Policy officer jobs in birmingham, west midlands

About you

Do you want to use your skills to make it possible for people with myeloma, an incurable blood cancer, to live longer and better lives?

Myeloma UK is looking for a motivated and highly proactive Senior Policy Officer to join our Patient Advocacy team within the wider Research and Advocacy directorate. 

You will have experience in analysing, developing, and communicating complex policy issues, strong communication skills, and the ability to prioritise a fast-moving and wide-ranging workload.

You will also have experience working collaboratively and building relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders. 

You will have the ability to present findings and recommendations to a range of audiences and produce high-quality succinct briefings in a timely fashion, underpinned by evidence.

Empathy and sensitivity are required to work closely with patients and their families and friends.

Experience in the health charity sector, public/patient engagement work, and working on the National Institute of Health Care Excellence (NICE) and Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) consultation processes would be beneficial but not essential.

About the role

As Senior Policy Officer you will be part of the Patient Advocacy team who work to ensure that the patient voice is heard and acted upon by UK and devolved nations healthcare policy decision makers. You will represent the charity externally including national meetings with senior healthcare decision makers.

Your role is vital to developing strategic approaches to health technology appraisals (HTA), regulatory pathways (MHRA), clinical development programmes (academic and industry clinical trials) and commissioning routes to broaden access to new myeloma drug therapies and diagnostic technologies.

You will apply your skills flexibly across key policy areas including access to treatment, patient voice, stakeholder engagement and general healthcare policy and work with colleagues in communications and fundraising to make sure our supporters and the wider myeloma community understand the positive impact we make.

About us

Myeloma UK is the only UK charity focused on myeloma and its related conditions.  We provide support and influence access to treatments, while researching a cure.  Thanks to life-extending treatments and support, today many people affected by myeloma are able to live longer and to live well.  Together, we support, so no one faces myeloma alone. 

We are committed to bringing together the best and brightest people to help us ensure that every patient has an empowered present and a hopeful future.

Our ultimate goal is to find a cure and make myeloma history. Until then, our mission is to help every patient live well with myeloma for as long as possible. We are committed to diagnosing myeloma earlier, discovering and sharing knowledge, transforming the patient experience and influencing positive change in care.

Our culture

Wellbeing and staff engagement are at the heart of our culture.  We offer our employees a range of benefits including a pension salary exchange scheme, flexitime, flexible working from home with hub-based office working, health plan, employee assistance plan and holiday purchase scheme and we are committed to providing learning and development opportunities for all our employees.

How to apply

If you think you would be a great fit for this role, get in touch and tell us more about yourself by sending the following:

1. A cover letter telling us more about you and what you think makes you a good fit for this role

2. A CV that sets out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements

Applications close 9am on 6 October 2025 and interviews will be held w/c 27 October 2025.

Myeloma UK is an equal opportunities employer and always welcomes applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of:

· sex

· race

· disability

· age

· sexual orientation

· gender reassignment

· religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity

Please note, you will be asked to provide evidence of your eligibility to work in the UK prior to interview selection.

We are seeking a dynamic Policy Officer to join our policy team, to support our lobbying and advocacy work, raise the profile of specialist FE with parliamentarians and represent the views of members. The work is varied, including monitoring parliamentary activity, undertaking research, meeting with members, helping to prepare consultation responses and analysing government proposals and published policies. The postholder will also take a lead in communicating Natspec’s policy positions to members and other stakeholders.

The main duties of the role include:

• Monitoring parliamentary and media activity to alert the Natspec team to relevant issues
• Maintaining and developing Natspec’s parliamentary database, increasing links with MPs and ministers
• Undertaking research to support Natspec’s policy work
• Preparing news stories, press releases and social media content, and identifying media opportunities to promote Natspec’s work and policy positions
• Working with Natspec member colleges, supporting them in their local lobbying work, and establishing network meetings
• Supporting the Senior Policy Manager and Senior Policy Officer with consultation responses, reports, publications, articles and data analysis.

