Policy jobs in Southport, merseyside

Join us and help create opportunities that change young lives.

Career Ready is a UK-wide social mobility charity, working to empower young people with the skills, confidence, and networks they need to succeed. We’re looking for a proactive and strategic Corporate New Business Development Lead to drive growth in our corporate and partnerships income, unlocking innovative collaborations that deliver real impact.

In this pivotal role, you’ll identify and secure high-value corporate partnerships, craft compelling proposals, and lead pitches to senior decision-makers. You’ll work closely with colleagues across Communications, Programmes, and Operations to create multi-year partnerships that combine funding, programme support, and brand alignment—helping us reach more young people than ever before. The role is home-based, but you’ll have opportunities to travel across the UK (primarily London, Manchester, and Edinburgh) for meetings, events, and networking opportunities (expenses covered), giving you variety and the chance to build relationships face-to-face.

We’re seeking someone with a proven track record of winning significant corporate partnerships (five-figure or ideally six-figure), excellent communication and influencing skills, and a strong understanding of CSR/ESG trends. If you’re entrepreneurial, creative, and thrive on building relationships from scratch, we’d love to hear from you.

For full information view our candidate pack, which is available when you click on Apply.

Closing date for applications: 9am on Monday 12 January 2026

First stage interviews: expected to take place w/c 19 January 2026 

Location: HMP Wymott
Department: Prison delivery
Salary: £11,310 per annum
Hours: 14 hours (2 days a week)
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract
 
Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy levels amongst people in prison?
 
Shannon Trust are delighted to be working with His Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) to provide peer-led learning programmes at HMP Wymott. Working closely with the prison and their staff, people in prison, Shannon Trust volunteers and mentors, this post will lead the delivery and development of our prison-based reading and numeracy programme, maximising opportunities for people in prison to learn to read.
 
Ideally you will have some experience of prison settings underpinned by the ability to build relationships and personal qualities that include resilience, determination and a problem-solving approach.
 
This role is a fixed term role until 31st December 2026 with the opportunity to be made permanent subject to contract renewal.
 
The role will be prison-based. Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme. The biggest benefit though is our culture – our people really want to work for the organisation.
 
?We welcome job applications from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system and do not routinely ask for details of any criminal convictions. These roles do require prison security clearance, so we will need to ask for details of any relevant criminal convictions before an offer of employment is finalised.
 
Please note this role is subject to contract award
?Interviews are planned 22nd January 2026
 
Benefits: Standard Shannon Trust: Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme.
 
REF-225 712

We are seeking a Community Development Officer to lead a major in-progress project improving recognition, support, and care for people with smell and taste disorders at a local level across England. 

This three-year, volunteer-led programme, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund has achieved significant success in its first eighteen months. We are now recruiting a new postholder to take this strong foundation forward through the next phase of delivery. 

Over the past eighteen months, we have recruited and established a thriving network of volunteers and local groups across England. This momentum is expected to continue. The Community Development Officer will work closely with existing volunteers and groups, primarily remotely, while also attending in-person events and meetings in different parts of England as needed. 

The postholder will lead the ongoing recruitment, training, and support of volunteer groups, working with them to identify opportunities for local outreach and engagement. Together, you will ensure that more people affected by smell and taste disorders access the information, support, and recognition they need, while continuing to raise awareness of these often-unrecognised sensory impairments. 

Our volunteer groups bring together people with lived experience alongside experts from the food, beverage and fragrance sectors, and other relevant fields. 

We are looking for a motivated, forward-thinking individual with experience in leading and inspiring others. You will bring energy, creativity, and excellent communication skills to drive the project forward and help build an innovative, sustainable programme of volunteer-led activity, supporting our volunteers to influence change within their communities. 

You will empower volunteers to play an active role in transforming public understanding of how essential smell and taste are to our lives, whether they are running peer support groups, organising local events, delivering talks in community settings, or representing the charity at information days. 

You will join a small, friendly and ambitious team committed to your professional development as the charity continues to grow. 

If you are passionate about making a difference, enjoy working with people, and want to contribute to a pioneering and collaborative organisation that values and empowers its community, we would love to hear from you. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. 

Homelessness isn’t just about losing a home—it’s about losing stability, security, and often, hope.

YMCA Wirral Hostel is looking for a dynamic Kitchen Manager to lead our busy kitchen and bring energy, creativity, and care to the heart of our service.

