Policy assistant jobs

We are looking for an experienced leader with key skills in line management, bid-writing and safeguarding, preferably with a qualification in social work. Our ideal candidate will be emotionally resilient, compassionate and empathetic with a proven background in managing people and overseeing service delivery.  You will be responsible for service quality, operational strategies and policies, providing high-level support to a small, dedicated team of staff and volunteers and bid writing to secure long term funding for the charity to continue its vital work. 

The charity provides support to vulnerable parents with pre-school aged children living in the borough of Gravesham, supporting up to 85 families at any given time.  Waterside offers 1:1 support, peer group sessions, structured family sessions, access to local agency clinics, counselling services, and courses, 5 days a week, 50 weeks a year.

Reporting to the Chair of Trustees, you will work with the team, trustees and external providers to ensure the delivery of impactful services and cultivation of strong partnerships in order to respond to the local needs of our families. 

The Centre Manager role will be expected to work from the centre the majority of the time as it is important to have a presence with the families and staff. On occasion, when it is required to meet key deadlines, working from home is supported but this is on an ad-hoc basis and not part of a regular working pattern. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, manage and co-ordinate the work of Waterside Parents’ Centre to ensure smooth running of the service. 

• Designated Safeguarding Lead.

• Manage day-to-day operations, ensuring high-quality service delivery and adherence to best practices.

• Lead and support a dedicated team, providing supervision, training, and professional development opportunities.

• Ensure you are visible and approachable to the families we engage with specifically in family sessions. 

• Effective bid writing to secure crucial funding for the charity

• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, funders, and commissioners.

• Develop and implement strategic plans that align with the organisation’s goals and values.

• Manage all policies and procedures ensuring that they align with appropriate legislation and regulatory requirements.

• Work with the Finance Officer to ensure accuracy of financial recording and reporting.

Skills and Experience:

Desirable

• Experience in a social work environment.

Required

• Experience of leading services in the charity or social care sector.

• Non judgmental approach ensuring focus is on acceptance and understanding.

• Proven ability to manage diverse funding contracts and reporting requirements.

• Strong team leadership, with a focus on collaboration and staff development.

• Excellent communication and partnership-building skills.

• A commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

What we are offering you:

Waterside is a family-centric employer and we provide our employees with a supportive and engaging environment. 

As well as ongoing development and training, we offer a generous annual leave entitlement, flexible working and hybrid working on occasion.  We offer a contributory pension scheme and free on-site parking.

Waterside is committed to safer recruitment and equality of opportunity and diversity.  This role is subject to DBS checks

We are looking for a talented Communications Assistant with organisational, people and coordination skills to join a busy and varied directorate in a professional membership organisation. 

The Communications Assistant will be an integral role in the communications directorate, supporting the Director and teams to deliver on ambitious objectives. We’re looking for an organised self-starter with good writing skills, who can turn their hand to event organisation, support with our publications and a variety of communications tasks, as well as offering support to the Communications Director and Heads of Teams. 

You’ll be calm, have good administrative skills, adept at plate spinning and able to manage a varied workload, whilst learning huge amounts about communications and customer engagement. You will have demonstratable knowledge, interest, or experience of working within a Communications team, and have strong communication skills, with an understanding of how to effectively plan and manage your own time. 

What you’ll do

• Provide admin and communications support to our flagship publications, 
• Work on our annual censuses, including data verification and stakeholder engagement
• Support with branding and corporate communications activity
• Help to coordinate and deliver events
• Draft and deliver a range of communications, from website content to briefings.
• Deliver administrative support across the directorate
• Provide excellent customer service to Fellows and members. 

What you’ll need

• Demonstrated knowledge, experience or interest of working within a Communications team
• Ability to manage databases, organise meetings effectively and support administratively
• Ability to multitask in a multi-faceted role
• An understanding of how to support senior executives effectively
• Good writing and communication skills
• Great attention to detail
• Flexible and self-motivated 
• Able to manage a varied workload 

Why join us:

• Make a difference to the lives of Doctors and the specialities they work in every day!
• Hybrid working (up to 60% working week can be done remotely)
• Modern working environment
• Equipment provided to work from home
• Generous annual leave allowance
• Excellent pension scheme
• Interest free season ticket loan and cycle to work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme

As a CRM Support Assistant, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation and user satisfaction of our CRM system. You will provide day-to-day support to users, assist with system maintenance, and contribute to the continuous improvement of our CRM processes. This role is ideal for someone who is eager to learn, enjoys problem-solving, and is passionate about delivering excellent customer service.

What we can offer you:

In return for your commitment to our cause and to recognise the value of our employees, Battersea offers a range of benefits to support the wellbeing of our employees. These include:

• 28 days of annual leave (plus 8 days paid public holidays) per year
• Discounted gym memberships and cycle to work schemes
• Employee Assistance Programme and access to Wellbeing Resources.
• Generous pension contributions – up to 10% employer contribution.
• Free healthcare cash plan, where you can claim for a range of treatment including dental, optical, physiotherapy, chiropody and acupuncture every year.
• Annual interest-free season ticket loans

We are also committed to providing learning and development to our employees. During your time with us, we provide support for your professional and career development, including access to digital and in-person training programmes, leadership and management training, mentoring and much more.

