Policy and communications officer jobs

The role of Communications and Publications Support Officer is key in helping us share knowledge, support our networks, and deliver high-quality outputs that influence practice and policy.

Responsibilities include:

• Produce and distribute the Faculty for Homeless and Inclusion Health fortnightly newsletter (via Mailchimp)

• Support the development and scheduling of social media content, helping to grow engaging content and reach

• Monitor and report on social media analytics

• Update the Pathway website with news, publications and resources, and support with website improvements

• Organise and support online meetings of the Faculty for Homeless and Inclusion Health and its subgroups

• Coordinate and support online specialist Masterclasses for people working in health and care provision for people in marginalised groups

• Support delivery of external events, including the annual Faculty for Homeless and Inclusion Health conference

• Coordinate publication of major Pathway reports, working with designers and printers

• Provide publishing and administrative support to Fellows undertaking research projects

• Deliver high-quality editing, formatting and presentation of shorter reports and documents

• Maintain the Faculty for Homeless and Inclusion Health database and mailing lists

• Maintain and support Pathway document sharing and organisation on SharePoint and OneDrive

• Ensure Pathway resources are organised and accessible to support external communications

About you – it is essential you have:

· Experience of working in a communications or administration role (including remote working)

· Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines

· Strong written and verbal communication skills

· Experience of maintaining or updating websites, including WordPress

· Experience of using social media professionally (LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.), creating content and understanding social analytics

· Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), SharePoint, MS Teams, Canva, Mailchimp and similar tools

· Experience of using digital tools to prepare and format documents, including academic reports or publications

· High attention to detail and accuracy

· Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

· Understanding of confidentiality and data protection Personal Attributes

You should also be:

• Motivated, with a flexible and proactive approach to work.

• Politically aware and able to work sensitively in a complex environment.

• Commitment to Pathway’s mission, including tackling inequality and promoting human rights.

It would be great if you also had:

• Experience of supporting events or conferences

• Experience of producing newsletters

Role summary

The Communications & Marketing Manager will manage the Ben Kinsella Trust's day-to-day communications, marketing and campaigning activity, helping to raise awareness of our work, engage key audiences and support the charity's objectives.

This is a hands-on role that combines communications, digital marketing, CRM management, data insight and project management. The postholder will plan, create and deliver content across the charity's channels, including email marketing, websites, social media and paid advertising, using data, testing and performance insight to continually improve engagement and impact.

A key part of the role is the effective use of the charity's CRM and digital systems to manage audience data, support segmentation, and strengthen the effectiveness of communications and campaigns. The postholder will be confident using digital tools and will actively identify opportunities to improve performance through SEO, automation, testing, analytics and other digital marketing techniques.

The Communications & Marketing Manager will also manage the delivery of public awareness campaigns, including Knife Crime Awareness Week, overseeing projects from planning through to evaluation and ensuring measurable outcomes. They will act as a gatekeeper for the Ben Kinsella Trust brand, ensuring consistent and high-quality communications. Through recruitment and line management of a Communications Officer, they will ensure our communications and marketing activity is consistently professional and on brand, increasing reach, engagement and impact.

Key Responsibilities

Communications

• Manage the charity’s external communications across email, web, social media, paid and other digital channels.
• Plan, create and publish high-quality content, including news stories, case studies, campaign materials, blogs, videos and stakeholder communications, supported by a clear content calendar.
• Monitor performance across channels and use analytics to improve engagement, reach and effectiveness.
• Act as a gatekeeper for the Ben Kinsella Trust brand, ensuring all communications are consistent and aligned with brand guidelines, and challenging incorrect usage where necessary.
• Support the development and delivery of the charity’s public awareness campaigns, increasing reach, engagement and impact.

Marketing

• Manage marketing activity that supports programme delivery, stakeholder engagement, partnerships, fundraising, advocacy and awareness-raising objectives.
• Manage audience data within the charity’s CRM, ensuring it is accurate, segmented and effectively used to improve targeting and campaign performance.
• Plan and deliver integrated marketing campaigns across email, social media, web, search and paid channels.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve digital performance through SEO, segmentation, testing, automation and other optimisation techniques.
• Create and coordinate marketing and visual content using appropriate design tools, ensuring materials are professional and brand compliant.
• Work with external suppliers, designers and contractors where required.
• Monitor and report on marketing performance, using insight to inform ongoing improvements.

Project & Campaign Management

• Manage the delivery of Knife Crime Awareness Week and other public awareness campaigns from planning through to evaluation.
• Manage communications and marketing projects, ensuring delivery on time, within scope and with clear measurable outcomes.
• Develop project plans, timelines and evaluation frameworks.
• Coordinate internal colleagues, partners and suppliers to deliver activity effectively.
• Monitor progress and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

Team Management

• Recruit, line manage and support a Communications Officer.
• Establish systems, processes and ways of working that enable the communications team to operate efficiently and effectively.

Person Specification

Experience

• Experience in a communications, marketing or digital engagement role.
• Experience managing multi-channel communications, including email, social media, websites and paid channels.
• Experience using CRM systems and managing audience data for segmentation and targeting.
• Experience using data, analytics and testing to improve communications or marketing performance.
• Experience planning and delivering campaigns across communications or marketing channels.
• Experience managing projects with multiple stakeholders.
• Experience creating written, visual and digital content for a range of audiences.
• Experience line managing staff, volunteers or contractors.

Skills and Knowledge

• Excellent written and verbal communication with the ability to tailor content for different audiences.
• Digital and technical marketing skills, with understanding of how CRM, data and digital tools improve engagement, reach, conversion and campaign performance.
• Knowledge of digital marketing principles including SEO, email marketing, segmentation, A/B testing, analytics and conversion optimisation.
• Ability to identify, implement and evaluate improvements to communications and marketing activity.
• Ability to measure, evaluate and report on performance using data and insight.
• Confident using cloud-based systems and able to quickly learn new digital tools and platforms.
• Curious and proactive in keeping up to date with digital trends, tools and best practice.
• Analytical, with the ability to interpret data and make evidence-based recommendations.
• Content creation skills, including copywriting for digital channels.
• Ability to create professional marketing materials using tools such as Canva or similar design platforms.
• Project management skills with a structured and organised approach.
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality.

