Policy leader jobs

User Voice is looking for a passionate, committed individual with personal lived experience of the criminal justice system to join our team as a Lived Experience Consultant.

This role is central to ensuring that the voices of people in the justice system shape the services that affect them. You’ll work in HMP Northumberland as well as a range of community‑based projects regionally, and occasionally nationally. Some projects will require significant travel, so flexibility is essential.

This role involves independent travel to multiple sites each week – therefore a valid UK driving licence and access to a reliable vehicle would be significantly beneficial for this role. You must be off prison licence or community sentence to apply, as this role is subject to HMPPS clearance, and you will be required to draw keys.

Terms  & Conditions

• Part-time
• Permanent 
• £27k- £30k depending on experience (pro-rata)
• Bank holidays plus 25 days holiday (pro-rata)
• You must be off community order / prison license
• Probationary period: Six months

About the role

As local campaigning lead in our award-winning public affairs and campaigns team, you will play a pivotal role in driving Sands’ mission to save babies’ lives and ensure bereaved families receive the care and support they need.

You will need experience of delivering and evaluating impactful campaigns, and of working in close partnership with those with lived experience to create meaningful, lasting change at a local or national level.

This is a dynamic, outward-facing role that combines strategic campaigning with hands-on community organising. You will have the skills to support and develop a network of local campaigners, empowering volunteers and supporters to take action in their communities, influence decision-makers, and improve services over the long term. You will also feel comfortable representing Sands at a local level, developing strong relationships to amplify the organisation’s voice and impact.

Working collaboratively across the organisation, you will ensure campaigns are evidence-based, inclusive, and shaped by the lived experiences of diverse bereaved families. You will create compelling content and digital actions, support media engagement, and use data and insight to evaluate impact and continuously strengthen our approach.

This role offers an opportunity to combine leadership, influencing and community engagement skills in a purpose-driven environment, making a tangible difference to families and communities across the UK.

Main Purpose of Job 

To lead Sands’ local campaigning function.

Co-lead impactful campaigns at a local and devolved nation level with bereaved parents and families, supporting Sands core aims to save babies lives and ensure anyone affected by the death of a baby receives the care and support they need by:

1. Leading the implementation and evaluation of Sands local campaigns to further our core aims.

2. Developing the capacity of Sands local volunteers, supporters and campaigners to take action to improve their local services in the long-term.

3. Ensuring that Sands campaigns are evidence based and reflect the views and experiences of a diverse range of bereaved parents and families.

Principle Tasks and Responsibilities 

Leading implementation, and evaluation of Sands local campaigns to further Sands core aims.

• Lead local campaigns at Sands in line with our local campaigning strategy, collaborating and planning with key internal stakeholders, and staying up to date with best practise in local campaigning and community organising techniques externally.
• Evaluate the success of the local campaigns with internal and external stakeholders, implementing recommendations for future improvement.
• Work with colleagues to grow Sands’ local campaigning presence across the UK, including supporting funding applications to build staff capacity.
• Manage the budget for local campaigning.
• Represent Sands at a local level, attending meetings, and building relationships, with local politicians, NHS and council officials, journalists, third sector organisations, and other local stakeholders.
• Produce engaging campaigns content for use digitally across different platforms and in hard copy, working with the engagement team to ensure asks are effectively communicated to key audiences.
• Create compelling e-actions to support our campaigns using the Sands digital campaigning platform.
• Work with colleagues to support the production of press releases and responses to media inquiries.
• Organise campaigns meetings and events (virtual or in person).
• Recruit and line manage local campaigns staff, supporting and collaborating with them to roll out impactful local campaigns in more areas (subject to future funding).

Developing the capacity of Sands volunteers, supporters, and campaigners to take action to improve their local services in the long-term. 

• Manage local campaign groups of bereaved parents and families, empowering and motivating them to implement campaigns to solve issues that affect them and create long-term change in their communities.
• Using community organising techniques to build the capacity of local campaigners and groups to campaign independently in the long-term – connecting local people, facilitating workshops and discussions, developing local campaign leaders, and recruiting new members into campaigns.
• Work collaboratively with teams working with Sands supporters and volunteers to maximise the impact of our campaigns, including supporting the creation of effective campaign supporter journeys.
• Create written and visual resources to support campaigning.
• Develop training sessions to build campaigning skills, to be delivered online or in person, or recorded.
• Provide advice and support to Sands campaigners via email, telephone and video call.
• Ensure key data and information about Sands campaigns and our campaigners are up to date and stored in the relevant place, including the Sands database.

Ensure that Sands campaigns are evidence based and reflect the views and experiences of a diverse range of bereaved parents and families.

· Undertake evidence gathering projects to support Sands campaigns work, including collating and analysing data and presenting findings in an accessible and engaging way.

· Ensure that the views of bereaved parents and families inform Sands campaigns and provide opportunities for Sands volunteers to get involved in our campaigning activity.

· Provide direct support to bereaved parents to help them become confident campaigners, so they are well informed, equipped to speak out and know how to go about it.

General tasks 

· Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role as required by the Head of Public Affairs and Campaigns and the Director of Research, Education and Policy.

· Model the culture and values of Sands at all times.

· Work flexibly with other members of staff and team, with some evening/weekend working.

· Maintain a high level of confidentiality and professional conduct.

· Abide by all Sands Policies and Procedures and undertake all mandatory training as required.

· Participate actively in annual appraisals and personal development reviews.

· Actively promote and embody the vision, mission, and values of Sands including a commitment to Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EEDI).

· Occasional evening and weekend working.

This job description is not contractual and may be amended from time to time to reflect the changing needs of the organisation.

External Affairs and Strategy Specialist

Location:  Home Based, Expectation of travel
Working Hours: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £38,960.00 - £48,960

Flexibility in terms of hours and possible part time hours to be considered.

Please note: The salary listed reflects the full earning potential for this role. Starting salaries depend on experience and progression within the band. 

About Waythrough 

Waythrough was formed in 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship. Together, we’ve created one of the largest mental health and social support charities in England. 