Our hybrid working model:

We operate a 50% onsite hybrid working model, with our office-based staff splitting their time between site based and home working. This enables our office-based staff to balance the benefits of home working with onsite collaboration and maintaining a connection to our cause.

Diversity and inclusion

We are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive experience for all staff, volunteers and trustees and those hoping to join us. We operate an anonymised shortlisting process and actively seek to ensure our process is fair and equitable for all.

We understand the value of diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences to help us deliver even more for our dogs and cats, and we welcome applicants from all sections of the community.

As a Disability Confident Committed Employer we will ask about any adjustments you may need at application and/or interview stage, and if you are offered a role with us, we’ll talk to you about any workplace adjustments you may need to help you perform at your best.

More about us:

At Battersea, we aim to never turn away a dog or cat in need of help. We give each one lots of love, expert care and get to know their characters and quirks so we can find them a new home that’s just right for them. Join us and help us be here for every dog and cat, wherever they are, for as long as they need us.

Closing date: 7th May 2025

Interview date(s): TBC. Early applications are encouraged as interviews may take place on a rolling basis ahead of the closing date.

All applications must be submitted before the closing date advertised. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received.

Be a part of a collective and supportive team by joining the London District.

Our Admin Assistant will be a core member of the team and will have the opportunity to engage with the many workstreams in the life of Methodism in London. We’re looking for someone who is a great organiser (of themselves and others), fab at administration, but you’ll also need some skills in IT applications. We value independent thinkers, working on your own initiative, but also those who can work collaboratively with a team, and bounce those ideas.

Why work with us?
A brilliant central office in Westminster, ability to work remotely, great (supportive) colleagues, flexible working, learning and development opportunities, pay, pensions and generous down time, committed to equality diversity and inclusion, and, did we mention the great colleagues?

Take a look at the job description. If this is for you, complete an application form, or give us a shout with any questions about the role.

GuildHE represents nearly 70 higher education institutions including universities, colleges and specialists.  We advocate for diversity in higher education, championing vocational and technical education, professional programmes and specialist providers.  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 current and emerging 21st century challenges.

To achieve this, we are seeking an enthusiastic and proactive Executive Assistant to be a supportive force to our Chief Executive Officer and senior leadership.  The post holder will have proven experience of supporting senior managers, including diary and inbox management, travel and event planning, and other administrative tasks. The ideal candidate will be a responsive and details-oriented team player who demonstrates exceptional communication and organisational skills while also being able to work quite independently at times. 

Key responsibilities will include:

• Executive support for GuildHE’s CEO;

• Diary support to the CEO, Director of Policy and Strategy, and Director of Operations and Membership;

• Secretariat duties for GuildHE’s Executive Board;

• Financial administration;

• Logistical and administrative support to the wider team; and 

• Demonstrating a proactive approach to embedding EDI principles in all work.

To apply, please submit a CV, and cover letter of no more than 2 sides of A4. 

Please contact Shoni Robertson-Finn with any questions regarding the role and/or recruitment process. 

Crisis is the national charity for people experiencing homelessness. In 2024 we embarked on our new 10-year strategy for ending homelessness. We know it is not inevitable. We know together we can end it.

Our shops generate valuable income to support our services, create opportunities for homeless people to learn new skills and contribute to Crisis’ work in the community. They have a unique contemporary visual identity and are dynamic and creative places to work.

Location: 330 Mare Street, London, E8 1HA

Hours: 40, five days over a seven-day rota

About the role

We are recruiting for an Assistant Shop Manager to join a busy and creative team in Hackney. You will join an exciting team and collaborate to build a group of volunteers from all walks of life, raising money to fund Crisis’ work ending homelessness. We are bold with a culture of continuous review and improvement, where we try new things, take risks, and sometimes fail. There will be numerous opportunities to improve our team’s effectiveness. Your voice will count!

We also work closely with local artists and universities. We’d love you to bring your own ideas, along with your experience of fashion, retail and current trends, to this role. You will have opportunities to build your own skills and career progression through training and development – many of our shop managers were promoted internally. Ensuring our recruitment practices are as equitable as possible is our number one priority so we are looking for someone who advocates for others and challenges injustice.

You will be primarily based in the Hackney shop, but you may be required to travel to other shops within London 1 & 2 on a short-term basis.

About you

To be successful in this role you will have retail experience at a supervisory level alongside a genuine interest in charity retail. You will be keen to build your people management skills including working with Crisis members. We are particularly interested in meeting candidates with an interest or background in visual merchandising, although this is not essential. You will be committed to Crisis’s values and mission to end homelessness.