By filling the bellies of our residents with healthy, hearty meals, you’ll play a vital role in sustaining their health and happiness to carry them through some really tough times.

As a core part of our team your work as the Kitchen Manager will be key in helping individuals take steps towards a brighter future helping them to regain strength and courage.

We are a growing and vibrant team of professionals who work hard to improve the lives of those who need it most. If you’re ready to take on a practical, hands-on role that truly makes a difference, we’d love to hear from you.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Oversee daily kitchen operations
• Plan and prepare and serve meals for residents
• Manage stock, budgets, and compliance with food safety standards
• Creating a positive and welcoming environment where people feel safe and valued.
• Inspire and support a small team to deliver excellence every day

What We’re Looking For

• A kind heart and a strong sense of empathy
• Great communication and organisation skills
• A calm and measured approach to handling challenging situations
• Experience in catering or hospitality
• A positive attitude and commitment to supporting vulnerable people

Applications for the Kitchen Manager role are to be made via the application form on our website- we do not accept CV's

Contract: 1.0 FTE (37.5 hours per week), permanent with 6-month probation period

Salary: £56,650-70,000 per annum, depending on experience

Location: Remote working, with option to use co-working space

Start Date: As soon as possible

Reports to: Executive Director

Please note: You must have the right to work in the UK.

How to Apply

Closing Date: 4th January 2026 (23:59 GMT)

To apply, please submit the following: 

• Cover letter (maximum 2 pages)

• CV

Due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date, your application has not been successful on this occasion.

About BASIC

BASIC is an independent, non-profit think tank working to safeguard humanity and Earth's ecosystem from nuclear risks and interconnected security threats, for generations to come. Our vision is for a global security consensus founded on multilateralism, the recognition of the indivisibility of security, adherence to Earth's planetary boundaries, and consideration of future generations.

For nearly 40 years, we have built a global reputation for groundbreaking dialogue and incisive thought leadership to strengthen international peace and security. We are an intellectually and culturally diverse team of 20 expert-practitioners with deep institutional experience, headquartered in London with additional presences in Berlin and Rome. We are independent, receive no core funding from any state, and our project work is funded transparently.

BASIC's approach to resolving contemporary nuclear dynamics is centred on dialogue as both a practice and a philosophy. We interpret dialogue broadly, recognising that meaningful engagement takes many forms: from facilitating direct strategic conversations between adversaries grounded in conflict resolution principles, to developing networks and diplomatic initiatives that build consensus around shared objectives, to shaping the intellectual foundations of policy discourse through rigorous research and thought leadership.

BASIC is a fast-paced and rewarding environment with an exceptionally positive and inclusive team culture. We have experienced rapid growth over the past decade and are well-suited to people who are motivated by our mission, able to work at a sustained pace, keen to develop professionally, and enjoy being part of a collaborative team working on consequential issues.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary with room for growth

• 30 days annual leave (pro rata), plus bank holidays and closure days over the December festive period

• Employer pension contributions of 5% (above the national minimum)

• Flexible working arrangements, with set days (Wednesdays required) but flexibility on hours

• Remote working with option to use co-working space

• 1-2 all-staff in-person team away day per year, as well as other in-person working opportunities

• Opportunities for professional growth and development

• Excellent team culture built on respect, openness, and inclusion

The Role

BASIC is seeking a hands-on Financial Controller to lead our finance function during a period of sustained growth. The Financial Controller will work across Programme teams ensuring strong financial management and reporting to funding partners, maintain strong financial controls, ensure compliance with charity finance regulations, and provide accurate financial reporting to our Directors and Board of Trustees.

The Financial Controller will oversee the small finance team, including line management of a Finance Assistant and management of an external bookkeeper consultant. This team will be responsible for the majority of financial accounting, processing payroll, and accurate bookkeeping, for which the Financial Controller will be ultimately accountable.

The role includes managing restricted and unrestricted funds in accordance with funder requirements and programme needs, preparing statutory accounts for external audit, and overseeing payroll processing. This role reports directly to the Executive Director to prepare annual budgets and financial strategy, and works closely with the Board's Financial Development Committee to present its implementation.