Every year, we support around 125,000 people through nearly 200 services – and it’s all made possible by our 3,500 brilliant staff and volunteers.

Make a real difference in your community 

Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier, more independent lives? Join our team at Waythrough and support people facing challenges around mental health, substance use, housing or domestic abuse. This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to build meaningful relationships and create lasting change. 

About the Role

As the External Affairs and Strategy Specialist, you will help shape Waythrough’s external influence, ensuring the organisation understands and responds to an increasingly complex political, policy and social environment. Working closely with senior leaders, you will support strategic decision-making, build key partnerships and drive campaigns and policy projects that create positive change for the people we support.

This is a home-based role with some travel required, including attendance at our joint All Party Parliamentary Group (five or six times per year), and service visits, team away days and wider meetings as required. . You will work closely with colleagues across the organisation, particularly the Communications team, to ensure our external voice is informed, impactful and rooted in lived experience.

Key Duties

• Monitor and interpret political, policy and sector developments, identifying emerging risks, opportunities and trends.
• Build strong relationships across Waythrough to identify subject matter experts and ensure external positions are informed by operational and lived experience.
• Lead and coordinate elements of national campaigns, maintaining momentum and working collaboratively with Communications colleagues to maximise impact.
• Brief senior leaders on external affairs issues and provide high-quality research, papers and recommendations to support organisational decision-making.
• Represent Waythrough at parliamentary groups, policy alliances, external forums and partnership meetings.
• Develop policy submissions, consultation responses, speeches, presentations and campaign materials.
• Build and maintain relationships with senior stakeholders, including parliamentarians, sector bodies and partner organisations.
• Ensure the voices of the people we support remain central to all advocacy, policy and campaign activity.

About You

You are a confident and proactive relationship builder who thrives in a complex and fast-moving environment. Working as part of a small team, and with support and coaching from the Director, you'll be comfortable seeking out expertise across the organisation, collaborating with a wide range of colleagues and influencing senior stakeholders.

You have excellent communication skills, a strong understanding of politics and policy, and the confidence to work closely with directors and executive leaders. You can balance multiple priorities while maintaining focus on what matters most, and you are motivated by ensuring that campaigns, policy positions and external messages are genuinely informed by the experiences and voices of the people we support. Above all, you'll bring initiative, curiosity and a willingness to get stuck in and make things happen.

What We Offer

We value the people who make a difference every day. Alongside meaningful work, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package:

• 27 days’ annual leave, rising to 32 after 1 year (plus bank holidays)

• Pension scheme with 4.5% employer contribution, matched up to 6.5%

• Life assurance (3× annual salary)

• Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly pay

• Birthday leave and the option to buy up to 5 extra days’ annual leave

• Professional fee reimbursement for relevant qualifications

• 24/7 online GP access and Employee Assistance Programme

• Recognition and long service awards via our Way to Go and Aspirations portals

• £500 Recommend a Friend bonus

• Cycle to Work scheme and Credit Union membership

• Discounts via Blue Light Card, Charity Discounts, Extras and Tickets for Good

• Free will writing service and wellbeing initiatives throughout the year.

Inclusion and accessibility 

Waythrough is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, especially those with lived experience of the issues we support. 

We have signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme  - all applicants are welcome, and adjustments can be made to enable fair participation.

About the College
The Royal College of Pathologists is a professional membership organisation with charitable status concerned with all matters relating to the science and practice of pathology. It is a body of its Fellows, Diplomates, Affiliates and trainees, supported by the staff who are based at the College's London offices.

The College is a charity with over 13000 members worldwide. The majority of members are doctors and scientists working in hospitals and universities in the UK.

The College oversees the training of pathologists and scientists working in 17 different specialties, which include cellular pathology, haematology, clinical biochemistry and medical microbiology.

Although some pathologists work in laboratories, many work directly with patients in hospitals and the community. Together, they are involved in the majority of all diagnoses and play an important role in disease prevention, treatment, and monitoring. If you have ever had a blood test, cervical smear or tissue biopsy, a pathologist will have been involved in your care.

About you
We are seeking an ambitious leader to drive complex healthcare policy initiatives and high-level programmes of work. As a subject matter expert in policy and standards, you will balance a passion for innovation with an unwavering commitment to customer service. If you have a proven track record of turning healthcare strategy into decisive action, we want to hear from you.

The Royal College of Pathologists understands the value and strength that diversity brings and we are proud to be an organisation of members from a wide range of backgrounds. We are keen to encourage and enable more people of all identities and from all backgrounds to become involved in the College.

We reserve the right to close the position early if we receive enough suitable applications. Interviews are expected to take place week commencing 27 July 2026.

You’ll also support student voice, deliver induction activities, and ensure student feedback is heard and acted on. If you’re interested in running outreach activities, delivering talks to students and supporting Student Reps this is the role for you.
 

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Outreach & Engagement

· Lead on the planning and delivery of outreach activity (such as stalls and interactive activities) to promote the Students’ Union (specifically the Academic Experience Team’s) services, helping students understand what support is available to them.

· Build relationships with external charities and organisations, coordinating their involvement in on-campus outreach activity to raise awareness of support services relevant to students.

· Develop creative, inclusive approaches to increase student awareness and participation, particularly among students who may not usually engage.

· Collaborate with the Representation Coordinator, Community Events Team, and School & Student Community Organisers (SCOs) to design and deliver outreach that raises awareness of key academic and student issues, including initiatives for awareness weeks and heritage months.

· Monitor impact by monitoring attendance and engagement, in addition to gathering feedback to understand what worked well and continuously improve future outreach.
 

Induction & Student Transition

· Support the Academic Experience Manager in booking and coordinating SU induction talks for the start of each Semester.

· Deliver engaging induction talks and sessions to help new students understand how they can get involved and shape their academic experience.

· Ensure students are aware of key opportunities such as becoming a Student Rep and how to share feedback with the SU.

· Collect feedback on induction sessions and use this to improve content and delivery for future students.
 

