Policy jobs in northampton, northamptonshire

The Healthy Ageing Project will address specific challenges within the community, while actively promoting healthy ageing in practical and effective ways across our network.

We will focus on the strengths and expertise of our member groups to promote engagement with Ireland's unique music, dance, sport, language and culture.

We will work together with our members throughout this three-year journey. Together, we will develop, launch and promote a project geared towards improving health and wellbeing, reducing health inequality and providing strategic direction for national health programmes and policy recommendations for the Irish community.

This post is part time (17.5 hours per week) and will be based in the Midlands/ North of England, Birmingham, Liverpool, Leeds, Manchester etc.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

You'll be a friendly ‘people person’, with a collaborative, solution-oriented mindset - who has:

• An understanding or strong interest in health & wellbeing for older people

• Experience of working with older people either in a paid or voluntary capacity

• Understanding of and empathy with the issues affecting older people and barriers they experience

• Knowledge of health/sport/culture and other general services for older people in Britain

• Ability to build strong relationships with other stakeholders including public health bodies/charities

• Strong administrative and I.T skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills

• Strong organisational skills/ability to manage own time effectively

• Unwavering commitment to equality & fairness

• Willingness and ability to work flexibly

• A proactive approach to the personal development of oneself and others

• A ‘Hands on’ approach to coordination and practical tasks as required

• A right to work in the UK

The Degrees Initiative is a UK-based NGO that builds the capacity of developing countries to evaluate solar radiation modification (SRM), a controversial proposal for reducing some impacts of climate change by reflecting sunlight away from the Earth. Degrees is neutral on whether SRM should ever be used, but we believe that developing countries should be empowered to conduct their own research and to play a central role in SRM discussions.

This is a unique opportunity to shape global conversations on climate science by empowering researchers in developing countries to publish and communicate their work, collaborating with some of the world’s leading SRM experts.

We are looking for a candidate with strong digital skills and social media experience. The ideal candidate will have experience creating content for social and web, managing website content and systems, and working with digital media (photos and video). 

The Digital Communications Officer will report to the Communications Manager and collaborate with teams across the organisation (Policy Engagement, Programmes, Fundraising) and with our researcher teams across the Global South. 

Responsibilities will include:  

Social media 

• Manage day-to-day social media posting across current channels (LinkedIn, X, Bluesky), posting content that aligns with our tone of voice and brand guidelines  

• Monitor social media and traditional media for mentions of Degrees and the wider topic of SRM, identifying trends and opportunities 

• Evaluate social media performance and recommend potential new strategies and platforms, driven by data as well as awareness of Degrees’ position

Content creation 

• Edit short videos of our researchers for social media and the website 

• Design graphics for social media, reports, presentations and events, using tools such as Canva or InDesign 

• Write news, profiles, and announcements for the website 

Website 

• Act as primary website administrator, keeping the website up to date by editing and adding new pages as required 

• Maintain content consistency across the website, especially as we redevelop our site and move to a new platform (WordPress, with Gutenberg editor) 

• Assist with website content migration using a good understanding of website database management systems (e.g. Jet Engine, ACF) 

• Use analytics to monitor website performance and suggest SEO improvements (Google Analytics) 

Team support 

• Create and maintain templates for documents, presentations, etc., to ensure consistency across visual products 

• Compile and deliver the quarterly newsletter (using MailChimp) 

• Organise and maintain media asset folders (photos, videos, recordings) with clear tagging 

• Support other teams (policy engagement, programmes, fundraising) with communications products as required 

About SafeLives

We are SafeLives, the UK-wide charity dedicated to ending domestic abuse, for everyone and for good.    

Last year alone, 14,000 professionals received our training. Over 80,000 adults at risk of serious harm or murder and more than 100,000 children received support through dedicated multi-agency support designed by us and delivered with partners. In the last six years, over 4,000 perpetrators have been challenged and supported to change by interventions we created with partners, and that’s just the start. 

Together we can end domestic abuse. Forever. For everyone.

About the role

Over the coming year, The Drive Partnership is looking to review, update, and design new training to offer to The Drive Project workforce. To lead this work, we are recruiting a Drive training team made up of a Senior Training Lead, Training Lead and Training Coordinator.

