Programme Delivery Officer Jobs

The Programme Manager role will report to the Senior Programme Manager and sit within the Programmes Team.

The Programme Manager will be responsible for project managing a number of our services. You will have a clear focus of delivering high quality programmes that are run smoothly, efficiently, within budget, and achieve the desired outcomes and objectives for both the partners and the young people.

You will lead and support others within your team to deliver high quality programmes from initiation through to evaluation and review, that will directly contribute to the company’s growth strategy and impact.

The Programme Manager will also be a key member of the department and contribute to, departmental strategies, systems and maximising efficiency, delivering programme management to an excellent standard that produces high impact for our young people and partners.

In this role, you will work closely with the Digital Communications and Marketing, Business Development and Finance teams.

Imagine being told that you, or someone you love, is losing their sight.

In that moment, two profound questions demand urgent answers:

• Can this be stopped?
• How will I live my life?

At Fight for Sight / Vision Foundation, we pursue positive answers to both questions. We do this by funding the brilliant minds and bright ideas that put change in sight.

Our researchers are at the forefront of eye research, making breakthroughs and discoveries that will prevent and treat eye disease. The partnerships we build and initiatives we support are changing life for blind and vision impaired people: from tackling loneliness to supporting people who have survived domestic abuse.

We have a clear ambition, led by our CEO, Keith Valentine, who has valuable lived experience of vision loss. We’ve secured well-respected and highly engaged ambassadors and patrons, from Sir John Major to Marsha De Cordova MP.

This is an exciting time to join us, as we activate our new brand and five-year strategy.

If you share our mission and have the skills, experience and drive to contribute to our dynamic team, we’d love to hear from you.

Role Description

This new role of Programme Officer (Social Change) will play an integral part in ensuring our grant making has the best possible impact. Working with the Programme Manager (Social Change) and the wider Impact Team, you will be the first point of contact for potential grant applicants and deliver effective processes that ensure that anyone who applies to us for funding has a positive experience, whether they are successful or not. You will lead on all aspects of administering our Social Change grant calls and provide the rest of the team with the information needed to support robust and transparent decision-making. You will also be involved in events for our applicants and will work with colleagues to continually refine and improve our grant making processes.

Responsible to

Programme Manager (Social Change)

Direct reports

None

Working hours and contract

This is a permanent full-time role, 35 hours a week.

Salary

£26k

Location

Aldgate E1 and hybrid working. Minimum two days in the office and external meetings and events as required.

Start date

As soon as possible

Role Responsibilities:

Administering grant processes:

· Working with the Programme Manager (Social Change) to update application and guidance forms for each funding round

· Work closely with colleagues to set up the grant call in our online grant management system.

· Provide guidance to potential applicants and respond to their queries, e.g. about eligibility.

· Work with colleagues who run the research funding programme to ensure that opportunities for efficiencies and shared processes are maximised

· Process grant applications, ensuring that we adhere to the highest standards of grant making

· Assist with the preparation of papers to support our decision-making processes, including supporting our Social Change Grants Assessment Panel (SGAP) by ensuring they have all relevant information and that the meetings run smoothly.

· Following final decision, ensure that terms and conditions and award letters are sent to successful applicants and ensure a smooth transition of projects to the Programme Manager (Social Change) who will manage the active projects.

Event support and attendance

· Assist with the organisation and delivery of in person and online meetings and events, e.g. a feedback session for unsuccessful applicants.

· Assist with the organisation of visits relating to the social change funding programme, e.g. helping put together briefing documents, supporting with arrangements and highlighting opportunities for stories and impact with communications colleagues.

Team support:

· Provide support to the wider Impact team where required, e.g. working with the finance team on the processing of invoices.

· Assisting the team in keeping accurate and up to date records, including on the online grants management system and ensure that all relevant records are readily and easily available

Person specification:

Skills, knowledge & experience

Essential 

· Health or social sciences degree or with experience of working in grant making or similar

· Experience of working in an office/ administrative environment, ideally as part of a hybrid team

· Proficient in the use of standard IT packages including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Desirable

· Experience of working in a research or grant making organisation.

· Experience of working with committees, ideally with a health, research or charitable giving remit.

· Experience using online grant management systems.

Personal characteristics and behaviours:

· Understanding of and commitment to the change needed to improve life for blind and vision impaired people in the UK

· good attention to detail and focus on quality.

· Ability to understand and analyse information presented in funding applications and reports, summarise this and identify the most pertinent points.

· Ability to work flexibly and effectively as part of a small team and actively collaborate with colleagues in other teams.

· clear communicator, both orally and in writing, with an ability to respond to a wide range of enquiries, e.g. from community organisations

· Ability to effectively prioritise and time manage a varied workload.

· Proficient in the use of standard IT packages including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Flexibility

· The role description is a general outline of duties and responsibilities and may be amended as the newly merged charity develops. The post holder may be required to undertake other duties as may be reasonably required from time to time.

As the Training Programmes Manager you will have oversight and responsibility for the healthcare professional training projects and activities, as well as growing the M4RD network within HCP groups and training institutions.

You will be key to rolling out Rare Disease 101 training for healthcare professionals all over the UK and potentially abroad. While you are not expected to deliver training yourself you will be pivotal to creating opportunities and facilitating all aspects of the programme.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Co-lead M4RD’s Ambassador Programme, managing the clinical and medical student ambassadors.

• Planning and delivering training events.

• Deliver educational and training projects inline with M4RD’s current strategy and work programme.

• Collaborate  with training institutions and NHS workplaces inline with M4RD’s current strategy and work programme.

• Potential to manage up to two members of the M4RD Team.

• Support the CEO and Operations & Finance Manager with recruitment duties, operational strategy and development and coaching any relevant staff.

The Cherie Blair Foundation for Women is looking for an experienced and results-driven marketing professional with great know-how in marketing opportunities and managing agencies, and a commitment to women’s economic empowerment to join our team as Programme Marketing Manager for 12 months.

Please note, applications without a covering letter will not be considered. All applicants must have the full legal right to work in the UK as the Foundation does not offer sponsorship at this time.

General information

Start date: Mid to end of June dependent on notice period required

Contract: Temporary – 12 months

Hours: Part time: 21 hours per week, ideally over 4 or 5 days but 3 days considered. 

Salary: £34,176 - £37,024 per annum (£20,506 - £22,214 pro rata) 

About the role

Becoming the Programme Marketing Manager at the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women is a fantastic opportunity to help drive progress for women entrepreneurs in low and middle income countries by engaging more people in our work.

The key purpose of this role is to effectively market our programmes to participants – chiefly our HerVenture business skills microlearning app and our sector-leading Mentoring Women in Business programme.