You may have experience in: assistant shop manager, assistant store manager, shop supervisor, store supervisor, charity shop manager, retail manager, charity retail

Please see the full Job Pack linked below, for a full list of requirements for this role. We realise that long lists of criteria can be daunting, and you may not want to apply for a role unless you feel 100% qualified. However, if you feel you have relevant examples to answer the screening questions, we encourage you to apply.

We believe diversity is a strength, and our aim is to make sure that Crisis truly reflects the communities we serve. We are actively working towards our organisation being a place where everyone can thrive and make their best contribution to our mission of ending homelessness for good. We know that the more perspectives, voices, and experiences we can bring to this work, the better. We particularly welcome applications from people who have lived experience of homelessness, and people from all marginalised groups, communities, and backgrounds.

Working at Crisis

Our values, Bold, Impactful, Collaborative and Equitable, are at the heart of everything we do as we continue in our mission to end homelessness.

Our staff, members and volunteers are vital to getting the right government policies in place, providing breakthrough services, and building a supportive community. We’ll lead by example to nurture a positive and ambitious workplace guided by ending homelessness.

As a member of the team, you will have access to a wide range of employee benefits including:

• A competitive salary. Please note, our salaries are fixed to counter inequity and we do not negotiate at offer stage.
• Interest free loans for travel season ticket, cycle to work, and deposit to secure a tenancy.
• Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 8.5%
• 28 days’ annual leave (pro rata) which increases with service to 31 days and the option to purchase up to 10 additional days leave.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, and adoption pay.
• Flexible working around the core hours 10am-4pm
• Wellbeing Leave to be used flexibly And more! (Full list of benefits available on website)

Alongside our excellent staff benefits, we will support your ongoing development to build your skills, experience, and career.

When you join us, you will have the opportunity to join our staff diversity networks, which aim to champion issues across the organisation, enable staff to be their authentic and best selves and contribute to making Crisis a truly diverse organisation.

How do I apply?

Please click on the 'Apply for Job' button below. Our shortlisting process is anonymised as part of our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We do not ask for CVs, instead we ask you complete the work history section and answer the screening questions for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively. At least two members of staff score all applications.

Closing date: Thursday 15 May 2025 at 23:59.

Can I use Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology for my application?

We strongly discourage applicants from using AI technology at any stage of the recruitment process. This is so we can run a fair, transparent process which gives all applicants an equitable chance of success. We want to hear about your own experience and perspectives in your application and if shortlisted, during the interview too.

Accessibility

We want our recruitment process to be as accessible as possible. If you need us to make an adjustment or provide additional support as you apply for a role, please email our Talent Acquisition team to discuss how we can help.

Registered Charity Numbers: E&W1082947, SC040094

Executive Assistant & Head Office Administrator

Part time Job Share, 3 days per week

£28,000 - £30,000pa (pro-rated to £16,800 to £18,000) + benefits

Leatherhead, Surrey

Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity enables families who have a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness to make the most of time together, providing expert, practical and emotional support, where they need it for as long as it is needed.

This role will provide proactive and efficient administrative and operational support to the Senior Leadership Team and the Board of Trustees, whilst observing the strictest confidence. Provide proactive and efficient administrative support at the Head Office. The Senior Leadership Team comprises the Chief Executive, Director of Care Services, Director of Finance and Operations, Director of Fundraising and Engagement and Director of HR & Volunteering. The role is responsible for a wide range of cross-organisational tasks and projects as directed and will be part of a job share arrangement, working 3 days per week. The post holder will live the Rainbow Trust Values and effectively communicate with all stakeholders, over the telephone, online, by email and face to face.

About the role:

This Best Companies Top 100 mid-sized company and Top 20 charity is looking to appoint an Executive Assistant to provide proactive and efficient administrative and operational support to the Senior Leadership Team and the Board of Trustees, whilst observing the strictest confidence. This is a part time job share role, working 3 days per week.

Reporting to the Chief Executive you will be responsible for a wide range of cross-organisational tasks and projects, including leading on general operational issues at Head Office including franking machine, stationery orders, cleaning materials, managing and monitoring switchboard voicemail messages, sign-in sheets, shredding, parking etc. You will act as key point of contact for Trustees and a wide range of external contacts, maintaining a professional, confidential and responsive approach.

Having worked in an administrative support role, you will have exceptional organisational skills and will support the Senior Leadership with their day-to-day activities, including the monitoring the progress of their various projects and organising, as required, internal and external meetings for each SLT member including sector-wide meetings.

What we’re looking for:

A co-operative working style – you’re able to work well with others, communicating clearly and consistently with your job share partner, and you thrive working at a steady pace with a desire and willingness to help others

A confident user of MSOffice and experience of managing multiple diaries and priorities – you’re efficient and organised, produce high quality accurate work, are able to carry out instructions carefully and respond promptly to enquires.