This role offers a unique opportunity to support the upskilling of The Drive Project workforce and advance The Drive Partnership’s mission to end domestic abuse and protect victims by disrupting, challenging, and changing the behaviour of those who are causing harm.

Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week.

Contract: Fixed term until March 2026 with potential for 12-month extension to March 2027 - pending funding confirmation.

About Drive

The Drive Partnership, formed by Respect, SafeLives and Social Finance, is working to transform the national response to perpetrators of domestic abuse. We work to end domestic abuse and protect victims by disrupting, challenging, and changing the behaviour of those who are causing harm. Together we have developed the Drive Project to address a gap in work with high-harm, high-risk perpetrators of domestic abuse. We also work to advocate for systems and policy change- to develop sustainable, national systems that respond more effectively to all perpetrators of domestic abuse.

Benefits

• 34 days' holiday incl. public holidays
• Flexible working e.g. compressed hours
• Cycle to work scheme
• Eye care vouchers
• Pension scheme with 4% employer contribution
• Childcare vouchers
• Employee assistance programme
• Clinical supervision
• Holiday purchase scheme to buy up to an additional 5 days
• Enhanced family leave policies
• Enhanced sick pay
• Professional development fund
• Individual learning budget
• Restorative practice training
• Time off in lieu 

If this challenge sounds as exciting to you as it does to us and you believe you have the qualities we have described, please take a look over the job description and submit a 500-word cover letter and CV.

Closing date: 9am on Tuesday, 5th August 2025. 

SafeLives is a committed provider of equal opportunities for all; please see our job description for full details.

No agencies, please.

We have an exciting opportunity within our Communications Team on a part time basis for a Media and Communications Officer.   This post is for a one-year fixed term contract.

 The Down’s Syndrome Association is the only organisation in England, Wales and Northern Ireland focusing solely on all aspects of living successfully with Down’s syndrome. The Down’s Syndrome Association aims to create the conditions that all people with Down’s syndrome need to live full and rewarding lives.

The successful candidate will cover the whole spectrum of duties in relation to media and communication areas and needs to be able to think strategically and work operationally. You will lead the development of our media strategy, build and maintain a strong media contracts database and nurture relations both online and across other offline platforms.  Your work will amplify the voices of people who have Down’s syndrome and help shape public understanding through inclusive and impactful storytelling.

We are looking for candidates with at least three years proven experience in either media relations, journalism or communications.  An understanding of the key ingredients of success in developing relationships with local and national media engagement, as well as managing performance in line with budgets are also essential.

A valid UK driver’s licence is essential, as well as a willingness to be flexible about hours and location of work as there may be some occasional travel in UK with overnight stays as required. The post-holder will also be DBS checked.

The successful candidate will report directly to the Head of Policy and Strategic Communication.  (The full-time equivalent salary for this role is £30,000 pa)

Informal inquiries are welcome and should be made to the Head of Policy and Strategic Communication, Sharon Smith at the Down's Syndrome Association or email her directly.

To download the full job description, visit the Down’or ss Syndrome Association website or see attached.

Please apply via Charity Jobs directly  or  submit a CV and covering letter to Sharon Smith. If you need any help with this or have any questions, please contact Sharon directly.

Closing date:  Friday, 8th August 2025

Interview date: w/c Monday, 18th August 2025

Vacancy Reference: BfN2026/25

Job Title: Service Development Manager

Salary: £15.73 per hour

Number of Posts: 1

Type of Contract: Maternity Cover/Fixed Term

Start Date: 18/08/2025

Hours of Work: 21 per week to 31/03/2026 (15 hours maternity cover plus 6 hours fixed term)

Working Pattern: Flexible working, with the majority of the hours worked during office hours. Minimum of three days per week.

Work Location: Remote

Responsible to: National Breastfeeding Helpline Manager

Closing Date: 29/07/2025

Proposed Interview Date: 7th or 8th of August (online)

Job Information: This Service Development Manager role has two focus areas: one is the development of our Drugs In Breastmilk Information service ensuring it adapts to the changing preferences and needs of our audience moving forwards (15-hour maternity cover contract). The second is looking at BfN information accessibility more broadly (6 hour fixed term contract).