This will span three main projects:

· to successfully manage a marketing agency to effectively market the HerVenture app to women in South Africa (as part of a fixed-term project with active marketing ongoing until Mar ‘25);

· to successfully manage the same marketing agency to promote the app in Nigeria (as part of a separate fixed-term project with active marketing ongoing until Dec ‘24); and

· to effectively promote the opportunity to become a mentor to a woman entrepreneur through our Mentoring Women in Business programme to paying professionals worldwide. Your objective will be to secure 18+ paid mentors for the Nov ’24 programme intake and 20+ for the May ’25 intake.

Following the completion of the two HerVenture marketing projects, you will also lead other programme marketing initiatives in 2025. These will be determined in late 2024.

Following the May ’25 Mentoring intake you will deliver a strategy, harnessing your learning and analysis to outline an approach for marketing the programme to paying mentors in future.

You will also be called on to support other forms of programme marketing on an ad hoc basis, for example advising on development of corporate pitch decks, or co-designing materials for fundraising events.

This position reports directly to the Head of Communications and Marketing, however this is a highly collaborative role and you will also work closely with the Entrepreneurship programmes team and the Programme Funding team to develop and deliver plans and manage projects.

Our ideal candidate will be a knowledgeable and motivated marketer with experience in ‘selling’ professional development / online volunteering opportunities, and in managing agencies and contractors to deliver on fixed projects as aligned to good marketing practices. You should be highly organised and goals-driven, with a collaborative approach, a growth-oriented mindset, and a strong desire to harness the power of marketing to support women’s economic empowerment.

We are open to applications from consultants.

For full information on this role, please download the job pack

What the Foundation can offer you 

· A fantastic package of 28 days of annual leave (which includes three that must be taken during the festive break).

· An organisation that values you. As a smaller organisation, we value everyone’s individual perspective and voice and all team members are able to contribute to our strategic planning.

· Professional development, with career growth built into each staff member’s annual plan and a wide range of skills-building and learning opportunities provided. Each staff member has an annual £1,000 training budget.

· A positive, supportive and collaborative culture and leadership style. We encourage teamwork and open and honest communication, while maintaining a friendly and relaxed atmosphere where everyone can thrive.

· A focus on personal wellbeing and happiness, with regular team-building activities and line manager meetings that as well as your personal wellbeing. 

About the Foundation 

The Cherie Blair Foundation for Women exists to create a future where women everywhere enjoy equal economic opportunities so they can thrive. Together with partners around the world, we work with women in low and middle income countries so they can start, sustain and grow successful enterprises. We collaborate to create fairer business environments so women are not constrained by gendered barriers and can reach their potential on their terms.

Since 2008, our training and mentoring services have supported more than 250,000 women to build successful micro, small and medium enterprises in over 100 countries. By blending insights from research, strong partnerships and pioneering technology we open doors for women entrepreneurs to skills, confidence, networks, finance and markets. We press for change to stop millions of women being held back from having the choice and opportunity to thrive.

Our gender transformative approach means women can  achieve their own economic objectives. They create a better future for themselves, their families, and their communities. They contribute to thriving, fair economies, and global economic justice.

To find out more about our work, you can read our latest annual report here, and read our 2023-2026 organisational strategy ‘Ready for Business’ here. 

How to apply 

To apply, please download the job pack and send us the following: 

· Covering letter addressing relevant experience for the role (one A4 page maximum). When writing your cover letter, please refer to the job description, focussing on the essential and desirable criteria.

· Current CV (two A4 pages maximum).

All applicants should have the legal right to work in the UK prior to applying.

Please send your application by 11:59 BST, Tuesday 14 May.

First round interviews will be held on 22 and 23 May.

The Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and actively encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply for this position. Please let us know if you have any access requirements that you would like us to be aware of during this process. 

Due to the large number of applications we receive, please note that you will only be contacted should we wish to invite you to interview. 

Thank you for your interest in the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women. We look forward to receiving your application. 

Imagine being told that you, or someone you love, is losing their sight.

In that moment, two profound questions demand urgent answers:

• Can this be stopped?
• How will I live my life?

At Fight for Sight / Vision Foundation, we pursue positive answers to both questions. We do this by funding the brilliant minds and bright ideas that put change in sight.

Our researchers are at the forefront of eye research, making breakthroughs and discoveries that will prevent and treat eye disease. The partnerships we build and initiatives we support are changing life for blind and vision impaired people: from tackling loneliness to supporting people who have survived domestic abuse.

We have a clear ambition, led by our CEO, Keith Valentine, who has valuable lived experience of vision loss. We’ve secured well-respected and highly engaged ambassadors and patrons, from Sir John Major to Marsha De Cordova MP.

This is an exciting time to join us, as we activate our new brand and five-year strategy.

If you share our mission and have the skills, experience and drive to contribute to our dynamic team, we’d love to hear from you.

Role Description

The Head of Research and Programmes is a new role, leading and overseeing the delivery of our grant-making activity across eye research and social change: delivering first class grant programmes that respond to need as our organisation scales up. The role will lead on key strategic projects and relationships that will increase the Impact of our funding and the value we add to the sectors we work in.  This role will also develop and own an appropriate impact framework to ensure we're able to amplify the work we fund and demonstrate the value of our approach to funders and supporters.

Responsible to

Director of Impact and External Affairs

Direct reports

Senior Programme Manager (Research): Programme Manager (Social Change): Impact and Evaluation Manager

Working hours and contract

This is a permanent full-time role, 35 hours a week.

Salary

Circa. £60k 

Location

Aldgate E1 and hybrid working. Minimum two days in the office and external meetings and events as required.

Start date

As soon as possible

Role Responsibilities:

Overseeing our Grant Programmes

· Driving work in areas where our organisation can add value and meet need, including scoping new potential programmes and partnerships as well as ensuring our current programmes evolve

· Lead on delivering high quality  funding programmes that meet regulatory (AMRC) requirements as appropriate and provide an excellent experience for applicants, both successful and unsuccessful

· Be responsible for the financial management of budget associated with our funding programmes, working closely with the Finance Team

· Lead and manage the programme teams to analyse the external environment, identify unmet need and how we can add greater value in the sectors we work in

· Proactively disseminate insights from our funded research and project partners, gather sector knowledge, e.g. through delivering presentations, networking and representing our organisation externally with other grant makers/philanthropic organisations and sector partners. 

Impact, evaluation and learning

· Work with the Director of Impact and External Affairs to develop and deliver an appropriate impact framework for our organisation, ensuring that we’re able to amplify the work we fund and demonstrate value to our funders and supporters

· Work closely with the Head of Communications and External Affairs to ensure that the narrative around our impact is powerful and consistent

· Initiate and facilitate new partnership opportunities, e.g. for co-funding grants, or for co-creating innovative project ideas for consideration through our funding programmes.

Strategic projects and relationships:

· Act as the primary point of contact for scientific advisors and subject matter experts, supporting the programme managers by providing senior stakeholder and relationship management support, e.g. with funded researchers, institutions, sector partners and potential future partners

· Commission relevant evidence gathering, project or development work to support the evolution of our funding programmes, specifically our focus during 2024/25 on the North East of England .

