Programme director jobs

This is an exciting role leading our committed policy team leading the fight to end child poverty in the UK. The development and implementation of a UK-wide cross-government child poverty strategy means this is a great time to join CPAG as we look to influence policy makers to adopt our evidence-based policy solutions to child poverty.

We are looking for someone to take a lead role in developing evidence-based policy positions to support CPAG’s influencing and campaigns work. You will have knowledge of political processes and how external organisations can effect change. You will have a track record of producing high quality research and analysis, including policy briefings, on social policy issues. You will have experience of managing a small team and working collaboratively to identify policy issues and develop solutions with colleagues across the organisation, as well as externally.

The postholder will be working in a fast moving, high profile and complex policy environment and will need to balance short term priorities with long term objectives. Current priorities include influencing the implementation of the forthcoming child poverty strategy, gathering and sharing analysis and expertise with the DWP as part of their review of universal credit, and monitoring the development of forthcoming changes to disability benefits.

We welcome applications from individuals with the skills and experience outlined and we can be flexible about working arrangements. We operate a hybrid working system and would be happy to discuss any flexibilities required. CPAG is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion which you can read more about in the job pack.

We welcome applications on a secondment basis.

For more information about this post and to apply download the Head of Policy job pack.

If you have questions or need specific arrangements or reasonable adjustments to take part in the selection process, please contact us.

Closing date for applications: Sunday 4th January 2026 (midnight)

Interviews will take place: Tuesday 13th January 2026

If you’re a purpose‑driven CEO with a deep passion for animal welfare, this is your opportunity to steer a trusted charity as it transforms for a sustainable future.

Margaret Green Animal Rescue is embarking on an exciting phase of strategic revitalisation. As a leading animal welfare charity with a proud history since 1965, we are seeking a visionary and dynamic Chief Executive Officer to lead us into our next chapter. This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our charity and ensuring the animals in our care receive the very best support.

As Chief Executive of Margaret Green Animal Rescue, you’ll lead a proud organisation delivering rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming, and providing lifetime care for animals with complex needs across Dorset and Devon since 1965. You’ll harness the charity’s tangible local footprint across three rescue centres and a network of retail shops to elevate outcomes, scale supporter engagement, and embed operational excellence.

You’ll be the catalyst for significant strategic change—partnering closely with the Board of Trustees to set bold transformational objectives and KPIs. You’ll transform our operating model to meet current and future needs, oversee a data and IT modernisation programme to strengthen insight, efficiency and compliance (from donor management and welfare tracking to retail operations), steward budgets and risk with rigour, and act as the charity’s primary spokesperson to media, partners and the wider community.

The role is full‑time, based at Head Office in Church Knowle, Dorset, with regular travel across centres and shops, and offers a competitive package including 30 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays. We welcome experienced CEOs and senior leaders who bring strategic planning, change delivery and inclusive leadership.

The Role

As CEO, you will provide inspirational leadership and strategic direction, working closely with the Board of Trustees to deliver our mission and vision. You will be responsible for:

• Leading the development and implementation of a revitalised strategic plan, ensuring alignment with our values and ambitions
• Driving operational excellence across all areas, including animal welfare, fundraising, retail, and administration
• Championing a ‘One Charity’ culture, embedding consistent ethics and best practices across all teams and locations
• Acting as the primary spokesperson, enhancing our profile and engagement with supporters, partners, and the wider community
• Overseeing financial stewardship, risk management, and the effective use of data and technology to support organisational goals
• Ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation and charity governance requirements

About You

We are looking for an exceptional leader who is passionate about animal welfare and ethical leadership. The ideal candidate will have:

• Proven senior leadership experience, ideally within the charity, animal welfare, or related sectors
• Demonstrable experience in strategic planning, organisational development, and change management
• Strong financial acumen and experience in budget management and income generation
• Experience in data and IT management, including digital transformation
• Excellent communication, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement skills
• A commitment to the highest standards of animal welfare

Experience in retail operations, fundraising, and working with Boards of Trustees is desirable.

What We Offer

• Full-time role (37.5 hours per week) with flexibility for additional hours as required
• Competitive salary (£65-80k depending on experience) and benefits, including 30 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), business expenses, and mobile phone provision
• The chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of animals and the communities we serve

Join us at this pivotal moment and help shape the future of Margaret Green Animal Rescue. If you are ready to lead with vision, compassion, and drive, we would love to hear from you.

