Programme development and funding officer jobs in bristol

DFN Project SEARCH offer an evidence-based supported internship model which takes place entirely in the workplace.  The programmes provide continuous support to young adults with a learning disability, and autistic people who are aged between 16 – 24 with an Education Health and Care Plan, or equivalent, in their final year of education.

You will be required to identify opportunities to develop and grow DFN Project SEARCH programmes across a geographical area with the aim of supporting the organisation to ensure that as many people as need it have access to DFN Project SEARCH programmes.

In addition, you will be required to develop strategies to ensure that the operational programmes in your area are achieving at least the average outcomes expected for young people in our programmes and so you must be committed to continuous improvement.

You will be specifically required to develop strong partnerships and train and support colleagues within your area. You may also be required to support colleagues promoting DFN Project SEARCH in other areas, further European projects as required and contribute to the development of relevant UK focussed materials.

As a Programme Specialist you will be expected to:

• Demonstrate effective project planning and preparation so that each project delivers achieves the highest quality programme possible and outstanding employment outcomes for the interns.
• Establish effective working relationships with schools, colleges, local authorities, employers and the project professional staff to promote the building of excellent, high quality partnerships at each site to ensure the effective running of programmes and promote sustainability in a volatile environment.
• Take an active part in decision making, planning and audit processes of each project
• Ensure that you implement DFN Project SEARCH policy and have a clear understanding of required quality standards and criteria which constitute effective teaching and learning
   

Department: Insight, Policy, and Communications

Reports to: Outreach Programme Manager

Location: Home-based, with regular travel across England, Scotland, and Wales

Benefits:

• 25 days holiday plus England bank holidays
• Employer pension contribution up to 5%
• Life insurance, critical illness cover & private health benefits
• 37.5-hour workweek

Note: This role involves regular travel and overnight stays to support outreach events and partner organisations, primarily in Scotland, the North of England, and Wales, but some travel to other areas of the UK may be required.

About British Gas Energy Trust (BGET)

British Gas Energy Trust (BGET) is dedicated to supporting individuals and families across England, Scotland, and Wales who are struggling with energy debt and financial hardship. As part of an exciting new nationwide outreach initiative, this role will support the Outreach Programme Manager in delivering a large-scale community-based programme aimed at helping those in or at risk of fuel poverty.

This is an excellent opportunity for a highly organised and motivated individual who thrives in community engagement and has strong experience in event coordination, stakeholder engagement, and programme administration.

Key Responsibilities

Programme Support & Delivery

• Assist in the planning, coordination, and execution of a nationwide outreach programme, including a rolling year-long calendar of community-based money and energy advice events.
• Provide logistical and administrative support for outreach events, ensuring smooth operations and a positive experience for attendees.
• Work closely with local charity partners, community groups, and British Gas advisors to facilitate events and outreach activities.
• Support the distribution of Energy Wellbeing Packs (e.g., heated blankets, thermos flasks) at events for vulnerable individuals.
• Regularly attend events to provide on-the-ground support, capturing feedback and ensuring objectives are met.

Stakeholder & Community Engagement

• Act as a key point of contact for funded organisations and outreach partners, ensuring they have the resources and information needed to deliver effective support.
• Help coordinate volunteer participation from British Gas and other partners, ensuring a seamless experience for all involved.
• Build relationships with community leaders and partner organisations, strengthening outreach efforts.

Monitoring & Reporting

• Assist in data collection and impact tracking to measure outreach programme success.
• Support the preparation of reports and presentations for senior leaders, using insights to refine future outreach strategies.
• Help maintain accurate records of outreach activities, tracking event attendance and engagement metrics.

Communications & Marketing Support

• Support the development of marketing materials and communications to promote outreach events and initiatives.
• Ensure that outreach events are effectively publicised within local communities through digital and print channels.

Person Specification

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Experience in event coordination, community outreach, or programme administration.
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple activities simultaneously.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Confident in building relationships with stakeholders, including charities, community groups, and corporate partners.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to adapt and remain flexible in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 (Excel, PowerPoint, Teams) and data management tools.
• Self-motivated and proactive, able to work independently while supporting a small team.
• Willingness to travel extensively and occasionally work outside standard office hours to support events.
• Willingness to undertake a National Energy Action qualification within your probationary period, funded by the trust.

Desirable:

• Experience working in the energy, charity, or community outreach sectors.
• Knowledge of grant funding processes and working with funded organisations.

This role is a fantastic opportunity to be at the heart of a nationwide initiative tackling fuel poverty, helping deliver meaningful change in communities across the UK. If you are passionate about making a difference and have the skills to support a high-impact outreach programme, we encourage you to apply.

Please note that we are not able to offer sponsorship. 

* We are not accepting requests to work with third party recruiters for this or any other vacancy. *

Department: Insight, Policy, and Communications

Reports to: Outreach Programme Manager

Location: Home-based, with regular travel across England, Scotland, and Wales

Contract: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

• 25 days holiday plus England bank holidays
• Employer pension contribution up to 5%
• Life insurance, critical illness cover & private health benefits
• 37.5-hour workweek

Note: This role involves regular travel and overnight stays to support outreach events and partner organisations, primarily in the South, South West and South East of England, but some travel to other areas of the UK may be required.

About British Gas Energy Trust (BGET)

British Gas Energy Trust (BGET) is dedicated to supporting individuals and families across England, Scotland, and Wales who are struggling with energy debt and financial hardship. As part of an exciting new nationwide outreach initiative, this role will support the Outreach Programme Manager in delivering a large-scale community-based programme aimed at helping those in or at risk of fuel poverty.

This is an excellent opportunity for a highly organised and motivated individual who thrives in community engagement and has strong experience in event coordination, stakeholder engagement, and programme administration.

Key Responsibilities

Programme Support & Delivery

• Assist in the planning, coordination, and execution of a nationwide outreach programme, including a rolling year-long calendar of community-based money and energy advice events.
• Provide logistical and administrative support for outreach events, ensuring smooth operations and a positive experience for attendees.
• Work closely with local charity partners, community groups, and British Gas advisors to facilitate events and outreach activities.
• Support the distribution of Energy Wellbeing Packs (e.g., heated blankets, thermos flasks) at events for vulnerable individuals.
• Regularly attend events to provide on-the-ground support, capturing feedback and ensuring objectives are met.