· Work with fundraising colleagues to provide support and information to develop cases for support, including pitching alongside the fundraising team when required.

· Work closely with colleagues in communications to ensure that the scope and impact of our work is widely understood and communicated

· Lead on specific initiatives to support our research strategy and to enhance our social change funding programme, e.g. developing a network for early career researchers and involvement of experts by experience across our work.

Leadership and Management

· Lead the team to deliver high quality funding programmes, ensuring that impact is embedded and widely shared

· Provide leadership to the team to support Its ongoing and future development, including creating ways to build skills and expertise within the team

· Work alongside other senior managers in the organisation to provide leadership that ensures our organisation is able to make the most of opportunities, increase its profile and credibility.

· Deliver strong and effective grant-making through our decision-making and governance structures

· Deputise for the Director of Impact and External Affairs as appropriate.

Person specification:

Skills, knowledge & experience

Essential 

· A postgraduate degree in a biomedical sciences, health or social sciences subject or equivalent work experience

· Experience of working in a funder organisation, ideally supporting research or social change programme delivery including patient and public involvement and/or other co-production methods.

· Enthusiastic about vision research with strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret, analyse and summarise evidence, including from technical scientific papers, for a variety of audiences.

· Experience of monitoring, evaluation and learning within a grant making environment, including facilitating opportunities for grantees to come together, either through structured development programmes or sharing best practice

· Proficient in the use of standard IT packages including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint and ideally familiar  with Grant Management Systems or able to learn how to use these quickly.

Desirable

· An advanced research degree (PhD) in biomedical sciences, health or social sciences subject or equivalent work experience

· Experience of working directly in or supporting vision and sight loss research or funding programmes.

· Understanding of the wider research and programme funding landscape and initiatives for responsible funding activities

Personal chararteristics and behaviours:

· A confident and clear communicator, both orally and in writing, with an ability to articulate our impact with internal and external stakeholders

· A collaborative approach, able to problem solve and work with colleagues to generate ideas or overcome barriers

· A focus on quality, attention to detail and accuracy in content and presentation

· A strong project manager with the ability to work independently and within a team to plan and prioritise activities across multiple projects. 

· Commitment to the research that will prevent, treat and cure eye disease and the change that is needed to improve life for blind and vision impaired people.

· Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

Flexibility

· The role description is a general outline of duties and responsibilities and may be amended from time to time.

· The post holder may be required to undertake other duties as may be reasonably required from time to time.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Programme Manager to help us deliver missional projects aligned with our Refreshed Diocesan Strategy. The strategy includes several bold outcomes such as doubling the number of young people choosing to attend worship regularly and having 3% of total population in the diocese regularly attending our churches.

Our diocesan strategy prioritises resourcing excellent youth ministry in seven ministry areas, to grow younger and more diverse. The good news is that we have just received funding for a 3-year Youth Hubs Pilot project, to define and evaluate an innovative approach to mission and evangelism with young people in a rural context, researching models for growing young disciples with the support of key research partners. Our goal is to bring about a step-change in youth ministry for the Diocese of Hereford and create a replicable model for reaching young people with the gospel in a rural context.

Welcome

Thank you for your interest in joining the CoachBright team as our new London Programme Officer.

We are a social mobility charity on a mission to support pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds become confident, independent, and resilient learners so they can lead the lives they want.

There is an attainment and outcomes gap in the UK between disadvantaged pupils and their wealthier peers. This is exacerbated when pupils have lower confidence in their own abilities and potential. Upward social mobility is made even harder when pupils lack relatable role models who have been to university or have professional occupations. We want to change this!

Now, more than ever, it is essential that young people from disadvantaged back- grounds get the support they need to achieve their goals. That’s why we’re playing our part to narrow the gap and support a generation of pupils to be their best.

We are young, ambitious, and optimistic, and are looking for someone as passionate as we are about creating a socially just world. If you get out of bed to transform the life chances of young people and want to shape and grow a values-driven social mobility charity, we would love to hear from you.

Thanks,

The CoachBright team
 

The Challenge

Social mobility in the UK is still far from a reality: disadvantaged pupils are less likely to attend university/ high level apprenticeships, occupy top jobs and improve their standard of living over their parents than their peers. The divide has become even clearer since Covid-19.

The gap between most advantaged and least advantaged pupils’ employment and higher education destinations remains vast - and this leads to real-life consequences. There is still much more to be done.

As an award-winning, fast-moving charity our mission is to support young people from disadvantaged communities to identify and fulfil their potential. Working in partnership with schools, universities, and employers, we deliver academic and pastoral coaching programmes that improve pupils’ confidence, resilience, and independence, as well as their attainment.

With a recently written three-year strategy, and a new Chief Executive, we’re at anexciting stage of development and have ambitious plans to continue improving our im- pact and reach. This academic year, we are planning on supporting over 2,000 pupils across our three regional teams: London, the South East and the West Midlands.

Role description

We are looking for a self-motivated individual to enhance our work across London, where we have very strong existing school and university partnerships.

You will primarily be responsible for delivering our academic coaching programmes to pupils in both Primary and Secondary Schools across your region, and other regions when required. Typically we run programmes between the months of October-December, and February-June, where regular travel to schools in the region will be required.

As a Programme Officer you will also recruit, train and manage volunteers (typically current undergraduates from universities in your region), deliver in-school and online workshops, and contribute to the overall development of the region.

You will be delivering programmes in schools and with volunteers can be challenging, with every day looking a little different from the last. But it is ultimately extremely rewarding! You will flourish in this role if you enjoy thinking quickly, responding to challenges, and using your own initiative to get great outcomes for young people.

One of our core values at CoachBright is that ‘we believe coaching is transformative’. A coaching approach underpins everything we do from our programmes to the way we work with each other. As a result, every team member undertakes training to become an accredited coach, and becomes part of our Lifecycle coaching team, where we provide direct, 1:1 coaching to current university students and junior employees of our corporate partners. Once accredited you will have the opportunity to coach as part of this programme. 

Role Description

The London Programme Officer will be responsible for:

Programme coordination and delivery: 

• Coordinate and run multiple in-school and online programmes (core and peer to peer) across the region and, when required, in other regions.

• Set timelines for programme start and finish dates. 

• Visit schools to oversee programme quality and communicate with school staff  weekly to provide feedback after sessions. 

• Facilitate in-school or digital workshops for groups of pupils (typically KS3-5). 

• Plan and organise graduation trips to a local university for pupils on the programme.

• Coordinate and allocate coaches to school programmes, communicating with  them weekly and when needed arranging transport for them to schools.

• Collect data for monitoring and evaluation purposes, such as pre and post programme questionnaires, attendance records, and pupil and coach feedback.

• Report regularly to your Head of Region on key performance indicators and  programme updates.

• Contribute to the development of the region by supporting the Head of Region in generating new school leads and securing programmes. 

