Policy and research assistant jobs in leeds city centre, west yorkshire
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Are you a talented communicator who shares our passion for using scientific evidence to benefit the lives of animals? Can you help us to disseminate knowledge about animal welfare to a wide range of audiences?
We, the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) and the Humane Slaughter Association (HSA), are two sister charities focused on the promotion of scientific, evidence-based approaches to animal welfare. We fund research, support the animal welfare science community, and advocate for evidence-based improvements to animal welfare worldwide. Communicating animal welfare science to both specialist audiences and the wider public is key to turning knowledge into real-world improvements in animal welfare. We are seeking a Scientific Communications and Content Assistant to join our talented Scientific Communications Team during an exciting period of growth and change for both charities.
The Scientific Communications and Content Assistant will support us to deliver our scientific communications strategy by helping to draft, design and publish engaging content for our print and digital platforms. This includes assisting with the creation of visual and written content that effectively convey complex scientific information to our diverse audiences.
The role will report to our Scientific Communications and Outreach Manager and work closely with the Public Affairs Lead and other internal teams to create engaging content for our audiences. We are seeking candidates with strong written, editing and visual skills, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate with subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and clarity.
The ideal candidate will enjoy working as part of our small multi-disciplinary team and be confident to work unsupervised when necessary. You will be happy working across multiple projects, adapting to different communication styles and priorities, and keeping messaging clear and consistent across varied audiences.
This role will be home-based. Because we’re based in the UK, the appointee will need to be UK-based and legally entitled to work in the UK. You will be expected to occasionally attend our offices in Hertfordshire to carry out duties as required and attend meetings. Travel costs and subsidence will be covered for you in these situations. The role may also require occasional travel within the UK and possibly overseas for events and other relevant activities - some of which may occur at weekends or in the evening.
What you’ll be doing
- Drafting copy, designing graphics/visual materials (eg using Canva) and producing content for print, web, email, and social media
- Overseeing the Charities’ day-to-day social media activity, including scheduling posts, monitoring channels, and responding to engagement.
- Assisting with the creation and dissemination of the Charities’ content including but not limited to press releases, newsletters, and digital campaign materials.
- Liaising regularly with internal teams to stay up to date on the Charities’ activities and to plan and schedule content across channels.
- Monitoring social media analytics and Mailchimp performance metrics to support reporting and strategy development.
- Collaborating with internal teams, for example Fundraising, to ensure consistent messaging and branding.
- Occasionally creating, editing and publishing video content.
- Liaising with external agencies, partners and stakeholders.
- Ensuring all materials and communications are accessible and inclusive.
- Occasionally travelling within the UK and overseas for conferences, meetings and other events - some of which may take place during evenings or weekends.
What we’re looking for
- Proven experience in digital communications, content creation and social media.
- Demonstrable writing and editing skills with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Proficiency in using social media platforms (eg LinkedIn, Facebook, BlueSky and YouTube) and scheduling tools such as Hootsuite.
- Experience using graphic and content design tools such as Canva.
- Ability to monitor, analyse and interpret performance analytics from platforms including Mailchimp, social media, Hootsuite etc.
- Proven organisational and time management skills.
- Experience of working collaboratively with diverse teams, with well-developed interpersonal skills.
- Knowledge of and commitment to inclusion and accessibility.
- Experience working within brand and tone of voice guidelines.
- Experience creating content tailored to a diverse range of audiences and stakeholders.
- An understanding of and comfort with the Charities’ approach to animal welfare which includes co-operation with the livestock and slaughter industry, as well as laboratory animal researchers. Whilst both charities promote the highest standards of animal welfare, they do not oppose the use of animals by humans for research or food.
It would be great if you have
- Experience working in a charity or non-profit environment.
- A background in science such as a BSc or relevant experience in a scientific charity or setting.
- Knowledge of animal welfare science and practices.
- Familiarity with website content management systems such as WordPress.
- Experience creating and editing video content.
- Understanding of policy communications or advocacy work.
- Understanding of SEO, engagement metrics, and digital advertising.
