced senior leader with a strong track record of overseeing core corporate functions within a complex organisation. You will be confident operating at board level and skilled at building trusted, cross sector partnerships that support long term organisational success. 

Experience in the sport, public or charity sectors is welcome but not essential – what matters is your ability to bring strategic clarity to this role.   

If you’re passionate about enabling impactful, inclusive outcomes for communities nationwide and excited by the opportunity to shape and strengthen Sport England from within please register your interest at Odgers.

About Parenting for Lifelong Health:

Parenting for Lifelong Health (PLH) aims to empower parents to improve child development, reduce family violence, and promote mental health. We give parents the support they need, the skills that work, and trusted advice they can count on to protect and support their children’s health, safety and development. Our parenting courses are developed with families, powered by low-cost and accessible technology, backed by rigorous evidence, and delivered within systems. Originally founded as an initiative in 2012 in collaboration with UNICEF and the WHO, Parenting for Lifelong Health was established as a UK charity in 2022 and since then has reached over 8 million families in more than 35 countries. 

PLH Values

• Courage

We have the courage to design for the big picture and complex problems with a commitment to creating sustainable solutions that last.

• Evidence

We believe our work transforms the lives of children, families, and communities. Evidence of impact guides every decision, and we are relentless in pursuing the greatest impact with the least investment of time and resources required for parents and providers.

• Playfulness

Parenting and child wellbeing thrives on play — and so do we. We experiment, learn from each other, as well as from parents and children, and create playful and engaging products and programmes that inspire joy, curiosity, and connection.

• Respect

Everyone brings something essential. We show kindness in our team, honesty with our partners, and deep respect and empathy for parents and children, and those who are on the frontline of providing services for them.

PLH has a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity in how we work, who we work with, and what we do. Candidates from minority and disadvantaged backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

PLH also has a strong commitment to the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA). All candidates considered for the role will be subject to background and reference checks in their country of residence. 

Benefits: Flexible remote-working, home office set-up, unlimited annual leave, professional development opportunities, enhanced pension contributions, enhanced statutory leave provisions including maternity and paternity leave.

About the role:

The Senior Director of Finance is the most senior finance professional at Parenting for Lifelong Health (PLH). The role provides strategic financial leadership and ensures the organisation meets its fiduciary, regulatory, and governance obligations as a UK charity, while enabling responsible growth and global scale.

Acting as the organisation’s senior finance lead, the postholder will support the CEO and Board of Trustees to meet their statutory duties under UK charity law, including duties of care, prudence, and accountability, while building robust financial systems aligned to PLH’s 2026-2028 Strategic Plan and country implementation model.

The role ensures that PLH’s resources are used exclusively to further its charitable purposes, safeguarded appropriately, and managed transparently in the public interest.

Responsibilities:

Charity Governance, Fiduciary Oversight, and Trustee Support

• Act as the primary source of financial advice to the CEO and Board of Trustees, supporting trustees to fulfil their legal and fiduciary duties under UK charity law.

• Support the effective functioning of the Board Finance Committee, including preparation of high-quality financial papers, scenario options, and risk analyses.

• Ensure trustees have clear oversight of:

  • Financial performance against approved budgets

  • Liquidity, reserves, and solvency

  • Financial risks and mitigations

  • Long-term sustainability and going-concern considerations

• Ensure financial decision-making aligns with PLH’s charitable objects, governing documents, and public benefit obligations.

• Support compliance with Charity Commission guidance, including SORP (Standard Operating Procedures), CC3 (The Essential Trustee), CC12 (Managing a Charity’s Finances), and CC19 (Charity Reserves).

• Support trustees in understanding and exercising oversight of charity-wide financial risk, including downside and stress-test scenarios.

Financial Strategy, Planning, and Sustainability

• Lead the costing and financial modelling of PLH’s 2026-2028 Strategic Plan and country implementation model, ensuring affordability, sustainability, and strategic coherence.

• Design, implement, and institutionalise a three-tier scenario planning framework (base, growth, and downside cases) to support prudent and adaptive decision-making.

• Develop a long-term (3-5 year) financial sustainability model projecting:

  • Revenue by source (restricted and unrestricted)

  • Expenditure and staffing growth

  • Enterprise risk management (ERM) contributions

  • Reserves, liquidity, and risk exposure

• Develop, maintain, and regularly review PLH’s reserves policy, including target levels, rationale, and planned use, in line with Charity Commission expectations.

• Advise senior leadership and trustees on the financial implications of growth, innovation, and funding opportunities.

• Provide forward-looking financial insight to support organisational decision-making under uncertainty and changing funding conditions.

