Policy and advocacy officer jobs

Rough Sleeping Outreach and Assessment Worker – £34,127 per annum
Lavender Hill, Clapham Junction (with work across Richmond and Wandsworth Boroughs)
Full time, 37.5 hours per week on a rota

Be part of something that changes lives.

Join SPEAR and help end homelessness across Richmond and Wandsworth. As a Rough Sleeping Outreach and Assessment Worker, you’ll play a vital role in our Street Outreach Service and the new 24-hour Assessment Centre. One night you could be out on the street engaging with people sleeping rough; the next day you might be welcoming someone to the centre, creating a support plan, and linking them to housing and health services.

What you’ll do

• Carry out late-night street outreach and day-time reception shifts as part of a rota.
• Build trusting relationships with people who are rough sleeping and help them move quickly into safe accommodation.
• Provide trauma-informed, person-centred support, including assessments, personalised action plans and follow-on help to sustain tenancies.

-Work closely with partner agencies to connect clients to health, housing, and other specialist services.
-Keep accurate case notes and share information securely using CHAIN and InForm systems.

About you
You bring experience of working with vulnerable adults, ideally in homelessness or a related field, and you’re confident working late-night shifts. You can build rapport quickly, stay calm under pressure, and work well with partner agencies. Above all, you believe that homelessness should be rare, brief and non-recurring.

Why join SPEAR
We are a supportive, forward-thinking charity where staff are valued and encouraged to grow. You’ll have access to regular training and supervision, and a wide range of staff benefits, including:

• Generous holiday – 26 days plus public holidays, rising by up to 5 extra days with length of service
• Wellbeing & EAP – 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme with free counselling, money and legal advice
• Health support – Occupational health service and free annual eye test (with contribution towards glasses if required)
• Cycle to Work – Save on a new bike and accessories through salary sacrifice
• Season ticket loan – Interest-free loan for annual travel passes
• Moving house day – Extra day’s leave when you move home
• Financial security – Life assurance (4× salary) and interest-free emergency staff loan
• Family-friendly policies – Enhanced maternity and adoption pay, plus flexible working options
• Career development – Ongoing training, learning and progression opportunities
• Blue Light Card – Discounts across a wide range of shops, restaurants and services

Join Beacon to drive projects that place patients at the heart of translational research, shaping progress and improving outcomes with and for rare disease communities.

OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE

Beacon, now in its second decade of operation, has experienced substantial growth over the last three years, including an organisational rebrand and expansion into international projects. We are now recruiting a Senior Patient and Scientific Engagement Officer to play a central role in delivering ambitious projects that put patients at the heart of translational research.

This role sits at the crossroads of patient involvement and scientific communication, building meaningful collaborations between patients, researchers, and other stakeholders. You’ll provide essential operational support and subject expertise to ensure projects run smoothly and reflect the real-world needs of the rare disease community.

You will contribute primarily to two of Beacon’s major collaborative initiatives: REMEDi4ALL, a European-wide drug repurposing platform with over 25 partner organisations, and the LifeArc Translational Research Centres for Rare Disease (LifeArc TrC4RD), a UK-wide partnership. In this role, you will work directly and regularly with partners across these consortia, encompassing patient group leaders, patient representatives, academic researchers, clinical trialists, and beyond. You will act as a vital interface between patients and researchers in both projects, coordinating activities, facilitating collaboration, and embedding patient perspectives throughout the work. While these will be your main focus, you will also support other initiatives across the charity, particularly those aimed at advancing scientific understanding of rare diseases and strengthening patient involvement in research.

This is a varied position offering the chance to apply and further develop your expertise across areas such as patient and public involvement, scientific content development, training, and stakeholder engagement. We are looking for someone with a strong grasp of both the scientific and patient landscapes, who can balance attention to detail with big-picture awareness and work confidently in highly collaborative settings with multiple partner organisations. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a tangible contribution to advancing rare disease research and ensuring patients’ voices drive progress across the UK and Europe.

See our full job description for more information on REMEDi4ALL and The LifeArc TrC4RD

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Your main responsibilities will span aspects of project delivery, stakeholder engagement, and patient-centred scientific support. In this role, you will:

• Support the delivery of Beacon’s work within REMEDi4ALL and the LifeArc TrC4RD, collaborating directly with partners across these consortia to coordinate activities and ensure timely delivery of shared goals.
• Assist in the preparation of project materials, reports, and updates for consortium meetings and communications.
• Write, review, and refine accessible, patient-facing materials that explain complex scientific concepts and research projects clearly.
• Help design and deliver patient engagement strategies for major collaborative projects, ensuring patient perspectives are embedded throughout.
• Support and liaise with REMEDi4ALL Patient Champions and the LifeArc Patient Engagement Group, including coordinating mentorship, facilitating input into project teams, and managing communications.
•  Build and maintain strong working relationships with patient advocates, researchers, funders, and partner organisations, ensuring clear communication and effective collaboration.
• Contribute to the planning and delivery of multi-stakeholder meetings, workshops, and webinars that bring together patients, researchers, and other partners to discuss research priorities and approaches.
• Support the creation and delivery of training materials, sessions, and talks for patient groups, researchers, and other stakeholders on topics such as patient and public involvement (PPIE) and rare disease research.
• Participate in project discussions to understand current patient engagement and provide input or signposting to improve engagement and support.
• Represent Beacon and its work at consortium meetings, external conferences, and events – both as a delegate and, where appropriate, as a speaker.
• Support other Beacon-led projects as required, particularly those focused on advancing patient knowledge, engagement, and scientific understanding.
• Provide hands-on support for the on-the-day delivery of Beacon events, training programmes, and other charity activities.