About us

The Refugee Council is the nation’s refugee charity. Together with community groups, partners and volunteers, we help people who have escaped war and persecution to rebuild their lives, integrate into communities, and play their part in Britain. Born in the aftermath of World War II, our frontline services support over 14,000 refugees each year to find safety, get to know their neighbours, and enter education, training or work. We share our evidence and expertise with policymakers to help build integrated communities where everyone can contribute. 

Our Values

Our values underpin everything we do:

• Inclusive: We are inclusive. We work with - not for - refugees and people seeking asylum, so they have an equal voice, co-producing projects and ensuring their expertise and experiences are at the heart of what we do.
• Collaborative: We are collaborative. Working with others is a priority in order to have the collective impact that is vital to achieve policy and practice reform.
• Courageous: We speak out when we see injustice, cruelty and unfairness. We always stand up for what we believe is the right thing to do to transform the experiences of those seeking protection in our country.
• Respectful: We are respectful of all those we interact with. We treat everyone – our staff, volunteers, beneficiaries, partners and people we disagree with – with the same respect, professionalism and understanding.

About the role

This critical role will drive our social media activity at a national and local level. This will be achieved through ensuring targeted messaging is of a high quality, is insight-led and will inspire action as well as support the people we help and attract new audiences. You will have:

• Experience of developing engaging content for owned social media, driving channel growth, measuring key metrics to inform performance and innovation.
• Experience of working with defined budgets to create paid plans and strategies. Reaching defined target audiences driving new people to our owned channels.
• Experience of moderating user generated content that can at times be challenging from the perspective of its unpleasant nature and in volume.

Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week.

Contract: Permanent.

Location: Remote with a need to travel as the role requires.

Staff benefits

To reward our staff for the value they bring, we offer a variety of enhanced terms and conditions and a wide range of benefits, including:

• Training & Development
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Pension Scheme
• Work Life Balance Policies
• Employer-Sponsored Volunteering
• And more.

Let’s work together to improve the lives of refugees in the UK - apply on our website today.

Closing date: 5 August 2025.

Ensuring that the Refugee Council is an inclusive and accessible place to work is important to us. We want to enable people from different backgrounds to apply and thrive with us. We believe our recruitment process enables that and are also happy to make adjustments on request.

The vacancy

We are seeking to appoint one lay member to sit on our GOC Council.

About the GOC

We are the regulator for the optical professions in the UK. Our purpose is to protect the public by promoting high standards of education, performance and conduct.  For more information about us please visit our website:optical. org.

About the Council

The role of Council is to lead on the GOC’s mission to protect the public by upholding high standards in eye care services.  The Council is composed of six lay members (including the Chair) and six registrant members (i.e. registered optometrists and dispensing opticians).  At least one member of the Council must work wholly or mainly in each of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.  One Council member acts as a Senior Council Member whose role is to carry out the Chair’s appraisal as well as provide a sounding board for the Chair and serve as an intermediary for Council members, Executive and stakeholders as necessary. 

The successful candidate will contribute to Council by exercising oversight, ensuring effective corporate governance, and making high-level policy decisions. They will be able to operate strategically and impartially; listen, communicate, and influence effectively; exercise judgment; and inspire confidence and support amongst our stakeholders. 

Remuneration and time commitment

Council members are remunerated in accordance with our member fees policy (£13,962 per annum plus reasonable travel and subsistence expenses).  The member fee includes time for reading and preparation.

The appointed member will be expected to commit approximately 2-3 days per month.  Meetings will usually take place via MS Teams but may on occasion be held at the GOC Offices at Level 29, One Canada Square, London, E14 5AA. There are occasional online catch-up meetings - these are currently scheduled on a Tuesday evening every 6-8 weeks, from 5.30pm – 6.30pm.

How to apply:

Please email the the following to appointment@optical. org

· your CV outlining your employment history, any relevant voluntary work, public service or other experience; together with any relevant professional, academic or vocational qualifications;

· the application form, stating how your experience matches the criteria for the vacancy you are applying for; and

· complete the EDI monitoring form linked in the candidate pack (this is an online form and does not need to be included in the email with your CV and application form).

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  midnight on Sunday 10 August 2025.

Online interviews will be held on between Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 October 2025.