The ideal candidate will be a qualified accountant with strong technical accounting skills, experience in charity finance, and a proven track record of effective financial management of a growing organisation. You should be comfortable both managing a small team and working hands-on when needed, building collaborative relationships across the organisation. You will need to be a multitasker with the ability to work at pace, and be willing to develop the finance function and best practices to enable the organisation to grow further.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Accounting and Reporting

• Oversee the maintenance of accurate financial records and bookkeeping in accordance with charity accounting standards (SORP)

• Prepare monthly management accounts including variance reporting and rolling forecasts

• Prepare annual statutory accounts and manage the annual independent audit process in its entirety

• Manage restricted and unrestricted funds in accordance with funder requirements

• Provide accurate and timely financial reporting to the Board of Trustees, Executive Director, and funding partners

Financial Operations

• Oversee day-to-day finance operations including payment processing, staff expenses, and cost allocation (including staff costs)

• Oversee monthly payroll using QuickBooks (led by Finance Assistant)

• Manage treasury functions including bank and cash management

• Oversee procurement of key assets such as IT equipment

• Cashflow management

Grant and Budget Management

• Support budget development for funding bids and proposals

• Monitor spend against grants and projects, working towards full cost recovery

• Prepare financial reports for donors and funding partners

• Lead annual budget-setting and forecasting processes in collaboration with the Board and Executive Director

Financial Systems and Controls

• Develop and maintain robust financial systems, processes, and controls

• Continuously improve finance processes and identify efficiencies

• Advise on financial governance and best practice

• Manage financial risks and opportunities (e.g., insurance, foreign exchange)

Team Management and Stakeholder Relations

• Line manage the Finance Assistant and oversee external bookkeeper consultant

• Build collaborative relationships across the organisation

• Manage relationships with key external stakeholders including banks, international transfer services, and audit partners

• Work closely with the Board's Financial Development Committee and BASIC's Treasurer

Please note: This list is not exhaustive. Other tasks may be required as they arise.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria:

• Qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent) or part-qualified with significant relevant experience
• Proven experience in a mid-level to senior finance role, with responsibility for financial accounting and reporting
• Experience managing restricted and unrestricted funds
• Experience preparing statutory accounts and managing audit processes
• Experience in a growing organisation, implementing and improving financial systems and controls
• Strong technical accounting skills and understanding of financial controls
• Excellent numeracy and attention to detail
• Proficiency with accounting software (experience with QuickBooks highly desirable)
• Strong Excel/spreadsheet skills
• Excellent communication skills, able to explain financial information to non-finance colleagues
• Highly organised with ability to manage multiple priorities and work to deadlines
• Proactive and solutions-oriented, with ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Comfortable working hands-on when needed while also providing strategic oversight
• Ability to work at pace in a fast-growing organisation
• Commitment to BASIC's mission and values

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience in charity finance and understanding of charity accounting standards (SORP)
• Experience line managing finance staff
• Experience in an international organisation or with international funding
• Understanding of charity governance and regulatory requirements

International Finance Manager  

Reports to: Finance Director 
Contract: Part-time 

Interview process: Will be in the New Year 

Role Purpose 

As International Finance Manager, you will work alongside the UK Finance Manager overseeing the full lifecycle of all financial transactions with particular focus on funder grants managed through HOST — across both Project Hosting and Hosted Grantmaking services. You’ll ensure every grant is managed with accuracy, compliance, and care so that funds reach the world’s change-makers safely, transparently, and on time. 

You will be responsible for ensuring that funder requirements, hosted partner needs, and HOST’s financial integrity align seamlessly. This means managing due diligence, contracting, reporting, and financial monitoring for all funder grants — whether they are received on behalf of a single hosted partner or distributed through multi-grant programmes. 

Working at the heart of the Delivery Circle, you’ll collaborate with the Partnerships, Legal, and Finance teams to ensure HOST’s grant management systems are reliable, scalable, and trusted — enabling funders and movements alike to focus on what matters most: delivering impact. 

Core Responsibilities 

1. Grant Lifecycle Management (Project Hosting & Hosted Grantmaking) 

• Manage the end-to-end administration of all funder grants, from due diligence and contracting to financial tracking, reporting, and closure. 

• Ensure every grant is correctly recorded in HOST’s financial and project management systems (Xero, ClickUp, HOSTHub). 

• Liaise with hosted partners and funders to clarify grant conditions, budgets, and deliverables. 

• Track grant progress, disbursements, and reporting deadlines to ensure compliance with funder terms and HOST policies. 

• Lead on the preparation and review of all grant agreements, amendments, and financial schedules in collaboration with the Legal Lead and Partnerships Manager: Funders. 
  Reporting cadence: Monthly grant activity summary to Finance Manager and Partnerships Director. 

