Policy advisor jobs in bishops stortford, essex
The Organisation
We're recruiting on behalf of a prominent UK charity in the health and social care sector, with an annual income exceeding £100 million. Funded through a mix of voluntary donations and grants, as well as NHS and local authority contracts, the organisation delivers nationwide services, campaigns for change, and invests in research to improve lives and drive long-term impact.
The Finance & Assurance directorate is entering a transformative phase - redefining its structure, culture, and leadership expectations. Finance is evolving into a strategic corporate function, focused on insight, process excellence, and enabling impact through effective resource planning and control.
The Role
This is a pivotal leadership role, reporting to the Associate Director of Finance and managing the Financial Accounting Team. As part of the Finance & Assurance Leadership Team, you'll play a central role in shaping the organisation's financial control, compliance, and reporting strategy.
You'll lead the development of a robust financial control environment, ensure the delivery of high-quality statutory accounts, and build strong relationships across the organisation and with external partners. This role is about defining what financial accounting means in a modern, impact-driven charity - establishing clear standards, tools, and expectations that underpin trust, transparency, and performance.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading the preparation of statutory accounts and annual reporting in line with regulatory requirements.
- Ensuring a single point of credible, reliable, data-driven financial truth across the organisation.
- Developing and maintaining effective internal controls and risk mitigation strategies.
- Building strategic relationships with auditors, tax advisors, and banks.
- Driving continuous improvement in financial systems, processes, and reporting tools.
- Leading a team through change with clarity, compassion, and ambition.
The Person
We're looking for a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIPFA, ACMA or equivalent) with significant post-qualification experience at a senior level. You'll bring:
- Proven leadership of high-performing teams through change.
- Deep experience in financial control, statutory reporting, and compliance.
- A track record of building collaborative relationships across finance and wider organisational boundaries.
- Strong communication, influencing, and engagement skills - including with senior executives and board members.
- Experience working with ERP systems (Unit4 ERPx or similar).
- A passion for continuous improvement and innovation.
- The ability to foster a high support, high challenge culture.
You'll be a finance expert - but first and foremost, a leader. Someone who can drive consistency, clarity, and excellence in financial accounting across a diverse organisation.
What's in it for you?
This role offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing and work-life balance, including:
- Double-matching pension scheme (up to 8%)
- 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays (rising to 30)
- Flexible working options, including condensed hours and a 9-day fortnight
- Health and wellbeing support, including virtual GP access and mental health services
- Employee recognition and discounts platform
If you're ready to lead a strategic finance function through transformation - and help shape the future of a high-impact organisation - we'd love to hear from you.
Apply now to be part of a team that's making a real difference.
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk
Thank you!
Location: Flexible within the UK. Home-based, blended or fully office based (from our offices in Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh or London)
Closing Date: 14 August 2025
Ref: SB 1392
Are you passionate about data protection and want to make a real impact in the fight against the climate emergency? Join Energy Saving Trust as our Data Protection Officer and help ensure we handle personal and organisational data with integrity, transparency, and care.
Who we are
Energy Saving Trust is a leading and trusted organisation, dedicated to promoting energy efficiency, low carbon transport and sustainable energy use. We aim to address the climate emergency and deliver the wider benefits of clean energy as we transition to net zero.
At Energy Saving Trust we don’t just offer jobs – we offer careers. For our people, being part of the effort to address the climate emergency makes working for us truly meaningful and rewarding.
Here are some of the benefits we offer:
• 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, with additional leave earned through length of service
• Three extra days off over the Christmas period as a gesture of goodwill
• A competitive pension scheme with generous employer contributions
• Flexibility in our ways of working – work from home, in the office, or a mix of both, depending on your role
• Two paid volunteering days per year – a chance to give back to the causes that matter most to you
Please see our careers page for the full list of benefits we have to offer and why Energy Saving Trust is a great place to work.
The team
Who we are: We’re part of the Finance, Risk and Compliance team. Our job is to help the organisation stay on track by managing risk, following rules, and making sure we do things the right way.
What we do: We work across areas like data protection, risk, fraud prevention, contracts, and buying goods and services.
How we work: We follow a clear structure that helps everyone understand their role. The Data Protection Officer is part of the second line of defence, offering independent advice and support on data privacy. They’re supported by an Assistant Data Protection Officer who reports directly to them.
Our culture: We’re a close-knit team. We share ideas, support each other, and work together to solve problems.
Why join us?