Financial Management, Reporting, and Controls

• Work closely with the Finance Manager to ensure accurate, complete, and timely accounting records in accordance with UK charity accounting standards (SORP FRS 102).

• Provide strategic oversight and assurance over organisation-wide financial reporting, using management accounts and dashboards prepared by the Finance Manager to inform executive and trustee decision-making.

• Ensure proportionate internal controls, segregation of duties, and approval frameworks are current and implemented by the Finance Manager.

• Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive financial risk management framework covering:

  • Liquidity and cash-flow risk

  • Donor concentration and funding dependency

  • Currency and foreign exchange exposure

  • Contractual and grant compliance risk

  • Contingency and downside planning

• Ensure effective coordination between in-house finance staff and outsourced accounting and payroll providers, maintaining clear accountability and quality assurance.

Audit, External Reporting, and Transparency

• Oversee the annual audit process, supporting the Finance Manager’s role as primary liaison with external auditors and ensuring timely completion of statutory accounts.

• Support trustees in reviewing and approving:

  • Statutory financial statements

  • Trustees’ Annual Report

  • Financial disclosures to regulators

• Ensure high standards of financial transparency and accountability to donors, partners, regulators, and the public.

• Oversee statutory filings and financial reporting to the Charity Commission and Companies House.

• Contribute to narrative financial reporting on sustainability, risk, and reserves where appropriate.

Organisational Financial Capability and Culture

• Develop and maintain clear financial policies, procedures, and approval workflows to support consistency, compliance, and accountability.

• Embed a culture of financial stewardship, prudence, and shared accountability across the organisation.

• Promote ethical financial practice and safeguarding of charitable assets in line with PLH’s values and public-interest obligations.

Team Leadership and Management

• Lead and develop PLH’s finance function, including line management of the Finance Manager and oversight of external bookkeeping and accounting partners.

• Ensure the finance function is appropriately resourced, scalable, and fit for a growing, multi-country organisation.

• Set clear objectives, performance standards, and professional development pathways for finance staff.

• Promote ethical practice, professionalism, and continuous improvement within the finance team.

• Provide mentoring and strategic development support to mid-career finance staff as the organisation grows.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Senior-level financial leadership experience.

• Strong understanding of UK charity governance, trustee responsibilities, and Charity Commission expectations.

• Demonstrated expertise in strategic financial planning, scenario modelling, and reserves management.

• Proven experience establishing robust financial controls, reporting systems, and audit processes.

• Experience working directly with Boards and Board Committees in a governance context.

• Demonstrated experience embedding or overseeing organisational-wide financial risk management frameworks.

• Ability to translate complex financial analysis into clear, decision-ready advice for trustees and senior leaders.

• Experience operating in organisations with a mix of restricted, unrestricted, and partially recoverable income streams.

• Comfort working in an evidence-driven, analytically rigorous organisational environment.

• Strong people leadership and management capability.

• High levels of integrity, sound judgement, and commitment to PLH’s charitable aims.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Financial leadership experience within a UK charity, international NGO, or comparable not-for-profit organisation.

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CPA) or equivalent experience.

• Experience with multi-country, multi-currency operations and restricted funding environments.

• Familiarity with UK charity accounting (SORP FRS 102).

• Experience working closely with trustee Finance or Audit & Risk Committees.

• Familiarity with donor concentration risk analysis and income diversification strategies.

• Exposure to safeguarding or PSEA considerations from a financial governance perspective.

• Experience supporting organisational growth and scale within regulated charity contexts.

YOUR PURPOSE

To research, develop and secure funding, projects and opportunities that deliver DMWS’s charitable objectives and to support ongoing stakeholder management to ensure positive relationships.

This involves researching and applying for funding and contract tender opportunities to support the armed forces community and other frontline services. This will include Trusts and Foundations, corporate partnerships and tenders with organisations that include the military, police, NHS, Fire service and other organisations with frontline roles.

The aim is to secure funds and opportunities to support DMWS beneficiaries and to increase DMWS footprint.

The role will also require report writing to present evidence of DMWS delivering effective value for money and positive impacts for our beneficiaries in line with the funder’s requirements. An ability to also promote our outcomes through case studies and social media posts would also be advantageous.

Travel will be required and some occasional overnights stays can be required.