Student Representation Support

· Support the delivery of Student Representative recruitment & training, helping reps understand their role and how to represent student views effectively.

· Work with Reps throughout the year to keep them engaged, confident, and active in their role, by hosting drop-in sessions and forums.

· Support the administration of Student Representation, helping students share feedback and ensuring it is used to inform improvements.

· Support the planning, organisation and delivery of School Student Forums and attendance at Programme Academic Experience Groups (PAEGs).

· Support the Academic Experience Team with day-to-day administration, including monitoring shared inboxes, responding to student queries, and helping ensure timely communication with Student Representatives.

Communicating Student Voice

· Work collaboratively with the Marketing Team and Representation Coordinator to develop and deliver regular reporting on student voice activity, including showcasing the impact of work led by Student Reps and SCOs

· Work in partnership with the Advice and Insight teams to support the effective use of student feedback mechanisms, including:

o Coordinating the collation and organisation of student submissions

o Assisting in the analysis and interpretation of feedback data

o Ensuring timely and meaningful reporting back to students and stakeholders on key themes and outcomes

Supporting The Wider SU Team

· Harness and maintain good working relationships with all colleagues across the SU, working as collaboratively as possible on all projects where appropriate.

· Support with the delivery of larger events like Freshers Week, Refreshers Week, the Students’ Union Awards and Elections (this is not an exhaustive list).

General Duties

· Set high standards of integrity, punctuality, accuracy, politeness, and professionalism. By personal example promote a positive image of the SU and ensure staff provide an excellent customer service.

· Ensure the effective and efficient day to day running of the department.

· Contribute towards the delivery of the SU’s strategic plan.

· Attend conferences, training events and meetings as necessary.

· Build and maintain effective relationships with external stakeholders and providers

· Undertake individual projects as required for the benefit of Herts students.

· Have a flexible approach to work and undertake any other reasonable duties that may be required, including general administration.

· Keep up to date with relevant local, national, international & sector developments, changes in legislation and good practice.

· Be sensitive when handling confidential information.

· Respect the democratic structure of the SU at all times.

· Abide by the Union Constitution and Union policies and procedures at all times.

· Support with the delivery of the Students’ Union Elections, Bye-Elections and Referenda, ensuring that they are free, fair and accessible to all students.

· Be aware of the department’s impact on the environment and to work within the environmental policies of the SU and the Uni of Herts.

The Talent Set are delighted to be partnering with Guy’s & St Thomas’ Foundation to recruit a new Head of Funding, joining their Funding & Impact team as a key senior leader responsible for shaping and delivering the Foundation’s funding strategy.

Head of Funding
Salary - £70,000 - £74,000
Location: London with hybrid working (2dpw on site)

Guy's & St Thomas' Foundation is an independent charitable foundation working to build a healthier society. Through funding, partnerships, research and innovation, the Foundation tackles some of the most pressing health challenges facing communities, with a particular focus on reducing health inequalities and improving health outcomes.

The Foundation combines grant-making with strategic influence and long-term investment to create lasting social impact, supporting innovative projects and programmes that improve health and healthcare outcomes for communities now and into the future.

As Head of Funding, you will lead the delivery and development of the Foundation’s funding portfolio, overseeing significant funding activity and ensuring resources are invested effectively to maximise impact. Working closely with the Director of Funding & Impact, you will help shape strategic priorities, build influential partnerships and lead a high-performing team responsible for delivering funding programmes from opportunity identification through to evaluation and learning.

As Head of Funding you will:

• Support the development and implementation of the Foundation’s funding strategy, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities and impact goals.
• Lead and manage the Funding Team, overseeing funding activity and ensuring delivery against strategic objectives.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with healthcare, research, academic and charitable sector partners.
• Oversee funding assessment, decision-making and governance processes, ensuring robust and effective grant-making practice.
• Lead funding committees and advisory processes, preparing high-quality recommendations and reports for decision-makers.
• Drive continuous improvement across funding policies, systems and ways of working to enhance effectiveness and impact.
• Work collaboratively with internal colleagues to support financial planning, reporting, evaluation and portfolio management activities.
• Represent the Foundation externally, promoting its funding and impact work and identifying opportunities for collaboration and influence.

You will bring:

• Significant experience leading funding, grant-making or investment programmes within a charity, healthcare, academic or funding environment.
• Strong understanding of the healthcare, research or scientific sectors and the opportunities and challenges they present.
• Experience managing funding committees, advisory groups, peer review processes or board-level decision-making activities.
• Demonstrable ability to develop strategy and translate this into effective operational delivery.
• Strong relationship-building skills, with a proven track record of managing complex stakeholder relationships and partnerships.
• Strategic leadership experience, including leading, motivating and developing high-performing teams.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, able to communicate complex information clearly to a range of audiences.
• Highly organised and analytical, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and make informed decisions in a complex environment.

How to Apply
To express an initial interest, please submit your CV demonstrating your suitability for this role by clicking the 'apply now' button (please do not apply via email). We aim to get back to all successful candidates within 48 working hours. 

Commitment to Diversity
The Talent Set are committed to diverse and inclusive recruitment practices, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability, or age. We actively encourage applications from a wide range of backgrounds and are always happy to make reasonable adjustments to ensure a fair recruitment process.

It starts with community - as the UK’s largest community funder, we will distribute over £4 billion by 2030 to projects that strengthen society and improve lives. We have an exciting opportunity for a Workforce Planning Business Partner to join our Organisation Development & Transformation team on 12-month fixed term contract.  

It’s an exciting time to join us at the Fund as we enter the second phase of our It starts with community strategy and look ahead as we develop our new Corporate Plan to 2030. To achieve this, we need to be a well-designed, agile and future ready organisation. 

This role is pivotal and will act as a bridge between strategy, insights and action.  Working closely with senior stakeholders across the organisation you will lead the design of our workforce planning approach.  You will ensure the organisation’s structure has the right people, skills and capacity to deliver its future ambitions.