 PERSON SPECIFICATION

This is a mid-to-senior level role. Candidates should have professional experience in scientific engagement, patient involvement, or research coordination, and be ready to contribute confidently to collaborative consortium projects with external partners.

We are looking for someone with a strong commitment to patient-centric approaches, who is willing to advocate for patients’ perspectives and priorities, while also navigating the need for compromise and collaboration across multiple organisations.

Essential

• Relevant professional experience (e.g., life sciences, medical communication, translational research, or patient engagement), ideally accompanied by a scientific qualification.
• Experience in patient and public involvement or patient engagement within research, ideally in health contexts.
• Strong understanding of scientific processes, translational research, or clinical research, with the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly to non-specialist audiences.
• Ability to work effectively within multi-partner or consortium projects, collaborating with external organisations.
• Confidence in liaising with a wide range of stakeholders, including patients, researchers, funders, and partner organisations.
• Experience developing accessible, patient-centred materials, training, or communications.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills and confidence in building relationships across diverse groups.
• Ability to work independently and proactively, while contributing effectively as part of a team.
• Commitment to patient-centred research and improving outcomes for the rare disease community.
• Flexibility to travel for in-person meetings, workshops, and events within the UK and internationally multiple times a year.

 Desirable

• Experience supporting or delivering training sessions, workshops, or webinars for patient or professional audiences.
• Familiarity with drug repurposing, translational research, or rare disease research environments.
• Experience managing or contributing to multi-stakeholder research projects.
• Experience working or volunteering in the charity or not-for-profit sector.
• An understanding of rare diseases, health charities, or small-organisation dynamics

WORKING AT BEACON

Beacon is a small, tight-knit team, with a friendly atmosphere and strong commitment to our beneficiaries. We aim to give all employees opportunities to pursue their interests, develop their skills, and shape their career path.

We offer flexible working practices to help our staff balance their personal and professional lives, including hybrid working (50% split between home and office working) and flexible hours. We also recognise the substantial benefits of in-person collaboration and communication for the organisation, team morale, and for individual staff development, and are committed to maintaining this as a core part of how we work.

After the initial in-person onboarding period, we’d like this role to be based in the office for around 2–3 days a week on average (though not necessarily every single week) to support effective teamwork, strong communication, and smooth daily operations.

BENEFITS

• 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays and Christmas to New Year closure 
• Flexible working practices including hybrid working and flexitime
• Time off in lieu to support appropriate work/life balance
• 5% pension contribution 
• Annual training budget to support personal and professional development 
• A close knit and friendly small team environment 
• Frequent opportunities to meet with beneficiaries and expand your professional network
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) including access to mental health support, 24/7 GP service, discounted gym membership, shopping savings and more

Do you want to shape public thinking, influence national conversations, and help ensure people’s voices are heard at every level of decision-making?

Do you have experience in public affairs, policy engagement, or communications, and a passion for equity, voice, and inclusion?

Are you looking for a role where you can lead strategic engagement and influence change?

We’re recruiting for a new Public Affairs & External Engagement Lead, a role designed to shape our public profile, strengthen relationships with key stakeholders and decision-makers, and ensure our values are reflected in the systems that shape people’s lives.

You’ll be part of our growing External Influence team, working in close collaboration with the Media and PR Lead. The role is home-based with occasional travel to meet stakeholders or attend events.

About us 

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. 

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website. 

About you

You’ll bring a strong track record in public affairs, stakeholder engagement and networking, or strategic communications, ideally within a public, policy, or values-led environment.

You’re confident navigating complex systems and building credibility with stakeholders such as local and national government, public sector leaders, charities, and think tanks.

You understand how influence works, and you’re excited by the opportunity to help shape conversations..

Experience in the health, social care, equalities, or advocacy sector would be valuable, but what matters most is your ability to listen, connect, and translate complexity into influence.

How will you make a difference?

You’ll lead VoiceAbility’s work to strengthen relationships and reputation with people who shape policy, services, and public discourse.

You’ll help position the organisation as a respected thought leader, using insight, data, and storytelling to drive awareness of the issues people face and how things can change.

Working closely with colleagues in Media, Marketing and Business Development, you’ll identify opportunities to contribute to debates, lead engagement with key public and sector stakeholders, and ensure VoiceAbility’s voice is present and consistent in the places that matter.

Benefits 

28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time colleagues) rising to 30 days upon 5 years’ service 

5% employer pension & minimum 3% employee contribution 

Salary sacrifices pension scheme 

Separate Life Assurance Cover (equivalent of two times your annual salary) 

Staff discount scheme including retail discounts, entertainment, holidays, gym membership etc 

24/7 Employee Assistance programme 

Access to remote counselling service 

Paid Disability Leave 

Paid compassionate Leave 

Home Working Allowance  

Support with continuous professional development 

Access to Clifton Strengths Coaching for development  

Personal Development Plans 

How are staff supported to work remotely? 

VoiceAbility has a small number of offices. Employees including Team Leaders are homebased for Administration and meetings will be held online as well as in person in the relevant community. 

When you need to travel for work, expenses will be paid (mileage or public transport costs).

VoiceAbility offers the usual regular manager one to ones, Staff forums and communities of practice depending on role. Team meetings with a mix of virtual and in person approach. 

Equality and Diversity

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact us for further options.