Devon in Sight (The Devon County Association for the Blind) was established in 1925 and has a long and proud history of serving people who are blind and partially sighted and their families in Devon.

Our aim is to support people on their sight loss journey by focusing on our four key service areas of Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG), Independent Living, Health & Wellbeing, and Influencing Change (Making Devon a better place for people affected by sight loss to live and work).

The Role:

As our long-standing Chief Executive Officer prepares for retirement, we are seeking an experienced senior manager to take over the leadership of this dynamic and innovative charity.

The Chief Executive Officer will be based at the charity’s head office in Splatford, Exeter. You will be responsible to the Board of Trustees and will represent, promote and support the charity, whilst ensuring the smooth running of all aspects of operations and future growth.

You will need to work flexibly and strategically to assist the organisation to achieve its strategic priorities, develop and grow. We are looking for someone who is a confident and empathetic manager with previous experience gained within a charity setting.

You will be a natural and inspiring communicator, equally confident in networking with our stakeholders, talking to the people we support and writing compelling content. In addition, you will be computer literate and financially astute, able to work with a Board of Trustees, attend their meetings and provide them with timely and accurate information.

Job Type: Permanent, Full-time (37 hours per week).

Location: Unit 3, Splatford Barton, Kennford, Exeter EX6 7XY

Salary: £46,500.

Other Benefits:

• Annual Leave entitlement is 25 days per annum plus statutory bank holidays. Additional leave days are awarded after 2, 5 and 10 years’ service.
• Some flexible, remote working can be negotiated.
• A pension scheme that includes a 3% employer contribution with the option of joining our Salary Sacrifice Scheme to increase this.
• A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• A nominated free car parking space at our current premises.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategy & Governance: Developing and implementing the charity’s vision, mission, values and strategic priorities in partnership with the Trustees.
• Operational Leadership: Overseeing service delivery, maintaining our Matrix Standard Accreditation, monitoring services we provide to ensure they are always to a high standard.
• Financial & Fundraising: Managing budgets, maintaining compliance, and leading fundraising strategies (Individual Trusts & Grants, Legacies, Community and Corporate Fundraising and  Legacy management).
• Compliance & Risk: Ensuring the charity strictly adheres to statutory, legal (GDPR, Charities Act, Companies Act), and safeguarding requirements.
• Partnerships & Advocacy: Acting as the "voice of blind and partially sighted people in Devon", building relationships with key stakeholders across the Health & Social Care and Third Sector.
• People Management: HR, recruitment, managing and supporting staff and volunteers.

How to Apply

If you are a supportive and proactive leader, passionate about making a real difference to the lives of people affected by sight loss across Devon, we want to hear from you!

For a full application pack, including job description, application letter and application forms, please visit our website. 

Interviews will be held on the 15th and 16th January 2026, in person, at our head office in Kennford, Exeter. 

Derbyshire Cricket Foundation (DCF) is the Governing Body for recreational cricket in Derbyshire, delivering services in support of the cricket community across the county.  It is one of 39 County Cricket Boards/Foundations in England & Wales and works in partnership with a number of key stakeholders to develop the recreational game locally in line with the strategy developed by the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB). We have an ambition to inspire a generation to say, “Cricket is a game for me”.  The DCF is also a registered charity that aims to improve well-being and provide opportunities for diverse communities across the County through cricket. The Business Development Manager will develop and leverage local partnerships with sponsors, stakeholders, and funding bodies to support these aims.

The primary work location for the Business Development Manager will be at the County Ground, Nottingham Road, Derby, but the role will require travel on a regular basis as the role will be proactive in engaging stakeholders across Derbyshire in support of the DCF strategy and business plan. The position provides an opportunity, for Business Development Manager to work flexibly, and this is likely to include the occasional requirement to participate in some evening and weekend commitments.

Purpose and Focus of the Role

We are seeking an experienced Business Development Manager with excellent relationship management skills to help develop and sustainably grow the impact of our business by identifying and securing new investment to support the delivery of DCF programmes and activity. This will include working with existing corporate and charity partners, and establishing new relationships with Corporate sponsors, individual donors, and Trusts & Foundations.