• Support a strong and supportive network of schools, Multi-Academy Trusts  (MATs).

• Build and maintain relationships with coaches, pupils and teachers. 

• Once accredited as a coach, coach on our Lifecycle programmes. 

Volunteer recruitment and management:

• Recruit and retain volunteer coaches (meeting minimum requirements set  termly). 

• Deliver coach training to volunteers in person and online. 

• Create a thriving community of social mobility advocates among university  students and young professionals. 

• Work with your Head of Region to develop and maintain  relationships with Universities, corporate partners and others. 

Other: 

• When required, lead on, and contribute to, projects that will positively impact the organisation as a whole.

• Embody our values and demonstrate commitment to our mission.

Essential characteristics and experience: 

• Passion for social mobility: we have big aims and are looking for those who share our desire to make education fairer in the UK, so a person’s background does not determine their future.

• Relationship building and facilitating: this is a public-facing role so you will love  delivering workshops to groups as well as communicating our mission to a wide range of stakeholders (businesses, senior members of MATs, universities etc.)

• Organisation: working in a fast paced organisation you’ll be able to work between different programmes and workstreams.

• Independence: this role requires you to work independently/alone from time to time in the office and/or from home.

• Resourcefulness: we’re a small, dedicated team - you must be a self-starter prepared for practical roles with lots of responsibility. A willingness to stay solution-focused with last minute challenges is a must!

• Experience with young people: Comfortable with running sessions and delivering workshops to groups of young people from age 8-18.

• Valid driver’s licence and access to your own vehicle: The role requires frequent travel to schools and universities across the region.

Desirable knowledge/experience:

• Experience recruiting volunteers.

• Experience measuring and evaluating impact.

• Knowledge of programme design, pedagogy or tutoring/coaching. 

• Knowledge of UK schools.

Key details

Benefits:

• An opportunity to contribute to a young, exciting charity with scope to input widely and take on new responsibilities.

• Starting Salary: £23,000  (plus London weighting of £3,000)

• Compressed hours policy: Option to work full-time hours over four days (Mon-Thurs).

• Annual Leave: 28 days (based on 7 hour working days; adjusted if on compressed hours).

• Hybrid working: Working one-two days from our London office.

• Training: We are a reflective organisation and keen to support your professional development. In particular, we offer each member of the team the opportunity to become a certified coach, as well as an annual CPD budget of £100.

• Access to a 24-hour employee assisted helpline facilitated independently by Health Assured.

• Access to BrightHR perks, providing team members with an array of discounts in various areas such as retail and technology. 

Key Information:

• Length: Permanent

• Hours: Full-Time, 35 hours per week (with some weekend/evening hours required  during volunteer recruitment and training periods which will be acknowledged in TOIL). 

• Opportunity for compressed hours as noted above.

• Reporting to: Head of London

• Start date: As soon as possible

Reports to: Head of Inclusive Leadership Course

Start date: ASAP or mid-August 2024

Location: London / Hybrid - minimum 3 days per week in office (The Difference’s office in Bethnal Green). Willingness to travel for programme delivery across the North East, North West, and the Midlands 3 days per half term.

Contract: Permanent, full time/flexible working considered

Salary: £55k - £65k per annum (+6% employer pension contribution and sector-leading parental leave policy shared with all applicants) 

Closing Date for Applications: Sunday 21st April 23:59

Person Specification 

The Difference is  seeking an outstanding school leader to take on the role of Programme Lead through an exciting period of growth and development, with a particular focus on developing our People and Practice work. The successful candidate will be instrumental in the delivery of our various programmes, actively engaging in their implementation and with valuable insights for continuous improvement. This role offers a distinct chance to make a significant impact on The Difference's overarching strategic goals. As the Programme Lead, you'll have the opportunity to shape our programmes, ensuring they align with our mission and vision. Your contributions will not only drive tangible outcomes but will also shape the future direction of our organisation. You will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the outcomes for children who experience vulnerability and disadvantage by working closely with school leaders to develop school practice and systems. 

You will have real ownership over your area of work, be happiest in a flexible and ambitious environment, and enjoy testing out new ideas. You will have experience in professional development design, delivery, project management and supporting school staff and leaders through professional coaching . 

Essential knowledge, experience and skills

• Demonstrated Alignment with The Difference’s values: a history of actions and decisions that align with The Difference's values, showcasing a personal commitment to the mission of improving life outcomes for vulnerable children.

• Credibility as a proven school leader of inclusion: as a Trust middle leader, Headteacher, Deputy or Assistant Headteacher in a Primary or Secondary setting in contexts of high disadvantage and vulnerability.

• A record of impact for children experiencing vulnerability: including designing and delivering work that led to reduced harmful behaviours, repeat suspension or persistent absence.

• A record of empowering work with children and families. 

• Evidence of designing and delivering impactful professional development: high quality learning sessions, fostering sustained staff development and contributing to a culture of continuous learning.

• Understanding of Relational Practice within Education: A track record of utilising or implementing practice aligned with the relational approaches to deliver improved student outcomes.

• Aiming high and holding people accountable through visionary leadership: Ability to articulate an ambitious vision, inspiring and motivating others to meet high standards. A proven ability to hold individuals accountable for their contributions.

• Flexibility and a willingness to travel: including overnight stays, particularly within London,and across the North East, North West, and the Midlands. A likely travel pattern of 2-3 days travel per fortnight.

Desired knowledge, experience and skills

• Stakeholder management & relationship-building: proven experience in managing relationships with various stakeholders, including navigating HR processes and demonstrating effective stakeholder engagement skills. Experience of sales and a business to business sales process would be advantageous.

• Adaptability: track record of prioritising and creating clarity in ambiguous, challenging, or fast-paced situations. Experience in working directly with colleagues, implementing strategies such as coaching and structured reflection to establish clear and effective plans.

• Research Engagement: engagement with research and evidence-based strategies for school improvement. Demonstrable quantifiable impact using evidence-informed approaches.

• Contextual Awareness: varied experience in different schools, showcasing an understanding of how contextual factors impact schools and teachers, and an awareness of the wider educational landscape.

• Teaching Qualification: possession of Qualified Teacher Status, demonstrating the foundational qualification for the role.

Why Work for The Difference?

Schooling isn’t working for the children who need it most. Every week in England 109 children – equivalent to three full classrooms – are permanently excluded. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Since the pandemic, school suspensions have risen significantly, as has persistent absenteeism. 1 in 5 children are missing more than 10% of their time in school. Children who are excluded or persistently absent are much more likely to already be experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage. They are more likely to live in poverty, have additional learning needs, suffer mental health challenges, or experience a lack of safety outside school. Certain ethnicities are also disproportionately affected, notably Gypsy Roma Traveller and black Caribbean children. 

