Personal assistant to area director jobs

About NEON 

NEON is a not-for-profit organisation committed to accelerating social movements. We build capacity and infrastructure to accelerate the transition to a new economy. We work across a wide range of progressive issues including climate, housing, healthcare, and migration and we support over 1,000 organisers across the UK working towards political, environmental, and social justice. Our theory of change is rooted in understanding both the strategies, stories, and structures required to sustain a movement. Short term, this results in improved movement infrastructure, skills, and connections; long term, it leads to robust relationships and movement alliances capable of systemic change. 

Context

NEON’s People & Operations Hub makes sure all our internal systems run smoothly and that our team is happy, high-performing and cared for. The People & Operations Hub brings together people, culture, operations, fundraising and finance, and plays a key role in making sure NEON is both high impact and a joyful place to work, at the heart of this is ensuring our values of respect, generosity and solidarity and anti-oppression principles are embedded into all internal practices.

As part of this, we’re currently looking for someone to support us for a defined period of time to review and refresh some of our core operational and compliance areas, and support us with discrete ops tasks as they arise. This includes reviewing, updating and embedding key systems and processes so that they are clear, usable and consistently followed across NEON. Alongside this, we want to create a NEON-wide handbook, so that we have a simple accessible place where people can find everything they need to know about how we do things at NEON. We also want to strengthen our guidance around event safety, both online and in-person, so staff feel comfortable and supported when planning and delivering work. It’s crucial for us that this work is developed in collaboration with the People & Operations Hub as well as the wider team. 

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who is comfortable moving across operational and compliance work. Someone who has a solid understanding and experience in delivering high-level health and safety, data protection, IT and systems work, and other operational aspects of running an organisation, and can turn that into something practical, usable and genuinely helpful for our team. Someone who is self-motivated, comfortable working independently, and able to take ownership of pieces of work from start to finish

We’d love someone who has experience working closely in or within people and operations teams in small- medium sized not-for profits or charities, and who knows how to take complex or messy systems and make them simpler, clearer and easier to embed in day-to-day practice. We’re looking for someone aligned with our values of respect, generosity and solidarity and is well-versed in including anti-oppression principles into operational work. Someone who is motivated by working in a values-led organisation where decisions factor in culture, trust and care as well as the technical elements.

This person should be confident reviewing and improving systems and understands and is experienced in working closely with other people to do this, whether that’s with the Director of People and Operations to receive direction or troubleshoot, working alongside our Ops Assistant to put things into practice and draw on their organisational expertise, or engaging the wider team to elicit their ideas and challenges, and incorporate them into improvements. Similarly someone who is able to work with external support we have in place around IT, HR and data protection and translate their recommendations into practical action.

They’ll need to be able to hit the ground running and pick up discrete pieces of work, working thoughtfully and collaboratively with a team that’s juggling lots of different priorities. Aside from improving key pieces of work, the other core part of the role is bringing people with them, which will involve coaching and mentoring skills, a learning and development approach, and helping others feel confident taking on and owning this work.

Above all, we’re looking for someone who understands how to make organisations compliant and well-run in a way that feels proportionate, caring, and realistic for a team of our size. Someone who can embed these pieces of work, without overcomplicating things, and who can foster a sense of shared ownership. We’re also looking for someone who really cares about how operational work is truly embedded and put into practice across organisations, who thinks carefully about what happens after their involvement or support ends and knows how to build internal capability so work doesn’t stay dependent on them.

Key deliverables

By the end of the service period, the following outputs will have been delivered and fully embedded into NEON’s ways of working:

IT and systems

The freelancer will complete a high-level review of NEON’s current IT systems, identify key risks and gaps, and produce a set of recommendations. 

Outputs will include working with the People & Operations Hub to lead implementation and embedding of agreed improvements across tools and ways of working, including an improved GDrive structure, Google Workspace and IT security improvements and an IT and phones policy.

Data protection

The freelancer will complete a high-level review and strengthening of NEON’s GDPR and data protection approach.

Outputs will include updated core policies (GDPR policy, privacy notice, retention policy) and practical guidance to support consistent implementation across the organisation. It also includes delivery of staff training and further strengthening of our “Data Champions”.

Event processes

The freelancer will assess our current event-related practices (online and in-person).

Outputs will include clear, practical recommendations, strengthened guidance for managing event safety and risk in practice and staff training and support.