You will develop and use stewardship tools to guide donors and partnerships through their giving journey, including cultivation plans, proposals, and reports. You will be involved in sourcing and presenting tailored information, making appropriate financial and non-financial requests. The responsibilities of the Business Development Manager will include:

• Fundraising Strategy & Implementation
• High Value Relationship Management
• Corporate Partnerships
• Trusts & Foundations
• Profile & Impact
• Leadership & Management
• Governance & Compliance

Job Purpose:

To support the delivery of WIPs housing programme in Manchester and Trafford, with a focus on women coming into contact with the police and women being released back into the community following a period on remand, providing trauma-informed specialist support to improve housing outcomes for women affected by the criminal justice system.

1. To deliver an effective housing intervention for women impacted by the criminal justice system.
2. To develop effective relationships with key stakeholders, such as housing departments, court-based and prison teams, to ensure a collaborative approach to women’s accommodation needs.
3. To provide expert advice and support to colleagues, including upskilling through information and training sessions, and supporting system change activities.

We’re looking for an organised and person centred leader who can join our leadership team to support the quality, growth and sustainability of Stomping Grounds North East CIO.

The Deputy CEO will support the CEO by planning, overseeing, monitoring, reporting and taking appropriate action to deliver the service, business and financial strategies ofStomping Grounds North East CIO, with a focus on developing people, business and safeguarding and ensuring management capability across the organisation. It is key that the successful candidate can work at least some of the school holidays. 

Reports to: CEO

Hours of work :35 hours per week (1 FTE)

Remuneration: TBD

Main responsibilities 

• To ensure projects and delivery adheres to the Company’s vision, mission and values. 

• To oversee the development and implementation of new projects and sessions to meet the Company’s aims and objectives. Specifically, to ensure that:

  • Appropriate risk assessments are undertaken and documented in line with Stomping Grounds Risk Assessment procedure

  • Appropriate communications to and involvement of communities, parents and schools are delivered effectively

  • High quality Forest School provision is delivered, in line with the Stomping Grounds NE vision

• To proactively manage the financial performance of projects and the business overall, including overseeing the planning and delivery of fundraising and donations

• To oversee, monitor and report on all aspects of business governance including health and safety, safeguarding and employee wellbeing.

• To work with line managers to develop their managerial capabilities and performance, with a focus on team development. As part of this, to ensure that:

  • Regular meetings of the team leaders are organised to share information on business performance, plans and issues and to create action plans as appropriate

  • Appropriate observations are conducted, documented and shared

  • PDRs are completed in line with company policy

  • To ensure training is up to date and relevant

  • To ensure that company policies are up to date and relevant and are reviewed as required

• To be proactive and maintain requirements for governing bodies, associations and memberships

• To develop and support the implementation of effective evaluation and impact monitoring processes, including annual reporting of the impact of Stomping Grounds work. 

• To attend meetings of the Board of Trustees and report progress against the business plan

• To carry out other duties compatible with the role purpose as reasonably required or as directed by the CEO.

Person Specification 

Essential 

• Proven exceptional leadership skills

• Experience of leading and developing a diverse staff team

• Excellent communication skills 

• Excellent organisational skills 

• Extensive project management experience

• Excellent understanding of neurodivergence 

• Excellent business management skills 

• Flexibility to work during school holidays 

• Ability to travel to our multi region sites including but not restricted to: Prudhoe, Haltwhistle, Chopwell, Leadgate, Benwell and Gateshead Riverside Park

• Commitment to Stomping Grounds Mission and Values

Desirable 

• Experience with Ofsted

• Experience of working in the charity sector

• Experience of working with children and young people, particularly those with neurodivergence and/or who are not currently thriving in mainstream schools

• Experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead

• Experience of leading teams through change and growth

We abide by Safer Recruitment guidelines and therefore we only accept application forms.

As Neighbourhood - Senior Organiser at Pembroke House you will be someone who is highly skilled and experienced at bringing together diverse groups of people to take collective action on local issues.

You’ll have the ability to blend organising and community-building strategies, knowing that we can’t build power without building community and that community is often built through a common cause.