Values

• Passionate about making a difference – committed to preventing knife crime and improving outcomes for young people
• Committed to equity and inclusion – values and actively promotes diversity, inclusion, and fairness in all aspects of work
• Reflective and open to learning – committed to personal growth, welcomes feedback, and continuously seeks to improve practice
• Collaborative and influential – builds effective working relationships internally and externally, fostering teamwork and partnerships.

Benefits

• Flexible working opportunities where possible
• 27 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays (rising to 30 days and 33 days after 5 and 10 years’ service, respectively)
• Enhanced sick policy
• Contributory pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme with the Green Commute Initiative
• Personal development opportunities

We're the UK's specialist blood cancer charity and our vision is clear: we’re here to beat blood cancer. We fund world-class research; provide information and support to patients and their loved ones; and raise awareness of blood cancer.

We’re looking for an experienced and influential Policy and Public Affairs Lead to drive Blood Cancer UK’s UK-wide policy and influencing work. In this pivotal role, you will lead and oversee a pipeline of policy and influencing content, and ambitious influencing strategies that put the experiences of people affected by blood cancer at the heart of decision-making. Working across Westminster and the devolved nations, you will build and maintain strong relationships with parliamentarians, government officials and key stakeholders, ensuring our voice is heard where it matters most and translating evidence and insight into meaningful policy change.

You will lead, support and develop a small team (two Policy and Public Affairs Officers: one focused on Scotland and Northern Ireland; the other focused on England and Wales). You will work closely with colleagues across the organisation to deliver integrated, insight-led influencing campaigns that shape national policy and improve outcomes for people with blood cancer. This is a highly collaborative and externally facing role, requiring confident engagement with senior stakeholders, clear and persuasive communication, and a strong commitment to involving people with lived experience in all aspects of our work. You will play a central role in ensuring Blood Cancer UK is a trusted and influential voice in health policy across the UK.

We are committed to actively promoting equality, diversity, and inclusivity. In line with our strategy we welcome approaches from individuals from underrepresented groups, including minority communities, and applicants with a disability, to better reflect the community we serve and help broaden our perspectives.

Expected travel for this role includes attendance at the London office approximately 2–4 days per month plus regular attendance at external meetings 

Expected interview dates: 

First round (online): w/c 6th July

Second round (in person): w/c 13th July

Date posted: 15 June 2026

Salary: £41,641 with excellent benefits

Contract type: Permanent, full time

Hours per week: 37.5 hours per week. All staff are required to work in person for a minimum of two days per week, in line with our hybrid working policy. The post-holder may be required to undertake some work outside normal working hours.

About the Health Foundation
Health is our most precious asset. Good health enables us to live happy, fulfilling lives, fuels our prosperity and helps build a stronger society. Yet good health remains out of reach for too many people in the UK, and health and care services are struggling to provide access to timely, high-quality care.

The Health Foundation is an independent charitable organisation with a mission to build a healthier UK. We work to achieve this by generating high quality research and analysis; developing practical solutions to the biggest problems in health and health services; engaging, convening and building coalitions to build understanding, inform debate and drive action; and developing the long-term capability needed to transform health and care.

Our values
We expect everyone who works with us to be committed to our values and to share our commitment to becoming a more diverse and inclusive organisation. Our values are impact, evidence, integrity, and collaboration. You can read more about them in our five-year strategy. We also expect everyone to share our commitment to becoming a more diverse and inclusive organisation and to help deliver our EDI Strategy.

About the role
The Governance Officer will work closely with the Head of Governance to support the effective and efficient functioning of the board of governors, its committees, the Foundation’s subsidiary company, Medtrust, and other aspects of corporate governance. The role sits within the Company Secretary’s team, which is responsible for the Foundation’s governance, compliance, risk and assurance processes.

The post-holder will provide high-quality secretariat and governance support, helping to ensure that agendas, papers, minutes, forward plans, governance records and key meetings are accurate, timely and delivered to agreed standards. They will also support governance meetings and events, maintain governance systems and registers, assist with policy and regulatory compliance processes, contribute to governance learning and effectiveness work, and provide administrative support to the People Forum.

Deliver high-quality governance and secretariat support for the board and its committees, including agendas, papers, meeting support, minutes and forward planning. This will include providing the secretariat for at least one committee and supporting the Head of Governance with the effective administration of the overall governance structure.
Plan and coordinate in-person, hybrid and virtual governance meetings and events, including board meetings, committee meetings, governor information sessions, awaydays and board dinners.
Maintain accurate governance systems, records, trackers and registers, supporting transparency, compliance and effective governance assurance.

Support the operation of governance frameworks, including policy reviews, delegated authority processes, declarations of interest, hospitality and gifts, governors’ grants, and regulatory filing requirements.
The successful candidate will have experience of supporting senior managers, governors, trustees or committee members; excellent organisational skills; strong written and verbal communication skills, including accurate minute-taking; and confidence using tools such as Microsoft Office, Acrobat and Teams to support governance or administrative work to a high standard.

How to apply
Our priority is to find the right individual for each opportunity. We are dedicated to building an inclusive workplace that values diversity and invite you to find out more.

If you would like to apply, please submit your CV and answer the application questions below. Please try to limit your response to each question to no more than 300 words.

1. Please tell us why you are interested in working for the Health Foundation and in this Governance Officer role.
    
2. Please briefly describe the experience, skills or knowledge you would bring to supporting effective governance, committee or senior-level meetings, and how would you build positive working relationships with senior stakeholders?
    
3. Please give a brief example of how you have organised information, records, meetings or processes accurately and efficiently in a previous role.

 
Our commitment to equality, inclusion and diversity
We are committed to an inclusive hiring process, where every candidate has the chance to showcase their unique skills and experience in an accessible and supported environment, to ensure that we can make the best appointment for each opportunity on merit. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage those from underrepresented groups in this field to apply to us. We have identified three key areas to improving diversity. Our aim is to achieve a more balanced representation across our organisation, with a particular focus on increasing the number of women in leadership, enhancing the representation of people from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds and welcoming more people with disabilities. As part of this commitment, we strongly encourage applications from these groups.