Strong verbal and written communication skills and a team-oriented focus

Patient and consistent – you have better-than-average attention to detail and accuracy, even with repetitive work, and make cautious decisions within clear guidelines

Applications will be particularly welcome from those who have volunteered or worked in a charity, are educated to A level or equivalent and have previously worked in a busy administrative office, in a role that provides support to multiple people.

What we offer:

We have a range of fantastic benefits that we offer our employees, this includes:

· Flexible working hours to balance home and working life

· Employee Assistance Programme with access to remote GP, counselling, physiotherapy, resources to support your mental health and financial wellbeing, as well as a 24/7 helpline via Help@Hand

· 25 days of annual leave plus public holidays – rising to 26 days after 1 year, 27 days after 5 years and 30 days after 11 years, with an additional 5 days to use in your 10th or 20th year of service (pro rata for part time)

· Company car for front line care posts

· Time off in lieu

· Access to the Blue Light Card Scheme, and other rewards and discounts

· Bike to work, season ticket loan and payroll giving schemes

· Family friendly policies, focused on employee wellbeing, and an active cross-organisational wellbeing group running a number of initiatives throughout the year

· Pension scheme where we contribute 5% of your salary and you contribute at least 3%

· The option to buy/sell annual leave, as well as additional leave for your birthday, wedding/civil ceremony and an extra half day off for Christmas shopping

· Robust training and development programmes to support your learning and growth

· A recommend a friend recruitment referral bonus scheme

If you’d like to find out more about working with us, please click here. More information can also be found in our Candidate Pack.

How to apply:

To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter highlighting why your application should be considered above others to us via the link.

Closing date: 25 May 2025

Please disclose in your cover letter if you have used AI for any part of your job application.

Interviews will take place at our Head Office in Leatherhead with the dates to be confirmed. We will only contact those applicants who have been successful.

Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert early.

An enhanced DBS disclosure will be required for this post.

Rainbow Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees to share this commitment.

Rainbow Trust is an equal opportunities employer and a Best Companies One-Star rated organisation, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds. Registered Charity No: 1070532

Are you passionate about safeguarding and making a real difference? We are seeking an Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser to join our dynamic safeguarding team, playing a vital role in making our church communities safer and more welcoming for all. Together we provide professional advice and guidance to those responsible for the care of children and vulnerable adults throughout the Church in our diocese.

The main responsibilities of the Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser are:

· To respond and manage safeguarding concerns and allegations against church officers

· Provide specialist guidance and support to parishes on safeguarding matters such as domestic abuse, child and adult at risk concerns.

· To support victims and survivors of abuse

· Work with individuals who have convictions and/or who may present a safeguarding risk, to worship safely

· To assist in the development and implementation of safeguarding policies and procedures.

· To work collaboratively with parish safeguarding officers, church leaders, senior leaders and partner agencies

What we are looking for in a Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser:

We are looking for a person who will bring compassion, expertise and integrity to this key role. A person who has a deep commitment to safeguarding with up to date knowledge of safeguarding practice and policy. You will have the ability to manage complex cases, communicate effectively with diverse groups and be a team player.

For futher information and how to apply, see the job descrition and persoanl specifcation or please use the recruiter link to visit our website 

The purpose of your role

We are looking for an energetic policy and corporate affairs professional to join the Police Now team and play a key role in shaping understanding of our programmes, build support amongst stakeholders, and lead the conversation on police reform and culture change.

Police Now’s mission is to transform communities, reduce crime and increase public confidence in policing. You will be instrumental in identifying and offering great opportunities to showcase the best of Police Now's work with Ministers, officials, MPs, Peers, committees, All-Party Parliamentary Groups, and other policy stakeholders and influencers. You will use your skills in advocacy and effective communication to increase awareness of and support for what we deliver, and be an effective partner to the Government demonstrating delivery of their 13,000 neighbourhood policing pledge and the difference good local policing makes to communities.

Key responsibilities

• Establish yourself within Police Now as a source of expert political advice and guidance in handling sensitive issues and relationships, working to protect and enhance our reputation.
• Be curious about police reform, be actively contributing on external thinking about this and ensure Police Now colleagues are kept abreast of key developments.
• Provide expert policy advice to officials at the Home Office, other Government Departments, and Parliamentarians on the work of Police Now through contributions to White Papers and Committee Investigations.
• Be proactive in looking for opportunities for Police Now such as organising visits, participating in roundtables, and playing an active role in relevant conferences.
• Ensure that Police Now fulfils its obligations to Government in return for public investment and is responsive to the needs of the Home Office and other organisations. You will provide accurate information for answers to Parliamentary Questions in a timely manner, input for Ministerial briefings and correspondence and advice on police and skills policy issues to the Government as appropriate.