You’ll be excited to bring your organising and facilitation skills to our existing community programmes, including the Walworth Living Room - a new ‘third space’ for the community, as well as playing a crucial role in developing new partnerships and future areas of our work. 

If this job is done well, residents will be growing their skills and capacity to collaborate, groups will be building momentum, and beginning to take action to effect change in the neighbourhood. Pembroke House’s role and approach to supporting neighbourhood change will be further clarified, codified and evidenced. 

Person Specification

You’ll be an energetic person who thrives on making new connections and can inspire others to take action. As an experienced facilitator you will be confident facilitating groups and at ease with designing and adapting formal and informal training sessions appropriate to the context.

Your experience MUST include facilitating groups who don’t already hold a common and agreed set of values. So while academic or activist settings may form a significant part of your experience, it is essential to have worked in a mixed community or neighbourhood setting, where you regularly encountered and brought together a range of contrasting viewpoints, which included views substantially different to your own.

A knowledge of community organising methodology (see for example Act Build Change or Citizen’s UK) is useful, but there may also be other approaches or experiences that you could draw on for this role. You will be curious and keen to learn about the history of community organising and community development at Pembroke House, and keen to build on and contribute to the development of that work. 

Pembroke House

Pembroke House is a centre for social action and residential community in Walworth, South-East London.

We were founded in 1885, by students from Pembroke College, Cambridge, as one of the first settlement houses. Concerned about growing poverty and inequality, the pioneers of the settlement movement sought a new approach: taking up residence to live, work and solve problems alongside local communities. 

For 140 years, we’ve been working to bridge traditional divides and unite people – whatever their background or walk of life – in building a better Walworth.

Responsible to: Director of Partnerships

Location: Pembroke House, 80 Tatum Street, SE171QR, the Walworth Living Room, All Saints Hall, Surrey Square, SE172JU, and surrounding areas in Walworth.

As we are a neighbourhood based organisation we believe it is essential to our work that staff are present in one of our sites in Walworth as much as possible. This role is in person and not suitable for remote or hybrid working.

Job Information Event -Friday 12th December 2025 11.00 - 12.00. Signup required (see website)

Application Deadline: 9am Monday 5th January 2026

Short interview calls: Week of 5th January 2026: A brief online call to clarify your relevant experience.

In person interview: Tuesday 13th/Wed 14th January 2026: Full interview with two members of our team

Final round: Trial session at Walworth Living Room, Friday 16th January 2026

Hours of Work: Full time 35 hrs per week, with some evening and weekends (taken off as TOIL). 

Salary: £38,353 - £40,381

Annual Holiday Leave: 28 days paid annual leave per annum (pro rata), plus the standard Bank and Public Holidays and three discretionary days between Christmas and New Year.

Job Purpose:  

To support the delivery of WIPs housing programme for unsentenced women, providing trauma-informed specialist support to women in HMP Bronzefield, and going through court processes, with a focus on improving housing outcomes for women affected by the criminal justice system.

Key Responsibility Areas

1. To deliver an effective housing intervention for women impacted by the criminal justice system.
2. To develop effective relationships with key stakeholders, such as housing departments, court-based and prison teams, to ensure a collaborative approach to women’s accommodation needs.
3. To provide expert advice and support to colleagues, including upskilling through information and training sessions, and supporting system change activities.

For the full list of responsibilities, please download the recruitment pack.

Terms & Conditions:

Start date: 2nd February 2026

Salary:£30,640 per annum (including £3,990 London weighting)

Location: Primarily based in HMP Bronzefield with some travel to South London.

Working hours: 35 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

The Research Manager at Healthwatch Hounslow will be an experienced manager of community-focused projects or programmes.

You will be comfortable with all aspects of research – from scoping, to desk research, to fieldwork, to analysis and writing reports. You will be a clear and confident communicator, whether producing concise, engaging content such as reports, or resenting/speaking in meetings or at events.

We are looking for someone who understands and has experience of creatively engaging diverse groups and communities – particularly seldom heard and underserved groups. Ideally you will be familiar with and an advocate for the principles and practices of co-production and public involvement.

The Research Manager will enjoy engaging with a wide variety of people – from hearing residents’ views and experiences of services, to influencing senior commissioners or providers of health services to make changes and improvements.