Apply to join our team and let's work towards building a more diverse and inclusive workplace together. If you require any support through this process, please contact us. Help us work together to make the recruitment process and potential future employment more accessible and enjoyable for you.

Closing date: Sunday 28 June 2026 23:59

Interview / Contact date: TBC

Healthwatch

Healthwatch was set up in 2013 to champion the rights of health and social care users, and hold the health and social care system to account for how well it engages with the public.

Healthwatch has a remit which covers all publicly funded health and social care services for adults and children.

The Advocacy Project delivers Healthwatch Brent, Healthwatch Westminster and Healthwatch Kensington & Chelsea – three of 152 local Healthwatch organisations. We’re building on the important work that’s been done to date, while bringing new insights from the voices of seldom heard and hard to hear groups.

About the role

In this role you will promote Healthwatch to local residents and stakeholders, and support people to get involved in our work. You’ll be a skilled communicator, comfortable networking and engaging with a diverse range of local residents. This role is primarily based in Westminster, and we’re looking for someone who can understand and relate to the diverse local population.

Your role will involve finding innovative ways to present the information the team gathers to key audiences. This will range from face-to-face conversations with partners and funders through to producing imaginative materials. This includes producing accessible reports and presentations to make sure we can maximise the impact of people’s feedback.

You’ll be responsible for a variety of internal and external communications for the Healthwatch Westminster producing impactful communications across all platforms including our website, social media channels and newsletter. You’ll also produce informative and engaging content for our websites, keeping it fresh and relevant for our diverse audiences.

As well as developing our online presence, you’ll own the Westminster engagement plan. This will involve identifying engagement opportunities, working with the Volunteer Coordinator to ensure we have good coverage at events across the borough, and getting out into the local community to promote our service and hear from local residents.

Working as part of a small team, you’ll be involved in many aspects of the organisation. You’ll need to be flexible, with a ‘can do’ attitude to meet the evolving needs of the service. You will need to work in close collaboration with our other Healthwatch services in Kensington & Chelsea and Brent, and occasionally support communications and engagement in those areas when the need arises.

Key responsibilities

Engagement

î  Develop a vibrant engagement plan for Healthwatch Kensington & Chelsea, ensuring that we reach a wide range of residents from different communities, with an emphasis on those most likely to experience poor health outcomes.

î  Develop effective relationships with local voluntary organisations and community groups to promote the Healthwatch service and carry out engagement activities and signposting sessions.

î  Practice culturally responsive engagement, demonstrating the ability to communicate and effectively interact with people across cultures with diverse protected characteristics, whilst maintaining openness and showing respect to people who have a different social or cultural background to your own.

î  Keep abreast of good engagement practice and actively seek out innovative ways to capture and express people’s views/experiences, including engagement techniques appropriate to different audiences.

î  Work in partnership with local community groups to support engagement in projects, including coproduction and joint communications.

î  Take a lead role in making sure all Healthwatch Kensington & Chelsea activities involve people from all sections of the community, including seldom-heard communities.

î  Work closely with the Volunteer Coordinator to ensure that volunteers are able to participate in engagement plans.

Communications

î  Create engaging and up-to-date digital media content across all digital channels, including web content, Twitter and Facebook.

î  Create regular newsletters and e-bulletins, circulating these to key stakeholders to support engagement.

î  Design reports, presentations and stationery templates for the Healthwatch service, making sure all materials keep to the Healthwatch brand guidelines.

î  Answer and respond appropriately to calls about the service, seeking guidance from the team where appropriate to give signposting support via phone and email.

î  Keep up to date with best practice from Healthwatch England, by reading, attending courses and networking.

î  Carry out any other tasks needed for the service to run smoothly, as directed by the Healthwatch Manager.

General responsibilities

î  Participate in team meetings, training and organisational development.

î  Contribute to monitoring reports.

î  Keep to our policies, including health & safety, safeguarding and risk regulations.

î  Work to our mission, vision, and values.

î  Work flexibly to meet the needs of the service, in line with the changing local and national landscape and carry out other projects and tasks as needed.

Person specification

Essential

î  Good understanding of the NHS / social care, in particular the importance of patient voice and engagement for improving and developing services

î  Experience of carrying out community engagement

î  Experience producing communication materials for a variety of channels and audiences

î  Experience of working with diverse communities, particularly in Kensington & Chelsea/ North West London

î  Good understanding of health inequality and the role Healthwatch can play in reducing this.

î  Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders ranging from local residents, colleagues, partners, trustees and commissioners.

î  Excellent organisational skills, ability to take initiative and plan your own workload.

î  Commitment to working within The Advocacy Project and Healthwatch code of conduct, equality and safeguarding policies.

î  Willingness to attend further training and to adopt new procedures.

î  Willingness to promote Healthwatch and The Advocacy Project in line with our mission, vision and values

Desirable

î  Evidence of ongoing personal development and training related to the role.

î  Previous experience of working within a Healthwatch service.

î  Experience of creating visual content such as digital graphics or video.

Benefits of working for us

We’re committed to providing an empowering, flexible and supportive working environment for all our staff.

Our employee benefits include 30 days annual leave (including up to 3 days between Christmas and New Year), participation in a pension scheme with 6% employer contribution, access to a free confidential counselling service, and an interest-free travel/bike loan.

All our staff are supported to learn and develop in a variety of ways, including a monthly lecture series where we invite sector experts to talk to our staff on topical issues.

We are a Disability Confident Committed and Mindful Employer.

Purpose of the job

UK Youth exists to widen the reach and deepen the impact of youth work and outdoor learning.

 As we enter an exciting new phase of our five-year strategic period, we are looking for a Policy and Public Affairs Officer to help us build on political momentum around young people and youth work to inspire lasting change.

 You will support the Head of Policy and Public Affairs, within the Impact department (covering research, evaluation, service design, policy and public affairs, and communications), working closely with colleagues across the organisation to build and develop UK Youth’s relationships with a broad range of external stakeholders, including: Westminster government (e.g. ministers, officials and special advisers), parliamentarians, the devolved administrations, NGOs and third-party organisations, while shaping and responding to a wide range of public policy issues.