Health and safety

A review and update of NEON’s health and safety approach will be completed to ensure policies and processes are clear, practical and consistently applied.

Outputs will include an updated H&S policy, incident reporting process, risk assessment templates, and a simple event safety framework with guidance and checklists. It also includes delivering staff training and embedding of H&S practice across the organisation, including clarification of roles and responsibilities.

AI policy and guidance

The freelancer will research and develop NEON’s approach to AI use across the organisation, considering best practice, risks, opportunities, and the impact of AI on staff and NEON’s work. It should also include thoughtful consideration of the harms and ethical concerns associated with AI.

Outputs will include engagement with staff to understand current use and concerns, alongside the creation of clear and practical AI guidance and an organisational AI policy to support safe, thoughtful and consistent use of AI tools across NEON.

NEON Handbook

A NEON-wide handbook will be created, bringing together key processes, guidance and signposting to essential organisational information in one accessible place.

The handbook will be co-developed with staff and People & Operations Hub members to ensure it reflects day-to-day practice and is maintainable internally after completion.

Day-to-day operations support

The freelancer will provide additional operational capacity to support the Hub with emerging priorities, and time-sensitive pieces of work that arise during the contract period.

Outputs may include support with operational problem-solving and decision making, maintaining processes and procedures, providing subject knowledge expertise, maintaining documentation and other discrete operational tasks agreed with the Director of People and Operations.

A key part of this work will be ensuring that all outputs and improvements are properly embedded within the People & Ops Hub and the wider organisation. This includes creating clear documentation, guidance, training and handover processes so that NEON staff can confidently hold and maintain this work after the consultancy ends.

Timescales and fee schedule

The freelancer will be appointed and ready to engage from the end of July/ start of August 2026. We expect this work to be completed across two-three days per week for up to six months, ideally finished by the end of January or February 2027 (depending on start date). There may be a possibility of extension if other relevant and discrete projects arise and in agreement with the Director of People and Operations.

Call out information required

Interested freelancers are asked to provide the following information in response to this call out:

1. Brief career history and details of relevant assignments undertaken (this could be in the form of a CV)

2. A statement not exceeding 800 words on your proposed approach to the deliverables, including:

   1. Your technical and subject matter expertise

   2. Your personal style and approach to working with others

   3. How you will embed our values of respect, generosity and solidarity and anti-oppression principles into the deliverables

3. Your day rate, indicating whether VAT is payable (please note our indicative day rate that is aligned with our internal budget is £375)

4. A clear commitment to undertake the work within the timeframe set out above

5. Two testimonials from suitable clients or professional partners

The deadline for submissions is Sunday 28th June 11.59pm

Please find email address for submission of applications on our website.

We may wish to discuss submissions with you on Monday 6th July or Wednesday 8th July 2026. We will inform you if this is the case.

For any further information or clarification prior to submission, contact us at our website.

Pathway Manager

Apply today to step into a role where your leadership will drive real, measurable impact—empowering teams, shaping inclusive services, and making a lasting difference in people’s lives every day.

Location: Lambeth - Lambeth YP Assessment Time Out

Salary: £43,632 per annum

Closing date: 05 July, 2026

Employment Type: Permanent

Hours per week: 37.5

About the Role

Lead the delivery of a high-impact, person-centred service as a Pathway Manager, where your leadership will directly shape outcomes for individuals and communities. You’ll drive performance, quality, and continuous improvement across a multidisciplinary pathway, building strong partnerships and using insight and data to inform confident, effective decisions.

We’re looking for a proactive, values-driven leader who thrives in complex environments. You’ll bring strong operational oversight, team leadership, and stakeholder management skills, alongside a commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, and excellence. If you’re action-oriented, collaborative, and passionate about delivering meaningful change, this is your opportunity to make a real difference in an inclusive and supportive environment.

Please note that this job opportunity is offered as a full-time (37.5 hours a week), permanent role.

Key Deliverables

• You will be committed to working in and maintaining an environment that supports the safeguarding of young people as the Safeguarding Lead for the service

• You will be adept in managing the service and its partnerships

• You will manage, monitor, evaluate and continuously improve the service and its operation within Lambeth’s developing approach

• You will comply with quality inspection and assessment procedures

• You will ensure effective support, learning or family support plans (as applicable) for young people are in place and regularly reviewed

• You will maintain a safe and secure environment, that has appropriate risk assessment processes and systems in place that are regularly reviewed and monitored;

• You will ensure young people are a major part in shaping service delivery

• You will ensure effective delivery of Depaul UK’s approved life skills training and work closely with Participation and Volunteering leads.