How to apply

To apply for this role please sign up for a recruitment account by clicking the apply button on this page. Follow the instructions to create your account, upload your CV, and complete our short application form. 

Important Dates:

Closing date for applications; Midnight on 10 October 2025, however, VoiceAbility reserve the right to withdraw this vacancy before this date. 

Don’t forget to read the person specification so you can tell us about yourself and how your skills, abilities and experiences match the criteria outlined in the person specification. 

Hint: you can use work, personal and/or voluntary experiences, and examples to tell us why you should be our next Public Affairs expert. 

The Public Affairs Lead at the Food Foundation provides expertise on building relationships with political stakeholders to deliver impact across all areas of our work aimed transforming food systems and shifting diets.

· Do you have knowledge of the UK’s political system and experience of how to influence policy-making?

· Do you care about what we eat and its impact on our health and planet?

· Do you want to work in a small, ambitious organisation and use your influencing skills to deliver real impact?

If the answers to these questions are yes, we would love to hear from you!

Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours per week (willing to consider part time hours, no less than 4 days)

Starting Salary: £39,960 (pro rata and London weighting included)

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: This is a London based role (our office is in London, Brixton) and you will be expected to work at least 2 days per week from the office. Whilst there will be a need to regularly attend in-person meetings in parliament and officer, there is flexible working options.

Job requirements: An enhanced clean DBS check, obtained through The Food Foundation plus two references

Job Purpose

The Public Affairs Lead sits within our Policy and Advocacy Team, working to build support for The Food Foundation’s work amongst Parliamentarians and to influence the government to help deliver policies that will transform the food system.  This is an exciting opportunity to join a small organisation delivering big impact on the political agenda around food. 

The Public Affairs Manager reports to our Head of Policy and Advocacy and will be responsible for planning and delivering our public affairs activity. You will spend considerable time meeting MPs and Peers in parliament and building relationships with their teams with a view to identifying potential new supporters and ensuring that The Food Foundation has a range of contacts that we can call on to support and amplify our policy asks and to raise issues when required. 

While this role is focused on political engagement, you will work closely with policy and research colleagues and with our communications team to share perspectives on which priorities it may be tactical to pursue at any given time and to understand what evidence is available to inform engagement.

You will also work closely with public affairs professionals in other organisations to deliver joint programmes of engagement work which leverage respective organisational strengths.

You will have excellent political instincts and a strong interest in policy developments, monitoring closely what is going on in Parliament and in Government, and keeping abreast of the latest developments in order to identify opportune moments to maximise political attention on the issues we work on and to galvanise support for policy change. 

You will work with our communications team to build compelling narratives targeted at different political stakeholders about the impacts of the food system on our diets, our health and our planet, and the need for evidence-based solutions.   In the current parliamentary term we expect a major focus of activity to be on securing a White Paper and then A Bill on food system change.

You will lead on developing and commissioning a range of briefing materials and reports for policy audiences and formulate responses on behalf of the organisation to policy development processes and Parliamentary inquiries.

You will think creatively about methods and opportunities for engagement in order to ensure that The Food Foundation’s messages and priorities are noticed and heard by policy-makers in a very crowded policy space, including by working closely with our events manager to deliver impactful parliamentary events.

You will bring a learning mindset to the role, assessing the impact of our policy engagement approaches in order to make continuous improvements.

The role will be a fulfilling blend of planning engagement campaigns, developing the materials and monitoring tools to enable delivery, and the practical task of developing personal relationships with key stakeholders.

A week in the job will look like: meeting with a Peer that is new to our work to brief them on evidence we have published and our current political priorities, completing a political stakeholder mapping exercise for a new campaign on sustainable diets to identify a shortlist of MPs to engage with, spending an afternoon in parliament to engage informally with passing MPs, pitching a new idea for a parliamentary inquiry to parliamentary staff from the Health and Social Care Committee, drafting an MP briefing for an upcoming debate on the Government’s obesity prevention priorities, reviewing next week’s parliamentary calendar to spot opportunities for engagement, attending a roundtable to share intelligence and discuss priorities for political party manifestos with other NGOs working on food issues, ringing round parliamentary offices to confirm attendance for an upcoming parliamentary reception, meeting with an MP that is closely involved with The Food Foundation’s work to refine messaging for an upcoming campaign.

Join Us in Supporting Families – Be the Heart Behind Our Projects

Job Opportunity: Project Support Officer
Location: Farnham Office. Hybrid working, home and in-person office work and remote, offsite work
Employer: Home-Start Surrey
Hours: Part time, 10 hours a week
Salary: £15 - £16.50 per hour
Contract: 12 months fixed term contract, extension subject to funding

About Us

Home-Start Surrey is a growing, dynamic charity that works with families to give children the best possible start in life. We are now seeking a Project Support Officer to play a key role in supporting our work, with a particular focus on our Dad Matters project – an initiative helping dads build confidence, connection, and support in their parenting journey.

Dad Matters Surrey exists to support dads to have the best possible relationship with their families. We do this by providing 1:1 and group peer support, helping Dads make sense of parenthood, and providing or signposting Dads to mental health support and access to relevant services. Working closely with other professionals, we are able to better support dads in the first 1001 days of their parenting journey.

As Project Support Officer your key responsibilities will include:

• Provide day-to-day support for the Dad Matters Surrey project and other initiatives.
• Coordinate meetings and act as the main point of contact for project stakeholders.
• Take clear, accurate meeting notes and ensure actions are followed up.
• Support our communications and social media, helping us to engage families, volunteers, and partners.
• Contribute to marketing tasks, including producing promotional materials and content.
• Assist with researching funding opportunities and grants, supporting applications that help sustain and grow our services.
• Work closely with staff and volunteers to ensure smooth delivery of projects.