Stakeholder & Community Engagement

• Act as a key point of contact for funded organisations and outreach partners, ensuring they have the resources and information needed to deliver effective support.
• Help coordinate volunteer participation from British Gas and other partners, ensuring a seamless experience for all involved.
• Build relationships with community leaders and partner organisations, strengthening outreach efforts.

Monitoring & Reporting

• Assist in data collection and impact tracking to measure outreach programme success.
• Support the preparation of reports and presentations for senior leaders, using insights to refine future outreach strategies.
• Help maintain accurate records of outreach activities, tracking event attendance and engagement metrics.

Communications & Marketing Support

• Support the development of marketing materials and communications to promote outreach events and initiatives.
• Ensure that outreach events are effectively publicised within local communities through digital and print channels.

Person Specification

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Experience in event coordination, community outreach, or programme administration.
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple activities simultaneously.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Confident in building relationships with stakeholders, including charities, community groups, and corporate partners.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to adapt and remain flexible in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 (Excel, PowerPoint, Teams) and data management tools.
• Self-motivated and proactive, able to work independently while supporting a small team.
• Willingness to travel extensively and occasionally work outside standard office hours to support events.
• Willingness to undertake a National Energy Action qualification within your probationary period, funded by the trust.

Desirable:

• Experience working in the energy, charity, or community outreach sectors.
• Knowledge of grant funding processes and working with funded organisations.

This role is a fantastic opportunity to be at the heart of a nationwide initiative tackling fuel poverty, helping deliver meaningful change in communities across the UK. If you are passionate about making a difference and have the skills to support a high-impact outreach programme, we encourage you to apply.

Please note we are not able to offer sponsorship. 

* We are not accepting requests to work with third party recruiters for this or any other vacancy. *

Department: Programmes

Reports to: Head of Programmes

Location: Home-based, with travel across England, Scotland, and Wales

Contract: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

• 25 days holiday plus England bank holidays
• Employer pension contribution up to 5%
• Life insurance, critical illness cover & private health benefits
• 37.5-hour workweek

Note: This role requires travel with overnight stays across England, Scotland, and Wales.

About British Gas Energy Trust (BGET)

British Gas Energy Trust (BGET) supports individuals and families across England, Scotland, and Wales who are struggling with energy debt and financial hardship. This is an exciting opportunity to support the effective management of the Trust’s third party funded organisation grant programmes across England, Scotland and Wales

Key Responsibilities

· To act as the managerial point of contact between the Trust’s Grantees & the Trust ensuring programme materials up to date.

· To create documentation linked to grant programmes, such as Applications, Review Templates, Scoring Matrix and Grant Agreements.

· Build & manage positive “listening & learning” relationships with organisational grant applicants.

· Help ensure BGET learns from best practice delivery, and identify, recognize & respond to issues or opportunities as they arise.

· Undertaking both face to face and virtual monitoring visits as part of the project initiation, ongoing KPI and impact evaluation process, creating comprehensive follow-up reports and end of year reports.

· Ensure visibility & assurance of current policies and practice are in place with funded entities, identifying any risk to the Trust e.g. Safeguarding & Data Protection.

· Collect communication materials and help the Trust to amplify the voices of the organisations we support.

· In-put to the day-to-day contractual relationship with our Grant Management System provider, keeping data current and identifying improvements.

Reporting & Contract Management:

· Help ensure that organisations are supported to meet their obligations under their grant agreement, including KPIs and other reporting tools.  Including identifying risks to delivery and supporting the grantee to help resolve any challenges with delivery that impact on the grant obligations. 

· Collate comprehensive and clear feedback, data and information to monitor performance and impact on an ongoing and regular basis.

· Input into coordination, collection and analysis of Ofgem end of year reporting information.

· Ensure all data collection aligned to current Data Protection regulations and use and storage of data is in line with the Trust’s own policies and provide reassurance to the CEO and Board.

· Prepare clear and informative monthly programme updates and support the preparation of quarterly programme reports to the Board to clearly evidence operational delivery across the grant portfolio. 

· Ensure that the outcomes and KPI information are used to create impact reports during the contract period.

· Conduct monitoring visits to funded projects, (in person and online) ensuring accurate briefing notes and write up of meetings are compiled and logged appropriately.

· Establish clear reporting systems with each grant organisation and ensure accurate notes of quarterly meetings with portfolio of projects.

· Work with Finance to ensure grant funds are expended in line with grant agreements and any regulatory requirements.

· Ensure accurate data is in place for year-end reporting.

Knowledge Sharing

· Identify and develop opportunities for the organisational grant applicants to work collaboratively and share learning.

· Create and deliver events for our projects either online or annually at our Annual Advisors Gathering.

· Ensure case studies and other content is collated from the projects to share through our channels.

Person Specification:

Skills and Knowledge:
Essential:

· Strong project management skills, with relevant project management software training.

· Good written communication skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships.

· Strong at operational and project management with the ability to meet deadlines.

· Accuracy and attention to detail with a methodical approach.

· Flexible approach to changing circumstances, prepared to re-order priorities as required. 

· Practical “can do” approach with ability to manage multiple work streams.

· Highly adept at Office 365 and Excel, technically confident in managing Grant Management systems.

· Significant experience monitoring grant programmes including KPI reporting, assessment and write-up.

· Excellent written communication skills, with an ability to communicate with confidence to a wide range of individuals and audiences.

· Excellent analytical & numerical skills with the ability to interpret data and share insights.

Desirable:

· Stakeholder management experience

Experience:

· A proven track record of managing effective operational delivery of impact focused grant making projects or programmes. Including grant programme design.

· Experience of developing and managing positive, equitable partnerships.

· Responsibility for managing our Grant Management System including establishing reporting systems and dashboards for the Senior Leadership Team and Board.

This role is an opportunity to make a real difference in communities across the UK, working directly with organisations that deliver tangible support to those who need it most. If you are passionate about tackling fuel poverty and have the skills to drive a high-impact programmes initiative, we encourage you to apply.

Please note that we are not able to offer sponsorship and the successful candidate must hold the right to work in the United Kingdom. 

A basic DBS check is a requirement of this role. 