Exclusion and high rates of absence can have a dramatic effect on life chances. These young people are more likely to drop out of education or employment, become vulnerable to long-term mental ill health, or be at risk of criminal exploitation. The Difference believes that children and young people deserve better and that the education system has to change.

Our Organisation 

The Difference is a young education charity, founded to change the story on lost learning.  By 2030, we want rates of exclusion and absence to be falling nationally and for schools to be better equipped to support all children, including those who may be vulnerable. The Difference was born out of a year of research into school exclusions with think-tank IPPR. This research identified a lack of inclusion expertise in schools and proposed a new leadership development programme to fill this gap. In 2018, Difference founder Kiran hired the team who took this idea from concept to reality, beginning work with our first schools.

The Difference is now a 22-strong team delivering multiple school leadership programmes, alongside a growing research and policy arm. The team is supported by our Youth Advisory Board, made up of young people who have experienced exclusion and who provide their expertise and insights on how school inclusion work should be done. This work is needed more than ever. Effects of COVID-19, coupled with the spiralling cost of living, have substantially increased levels of vulnerability. Schools serving excluded pupils face under-funding. The Difference has had excellent early impact but there is work ahead to scale this impact through our programmes, share learning with schools and policy-makers, and grow our capacity to lower exclusions across England.

The Task Ahead: Programme Lead

In 2019 The Difference launched our programmes working with 22 school leaders in London. Since then we have worked with 447 school leaders nationally. We want to continue to scale our programmes and reach more school leaders to help shape their schools practice and systems to improve pupil wellbeing, safety and belonging. We intend to further develop our programmes to improve inclusion in schools and successfully change the story for students currently struggling in school. 

Key tasks for this role include:

• Deliver The Difference’s Inclusive Leadership Course to senior leaders from a range of school settings. This takes place in venues across the country including but not limited to London, the North East, North West, and the Midlands. Confidence and passion to deliver the course to the high standards required.

• In-school support for The DIfference’s School Partnership (DSP). Delivering across a variety of schools including mainstream secondary, mainstream primary and Alternative Provision settings. Supporting the implementation of key themes and content from The Difference’s Inclusive Leadership Course.

• Working closely with The Differences Research, Impact & Influencing team to capture case studies, research and impact metrics that demonstrate the impact of the Difference’s programmatic work.

• Input to the evolution and development of the Difference’s programmatic offer using insight from delivery and feedback from programme participants

• Working closely with the The Difference’s Partnership and Sales team to support the reach and impact of the programmatic work.

Our Values

• High Expectations - We are ambitious for excellence from young people, colleagues and ourselves.  We don’t believe in writing off someone’s potential because of their identity or experience of crisis. 

• Strong Relationships - We prioritise genuine relationships over transactional interactions, and know that this requires deliberate relational practice. We see colleagues and partners as people first and their roles second; and know this greater trust allows us to take more risks, gain more feedback and have greater impact.

• Internalised Locus of Control - We work hard to reframe difficult situations to discover what we have within our power in terms of solutions. We take it upon ourselves to walk towards challenges and can take a high level of ownership and agency in our work/

• Pragmatism - We believe leadership means recognising current limitations and striving for improvements within and beyond them.  We develop consensus and chart new ways forward, challenging false and extreme positions like “zero exclusions” or “no excuses”.

• Scientific approach - We take a diagnostic approach to unpicking causes of problems. We are loud and proud of our failures, recognising failing fast and often is key to finding the best solutions. We test solutions and are willing to use data and feedback to make adjustments and choose new directions. 

• Not Squeamish about Structural Inequality - We believe patterns of inequality can and should be disrupted. We strive to be clear-eyed about these inequalities, and both the individual practice and system-changes required to address them. We push ourselves to overcome awkwardness in talking about this; and begin by acknowledging our own biases and blind spots.

• Asset-based - We work hard to avoid deficit thinking and aim to start with what’s strong, not what’s wrong. We are careful not to frame our colleagues and stakeholders - particularly young people and families – as victims but instead to recognise their agency.

• Wise selves - To both enjoy work and do their best, we want to make decisions and work with others in our “wise” - or regulated - selves. We also want to bring our compassionate self to those we work with, externally and internally, to support one another through challenging times. 

How To Apply 

To apply, please complete all sections of the application form by midnight on Sunday 21st April.

First round interviews will be held during the week beginning 6th May, over video call. Please indicate if you would not be available to attend an interview during this week.

If successful in this stage, second round interviews (including a task to be completed the same day) will take place on the week beginning 13th May, at our office in Bethnal Green. 

We are committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourage applications from under-represented groups in the charity sector such as people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, people with experience in the care system, non-graduates and first-in-family graduates. 

Please note that we're not able to sponsor work visas for this role and can only move forward with candidates who are eligible to work in the UK.

As part of our commitment to fairer recruitment, all applications will be assessed with names and any protected characteristics redacted. 

Recommended Reading 

If you’d like to understand more about The Difference and what we are trying to achieve, we would recommend the following:

• The research which underpins our organisation.

Our latest Impact Report, sharing our work in 2023

Do you want to improve the lives of people with disabilities and vulnerable people?

Humanity & Inclusion (HI) is an award-winning international humanitarian and development organisation. Working alongside people with disabilities and vulnerable populations, we take action and raise awareness in order to respond to their essential needs, improve their living conditions and promote respect for their dignity and fundamental rights.

Our UK team is looking for an enthusiastic and committed individual to join us as a Programme Funding Officer (PFO). This is an exciting and varied role working across the funding cycle from the early stage of new opportunities through to grant management. You will be regularly in touch with our country teams, supporting them to engage with UK institutional donors in-country and advising them on compliance for both grants and commercial contracts. You will also get a chance to support partnership development, as well as get involved in advocacy and policy influencing. If this sounds like the next role for you, we’d love to welcome you to our friendly and dedicated team.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND PURPOSE OF THE POST

The Institutional Relations team is responsible for donor engagement and influencing, institutional funding, and partnerships in the UK. It comprises the Head of Institutional Relations, a Commercial Contracts Manager and three Programme Funding Officers.

As part of HI’s 2016-2025 strategy, we have ambitious targets for growth in institutional funding from UK donors, and more broadly, a focus on building strategic relationships with key UK donors and partners. Given the changing external funding environment and evolving context in the UK, we are looking for an individual who is willing to be flexible and adapt to the context in order to meet the organisation’s needs and have the biggest impact for people with disabilities.

The main purpose of this post is:

· Improving our track record for UK and other funding by increasing internal understanding of donors and funding mechanisms in your portfolio, supporting high quality submissions, grant management and donor compliance

Strengthening relationships with, and generating and managing funding from UK and other institutional donors and partners

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Promoting our work and building relationships with institutional donors

Supporting the work of the Head of Institutional Relations, you will have sound knowledge of the donors and funding mechanisms in your portfolio, and contribute proactively to influencing their funding strategies and priorities. Duties include:

· Maintain a good understanding of HI’s programmes, strategy and approach and communicate this externally.