This is a new role within the organisation; therefore, it is key that you can take the organisation on a cultural journey of embedding the workforce planning approach. You will also play a key role in our Business Planning process working collaboratively with colleagues and leaders across the organisation as we shape the organisation for the future.  

Key responsibilities include:

• Design and lead a workforce planning framework. 
• Identify future capability, capacity, and skills.
• Collaborate with People and Talent Business Partners to translate workforce planning into talent strategies.
• Support the development of career pathways and capability-building initiatives.
• Lead the utilisation of workforce data and analytics to inform planning, forecasting, and scenario modelling.
• Partner with senior leaders to embed workforce planning into annual business planning cycles.
• Act as a trusted expert, supporting leaders to understand workforce risks and opportunities.

You will have a depth and breadth of experience in workforce planning along with strong analytical and communication skills. As this role focuses on forward planning it is key that you can translate data and insight into meaningful and practical solutions. You will also need to apply an equity-based approach to ensure we continue to grow our diverse workforce.  However, it isn’t all about the data, you need to be confident and a credible expert who is able to engage and influence stakeholders on workforce planning and best practice.  

Interview details:

• Date: 17 and 18th August
• Format: Online
• Location: UK-wide

We have a hybrid approach to working. Work pattern and location will be agreed with the successful candidate. The role can be based at any of our UK offices: Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Exeter, Glasgow, Leeds, London, Manchester, Newcastle, and Newtown.

If you have any questions please email the recruitment team. 

How to apply:

Upload your CV in word format and write a supporting statement (1000 words) with the following criteria, we will use this to score your application.

Essential Criteria:

• Proven experience in workforce planning, strategic HR, or organisational planning roles
• Deep expertise in strategic workforce planning framework aligned to organisational priorities 
• Strong understanding of talent management, organisational capability, and future skills planning
• Ability to apply Equity based approach to workforce planning to support a diverse workforce
• Strong analytical skills to translate complex data into clear, actionable insight aligned to strategic priorities
• Strong strategic thinker and confident communicator with ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders
• Collaborative, proactive, and solutions-focused
• Ability to build trust and confidence in a changing culture to embed workforce planning 

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion  

Communities in the UK come in all shapes and sizes. National Lottery funding is for everyone – therefore, we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and we work hard to ensure our funding reaches where it is needed.  

We also believe our people should represent the communities, organisations and individuals we work with. That’s why The National Lottery Community Fund is committed to being an inclusive employer and a great place to work. We recognise and celebrate the fact that our people come from diverse backgrounds. We positively welcome applications from people from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities or longstanding health conditions, people who are LGBTQ+, and people from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds, as well as people of all ages. 

As a Disability Confident Employer, we take a proactive approach in making reasonable adjustments, if needed, throughout the recruitment process and during employment. (This can be related to a physical and mental health condition.) 

The Sands Insights Network is an online community of bereaved parents who want to use their experience and knowledge to shape Sands work to make maternity and neonatal care safer.

The Network sits within the Saving Babies Lives team which focusses on using evidence, including from parents, to drive improvements in maternity and neonatal safety. The Network also facilitates parents’ involvement in Sands policy and campaigning work, as well as external projects seeking to include people with experience of baby loss.

Main Purpose of Job 

1. Undertake the day-to-day management of a successful network, building diverse membership and ensuring a safe environment for bereaved parents 

2. Ensure the diverse experiences and perspectives of bereaved parents are included in research, learning and improvement initiatives in a way that works for them 

3. Ensure the involvement activities are monitored, evaluated and impact is captured and shared

4. Help to build Sands’ reputation as a leader in partnership working, advocating for the inclusion of bereaved parents in research and decision making

Principle Tasks and Responsibilities 

1. Undertake the day-to-day management of a successful network, building diverse membership and ensuring a safe environment for bereaved parents 

• Grow the network. Engage potential new members and oversee screening and onboarding processes.

• Create a welcoming space with signposting to enable new and existing network members to navigate and make best use of the platform. 

• Maintain the network as a safe space for bereaved parents. 

• Promote the platform and its impact to Sands audiences. 

• Create and embed Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EEDI) principles throughout the network and proactively ensure the membership is diverse in experience and background as the network grows.

• Work with Research Manager to ensure appropriate risk management and safeguarding protocols are in place and followed. 

• Work with the Research Manager to co-create governance policies/agreements with the network members.Moderate user activities and take actions where needed if policies are breached. 

2. Ensure the diverse experiences and perspectives of bereaved parents are included in research, learning and improvement initiatives in a way that works for them 

• Working with Sands teams and with external groups, identify opportunities for PPIE involvement, to provide a continuous range of options for parents to engage with. 

• Engage with network members to develop the community, and create activity based on their needs. 

• Share opportunities with the Network, encouraging and supporting involvement from members. 

• Create a dynamic and interactive atmosphere on the platform, building and maintain relationships with network members, and generating enthusiasm and a sense of purpose. 

• Encourage and facilitate activity within project groups on the network to ensure activities proceed and are constructive and inclusive. 

• Develop and share tools and resources to support parents with the skills and information they may need to be positively involved in research and improvement projects.

• Lead some involvement activities, including discussion groups, interviews and collaborative working. 

• Work with the Research Manager and the membership of the network to develop and implement a policy for reward and recognition for both internal and external opportunities. 

3. Ensure the involvement activities are monitored, evaluated and impact is captured

• In partnership with the Research Manager develop and embed a framework for monitoring and evaluating activities. 

• Summarise and share findings and outcomes of network projects, feeding into research, service and policy development. 

• Provide regular reports on impact and share those across Sands.

4. Help to build Sands’ reputation as a leader in partnership working, advocating for the inclusion of bereaved parents in research and decision making

• Build relationships with external stakeholders; support network members to influence people and organisations outside Sand directly, including decisionmakers, influencers, research groups or research funders.

• Represent network members externally and advocate for their involvement and inclusion in research and improvement programmes. 

• Represent Sands at external events, meetings and activities, helping to build Sands’ reputation as a leader in the field of working in partnership with bereaved parents.

General 

• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role as required by the Research Manager, Head of Saving Babies Lives team and the CEO.