We are looking for a self-motivated, innovative, dynamic and enthusiastic individual with good written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to develop strong working relationships. You don’t need to have a background in learning difficulties or disabilities or further education, although a demonstrable interest in these areas would be welcome. You should, however, have some prior experience of policy work, including undertaking research and analysis, understand parliamentary processes, and be able to quickly develop your understanding of education and funding policy relevant to specialist FE.

While you will be home-based, you will be in frequent contact with your colleagues both online and in-person and there will be plenty of opportunities to work outside of the home, attending meetings and visiting colleges. You will need to travel to London on a regular basis. You must be able to work flexibly, sometimes under pressure, and thrive on the unpredictability of policy work. 

Job Title: Policy and Impact Officer

Location: Home working with some travel 

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: 35 hours per week

Salary: £24,000pa 

DBS/PVG: Not required

Job Family: 3

Line Manager: Head of Policy and Impact

Closing Date:  30th September 2025 We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications

Start Date: asap

Interview Dates: 23 October 2025

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications

Who we are

At Volunteering Matters, we believe people have the power to create change. Whether through volunteering by helping others and giving time, or through social action such as speaking up, campaigning, or leading change, everyone can make a difference. We bring people together to build stronger communities across England, Scotland and Wales, making sure everyone has the chance to get involved and create real change.

What we do

We help people of all ages and backgrounds get involved in volunteering and social action. We focus on making sure that everyone, no matter their situation, has the chance to take part. 

How we do this

We support people to share their time and skills to help others and tackle big challenges in their communities.

• We remove barriers to volunteering and social action, making it easier for people who don’t always get the chance to take part.

• We listen to and amplify voices that aren’t always heard, helping volunteers and communities influence change.

• We help volunteers beyond their first experience, offering training, support, and pathways to new opportunities.

• We connect businesses with communities, creating meaningful employee volunteering projects.

• We show the impact of volunteering and social action, proving how it changes lives for the better.

Our promise to volunteers

We are always looking for new ways for volunteers to make a difference. We bring people together across generations and backgrounds to learn from each other and create change. At the same time, we make sure that all our volunteers are trained, supported, and valued, so they feel confident in what they do.

Role Purpose

The Policy and Impact Team sits at the heart of Volunteering Matters. We play a vital role in demonstrating the impact of our work connecting data, qualitative insight, and lived experience to the policy agendas shaping communities across the UK. Through storytelling, analysis, and evidence, we make sure volunteering is recognised as a driving force for social change.

We are a small, hands-on team. You will be involved in every aspect of our work from desk-based research and writing briefings to organising external meetings and working directly in communities alongside our volunteers. This variety allows you to connect national policy with local realities and help volunteers share their voices where it matters most.

 You will help bring our five-year strategy to life by linking project outcomes to broader societal developments and showcasing the impact of volunteers and communities.

Key Duties Responsibilities

· Support the Head of Policy and Impact to coordinate Volunteering Matters’ policy and public affairs work.

· Support people involved with our volunteering projects to engage with local politicians, e.g. by organising visits to projects or meetings with volunteers. 

· Monitor and respond to opportunities (e.g. relevant government consultations, All-Party Parliamentary Group inquiries or Select Committee inquiries) that are relevant to Volunteering Matters’ priorities.

· Support mapping and research exercises to inform our policy positioning. Writing summary reports as needed.

· Collaborate with the National Volunteer Engagement Manager to support the inclusion of volunteer and community voices in our policy and public affairs work.

· Assist with collecting impact and activity data from across the charity and work with the Data Analyst to undertake analysis.

· Support with routine collection of quarterly data from projects - ensuring responses are timely and accurate, providing guidance to project managers as needed.

· Work with project staff to help create impactful and engaging reports.

· Represent Volunteering Matters at charity and volunteering policy-related groups. 

 Essential Skills

· Understanding of UK political systems and policy-making processes across national, devolved, and local levels.

· Understanding of policy, public affairs, or influencing, ideally within the voluntary or community sector.

· Confident communicator, able to engage with policymakers, sector partners, and community representatives.

· Familiarity with both qualitative and quantitative data analysis to inform narrative reporting and strategic insight.

· Excellent writing skills, with the ability to craft clear, persuasive documents based on data and lived experience.

· Alignment with Volunteering Matters’ values and a commitment to amplifying community voice.