Key Requirements

• Experience of influencing and advocating within a policy and public affairs environment, you will be confident in communicating with senior stakeholders.
• Engage Ministers, MPs, Mayors, Police and Crime Commissioners and their teams in a way that enhances Police Now's reputation as an expert, insight-led organisation with a strong record of delivery that represents excellent value-for-money.
• You will have a strong understanding of Westminster, Whitehall and the Mayoralities and build good working relationships with key decision-makers. Some experience of media handling around public policy issues is desirable as you will work closely with the communications manager at Police Now.
• Essential skills are the ability to write well, communicate effectively and be confident in engaging senior stakeholders. A demonstrable interest or background in policing or related public services would be of assistance in working with internal stakeholders.
• Above all, you must demonstrate for a passion the Police Now mission, be proactive in identifying opportunities to share Police Now's impact, and be a great team player.

What you'll get from us

• A bright, airy and modern office in Zone 1.
• Competitive salary of £53,500-£58,000, per annum, pro rata (dependent on experience and inclusive of London weighting).
• Flexible working.
• 27 days holiday each year, plus bank holidays.
• A range of hospitality discounts.
• Access to coaching through our online platform, Kinhub, to support your wellbeing and career goals.
• Access to our health cover provider, which includes healthcare benefits, an Employee Assistance Programme and discounts.
• Training opportunities for personal development.
• Participation in a pension scheme (with 6% employer contributions and 2% employee contributions).

Please note

The closing date for this role is at 9am on Tuesday 6th May.

Please note this role is London based with requirements to travel to our London office approximately 2-3 days per week.

Join the team at St Hilda’s East – a community charity with 135 years of history and impact in Tower Hamlets. 

St Hilda’s East is a vibrant, inclusive charity with a mission to combat deprivation and social exclusion in East London. We bring together people of all ages and backgrounds at our welcoming community centre in Shoreditch and at our Elders Day Centre in Shadwell. Our work includes early years support, youth programmes, mental health and wellbeing activities, advice services, and community engagement for older people. 

Finance Assistant (Part-Time) 
 
Location: Shoreditch, East London 
Salary: £27,008 (pro rata to £16,205 for 22.5 hours per week) 
Contract: Permanent, part-time 

Reporting to the Head of Operations, the Finance Assistant will play a vital role in the day-to-day financial administration of the charity. You will manage transactions using QuickBooks, process invoices and payments, assist with payroll, support the preparation for audit, and maintain accurate financial records. You'll also help us improve our financial systems as we continue to grow and adapt. 

This role also includes occasional receptionist cover, so we’re looking for someone friendly, reliable and adaptable. 

This job is for you. if you: 

• Have previous experience with financial administration in a small organisation 

• Are comfortable using bookkeeping software e.g. QuickBooks 

• Have excellent attention to detail and strong numerical skills 

• Can handle confidential information with discretion 

• Enjoys working both independently and as part of a team 

• Are aligned with our values and passionate about community work 

Please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter. The cover letter should be no more than two pages long and should explain point by point how you meet each of the Essential Criteria on the Person Specification. Don’t forget to provide examples to evidence your experience and abilities. 

Interviews will be held in the week commencing 19th May 2025 

Benefits include flexible working arrangements including the option to split your time approximately half-and-half between the office and home, 25 days annual leave, and access to an Employee Assistance Programme. 

St Hilda’s is committed to racial justice and wider inclusion and diversity. We are working towards a goal where our team fully reflects the diversity and difference in lived experiences of our local community. 

We are recruiting for a Senior Administrative Assistant to join our team to support the delivery of projects, products and services.

The Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) is the professional home for archaeologists in the UK and overseas. We set high standards and benchmark good practice in archaeology to inspire trust in, and respect for, the profession of archaeology. As well as providing training and networks for over 4000 members, we develop and deliver regulated qualifications, accredit undergraduate degree programmes in archaeology and undertake a range of funded projects aimed at supporting the archaeology sector.

We are a fully remote organisation with home-based staff located across the UK. We work collaboratively online using MS Teams, with regular one-to-one, team and project meetings. 

We are looking for a focussed and self-motivated individual to provide administrative support across the professional skills and standards areas of our work. You will have excellent organisational and administrative skills, good attention to detail and be confident communicating with stakeholders in a customer facing role. You will be familiar with a range of IT systems, particularly Office365 and be confident using databases and spreadsheets.

Key tasks include

· providing efficient and effective support for meetings

· liaising with stakeholders including learners, training providers and employers

· data collection and reporting

· keeping accurate records in line with GDPR requirements

· updating documents and webpages

· liaising with finance colleagues to ensure timely invoicing and grant payment claims

Salary and benefits

· CIfA scale 7-9 (£25,573 - £27,471) plus 6% pension contribution

• 27 days annual leave, 3 additional company holiday days between Christmas and New Year plus bank holidays (pro rata for part-time positions)
• Flexible working arrangements
• Group life scheme 

CIfA’s policy on equal opportunities
CIfA is committed to implementing a policy of equal opportunities in archaeology. In line with our equal opportunities policy, we want to ensure that no job applicant receives less favourable treatment or access to opportunities for training and development on any grounds not relevant to employment practice.