• Work flexibly and collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to achieve shared goals. 

• Always maintain strict confidentiality. 

• Adhere to all Sands policies and procedures. 

• Undertake all mandatory training as required. 

• Participate actively in annual appraisals and personal development

We are looking for an extraordinary person to become the Service Coordinator of the friendly teams in our Mental Health Supported Living services which are located across Bristol and South Gloucestershire. 

The successful Service Coordinator(s) will lead the team in enabling individuals with complex mental health needs to create their own developmental programme with the aim of progressing to further independent living. This will include supporting people to develop the strategies that underpin resilience, to learn the responsibilities of citizenship, to acquire practical living skills and establish themselves within the community of their choice.

You will be a creative and inspirational leader with great listening skills who will empower every individual in your team to be their best self at work. You will have an excellent understanding of person-centred approaches and be committed to proactively promoting the psychological and emotional well-being of those you support.

You will work closely with the 2 Service Managers and Service Coordinator who work in the Mental Health Supported Living division to maintain and develop each service as a high-quality provision for the people we are supporting. You will ensure all services remain compliant with the legislation that governs the sector while demonstrating and evidencing that both services provide excellent support for people.

Other responsibilities will include:

• Taking responsibility for the day to day running of the services which will include planning and managing the rota to ensure that people get the support they need when they need it.
• Guiding the team to co- write and review support and risk management plans, ensuring that the people we support are at the centre of the process.
• Supervising staff, providing regular one to supervisions, organising team meetings, identifying and maximizing opportunities to develop the skills of each individual in the team and ensuring that their training is up to date.
• Participating in referrals and assessments for the service.
• Working within a set budget and monitoring expenditure as appropriate.
• Providing “hands-on” and direct support for the people we support

The successful candidate will:

• Have strong leadership skills, ideally with some management experience.
• Be organised and practical, able to manage your time prioritise work in accordance with the imperatives of the service.
• Be competent in using IT applications, such as rota planning systems, or be able to learn these swiftly.
• Have experience of working in mental health, particularly working with people who have complex mental health needs.
• Be confident in responding to people who are experiencing acute mental illness, in dynamic risk management and developing escalation plans to ensure that people receive the support that they need.
• Have knowledge of mental health systems, processes and best practice with experience of working with trauma informed approaches.
• Be able to work across 7 days and be able to work a variety of shift patternsHere at Milestones Trust, we recognise that without the hard work, commitment and passion of our staff, we wouldn’t be the charity we are today. That’s why we are committed to rewarding you with a competitive pay and benefits package:
• 34 days’ annual leave, including recognised public holidays
• Learning and development to support your career growth
• Nationally recognised qualifications, from entry‑level care to management
• Flexible working, with rotas provided in advance
• Occupational Sick Pay after two years, increasing with service
• Health Cash Plan after probation, offering at least £695 cashback for health treatments (dental, optical, therapies, maternity/paternity, prescriptions)
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Free enhanced DBS check
• Dayforce Wallet, giving you access to your earnings before payday
• Employee referral scheme with financial rewards
• Employee Assistance Programme from day one, offering confidential 24/7 support
• Company pension scheme to help grow your retirement savings

We pride ourselves with being able to offer staff opportunities to develop and progress their careers within the Trust.

Lead the operations, governance and compliance that enable Solving Kids' Cancer UK to deliver its mission and impact for children and families affected by neuroblastoma. Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will play a critical role in ensuring the charity operates effectively, compliantly and sustainably.

This broad and varied leadership role spans governance, risk, HR, IT, data protection and organisational operations, supporting delivery of the charity's strategy through robust systems, policies and processes. Acting as Company Secretary, you will work closely with the CEO and Board of Trustees, providing advice on governance, regulatory requirements and best practice. As a member of the Leadership Team, you will oversee key operational functions, lead cross-organisational projects and deputise for the CEO where required.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for a strategic, highly organised and values-driven leader with strong experience in charity operations, governance and compliance. You will have a track record of ensuring organisations are well run, compliant and effectively managed, with the ability to oversee multiple operational areas and support strong governance and decision-making at Board level.

You will be comfortable working across a broad remit, including governance, risk, HR, IT and data protection, and confident providing clear, practical advice to senior leaders and trustees.

Person specification

Key requirements include:

• Significant senior-level experience in operations, governance or compliance within a charity or similar environment. 
• Strong understanding of charity governance and regulation, with experience supporting boards and senior leadership. 
• Experience overseeing organisational functions such as HR, IT, data protection or risk. 
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and lead cross-organisational work effectively. 
• Strong judgement, integrity and the ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion. 

See our Recruitment Pack for the full role description and specification and for information about Solving Kids' Cancer UK. 

This is an opportunity to make a significant contribution at the heart of a small, ambitious charity where strong operations are a vital enabler of impact for children and families.

Location: Home-based, within easy reach of London, with regular travel to the London office and occasional UK-wide travel.

First-stage interview: Thursday 6 August 

Second-stage interview: Thursday 13 August

Independent Age is the national charity focused on improving the lives of people facing financial hardship in later life. We believe no one should face financial hardship in later life.

Our Helpline and expert advisers offer free, practical support to older people without enough money to live on. Through our grants programme, we support hundreds of local organisations working with older people across the UK. 

We use the knowledge and insight gained from our support services and partnerships to highlight the issues experienced by older people in poverty and campaign for change.

We would love to find individuals from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds to join us on this journey.

Responsibilities and Person Specification:

This is a critical and influential role at Independent Age, reporting to the Head of Governance. The post holder will provide high-quality support across a broad and impactful portfolio, including risk management, procurement and contracts, governance, safeguarding and business continuity, helping to build a culture where accountability, learning and continuous improvement drive meaningful change. 

Working closely with senior leaders and the Board, you will play an important role in enabling effective and confident decision-making across every level of the charity. This is an opportunity to contribute across a wide range of areas and to see the direct impact of your work on how the organisation functions and delivers its mission. 