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Highly organised with great attention to detail.
• A confident communicator – both written and verbal.
• Proactive and enthusiastic, with a willingness to take initiative.
• Skilled in using IT, social media platforms, and basic marketing tools.
• Passionate about making a difference for families and children in Surrey.
• Experience in the charity sector or fundraising would be an advantage, but not essential.

What We Offer

• Flexible working hours.
• A supportive, values-driven team culture.
• The chance to make a real, lasting impact on families in your community.
• Gain valuable experience in project support, communications, and fundraising within a respected local charity.

If you’re looking for a role where no two days are the same, and where your skills can help families thrive, we’d love to hear from you.

Deadline for applications: 5pm Friday 17th October
Interviews: Wednesday 29th October

Interested?

PLEASE PRESS THE 'HOW TO APPLY' BUTTON FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Home-Start Surrey is committed to equal opportunities and safeguarding children. All roles are subject to an enhanced DBS check and references.

​No agencies please.

Temporary Accommodation Officer

• About The Role

• Do you have experience in working with vulnerable people with complex needs in a Housing,  Hostel or Supported Accommodation environment? 

   
  We have a new Housing job opportunity where you will be working with a team of Housing professionals with the aim of supporting some of the districts’ most vulnerable adults to move on from temporary accommodation. 

  
  You will be managing all temporary and emergency accommodation placements on behalf of Cotswold District Council. The role involves working closely with homeless clients in various emergency accommodation arrangements. The aim is to assist these individuals in accessing affordable housing options and ultimately reducing the time they spend in short-term accommodation.

  
  • You will be based primarily within one of our Hostels working intensively with homeless clients to enable them to access the full range of affordable housing options with the aim of reducing time spent in short term accommodation.

  
  • The role involves travel across our district to visit homelessness households in their temporary accommodation (including Hostels and various B&B’s) with the aim of assisting them with maximising all of the housing options available to them to ensure that they are able to move on from temporary        accommodation as soon as possible.

  
  • Create bespoke ‘Tenancy Ready’ plans for each client and ensure that they have access to the appropriate support and resources to achieve this.

  
  • You will also take part in assisting the Temporary Accommodation Supervisor in ensuring that full risk assessments are carried out on each client before being offered a placement in Council managed accommodation.

  
  • Assist with the daily running of the homeless hostel’s, ensure repairs are promptly reported to the Property Service Team and assist with ensuring H&S risk assessments are up to date and adhered to.

  
  What we are looking for…
  Someone who values structure, confidentiality, and professionalism as much as they do empathy and support. You will be expected to handle sensitive personal information with the utmost discretion, in line with GDPR and safeguarding protocols. Maintaining client confidentiality is non-negotiable in this role. 

  This role requires a strong understanding of professional boundaries and the ability to maintain them — even in emotionally complex situations. This is a rewarding but demanding role — ideal for someone who thrives on helping others in crisis, but who understands the importance of clear boundaries, resilience, and confidentiality. 

  
  You will need resilience and adaptability as you will often work with people experiencing stress, crisis, or confrontation, so it is essential you can manage these situations calmly and confidently. Being emotionally resilient and understand how to support others without becoming personally involved or emotionally entangled.

  
  Teamwork is essential for this role to work effectively with colleagues and external agencies.

  
  Please note you will be based at the hostel 5 days a week and will need the ability to travel as required.

  
  For more information about this role please see the Job Description/Person Specification.

  
  You will need…
  • GCSEs (5 A-Cs or equivalent, including Maths and English)
  • Experience of working in a Housing, Supported Housing or Homelessness focused service
  • Experience of working with vulnerable people and people with complex needs
  
  Special Conditions…
  • Full UK Driving Licence with access to a vehicle for work purposes
  • DBS Check
  
  Publica is a unique place to work – we are a local government organisation with a twist! Publica wants to transform the way local services are delivered. To help do this we have started to fundamentally rethink the way we design our services in the digital era so that Publica is a customer-focused organisation driven by real user needs.

  
  What can we do for you…
  • Flexible working arrangements (depending on the role)
  • 27 days paid annual leave (pro rata if you are working part time) plus bank holidays and an extra two volunteering days off a year for you to support a            charity of your choice
  • Health cash plan giving you cash back on health, dental and eye care
  • Pension scheme with a good employer contribution of 7% of your earnings
  • Employee Assistance Programme 24/7, providing positive, preventative and supportive advice and counselling to deal with everyday events and issues
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Salary sacrifice car lease scheme with huge tax and NI savings to be made on electric cars
  • Access to digital financial advice (covering your pension scheme, mortgages and other finances)
  • Generous sickness cover above statutory entitlements
  • Additional income protection, covering 50% of your salary for potentially a further five years if you are unable to work due to sickness or injury
  • Life assurance, currently four times your annual salary
  • These are just a handful of the benefits that you can enjoy when you join us!
  
  To apply for this position please click on "apply now" within this page and submit your CV and supporting statement. Please tell us about your skills, knowledge, qualifications, experience and how they meet the criteria listed above and in the job description/person specification. It’s important that we’re a good fit for each other, so let us know what’s important to you and why you want to work for Publica Group Ltd.

  
  Your application will not be considered if you have not provided a supporting statement, in addition to your CV.

  
  Accredited of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies - Please state this within your covering statement or in a separate email. 