 The role will require a strong understanding of complex policy issues and an interest in the political landscape and how it interacts with third sector organisations. You will have a can-do attitude, excellent written and oral communication skills, strong time management and organisational skills and an ability to develop positive relationships with colleagues internally and externally to support our goals.

Why work at UK Youth?

Every young person deserves a youth worker. UK Youth exists to make that a reality. Our vision is a society that backs every young person - through each spark, struggle and success.

 As the UK’s national infrastructure body for youth work, we strengthen and champion a diverse network of youth organisations, unlock investment, shape policy and build the evidence base for what works. At a time of growing need and inequality of access, our work has never been more important.

 We are entering an exciting new phase of our strategy - focused on long-term resilience, income diversification and a transformational Capital Appeal to develop Avon Tyrrell as a national centre of excellence for outdoor learning. Joining UK Youth means being part of an ambitious, impact-driven organisation committed to strengthening youth work for generations to come.

Key responsibilities

Public Affairs support

• Produce briefings and speaking notes for UK Youth leadership and trustees relating to important policy issues and external events.

• Manage relationships with politicians, civil servants, and staff in local authorities and regulatory bodies to brief them on matters relating to UK Youth’s policy objectives.

• Identify opportunities for UK Youth to publicly intervene on key policy priorities – including responses to government consultations, speaking at events, meeting with key influencers, etc.

• Develop written content, including blogs, and support colleagues in our Communications team to respond to breaking news relating to UK Youth’s policy priorities.

• Work closely with the Communications team to support the development of influencing plans that promote our policy messages on public channels.

Political monitoring and policy development support

• Coordinate with monitoring services to ensure proactive monitoring of relevant announcements and developments in Parliament and the devolved nations that relate to youth work and young people.

• Work with colleagues across the Impact Function to understand trends and innovations in the youth and outdoor learning sectors that have implications for policy.

• Ensure that there is a clear record of UK Youth’s policy positions on key issues, along with rationale and suggested messaging.

• Contribute to external-facing policy reports and briefings on topics relating to UK Youth’s work.

Stakeholder engagement and event management

• Build strong working relationships with policy professionals across the youth sector and identify opportunities to work in partnership, where appropriate.

• Develop relationships with key external stakeholders including other policy and public affairs teams in the youth sector and civil servants.

• Work closely with young people and youth workers to help refine UK Youth’s policy positions and influencing plans.

• Lead on day-to-day management of UK Youth’s secretariat role for the Back Youth Alliance, with oversight and support from the Head of Policy and Public Affairs.

• Project manage UK Youth’s involvement in key influencing events, such as party conferences, with oversight and support from the Head of Policy and Public Affairs.

• Represent UK Youth at meetings and events – helping to disseminate insights from our work, tell the story of youth work’s impact to inspire lasting change.  

Experience we're after

• Experience working in the area of policy and public affairs or equivalent experience in other areas (such as through an apprenticeship, volunteering role, or university)

• Experience of project management

• Experience of understanding and communicating with different audiences

• Strong relational and stakeholder engagement skills

What we can offer you

We offer a competitive range of benefits, good work/life balance, excellent learning and development opportunities and vibrant organisational culture:

• Flexible/Agile Working

• 27 days annual leave (24 days + 3 days winter closure) plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time employees)

• Funded training provided in; Safeguarding, GDPR, Information and Cyber Security & Equality & Diversity

• Other training available in support of your personal and professional development

• Pension scheme (currently UK Youth match employee contributions up to 5%)

• Membership of our life insurance scheme which would pay-out up to 4 times your salary

• Employee Assistance Programme to support employees both professionally and personally

• 20% discount off bookings at Avon Tyrrell, our New Forest Outdoor Centre, including camping, lodges and outdoor activities.

• IT equipment provided for the duration of contract

• CycleScheme and TechScheme

How to apply

If you would like to be considered for this fantastic opportunity, please complete an application via our completely anonymised recruitment system provided by Applied which looks to create a fair and unbiased application process for all. Scroll to the top of the page and start your application.

Closing date: 29th June 2026 at 23:59 (midnight)

Provisional Interview Dates: w/c 6th July 2026

As this role involves working in a regulated environment with young people, any offer will be conditional to satisfactory background checks, which include criminal record check and employment reference.

We believe that change for people affected by ME won't just happen; it must be made. That's why action and impact are at the heart of everything we do. Whether that's helping people today with support, information, or care. Or working towards securing future change through our research and campaigning work. The intent of everything we do is to pursue positive impact for the lives, rights, and futures of people affected by ME.

As Communications Manager you will play a pivotal role in delivering strategic, impactful communications that advance Action for ME’s work, improve understanding and recognition of ME and support fundraising efforts

The Communications Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day delivery of the communications strategy, leading a team of two other communications staff. You will work closely with colleagues across the fundraising, policy, research and services departments, delivering clear and compelling storytelling, and maximising visibility across media, digital platforms and key stakeholder networks.

Key duties

Leadership and Management

• Work to ensure that people with ME are at the heart of everything we do through meaningful engagement and participation to influence all aspects of communications and marketing.

• Contribute to the development of, and then lead implementation of, the Communications Strategy, ensuring the appropriate involvement of key stakeholders, scoping, evaluating, and improving our practice.

• Maintain a data-insight led approach to the communications work providing regular management information and key performance indicator reports.

• Work as a member of the Extended Leadership Team.

• Line manage Communications Team members, supporting them to set and achieve performance objectives through regular one-to-ones and 12-monthly appraisals.

• Be responsible for Communications budget and the relationship with services providers required for the production of the charity’s digital and printed information and support resources.

Communications and Marketing

• Raise the profile of the impact of ME, and of Action for ME and its work, to enable the organisation to reach more people and better support need, by establishing a regular cadence of appropriate but innovative product across all main social media channels.

• Ensure fundraising is supported by embedding clear calls to action around donations and membership growth as a matter of course.

• Under the direction of the Director of Fundraising, develop all website, press and social media content for charity appeals.

• Market the charity’s Support and Healthcare services, including key digital and printed information and support resources, to the ME community and the professionals working with them, working closely with respective service leads.

• Contribute to income generation by working closely with the Director of Fundraising to develop the communication and marketing materials needed to implement the organisation’s Fundraising Strategy.