· Must adhere to the organisation’s Code of Conduct and uphold its values at all times.

· Proficient in Microsoft 365, particularly Outlook, Teams, Word, and Excel, with the ability to manage email communications and collaborate digitally.

· Able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team, managing time and priorities in a busy environment.

· For remote roles, candidates must be self-starters who can work with minimal supervision, stay organised, and remain motivated to meet deadlines and deliver quality outcomes.

· Attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving and information sharing.

Experience Required

No specific experience is required.

Qualifications

Relevant skills and values alignment is more important for this role than specific qualifications.

Our Values & Way of Working

In all that we do we are guided by our values: Empowering, Inclusive, Compassionate, Positive & Straightforward.

Disability Confident & Reasonable Adjustments

We guarantee to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the essential criteria for the role. Please provide evidence in your application, which demonstrates that you meet the level of competence required in the Job Description under skill and experience. To be considered for a guaranteed interview or to discuss any reasonable adjustments during the process, please state this in your cover letter.

GDPR Statement

If you apply for a role with us, we will retain your contact details including your name, address, email address and phone number to help us manage your application for up to six months.  We will not use your personal data for any other purpose or share it with any third party. You can contact us at any point to update your personal information or ask us to delete it from our records.

Policy on AI-Generated Applications 

Applications are accepted on trust, and we expect all submissions to reflect the applicant’s own words, experiences, and motivations. While tools such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) may support the application process, applications should not be generated wholly by AI. 

To Apply

Please send an updated, complete CV and cover letter via the Charity Job Apply button above. In your application clearly state which role you are applying for. In the cover letter please demonstrate how you would fulfil the role requirements, what previous relevant achievements you have (both in life and at work), what skills & experience you can offer, and what you believe you can contribute to Volunteering Matters.

Please note that all applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we’re unable to progress applications that don’t meet this requirement. 

If you have any questions about current vacancies, the recruitment process, or need support, our team is here to help. Whether you're a candidate looking for more information or with an HR query, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

The Methodist Church is committed to ensuring its churches are safe spaces for all. We work hard to ensure compliance with legal requirements, develop good practice, provide effective training and give professional advice on individual cases. 

We have an exciting opportunity to join our new safeguarding regional team operating in the southwest region and take this forward supporting Methodist churches and work. The post holder will join a team of safeguarding officers who will carry specific responsibility for individual cases, undertake risk assessments, lead training and advise churches. The post will be aligned to the Bristol Methodist District and provide support to colleagues across the regional area requiring regular travel.
 

The successful candidate will hold a relevant professional qualification and relevant experience and expertise in child and/or adult protection.

Closing date: Tuesday 30 September 2025

Interview (in person) will take place on: Monday 6 October 2025 (venue TBC in Bristol)

For more information about us visit our website.

Together, the charities Sands and Tommy’s have formed a Joint Policy Unit (JPU) focussed on achieving policy change that will save more babies’ lives during pregnancy and the neonatal period and on tackling inequalities in loss, so that everyone can benefit from the best possible outcomes.

The JPU’s mission is to secure policy change that will reduce rates of miscarriage, stillbirth, pre-term birth and neonatal death, and to work to eliminate inequalities in these outcomes.

While there is widespread agreement on the need for change to improve the safety of maternity and neonatal services, what that change looks like is not clear.  To save more babies’ lives we believe that a continued focus is required, and that governments should set new commitments to reduce perinatal mortality and preterm births, focused on matching the best-performing countries in Europe.

This role will be crucial to the continued success of the JPU unit; leading, shaping and coordinating all the unit’s work. 

We are looking for an independent and assertive problem-solver, a policy expert who can manage multiple priorities, take the initiative, lead the national conversation and is as excited as we are about taking the helm of this venture for both of our organisations.

The successful candidate will need to have a substantial track record of effectively leading and implementing national policy and influencing programmes, driving change and achieving the desired impact.

You will have considerable experience across research, data analysis, policy development, public affairs and communications.  Additionally, you will be well-versed in research and data management, including analysing complex data and evaluating policy developments.

Experience of being a member of a senior management team with successful, significant and relevant management and leadership experience is also essential.