  
  Our organisation is committed to safeguarding the welfare of vulnerable adults, young people and children.  Safer recruitment practices are applied to all job vacancies. Safer recruitment practices are applied to all job vacancies. Successful candidates will be required to complete a pre-employment medical questionnaire; provide references;  proof of identity; nationality and immigration status; three years’ employment or education history (if applicable) and, in some cases, verification of criminal record.

• About Us

• You will be employed by Publica Group Ltd which was created by four partner Councils (West Oxfordshire District Council, Cotswold District Council, Cheltenham Borough Council and Forest of Dean District Council) to deliver more efficient and improved services. 

  
  Publica is a unique place to work, established to transform the way local services are delivered, fundamentally rethinking the way our services are designed and delivered in a digital era, making us a customer-focused organisation driven by real user needs.

Job title: Marketing and Communications Officer
Salary: Circa £26,000
Hours: Full Time and Part Time hours available
Contract: Fixed term until 31 March 2026 – (possible extension, funding dependent)
Location: Flexible across the North East

About us

Groundwork aims to be the UK’s leading regeneration charity, working through partnership to create communities in which people are proud to live and work. This programme will deliver Groundwork’s mission of supporting people to improve their prospects and reach their full potential.

We are looking for creative, motivated, and dynamic Marketing & Communications Officers to join our Business Development Team. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in telling our story, engaging communities, and inspiring investment in the work we do to change places and change lives.

About the role

As Marketing & Communications Officer, you will:

• Develop and deliver engaging campaigns across digital, social media, email, and traditional channels.
• Create compelling content from graphics and videos to blogs and case studies that showcase our mission and impact.
• Manage and grow our social media presence, ensuring strong engagement with a wide range of audiences.
• Work with our teams across the Trust and PR partners to secure coverage and raise Groundwork’s profile across the region.
• Support consistent brand identity and professional communications across all projects and teams.
• Monitor, analyse, and report on campaign performance, sharing insights to improve impact.

About you

We’re looking for someone who is:

• A strong communicator with creative flair and excellent writing skills.
• Confident using digital platforms and social media to engage audiences.
• Skilled in producing engaging content (design, video, photography, or copywriting).
• Organised, proactive, and able to juggle multiple projects.
• Passionate about making a difference in communities and excited to tell stories that inspire action.

Why Groundwork?

At Groundwork, we work alongside communities across the North East & Cumbria to create greener, fairer, and stronger futures. You’ll be part of a supportive team that values innovation and collaboration, with the chance to use your skills to make a real impact.

We offer:

• Flexible working arrangements
• A supportive and creative environment
• Opportunities for professional development
• The chance to be part of an organisation that’s passionate about positive change

Closing date: Midnight on Tuesday 30th September 2025
Please note, should we receive a high volume of applications, we may look to close the role early, therefore we recommend an early application.

Interested?

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

Make yourself at home

We want you to be yourself at Groundwork and we value everything that makes you unique. We recognise and celebrate your difference and together we make Groundwork a special and great place to work. As a Disability Confident employer we offer a guaranteed interview to applicants with a disability who meet the essential criteria for the role

At Groundwork we ensure that we provide a safe environment for adults, children and young people to take part in any activity or service that we organise. We are committed to creating a culture that promotes safeguarding and the welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk. Our safer recruitment practices support this by ensuring that there is a consistent and comprehensive process of obtaining, collating, analysing and evaluating information from and about candidates to ensure that all the people we appoint are suitable to work with our children, young people and adults.

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship – the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

No agencies please.

Governance & Rights Lead

Permanent. Full Time. Hybrid working (You will be required to attend the office for a minimum of 2 days per week with the option to work remotely for the remaining 3 days).

Location: Bogota, Colombia

Salary: 189,930,623 Colombian Pesos per year

Applications and CV to be submitted in English only

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 and the option of being a homeworker for most of our roles too. 

About the role

Reporting in to the Global Head of Programme Policy and Practice, the Governance & Rights Lead is a key role designated as the single point of accountability governance and rights leadership across the organisation, aligning with Christian Aid’s organisational values and goals.

The post-holder will be responsible for co-developing a thematic strategy, collaborating with the Strategy and Learning Manager in organisational effectiveness, and with the Policy and Advocacy Lead in the Policy and Influencing division within the Impact Department. 

The role is ultimately accountable for the delivery of the Thematic Strategy on Governance & Rights and for reporting progress towards this at regular intervals to measure success and maximise impact.

Some of the key responsibilities of the Governance & Rights Lead include:

• Co-develop, create and deliver a thematic strategy for the whole of the Governance & Rights thematic priority, including clear measures of progress and impact/success which are then reported against at regular intervals aligning with organisational values and goals.
• Lead as the organisational technical expert on governance and rights programming and collaborate with staff across the Impact and Fundraising departments so they are able to draw on governance and rights expertise – ours and our partners’ – in order to design, fundraise for and facilitate the delivery of strong signature programme work on governance and rights, maximising impact and income.
• Foster a culture of learning and improvement by identifying best practice among our partners and facilitating knowledge sharing across partners; by commissioning (or directly undertaking when appropriate) research and learning reviews to evidence good practice and course correct where needed.
• Build strong relationships with key policy and advocacy colleagues – particularly the Global Policy and Advocacy Lead for Governance and Rights –, focusing on ensuring insight and learning from programme practice feeds into, and influences public policy development, and provides evidence for advocacy materials.
• Collaborate with the Strategy and Learning Manager and the Impact and Evidence Manager to ensure appropriate evidence is being gathered and consolidated to measure and communicate the impact of our work on governance and rights and to adapt our signature programme approaches as necessary.
• Lead and build external networks so Christian Aid’s work on governance and rights is presented and promoted nationally and internationally, resulting in 1) an enhanced organisational profile within the sector to maximise our impact, 2) a portfolio of work that is innovative and in line with sector best-practice, 3) a pool of potential partners to engage and work with.
• Programme advisory and resource materials on governance and rights are developed on the basis of organisational values, goals, strategies, adaptive programming approaches, and informed by ongoing learning of Christian Aid