You will have a keen interest in Health and Social Care; and a passion to ensure that local people in the community are heard, and health inequalities are addressed.  

Role: Head of Partnership & Events
Salary:  £55k 
Location: North London
Pattern: Hybrid 3 days/week 
Permanent: full-time with flexible hours

The role/ responsibilities:

In recent years, the charity has experienced significant growth—supporting more children, partnering with leading hospitals, and attracting a growing number of dedicated supporters. 

The Head of Partnerships and Events will oversee the charities growing portfolio of special fundraising events. You will cultivate strong relationships with supporters who organise events  while proactively identifying gaps in their event offering to ensure a diverse and engaging programme that appeals to a wide range of existing and potential donors.

• To create a supportive, cohesive and aspirational culture where the team are motivated to meet and exceed targets and recognise their contribution to the organisational objectives and strategy
• To ensure that all relationships with partners are maximised and stewarded to the highest standards
• To facilitate the Philanthropy & Corporate Committee, supporting its members in playing their part to raise funds for the charity and in building a network of supporters new to the charity
• To develop the overall Partnerships and Events team strategy and; delivering against agreed KPIs and ensuring that the strategy, plans and activity directly supports the delivery of Fundraising & Communication – and organisational – objectives
• To play a key role in the success of annual matching funding campaigns, most especially the recruitment of corporate partners as campaign Champions
• To create annual income and expenditure budgets for Partnerships income streams, effectively overseeing and controlling their delivery through monthly and quarterly monitoring
• To provide monthly and quarterly commentary for Director of Fundraising & Communications to inform regular Trustee Board reports

About you:

• Proven experience in corporate and partnership fundraising, with a strong track record of increasing income.
• Excellent relationship-building skills, demonstrated through securing significant gifts via face-to-face meetings, phone conversations, and email—always prioritising an outstanding supporter experience.
• Skilled in developing and executing strategic fundraising plans, translating them into actionable operational plans with clear KPIs and risk management.
• Experienced in budget management, including setting, monitoring, and delivering against budgets, reporting on KPIs, identifying variances, and reforecasting as needed.
• Strong leadership abilities, with experience in managing and motivating a fundraising team through effective line management, supervision, and staff development.
• Outstanding time management and organisational skills, with a proven ability to juggle multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines consistently.

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

Interviews are taking place in the run up to Christmas so please apply ASAP

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

Head of Fundraising
£45,000 - £50,000 per annum, plus 8% pension contribution
35 hours per week
Permanent role
Hybrid working – homebased working for the majority of time with a need to attend head office in Godalming on occasions, plus a requirement to travel for events

What You’ll Do:
As our Head of Fundraising, you will play a vital role to help deliver the League’s vision of a kinder society where animals are no longer persecuted in the name of ‘sport’. Your responsibilities will include:

• Driving the development and delivery of the charity’s individual giving programme and all related activities, projects and materials (both offline and digital)
• Maintaining and growing income, ensuring income targets are met while expenditure runs within budget
• Managing and co-ordinating planning and reporting across the Fundraising department
• Ensuring excellent service is delivered to supporters

Who You Are:
We need a strategic-thinking and inspirational leader with a passion for animal welfare, who possesses:

• Significant experience in a fundraising or marketing role within a comparable organisation
• Experience of developing and managing income generating campaigns
• Proven experience of leading teams
• Proven experience of CRM systems, HMRC and gift aid regulations
• Excellent project management skills  

Why Join Us: 
We understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance, enjoy flexible working arrangements, including options for compressed hours and remote work from day one. With 28 days of annual leave, plus public holidays, and a generous employer contribution of eight percent towards your pension scheme, we prioritise your well-being. Additionally, our benefits package includes discounts on shopping, electronics, hospitality and leisure. Find out more about working at the League.

The League Against Cruel Sports is committed to inclusivity and diversity, and we welcome candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

We believe that together we can end animal cruelty in the name of sport. Join us in our purposeful mission to redefine what is acceptable and inspire positive change in animal welfare legislation. 

Ready to make a real difference? Don't wait - apply now! We're looking to fill this position quickly and will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis. To apply, please submit your CV along with a covering letter.

Lead the finance for London Black Women's Project, a specialist charity supporting Global Majority women and children who are survivors of domestic violence and abuse. Ensure robust, compliant financial management while helping sustain vital refuge, counselling and legal advice services.