If you have any questions, please email them to appointment@optical. org and we will aim to respond to you within 48 hours. 

We welcome applications from individuals who are disabled and from diverse ethnic backgrounds as these are currently under-represented on our council and committees.

We strive to be as diverse as the public we protect and welcome applications from everyone, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, maternity and geographical locations outside of London.

The Senior Bid and Funding Officer is a new role for Involve as we seek to build the infrastructure to support the growth that we have experienced in recent years.  This role will sit within our Finance & Support Services function and will work alongside colleagues at all levels in the Innovation & Practice, Capacity Building & Standards and Advocacy & Communications functions to identify and provide compelling proposals in response to fundraising and tender opportunities. 

As Senior Bid and Funding Officer you will be responsible for identifying fundraising opportunities to bring forwards to the team for evaluation and coordinating the submission of returns ensuring high quality tenders are produced that meet the needs of funders and commissioners.  You will support function leads in monitoring fundraising outcomes and comparing to income generation targets, developing a database of funders and improving tender response processes to reduce the administrative burden of tender responses without compromising on quality.

Our ideal candidate will have experience of managing the tender return process in other organisations, either in a commercial or charitable sector environment. You will bring strong project management skills, be able to coordinate tender submissions to set deadlines and have an inquisitive mindset to enjoy researching opportunities and thinking creatively how Involve can meet funder requirements while also advancing our mission.

We work across the UK, with offices in Belfast and London. Many of our staff work from home across the UK or in a hybrid pattern, rather than being based at one of our offices, though we meet up regularly as a team. We are flexible but you must be comfortable with regular travel both for project work and for Involve team activities.  Must be able to travel to deliver work across the UK.

Please see our website for more details. 

The consultant will lead investigations into the ‘The UK’s benefit from funded Health Partnerships under the DHSC funded GHWP’.

As benefit back to the UK becomes increasingly important in the evolving funding landscape, GHP is commissioning a study to explore and examine the value of DHSC-funded health partnerships to the UK health system. While bi-directional learning and mutual benefit have been highlighted through GHWP reports and sharing and learning events, these insights have not yet been fully synthesised or clearly articulated in a way that supports future funding and policy positioning.

We wish to commission a short-term consultancy to review and examine existing literature and data, including published and grey literature, including GHWP reports, reports from other DHSC-funded GHP projects, and other available documentation on the benefits of global health engagement to the UK. (see Related Papers section). 

Some qualitative data collection may potentially be involved.

Assignment 

Aim  

The aim is to produce a concise, evidence-based report that captures key themes such as professional development, system learning, innovation exchange, and reputational value, demonstrating the tangible and strategic returns to the UK from its investment in global health and global health partnerships.  

Objectives 

1. To identify and analyse the professional and institutional gains for UK health workers and organisations involved in the implementation of the GHWP. 

1. To assess how the GHWP work has contributed to UK health worker and health system strengthening, innovation, and global health leadership. 

1. To build on existing literature and evaluations, including from other DHSC-funded GHP programmes to provide a robust evidence base for the mutual benefits of global health partnerships. 

Outcomes  

• Re-centre Health Partnerships as a key component of the UK’s global health offer, showcasing benefits to the UK.   

• Encourage greater support within the NHS for institutional engagement in global health and support within the UK Government for increased spending on global health. 

Lead Knowledge Mobilisation for Central Research Question 

Focus areas:  

Examine the benefits of Health Partnerships for the UK, using and building on GHP and other data and evidence. 

Indicative areas of focus (to be finalised in consultation with the GHP team)  

• In what ways have GHP been successful in bringing benefits to the UK at an institutional as well as individual level?   

• How has GHWP work in Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria provided tangible and strategic benefits to the UK? 

• Highlight through selected case studies how UK individuals and institutions are benefitting personally/professionally because of Health Partnership work.  

• Provide examples of how global health innovations and/or ways of working are benefitting UK institutions because of Health Partnerships work, and/or the engagement of diaspora health workers in Health Partnerships. 

In the submission the consultant should submit a technical proposal outlining the approach and methodology for the study, including the key research questions. This will then be developed further with the GHP team. 

Methodology  

Desk review to include the following: 

• GHWP reports (HP reports as well as GHP reporting to DHSC)

• Available GHWP quantitative and qualitative data. 