About you

Who we are looking for

Essential:

• Postgraduate or equivalent in International Development or relevant discipline.
• Must be fluent in English and Spanish (both written and spoken)
• Detailed understanding of current thinking/debates on governance and rights (all human rights, including social, economic, civil and political).
• Extensive experience of translating ‘rights’ concepts into practice within development programmes, across social, economic and civil/political issues.
• Detailed understanding and experience of governance programming, both on the ‘supply’ and ‘demand’ side (i.e. institutional strengthening/accountability, and empowerment and voice).
• Understanding the role of faith-based actors promoting good governance and defending human rights.
• Extensive experience of International Development, strategic planning and programme management.
• Detailed understanding of current thinking in sector specific M&E, including adaptive management.
• Developed ability to apply analysis of power/social exclusion to programme design and management.
• Highly developed negotiation, facilitation, influencing, stakeholder engagement skills, and ability to promote critical thinking and reflection.
• Significant experience of providing training, technical support and/or advice.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills, including the ability to discuss sensitive issues and inspire others to take up new challenges.

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. 

The Food Foundation is an award winning charity with a vision of a sustainable food system which delivers health and well-being for all. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where every team member feels valued and empowered. We believe that embracing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) is fundamental to our success and the positive impact we make. 

We are now recruiting a Campaign Lead. The job will play a leading role in driving forward and helping to scale up an exciting new three-year campaign and programme of work funded by the National Lottery working to boost consumption of beans, legumes and pulses in the UK. Beans are a win-win-win for health, environmental and affordability objectives, and yet despite this consumption is very low in the UK. The Food Foundation, alongside partners Veg Power, Kent Student Union and close collaborators Beans is How, University of Kent, and Birmingham City Council are working to change this and aiming to double UK bean consumption by 2028.

The programme began in May 2025 and encompasses the following workstreams, which together aim to change perceptions around beans and shift the food environment so that options with beans are more available and appealing:

1. A creative and impactful public facing digital campaign to drive demand, raise awareness of the brilliance of beans and get people inspired about cooking with beans. The target audience for the digital campaign is 18-35 year olds. We’ll focus on chefs and other digital influencers given their role in shaping food trends and menus and create digital assets to share on social media and with community, membership and youth organisations to create a wider movement to boost appeal. We are working with ARK agency on the creative campaign.

2. Build a community of action among national food businesses by obtaining commitments to increase sales and servings of beans, working with businesses on evidence-based actions they can take to boost sales/servings of beans to support them to reduce their scope 3 emissions and hit healthy & sustainable diet objectives.

3. Run a schools programme to reach families and their kids. We’ll focus on children in 750 primary schools in the lower half of the deprivation scale in England, Scotland and NI, working to engage caterers, teachers and parents to drive increased uptake.

4. We’ll activate the campaign in two places, University of Kent and Birmingham, working closely with local partners to do so and scale the learnings nationally.

The role will be placed in our campaigns team, working closely with our comms team and food business transformation team to ensure the digital and public campaign is successful. You’ll be working to enlist supporters and influencers to scale the size and reach of the campaign and create a broader community of action and support, engaging with community and youth organisations to increase awareness of our campaign and ensure our toolkit of bean assets is embedded in organisations across the UK, and building strong relationships with media partners, brands and platforms to expand our reach.

Main duties 

- Supporting the Head of Campaigns with outreach to community and youth organisations to build a broader community of action on beans

- Attending meetings to pitch the campaign to new partners

- Supporting our Head of Campaigns and partner organisation Veg Power to enlist, manage and brief chefs and influencers supporting the campaign

- Working closely with our creative agency and comms team to coordinate, implement and evaluate the digital campaign, especially on social media

- Engaging and building strong relationships with media partners and outlets to ensure beans are part of the conversation and in editorial content plans

- Working with our Food Business Transformation team to explore opportunities for the digital campaign to support business engagement (and vice versa) and activation of the campaign at a local level

- Working with the Food Business Transformation Team to develop a way to monitor and evaluate the actions taken by stakeholders

- Coordinating with project partners and other supporting organisations to align campaigning and communication activities

- Exploring and creating opportunities to amplify the campaign beyond its core activities, with a particular focus on reaching our target demographic of 18-35 year-olds.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning (MEAL) Officer

Permanent. Full time. Hybrid working (You will be required to attend the office for a minimum of 2 days per week with the option to work remotely for the remaining 3 days)

Location: Bogota, Colombia

Salary: 117,863,874 Colombian Pesos per year

All applications and CV submissions to be made in English only please

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 and the option of being a homeworker for most of our roles too. 

About the role

Reporting in to the MEAL Lead, the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning (MEAL) Officer will support Christian Aid’s MEAL work for the Multi-Country Cluster region (MCC), working across all types of humanitarian, development and advocacy programmes in MCC 
countries to provide high quality, coherent and consistent work. 