CIfA would like to actively encourage qualified individuals to apply for this position, regardless of background or personal disability. If you require any reasonable adjustments during our recruitment processes, including assistance with reading this page or associated documents, please contact us.

Closing date for applications is 5pm, Monday 5 May. Interviews are expected to take place Between 21 and 23 of May. Please indicate in your cover letter any dates of unavailability. 

Finance Manager

ABOUT US – THE GESTALT CENTRE

We are the Gestalt Centre, an established therapy not-for-profit organisation, supporting the mental and psychological well-being of individuals, groups, and organisations. We are a dynamic charity that runs, accommodates, and supports a number of counselling, psychotherapy, personal and professional development courses, and a range of therapeutic practices that enhance mental and psychological wellbeing.

As Gestalt Centre, our relationship with people who work for the centre starts from a place of trust. We see our structure as an organisational shape that we use to organise ourselves. What matters for us is how we all work together. We prioritise collaboration and ‘horizontal’ consultative decision making with individual and collective responsibility and accountability.

OUR VISION is a world were meaningful and fulfilling relationships lead to wellbeing and positive change in people’s lives.

OUR PURPOSE is to promote the mental and psychological well-being of individuals, groups and organisations through Gestalt education, training, and practice.

Gestalt is a life-changing approach to life, counselling, and psychotherapy. It enables people to develop meaningful relationships, navigate change and lead fulfilling lives by creatively utilising their own resources, skills, and strengths.

OUR VALUES

• Awareness and personal responsibility.
• Diversity, equality, inclusion and anti-discrimination.
• Kindness and respect for each other and the space we cohabit.
• Collaboration and community: every person matters and so does the collective.

Ready to make a difference? Join us!

We are seeking to appoint a highly motivated and experienced Finance Manager with strong background in charity finance to join our Executive team. A key role working closely with the CEO, the Executive team and Trustees.

✔ join a highly committed, experienced and collaborative team in a dynamic organisation, with strong collaborative and human-centric practice, growing and changing in innovative ways

✔ deliver a diverse role with opportunities to grow as a professional

✔ join the Gestalt Centre, a beacon of excellence in the therapy world

✔ support people develop emotional and psychological wellbeing and create a world where meaningful relationships lead to wellbeing and positive change in people’s lives

✔ flexible working and hybrid with home working and convenient office location when you’re in the office.

ABOUT THE ROLE

FINANCE MANAGER JOB DESCRIPTION

Role Purpose

The Finance Manager will proactively plan, manage and oversee the financial strategy, operations, and compliance of our dynamic and growing organisation. The role contributes directly to the organisation’s strategic planning and has hands-on oversight of financial transactions, operations, compliance and reporting.  

As the Finance Manager, you will be a member of the Executive leadership team working closely with the CEO on matters of financial strategy and business development - contributing to strategic decisions and providing financial guidance.You’d also be supported by the Finance Manager Assistant and the Bookkeeper.

Main Objectives

• Provide leadership, in-depth knowledge and financial expertise to support the organisation’s strategy, business development and operations. 
• Manage the day-to-day financial operations including payroll, payments, controls and cash flow to ensure sound financial management and accuracy around all financial routines and procedures. Also ensure compliance and accurate reporting.
• Lead on and manage financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting - working closely with the CEO.
• Lead on enhancing procedural efficiencies and streamlining in finance operations.
• Prepare statutory and management accounts. Manage the annual financial audit and implement recommendations.
• Provide and manage sound financial reporting and conduct financial analysis and financial modelling for business development.
• Work with and manage the Finance Manager Assistant and Bookkeeper.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

The role works closely with the CEO and is assisted by the Assistant Finance Manager and the Bookkeeper.

Financial Planning

• Lead on financial planning, budgeting and forecasting.
• Conduct financial analysis to support decision-making, highlighting key trends, opportunities and risks. Also scenario planning and financial modelling for growth and sustainability.
• Provide sound financial advice to the CEO, Executive and Trustees also assisting with business planning and strategy and business development.

Financial Management

• Lead on and manage the annual financial audit, including preparation, responding to auditors queries and implementation of recommendations, effectively and in a timely manner. Also filling with the Charity Commission and Companies House.
• Lead on the day-to-day management of financial operations to ensure sound financial management and accuracy of all financial routines and procedures.
• Monitor performance of actuals in relation to budget, income generation targets, approved expenditure and in relation to forecast. Note, analyse and comment on variations and propose adjustments.  
• Prepare quarterly management accounts and reports for decision-making and planning.
•  Advise on and manage investments and cashflow.

Governance: Policies, procedures and financial controls

• Ensure compliance with all requirements and standards in respect to Insurance, Companies House, Charities Commission and HMRC.
• Proactively lead on process improvements as we grow. Includes writing, reviewing and updating finance procedures and policies, in collaboration with the CEO and Executive colleagues.
• Ensure governance documents are up to date. Including Trustees appointment and resignation records, conflict-of-interest forms, and relevant submissions to Companies House.
• Monitoring and mitigating financial risks while maintaining robust internal controls. Also manage credit control and ensure that payments are received on time.
• Ensure financial procedures, policies and reporting systems are updated as required and maintained thereafter.