• At the end of this programme, you will develop an evidence based report, that will enable us to embed what was done well, share learning internally and externally

• To be successful in this role you will be expected to go the extra mile by being flexible with the hours you work always bearing in mind the needs of the business.

• You will undertake full line management of the Team Leader and ETE worker

• Any other duties commensurate with the role

Health and Safety:

• To ensure a safe and secure environment and maintain high standards within the services. This includes risk assessments, health and safety checks and the cleaning and preparation of rooms for new residents.

• To involve service users in developing an awareness of their own personal and building health and safety, through information sessions, key working and support planning and resident meetings.

• To ensure that the project is clean and safe and to encourage residents to take some responsibility in the cleaning of their communal areas and their room.

• To work for a proportion of the time as a lone worker and as part of the wider team.

• Undertake appropriate risk assessments for lone working.

Administration:

• To maintain written records and monitoring information as appropriate and input and retrieve data on the Inform system.

• To prepare reports, statistical data and other information that maybe requested by the Asst. Area Director.

• To ensure that any repairs and maintenance issues are reported in a timely manner in order to ensure the health and safety and security of the building environment.

• Any other administrative tasks that will ensure the smooth running of the service.

Finance:

• With the support of the Area. Director devise effective, safe and timely methods for the collection of accommodation and service charges from residents, and to maintain auditable records of payment.

• Ensure that arrears management procedures are adhered to.

• To take responsibility for petty cash and record all transactions in line with policy.

General:

• To contribute to a high quality and effective delivery of service.

• To participate in internal/external meetings as required and attend training, events, conferences and other functions as necessary.

• To participate in regular supervision and IDP and help in identifying your own job-related development and training needs.

• To contribute to and be supportive of young people’s involvement in our services and in all levels of decision making throughout the organization.

• To ensure that all Depaul policies and procedures are adhered to.

• To be successful in this role you will expected to go the extra mile by being flexible with the hours you work always bearing in mind the needs of the business.

• Any other duties commensurate with the role.

What we are looking for from you

When completing your application form please address all the points set out below.

• A commitment to the ethos and values of Depaul including the organisation’s policies and procedures

• Demonstrable experience of working with young and vulnerable people and young families with multiple and complex needs.

• Experience and understanding of challenges and barriers faced by young people in securing accommodation and sustainable education and training.

• Experience of leading a team, establishing processes and relationships.

• Negotiating skills

• Coordinating and organising skills

• Able to work on own initiative but at same time able to exercise sound judgment in knowing when to consult or delegate tasks.

• Able to work flexibly and develop positive working relationships at a range of different levels including staff, volunteers, managers, young people and stakeholders to set and deliver organisational goals and resolve conflicts of interest professionally.

• A clear understanding and ability to implement risk management, information sharing and data security arrangements.

• Awareness of and commitment to equal opportunity and diversity practice. Ability to promote and implement diversity practice and policies and generally treat colleagues and young people fairly and with respect.

• Demonstrate ability to use IT to a level which will enable high quality reporting to be carried out. This should include an ability to use data capture systems including running queries and reports.

• Expertise to manage a medium sized team of staff with responsibility for multiple projects/ services, a range of which of which operate 24 hours per day, 7 days per week

• The ability to provide cover Monday to Friday with occasional management support at weekends.

What You’ll Receive

· Tailored training and development

· Flexible working options where suitable

· 26 days annual leave, rising with service

· Family friendly leave policies

· Pension scheme with employer contributions up to 7%

· Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 GP access

· Discounts across retail, travel, food, fitness and more

· Cash health plan for you and your family

· Death in service benefit

· Access to legal and practical support

Safer Recruitment

Depaul UK is committed to fair and inclusive recruitment, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. If a role requires it under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975, we will carry out the appropriate Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check. We only look at information that is relevant to the role, and a criminal record will never be treated as an automatic barrier to employment. All DBS information is handled sensitively, confidentially and in line with the DBS Code of Practice, and we encourage applicants to discuss any concerns with us openly.