We are looking for someone with a genuine passion for risk management, alongside a strong understanding of not-for-profit governance best practice. You will also bring experience in at least one of the following areas: procurement, contracts management, third party contract risk, business continuity planning, policy management or safeguarding.

You will be an excellent communicator, confident working with senior stakeholders, with strong attention to detail and a proactive, can-do approach. Above all, you will take pride in getting things done efficiently and to a high standard and be motivated by the opportunity to work for a values-led organisation making a meaningful difference to older people.

This is a full-time role, 35 hours per week, which you can choose to work over five days or a 9-day fortnight. 

If your experience doesn’t align perfectly with all of the above criteria but you do meet most of them and are excited about the role, we encourage you to apply anyway.

What it’s like to work at Independent Age:

We celebrate diversity at Independent Age and champion the differences that make each of us unique. We actively support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets to join us and help shape what we do. We aim to attract and retain a wide range of talent and create an environment where everyone can feel safe, protected, welcome and included. In line with this, our office has many inclusive features, and there is no dress code. 

We offer great benefits including 28 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme with life assurance, and fantastic learning and development opportunities. We also offer a number of enhanced leave provisions and benefits.

We know that a good work life balance helps us perform at our best and supports wellbeing. Flexible working hours and hybrid working is standard for all, but if you need a different form of flexibility, we are always happy to talk flexible working. Those contracted to work in the office are required to attend the office a minimum of 4 days per month. This role supports Board and committee meetings which may be held online or in the office, meaning availability to support with this is required. 

You can find out more about what it’s like to work at Independent Age on the Careers page on our website.

Application Process:

To apply, please visit our website to submit a CV and a Supporting Statement, detailing how your skills and experience meet the criteria within the Job Description and Person Specification (please do not hesitate to contact us if you have specific requirements and need support to apply in an alternative format).

To support our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion our hiring managers use anonymous shortlisting. Therefore, please do not include your name, photo, or information to indicate your gender or age in your CV and supporting statement. Please do not omit dates of employment. Please ensure the title of any uploads does not contain your name. 

Independent Age is committed to safeguarding and follows Safer Recruitment practices to ensure we are safeguarding those we work with. We therefore ask that you supply your full work history with explanations for any gaps in the application documents you submit and, if offered the post, we will require two employment references including your current or most recent employer. A Basic DBS check will be carried out for the successful candidate.

Closing Date: Tuesday 14 July, 23:59

1st Interview Dates: Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22 July, online via Microsoft Teams 

2nd Interview Dates: Wednesday 29 July, in person at our London Office (Avonmore Road)

Job Title: Director of Examinations 

Reports to: Chief Executive

Line reports: Examinations Manager (x2) 

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth) is a membership organisation and the voice of the profession, with over 4,750 members in the UK and overseas. Our role is to champion the specialty, set standards of training and practice, and influence change to make a difference to the lives of patients with eye conditions.

Job Purpose 

The Director of Examinations plays an important role within the College, providing strategic leadership, oversight and delivery of our exam function in the UK and overseas, at the same time as ensuring alignment with best practice and GMC standards.

This role has responsibility for a budget of £2M+ and for the delivery of exams to around 3,000 candidates each year. The postholder is also responsible for leading a team of six members of staff and forms a key part of our Senior Leadership Team, taking corporate responsibility for the overall direction and operational management of the College.

Main responsibilities 

1. To oversee the strategic direction and delivery of exams 

• Provide strategic leadership for the College's examination function, ensuring all examinations are designed, delivered and continuously improved in accordance with the College's strategic objectives, regulatory requirements, obligations and recognised best practice 

• Develop and implement the long-term exams strategy, anticipating future developments in medical education, assessment, AI technology and regulation to identify opportunities, manage risks and ensure the continued relevance and sustainability of the College's examinations 

• Ensure the College's examinations meet the standards required by the General Medical Council (GMC) and other relevant regulatory bodies, maintaining robust governance, quality assurance and standard-setting processes that demonstrate examinations are valid, reliable and fit for purpose 

• Lead the strategic planning, financial management and performance of the examinations function, ensuring delivery within agreed budgets while maintaining high-quality services and identifying opportunities for innovation and operational efficiency 

• Champion an outstanding candidate and stakeholder experience by ensuring examinations are delivered to consistently high standards of customer service, accessibility, fairness and professionalism, with particular regard to equity, diversity and inclusion, confidentiality and information security 

• Provide executive leadership for the development, implementation and continuous improvement of policies, assessment methodologies and quality assurance frameworks, ensuring alignment with developments in medical assessment and educational best practice. 

• Oversee governance arrangements for examination appeals, reasonable adjustments, examination security and risk management, ensuring robust, transparent and legally compliant decision-making processes 

• Ensure comprehensive monitoring and analysis of examination performance, assessment outcomes and equality data, using evidence and statistical analysis to inform continuous improvement, maintain standards and provide assurance to the College's governance structures and external regulators 

• Drive the development and implementation of digital solutions, leading business change to improve resilience, efficiency, data quality and the candidate experience 

• Lead the strategic development and expansion of the College's international examination portfolio, identifying opportunities for growth while ensuring consistent quality, governance and candidate experience across the UK and overseas in a financially sustainable way 

• Ensure appropriate governance, oversight and maintenance of systems, policies, guidance and digital resources, including candidate communications and public-facing information 

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation and evidence-based practice across the examinations function, ensuring emerging risks, operational issues and opportunities are identified and addressed proactively. 