Benefits

- Annual Leave: We give employees 30 days a year annual leave plus public holiday (pro-rata'd for part time employees).
- Pension: Auto enrolment onto DMWS workplace pension scheme- Subject to eligibility. You will make a minimum contribution of 5% which DMWS will match. Contributions will be matched up to 6% by DMWS.
- Death in Service Scheme: Three times your annual salary to nominated beneficiaries - subject to eligibility.
- Flexible Working: All flexible working requests are considered - many of our staff work flexible hours and work wholly, or partly from home.
- Smart Health: Access to a 24/7 virtual GP service, with a counselling service and on-line help and support around health and well-being matters.
- Work-based Parking/Mileage: For those who pay to park at their work-base, fees are repaid through expenses. Mileage claims are reimbursed in line with HMRC guidelines.
- Enhanced Sick Pay: Enhanced sick pay scheme for all employees upon completion of their probationary period.
- Staff Recognition: Staff are regularly recognised for their work by the leadership team and their peers, via internal events, social media, and industry awards.
- Personal Development Programme: DMWS supports employee continuing professional development and training.
- Above all, being part of the DMWS team means that you are making a difference to the lives of those working on the frontline.
- Great training opportunities.
- £25 contribution towards eye tests and a contribution of £50 towards glasses. (As long as they are only needed for DSE use and not otherwise needed on a standard prescription).
- Enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption family friendly benefits.

Full job description is attached. 

Applications close on 18th March 2026Applicants must hold a full UK Driving Licence and have access to a vehicle. Applications will be considered as they are submitted. DMWS reserve the right to close the application process early.

We welcome applications from people who have significant legal aid experience in public law, housing law, and/or community care law, and who have undertaken strategic litigation. If this is you, and you meet the minimum criteria for the Legal Director role, we encourage you to apply.

Please note: We do not expect the postholder to generate legal aid income at a multiple of their salary. While we do aim to grow legal aid income across the team to an initial target of £25,000–£30,000 per annum, the focus of this role is on developing high‑quality legal aid practice and building sustainable income collectively, as part of a mixed‑income organisational model. We particularly welcome applications from people from Black and minoritised communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ people, people from working-class backgrounds, and people with lived experience of the issues we work on. We are committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve, and we know that lived experience and diverse perspectives strengthen our legal practice and our work for systemic change. 

The Legal Director is a newly created senior leadership role and will lead and shape Release’s legal services, setting the strategic direction and ensuring the delivery of high‑quality, client‑centred representation. The role will expand access to justice through strong legal aid provision, embed harm reduction principles across all legal work, and uphold rigorous regulatory and ethical standards. It will also play a key role in sustaining Release’s commitment to training and developing the next generation of social justice lawyers.

This pivotal post combines oversight of a multidisciplinary legal team with movement‑driven advocacy and strategic litigation. The Legal Director will identify and pursue high‑impact cases to challenge unlawful policies and drive systemic change, while building strong external relationships with affected communities, policymakers, and partners. Working collaboratively, the role will co‑create innovative models of legal support that respond to emerging needs and amplify the voices of people most affected by drug laws and wider structural injustice.

As Legal Director, you will:

Set Strategic Direction: Define and implement strategies to expand legal aid provision, improve access to justice, and embed harm reduction principles across all legal work.
Lead and Inspire: Oversee a multidisciplinary team of solicitors, legal advisers, and volunteers, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation.
Ensure Excellence and Compliance: Maintain rigorous regulatory standards whilst driving forward progressive, client-centred approaches to legal practice.
Advance Systemic Change through Strategic Litigation: Identify and pursue high-impact cases to influence legislation, challenge unlawful policies, and dismantle barriers to justice for people who use drugs and other marginalised communities.
Engage Externally: Build powerful coalitions by engaging with affected communities, policymakers, stakeholders, and advocacy networks to drive legal and social reform.
Co-Create Innovative Service Solutions: Develop new models of legal support that respond to emerging needs, leverage technology, and amplify the voices of those most affected by drug policy and laws by working in partnership with them. 

This role is ideal for a visionary and inspiring leader who combines legal expertise with a commitment to social justice, harm reduction, and systemic transformation.

Person Specification

Essential

• Minimum 9 years + post qualified solicitor with a current practising certificate, and
• Minimum 7 years + significant experience in legal aid supervision and regulatory compliance, and
• Minimum 3 years + proven leadership and team management skills, and
• Minimum 3 years + strategic litigation or test cases, and
• Strong commitment to social justice, harm reduction, and trauma-informed practice.

Desirable

• Experience working in a charity or non‑profit organisation.
• Experience supporting, contributing to, or developing test case work, policy‑linked casework, or other legal work aimed at achieving wider systemic or community impact, including through indirect, collaborative, or emerging roles.
• Understanding of the impact of drug policy and criminalisation on marginalised communities.
• Experience in developing new services, partnerships, or funding‑linked delivery models.