How to apply
Please submit your CV and a covering letter (of no more than two pages of A4) that describes how your knowledge, skills and experience meet the requirements of our role. Applications close at 23:30 BST on Sunday 19 October.
First round interviews will be held online on 3 November 2025, and second round interviews held in London on 10 November 2025.
We use anonymous recruitment at the screening stage to enable an inclusive recruitment process.
What we can offer you
- 25 days annual leave increasing to 30 days after ten years of service*.
- Flexible working, including opportunities to work from home.
- Day one employer pension contributions of 8% of salary, into our pension scheme.
- Access to AonProtect Assistance which includes access to counselling services, legal, tax, medical and bereavement advice
- Access to Mental Health First Aiders with two wellbeing days* per year to rest, recharge, and focus on mental, emotional, or physical health - without using annual leave.
- Optional childcare salary sacrifice scheme.
- Pet bereavement leave.
- Generous sick pay policy.
- Training and development opportunities.
*Pro-rata for part-time employees.
Please submit your CV and a covering letter (of no more than two pages of A4) that describes how your knowledge, skills and experience meet the requirements of our role. Applications close at 23:30 BST on Sunday 19 October.
Registered Charity 
11 - 20
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Deputy Shop Manager
Hornbeam Park, Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Part time, 15 hours per week – 2 positions available
£24,242.40 (pro-rated to £9,828.00) per year
We are committed to paying the Real Living Wage.
About Us
Yorkshire is one of the regions hardest hit by cancer. Together, we can change this.
Yorkshire Cancer Research is a charity dedicated to funding research so that you and those you love live longer healthier lives, free of cancer.
Thanks to supporters, the charity funds vital cancer research and pioneers innovative new services for people with cancer. These life-giving medical breakthroughs are helping more people survive cancer – in Yorkshire, and beyond.
As an inclusive employer, our aim is to ensure our workforce reflects the rich diversity of our region. We believe a diverse workforce is vital to us taking action to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer more effectively in Yorkshire. We offer equal opportunities regardless of race, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnerships.
The Benefits
We offer all employees a wide range of benefits including an enhanced contributory pension scheme, 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays (increasing to 30 days after 5 years’ service), flexible working arrangements, private medical insurance, enhanced maternity leave, career progression, learning and development, wellbeing initiatives, offices within walking distance of Hornbeam Park train station, free onsite parking and a whole lot more.
We’ve got a strong set of values that inform everything we do and we’re looking for people who are aligned with these. As our Deputy Shop Manager, you will put people in Yorkshire at the heart of everything you do, unite with colleagues and other organisations in this cause, and dare to think big and bold to make positive solutions happen.
The Role
You will manage the day-to-day operation of the shop in the absence of the Shop Manager, including managing a team of volunteers, ensuring accurate accounting and handling of assets, delivering high standards of customer service, and adhering to all charity policies and procedures. You will lead by example and ensure that volunteers, supporters, donors, and customers understand how their contributions are making a difference to the lives of people in Yorkshire and beyond.
Specifically, you will:
· Play an active part in running our shop in Hornbeam, supporting the Shop Manager in implementing processes and ways of working.
· Provide cover for days off, holidays and sickness as required, with possible occasional travel to other shops to provide support if needed by the charity.
· Support the Shop Manager to maximise the income and profit of the shop through active stock management, replenishment, and rotation.
· Manage a team of well-trained volunteers in the absence of the Shop Manager and take every effort to create a positive retail environment.
· Support the Shop Manager to ensure accurate accounting and handling of assets (items donated and money received).
· Support the Shop Manager to ensure accurate record keeping of items donated and the amount paid for each item for Gift Aid tax reclaim purposes.
· Create a welcoming professional atmosphere and deliver high standards of customer service for all customers and supporters.
About You
To be considered for this role, you will need:
· To ideally be educated to GCSE level or equivalent but not essential.
· Experience of managing people/volunteers including recruitment and development.
· To be highly organised with good time management skills.
· To be able to prioritise workload and meet deadlines.
· To be able to use own initiative.