2. To foster close and constructive relationships with key stakeholders 

• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with examiners, psychometricians, clinical leaders, regulators and international delivery partners, fostering collaboration to ensure the consistent delivery, quality and integrity of the College's examinations across the UK and internationally 

• Provide strategic oversight of the recruitment, development and performance of the College's volunteer examiner workforce, ensuring examiners are appropriately trained, supported and calibrated to deliver assessments in accordance with regulatory requirements and recognised best practice 

• Serve as the executive lead for the College's Examinations Committee and its subcommittee structure, providing strategic advice, governance support and assurance to enable effective oversight of the examination function and its ongoing development 

• Lead the College's relationship with the GMC, acting as the principal point of engagement on examination matters. Ensure timely and robust regulatory reporting, represent the College in formal discussions, and provide assurance that examinations continue to meet all applicable regulatory standards 

• Build and maintain productive relationships with key UK stakeholders, including the Postgraduate Dean for Ophthalmology, the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AoMRC), NHS partners and other professional bodies, influencing developments in postgraduate medical assessment and promoting collaboration across the sector 

• Lead the College's engagement with international partners, including examination delivery organisations, host institutions and the College of Ophthalmology of Eastern, Central and Southern Africa (COESCA), supporting the strategic growth, quality assurance and sustainable development of the College's international examination portfolio 

• Represent the College externally on matters relating to examinations and assessment, acting as a trusted advisor to senior clinical leaders, regulators and partner organisations, and enhancing the College's reputation as a leader in postgraduate medical assessment. 

3. To lead the directorate 

• Provide executive leadership of the team, creating a high-performing, collaborative and customer-focused culture that enables colleagues to deliver excellent outcomes 

• Lead, develop and empower the team through effective coaching, succession planning and identification of professional development opportunities, building capacity and resilience

• Establish clear individual and team objectives aligned to the College's strategic priorities, monitoring performance, fostering accountability and supporting the successful delivery of agreed outcomes

• Promote effective communication and collaboration across the team, ensuring colleagues are informed, motivated and connected to the College's strategic direction, while championing the team's achievements across the organisation 

• Ensure robust financial stewardship, including strategic financial planning, budget management and long-term forecasting, contributing to the College's sustainability and value for money 

• Provide strategic advice, analysis and assurance to the Board of Trustees and Finance Committee, reporting on performance, risks, financial position and progress against objectives 

• Establish effective governance and programme management arrangements to deliver strategic initiatives, foster cross-College collaboration and drive continuous improvement. 

4. To contribute as a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) 

• Play a full and active role as a member of the SLT, contributing to the development and delivery of the College's strategy and organisational priorities 

• Provide visible organisational leadership, promoting collaboration across teams and embedding a one-College approach that delivers consistently high standards of service and performance 

• Contribute to the development, implementation and review of College-wide policies, governance arrangements and organisational processes, ensuring effective and consistent application across the organisation 

• Share collective corporate responsibility for decisions taken by the SLT and Board of Trustees, supporting their successful implementation and promoting a culture of accountability and continuous improvement 

• Lead and contribute to cross-organisational change programmes and strategic projects, ensuring effective engagement with colleagues and stakeholders to deliver sustainable improvement 

• Champion and role model the College's values, behaviours and leadership expectations, fostering an inclusive, respectful and high-performing organisational culture. 

5. To undertake other duties as required:  

• Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Chief Executive

• Extensive travel in the UK and overseas is required, alongside working outside normal hours from time to time during exam sittings. 

Person Specification 

Knowledge, Qualifications and Experience 

• Degree or equivalent professional qualification 

• Significant senior leadership experience in examinations, education, assessment or a professional membership organisation 

• Experience of leading high-stakes assessment or examination services, including quality assurance and regulatory compliance 

• Experience of strategic planning, budget management and organisational performance 

• Experience of leading, developing and motivating high-performing teams 

• Experience of working with Boards, committees, regulators and senior stakeholders 

• Experience of leading organisational or digital change programmes 

Skills and Abilities 

• Strategic leadership with strong planning, analytical and decision-making skills 

• Excellent communication, influencing and relationship management skills 

• Financial and commercial awareness with the ability to manage resources effectively 

• Ability to lead change, manage risk and deliver continuous improvement 

• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results 

Personal Qualities (Attributes) 

• Collaborative, inclusive and values-driven leader who demonstrates integrity, professionalism and sound judgement 

• Resilient, adaptable and committed to innovation, continuous improvement and customer excellence 

• Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and to continuing professional development 

Other requirements

Willingness to travel within the UK and internationally and work occasional evenings or weekends during examination periods

Senior Programme Manager

We are seeking a Senior Programme Manager to lead a flagship initiative shaping how capital markets deliver better outcomes for children and future generations.

Salary: £56,000–£65,000 (dependent on experience) + 30 days’ annual leave (pro rata) and 10% employer pension
Location: Central London (hybrid – 60% office / 40% home)
Contract: 12-month fixed term - (4 or 5 days per week)
Start date: As soon as available
Closing date: Please apply promptly as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis

About the role

This is a senior, high-impact position leading a flagship “Investing for Future Generations” Lab, focused on transforming how capital markets understand and respond to children’s lives and outcomes.

You will shape and deliver a market-leading programme designed to embed children’s outcomes into investment decision-making, moving them from a moral concern to a recognised financial consideration. Acting as a central coordinating “backbone”, you will bring together investors, policymakers and partners to drive system-level change.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the strategy, theory of change and delivery roadmap for the Lab
• Building and coordinating a high-impact cross-sector coalition
• Managing programme budgets, governance, risks and reporting
• Producing practical outputs such as investor frameworks, policy papers and insights
• Influencing policy and supporting an enabling environment for impact investment
• Driving partnerships, fundraising and stakeholder engagement
• Contributing to organisational leadership as part of the senior management team

About you

You are a strategic and collaborative leader with experience operating across complex environments and multiple stakeholders.

You will bring:

• Proven ability to design and deliver ambitious strategies with system-wide impact
• Strong relationship-building and influencing skills, including at senior levels
• Excellent communication skills, with confidence in public speaking and stakeholder engagement
• Experience working with or alongside capital markets, investment or policy environments
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities
• A passion for using finance as a force for positive societal change

Experience in impact investing or children-focused policy is beneficial but not essential.

About the organisation

This independent, purpose-driven organisation works to transform capital markets to support a fairer, greener and more resilient future. Through collaborative programmes, research and partnerships, it mobilises private capital to address pressing societal challenges.

The organisation is values-led, ambitious and collaborative, with a strong commitment to inclusion and diversity. Flexible working is supported, and applications are encouraged from candidates of all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in finance and policy.