Help shape the future of youth gaming and gambling related harms prevention by becoming the new Chief Executive of Ygam, an evidence-led charity.

Location: Remote, with regular UK travel and occasional international travel
Contract: Permanent, full-time

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 13th October 2025.

About us

Ygam is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to preventing gaming and gambling harms among young people. Our work bridges the critical knowledge gap between young people’s digital lives and the adults who guide them. We believe in harm prevention through education, empowering the people who can make a real difference.

Through our award-winning portfolio of programmes and resources, we build awareness and resilience, helping young people thrive in the digital age. Inspired by lived experience and grounded in robust evidence, our City & Guilds-assured training is supported by a rich library of practical tools and insights. Our work has built a growing and passionate network of educators, parents, professionals and partners, including respected brands such as The Scouts, NSPCC, Barnados and The Children’s Society. Since launching in 2014, we’ve reached nearly 5 million children and young people and trained over 28,000 delegates. We are values-led, mission-driven and ambitious for change. As the landscape evolves and new risks emerge, we continue to lead the way in effective education, safeguarding and prevention.

About the role

This is a pivotal moment for Ygam. With significant policy changes underway, including the Online Safety Act, Ofcom’s Children’s Code and reforms to gambling legislation introducing a new statutory levy, we have a vital role to play in shaping this new era. As we enter the fourth year of our “Safeguarding our Digital Generation” strategy, we are seeking a visionary and collaborative Chief Executive to lead us through our next phase of growth and impact. This is an opportunity to build on strong foundations and guide a nationally respected charity through a changing, dynamic environment.

You’ll be responsible for shaping and delivering our long-term vision, ensuring that everything we do is aligned with our charitable mission. You’ll represent Ygam externally at the highest levels, developing meaningful partnerships across government, education, health and the third sector. You’ll also support a skilled and committed senior leadership team, creating a culture where people feel valued, trusted and motivated to do their best work. This role calls for confident public leadership alongside sound operational and financial oversight. You will be the visible face of Ygam, advocating for change while keeping us grounded in good governance, clear priorities and strong delivery. With your guidance, we’ll deepen our impact, evolve our programmes and continue to grow a resilient, inclusive and evidence-informed organisation.

What we are seeking

We are looking for a strategic and people-centred leader who can inspire trust, unlock potential and help shape a safer digital future for young people. You will bring experience of leading purpose-led organisations or initiatives, ideally with a national footprint. You’ll have a track record of translating strategic vision into meaningful impact, supported by strong operational judgement and a confident approach to financial oversight. You’ll know how to work effectively with a Board of Trustees, and how to build positive, long-term relationships with funders, partners and policymakers.

We’re especially interested in those who bring fresh thinking, clarity, and emotional intelligence to their leadership—people who aren’t afraid to challenge assumptions and push boundaries. Someone who can hold a steady line through complexity, communicate with authenticity and bring out the best in others. You don’t need to come from the gaming or gambling harms sector, but you will need to demonstrate a genuine commitment to our mission and a clear understanding of the social context we work in.

This is a unique opportunity to join a bold and forward-looking organisation at a time of significant opportunity. If you are driven by social purpose and ready to lead a values-led organisation making real impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Please click 'redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the job description and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 13th October 2025.

This is a critical and exciting leadership role for the Bumblebee Conservation Trust which will take the Trust forward to the next phase of organisational growth, building on the superb achievements to date of our retiring CEO. 

You’ll need passion and energy to work on some of the most profound challenges of our time. Nature needs its champions, and you’ll need to harness all of your skills, all of your personality, and your network to grow our influence, our impact, and our outcomes. You’ll excel at galvanising others to take action  enabling  us to achieve our aims and ensure bumblebees are thriving and valued by everyone.

This is an incredible opportunity to join a very special organisation with passionate and high-performing teams who are truly dedicated to our vital purpose. 

Please refer to the CEO pack for further information.

The Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer.  This means that whilst seeking employment or during such employment with the Trust, we will seek to ensure equality of treatment for all persons regardless of sex, race, age, marital or civil partnership status, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity status. 