* We are not accepting requests to work with third party recruiters for this or any other vacancy. *

Sepsis Research, FEAT is a dynamic and ambitious charity dedicated to combating sepsis through awareness, innovative research, and community support. Founded in 2013 by a sepsis survivor, Sepsis Research FEAT is dedicated to combating sepsis through awareness, innovative research, and community support. The charity funds world-leading research to improve sepsis outcomes, runs public awareness campaigns, and engages with patients, carers, and healthcare professionals. Recent achievements include identifying top research priorities with the James Lind Alliance and delivering educational initiatives across the UK. Their vision is to #stopsepsisnow and make significant strides against this 'hidden killer'. We are currently seeking a visionary and strategic leader to join our team as CEO (Freelance), with the goal of scaling our operations and increasing our annual turnover from £300k to £1M by 2030.

Key Responsibilities:

· Advocacy and Representation: Act as the public face of the charity, representing its interests at events, in the media, and with policymakers.

· Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement a comprehensive growth strategy to achieve the charity's financial goals.

· Fundraising and Development: Lead fundraising initiatives, including donor engagement, grant applications, and corporate partnerships.

· Financial Management: Oversee the charity's financial health, ensuring effective budgeting, financial planning, and reporting.

· Team Management: Inspire, mentor, and manage a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, fostering a positive and productive work environment.

· Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, partners, and the community.

· Operational Oversight: Ensure the efficient and effective operation of the charity, including program delivery, compliance, and risk management.

Qualifications and Experience:

· Proven experience in a senior leadership role, preferably within the non-profit sector.

· Demonstrated success in fundraising and revenue generation.

· Strong financial acumen and experience in financial management.

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

· Ability to think strategically and drive organizational growth.

· Passion for the charity's mission and values.

Personal Attributes:

· Visionary and strategic thinker

· Inspirational and motivational leader

· Strong ethical standards and integrity

· Collaborative and team-oriented

· Resilient and adaptable

About: All Ways Network (AWN) is a second-tier support organisation dedicated to empowering charities/not-for-profits (NFPs) that work with Muslim communities across the UK to become more fundable. We aim to enhance their capacity, sustainability, and impact through tailored support, resources, and strategic partnerships. 

Position Overview: The Funder & Engagement Officer will play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between funders and the charities we support. This position is responsible for enhancing funding awareness, establishing and nurturing strategic partnerships, and providing comprehensive support to our network of organisations. As this is a new position at AWN, we encourage applications from individuals who are confident in navigating new ground and keen to help define the role’s impact.

Key Responsibilities: 

Fundraising Support: 

• Provide personalised consultations to charities/NFPs we work with to develop and refine their grants and trusts strategies. 

• Assist charities in identifying funding opportunities and preparing compelling grant applications. 

• Organise and conduct workshops and training sessions on fundraising best practices, funder engagement, monitoring and evaluation, and grant writing. 

Relationship Building: 

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with a diverse range of grant funders 

• Facilitate strategic partnerships between member charities, infrastructure groups, and funders. 

• Represent AWN at relevant networking events, conferences, and meetings to promote the interests of our member organisations.

Resource Development: 

• Create and disseminate practical resources, toolkits, and guides to support charities. 

• Develop materials that highlight successful case studies and best practices within the sector. 

Monitoring and Evaluation: 

• Implement a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to assess the effectiveness of fundraising efforts and support provided. 

• Collect and analyse data to track progress and make informed recommendations for improvement. 

Communication and Reporting: 

• Prepare regular reports on activities, outcomes, and impacts for internal and external stakeholders. 

• Maintain clear and consistent communication with a network of service users/charities to ensure their needs are met and feedback is integrated. 

Any other duties reasonably expected within the scope of the role

Qualifications and Experience: 

• At least 3-5 years of experience in fundraising, grant management or not-for-profit management. 

• Proven track record or strong knowledge of successful grant writing and fundraising initiatives. 

• Strong understanding of the funding landscape and the unique challenges faced by charities serving Muslim communities. 

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders. 

• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver effective training and capacity-building programs. 

• Proficiency in using digital tools for remote work and virtual collaboration. 

• Commitment to AWN’s mission and values, with a proactive and results-oriented approach. 

• Excellent written skills. 

• Comfortable in public speaking. 

• Proactive in creating and developing this role. Can confidently work independently. 

• Ideally the person should live in or the surrounding areas of London. We currently don't have an office space but we are forming a London team.

Benefits: Pension + 30 days holidays (including bank holidays and x2 days for Eid)

How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit a CV and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience by Monday 9th June 2025 at 5pm.

Interviews to be held in-person on w/c Monday 16th June 2025, based in a London Office. Successful candidates will be notified. 

If you have any queries about the role, salary, remote work etc, please contact us.

The Forest of Avon is one of England’s Community Forests and a registered charity and company limited by guarantee. The Forest of Avon was established in 1992 as one of the first England’s Community Forests and became a charity in 2008. The Forest of Avon hosts several programmes including the multi-million pound Trees for Climate and the Western Forest, delivering woodland creation and restoration across the region as well as our expert-led Nature and Health work. The charity has a growing team and an actively engaged Board of Trustees.

The Head of Finance (HoF) is responsible for overseeing all financial operations of the Forest of Avon Trust which now includes Western Forest, England’s first new national forest in 30 years covering Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and the West of England (including North Somerset).

Our new HoF will manage the charity’s financial systems, preparing accounts, supporting audits, reporting to the Board of Trustees and overseeing and reporting on the financial elements of key programmes such as the Trees for Climate grant scheme and the Western Forest. The HoF also works closely with the team and external stakeholders to expand the charity’s financial capacity, ensuring transparency and effectiveness in all financial activities.

Role Description

Post: Head of Finance, Forest of Avon (including Western Forest)
Salary: £46,305-51,146, with annual pay review  
Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week, flexible work hours

Line manager: CEO, Forest of Avon / reporting to Finance Sub-Group of Board.

Contract: Permanent

(Forest of Avon are also open to considering an Interim contract whilst recruitment for a permanent role is underway – please contact Solutions for HR as soon as possible)
Location: Central Bristol. Mainly office based with the option for some home working, as agreed.

Benefits include: Staff pension, Employee Assistance package, 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, volunteering days and staff training and social events.