Other roles you may have experience of could include:
Programme Director, Impact Investment Manager, Policy & Partnerships Lead, Strategy Lead, Head of Programmes, Investment Director, Social Impact Lead, Senior Project Director.

About Saferworld

Saferworld is an independent international organisation working in partnership with civil society to prevent violent conflict and build safer lives. We work in solidarity with people affected by conflict to improve their safety and sense of security, and we build conditions for peace and justice. We also support analysis and learning to influence local, national and international policies and practices that help foster lasting peace and justice. Our priority is people – we believe in a world where everyone can lead peaceful, fulfilling lives free from fear and insecurity. We operate on a not-for-profit basis with partners in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, with nine offices across those regions and offices in the UK, USA and Belgium.

Saferworld is committed to providing a safe, trusted environment that safeguards our staff, partners and communities. Our organisational integrity is derived from the values and principles that underpin and guide our work.

We are seeking a strategic and inspiring Head of Funding and Programme Development with a proven ability to lead, motivate, and mobilise resources in a values-driven environment. This role calls for a leader who is deeply committed to equitable partnerships with communities and organisations in conflict-affected settings, guiding teams to raise resources effectively while advancing peace and justice outcomes. Grounded in a people-centred vision of change, you will foster collaboration, champion locally-led approaches, and steer efforts toward resourcing sustainable, community-driven, and collective visions of peace.

About the role

• The Head of Funding and Programme Development will shape Saferworld’s income profile in alignment with our organisational strategy and change process. The post-holder will lead the development and implementation of Saferworld’s funding strategy, ensuring it supports our strategic, programmatic and operational priorities.
• The role will focus on strengthening the quality, flexibility and diversity of Saferworld’s funding base, nurturing relationships with strategic institutional donors, growing philanthropic funding, and identifying new income opportunities.
• This is an exciting opportunity to influence Saferworld’s fundraising and programme development approach during a pivotal period for the organisation. The role will line-manage a small team across programme development, philanthropy and funding.

Key responsibilities

• As part of Saferworld’s senior leadership, you will support organisation-wide initiatives and contribute to strategic decision-making. You will monitor funding trends, identify emerging issues relevant to Saferworld’s work and partnership approaches, and develop appropriate strategies to respond.
• Working closely with the Senior Operations Team, you will ensure funding plans are developed across business units and thematic/regional areas, and that income pipelines are maintained while quality assurance and active cost recovery are proactively pursued. You will oversee the funding and prospects pipeline, produce data and analysis to support decision-making, and provide regular reporting to senior leaders and the Board.
• Externally, you will represent Saferworld with key donors, partners and networks, building strategic relationships and identifying funding opportunities.
• You will lead the development, implementation and monitoring of Saferworld’s funding strategy, ensuring a balanced, ethical and diverse portfolio of restricted and unrestricted income streams. This will include securing quality funding against agreed targets and supporting income diversification through trusts and foundations, commercial funding, and other sources.
• You will work closely with Saferworld’s Grant Management Team to ensure a coordinated and strategic approach to donor relationship management and cultivation. You will also lead the design of multi-country and thematic proposals, as well as consortia bid development, to strengthen partnerships and support new ways of resourcing Saferworld’s strategy.
• The post-holder will set standards for collaborative and participatory programme design, manage proposal development processes from opportunity notice to contract signing, and ensure learning from donor feedback is used to strengthen our fundraising approach.
• You will lead the Funding Leadership Team to ensure cross-organisational ownership of fundraising efforts, and work closely with regional, thematic, policy and grant management colleagues throughout the funding cycle.

People and leadership

• You will line-manage the Funding and Programme Development Team and foster an environment where staff feel empowered, take responsibility and are accountable for achieving organisational objectives.
• You will ensure the team facilitates strong participatory programme design and proposal development with partners and staff, embedding Saferworld’s organisational values and principles. You will also support the team to work closely with colleagues across the organisation, grounding proposals in learning, evidence and evaluation findings.

About you

• You will bring proven senior leadership experience in funding, with a track record of developing and implementing funding strategies and raising income through a range of donors, including individuals, institutions, trusts and foundations. You will also have experience securing high-value contracts and grants of seven figures.
• You will have strong experience of leading complex participatory programme design, including developing budgets, monitoring frameworks and proposals. You will be confident coordinating programme development processes with multiple teams and partners to ensure a collaborative and inclusive approach.
• You will have a proven track record of motivating, mentoring and managing a team, and supporting that team to think creatively about fundraising. You will also be confident developing networks, building alliances, and nurturing relationships with individuals, collaborators and funders.
• You will bring a strong understanding of key political, development and humanitarian trends and debates, particularly linked to peacebuilding, development, human rights, governance, and security and justice. You will also have sound knowledge of UK civil society and charity regulatory requirements, and an understanding of the current international aid, peacebuilding and human rights funding environment.
• Experience of working and/or living in conflict-affected contexts, and understanding of peacebuilding and conflict prevention, are desirable.

Skills and qualities

• You will have excellent leadership and management skills, including strategic planning and business development. You will be able to provide sound financial and compliance advice, demonstrate good financial stewardship, and bring a creative, proactive approach to your work.
• You will be able to set priorities while working under pressure, adjust to multiple demands and shifting priorities, and move between hands-on involvement in proposal writing and strategic oversight.
• You will bring strong communication skills, including experience of communicating across cultures and with diverse audiences. You will understand the power imbalances that may be reflected in programme design and budgeting, and bring a strong commitment to inclusive processes and to shifting power and resources to partners.
• You will be committed to Saferworld’s vision, mission and values, including equality, diversity and safeguarding. You will be able to lead by example and create a safe and respectful environment for all staff.

Application process

• Please apply through our vacancy portal on the Saferworld Jobs website.
• Upload your CV and a covering letter addressing the person specification and explaining why your experience matches the requirements of the role.

Deadline for applications: 3 August 2026
Interviews planned: Week commencing 10 August 2026