Please note: Given the nature of work and the focus of LBWP, the organisation considers the candidate’s race and sex to be an occupational requirement in accordance with Parag. 1, Schedule 9, of the Equality Act 2010.

This post is open only to Black and minoritised, i.e Global Majority women.

About the Role
As Finance Manager, you’ll oversee all financial operations, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and strong governance. You’ll manage budgets, forecasts, rent accounting, and reporting to the Board and funders. You’ll also lead a small finance team and collaborate closely with the Director and external accountants to improve systems and drive financial excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day finance: income, expenditure, reconciliations, and supplier payments.

• Support the production of management accounts, cashflow reports, and forecasts.

• Lead budgeting and support managers to monitor spending.

• Manage rent accounting, service charges, and housing benefit claims.

• Ensure compliance with Charity Commission, HMRC, Companies House, and funder requirements.

• Line-manage and support two Finance Administrators.

• Improve financial systems and workflows.

About You

• AAT Level 2 minimum or equivalent.

• At least 5 years’ charity finance management experience.

• Experience with rent accounting, service charges, and housing benefit.

• Strong knowledge of Charity SORP, restricted/unrestricted funds, and financial compliance.

• Skilled in staff management and working with external finance providers.

• High attention to detail, organised, and confident working independently.

• Proficient in financial software and Excel.

• Committed to feminist principles and VAWG-sector work.

Why Join Us?

• Play a key leadership role in a small, mission-driven organisation.

• Support life-changing work with women and children.

• Join a supportive, values-driven team.

Head of Strategy and Planning
The Elders
London/Hybrid with regular attendance in the office around two days per week (Green Park/W1K 1BJ)
Permanent
Full-time preferred, 40 hours per week, including one hour for lunch (flexibility for 4 days/week possible)
Salary £64,000 per annum (pro rata for part time)
Excellent benefits including 28 days annual leave (pro rata for part time), plus bank holidays, private pension scheme with 10% employer contributions, enhanced parental leave and optional private medical and dental insurance

Charity People are proud to be partnering with The Elders, an independent group of global leaders working for peace, justice, human rights and a sustainable planet, to recruit a Head of Strategy and Planning.

Founded in 2007 by Nelson Mandela, The Elders operate through private diplomacy and public advocacy; they use their experience, influence and access to heads of state and government to engage politically, and their connections to civil society to stand in solidarity with the most vulnerable people and communities.

There are currently 11 active Elders from Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. They work on existential threats to humanity that require a collective response: the climate crisis, pandemics, nuclear weapons, and conflict. Chaired since 2024 by Juan Manuel Santos, former President of Colombia and Nobel Peace Laureate, previous chairs were Desmond Tutu, Kofi Annan, and Mary Robinson. Supporting the Elders' work is a Secretariat of around 25 staff.

The Head of Strategy and Planning coordinates Secretariat support for implementing the current strategy and works with the Director of Programmes (Deputy CEO) to promote efficient cross-team collaboration. The role involves working closely with the Senior Management Team (CEO and three Directors) on operational planning and strategy elements not assigned to specific teams. Developing a new strategy from 2028 will be a major focus from 2027. The post-holder reports to the Director of Programmes, with a dotted line to the CEO for some functions.

Key responsibilities:
* Strategy & Governance: Monitor and report on progress of 2023-2027 strategy and Board decisions, assess external risks and ensure mitigation plans, lead impact assessment and mid-term strategy reviews, and contribute towards shaping future strategy reviews.
* Planning & Operations: Develop and manage annual operational plans and cross-organisational calendars, manage content of Board meeting agendas and decision-making processes, drive lesson-learning and Secretariat-wide initiatives, and work with the CEO on identifying possible new Elders and supporting their induction.
* Programme Support: Assist Director of Programmes with planning, impact reporting, and lesson learning across a team of 11.
* External Relations: Oversee stakeholder engagement and partnership commitments, and support CEO and Directors to build and maintain priority relationships.