Some key duties of the role include (but are not limited to):

• Prepare the annual accounts and financial statements in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Work with the charity’s auditors to ensure the successful completion of the annual audit process.
• Provide monthly and quarterly financial reporting, including budget setting, forecasts, and projections to ensure the Trust’s financial health is consistently monitored, including projects such as Trees for Climate and Western Forest.
• Present financial reports to the Board of Trustees and Western Forest Boards, providing insight and recommendations on financial strategies and growth opportunities. 
• Ensure accurate recording of grant agreements, claims processing, and reconciliation of funds in line with grant terms.
• Oversee end-of-year financial reconciliation and reporting for all funding programmes, ensuring compliance with donor requirements and financial policies.
• Provide financial input and support for the management of restricted funds, ensuring all are appropriately allocated and tracked.

The successful candidate will have/be:

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent) with extensive experience in financial management within a charity or non-profit sector.
• Strong experience in preparing accounts, managing audits, and financial reporting.
• Experience with grant management, including financial administration, claims processing, and reporting in relation to large-scale funding programmes.
• Strong financial analysis and reporting skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial data and provide clear insights to the Board and other stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and advise both internal teams and external partners on financial matters.
• Strong organisational skills, with an ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Proficient in financial software and IT systems, including bookkeeping and accounting platforms.

Forest of Avon are an equal opportunity employer and applications will be considered without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, veteran status or age. The Forest of Avon is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable people and expects all members of staff to share this commitment. We seek to challenge the status quo with the power of diversity, inclusion, and collaboration. We encourage different perspectives and seek to support our team and partners to share and implement new ideas, to continue improving and to realise our full potential. 

To apply for this role please submit your CV detailing your relevant experience together with a covering letter (cover letter to be no more than 2 A4 pages) to the recruitment team.

The closing date for this role is 5pm on Monday 2nd June 2025. Interviews are likely to be held w/c 9th June 2025.

PRIMARY OUTPUTS

To contribute to raising funds through high-quality bid and application processes which includes supporting the development of funding applications, stakeholder engagement. Evaluation reports and research underpinned by excellent communication skills. 

To raise awareness of DMWS services through print, web and social media activity.

All the work must ensure that DMWS’ mission, values and aims are clearly articulated in a professional manner and that our vision for sustainability and growth to support our beneficiaries is successful.

To apply please submit a CV and covering letter explaining why you would be a good fit for the role. Please remember to click on ‘upload’ otherwise we may not receive your attachments.Applicants must hold a full UK Driving Licence and have access to a vehicle which may occasionally be required for this role.  Applications will be considered as they are submitted. DMWS reserve the right to close the application process early and feedback will only be provided to candidates who attend interviews.

Key Responsibilities 

• Contribute to the writing of consistently high-quality funding applications and bid documents which are accurate, substantiated, and contain compelling content.  Ensure these are submitted to deadline and in line with the funders criteria as well as DMWS aims. 

• Write, edit and submit evaluation reports as required by the funder – working with the Grant Manager and operational colleagues for support. 

• Develop, update, and maintain an electronic project bid library resource, including written templates and application responses. 

• Maintain an up to date register of all grant and trust fund providers applied to for projects, submission deadlines, and other relevant information, including timeframes for re-applying. 

• Research and assess potential opportunities to obtain funding from grant making trusts and foundations, organisations, in order to sustain and develop DMWS services against strategic aims. 

• Contribute to the development and updating of DMWS Website 

• Develop and promote content for DMWS Social Media channels and other communication mechanism including print and online. 

• Identify and build strong internal and external relationships. 
   

As and when required, attend at various meetings and events at headquarters or other locations. 

Work with other head office and operational colleagues to share intelligence and contribute to the delivery of DMWS Strategy and organisational sustainability. 

General Support Tasks 

• Promote the vision, mission and values of DMWS 

• Contribute creative thinking, ideas and support to colleagues to help facilitate the promotion of a positive organisational environment.

• Represent and promote DMWS and its services, working with and supporting other staff, maintaining a positive and professional approach with all contacts both internal and external. 

• Engage in, and undertake with enthusiasm, all opportunities for training and professional development in order to achieve additional skills as the role and organisation develops. 

• Adhere to the terms and conditions of employment working within the policies and procedures of DMWS. 

• Be responsible for own safety and others affected by your activities and to ensure adherence to DMWS’ policies and procedures regarding Health & Safety, GDPR, Data Protection, and confidentiality. 

• Develop and maintain effective communications within DMWS to optimise outcomes. 

• To establish and maintain links to other organisations relevant to the post, and to ensure that those links are shared as appropriate. 

• To be aware of, and work to, safeguarding principles, practice and procedures. 

The list of duties in the job description should not be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive. There will be other duties and requirements associated with the role and, in addition, as a term of employment you may be required to undertake various other duties as may reasonably be required 

Person Specification 

• Demonstrable experience of securing or involvement in funding through bid writing and funding applications. 

• Demonstrable ability to communicate compelling messages in written form. 

• Experience of coordinating and updating a knowledgebase system. 

• Experience in organising, prioritising, and managing your time effectively. 

• Creative instinct and ability to think laterally about new business opportunities. 

• Collaborative and adaptive working. 

• Experience of raising funds within the third sector. 

• Experience of research and data analysis. 

• Experience of working within the health, social care, wellbeing, or military third sector is desirable but not essential. 

• Experience of working within project delivery or project development is desirable but not essential. 

Skills 

• Strong interpersonal skills that enable you to communicate internally and externally, and the ability to engage clearly with people at all levels. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 

• Accuracy and management of deadlines. 

• Team working skills and the ability to work independently with little direction to prioritise work areas. 

• Excellent IT skills including use of Word, Excel and PowerPoint Packages. 

• Confident, self- motivated, target driven, strong team player. 

• Ability to work under pressure and to demanding deadlines, delivering objectives to agreed timescales. 

Personal Qualities 

• The ability to deal positively within deadlines and presenting information with accuracy 

• A flexible approach to work. 

• Willingness to travel to DMWS HQ and other locations as required, with some overnight stays, and occasional weekend work. 

• Proactive, committed, and forward thinking. 

• Engaging manner and personality with the ability to forge effective working relationships with a range of staff and other stakeholders. 

• Personal sensitivity, empathy, and flexibility to operate within the distinctive ethos and structure of DMWS. 

• Strong commitment to DMWS’ aims of providing medical welfare services to those in need.