• Other DHSC-funded programme reporting and material where feasible. 

• Published literature examining the benefits of Health Partnerships to the UK. 

Qualitative data collection 

Key informant and in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, if required 

Proposed Timeframe  

The work is to be undertaken between August and November 2025. 

Contractual Responsibilities  

Reports to: The Technical Director, based in the UK, who will provide technical oversight of the study. The Consultant will be responsible for managing their workload and conducting the activities in a timely and efficient manner as set out in this document. The Consultant will agree with the Technical Director which aspects to prioritise. The Consultant will also have regular reporting points with the Head of the Evidence and Impact Team and other GHWP colleagues, as required. 

The contract will run from August 2025 over a 4month period. The Consultant will submit a technical proposal and budget of up to £14,000 for the whole programme of work. The consultant will invoice GHP on a monthly basis. Please note that this is non-negotiable. 

Key Deliverables and Dates  

• Scope of Work and technical proposal (co-produced with GHP) 

• Draft Report  

• Power point presentation and evidence brief (summary report) of key findings and recommendations 

• Final report submitted November 2025 

Essential Qualifications and Experience: 

• Postgraduate degree in Global Health, Public Health, Health Policy, International Development, or a related field. 

• Proven experience in health systems research, particularly in the context of global health partnerships or workforce development. 

• Familiarity with the UK health system (e.g., NHS) and its global health engagement strategies. 

• Experience working with or evaluating global health partnerships, ideally involving LMICs such as Ghana, Nigeria, or Kenya. 

Skills and Competencies: 

• Strong qualitative and quantitative research skills, including data collection, analysis, and synthesis. 

• Ability to critically appraise and integrate evidence from diverse sources (e.g., programme reports, academic literature, policy documents). 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience producing reports, policy briefs, or academic publications. 

• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability to liaise with UK institutions, diaspora health professionals, and international partners. 

• Competence in using research tools and software (e.g., NVivo, SPSS, Excel, or data visualization platforms). 

Desirable Attributes: 

• Experience working with or through organisations like Global Health Partnerships (formerly THET), NHS Global Health Partnerships, or UK FCDO-funded programmes. 

• Knowledge of health workforce development frameworks and global health diplomacy. 

• Understanding of diaspora engagement in health systems strengthening. 

• Ability to work independently and manage timelines for deliverables. 

Job Title: Head of Fundraising (Maternity Cover)

Salary: £52,000 - £55,000

Contract Type: 9 month fixed term contract with potential to extend

Hours: 35 hours per week for full time position, we are open to flexibility too

Location: Can be primarily remote based with occasional travel to Hammersmith head office and regular attendance at events

This post is open to female applicants only as this is deemed a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010. Advance is committed to equality and diversity and strongly encourages applications from women with diverse backgrounds, including those with disabilities, BAME and LBT communities.

Job Summary

The role will be focused on both existing and new funding, raising income from trusts, corporations, individuals and foundations, including managing a pipeline of existing and new opportunities for the organisation's service portfolio. As the Head of Fundraising, you will steward all grant funding and deliver thorough and impactful reports to the Board and funders. You will bring a solid understanding of the UK fundraising environment, regulation, best practice, client management systems, and confidence in senior stakeholder relationship management.

Working closely with the Director of Development and Insights and Service Directors, you will support financial resilience, ensuring sustainability and growth. With a proven track record of securing and managing funds between five and six figure levels, this role requires a candidate who is able to showcase their knowledge, methodologies and of breadth of philanthropy & fundraising from commercial, private, government donors and securing funds from HNWI’s.

How to apply: 

Please submit your up-to-date CV with a supporting statement. Please note that only applications made via the job advert on the Advance careers page, and those that include a cover letter will be considered. 

• Closing Date for Applications: Sunday the 10th of August 

• Interviews are taking place w/c 25th August 

What we can offer you - Employee Benefits: 

• A 35-hour working week 

• An exceptional 30 days of paid holiday per year (pro rata for part time), PLUS public holidays on top (that's nearly 40 days paid holiday per year!) 