The post-holder will assist in the development, implementation and monitoring of Christian Aid, donor and sector MEAL approaches and requirements, providing effective and timely support (including capacity building) to programme staff and partner organisations, maximising impact. 

The role will ensure high quality internal and external reporting using digital technology and decolonised methodologies in MEAL across all Christian Aid programmes, as well as develop and embed relevant international policies, tools, frameworks and support annual Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) audit processes, including evidence mapping and documentation, ensuring coherency and consistency.
 

Some of the main responsibilities of the MEAL Officer include:

• Project proposals prepared based on strong planning, monitoring and evaluation procedures including reporting requirements to maximise impact. 
• Support appropriate MEAL plans to be developed and implemented with partners and staff.
• Demonstrate collaboration with others and building relationships based on trust and openness.
• Provide support to partners to develop periodic progress reports and provide analysis for programme decisions and advocacy purposes to maximise impact. 
• Provide accompaniment support to partners. 
• Provide effective monitoring and evaluation systems, ensuring they are maintained, updated, used and contribute to quality programming, aligning with organisational values and goals.
• Support roll-out and implementation of the digital feedback system COMPASS, including documenting learning on this across all programmes ensuring quality, consistency and coherence.
• Develop, capture, and share best practice in community-based approaches to accountability within Christian Aid.
• Provide outcomes and impact measures and reports to donors to maximise income.
• Collaborate with Communications colleagues, support comms plan development for the MCC and storytelling to supporters, maximising impact

About you

Who we are looking for

Essential:

• Degree or equivalent, preferably social studies/statistics or similar.
• Understanding of data management packages, like SPSS, Microsoft Access, and other digital data collection tools.
• Highly developed communication skills both written and verbal.
• Significant experience in humanitarian/development sector.
• Demonstrable experience in programme design, monitoring, and evaluation, including design of systems and tools, data 
  collection & analysis and report writing.
• Developed data analysis skills (quantitative and qualitative). 
• Understanding of programme cycle management approaches and tools, including participatory planning and monitoring.
• Understanding of accountability and partnership approaches.
• Demonstrable experience of accountability mechanisms at field level.
• Understanding of result-based management and impact assessment tools.
• Detailed understanding of M&E frameworks, systems and/or indicator reference sheets.
• Understanding of routine data quality checks/validation. 
• Demonstrable experience in survey and qualitative interviewing, including supervising field data collection teams.
• Demonstrable experience in qualitative and quantitative tool design, data analysis and reports.
• Understanding of CHS and other safeguarding and accountability frameworks, including community feedback mechanisms.
• Fluent English language skills
• For LAC, fluent Spanish required. 

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. 

Graphic Design Officer (maternity cover)

Location: York Head Office
Department: Creative Design
Salary: Within the range £27,697 per annum (pro rata)
Hours: 21 hours per week
Contract Type: Fixed-Term

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust is one of the UK’s fastest growing nature conservation organisations and seeks to appoint a Graphic Design Officer.

In this creative role, you’ll use Adobe Creative Suite to produce high-impact publications, signage, interpretation materials, and promotional graphics. As well as supporting Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, you will be creating materials for other Wildlife Trusts and external clients.

You will need sharp graphic design skills, and the ability to apply brand guidelines across all materials. On top of this, you will effectively manage client relationships to maintain the reputation of Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s Design Studio.

If you thrive in a fast-paced design environment and love taking initiative, this is an opportunity to grow your career while making a difference for wildlife.

How to apply:

Please submit an up-to-date CV and supporting statement. When writing your supporting statement, please ensure you describe your relevant knowledge, skills and experience aligned to the Person Specification within the Job Description Please be aware that if you only submit a CV, your application may not be considered.

Please DO NOT include any personal details (name, address etc) on your supporting statement.

Closing date: 15th October 2025 at midnight
Interview date: 30th October 2025

Please note that applications received after the closing deadline may not be considered. The Trust regrets that it is unable to give feedback on unsuccessful applications.

We are committed to creating a Movement that recognises and truly values individual differences and identities. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone is able to be themselves and to reach their full potential. We want our people to flourish, just like nature.

REF-224 171

Salary Scale: Grade PO5/6/7 £50,568 - £58,692

Location: Copthall House 9, The Pavement, Grove Road, Sutton, Surrey, SM1 1DA (Hybrid - office/home working)

Hours: Full-time 36 hrs per week all year round

Department: Development Team

Reports to: Executive Director of Development

Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust (OHC&AT) is a family of specialist education providers for over 2000 pupils and students from nursery to further education across 13 academies and 9 college centres in London, Surrey, Sussex and Berkshire.

Pupils and students within the OHC&AT family have a wide range of learning abilities and additional needs including autistic spectrum disorder; speech, language and communication difficulties; social, emotional and mental health; profound and multiple disabilities; and physical disabilities including multi-sensory impairment and complex health needs.

Supporting our academies and college, OHC&AT also operates learning support, such as nursing and therapy, and a central business team which includes HR, finance and IT.

We are seeking a strategic and forward-thinking Head of Development to join our senior leadership team. This pivotal role will drive our growth agenda, ensuring new opportunities are identified, developed and delivered to support the continued success and impact of OHC&AT.

Key Responsibilities:

• Research and identify opportunities for growth, including expansion of existing provisions, acquiring schools/college centres and developing new service models

• Lead on feasibility assessments and the development of strategic business cases for agreed projects.

• Lead on statutory consultations and Equality Impact Assessments as required

• Lead on the submission of bids and proposals to external partners and agencies as required.

• Undertake due diligence for new schools and college centres joining OHC&AT.