· To be resilient and adaptable to change.
· To have good planning, guiding and motivation skills to successfully achieve targeted income is desirable.
· A willingness and ability to occasionally travel across the Yorkshire region as needed for training sessions and team meetings.
· A willingness and ability to safely lone work.
· A willingness to complete our pre-employment checks (to be undertaken once the role is offered and accepted) which include:
o A check on your employment history, by seeking two references
o A check on your eligibility to work in the UK as per the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006
o To undertake a DBS check at the level relevant to your role.
Please note, this role is not eligible for a visa sponsorship.
Application
Before applying, please visit our Careers Page to view the full role profile and find out more about working for Yorkshire Cancer Research.
To apply please submit a CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to Claire Wooldridge, Head of People, before 15 October 2025. Please read our privacy notice before applying.
Yorkshire Cancer Research is a responsible and flexible employer. We welcome any discussion for flexible working at the interview/offer stage where we will consider an individual’s circumstances against the needs of the charity.
We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates from all backgrounds. If we can make any reasonable adjustments to support your application, please contact the People Team.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Early Learning and Childcare Advisor
We are looking for an Early Learning and Childcare Advisor to join the team based in Scotland, in this remote working role.
Position: Early Learning and Childcare Advisor
Location: Remote/Scotland
Hours: Part-time, 18.5 hours per week
Salary: £28,000 - £32,000 pro rata
Contract: Temporary contract until 31st March 2026
Benefits: Include 26 days’ holiday, rising to 30 after service increments plus 8 bank holiday, Personal Pension Scheme, Healthcare Cash Plan, Employee Assistance Programme, Staff Awards Scheme, Company Sick Pay Scheme, flexible working patterns
Closing Date: 10th October 2025. Interviews will be taking place on a rolling basis so this role may close earlier than advertised.
The Role
The Early Learning and Childcare Advisor supports the organisations contribution to policy development and guidance on the delivery of early learning and childcare. Ensuring an effective voice of the sector in Scotland is critical to success, as will strengthening support for and developing our membership base. The Early Learning and Childcare Advisor supports delivery of the Scottish Government contract ensuring achievement of targets.
The role also involves the development of training, publications and other products and services for Scotland members.
The Early Learning and Childcare Advisor will be supported by the National Operations Manager (Scotland) and the NDNA central team.
Main duties include:
- Support the National Operations Manager (Scotland) to ensure Scottish Government contract is delivered to meet all agreed criteria
- Support policy development and guidance on the delivery of early learning and childcare in Scotland, ensuring nurseries have access to appropriate information, support, guidance, and training to contribute to improved quality of delivery of early learning and childcare
- Track and report on sales and trends to inform the development of products and services
- Support the National Operations Manager (Scotland) in the completion of sector consultations
- Gather intelligence and research from nurseries and public and third sector partners/stakeholders to inform on national policy and representation work and Scottish Government national policy as related to private nurseries
- Ensure effective dissemination of information to members, colleagues, other agencies
- Develop and maintain effective partnerships and relationships with partners and other agencies at regional and national level to enhance and promote activities and ensure maximum benefit for long-term sustainability and our members
- Promote the benefits of membership and access to its products, services and support
About You
We are looking for someone with a degree level qualification or equivalent experience in childcare and also:
- First hand experience of working in an Early Learning and Childcare role
- Experience of managing a demand-led workload
- Business and strategic planning
- Strong customer service or related experience.
To apply please submit your CV along with a covering letter detailing how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the requirements of the role.
About the Organisation
The organisation is a national charity and membership association specifically for nurseries. They work in partnership with nurseries, local authorities, national government and a range of partners to develop an environment in which early learning and care can flourish.
The organisation is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and is actively opposed to discrimination in society.
You may also have experience in areas such as EYF, Childcare, Nursery, Teacher, Teaching Assistant, Early Years Advisor, Childcare Advisor, Early Years and Childcare Advisor, Early Years and Childcare Support. #INDNFP
PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Please note that this role is a permanent position, but we would consider a Fixed Term Contract for an outstanding candidate. Although the closing date is 30th September, we are reviewing and shortlisting applications on a ongoing basis so do apply as soon as possible.