BENEFITS

We offer employees the following benefits: -
• Annual Leave: We give employees 30 days a year annual leave plus Public Holidays (pro-rata'd for part-time employees).
• Pension: Auto enrolment onto DMWS workplace pension scheme – subject to eligibility. You will make a minimum contribution of 5% which DMWS will match. Contributions will be matched up to 6% by DMWS.
• Death in Service Scheme: Three times your annual salary to nominated beneficiaries - subject to eligibility.
• Flexible Working: All flexible working requests are considered - many of our staff work flexible hours and work wholly, or partly from home.
• Smart Health: Access to a 24/7 virtual GP service, with a counselling service and on-line help and support around health and well-being matters.
• Work-based Parking/Mileage: For those who pay to park at their work-base, fees are repaid through expenses. Mileage claims are reimbursed in line with HMRC guidelines.
• Enhanced Sick Pay: Enhanced sick pay scheme for all employees upon completion of their probationary period.
• Staff Recognition: Staff are regularly recognised for their work by the leadership team and their peers, via internal events, social media, and industry awards.
• Personal Development Programme: DMWS supports employee continuing professional development and training.
• Above all, being part of the DMWS team means that you are making a difference to the lives of those working on the frontline.
• Great training opportunities
• £25 contribution towards eye tests and a contribution of £50 towards glasses. (As long as they are only needed for DSE use and not otherwise needed on a standard prescription).
• Enhanced maternity / paternity / adoption family friendly benefits

At Toc H Newport, we offer co-produced activities, outreach services and practical support to some of the most disadvantaged individuals and families in the area, reaching over 600 individuals in 2024.Our vision is of a neighbourhood where everyone has the strong community life, emotional wellbeing and socioeconomic opportunities needed to flourish.

Our centre for service delivery is the Toc H Community Centre in Eveswell, Newport, where our offer includes our popular Stay and Play sessions for low-income families, and children’s after-school club Active Juniors. Our activities and services are incredibly popular, and we hold longstanding partnerships with local agencies and stakeholders. 

It is an exciting period of growth for Toc H Newport, with a number of new funding streams making it possible for us to reach many more families in need across Newport in 2025 and beyond. This includes a £300,000 grant from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s Community Ownership Fund, allowing us to soon complete a full structural and interior renovation of our facilities.  Following a Community Asset Transfer, our space will soon triple in size, meaning we can offer more activities and services to more local people. It’s a great time to join us and become part of a dynamic, collaborative team, committed to driving positive change at a local level.

Introduction to TDS

TDS is a not-for-profit organisation with a clear social purpose: to raise standards in the private rented sector. Established to create a fairer and more professional rental market by protecting deposits and resolving deposit disputes, TDS has since expanded its mission. Today, we invest in a range of additional services and initiatives that further our commitment to improving the sector.

Key initiatives relevant to this role include:
- Developing an influential research programme to ensure that laws and regulations are informed by robust evidence.
- Funding a range of projects and organisations through our two independent charities.
- Leveraging our direct communication channels with millions of tenants, landlords, and letting agents to educate and inform all parties.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Key initiatives relevant to this role include:
- Developing an influential research programme to ensure that laws and regulations are informed by robust evidence.
- Funding a range of projects and organisations through our two independent charities.
- Leveraging our direct communication channels with millions of tenants, landlords, and letting agents to educate and inform all parties.

Introduction to the Role

We are looking for a Research and Policy Officer (Maternity Cover) to join our expanding Policy and Research department, which also oversees the TDS Charitable Foundation. This is a pivotal role supporting our mission to improve standards in the private rented sector through impactful research, thought leadership, and policy engagement.
The successful candidate will play a key part in delivering our research programme, including overseeing flagship projects like the Voice of the Tenant and Voice of the Landlord surveys, and producing high-quality qualitative and quantitative research.

You will also support the smooth running of the Charitable Foundation’s grant-making and governance activities and contribute to our work influencing policy and practice across the UK’s private rented sector.
This is a great opportunity for someone passionate about housing, with a solid grounding in research and an interest in policy, to join a values-driven organisation delivering real-world impact.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Research
1. Collaborate with external research contractors to deliver the regular ‘Voice of the Tenant’ and ‘Voice of the Landlord’ Survey.
2. Ensure the research findings are widely disseminated through different channels, including events, publications, briefings and digital content.
3. Help identify research gaps and contribute to the development execution of new research projects or commissioning of external research.
4. Conduct proactive desk-based research to identify emerging trends, new policy developments, and partnership opportunities relevant to the Foundation and the sector.
5. Undertake in-house research activities, such as literature reviews, focus groups, stakeholder interviews, where required.
6. Contribute to the drafting and production of high-quality research reports and briefings, ensuring clarity, accessibility, and relevance for policy and practice audiences.

Policy
7. Monitor and analyse relevant legislative and regulatory developments, consultations, and debates, identifying implications for the sector and TDS’s work.
8. Support the development of TDS’s policy positions by preparing briefings, drafting responses to consultations, and summarising evidence from research.
9. Help communicate TDS’s policy insights and positions clearly and effectively to internal stakeholders, partners, and decision-makers.

Charity co-ordination
10. Act as a key point of contact for grant-funded projects, supporting projects to share progress and impact, and identify any support needs.
11. Help to Coordinate the TDS Charitable Foundation’s quarterly Board of Trustee meetings, including preparing board papers, taking minutes, and following up on actions.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential characteristics

1. Qualifications and experience
Essential:

• Educated to degree level in a relevant subject.
• At least 3 years’ experience in research, social policy or similar role (or equivalent post-graduate study).
• Knowledge of research design
• Proven track record of producing content to communicate to different audiences.
• Experience of building relationships with external stakeholders.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of the housing sector or charitable work.

2.  Job Knowledge
Must be able to:

• Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Show an ability to build relationships with stakeholders.
• Demonstrate organisational skills to help coordinate multiple projects.
• Utilise strong IT skills including sound knowledge of MS Office.
• Prove ability to write content for different audiences.

3. Communication
Must be able to:

• Work as part of a team;
• Have good interpersonal skills, communicating effectively with colleagues, funded projects and other stakeholders.

4. Equal Opportunities

• Must be able to demonstrate a commitment to equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion.

5. Required behaviour and attitude

• Applicants must be able to:
• demonstrate an affinity for customer excellence
• recognise the importance of fairness in all of our work
• demonstrate how they are making a difference in the work that they do
• is able to articulate the importance of teamwork
• are committed to excellence in all that we do;
• help create a great place to work.