• Coordinate the charity’s response to any crisis communications, including developing appropriate crisis management plans and working outside of office hours as required.

• Establish effective systems/processes for gathering, supporting, maintaining, and managing case studies for a range of purposes (including press and media opportunities, public affairs and policy work, and fundraising).

• Draft and issue press releases and media statements and ensure appropriate follow-up by telephoning journalists, contacting picture desks etc. as appropriate.

• Alongside the CEO and any commissioned agency, develop relationships with key press, media and communications stakeholders to enhance the charity’s work.

• Oversee the production of the annual report, on budget, to schedule, taking overall editorial responsibility for content.

• Oversee the ongoing development of our digital engagement including our website and social media and being the point of contact on website issues.

• Fulfil the role of brand gateway keeper, ensuring all digital and printed communications, including information and support resources, adhere to brand guidelines, house style and organisational tone.

• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge and oversight of how ME and related key issues (e.g. Long Covid) are discussed in the media and wider ME community.

• Build networks to enhance the charity’s strategic communications and marketing work.

• Build and maintain an effective social media monitoring regime, ensuring fit for purpose rules of engagement are in place and applied consistently.

Other Key Accountabilities 

• Ensure that all relevant service standards are met including compliance with best practice, legal and regulatory frameworks and internal standards.

• Ensure best value in all our work.

• Undertake any other duty within your ability and within reason, as may be required, from time-to-time, at the discretion of your line manager.

• On occasions, provide management support and cover within the organisation, as needed.

• Act as an advocate for the charity and its work.

Person specification

Experience, Knowledge and Understanding 

• A minimum of 2 years’ experience working in a communications management role

• Experience of developing integrated, insight and audience-led communications plans including social media

• Experience of website and brand management

• Experience of delivering successful campaigns

• Experience of engaging with press and/or media including writing press releases and media briefings

• Experience of working collaboratively with different teams/departments

• Experience of working in charity communications (desirable)

• An understanding of ME and the impact on people affected by it (desirable)

• Experience of integrating fundraising with communications (desirable)

Skills, Behaviours and Values

• Adaptable and highly organised with an ability to work methodically, managing and prioritising a varied workload, use your own initiative, work independently, and work well in a team.

• Strong MS Office skills including the ability to use Word, Excel, databases and web-related programmes and software.

Salary: £35,159 to £36,935 (starting salary range)

Working pattern: Full-time, Permanent (35 hours per week)

Pension: USS

Annual leave: 25 days plus 8 bank holidays, 3 well-being days, and a Christmas office closure

Location: Hybrid, flexible working model with an office located in central London. Occasional UK-wide travel for GHE and relevant events.

Reports to: Policy Manager (Skills, Innovation, International)

Purpose

GuildHE is seeking an ambitious Policy Officer to play a pivotal role in the next phase of our organisation’s growth. Working directly with the Head of Research Policy and the Policy Manager (Skills, Innovation, International), you will help monitor, analyse, and respond to policy initiatives within the research and innovation space.  You will support a range of member-focused events and activities to ensure staff in our member institutions are well-informed and supported. This includes supporting the management of the GuildHE Research Consortium and leading on the organising and delivery of our flagship annual PGR Doctoral Festival, helping our members develop, share best practices, and maximise their research impact.

Key Responsibilities 

Policy Analysis & Communication

1. Horizon Scanning: Monitor government departments (e.g., DSIT, DfE), funding and regulatory bodies (UKRI, Research England, OfS, Innovate UK), and other stakeholders for policy updates, funding calls, and consultation launches in relation to Research and Innovation policy.

2. Briefings: Produce concise policy briefings, data summaries, and position papers for GuildHE members and leadership on key Research and Innovation issues (e.g., REF, knowledge exchange, KEF, commercialisation, research culture, open research). Develop high-quality external reports, consultations, blogs and other materials articulating member challenges and opportunities.

3. Consultation Drafts: Assist senior policy colleagues in gathering evidence, analysing member feedback, collaborating with sector stakeholders, and drafting compelling arguments that articulate the unique perspectives of GuildHE institutions.

4. Share Best Practice: Identify case studies across the GHE membership to share best practice internally and externally and drive national conversations about new ways of working and operating in the sector.

5. Policy issues: Maintain up-to-date knowledge of national and institutional research and innovation policies indicated by the Head of Research Policy or Policy Manager (Research, Innovation, International).

Member Support & Consortium Coordination

1. Member Engagement: Maintain regular, positive communication with research and innovation leads across member institutions, fostering a collaborative network.  Support relevant GuildHE member networks, including the Knowledge Exchange, Innovation and Place network, promoting communication, collaboration, and best practice exchange to inform evidence-based policy development.

2. Member development: Provide support for timely implementation of good practice guidelines and associated resources, within agreed budgets. This includes assisting with members' business development initiatives, such as Research Degree Awarding Powers.

3. Event Delivery: Develop and deliver content for events including the GuildHE Research Consortium meetings, the Research and Knowledge Exchange Symposium, PGR Doctoral Festival, the PGR Network for global majority students and sandpits/match events, workshops and roundtables. 

4. Shared Services: Collaborate with other GHE teammates to maintain and deliver our shared services (i.e. research outputs repository, shared postgraduate online training, research impact tracking and researcher development tools) and explore new services in response to members’ needs

5. PGR Students: Develop and deliver initiatives for postgraduate students and early career researchers (e.g., our PGR Support Programme and associated student networks), working closely with the Policy Manager (Student Experience) to ensure postgraduate students are reflected in broader student support policies.

The postholder will also be expected to:

1. Actively support the delivery of the GuildHE strategy.

2. To contribute positively to a small, professional team focused on delivering excellence in their members’ interests.

3. Support GuildHE events and communication activities as appropriate - including campaigns, writing articles, blogs and press releases.

4. Build strong relationships with key stakeholders at HE institutions and sector agencies, including senior leaders, academics, and policy staff.

5. Gather feedback from HE institutions and use this to inform the continuous improvement of our services.

6. Demonstrate a proactive approach to embedding EDI principles within all policy development and advocacy efforts.

7. Represent GuildHE externally on a range of HE sector groups and projects and deputise for the Head of Research Policy or the Policy Manager (Skills, Innovation and International) as appropriate.