“There’s a real sense of purpose here. We’re not just ticking boxes—we’re helping shape a more sustainable future while supporting each other every step of the way.”
The role
As a key member of our Finance, Risk and Compliance Centre of Excellence, you’ll lead our data protection strategy, oversee compliance with UK GDPR and related legislation, and act as a trusted advisor across the organisation. You’ll manage and mentor the Assistant Data Protection Officer and collaborate with IT and cybersecurity teams to align data protection with information security standards.
You’ll play a vital role in embedding a culture of accountability and risk awareness, supporting our Three Lines of Defence model and helping teams across the organisation understand and manage their data responsibilities.
Success in this role means embedding a proactive approach to data protection, delivering clear and timely advice, and building strong relationships across the organisation. You’ll have the opportunity to shape strategy, influence decision-making, and be part of a team that values collaboration, integrity, and continuous improvement.
Join us in supporting the transition to a low-carbon future—where your expertise in data protection helps drive meaningful impact in tackling the climate emergency.
What you’ll do
Strategic Oversight: Lead the organisation’s data protection strategy and ensure compliance with UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, and other relevant legislation—acting as a key advisor and point of contact for the ICO and data subjects.
Governance and Risk Culture: Operate within the second line of defence in the organisation’s Three Lines of Defence model, fostering a risk-aware, accountable culture across all Centre’s of Excellence.
Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong relationships with internal teams, including IT and cybersecurity, to align data protection with information security standards, and support external engagement with regulators and data subjects.
Leadership and Development: Manage and mentor the Assistant Data Protection Officer, while contributing to the growth and capability of the wider Risk and Compliance Team.
Mission Impact: By ensuring ethical and secure handling of data, this role supports Energy Saving Trust’s mission to address the climate emergency—building public trust and enabling effective, sustainable services for people and communities.
What you’ll bring
Expert Knowledge: In-depth understanding of UK data protection laws, including UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, PECR, FOI, and FOISA.
Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop team members, fostering a culture of integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Analytical Thinking: Strong ability to interpret complex regulations and apply them to real-world scenarios, supporting risk-based decision-making.
Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, particularly for policy development, reporting, and stakeholder engagement.
Proactivity and Initiative: Demonstrated ability to stay ahead of regulatory changes and proactively support compliance across diverse business areas.
To apply please visit our recruitment portal via the Apply Button.
Applications close 5.30pm, 14 August. Interviews are intended to be held 21-28 August.
To avoid disappointment, you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications are received. This is to ensure that we can manage application levels whilst maintaining a positive candidate experience. Unfortunately, once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications.
Reasonable adjustments: We are a Disability Confident Committed employer. We want to ensure that our recruitment process is inclusive of and accessible for, everyone.
If you think you may need additional support or reasonable adjustments made to any part of the recruitment process, please get in touch.
Flexible working: We offer a range of flexible working arrangements, including working from home, compressed or part-time hours, job shares and other arrangements. There is no need to justify your preferred working pattern and we encourage our people to work in whichever way helps them to perform at their best.
We will be happy to discuss this and our blended working model at the interview stage with you.
Please note, that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this post. To apply for this post, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the UK.
Diversity and inclusion
Energy Saving Trust is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone can be themselves, with support to be their best.
We strongly encourage applicants from a wide range of backgrounds and with different identities and experiences to apply for roles with Energy Saving Trust.
We are a Disability Confident Committed employer and offer guaranteed interviews for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a role.
Thank you!
Job Location: Home-based, with some travel to our London office.
Responsible to: Head of Operations
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Grade: Point 32-34 £35,614- £37,489 (a London Allowance will be applied to employees who live in London, plus 6% employer’s pension, subject to a minimum 2% contribution by the employee)
Contract: Fixed term until 31st March 2026, with potential 12-month extension to March 2027 pending funding confirmation
Benefits:
- Friendly and collaborative working environment
- Remote working
- 25 to 30 days holidays per annum plus bank holidays (depending on length of service and pro-rata for part-time employees)
- Contributory pension scheme including 6% employer’s contribution (subject to employee’s minimum 2% contribution)
- Enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity pay
- Occupational sick pay depending on length of service and pro-rata for part-time employees.
- Access to Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to staff discounts
Closing date: Tuesday 26th August 2025 17:00pm
Interviews to take place: 9th September 2025 onwards
About the role:
We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented PMO Officer to support across the Drive Partnership. This role is critical to ensure robust project management processes, reporting and cross-team communication. You will be working closely with the Drive Practice Team and PCC areas where Drive is being delivered.