• Manage the integration process for new schools and college centres joining OHC&AT.

• Oversee all aspects of development projects, including planning, budgets, timelines, risk management, and reporting.

• Monitor progress of development projects, manage risks, and resolve issues as they arise to ensure successful completion at development stage.

Key Requirements:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent

• Significant experience in a strategic development, or a programme leadership role within education or a related public sector environment

• Demonstrable experience of managing successful expansions, acquisitions, or capital projects

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to write clear and persuasive business cases and proposals.

• Proven project and programme management expertise, with a track record of delivering complex initiatives on time and to budget

• A strong personal commitment to inclusive education and improving outcomes for children and young people with special needs

Rewards & Benefits:

• Comprehensive training and development

• Opportunities to engage with internal professional networks

• Access to counselling advice and support via Health Assured (our employee assistance programme)

• Commitment to wellbeing supported by our occupational health service and mental-health first aiders

• Scope for career progression across nine college centres, 13 academy schools and Central Teams

• Generous annual leave and flexible working schemes in addition to bank and public holidays and a Christmas closure period

• As part of your contract of employment you will enrolled into the Teachers Pension Scheme (TPS) which has life cover and financial protection for your family

• Enhanced parental leave schemes

• Cycle to work scheme

• Season ticket loans

• Employee referral scheme

• Discounted gym membership subscription including digital fitness

• Home electronics scheme

Working together to transform lives is what we do and across the whole organisation we have a range of experts and practitioners who advocate for children and young people with SEND to ensure they receive the best possible opportunities to achieve their full potential.

OHC&AT is a rewarding and inspirational place to work, where everyone works together to create the best possible outcomes for pupils and students.

To apply for this role, please click ‘Fast Apply’, you will then be directed to a ‘Login’ page, once signed in please complete and submit the Application Form - via the blue button above.

Please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification for full details on the role and the skills, experience and knowledge we are looking for.

Your application form will be scored according to each of the requirements laid out in the person specification for this role. Please demonstrate in your statement how your experience, skills and knowledge match the criteria that are required for the role.

Please note that CV applications cannot be considered.

Closing Date: 12th October 2025

Interview Dates: 22nd and 23rd October 2025

Safeguarding Statement

Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Appointments made will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace for all.

Job Summary 

The Head of Student Representation is a critical member of the Students’ Union’s Delivery senior team and leads Durham SU’s work in influencing Durham University in students’ academic interests, through the support of student leaders and volunteers. The Head manages the Student Voice team, which coordinate support for academic representatives, and which provides policy advice to student leaders and the Durham SU senior staff.

The Head is also the operational lead for data protection, information governance, and data analysis. 

Key Responsibilities and Duties 

The Head of Student Representation is responsible for the performance, growth and sustainability of Durham SU’s professional staff team and volunteers, organised to support faculty and academic representatives.

In particular, the Head will: 

• Lead effective support for Durham student leaders who want to help make Durham University education better and fairer. 

• Anticipate and respond to student need in their education, seek and seize opportunity, and manage risk. 

• Ensure that Durham SU and its student leaders can, and do, speak with authority on matters impacting Durham students’ education, on behalf of the wider student community. 

• Provide advice and make recommendations to student leaders, Durham SU senior staff and the Board of Trustees on policy development within their area of responsibility. 

• Support the Deputy Chief Executive in the development and maintenance of relationships with Durham University’s academic and professional staff. 

The Head of Student Representation will be accountable for: 

• Leadership across the newly formed Delivery function in the SU – working closely alongside the Head of Community and the Deputy Chief Executive to provide a high-quality experience to Students’ Union stakeholders

• Managing their team efficiently, effectively and consistently with Durham SU’s values, within agreed targets, to meet agreed outcomes. 

• Delivery of research, reports, consultations and project outcomes as agreed with Durham University (for example, access and participation fund work, responses to the Teaching Excellence Framework, the National Student Survey, etc). 

• Successful support offers for academic communities within four faculties, including academic representatives and academic student groups

• Seeking and holding key external relationships and advancing the reputation and reach of Durham students and Durham SU. 

• Durham SU’s responsible and effective use of student data and insight, including the management of large data transfers from Durham University to Durham SU.

• Supporting the successful delivery of student elections to ensure high levels of engagement, experience and turnout. 

About Us

The Seafarers’ Charity has been improving the lives of those who work at sea, and their families, for over 100 years. Established in 1917 as The King George’s Fund for Sailors, to support the families of seafarers lost at sea during World War One, we support seafarers throughout their seafaring careers and beyond. We are the largest independent grant funder of maritime welfare charities – with at least £2 million in funding injected into supporting the safety and welfare of seafarers each and every year

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Office Manager to join our team. You will be a highly organised, practical and friendly person to manage our office operations, the role is diverse and will suite an all-rounder who is proficient in multi-tasking and problem solving.

You will run a welcoming office for staff and guests and be encouraged to identify and work on new operational projects that will enhance the organisation. You will be central point of contact for H&S and Facilities management, proactively overseeing all aspects of facilities maintenance and managing contractor relationships.

We encourage applications from all regardless of age, sexuality, socio-economic background, disability, ethnicity, gender, religion, or beliefs. We are committed to building a culture of belonging and inclusion and this is reflected in our policies, practices, and diversity in maritime networks and supported by our inclusion as a Maritime UK Diversity Charter organisation. We are a family friendly organisation, and we encourage flexible working as we want our employees to achieve a healthy work-life balance. Currently our employees are working flexibly with 3 days per week in the office.