• Additional days off to celebrate International Women’s Day, and for religious observance and moving home 

• Perkbox - an employee discount platform where you can receive free rewards as well as take ad-vantage of savings on clothes, groceries, travel, leisure and more 

• Pension scheme 

• Enhanced maternity/adoption provision 

• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme 

• Employee eye-care scheme 

• Clinical supervision for front line staff and first line management roles 

• Refer a Friend Scheme - £250 for each referral who passes probation 

• Organisation wide away days 

• Thorough induction and training 

• Career development pathways 

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Under the Equality Act 2010, we are required to make any reasonable adjustments. If you have a disability as defined under this act and/or have special needs, please contact us and the Talent Acquisition Team will aim to make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs.  

Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunities

We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and actively seek to recruit people from groups un-derrepresented in our current team. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay and benefits.

Safeguarding

Advance is committed to safeguarding and creating a culture of zero-tolerance of harm and expects all staff, including volunteers to share this commitment. We believe all individuals have the right to live their life free from violence and abuse and the right to feel and be safe.  We have a suite of safeguarding policies, procedures and practice guidance, accessible to all staff, which promotes safeguarding and safer working practices across all our services and activities. When we recruit staff, we follow rigorous safer recruitment practices, this involves carrying out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, and identity checks.  We ensure all staff undertake mandatory safeguarding training relevant to their role and responsibilities, to empower them to be competent and feel confident in recognising and responding appropriately to safeguarding issues and promote wellbeing.

Are you a skilled data leader with a passion for building effective, secure, and scalable data ecosystems? Join Shelter as our Data Architecture Manager and take ownership of the development and management of our organisation-wide data architecture.

About the role

The Data Architecture Manager will lead the Data Engineering Team and is responsible for the development and management of Shelter’s data ecosystem including the design & development of Shelters data architecture model.

The Data Architecture Manager will be responsible for developing a robust approach to providing single supporter, client and employee views, GDPR compliant consent management and seamless data flows between systems. 

Role specifics

As Data Architecture Manager at Shelter, you’ll lead the design and ongoing improvement of our data management strategy and automation roadmap. You’ll oversee complex technical data projects and manage a team of Data Engineers and Architects, supporting their growth and performance. Working closely with analysts and data scientists, you’ll ensure the development of high-quality datasets to support reporting and modelling, including Power BI outputs. You'll be responsible for enhancing our data warehouse, refining ETL processes, and ensuring 24/7 monitoring of data integrations. The role also involves managing supplier relationships, overseeing our data application portfolio, and collaborating across teams to ensure robust data quality, governance, and system efficiency. 

Apply to be part of our team and be the change you want to see in society. 

Benefits 

We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme. 

We are happy to talk about flexible working, personal growth, and to promote a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.

About the team

Our vision is for Shelter to have the high-quality data and insight required to describe the housing emergency, the impact we have fighting the crisis and the internal performance and health of the organisation. We want all of Shelter to have the skills and knowledge to use data as part of their everyday activities and make informed, transparent decisions with robust evidence, in an organisational culture that treasures its data because it recognises the value of it. This particular role sits within a Data and Insight team that’s been formed to bring together the skills and experience to achieve this vision as part of a wider Technology and Data team within our Strategic Enablement directorate.

About Shelter

Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and where we thrive. Yet everyday millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.

We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.

We need ambitious, passionate people to join us. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.

Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. To win this fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, equitable and transparent. We are committed to combating racism both within and outside Shelter. We welcome you on our journey to becoming truly anti-racist.

Safeguarding statement 

Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies. 

Shelter does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them. 

Head of Institutional Relations and Governance

About Charity Right
At Charity Right, we are a focused and passionate international food charity on a mission to free people from the devastating effects of hunger. Since our founding, we have provided over 40 million meals across 7 countries, serving those who need it most with dignity and care.

Our Mission
We believe that no child should go to school hungry. Our single-cause focus allows us to be exceptionally effective at what we do best: providing nutritious school meals that keep children in classrooms and give them the opportunity to break free from poverty through education.

About the Role

This is a newly created leadership role responsible for developing and embedding the governance infrastructure and strategic partnerships that will position Charity Right as a credible and competitive organisation for institutional funding. The Head of Governance and Institutional Relations will be responsible for cultivating relationships with institutional funders, multilateral agencies, and foundations, while also leading internal governance and capacity-building efforts to ensure Charity Right is fully prepared to secure and deliver such partnerships.