At the Trust, we have a clear goal: to be the place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, to stay and do their best work. We pride ourselves on reaching for our vision, through the hard work and dedication of our passionate and creative employees. 

Location: Hybrid – Warwick/Leamington Spa office (min. 3 days/week), remote up to 2 days/week

Salary: £74,000 – £78,000 (depending on experience)

Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week

Reporting to: Chair of Board of Trustees

About SOS – Silence of Suicide

Founded in 2015 by Michael and Yvette Mansfield, SOS Silence of Suicide exists to break the silence around mental health and suicide. Initially a peer-support group, SOS is now a growing charity offering multi-channel support services via a national helpline, mobile hubs, and in-person outreach. With around 45 staff and volunteers, SOS is poised for further expansion and impact and is seeking a strategic and compassionate CEO to lead us through the next exciting phase of development.

The Role

The Chief Executive Officer will lead SOS’s strategic direction, operations, partnerships and fundraising. This includes shaping long-term sustainability, developing our team and enhancing our voice in national conversations centered around suicide prevention and mental health.

Key Responsibilities

· Lead and manage the Senior Leadership Teams

· Deliver and grow SOS’s core services – helpline, hubs and outreach – ensuring high-quality, accessible support.

· Develop and implement a sustainable income generation strategy in collaboration with fundraising staff.

· Ensure sound financial management, working with bookkeepers, auditors and the Board to meet compliance needs.

· Support trustees with good governance and maintain full legal and regulatory compliance, including safeguarding.

· Represent SOS to external stakeholders including NHS, government, press and funders.

· Oversee impact reporting, evaluation and quality improvement across all service areas.

· Champion SOS’s mission, values and voice on suicide prevention, stigma reduction and mental health awareness.

About You

We are seeking a strategic leader who is hands-on, collaborative and emotionally intelligent. The ideal candidate will bring the following:

· Proven experience in charity leadership and team management, ideally in a growth phase.

· Strong understanding of mental health or suicide prevention – lived or professional experience welcomed.

· Track record in strategic planning, income generation and stakeholder engagement.

· Experience of developing services, managing volunteers, and fostering inclusive culture.

· Sound knowledge of charity governance, safeguarding, finance and HR best practice.

· Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.

· Comfortable with hybrid working, frequent travel and engaging with emotionally complex topics.

SOS is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and lived experiences. The successful candidate will be required to undergo a DBS check.

Timetable for interviews

Shortlisted candidates will be notified w/c 29th Sept with formal Interviews to be held 6th/7th October 2025 in the Warwickshire area. 

Addendum: Person Specification

Communication & Interpersonal

· Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build strong relationships across staff, volunteers, partners and service users. (Essential)

· Strong verbal and written communication skills. (Essential)

· Diplomatic, professional and emotionally intelligent. (Essential)

· Able to work both independently and collaboratively; confident engaging with a wide range of stakeholders. (Essential)

Fundraising & Partnerships

· Proven track record in fundraising strategy, including grant applications, donor engagement and community fundraising. (Essential)

· Provide strategic oversight of the charity’s communications—ensuring the website, social media and printed materials are used effectively and creatively. (Essential)

· Develop a mental health training and awareness service that advances SOS’s mission. (Essential)

Leadership & Management

· Proven experience delivering programmes and activities within the charity sector. (Essential)

· Proven ability to lead and line manage staff within a dispersed team and varied working patterns. (Essential)

· Experience of managing volunteers and supporting their ongoing development. (Essential)

· Ability to work under pressure and respond flexibly in a fast-paced environment. (Essential)

· Proactive and highly organised, with strong time management skills. (Essential)

· Strong attention to detail, with the ability to prioritise, delegate effectively and meet deadlines. (Essential)

Mental Health & Values

· Strong understanding of mental health and suicide prevention, ideally with lived experience. (Essential)

· Commitment to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion internally and externally. (Essential)

· Demonstrated commitment to safeguarding, with experience in policies and processes to protect vulnerable adults. (Essential)

· Clear commitment to the aims and mission of SOS Silence of Suicide. (Essential)

· Empathetic listener with the ability to engage non-judgementally. (Desirable)

Strategy & Governance

· Demonstrated success in developing and implementing strategic plans, preferably in a charity context. (Essential)