· Identify and build relationships with a portfolio of large public and private institutional donors and their key suppliers (e.g. INGOs and for-profit development companies), mobilising colleagues from UK and across the global organisation as required.

· Work with country programmes to develop country-level action plans to engage with local representatives of UK donors and partners, in order to strengthen in-country relationships, influence donors’ country-level plans and access in-country funding opportunities. This will also involve supporting the development of multi-year operational plans and advise on the funding possibilities offered by UK institutional donors.

· Anticipate future trends and the expectations of the donors and funding mechanisms in your portfolio, influence their policies and strategies, and negotiate and consult with them on institutional funding matters, in liaison with the appropriate colleagues from the UK team and federal network.

· In coordination with the Head of Institutional Relations and the Chief Executive, monitor and where needed, contribute to collective work and advocacy initiatives in collaboration with partners and INGO networks (such as the Start Network and targeted Bond groups) with the aim of raising HI’s profile and influencing UK donors in line with our influencing priorities.

Generate and manage institutional funding from UK donors

You will follow and champion HI’s internal institutional funding procedures to identify and analyse funding opportunities from UK sources, contribute to project submissions, and carry out grant management duties. You will:

· Monitor, identify, analyse and communicate all relevant funding opportunities from donors in your portfolio (including development and humanitarian grant opportunities and commercial contracts). This will involve facilitating internal go/no go decision-making for new opportunities and advising, and supporting programme colleagues on positioning and consortium-building when relevant.

· Lead the review and analysis of the requirements in new funding agreements and contracts, advise internal stakeholders on compliance and ensure appropriate contract negotiation and due diligence processes are followed.

· Implement internal procedures for contract/grant management and support the submission of reporting and payment requests according to donor requirements.

Improve our track record for UK institutional funding

You will be responsible for increasing internal understanding of UK donors and funding mechanisms in your portfolio, supporting high quality strategic submissions and donor compliance. You will:

· Create internal communications, train and brief finance, programme and technical staff (including country programmes) on the donors in your portfolio, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge to comply with donor rules, understand donor priorities and focus areas, and maximise the potential for funding.

· Support proposal development, advising on donor requirements, expectations and preferences.

· Build strong relationships and internal links with technical and programme teams and contribute to internal working groups on issues related to institutional funding.

Other duties

· Maintain a positive and collaborative working relationship with HI UK colleagues and the Federal Institutional Funding, and Operations teams.

· Actively contribute to the HI UK operational plan and team work plans, and internal staff meetings.

· Ensure high quality, accurate internal reporting and information management for your portfolio.

· Keep abreast of developments within the sector by liaising with counterparts in other NGOs, and relevant networks.

· Represent HI UK at external forums and meetings when relevant.

· Any other activities commensurate with the level of the post, as may be required by the Chief Executive or Head of Team.

Equal opportunities policy

HI UK is committed to diversity and inclusion. We recognise that discrimination shapes the opportunities that many people have in society and that people have different needs in order to realise their full potential. Addressing this requires organisations to be proactive in creating environments that encourage the inclusion and development of all. Though we still have a long way to go, inclusion is central to our identity at HI UK and we are strongly committed to the continuous work that it requires.

We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates with disabilities and/or from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds, to help make us more representative. If you have a disability and meet the minimum requirements for the role, we will guarantee you an interview.

Universify Education is looking for an organised and adaptable Programme Manager. This is a great opportunity for someone experienced in project management and working with young people to expand the charity’s programmes and work in a small charity.

Job Summary

• Contract type: Permanent, full-time.
• Start date: May/June 2024 or as soon as possible
• Salary: £28,000-32,000 based on experience
• Location: Hybrid working. We have office space in Oxford and London for those wanting to work in person. Willing to travel to Oxford 1-2 times a week, and, during course delivery for 2 months a year, be resident in Oxford (preference for an Oxford-based candidate). There may also be some ad hoc travel to other areas of the UK. This is not expected to be more than once a month.

The Charity

Universify exists to create a fairer, more equal society where every young person can fulfil their potential regardless of their background. We equip young people from low socio-economic and underrepresented backgrounds with the skills, knowledge, and belief to fulfil their potential through education.

We work with Year 10-11 students (aged 14-16) to increase their aspirations, improve GCSE attainment and to gain a greater understanding of post-18 pathways, particularly university, to make a more informed decision about their future. We run a year-long programme, starting with a week-long summer residential at partner universities, monthly coaching sessions with Universify coaches and a 3-day GCSE-focused revision residential at Spring.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As the Programme Manager, you will manage the Programme Team to deliver the charity’s annual residential and coaching programme and impact reporting. You will act as the primary relationship holder for all existing major programme partners, including universities and other third sector organisations. During programme delivery, you will be a part of the team’s Safeguarding Leads and work with the Programme Team to ensure the safety and care of our participants.

You will report to the CEO and work with them to build relationships with new partners, and develop the charity’s ability to expand the programme by considering its impact data, needs of partners and stakeholders, and any changes to its programme model. You will also maintain the charity’s CRM and improve programme efficiency. As the Programme Manager, you will be involved in events, fundraising activities and publicity, including supporting the Comms officer.

Main Duties

• Oversee programme delivery, including line managing the Programme Team (3 staff)
• Manage existing programme partnerships (universities, third sector organisations) and build new relationships alongside the CEO
• Manage and deliver external programmes including the Royal National Children’s Springboard Foundation partnership programme
• Project manage impact reporting, defining data requirements, overseeing data collection and analysis, and writing the impact report
• Work with the Communications Officer and CEO to enhance the charity’s publicity including social media, in-person events, and publicity campaigns
• Provide expertise as a Level 3 safeguarding lead as part of the safeguarding team
• Maintain the charity CRM (Salesforce) and coordinate with developers to update the CRM

What we're looking for

We are looking for someone who has the following skills and characteristics

• Excellent line management and team management skills 

• Ability to create and maintain relationships with a range of external stakeholders

• Good working knowledge of recruitment processes, especially within the voluntary sector

• Excellent at coordinating a range of projects simultaneously; organised, adaptable, prioritises well and has good attention to detail

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to cover a range of audiences and purposes (including impact reporting, written and verbal communication with schools, students, parents; PR; training)

• Some data analysis skills and an understanding of charity impact reporting, or a willingness to learn about impact reporting

• Works well in a small team and is interested in working in a small organisation

Required experience

We are looking for candidates with the following experience

• At least 2 years’ experience of working with young people, particularly vulnerable groups, including delivering programmes
• At least 2 years of project management experience
• At least 1 year’s experience of team management and line management
• Experience of managing and recruiting a range of stakeholders involved in programme delivery, particularly schools and volunteers
• Secure knowledge and experience of child safeguarding policy and practice. Level 3 Safeguarding Lead qualification or a willingness to obtain this as part of the role

Ideally, candidates would have experience in a few of the following areas:

• Experience managing residential programmes or large-scale events. Experience of designing educational programmes
• Experience working with schools and universities
• Coaching expertise and ability to train coaches
• Knowledge of recruitment strategies, especially in the voluntary sector
• Experience expanding programmes and identifying new opportunities to expand programmes
• Impact report writing and data analysis expertise 

For more details please see the job description attached. 