The role will build and oversee the development of international branch offices where appropriate, ensuring alignment with partner eligibility requirements and regulatory frameworks. This role is cross-functional and high-impact, sitting at the intersection of compliance, strategy, fundraising, and programme delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Institutional Fundraising & Relationship Management

• Identify and engage potential institutional funders and foundations both in the UK and internationally.
• Lead the full lifecycle of institutional donor relationships—from prospecting and due diligence through to application, stewardship, and renewal.
• Build a comprehensive pipeline of funding opportunities aligned with Charity Right’s mission and delivery capacity.
• Work closely with Programmes, Finance, and Fundraising teams to coordinate compelling funding proposals and aligned delivery models.

Organisational Governance & Capacity Building

• Lead the development and continuous improvement of Charity Right’s governance framework to meet international standards for institutional funders.
• Identify and implement structural, policy, and procedural enhancements that elevate Charity Right’s readiness to enter and sustain institutional partnerships.
• Conduct periodic organisational assessments and produce recommendations to close capacity gaps identified by funders or prospective partners.

International Presence & Localisation Strategy

• Design and oversee the establishment of Charity Right branch offices in key geographies.
• Ensure all international branches are compliant with local laws, reporting requirements, and brand/mission alignment.
• Collaborate with legal and operational advisors to manage entity registration, governance structures, and oversight models in each country.

Strategic Partnerships and Alliances

• Develop and implement a formal institutional partnering strategy.
• Identify and vet strategic implementation partners that complement Charity Right’s delivery capabilities.
• Negotiate, draft, and manage partnership agreements ensuring alignment with Charity Right’s values and strategic objectives.

Monitoring, Reporting & Evaluation

• Develop and implement a framework to monitor the performance and outcomes of institutional partnerships and funded projects.
• Ensure robust reporting mechanisms, including narrative and financial reporting, are in place.
• Regularly brief the CEO and Board on the status of funder relationships, branch development, and institutional readiness.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Significant senior-level experience in institutional fundraising, partnership management, or international development.
• Strong understanding of governance frameworks, compliance standards, and operational due diligence requirements for international NGOs.
• Demonstrated success in securing and managing funding from institutional donors.
• Experience in establishing and managing international offices, branches, or subsidiaries.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across departments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strategic thinker with strong project management and execution capability.
• Values-driven, with a commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusion.
• Familiarity with safeguarding frameworks, donor audits, and risk registers.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Experience working in humanitarian or faith-inspired development contexts.
• Legal, compliance, or public policy background.
• Existing network within institutional funding or global development sectors.

Success Indicators

• Institutional Fundraising & Relationship Development
• Number of institutional funder relationships established (UK and international)
• Number of funding applications submitted per quarter
• Total value (£) of secured institutional or foundation grants annually
• Application success rate (%) across funding proposals submitted
• Donor retention and re-engagement rate (%)

Governance & Organisational Capacity

• Completion and implementation of key governance policies
• Improvement in organisational assessments conducted by external funders or partners
• Internal audit readiness and compliance rate
• Number of governance or compliance gaps resolved each quarter
• Staff training or briefings delivered on governance-related improvements

International Branch Development

• Number of international entities registered or formalised in target geographies
• Time taken from initiation to legal establishment of each branch
• Compliance rate with local registration, reporting, and governance requirements
• Annual cost-to-benefit ratio of each registered branch (qualitative + financial assessment)

Strategic Partnerships

• Number of partnership MOUs or contracts formalised
• Partner performance satisfaction score
• Number of co-designed or co-delivered proposals with partners submitted per year
• Strategic alignment index – measured via internal SLT reviews

Reporting & Monitoring

• Reporting compliance rate (%) with donor reporting deadlines and formats
• Timeliness and quality score of narrative and financial reports submitted
• Quarterly internal partnership performance reports delivered to SLT/CEO
• Monitoring framework adoption rate across new institutional projects

Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Location: Remote Working
Salary: £48,000 – 54,000 per annum, depending on experience
Reports to: CEO

About SOFT UK

SOFT UK is a national charity supporting families affected by Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome) and Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome). We provide emotional support, information, advocacy, and community connections to ensure no family faces this journey alone.