TDS offers a plethora of benefits inclusive of:

• 33 days holiday inc bank holidays
• BUPA Private healthcare
• BUPA Wellbeing cash plan
• Pension Scheme
• Additional day off for your birthday
• Plus many more!

Hours of the role
35 hours per week. Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letting outlining how your skills and experience match the person specification.

TDS is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in our workforce and to be truly representative of all sections of society and our customers.

Please identify your notice period and salary expectation in your cover letter.

Note: Unfortunately we cannot support applications from international candidates at this time

As one of the largest federated charities in the UK, with arguably greater reach into the lives of families and educational settings than any other non-Government organisation, Parentkind is on a bold and urgent mission: to support, champion, and empower parents to be partners in their children’s education and wellbeing. To help deliver this, Parentkind's fundraising efforts helped grow Parentkind's income from £1.5m to £10m (including in-kind donations) between 2022 and 2024.

Although best known for our support of almost 24,000 Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs), Parent Councils, and Schools, helping them build strong school communities whilst they raise over £130 million each year to enhance children’s education, our work stretches far beyond the school gates. Parentkind is building a powerful movement that recognises parental engagement not as a nicety, but a necessity.

In recent years, families have faced a series of compounding challenges: the cost-of-living crisis, rising child poverty, and deepening educational inequality. These pressures have left many parents struggling to meet basic needs—let alone feel confident engaging in their child’s learning journey.  Parentkind has responded to this moment with compassion, agility and purpose, through a series of transformative campaigns, resources, and partnerships. Our recent transformational journey has seen Parentkind’s network grow by more than 70% of schools, and the income Parentkind has delivered both for itself and for its members by more than 550%. 

Our No Cold Child initiative, launched with FatFace, stepped in to address a stark statistic: over 150,000 children in the UK do not own a winter coat due to poverty. Through our trusted relationships with schools, we distributed 10,000 warm, high-quality coats worth £600,000 to the children who needed them most. Shortlisted for two Business Charity Awards, the campaign has been praised not just for providing warmth, but for restoring dignity, inclusion, and school readiness to thousands of children.

Our collaboration with Asda on Cashpot for Schools is another example of unlocking support at scale. This innovative community-led funding model allows shoppers to nominate and fund their local schools simply through everyday spending. In just the last year, this campaign has generated £5.78 million for schools—supporting everything from basic classroom supplies to vital extracurricular programmes and pupil wellbeing initiatives. Also shortlisted for a Business Charity Award, it is already a model for community-driven philanthropy.

Meanwhile, our All Dressed Up campaign—developed with World Book Day and Rubies Masquerade—confronted the often-overlooked issue of financial exclusion on key celebration days. More than 100,000 free dressing up costumes worth £1.34 million were delivered to children from low-income families. By enabling participation in events like World Book Day, we helped spark imagination, joy, and belonging for children who might otherwise feel left out—boosting self-esteem and supporting a positive connection to learning.

Alongside these national campaigns, Parentkind supports families year-round through a growing suite of programmes designed to inform, prepare and empower parents. Our Be School Ready programme offers crucial guidance and confidence to parents preparing their children for the leap into primary education. With a mix of practical advice, developmental tips, and reassurance, through the distribution of 135,000 copies of Be School Ready and an online campaign, it supports families at one of the most formative moments in their child’s life.

We also deliver a wide-ranging series of live expert webinars and parent-friendly resources, covering topics such as managing anxiety, supporting special educational needs, navigating school transitions, and building home-school partnerships. These resources—developed in consultation with experts and rooted in lived parent experience—equip families to feel informed and empowered, no matter what challenges arise.

This month, we launched our Parent-Friendly Schools Accreditation Programme, designed to formally recognise schools that go above and beyond in fostering positive, inclusive relationships with parents. The accreditation celebrates schools that actively listen to parent voices, make engagement easy and accessible, and embed family partnership in their culture. It is a practical and inspiring tool to drive long-term change in the sector and offers a roadmap for schools wanting to strengthen their community.

Our work is grounded in evidence. Every year, we conduct the UK’s largest parental engagement study: the National Parent Survey. In 2024, over five thousand parents participated, providing invaluable insight into what families think about the education system. The findings are fed directly into government consultations and have already influenced national debates on school funding, attendance, mental health support, SEND provision, and curriculum reform. We believe passionately that parents must not be the missing voice in education policy—and we work tirelessly to ensure their views shape the decisions that affect their children’s lives.

Today, through Parentkind’s federated network of more than 130,000 parent and teacher volunteers, our work impacts the lives of millions of parents, carers, teachers and children throughout the UK through our membership, programmes, advocacy and campaigns. But we know we can—and must—do more.

We’re looking for someone with passion, purpose, and creativity—someone who understands that a warm coat, a World Book Day costume, or a parent’s voice at the table can all be catalysts for lifelong change.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our growing Fundraising Team and play a leading role in shaping a brand-new trust fundraising programme from the ground up. We’re looking for someone with experience in securing income from trusts and foundations—someone who’s a confident communicator, both in writing and in person, and who brings a curious and strategic mindset to prospect research.

You’ll help craft compelling cases for support and develop a portfolio of proposals and reports that showcase the impact of our work—amplifying the voices of parents and schools and demonstrating how Parentkind is driving positive change. Strong attention to detail is essential, along with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently.

If you believe, like we do, that when parents matter, children succeed, we’d love to hear from you.

You’ll have:

• Proven experience in trust and statutory fundraising, securing five- and six-figure grants.
• Demonstrable success in developing compelling proposals and reports for funders.
• Strong relationship management skills with a track record of stewarding long-term partnerships.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to convey impact effectively.
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Knowledge of the education, family support, or community development sectors.

You’ll get:

• To join a fast-moving charity with an exciting future
• To build your own team, playing a key role in driving forward the charity’s strategy and shaping our fundraising activity
• Remote working full-time with a great online team culture
• 25 days holiday in addition to UK public holidays.

How to apply

A full candidate pack is attached on this listing. To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter outlining your motivations for applying for the role and how you meet the Person Specification.

Interviews will be held on a rolling basis via video conference.

Parentkind is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and we ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and equally.  We would be grateful if you would complete the equal opportunities monitoring questions when applying online to help us check that we are carrying out our policy of equal opportunities for all people.  The information will be kept confidential and will be separate from your application.  It will have no bearing on your application.