2. Financial Oversight and Reporting 

• Monitor the flow of all grant income and expenditure, including restricted and unrestricted funds, ensuring timely reconciliation with Finance. 

• Prepare detailed financial reports and proposal budgets for funders, hosted partners, and internal stakeholders, ensuring accuracy and compliance with agreed budgets. 

• Support income deferrals, accruals, and revenue recognition processes as part of monthly and annual financial cycles. 

• Maintain audit-ready records for all grants and subgrants, ensuring transparency and accountability. 

• Work with the Data Analyst to integrate grant data into HOST’s KPI and impact dashboards. 
  Reporting cadence: Monthly reconciliation and quarterly financial performance report. 

3. Due Diligence and Compliance 

• Lead due diligence processes for all incoming funder funds and outgoing subgrants, ensuring alignment with HOST’s AML, CTF, and sanctions compliance frameworks. 

• Review and verify partner documentation, including governance, financial statements, and risk assessments. 

• Collaborate with the Legal Circle to ensure all grant agreements meet compliance requirements across relevant jurisdictions. 

• Maintain a live due diligence tracker for all funders, hosted partners, and hosted grantmaking recipients. 
  Reporting cadence: Monthly compliance report; real-time escalation of risks. 

4. Project Hosting Grant Management 

• Manage funder grants received on behalf of Hosted Partners (HPs), ensuring restricted fund management, compliance, and accurate reporting. 

• Support hosted partners in interpreting funder terms, building compliant budgets, and submitting financial reports. 

• Coordinate with Community Support Leads to provide responsive guidance on grant use and expenditure tracking. 

• Ensure that all HP grant income and expenses are recorded accurately and reconciled with funder agreements. 
  Reporting cadence: Monthly hosted partner grant activity and variance report. 

5. Hosted Grantmaking Grant Management 

• Work with the Partnerships Manager: Funders to manage multi-grant programmes, including collective and participatory funds. 

• Administer hosted grant cycles — including application reviews, disbursements, and financial reporting from grantees. 

• Ensure accurate funder reporting and financial documentation for each hosted grantmaking initiative. 

• Support the development of grantmaking templates, workflows, and SOPs for scale-up through HOSTHub. 
  Reporting cadence: Monthly hosted grantmaking fund performance review. 

6. Collaboration with Partnerships and Delivery Teams 

• Work with the Partnerships Circle to ensure clear communication between funders, hosted partners, and internal teams. 

• Support the Finance Team in cash flow forecasting, funder fund management, and budget reforecasting. 

• Coordinate with the Legal and Operations teams to ensure integrated service delivery across all funding streams. 

• Collaborate with the Training Lead to deliver guidance or workshops on grant compliance and reporting for hosted partners. 
  Reporting cadence: Monthly Delivery Circle coordination meeting. 

7. Process, Systems, and Continuous Improvement 

• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all grant-related workflows, including contracting, reporting, and closure. 

• Support the automation of grant management systems through HOSTHub to increase efficiency and reduce administrative burden. 

• Identify bottlenecks, recommend process improvements, and support implementation across teams. 
  Reporting cadence: Quarterly systems and improvement review. 

8. Risk Management and Audit Support 

• Identify and mitigate risks across the grant portfolio, ensuring early escalation of financial or operational concerns. 

• Support external and internal audits, providing complete and accurate grant documentation. 

• Maintain a continuous improvement mindset toward compliance, ensuring HOST remains audit-ready at all times. 
  Reporting cadence: Real-time escalation of risks; quarterly risk review with Finance and Legal. 

Key Relationships 

Internal: Finance Manager, Finance Officer, Partnerships Manager: Funders, Partnerships Director, Legal Lead, Finance & Operations Director, Data Analyst, and Training Lead. 
External: Funders, hosted partners, hosted grantees, and auditors. 

Performance Indicators 

• 100% compliance with funder and grant reporting deadlines. 

• 100% of grants processed with complete due diligence and documentation. 

• Zero unresolved financial discrepancies in grant records at month-end. 

• All funder and hosted partner reporting delivered on time and to standard. 

• Continuous improvement in efficiency and accuracy of grant management workflows. 

• Positive feedback from funders and hosted partners on financial clarity and service quality. 

Qualifications/Experience 

• Internationally recognised finance qualification. 

• Ideally use of Sage but not essential. 

• Experience of the not for profit sector. 

• Experience managing Grants advantageous.