The role is hybrid, so for full time hours would mean 40-60 percent of the time worked from our Bradford offices (2-3 days).
CAP celebrates the value of diversity and our aim is for our workforce to be as inclusive as possible as well as representing the communities we serve. With this in mind, we welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from candidates from black and ethnic minority backgrounds. We are committed to continue building an environment that embraces diversity and includes all.
Context:
CAP is a national charity that is driven to help release people from debt, poverty and their causes through partnering with local churches. We do this by providing a variety of services: CAP Debt Help, CAP Job Clubs, CAP Release Groups and CAP Life Skills. We also help churches teach basic budgeting and money management skills through our CAP Money course. Our debt help service involves holding client assets. CAP is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The continued success of our work rests on a bedrock of vital background functions, which includes the finance department.
Purpose:
The finance department is going through an exciting period of transformation. Working alongside the Chief Financial Officer and the Head of Financial Planning & Analysis, this role will help shape the strategy and delivery of excellent forward-facing financial planning, statutory and regulatory reporting, costing and client asset management.
This role will be responsible for identifying opportunities for continuous improvement whilst driving efficiencies across the finance department. Taking ownership of providing potential solutions to enable us to strengthen our core financial processes, from both a systems and process perspective, whilst encouraging thought and challenge around our current ways of working.
This role will take accountability for the oversight and management control of the Finance Operations team, providing outstanding customer service to both our internal and external customers and stakeholders.
Personality:
We are dedicated, enthusiastic and take a professional approach to our work, within a relaxed, supportive environment.
Reports to: Chief Financial Officer
Direct Reports: 1 x Assistant Financial Accountant, 5 x Finance Assistants
Passion:
We are extremely passionate about providing excellent service to our multitude of internal and external stakeholders.
Role:
Accountabilities:
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Build and develop a strong finance operations function with robust internal and external controls through active line management and regular training
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Drive the annual statutory reporting process - developing a clear timeline, planning and negotiating with our internal communications team to deliver a high quality annual report for Trustee approval and sign off
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Lead the external audit process, negotiating fees, timetables and take the lead role in all meetings with the Audit Partner and their team. Use judgement to consider whether audit responses should be challenged or accepted. Prepare action plans and report audit findings to the Finance, Audit & Risk Committee.
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Oversee the CASS annual audit process, which includes negotiating fees, timetables and take the lead role in all meetings with the Audit Partner and their team. Use judgement to consider whether audit responses should be challenged or accepted. Prepare action plans and report audit findings to the Finance, Audit & Risk Committee.
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Develop and deliver comprehensive and insightful regular balance sheet reporting and forecasting (capital expenditure, cashflow, liabilities and reserves) to support the financial sustainability of CAP, highlighting risks or opportunities to enable informed decision making by Executive Team and the Board
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Identify and implement process and system improvements, shaping and improving the effectiveness of the finance operations team.
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Take the leading role in the finance ledger system replacement procurement, design & implementation
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Provide support to ensure key operational and financial targets are delivered
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Develop, recommend and implement cash and capital management systems and reporting
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Provide assessments of capital expenditure business cases and strategic opportunities to support and influence decision making
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Support the month end and annual accounting processes to ensure accurate reporting of the financial performance
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Advise the Chief Financial Officer on technical areas of expertise, undertaking research as required, in particular financial reporting, VAT and tax.
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Provide financial accounting advice and support to the Head of Financial Planning & Analysis in the preparation of budgets
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Submission of all mandatory external surveys and reports as required by deadlines (ONS, FCA etc)
Manager accountabilities:
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Manager is proactive in creating a culture of personal development in the team, including but not limited to conducting Annual Appraisals and Development Reviews (AADs), and coaching style catch ups for every direct report
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Manager is a secure and honest leader, able to acknowledge mistakes, lead with vulnerability and build a high trust team
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Manager has excellent written and verbal communication skills and can tailor these to the audience and situation as needed
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Consistently and professionally articulates the needs of the team to wider stakeholders, whether as part of specific projects or business-as-usual tasks
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Manager is able to balance team workloads, boundaries and health using appropriate and effective strategic methods such as LEAN, problem definition and ideation tools
Senior Leadership accountabilities:
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Strategy. Understands the organisation and industry context, knows how to set strategic plans and execute them well.