Parentkind is committed to meeting the needs of applicants with disabilities.  Please let us know if you require any adjustments to your application or interview process.

Volunteering Development Officer - Local Groups
Reference: APR20257427
Location: Flexible in UK
Salary: £27,123.00 - £28,956.00, Per Annum Pro Rata
Hours: Part-Time, 22.5 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Benefits: Pension Scheme, Life Assurance Scheme, 26 days' Annual Leave (pro rata)

The RSPB strategy to 2030 is all about saving nature through people. Our aim is that our volunteers and Local Groups are embedded in this strategy and continue to deliver impactful work to save nature. To do this, we want to build on our existing relationships and ways of working and harness their enthusiasm, working as one team for nature.

This role would continue the smooth transition from the Saving Nature through Local Groups project into core delivery, taking responsibility of the Vision and Local Group action plan.

What's the role about?

The successful candidate will raise the profile of our groups externally as well as empower and support staff to build productive and collaborative working relationships with the groups.

You will develop resources and guides that will help groups run efficiently, improve their activity programmes and grow their membership. Working closely with country teams you will deliver workshops, training and support to Local Groups as appropriate.

You will raise awareness and understanding of volunteering, championing it to ensure that it is valued and seen as a positive way of meeting business needs.

You will also deliver a recognised and respected source of leadership, support and transformational advice to the UKHQ team seeking to develop new volunteering initiatives.

This role would have an individual specialism but with the ability to be flexible to cover the priorities required across the department and the UK wide needs, ensuring that they identify and own the ‘once for all volunteering work’, i.e. the information, processes, procedures and projects that affect volunteering across the whole organisation, and support this through funding, project development, training and resources.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• Understanding and knowledge of volunteering innovation, best practice and sector standards.
• Demonstrable track record of having successfully and effectively developed a range of volunteering roles and schemes across an organisation.
• Experience of providing operational advice and guidance on volunteer involvement to people at all levels.
• Building effective stakeholder relationships with a focus on community groups.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills; ability to manage and deliver a portfolio of work and balance the priorities and needs of multiple stakeholders.
• Ability to be proactive, use initiative and work independently.
• Strong skills in identifying and analysing problems, issues and areas of improvement, working collaboratively to develop creative strategies and solutions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, successfully influencing, persuading, guiding, listening to, and negotiating with others, constructively challenging thinking.
• Experience of working in a customer-focused environment.

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

• Qualification in volunteer management.
• Good training, facilitation and coaching skills; ability to enthuse and inspire and increase others’ confidence.
• Experience of working in an HR/Customer database.

Closing date: 23:59, Wednesday 21st May 2025
We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 4th June 2025.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

As part of this application process you will be asked to complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.

No agencies please.

Background 

People and communities around the world have the solutions to social injustice, authoritarianism, and the climate crisis. But repressive governments, corrupt corporations, and armed groups use violence and oppression to try and silence them.

By building resistance and resilience among those challenging unaccountable power, Open Voices supports a shared vision for a world where communities and ecosystems can thrive. 

As a mission-driven nonprofit, we join forces with grassroots activists, community groups, and social movements at risk. Working together, we strengthen their physical safety, digital resilience, and collective wellbeing. As a social impact consultancy, we help high-profile nonprofits and foundations manage risk and care for their teams and partners.

This dual approach allows us to work at every level of civil society, from the grassroots to the global. 

We have scaled to meet a 66% surge in demand for our support over the past two years, with our international team now responding to 11 new cases every week. Last year alone, we:

• Answered 575 calls for assistance across 100 countries.

• Delivered over 6,000 hours of mentoring and accompaniment.

• Trained over 1,000 activists in 112 holistic security workshops.

Whoever we partner with, we start with questions, not answers. Listening before speaking, understanding before acting. Together, we defend those who speak out. 

We are expanding our diverse, inspired, and purpose-driven team. Will you join us as our new philanthropy coordinator?

Role description

As our philanthropy coordinator, you will play a key role in building new partnerships with philanthropists and high-net-worth individuals, with an immediate focus on the UK, US, and Europe. You will design and implement a comprehensive strategy to build a robust portfolio of individual donors, Family Foundations, Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) and other personal giving vehicles. 

A proactive and thoughtful relationship builder, you will maintain long-term relationships and lead bold strategies to engage new audiences, including millennial and next-generation philanthropists. You will steward Open Briefing’s first global development board, working closely with our CEO and director of development to engage members around a dynamic programme of activities designed to make Open Briefing more fundable and findable. 

Together with our director of development, you will drive forward a multi-year fundraising strategy to resource our work with activists and organisations on the frontlines of human rights, social justice, and environmental action. 

Your primary responsibilities will include: 

• Designing and executing our philanthropy fundraising strategy. Lead a strategy to identify, cultivate, and solicit high-net-worth individuals (HNWI) —including through Donor Advised Funds, Family Offices, Family Foundations, and other giving vehicles—with an immediate focus on the US, UK and Europe. 

• Prospecting and donor acquisition. Manage HNWI prospecting, generate new leads, develop solicitation plans, brief senior leadership in advance of meetings, and coordinate cultivation and networking opportunities.

• Stewardship and relationship management. Build strong relationships with existing and potential donors through tailored stewardship plans designed to grow income over time. Manage donor tracking and communication systems. 

• Nurture and grow our development board - Work alongside our director of development and CEO to identify and engage members and steward the Board through a 12-month action-orientated development campaign. 

• Budget Management. Manage a programme budget for cultivation and stewardship events and activities.

• Collaboration and Communication. Work closely with our communications coordinator, director of development and programme teams in the production and dissemination of donor-relevant reports, updates and other content; and contribute to the conception and organisation of donor-facing online and in-person events.

• Team support. As a key member of our development and communications team, undertaken other duties as reasonably requested relevant to team and organisational goals. 

Person specification 

Essential 

• You will have extensive experience managing a HNWI or major gift portfolio. 

• You will have a proven track-record of personally securing four, five, or six-figure donations from HNWI and/or major gift donors in the UK, US and/or Europe. 

• You will have experience working within a nonprofit focused on human rights, social justice, and/or environmental action. 

• You will have excellent verbal communication skills, including English language skills, both spoken and written. 

• You will have experience working with senior stakeholders and board members to support fundraising activities. 