About you:
- Proven experience in project coordination or PMO functions in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment
- Experience coordinating reporting cycles, templates, and compliance processes
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple workflows and deadlines simultaneously
- Knowledge/ understanding of public sector or non-profit delivery models, particularly in criminal justice or domestic abuse sectors (desirable)
- Commitment to meaningful anti-discriminatory practice, and equity, diversity and inclusion
- Demonstrate a commitment to - and understanding of - the values, aims and objectives of Respect
About Respect
Respect is a pioneering UK membership organisation in the domestic abuse sector. Founded in 2000, we have built our expertise over the last 25 years in what was then a fledgling sector and recently have seen significant and rapid growth.
How to apply
You must download an application form from Respect's job page, and follow the instructions on the Respect website.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
World Jewish Relief created the Specialist Training and Employment Programme (STEP) for refugees in 2016 and today we are the largest provider of specialist employment support to people who have experienced forced migration in the UK.STEP aims to support and empower people through a tailored employment programme that addresses the complex barriers that they face when preparing for and ultimately finding work in the UK.
We support all people who have experienced forced migration, regardless of their proximity to the labour market, to develop the skills and access the opportunities they need to secure sustainable and meaningful employment. We run STEP online and in person programmes across the UK. Our work now includes specific programming for women refugees, Afghan nationals, Ukrainians and those who have come through the asylum system
We are now expanding our work to deliver (in partnership with the British Council) an English Language and Employment Support Programme for up to 4,000 Ukrainians and Hong Kong BNO status/visa holder (50% of each community) over the next 12 months.
In order to succeed, participants need more than just training and job search support. They need to feel connected, informed, and welcomed into the communities they live in.
We are now recruiting a Community Lead to play a key role in delivering that wider support. You will lead community engagement and outreach activities, help participants understand and access local services, and ensure that support is culturally appropriate and inclusive. You will also help build partnerships with local groups, promote volunteering, and run events that support social connection and reduce isolation. You will contribute to our social value commitments and play a crucial part in shaping how the STEP programme responds to local needs and participant feedback.
About you
We are looking for candidates who have:
- Proven experience in community engagement, outreach or partnership work
- Understanding of the issues and challenges faced by people who have experienced forced displacement accessing employment and of the challenges faced by people who are resettling in a new country and community
- Experience of delivering and supporting events, webinars or community activities
- Experience producing accessible, culturally sensitive written materials or communications
- Experience working with or within community organisations or VCSEs
- Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills.
- Strong organisational and time management skills
- Confident writing skills (newsletters, social content or short reports)
- Proficiency in Cantonese and/or Ukrainian would be desirable to support webinar delivery and community engagement
Candidates must be UK based and have the right to work in the UK for the duration of the contract
Benefits
We offer a range of benefits including:
- 23 days holiday pro rata plus bank holidays and Jewish holidays.
- Pension scheme – we contribute 5% to the World Jewish Relief pension scheme.
- Life Insurance – up to 3 times salary to nominated beneficiaries.
- Health Cash Plan – cash back to cover the costs of dental treatment, optical care, specialist consultations and a range of complementary therapies.
- Employee Assistance Programme – free, confidential advice or support with any personal or work. related concerns or free counselling if needed.
- On Friday the office closes at 3pm.
- We encourage flexible working and offer a range of flexible working options.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
World Jewish Relief promotes equality, diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We invite and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds. We encourage applications from candidates of different ethnicities, socio-economic backgrounds, race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation and of faith or none that meet the criteria set out for this role.
You don’t need to be Jewish to work for us, but you must but you must be committed to our faith-based values of Justice, Kindness, Repairing the World and Welcoming the Stranger. We are inspired by these values to work beyond our community, recognising the dignity and potential of all people.
We are striving to build a team reflective of the communities we work with. People with refugee or asylum-seeking backgrounds are experts by experience and are particularly encouraged to apply for this position. If you have first-hand experience of forced migration, please let us know in your application. Additionally, we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all the requirements that are listed within the person specification.
We respect that people’s identity is not defined by their past experiences and do not expect candidates to describe their lived experience during the interview process unless they wish to do so.
To apply
Please upload your CV and a cover letter explaining how you meet the criteria in the person specification. Please refer to the person specification which shows which criteria will be assessed in your CV and cover letter.
Interviews will be held remotely on 21st August 2025.
Expected start date will be 9th October 2025.
Registered Charity
101 - 500
Bringing life-changing action to people in crisis around the world