Accounting

• Supervise and review accounting tasks and records processed by the bookkeeper and the Finance Manager.
• Ensure timely, up to date and accurate accounting practice including journal entries, accruals, phasing and reconciliation.
• Ensure accuracy of income and expenses allocation and coding, including deferred income and monthly reconciliations.
• Review and update coding structures and nominal coding, clearing accounts and reconciliations in collaboration with the CEO and finance colleagues.

Payments and Payroll

• Manage effectively payroll, tax and pension submissions, banking and associated procedures.   
• Ensure all payments are made, received and acknowledged in an accurate, compliant and timely manner.
• Maintain up to date records of financial calculations regarding payments and fees for tutors, assessors and other stakeholders.

Contracts Management

• Ensure that operational, building, insurance and supplier contracts are up to date and renew them as required. Includes utility bills, IT and telephone.
• Prepare and issue employee contracts (working with the CEO/HR).

Support service delivery

• Calculate and prepare courses fees and other financial information for reviews and to support decision-making
• Liaise with students to offer and manage payment plans
• Ensure financial queries by colleagues, collaborators, students and practitioners are dealt with effectively and in a timely manner.
• Support the integration of financial and operational systems.

People Management

• Supervise, manage and support the Finance Manager and Bookkeeper, ensuring and supporting high performance and wellbeing.
• Recruitment, induction and professional development of the finance team. Also ensuring team members understand and adhere to organisational policies and procedures.

ABOUT YOU

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Qualifications and experience  

• Qualified or part-qualified (final stage), for example ACA, ACMA, CIPFA, CIMA.
• Minimum 3 years relevant financial management experience working with a charity/not for profit.
• Good experience of sound accounting and financial management in the charity/not for profit sector. Good knowledge of charity accounting and the Charity SORP.
• Sound knowledge and experience of leading and managing the audit process.
• Thorough practical up-to-date understanding of management accounting principles and techniques.
• In-depth knowledge and experience with payroll and pension processes and management systems for accounting functions, including QuickBooks.
• Sound knowledge and experience providing monthly management accounts, year-end statutory accounts and financial reporting.
• Extensive experience of contributing to the strategic, organisational and financial planning processes and leading on budgeting and forecasting.
• Extensive experience in balancing competing complexities of a busy role and prioritising effectively, forward planning and working to tight deadlines.
• Sound experience working effectively with confidentiality and GDPR in mind and in line with organisational policies and practice.
• Good experience with organisational realities, challenges and opportunities in the charity sector.
• Experience of working well within a multidisciplinary team (desirable).
• Experience facilitating or leading change and growth (desirable).

Qualities

• Awareness of self and others alongside a learning and growth mindset
• Leadership and management with kindness, integrity and collaboration
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills including ability to communicate financial concepts and information in accurate, simple and clear ways and work collaboratively across teams and at a senior level
• Proactive dynamic leadership and project management skills and ability to apply big picture thinking. 
• Excellent numeracy skills with attention to detail, sound analytical and problem-solving skills. 
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable in a dynamic organisation.
• Ability to receive and provide feedback, learn and grow as a professional
• Creativity, resourcefulness and an open mind to be able to see opportunities, embrace challenges and facilitate resolution of any issues.
• Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.
• Passion and commitment to the Gestalt Centre values, work and direction
• Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and anti-discrimination.
• Excellent IT skills, including advanced Microsoft Excel skills and accounting software systems
• Competency using MS Office, email, online platforms and learning management systems

We are recruiting a General Advice Officer to support with the delivery of advice and welfare support to vulnerable guests who access the Community Wellbeing Service, a local support hub offering relief from the rising cost of living for local families. The General Advice Officer will support our guests on a range of areas including benefits, immigration, housing, money management and access to training and employment services. The postholder will provide high quality welfare advice and guidance through weekly one-to-one advice sessions, undertake case work, work with partners to facilitate referrals, and provide support to advice volunteers. 

The successful candidate must have at least two years’ experience delivering effective advice or in a similar capacity, demonstrate empathy, an understanding of the issues facing vulnerable people, and have in-depth and up-to-date knowledge of welfare benefits and housing policies/legislations, with a strong focus on achieving tangible outcomes for our guests.