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Operational oversight. Delivers on the department’s goals and strategic priorities, knows how to lead the department through change and is constantly looking to improve processes.
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Developing and leading people. Able to lead managers and develop them to deliver on accountabilities. Highly skilled at appraisals and setting targets.
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Promoting healthy culture. Ensuring department work and behaviour exemplifies CAP’s values.
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Collaboration (across departments). Strong in organisational awareness and passionate about cross-collaborative working.
Measurable outputs:
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Budgets (capital and other items) delivered on time and within budget
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Objectives agreed annually delivered as planned
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Monthly reporting pack delivered to the agreed timetable
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Finance transformation programme delivered successfully
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Successful completion of the annual statutory audit process
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Identification of further improvements needed to financial processes and controls as appropriate
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Delivery of new chart of accounts structure
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Balance sheet & Cash Flow - annual, monthly and quarterly - including forecasts
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Statutory returns completed on time
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Effective regular 1:1 meetings held with direct reports
Culture:
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Clearly live out and embrace the cultural values of CAP.
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Clearly demonstrate a heart and passion for the charity.
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Sincere acceptance, understanding and practice of the Christian ethos and purpose of the charity.
Other responsibilities include:
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Being willing to pray with staff and fully engaged with our Christ-centred culture.
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Encouraging friends, family and other contacts to support the charity through the Life Changer program, and other fundraising initiatives.
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Attendance at annual CAP staff conferences.
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Completing all compulsory CAP training within given timescales.
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This role falls within the scope of the FCA’s conduct rules, and you will be provided with training as to how these apply to the role. It is your responsibility to ensure that you follow these conduct rules.
The above job profile is a guide to the work you may be required to undertake but does not form part of your contract of employment. It may change from time to time to reflect changing circumstances.
Person:
Education:
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Qualified Accountant (CCAB) with Post Qualification Experience
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Degree or professional level education
Experience:
Essential
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At least 3 years experience at a senior level within a finance/accountancy environment
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Senior level financial accounting experience
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Experience of reviewing controls & processes
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Experience of leading the annual accounts & audit process
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Experience of leading teams to meet key objectives or targets
Desirable
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Senior level financial accounting experience in a not-for-profit organisation
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Experience of installing/upgrading accounting systems
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Prior experience of working in a CASS 11 environment
Skills/abilities:
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A strategic thinker, able to plan and forecast with an exceptional level of organisational awareness.
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Ability to interpret technical accounting regulations into everyday language
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Demonstrable effective influencing skills at a senior level
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Significant understanding of financial control and risk
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Excellent technical finance and accounting knowledge
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Demonstrate strong understanding of business needs and relevant application of accounting standards
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Good strategic insight and understanding of organisational aims.
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Possess a problem solving, analytical mindset with a high level of attention to detail
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Excellent communicator and presentation skills, both verbally and in writing
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Strong excel skills and use of data manipulation tools
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Ability to prioritise and manage own workloads, be organised, have a flexible working style and enjoy working to tight deadlines
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Ability to lead a team in actively promoting the cultural values of CAP
Christian commitment:
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The candidate must be able to give both verbal assent to and practical demonstration of Christians Against Poverty’s Statement of Faith and Core Values.
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Must be able to actively participate in prayer and worship, whether individual, small group or corporately, as an expression of their own personal faith and in line with CAP’s Statement of Faith.
All adults working in or on behalf of CAP have a responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and adults. This includes:
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A responsibility to ensure a safe environment in which CAP services can be delivered.
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Identifying children and adults where there may be safeguarding concerns.
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Following the CAP Safeguarding policy in addressing any concerns appropriately.