Additional benefits

• 25 days paid holiday, plus 8 bank holidays
• Employer contribution to pension scheme
• Flexible working hours outside delivery periods
• Hybrid working (in-person and online) outside delivery periods
• Individual training budget and dedicated time with your line manager to create a personal training and development plan, following a strong coaching approach
• Regular team days, socials, and team welfare initiatives

Applications close at midday on Tuesday 30th April 2024. 

WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO?

We are the UK’s student mental health charity. We challenge the higher education sector, health sector, and government to work with students when making decisions that impact them, and make them accountable for prioritising student mental health. In collaboration with students, we show sector professionals what effective student mental health looks like, and bridge the gap between students and the communities around them to ensure their voices are always heard. 

By creating and curating resources, stories and tools, we empower students to build their own mental health toolkit to support themselves and their peers through university life and beyond. We want to empower and inspire students to use their voice to share their stories and advocate for themselves. 

ROLE PURPOSE
The Programme Liaison Officer (full-time, fixed-term contract for 18 months, with possibility to extend) will join the expanding Sector Improvement Team. They will provide vital administration, communication and digital liaison and support required to successfully run and deliver the University Mental Health Charter Programme and Award, achieve the Sector Improvement Team’s key objectives, and contribute to the whole charity’s mission and goals.  This is an exciting opportunity to help the team scale the University Mental Health Charter, with the potential to impact 2.5 million staff and students across the UK.

This role will include responding to queries, liaising with assessors, universities and general enquiries. The post holder will be responsible for working with the team to develop and monitor our HUB and digital platforms, for developing regular newsletters and working with colleagues to liaise with the many stakeholders involved in the assessment and programme processes.

Key responsibilities 

Liaison support

• Provide effective liaison and administrative support to the Sector Improvement Programme(s), working closely with the Sector Improvement Lead and Programme Managers to ensure thesuccessful delivery of the programmes
• Support the planning and delivery of key Sector Improvement Programme activities such as the Winter Panel and the recruitment of the Award Assessors, CPD training and responding togeneral enquiries
• Act as the first point of contact for key stakeholders’ inquiries through the Charter Inbox and Student Minds’ Hub

Digital and resources support

• Utilise project management tools to manage work, deadlines and workflows alongside relevant colleagues to ensure timely and quality programme delivery
• Support the development of resources and documents for the charter, including newsletters, HUB announcements, Charter Handbook etc.
• Work closely with the Comms and Digital Team internally to develop and communicate clear timelines and resources needed throughout the year
• Support the annual onboarding of the Charter Programme, supporting the administrative tasks for the process, including some financial support. Lead on bringing together and distributing key documents such as welcome packs, Charter Framework documents etc.
• Support the coordinator (Programme and HUB) to onboard universities and Assessors to the HUB, and develop and grow the platform for members
• Update and oversee the Sector Improvement annual calendar of events and key activities/deliverables and share with the wider Student Minds team, identifying where dates may need to be moved
• Actively participate in the testing and embedding of new digital systems being led by the Digital
• Product Manager to increase efficiency and engagement for the Sector Improvement Programme and organisation as a whole for example collating product requirements

Financial support

• Work with the Programme Support Officer and finance colleagues to ensure correct processes and procedures are followed accurately and compliant with finance requirements
• Act as a secondary card holder for the team, making online purchases such as accommodation and travel bookings and following policies, procedures and guidance in the correct and responsible use of the Student Minds card

Data and process administration

• Administer data princesses for the University Mental Health Charter Programme and Award process, in line with Data Protection Guidelines
• Collate evaluation data from Sector Improvement events (online and in person)
• Create essential documents requested by the Sector Improvement Programme team, to support programme delivery and scalability
• Use our database(s) to manage relationships and communications with programme participants and key stakeholders, ensuring it is always up-to-date
• Support the Sector Improvement Team and Award Managers to enable efficient Award
• Assessment accreditation processes
• Maintain key working relationships with our network of Assessors and University Award Leads, addressing queries, scheduling and minuting award panels, sharing actions with the team

Working together

• Work closely with the Programme Support Officer to successfully deliver all aspects of the role, including managing the relationships with universities and logistical aspects (e.g. bookings, finances), ensuring tasks are picked between roles and when required
• Work closely with colleagues in the Student Space team and Training teams to embed cross- programme working within Student Minds.
• Attend various programme-related meetings, actively contributing ideas to continually develop our Programmes
• Stay updated on developments in Higher Education and gather insights from sector partners to feed into team decisions
• Look for opportunities to develop systems and processes to improve ways of working and participate in discussions on the Sector Improvement Team development and improvement

BENEFITS

• Generous annual leave allowance - 25 days’ annual leave, plus bank holidays, plus a 2-week winter closure
• Flexible working - we encourage all employees to reflect on when and where they work best and how they need to fit work around caring or other commitments.
• Wellbeing is at the heart of what we do - we support staff to implement Wellness Action Plans and offer 10% of weekly working hours for you to invest in your wellbeing.
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme - we also offer wellbeing support through an Employee Assistance Programme which provides a wide range of resources as well as confidential counselling.
• For other benefits and more information please see our website.

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced National Programme Manager to join The Phoenix Way team. The National Programme Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day management and oversight of our fund, ensuring its effective implementation and impact. This is a key leadership role that requires strong project management skills, strategic thinking,and a passion for driving meaningful change.

The National Programme Manager will be working closely with the National Convenor, The Phoenix Way National Leadership Group (NLG), Global Fund for Children (GFC) and national and regional panels to co-design a collaborative grant-making process.

They will support the development and implementation of the overarching Phoenix Way vision, national and regional plans, which include infrastructure development support, ensuring a consistent approach to grant-making across the nations and regions in line with programme and funder requirements.

For further information please download our Recruitment Pack.

Country Trust Head of Programmes

Employed contract   

• Hours: 21 per week  
• Salary/contract rate : £43-45,000 FTE depending on experience
• Location: Ideally within easy reach of Chelmsford. Hybrid/homeworking 
• Employed contract – benefits 
• Annual leave: 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays (FTE) 
• Benefits: Workplace pension
• Reporting to: CEO 

Possible combination with the Impact and Learning Lead role also being advertised.

About The Country Trust 

As a nation we've lost our connection with the land that sustains us all, with big and urgent ramifications for health, sustainability and equality. The Country Trust is changing this through high quality food, farming and countryside experiences that empower children in the most disadvantaged communities across the UK. For 45 years, we've worked with farmers to bring the countryside alive for over 600,000 children least able to access it. Our impactful programmes include the Food Discovery Programme, Countryside Discovery Residentials, Farm Discovery, Farm in a Box and Plant Your Pants. 