Purpose of the Role

The Regional Engagement Officer (REO) for Northern Ireland will build and strengthen SOFT UK’s presence in the region. This includes supporting families, developing local community networks, enhancing relationships with healthcare professionals, and coordinating volunteer and fundraising activities to reduce isolation and improve support access for families affected by Trisomy 13 and 18.

Key Responsibilities

1. Community Engagement and Support

• Build meaningful relationships with families affected by Trisomy 13 and 18 across Northern Ireland.
• Develop and facilitate local support meetings, coffee mornings, and family gatherings.
• Provide emotional support, signposting, and information in line with SOFT UK’s values and safeguarding policies.

2. Volunteer Support

• Identify, recruit, and train new volunteers within the region.
• Provide ongoing guidance, resources, and encouragement to existing volunteers to strengthen their impact.

3. Healthcare Professional Engagement

• Develop and maintain relationships with regional healthcare providers to increase awareness of SOFT UK’s services.
• Encourage and facilitate referrals of families to SOFT UK by healthcare professionals.
• Share resources and information to improve understanding of Trisomy 13 and 18 among professionals.

4. Event Coordination

• Organise and deliver regional events such as awareness campaigns, remembrance gatherings, and local fundraising events.
• Support national SOFT UK events by promoting and representing the charity locally.

5. Fundraising and Awareness

• Assist with regional fundraising activities by promoting events, supporting local fundraisers, and identifying new funding opportunities.
• Raise awareness of SOFT UK’s mission through local networks, media, and community engagement.

6. Administration and Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of activities, contacts, and outcomes to report impact effectively.
• Work collaboratively with the national SOFT UK team, contributing to meetings, strategic development, and evaluation.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Proven experience in community engagement, outreach, or support roles.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with empathy and understanding for families experiencing complex medical and bereavement journeys.
• Ability to work independently and organise time effectively.
• Experience in planning and delivering community events.
• Confidence in engaging with healthcare professionals and external stakeholders.
• Basic IT skills, including email, social media, and Microsoft Office.
• Commitment to SOFT UK’s mission and values.
• Willingness to travel regionally and work flexible hours where required (some evening or weekend meetings).

Desirable:

• Experience working within the charity or health support sector.
• Knowledge of the healthcare and perinatal loss support systems within Northern Ireland.

Additional Information

This role requires occasional travel across Northern Ireland. Mileage and travel expenses will be reimbursed in line with SOFT UK policies. The postholder will be expected to work from home and maintain confidentiality, safeguarding, and data protection standards at all times.

About the role:

When a family member sustains a spinal cord injury it is a life changing experience for the whole family. They can feel very isolated and that no one understands what they’re going through.

Back Up’s Family Support Service is there to help. We enable a wide range of family members of all ages whose loved one is affected by spinal cord injury (SCI) to improve their wellbeing, build a support network and transform their lives through Back Up’s services. 

The Family Support Coordinator will assist in supporting family members on an individual basis as well as in group settings as appropriate, together with providing support in the process of identifying, recruiting and training new family support volunteers.

A Family Support Coordinator will be comfortable and efficient with data management and GDPR compliance.

Lived experience of having a relative with SCI is essential, together with sharing our commitment to transform the lives of everyone affected by spinal cord injury.

For full details please see our role description.

About us:

At Back Up, we have big ambitions. Over the next few years, we’re going to be transforming the lives of even more people affected by spinal cord injury.

Together we’ll be working hard to make sure everyone affected by spinal cord injury has access to the support they deserve; and we are the only spinal cord injury charity in the UK providing specific services to children and young people.

At Back Up, inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. Please read our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy Statement. We are committed to creating an inclusive working environment where all our employees are encouraged to reach their full potential, and individual differences are valued and respected. We particularly welcome applications from those from black, Asian or ethnic minority backgrounds or those with higher level spinal cord injuries.

In 2024 Back Up won The Times and The Sunday Times Spotlight Award for Best place to work for disabled employees. As well as this, Back Up has been voted one of the top ten charities to work for (Third Sector Best Charities 2020). The enthusiastic, inclusive and supportive spirit of our very skilled staff ensure excellence in the services we deliver.c