· Experience of designing and building effective organisational structures to support growth, including operating in a ‘start-up’ environment. (Essential)

· Sound knowledge of charity governance and compliance, including engagement with trustee boards. (Essential)

· Ability to develop and implement new organisational processes and frameworks. (Desirable)

Technical Skills & Other

· Proficient in Microsoft 365 and OneDrive, including Teams, Word, Outlook and Excel. (Essential)

· Degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field. (Essential)

· Willingness to work outside of standard hours, including evenings and weekends when required. (Essential)

· Living within one hour of the Warwickshire office, with access to a vehicle for business use. (Desirable)

Delegated Services is a thriving Community Interest Company (CIC) dedicated to being the first-choice partner for the education and community sectors, providing high-quality support services with incredible value.

We are at a pivotal moment in our growth, and we are now seeking an exceptional and visionary Chief Executive Officer to build upon our strong foundations and guide us into a future of even greater impact and support to the Education and Community sectors in the West Country, but with a National reach.

This is a unique opportunity for a passionate and strategic leader to join our dedicated team. We understand the importance of a smooth and effective transition, and as such, the handover process from our current CEO will be carefully phased over 6 months. This period will allow for comprehensive knowledge transfer, relationship building, and a seamless integration into the organisation, ensuring the continued success and stability of Delegated Services.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has a proven track record of strategic leadership and operational management, ideally within the not-for-profit or social enterprise sector

• Possesses a deep understanding of governance, financial management, and stakeholder engagement within a CIC framework, building and maintaining effective relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, for example, demonstrating working experience with School/MAT CEOs, Leaders, Headteachers, etc. knowing how schools work, with preferably some knowledge of the charity sector

• Is an inspirational communicator, capable of motivating teams, building strong partnerships, and advocating for our mission

• Is an experienced and skilled professional in our core areas of service, primarily, HS&W

• Can market and sell the services to potential new customers and negotiate with existing agreement customers, renewal of their arrangements, where applicable, for April and September 2026 and beyond, repeating the process on a rolling basis, and

• Is committed to our values and passionate about making a tangible difference in education and the community.

If you are ready to take on a significant leadership role within a values-driven organisation and contribute to a legacy of positive change, we encourage you to apply.

Application must be submitted by the end of day deadline: 31st October 2025.

This is a new role at Befriending Networks, as we seek someone who is up for the challenge of fundraising to support the continuation of our work in supporting the network of befriending organisations and ensuring that meaningful social connection is available to all.

The role will work closely with the CEO to deliver a fundraising strategy, which will focus on trusts, grant-givers, and corporate collaborations across the UK.  

You will be a skilled communicator, and you will be influential in how you present our work. You will be a self-starter and someone who takes pride in producing high-quality work. You will be courageous and curious as you work to position Befriending Networks as an investable charity. 

The key focus of this role

1. Generate income from small grants from trusts and foundations for specific projects and activities over the short to medium term.  

2. Assist the CEO in the preparation of strategic grant applications for work across the UK, with an initial focus on England, Scotland and Wales to deliver key priorities of our Strategic Plan over the longer term.

3. Development of potential corporate partnerships and collaborations. 

The role is within our Policy, Public Affairs and Campaigns team. You'll play a vital role in supporting disabled Londoners to campaign for affordable, accessible transport, and influencing decision-makers to act on the barriers and extra costs we face.

The role will lead on engagement in London, building relationships with our members, Disabled People’s Organisations, and decision makers. You’ll organise campaigns and forums, represent Transport for All at events, and work with TfL, London Councils and boroughs to make transport fairer and more equitable.

We are a small, committed and disabled-led team working to make sure that disabled people’s voices are heard in politics, the media and beyond. This role is central to ensuring lived experience drives systemic change in London’s transport system.

You must be disabled to apply for this role

This role has a genuine occupational requirement of lived experience of disability. This explicitly includes those of us who are Deaf, neurodivergent, chronically ill, have a mental health condition, have age-related impairments, and people with both visible and non-visible impairments. If you do not meet the genuine occupational requirement, your application will not be shortlisted for an interview.

What happens next?