About the Role 

As the Head of Programmes, you will take on a strategic leadership role, managing the team of Programme Managers and deputising for the CEO when required. You will ensure each programme flourishes while encouraging collaboration across teams and with external partners to meet our ambitious objectives. This is a hybrid role, allowing you to work from home and travel to see our programmes in action nationwide. 

Key responsibilities include: 

• Line managing senior programme staff, including a dispersed workforce 
• Overseeing operational demands and change management 
• Financial management - budgeting, forecasting, invoices, embracing fundraising 
• Actively promoting equality of opportunity and being a powerful advocate for our cause 
• Confident communication and stakeholder engagement across sectors 
• Supporting strategic direction and deputising for the CEO when required 

You will work closely with the CEO, Senior Leadership Team of 10, and a delivery team of around 40 colleagues. 

About You 

We are seeking an exceptional communicator and versatile senior leader committed to providing quality opportunities for disadvantaged children. You must have: 

• Proven success line managing senior programme staff and a dispersed workforce 
• Strong financial management skills, including budgeting and forecasting 
• Working with the Impact and Learning Lead to ensure broad and deep understanding and implementation of our Theory of Change and our values, that evaluation and learning are embedded throughout the organisation and that we are known for the quality of our reporting, with all our activities and reporting informed by meaningful data. 
• To identify and develop key partnerships to enable us to extend our reach and our impact. 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills 
• Confidence and competence to act at Board level and deputise for CEO 

Additionally, you should have: 

• Strategic thinking abilities to balance priorities and find solutions 
• A collaborative approach suited to a dynamic team environment 
• A desire to support colleagues' growth and development 
• The ability to build successful, effective partnerships – our 5 Year Plan goals are dependent on working with and through others 
• An understanding of the reality of the lives of disadvantaged children and the barriers they face in developing a first-hand connection with the land. 
• Passion for food, farming, and the countryside 

This is a fulfilling opportunity to play a vital role in an organisation dedicated to reconnecting children with the land and creating a sustainable, equal future. 

Closing date: midnight 5th May 

Shortlisting: w/c 6th May 

Interviews: w/c 20th May (to be confirmed) 

Due to our safer recruitment policy, we cannot accept CVs for this position.

WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO?

We are the UK’s student mental health charity. We challenge the higher education sector, health sector, and government to work with students when making decisions that impact them, and make them accountable for prioritising student mental health. In collaboration with students, we show sector professionals what effective student mental health looks like, and bridge the gap between students and the communities around them to ensure their voices are always heard. 

By creating and curating resources, stories and tools, we empower students to build their own mental health toolkit to support themselves and their peers through university life and beyond. We want to empower and inspire students to use their voice to share their stories and advocate for themselves. 

ROLE PURPOSE
The Programme Support Officer (full-time, fixed-term contract for 18 months, with possibility to extend) will join the expanding Sector Improvement Team. They will provide vital logistical, financial and administrative support and coordination required to successfully run and deliver the University Mental Health Charter Programme and Award, achieve the Sector Improvement Team’s key objectives, and contribute to the whole charity’s mission and goals. This is an exciting opportunity to help the team scale the University Mental Health Charter, with the potential to impact 2.5 million staff and students across the UK.

From booking travel and accommodation, holding responsibility for the planning and administration of the Purchase Order sheets, to liaising with the many stakeholders involved in the assessment and programme processes, you will have an opportunity to be involved in an interesting, fast paced and exciting role.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Logistical support

• Provide effective logistical and administrative support to the Sector Improvement Programme(s), working closely with the Sector Improvement Lead and Programme Managers to ensure the successful delivery of the programmes
• Support the the planning and delivery of key Sector Improvement Programme activities including online and in-person events, handling the administrative and logistical tasks e.g. venue booking and travel arrangements
• Support the Charter Award Process by managing logistics for assessors during Award site visits and handling related bookings
• Use of our Project Management tools to set and receive work, manage deadlines and workflows alongside colleagues to complete projects and Programmes in a timely manner, ensuring high quality of work

Financial support

• Assist in onboarding the University Mental Health Charter Programme by managing administrative tasks such as purchase orders and processing documents (e.g. MOUs, new supplier forms etc.) and outstanding payments
• Administer finances for our Sector Improvement programmes; issuing purchase orders and ensuring timely payments
• Work with finance colleagues to ensure correct processes and procedures are followed accurately and compliant with finance requirements, and identify areas for process improvement
• Act as a cardholder for the team, making online purchases such as accommodation and travel bookings and following policies, procedures and guidance in the correct and responsible use of the Student Minds card

Data and process administration

• Administer data processes for the University Mental Health Charter Programme and Award process, in line with Data Protection Guidelines
• Collate and analyse evaluation data from Sector Improvement events (online and in person), generating timely reports and make recommendations for programme improvement
• Create essential documents requested by the Sector Improvement Programme team to support programme delivery and scalability
• Provide support to the Sector Improvement Team and Award Managers to enable efficient Award Assessment accreditation processes
• Maintain key working relationships with our network of Assessors and University Award Leads, addressing queries, scheduling and minuting award panels, sharing actions with the team

Working together

• Work closely with the Programme Liaison Officer to successfully deliver all aspects of the role, including managing university relationships, ensuring tasks are picked between roles and when required
• Attend programme-related meetings, and maintain communications with programme participants and key stakeholders through maintaining and use of up-to-date database(s)
• Actively participate in the testing and embedding of new digital systems to improve programme efficiency and engagement
• Stay updated on developments in Higher Education and gather insights from sector partners to feed into team decisions
• Look for opportunities to develop systems and processes to improve ways of working and participate in discussions on the Sector Improvement Team development and improvement

Other duties

• Such other duties as may be reasonably prescribed by the organisation, appropriate to the grade and responsibilities of this post
• Attend regular team meetings with the Student Minds team and colleagues throughout the year as required
• Ensure compliance with Student Minds’ internal procedures and all external legal requirements
• Undertake training and attend conferences in a support capacity when Student Minds is delivering, and attend external conferences as a delegate where required
• Engage with and provide feedback on projects and strategic reports developed by other members of the team
• Work flexibly and undertake tasks to support Student Minds colleagues as needed

BENEFITS

• Generous annual leave allowance - 25 days’ annual leave, plus bank holidays, plus a 2-week winter closure
• Flexible working - we encourage all employees to reflect on when and where they work best and how they need to fit work around caring or other commitments.
• Wellbeing is at the heart of what we do - we support staff to implement Wellness Action Plans and offer 10% of weekly working hours for you to invest in your wellbeing.
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme - we also offer wellbeing support through an Employee Assistance Programme which provides a wide range of resources as well as confidential counselling.
• For other benefits and more information please see our website.