8. Undertake any other reasonable duties as may be required.

Person Specification

Core Skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships

• Clear, concise writing skills for drafting policy responses, reports, and emails to senior stakeholders with excellent attention to detail.

• Problem-solving, Influencing and advocacy skills 

• Ability to digest complex, lengthy policy documents and extract key themes relevant to GuildHE members.

• Confident digital skills and highly proficient user of computer packages including MS Office and G Suite

• Ability to manage multiple tasks effectively, adhere deadlines, and maintain project momentum. This includes the capacity to monitor progress, identify and mitigate potential risks, and proactively address challenges.

• Experience in using data and evidence to enhance and impact assess activities. 

• Facilitation and convening skills would be advantageous 

Core Attributes

• Ability to build professional relationships quickly and sustainably with members and a wide range of stakeholders

• Able to meet deadlines, to prioritise work and to anticipate issues and problems with strong attention to detail

• A collaborative, communicative and flexible team player who is also comfortable working independently.

• An individual who shares our values of equity and inclusion and can translate these values into day to day work and impactful outcomes.

• An understanding of, or a keen interest in, the UK higher education sector, research funding landscape, or public policy.

• To be willing to travel across the UK for meetings with members, stakeholders and events and to work flexibly, when and where necessary.

Ideal Experience

• Knowledge and understanding of higher education policy, working in research and innovation and/or supporting a research environment. 

• Experience of developing policy positions and responses

• Experience in synthesising complex data and/or ideas

• Experience in supporting training and development

Job Advert

GuildHE is a formal representative body, representing diversity in the higher education sector and the widest variety of institution types across the UK.  We are undergoing an exciting period of transformation, evolving our policy approach and member-focused services to significantly increase our impact within the sector and ensure we’re providing timely, proactive support to our members as they address emerging 21st century challenges.  

GuildHE is seeking an ambitious Policy Officer to play a pivotal role in the next phase of our organisation’s growth. Working directly with the Head of Research Policy and the Policy Manager (Skills, Innovation, International), you will help monitor, analyse, and respond to policy initiatives within the research and innovation space.  You will support a range of member-focused events and activities to ensure staff in our member institutions are well-informed and supported. This includes supporting the management of the GuildHE Research Consortium and leading on the organising and delivery of our flagship annual PGR Doctoral Festival, helping our members develop, share best practices, and maximise their research impact.

If you think you can bring bold, creative and proactive energy to our small-and-mighty team to help take us to the next level, we want to hear from you!

Application closing date: Monday 12th July

Interviews: Tuesday 21st July 

Curious about the role? Please contact DanaGamble, Policy Manager for more information

If you are a forward thinking professional with exceptional judgment, emotional intelligence and excellent communication skills, this might just be the role for you. Join ClientEarth, a globally respected environmental law charity driving real impact across climate, nature, health, and justice. We are hiring a Chief of Staff to the CEO (Strategy, Planning & Internal Communications)!

In this role you will play a pivotal role in shaping strategic priorities and organisational alignment, ensuring seamless information flow to inspire a diverse, global workforce around key priorities, and enabling effective and timely decision-making from the CEO’s office. 

This is a rare opportunity to work at the heart of a purpose-led organisation, partnering directly with the CEO and senior leadership. You will operate as a trusted advisor at the highest level, reporting to  the Chief Strategy & People Officer, with close collaboration with the CEO.

This role is based in our London office. ClientEarth has a Flexible working policy, however this post is expected to work from the office at least 2 days per week. 

Key Responsibilities

• Sets and delivers the strategic approach for CEO Office coordination and leadership communications (internal), aligning leadership rhythm, decision flow, and engagement to organisational priorities. This includes line management of the PA to the CEO, and close working with the CEO's external communications advisor
• Provides timely counsel to the CEO, flagging up risks and opportunities, and acting with discretion and diplomacy across the organisation to resolve challenges and provide solutions  
• (Where required) Leads on the delivery of key strategic projects for the CEO/Chief Strategy and People Officer, and / or engage to trouble-shoot on existing projects, depending on business need; this could be related to organisational effectiveness, collaboration and engagement, or internal services to the organisation 
• Oversees ClientEarth’s Global Internal Communications & Engagement Programme - including the line-management of our internal communications advisor - to connect colleagues across our offices, promote effective information flow, champion an equitable, diverse and inclusive culture, and embed ClientEarth’s values 
• Support the professional development of line reports through ongoing supervision, influencing them to take positive action and to be accountable for their work and contribution to the smooth-running of the organisation.  

See the job description for a full list of duties for this role.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Substantial experience of managing upwards and guiding senior leaders, trustees/directors and other high level internal and external stakeholders (essential) 
• Experience in copy-writing for senior leadership, drafting high-quality copy tailored to the relevant audience within tight time-frames (essential) 
• Experience in developing internal communication and engagement strategies for medium to large organisations (essential) within an international organisation (desirable)  
• Strong understanding of the external context in which ClientEarth operates, including the wider NGO landscape and political awareness (essential)  
• Strong alignment with ClientEarth’s Values and commitment to our Vision, Mission and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy objectives (essential)  

See the job description for a full list of duties for this role.

Job Benefits

Flexible working:  We are proud to be a Flexa accredited Employer. Visit our Flexa Employer page for more information on our approach to flexible working. Our flexible working policy allows our people the choice to decide to work from home/another location in the country where their contract of employment is issued for 80% of their month, with the other 20% of their month being office-based. See our benefits page for more: Benefits | ClientEarth Careers as well as our flexible working FAQ.
 

ClientEarth values diversity and inclusion and the benefits this brings. We aim to appoint the most suitable candidate at all times and welcome applications from people from all different backgrounds. See our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) at ClientEarth | ClientEarth journey page for more.

Please note that ClientEarth is only able to employ those who have the pre-existing legal right to work in the UK.
 

ClientEarth is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or legal services to third parties.

Care Rights UK is recruiting for a Policy, Campaigns and Communications Lead to join their small, welcoming and dedicated team. A varied role, the postholder will be at the heart of the organisation's influential work to raise awareness of quality care, push for new rights, and call for reform of the sector.