The deadline for applications is 22 September 2025, 9am

Interviews will take place via Zoom on 13-21 October 2025

For an informal discussion about the role, or to receive the documents in alternative formats, please visit our website.

Central England Area Quaker Meeting is looking for a part-time, Finance Officer.

Do you have sound financial experience and qualifications (at least AAT Level 4), strong organisational skills, an eye for detail and the ability to communicate information to a range of people?  Do you want a role that provides a key service for our charity?

In return we offer a supportive and flexible work environment, fair rates of pay and a good annual leave allowance. We also offer an annual leave purchase scheme, bike 2 work scheme and an employee support programme (which offers services such as legal advice and counselling). 

We are looking for a suitably qualified person to join our team as HR Officer to promote good HR practice throughout the District and its constituent churches and Circuits. The HR Officer will provide expert advice for line managers and provide support for all HR matters, enabling all lay staff to flourish in their roles in addition to meeting statutory and Methodist requirements. This role will include working closely with the District Secretary and other members of the District Lay Employment Committee to develop policies and ensure these are implemented across the District.

Responsibilitied will include:

Recruitment and Induction

• As part of the District Lay Employment Committee, leading on providing support to employing bodies with the preparation of job descriptions, adverts, contracts, and interview processes.
• Supporting employing bodies with the implementation of Safer Recruitment procedures.
• Maintaining dialogue with employers to seek to ensure that required training, probationary periods and other standard procedures are implemented for new employees and line managers.

Advice and Guidance

• Give consistent advice to local churches, Circuits and the District on the full range of employment matters including recruitment, selection, induction, line management, discipline, grievance and redundancy.
• Deal with queries from lay employees regarding contracts, and associated human resources issues, rules, and regulations.
• In consultation with employing bodies, prepare and process associated paperwork for all changes in status of their employees (including recruitment, redundancy, changes in working hours etc) consistent with immigration (Right to Work), Connexional and District policies.  
• Identify the training needs of the District pertaining to HR and communicate these to the relevant parties.
• Develop and lead on training for line managers in collaboration with members of the District Lay Employment Committee.

Administration

• Maintain copies of relevant employment documents on behalf of employers.
• Arrange prior approval for all contracts, recruitments and redundancies from the District Policy Committee in accordance with Methodist Standing Order 438 A 
• With District Administrators, ensure that information regarding lay employees and line managers is maintained.

Policy and Oversight

• Support the District’s Lay Employment Advisor in their duties as described in Methodist Constitution Practice & Discipline
• Process documentation and prepare reports relating to HR activities (grievances, performance reviews, contracts of employment etc.) within the District.
• Ensure that advisory information produced by the District remains relevant, accessible and meets current regulatory frameworks.
• With the District Secretary, monitor and develop district employment policies.
• Develop an awareness of Methodist Safeguarding practices, undergo relevant Methodist Safeguarding training, and understand how this applies to the context.

We are looking for an experienced Finance Director to join our team of nearly 100 staff, ideally before the end of 2025.

This is a full-time, home-based, permanent position. You can be based anywhere in mainland UK or Ireland, with some travel and occasional overnight stays to meeting and conferences mainly in England and Wales.

We offer flexibility around working hours, including the option of a 9 day fortnight - time off in lieu is also available. We offer 25 days holiday pro rata (rising to 28 days) plus statutory public holidays. We are happy to make adjustments for people with disabilities and/or caring responsibilities, and we welcome applications from all communities.

The role is a grade 7 position with a starting salary circa £75,000 plus benefits including 9% employer pension contribution.

The Finance Director (“FD”) works alongside the Chief Executive and Operations Director to manage the finances and governance of The Rivers Trust, a leading conservation charity with three associated trading subsidiaries operating across the UK and Ireland, with a collective annual income approaching £10m.

Given the prospective retirement of the current postholder at the end of 2025, we are seeking a well-qualified and experienced individual to take on this senior leadership role as soon as possible to enable handover to occur.

The role is very varied and wide-ranging, including presenting financial information to the Trustees and senior management on a quarterly basis, reviewing monthly management accounts, leading on annual budgeting, appraising internal project concepts and contracts, statutory compliance administration and liaising with auditors.