The Head of Strategy and Planning will require the following to be successful in the role:
* 8-12 years' background in fields relevant to The Elders' work (e.g. diplomacy, international development, civil society advocacy etc), ideally including at least one of the Elders' programmes or cross-cutting commitments
* Experience working in (or at least on) more than one country (including ideally in the global South)
* Experience contributing to (and ideally coordinating) corporate strategy and operational/business planning in a complex international organisation
* Strong analytical skills, including working with data
* Excellent written English, including experience editing multi-author documents
* A strong personal commitment to the mission and values of The Elders
* A flexible style and willingness to work in a small, collaborative team

The Elders operate a hybrid working policy. On average, you will be in the office a minimum of about two days a week, including for key meetings, including weekly team meetings and monthly all-staff in-days. Flexibility is required and you may at times need to be in the office at short notice. This role may involve limited international travel, the timing of which is usually decided by Elders' commitments. You may be required to attend staff or Elders events in the UK from time to time. Travel costs from home to the office are not covered by The Elders. The office is based close to Green Park tube station in London.

How to apply:

The application process is CV and Supporting Statement which focuses on three areas. For more information, and for the full job pack, please share your CV via the link below. The closing date is 9am on Friday 12 December. Candidates shortlisted to interview will be notified w/c 22 December. First stage interviews will take place w/c 8 January, with a second stage interview held in person w/c 12 January.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

Purpose of the job 

 In UK Youth’s Impact department, we find, create and use evidence to respond to the needs and preferences of young people and the professionals who support them. We conduct research and evaluations to prove and improve the impact of youth work, and we co-design high-quality programmes and support offers that can be scaled. This new role will work across these areas, supporting research and evaluation projects with real implications for policy and practice. 

 Reporting to the Evaluation & Learning Manager, you will be responsible for supporting the delivery of a portfolio of research and evaluation projects. This will involve conducting research in-house and coordinating with external partners and the organisations we fund to build and share high-quality evidence. There will be opportunities to lead on fieldwork, data analysis, reporting and insight sharing with strategic guidance and hands-on support from other members of the team. 

 You will be organised, keen to develop your research skills and have a passion for working with data. You will support high profile research and evaluation projects, including the evaluation of the Adventures Away From Home Fund – a major, Government-funded outdoor learning programme. You can expect to support other projects, gathering and sharing insights from our network and young people and helping the team to work efficiently and effectively. 

Why work at UK Youth? 

We want all young people to be equipped to thrive and empowered to contribute at every stage of their lives. Youth work can be life changing (and even life saving). Our strategy positions UK Youth to unlock youth work so that every young person in the UK can benefit. We work with a network that shares this ambition to build cross-sector understanding of youth work’s transformational potential, secure sufficient investment for sustainable provision, and help to embed effective solutions that will increase the quality as well as accessibility of youth work. Come and be part of this change. 

Responsibilities

• Evaluation and Learning

• Knowledge and Data Management

• Research and Horizon Scanning

Experience we're after

• Experience of managing datasets on digital platforms/software (quantitative and/or qualitative)

• Experience of leading or supporting quantitative and/or qualitative research and data analysis in any setting

• Experience of conducting literature reviews to analyse existing evidence on specific topics

• Experiencing of working across multiple projects and competing priorities and managing your time and tasks proactively

What we can offer you

We offer a competitive range of benefits, good work/life balance, excellent learning and development opportunities and vibrant organisational culture:

• Flexible/Agile Working

• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time employees)

• Funded training provided in; Safeguarding, GDPR, Information and Cyber Security & Equality & Diversity

• Other training available in support of your personal and professional development

• Pension scheme (currently UK Youth match employee contributions up to 5%)

• Membership of our life insurance scheme which would pay-out up to 4 times your salary

• Employee Assistance Programme to support employees both professionally and personally

• 20% discount off bookings at Avon Tyrrell, our New Forest Outdoor Centre, including camping, lodges and outdoor activities.

• IT equipment provided for the duration of contract

• CycleScheme and TechScheme

How to apply

If you would like to be considered for this fantastic opportunity, please complete an application via our completely anonymised recruitment system provided by Applied which looks to create a fair and unbiased application process for all. Scroll to the top of the page and start your application.

Closing date: Tuesday 6th January 2026 at 09:00am

Provisional Interview Dates: 14th and 15th January 2026

As this role involves working in a regulated environment with young people, any offer will be conditional to satisfactory background checks, which include criminal record check and employment reference.