Care Rights UK is the charity focused on promoting the rights of older people in care. The organisation wants the best quality of life for older people needing care and for people to know their rights, as well as how to use them. Offering information, advice and support to empower those using care services as well as their relatives and friends, the organisation challenges poor care, highlights good practice and demands a better care system.

Courageous, independent and empowering, this is a truly special organisation undertaking work with real impact.

Policy, Campaigns and Communications Lead
Contract: Permanent role offered on either a full or TP basis, 28 to 35 hours per week
Salary: £38,000 full time salary (£30,400 pro rata for 28 hours per week)
Location: Hybrid between home and the London office, or home based. If home based, travel will be necessary to office-based team meetings in London and training days as required.
Closing date for applications: 9am on Monday 22nd June
Interviews: Interviews will be held on 9th July

As a member of the Care Rights UK team, you can expect:

• Friendly, welcoming, supportive colleagues in the staff team and on the Board of Trustees
• One-to-one support from an experienced, empathetic and friendly line manager
• Peer support from colleagues in the wider staff team
• Weekly team meetings to share advice insights, updates and impact
• A thorough induction to the charity, our work and mission
• Training to help you fulfil your role and to develop your knowledge of care issues across the UK
• Opportunities for sharing skills and knowledge with colleagues who are experts in their fields
• Being part of a dynamic team pushing for real change in the care sector
• Access to 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme - access to counselling, adviceline and other wellbeing support
• Hybrid working - the role can be carried out from anywhere in the UK, although attendance at face-to-face team meetings and training days will be required
• Flexible working - the organisation welcomes applications from candidates wishing to work 28-35 hours per week and will consider job shares or other options such as compressed hours

As Policy, Campaign and Communications Lead you will work alongside the CEO and broader team to lead the charity's influencing and engagement output, and to ensure that policy, campaign and communications work align with the organisation's advice service, research and fundraising. A role that is both strategic and hands on, your core responsibilities will include:

• Lead the charity's communication and engagement work, including producing and coordinating communications outputs, managing the charity's social media accounts and implementing plans to increase supporter engagement
• Lead the charity's policy work, including monitoring and analysing relevant care policy in the UK to inform strategic development, drafting consultation responses, lobbying to achieve our strategic objectives
• Lead the charity's campaigns, including writing and implementing campaign plans, drafting campaign materials
• Develop relationships with politicians, Parliamentarians, policymakers and organisations, and act as a spokesperson for speaking and media requests
• Line manage the Operations Coordinator, including agreeing objectives and completing the annual appraisal process
• Work closely with team members to ensure policy, campaign and communication work aligns with advice service, research and fundraising, and assist with the delivery of marketing and fundraising strategies

We'd love to hear from individuals with the following core skills and experience:

• Experience in a policy, campaign or communication role (paid or unpaid)
• Knowledge and understanding of lobbying, campaigning, influencing techniques or supporter communications
• Knowledge or experience of the adult social care sector in the UK and policy areas, gained either within a professional capacity or via lived experience
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and ability to translate complex information into accessible content
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including diplomacy, persuasion, and ability to build positive working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders
• Strong organisational skills and ability to prioritise competing tasks and deliver to tight deadlines
• Experience of working independently, working on own initiative and maintaining motivation
• Experience of working effectively as a member of a small team and a positive, problem-solving approach
• Commitment to Care Rights UK's vision, purpose and values
• Understanding of the value of involving people needing care and their families at all stages of the policy and campaigning process, to bring their voices to the heart of the debate

The following skills and experience are desirable, although not essential:

• Knowledge of the UK political landscape
• Experience of working with older people needing care or their relatives
• Experience of managing social media accounts on Facebook
• Experience of working for a small charity

If you're interested in hearing more about this opportunity, please click on the linked Job Description to find out more, including details of the application process which is a CV and answers to supporting questions. Applications for the role should be submitted to Alice at Charity People by 9am on Monday 22nd June.

Please click on 'Apply Now' button to access the job description with the application instructions. 

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

The Digital Communications Officer will play a key role in sharing BTO’s stories with a wide audience via digital projects. The postholder will plan, film, edit, and publish short-form videos across different platforms, including BTO’s YouTube, social media accounts and website. They will manage the image library and develop a video library, coordinate film shoots across the organisation, and train and support BTO staff and volunteers with video projects to achieve the Digital Communications Strategy.

The successful applicant will have excellent videography skills, with proven experience in the production and editing of video content, knowledge of video editing software Adobe Premiere Pro or equivalent, and a good understanding of social media platforms, particularly YouTube. They will display an understanding of legal and ethical considerations in digital communications, such as copyright, and show a commitment to increasing equity, diversity, and inclusion. They will have a passion for nature with good knowledge of British birds and wider natural history, with the ability to translate BTO science into compelling videos for a range of audiences.

This position is based at our HQ in Thetford, Norfolk, although you will be able to work from home part of the time on a hybrid working regime and flexible start and finish times can also be accommodated to ensure a good work-life balance.

You can read the full role description by clicking on the role description under 'supporting documents' in the job details on our careers page. Please contact us if you are not sure if you meet all the criteria for the role and would like to discuss the role in more detail.

Please note that, if you are the successful candidate, you will be required to provide documentary evidence of your right to live and work in the UK. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer visa sponsorship at this time.

WHAT WE OFFER

• £33,954 per annum
• Annual Leave: 25 days per year (plus bank holidays), increasing with service to 26 days after 5 years, 28 days after 10 years, and 30 days after 15 years.
• Paid 'journey days' (up to 2 days) to staff who travel on holiday by land or sea instead of flying.
• Annual team away days
• Life assurance (four times salary)
• 11% employer pension contribution
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Enhanced sick pay
• Enhanced Family leave- Maternity, Adoption, and Shared Parental Leave, 12 weeks at full pay. Paternity and Partner leave, 4 weeks at full pay.
• Health cash plan which enables staff to claim back some healthcare expenses.
• Retail discounts through MyLifestyle.
• Cycling friendly employer- gold accredited
• Cycle to work scheme- spread the cost of purchasing a new bike and save money
• Discounts on: BTO books, Bird care from Vine House Farm  (10% discount on orders placed on the website) and Opticron (15% off)
• Free access to BTO training courses
• Flexible working
• Free eye tests and a contribution of £49 towards prescription glasses for VDU use only.
• Free car parking
• Effective job evaluation policy that recognises where staff increase their level of responsibility over time
• Coaching and mentoring scheme
• Staff groups and forums, creating a positive and welcoming culture to work in.