The postholder will lead a team of eight in the Finance department and join a very welcoming team of 95 highly engaged and passionate staff at The Rivers Trust.

Main duties and responsibilities:

Working alongside the CEO, the Finance Director will provide commercial, financial and governance management and leadership for The Rivers Trust ("the Charity") and its associated subsidiaries (“The Companies”). The FD will not only be an exceptional accountant, with executive oversight of the finance function, but will be commercially astute and have the confidence to represent robustly the best interests of The Companies. The FD will also be an experienced manager of people.

Key Accountabilities:

1. Act as a business partner to support and constructively challenge the CEO in the general management of the Charity and the Companies, reporting to the board.
2. Lead all aspects of the finance function (including maintaining and developing the financial control environment; robust financial accounting; cashflow management; incisive management information; clear and concise reporting to Board) to ensure that the Charity and the Companies’ assets are secured, risks are managed, and the Board of Trustees, subsidiary boards and committees can make well-informed decisions.
3. Manage relationships with auditors, funders, IT specialists, banks, investment platforms and other external organisations.
4. Provide support to project bids and the development of other commercial opportunities to ensure that bids/opportunities are optimised for the Charity and the Companies as a whole.
5. Provide input to project and programme delivery from time to time, to ensure that performance is maximised for the Charity and the Companies.
6. Attend Board meetings and Business Audit and Risk Committee meetings to guide the Board and the Senior Management Team on financial, commercial and governance issues.
7. Ensure compliance with the requirements of the Charity Commission and Companies House and, from time to time, provide guidance to members of the Rivers Trust movement on good governance practice.
8. Maintain the finance department operational manual for business continuity.
9. Serve as the Company Secretary for the Charity and Companies.

Staff Management:

1. Lead, manage and develop the finance team (who work remotely) and ensure the team understands their respective and collective contribution to achieving the Charity's and the Companies’ objectives.
2. Support the team in their professional development.
3. Ensure the team delivers a high-quality service focused on internal and external customers and funders.

Knowledge, skills, experience, and personal qualities:

Essential

• Significant experience in financial management and senior leadership roles, ideally gained in a range of organisations.
• A strategic thinker, able to see the big-picture, shape long-term direction and balance this with attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills combined with creativity and openness to innovate.
• Strong IT and digital skills, with experience of using technology to improve efficiency and automate processes.
• Proven people leadership experience, with a track record of managing, developing, and inspiring teams and creating a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative culture.
• Excellent relationship builder, with the interpersonal skills to influence, collaborate, and provide constructive challenge while maintaining positive relationships across the organisation, including with trustees and senior stakeholders.
• Experience reporting to boards of trustees and/or directors, with the confidence to contribute to board-level discussions as a trusted adviser.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills, able to distil complexity into pertinent, concise and understandable messages tailored to diverse audiences.
• The courage to make and communicate tough decisions and be open about risks and setbacks.
• Resilient and calm under pressure, with the ability to maintain focus and steady leadership in challenging circumstances.
• Impeccable standards of integrity and personal ethics, acting as a role model for the organisation values.
• Knowledge of Sage financial software packages.
• Work to a good standard in Microsoft 365, especially Excel, Word, Outlook and Teams.

Desirable

• Experience of working in the charitable sector.
• Experience of being a Company Secretary.
• Understanding of the environmental sector or a passion for making a positive impact.
• Familiarity in using Sharepoint, Sage and Slack.
• Knowledge of Partial Exemption VAT rules.
• A basic understanding of Irish tax law, Irish and UK payroll taxes and corporate governance.

Qualifications/ Education

• Qualified Accountant, preferably ICAEW or ACCA.

Additional information

Everyone who works for us is expected to contribute to a respectful and inclusive working culture and follow our policies and procedures including Health & Safety, EDI, Cybersecurity and GDPR.

Please note we can only accept applications made through this site, and not sent by email or other methods.

We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible. We warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. If you would benefit from any adjustments to support you through the process, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

To apply please send your CV and a covering letter.

Closing date: Wednesday 24th September 2025

We may close this vacancy early if we receive a strong pool of applications, so we encourage early submission