Advice Work

• Carry out assessments to identify urgent needs and appropriate support pathways for members at the Community Wellbeing Service.
• Support outreach or community engagement activities as needed.
• Provide holistic and person-centred advice and casework on the main enquiry areas, particularly welfare benefits, housing, employment, health and wellbeing, immigration and money management.
• Maintain Sufra’s Advice Quality Standards and meeting tangible outcomes.
• Produce detailed case records on our case management system for the purpose of continuity, statistical monitoring and report preparation
• Apply for funds from trusts and foundations to support individuals and families with essential costs such as housing deposits or white-goods and/or cancellation of debts;
• Develop and maintain good working relationships with external stakeholders for joined up working, including statutory and voluntary service providers, making referrals for guests where appropriate.
• Enable and support guests to act for themselves, wherever appropriate.
• Monitor the progression of all cases to the point of resolution.
• Conduct follow-up calls with guests where needed and track outcomes
• Support volunteers who are working on delivering Advice Services e.g triage volunteers and pathways volunteers
• Provide advice to the General Advice Service as and when required

Case Management

• Manage own caseload and work independently to support guests
• Use of Case Management System (AdvicePro) as well as Microsoft Office for communication and document production.
• Support with developing case studies and gathering guest feedback
• Collect statistical information as requested for reporting purposes.
• Feed into the development of monitoring reports for funders and other stakeholders

Other Responsibilities

• Maintain and update the charity’s record of referral and signposting agencies;
• Ensure data protection regulations are adhered to, and that sensitive data is handled in accordance with relevant legislation and organisational procedures.
• Keep informed of new and changing legislation relevant to the post, and of local issues and policies
• Be committed to the aims, procedures and policies of Sufra’s advice service in every aspect of service delivery.
• Take part in supervisions, personal development training, team meetings and appraisals
• Undertake any other reasonable duties to support the operations of the charity.

Salford Foodbank provides emergency food parcels to local people who are referred to us in crisis. Food is donated, sorted and packed at our warehouse, then delivered to 7 centres across Salford, where teams of our volunteers greet people as they pick up their food parcels. In addition to food – visitors can access support and advice across our centres to help them maximise their income and ensure they are less likely to need to use the foodbank again.

You’ll be joining a friendly team of 6 part-time staff and approx. 80 volunteers, all dedicated to supporting people living in poverty. We are part of Trussell, a nationwide network of foodbanks.

Rate of pay: £13 per hour

 Full-time / part-time: Part time – 27.5 hours per week (ideally 9am – 3pm Monday- Friday. Some flexibility available)

Temporary / permanent: 2-year fixed contract, with continuation of contract based on funding

Location: Salford Foodbank warehouse and office, 4 Kansas Avenue, Media City, Salford, M50 2GL

 Overall responsibility of the job: Co-ordinate the pool of over 80 skilled volunteers in a variety of roles across the Foodbank operation. Welcome volunteers, arrange appropriate training and ensure volunteers feel valued and informed. General admin duties within the office setting will include welcoming visitors, accepting donations and answering phone enquiries.

Specific responsibilities around the volunteer coordinator role

· Manage all volunteers across the Foodbank operation – including warehouse volunteers, centre-based volunteers and drivers.

· Welcome teams of warehouse volunteers – teams of approx 6 regular volunteers each day for a 2 hour shift.

· Welcome teams of ad-hoc corporate volunteers.

· Motivate volunteers in their roles.

· Manage day-to-day rotas and volunteer availability and ensure volunteer records are kept up to date.

· Arrange volunteer training tailored to each role – to include eg health and safety, manual handling, safeguarding, conflict management, signposting.

· Ensure that all volunteer policies and procedures are followed as per Trussell guidance. Promote and maintain a safe working environment.

· Where necessary, recruit and induct new volunteers.

· Arrange seasonal volunteer celebration events.

· Support volunteers in developing their skills.

· Support volunteers to share their experiences to help promote the work of the foodbank.

· Work alongside the Foodbank manager to ensure volunteers are kept informed of foodbank news and developments.

Specific responsibilities around the admin assistant role;

Based in the foodbank warehouse and office this role will include a variety of admin duties, alongside other colleagues;

· Greet and thank members of the community (individuals, schools, church groups etc) as they drop off food donations.

· Answer phone and email queries – this could be from foodbank clients, referral partners, donors or corporate supporters.

· Welcome foodbank clients – be understanding and empathetic to their needs, direct them to our Foodbank centres across Salford and explain how to access our services.

· Be familiar with other local food providers and charitable organisations across Salford to signpost foodbank clients appropriately.

· Attend team meetings and training sessions.

· The staff team is a small team so you may be asked to get involved in other tasks to assist your colleagues and provide cover when others are away.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

 Key Skills, knowledge, and desirable experience

· Experience of working with and coordinating a team of volunteers

· Observing relevant regulations, including safeguarding and health and safety

· Ability to work independently and unsupervised

· Competent IT user

· Confident in recording data

· Local Salford based knowledge would be beneficial

Personal attributes:

· Passionate about tackling poverty in our local community  

· Excellent communicator and positive thinker

· Enthusiastic, encouraging, and welcoming, able to motivate volunteers

· Confident, self-motivated and able to carry out responsibilities with minimum supervision

· Supportive of the goals, Christian ethos, values and vision of Salford Foodbank