Closing date for receipt of applications is 23:59 on Sunday 5th July and Interviews will be held in Thetford on Tuesday 21st July. If you have any questions, please contact us.

If you have a disability or long-term illness that otherwise prevents you from meeting any of the essential criteria, please contact us to discuss whether a reasonable adjustment could be made.
As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the vacancy.

We recognise that candidates from minority ethnic groups are under-represented in our organisation, and that there are often additional barriers present for people from these groups when applying for roles in the charity sector and beyond. We are committed to taking positive action to expand the diversity of our staff team, and if you meet the essential criteria for a role and are from a minority ethnic background, you'll be guaranteed a first stage interview.

In cases where we receive a very high volume of applications, we may need to limit the number of Guaranteed Interview Scheme candidates progressing to interview.

Charity No. 216652 (E&W); SC039193 (Scotland)

1. JOB TITLE: Communications officer 

Contract: e.g. Two-year fixed term

Location: York/ hybrid (in office attendance once or twice a week) 

Salary range: £47,814 BAND B1 

2. MAIN PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE JOB 

The communications officer is responsible for the consistent, day-to-day delivery of internal and external communications that convey JRCT’s mission and priorities and support the work of the people and organisations we fund. 

The focus of this role is delivery of our communications. You will be reliable and skilled, taking ownership of work that keeps our communications running smoothly - producing high-quality content, handling our social media presence, maintaining our website, and delivering our newsletters. You will bring creativity and flair to your communications, knowing when to inform and when to engage and finding the right tone for different audiences and channels. 

You will work independently on routine tasks while contributing thoughtfully to wider projects. 

3. POSITION IN ORGANISATION 

Reports to: Head of Communications 

Responsible for: n/a 

4. DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

4.1 Content creation and storytelling 

• Create, edit, and produce high-quality written and digital content, including news pieces, case studies, and multimedia materials, ensuring all messaging is clear, consistent, and reflective of our mission and values across all channels 

• Partner with grant holders to develop case studies, quotes, and materials that reflect their voice and perspective 

• Actively amplify the work of grant holders, identifying opportunities to showcase their voices, expertise, and learning 

• Maintain and develop content, including sourcing images and writing copy for our website and reports, and assist with site refreshes. 

• Work with colleagues to ensure JRCT’s learning is translated and shared in accessible, meaningful terms 

• Design, compile, and write external newsletters 

4.2  Social media and digital engagement 

• Run our social media accounts day-to-day, including monitoring, scheduling, and creating engaging posts 

• Produce design-led assets and infographics using Canva or similar tools 

• Maintain and grow social media presence, sharing news from grant holders and JRCT 

• Research peer digital content and stay updated on social media trends 

• Monitor and analyse web and social media performance to evaluate and refine approach 

4.3  Internal communications and administration 

• Work with the head of communications to deliver internal communications, including updates, newsletters, and intranet content 

• Complete administrative tasks to regularly maintain and update digital resources in compliance with GDPR guidelines, including social media lists, website, image library, and newsletter mailing lists 

• Contribute to the ongoing development of the communications and engagement strategy, and assist with projects such as brand work and website redesign as they arise 

5. General Responsibilities

• Work constructively with administrative and communications colleagues, offering guidance and support where appropriate 

• Work at all times within the values, mission, and charitable purposes of JRCT 

• Be proactive in keeping up to date with developments affecting your work, including the social and political environment JRCT grant holders are working in 

• Take direction on projects and priorities from your line manager and carry out other associated duties as may arise or be assigned 

• Participate in effective collaborative working with other teams across JRCT 

• Prepare for and participate in appraisal meetings and engage constructively with colleagues 

• Work to administration and communication protocols efficiently to ensure organisational systems and procedures are implemented 

• Abide by all organisational policies, codes of conduct, and practice 

• Support diversity and equality of opportunity in the workplace. 

At PHG, we’ve spent nearly 30 years turning complex science into practical health policy. We are now looking for a versatile Administration and Communications Officer to join our team. 

As Administration and Communications Officer you can expect to spend half your time supporting our external-facing communications activities, including, designing digital and print content and keeping our website up to date. From monitoring analytics to maintaining our house style, you’ll help ensure our policy perspectives reach the right people. The other half of your time will be spent ensuring our office and HR functions run smoothly. This includes essential HR admin (payroll, recruitment, and contracts), coordinating meetings and events, and managing our office facilities.   However, no two weeks are likely to be the same.

Who You Are

You’re someone who loves variety and doesn't mind switching gears from designing a newsletter to booking an external meeting in the same afternoon.

Our Ideal Candidate

• You have an eye for detail and enjoy using different software (e.g. Adobe Indesign, Canva) to create impactful content

• You’re proficient in Google/Microsoft and either know your way around CMS/CRM platforms or are excited to learn.

• You can juggle competing priorities without dropping standards or missing deadlines.

• You’re a team player who is self-motivated, professional, and ready to take the initiative.

This is a chance to work at the intersection of science and policy in a flexible, supportive environment. 

The PHG Foundation is a linked exempt charity of the University of Cambridge.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Staff/Board Leadership and Governance:

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

• Building team spirit and employee engagement and offer.

• Leading and delivering regular staff performance and development reviews.

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

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

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

• Ensure policies are kept current.

• Ensure recording and management of absence/leave.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Foodbank Management:

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

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

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

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

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

Strategy and External Relationships:

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

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

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

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

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

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

About you

Essential Experience and Knowledge:

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

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

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

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

• Full valid driving licence. 

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

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

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

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

• Evidence of delivering clear metric dashboards and reports.

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

• Demonstrable knowledge and experience in HR processes and management.

• Experience in building and delivering strategic plans.

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

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

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

Desirable Experience and Knowledge:

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

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

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

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

Personal Skills and Attributes:

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

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

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

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

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

• A high level of literacy and communication.

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

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

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

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