About Depaul UK

In the 1980s, high unemployment and steep inflation was contributing to a shocking rise in youth homelessness across London. Thousands of young people were sleeping rough every night, with many areas notoriously dubbed “cardboard cities” due to the visible rise in street homelessness. Appalled by the scenes playing out across the capital, a group of people came together to tackle the challenge head on. Led by Cardinal Basil Hume and Mark McGreevy OBE, in 1989 Depaul UK was born.

What began as a single housing project in North London soon expanded across London, Greater Manchester and the North East of England. Today, Depaul UK provides accommodation, prevention and support services to thousands of marginalised young people across the UK each year.

As our name suggests, the work of Depaul UK has been inspired by St. Vincent de Paul – a man who devoted his life to helping vast numbers of people throughout the 17th century. St. Vincent de Paul’s belief in the intrinsic worth of all people and his commitment to taking bold action remain central to our values today. Depaul UK now forms part of a family of Depaul charities around the world. We each focus on the specific challenges in our own countries, but we’re united by our shared values and mission to end homelessness.

About the role:

This is a rare opportunity to build something from the ground up and see the direct impact of your work on people experiencing homelessness across London. As our first Philanthropy and Major Gifts Officer, you will work closely with the Assistant Director of Fundraising to bring our new strategy to life, shaping how we engage major donors and grow a powerful community of supporters who are motivated to stand alongside Single Homeless Project (SHP) and our clients. Every relationship you build and every gift you secure will help create real opportunities for our clients to move away from homelessness and towards safety, stability and independence.

You will take the lead in developing and managing meaningful relationships with major donors, creating thoughtful and engaging journeys that bring them closer to our work and the difference it makes day to day. Alongside nurturing existing supporters, you will identify and secure new funding opportunities, building a strong and sustainable pipeline of donors and driving forward this new area of income generation within the team. Working collaboratively across SHP, you will connect philanthropists with our services in a way that feels personal, impactful and rooted in the realities of our work, while contributing to the wider fundraising targets that enable us to keep delivering life changing support.

Hybrid working for us means a mix of in office working in Kings Cross and home working. Currently two days in the office (usually Wednesday and Friday) with the rest from home. 

About you:

• You have experience building relationships with donors, supporters or partners, and know how to turn those relationships into meaningful income or long term support.
• You’re a confident communicator, able to bring a cause to life through conversations and written content that genuinely connects people to impact.
• You’re proactive and driven, comfortable spotting opportunities, growing a pipeline and following through to secure results.
• You’re organised and detail focused, able to manage multiple relationships and keep accurate records using CRM or similar systems.
• You’re motivated by purpose and excited by the chance to help shape and grow a new area of fundraising that directly supports people experiencing homelessness in London.

About us:

We’re London’s leading homelessness charity – and we get things done.

In a city where hundreds are forced into homelessness every day, our work has never been more needed or more challenging. And we’re not shying away. We’re rolling up our sleeves to make change and helping over 10,000 Londoners every year. We prevent homelessness, provide safe places to live and give people the opportunity to rebuild their lives and transform their futures. And we never give up. 

We’re here for Londoners wherever they are on their journey. We start with trust, building relationships that help people feel safe, supported, and ready to move forward. Every day, we put people first in everything we do, challenging injustice and barriers that keep people from the safety, stability and opportunity they deserve. We stand alongside people as they rebuild and shape a future that feels their own. 

Joining Single Homeless Project means joining a team that’s bold, compassionate and determined to do better for the people we support and for each other. You’ll work alongside colleagues with lived experience, in a space that’s trans-inclusive, disability-friendly, and actively striving to be anti-oppressive and equitable. 

We’re not perfect, but we’re real. We listen. We learn. And we push forward, together. Because this isn’t just a job. It’s a chance to lead with empathy, spark change, and help build a London where no one is left behind.

Important info:

Please note we will be reviewing applications and inviting suitable candidates to interview online via Microsoft Teams as applications are received. Therefore, please submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close the advert as soon as a suitable candidate is identified. 

Suitable candidates will be invited to a second stage interview.

This post will require a Basic DBS check to be processed (by SHP) for the successful applicant.

Please note applications are reviewed for AI use in application questions. Applications with insufficient/without current right to work or requiring sponsorship will not be accepted for this role.