• You will have an ability to work both strategically and operationally.

• You will have creative thinking and problem-solving aptitude.

Desirable

• You may have experience working within a global nonprofit. 

• You may have knowledge of the human rights, social justice, environmental justice, and/or international development funding landscape. 

• You may understand grant-making and grant-management processes, especially with respect to private philanthropic funding, including family foundations, DAFs, and Family Offices. 

• You may understand tax-efficient donation mechanisms in the UK, US, and across Europe. 

• You may understand the trends in dynastic giving as well as emerging and next-generation philanthropists. 

If you feel you meet some but not all of the criteria, we would encourage you to get in touch. 

Terms and remuneration

This is a remote, home-working role. You will be contracted for 40 hours a week on a full-time, fixed-term contract. Flexible working is available and encouraged. 

We are looking for someone who wants to embrace this pivotal role within our close-knit team and develop a long-term working relationship with us. You will be properly onboarded and continually supported by experienced and compassionate managers and colleagues. Your line manager will be our director of development, Vicky Nida. 

In return for your time and dedication, we will offer you a remuneration package made up of fair pay, sector-leading benefits, and progressive leave policies, including:

• Salary of £46,900 per annum.

• 7% employer pension contribution.

• Family private medical insurance.

• Employee Assistance Programme, including welfare counselling.

• Unlimited professional coaching.

• Enhanced annual leave of 25 days plus local public holidays.

• Additional leave days for annual closedown.

• Enhanced sick pay.

• Flexible working, including flexitime and remote and home working.

• Access to local coworking spaces.

• Support for climate action:

  • Personal carbon emissions offsetting.

  • Up to two additional leave days for sustainable travel.

  • Up to two additional leave days for climate activism.

• Apple MacBook and peripherals.

If you are based outside the United Kingdom, you will be offered comparable compensation through our local employer of record, Remote. For parity, we contribute 4% above the local statutory requirements into the personal pension plans of staff members employed outside the UK. We will contribute 7% into the personal pension plans of staff members employed in counties where there is no  local statutory provision. 

Diversity, equity, and inclusion

Open Briefing values diversity. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all can be their authentic selves. We therefore encourage applications from all who meet the person specification and particularly from candidates who are from racialised communities and those under-recognised in our development team. This currently includes people of colour and people from countries in the global majority.

Please read our diversity, equity, and inclusion policy for more information. Our ethical and environmental policies are also available. And you may find our Vision, Mission, and Values statements of interest.

Open Briefing is a Disability Confident Employer and a signatory of the Charter for Employers Who Are Positive About Mental Health. We will make reasonable adjustments for disabled and neurodivergent people during the recruitment process and any subsequent employment. Please let us know in your cover letter how we can be the recruiter and employer you need us to be.

We have checked the text of this advert using the Gender Decoder tool.

Safeguarding

Open Briefing is dedicated to upholding the highest safeguarding standards, ensuring a culture of respect and protection for both our internal and external stakeholders. Our approach encompasses preventative measures and a strong response mechanism to any safeguarding concerns, guided by a survivor/victim-centred ethos. We enforce a strict no-tolerance policy towards any violations of safeguarding policies, ensuring that all concerns are addressed promptly and appropriately. Our safeguarding policy is available here.

How to apply

Please submit your application using our online form and note the following dates:

• Closing date: 30 May 2025

• Interviews: w/c 9 June 2025 

• Desired start date: As soon as possible 

Please let us know on the form if any of these dates are problematic and we will try to accommodate. The successful candidate will need to complete a reasonable vetting process before engagement.

Hours: Full-Time, 37.5 hours per week, flexible hours

Location: Primarily office based in central Bristol, with use of other partner locations for ad hoc use. This role will involve travel across the Western Forest region and occasionally within England, with a travel expenses budget. Hybrid arrangement by agreement.

Closing Date: 17th May 2025, submissions will be accepted up to 26th May on other job boards such as Indeed, Total Jobs, and Environment Job.

The Western Forest is a brand-new programme having been launched with national and Ministerial profile in March 2025. The Forest will support over 2.5 million people, cultivating a greener, more connected future by creating a landscape with trees and woodlands at its heart.

The Western Forest will deliver landscape scale change and real green investment, connecting people and nature across three regions – Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and the West of England (including North Somerset).

The Western Forest Director will drive, direct and manage the delivery and strategic direction of this new national forest. The Director will inspire and work alongside partners and the core Western Forest team to achieve the goals and targets set for the forest, ensuring it develops sustainable income streams and models of delivery by 2030.

The Western Forest Director will head up the core team in supporting and directing resource and expertise throughout the region. Some key duties include:

• Lead on strategic development and impact.
• Support the shaping and organisational effectiveness of the Western Forest team and partnership, with a focus on collaboration, learning and knowledge sharing.
• Be responsible for the creation and management of relationships with partners and funding bodies working to build and develop existing partnerships and encouraging new ones.
• Develop open, trusting and respectful relationships throughout the governance structure and between the team and Boards.
• Manage and ensure delivery of the programme KPI’s and partnership delivery model.

This list is not exhaustive but highlights the key duties of this role. A full job application pack can be found attached to this advertisement.

To meet the needs of this role you will need:

• Demonstrable experience of impactful leadership, working across organisations and a wide range of sectors and stakeholders.
• Experience of advocacy, engaging with external stakeholders to influence social change or public policy.
• Proven track record of securing significant financial resource for an organisation through large funding bids or other sources of income generation, ideally with a good knowledge of the tree and woodland funding sector.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage effectively with senior leaders, community groups, and the public.
• Excellent leadership skills with the ability to inspire and lead diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Proven ability to plan resources appropriately and understand financial reports including budgets/cashflow management, risk management and forecasting models.

Forest of Avon are an equal opportunity employer and applications will be considered without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, veteran status or age. The Forest of Avon is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable people and expects all members of staff to share this commitment. We seek to challenge the status quo with the power of diversity, inclusion, and collaboration. We encourage different perspectives and seek to support our team and partners to share and implement new ideas, to continue improving and to realise our full potential.

This is a rare, unique and exciting opportunity to take a lead role in developing the programme and setting the strategic path for the Western Forest – the first new national forest in over 30 years.

To apply for this role please submit your CV detailing your relevant experience and a covering letter of no more than 4 A4 pages to the recruitment team.