Project administrator jobs in oxford, oxfordshire

Vacancy Reference: BfN2026/25

Job Title: Service Development Manager

Salary: £15.73 per hour

Number of Posts: 1

Type of Contract: Maternity Cover/Fixed Term

Start Date: 18/08/2025

Hours of Work: 21 per week to 31/03/2026 (15 hours maternity cover plus 6 hours fixed term)

Working Pattern: Flexible working, with the majority of the hours worked during office hours. Minimum of three days per week.

Work Location: Remote

Responsible to: National Breastfeeding Helpline Manager

Closing Date: 29/07/2025

Proposed Interview Date: 7th or 8th of August (online)

Job Information: This Service Development Manager role has two focus areas: one is the development of our Drugs In Breastmilk Information service ensuring it adapts to the changing preferences and needs of our audience moving forwards (15-hour maternity cover contract). The second is looking at BfN information accessibility more broadly (6 hour fixed term contract).

About the RSPCA

Founded in 1824, we have been saving animals for almost 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity. It has always been our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion, so our volunteers and employees work tirelessly to ensure that all animals can live free from pain and suffering.

We seek to raise standards of care through our numerous campaigns and awareness of issues affecting animals today. We rely heavily on our volunteers, who play a significant role in enabling us to carry out this important animal welfare work every day!

The RSPCA Buckinghamshire South Branch

The RSPCA Buckinghamshire South Branch is one of the branches of RSPCA, but we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area. Much of the animal welfare work of RSPCA is carried out through local branches, which is run by volunteers who have the support of the National Society of RSPCA.

The main activity of our branch is specialised in the rehoming of small animals including cats, rabbits, birds, guinea pigs and hamsters. The animals come into our care from various sources such as those which are rescued, abandoned, neglected or given up by their owners. Each animal is medically and characteristically assessed to ensure it is fit and well before being available for rehoming. This all costs money, and could not be achieved without your support. 

Job Summary

This role is responsible for the development, implementation and operation of appropriate financial and business management tools to support the day-to-day business and financial administration of the Branch.

Reporting to and working closely with the Chief Executive Office (CEO), you will be expected to make use of the full capability of the Branch’s existing software systems (Google Workspace, and Quick Books) to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery and develop management information to aid the Trustees & CEO in decision making.

You will be responsible for all financial management across the charity. This includes bookkeeping; financial statements; financial planning; financial policies, processes and controls and budgeting. 

You must ensure that all activities are carried out in compliance with current legislation, Branch and Society policy, relevant Health & Safety regulations and any associated statutory or legislative requirements.

Note: Branch targets and budgets are agreed on an annual basis and these will inform the personal targets agreed at the annual performance review. Progress towards personal targets will be reviewed at regular one-to-one meetings with your line manager.

This role is home based, with occasional travel across South Bucks.

Principal Accountabilities

Financial Management & Operations

• Support the CEO as a key strategic and operational partner, acting as second-in-command and deputising in their absence where appropriate.

• Maintain all financial records and accounting systems (the Branch currently uses Quick Books accounting software), registers and statistics as required by the CEO & Branch Trustees.

• Work with the CEO and Branch Trustees to develop financial plans and an annual financial budget.

• Maintain close oversight of the branch’s budget in collaboration with the CEO, proactively identifying and addressing any discrepancies, overspend, or unplanned financial activity to ensure effective financial control and informed decision-making.

• Process, monitor, record and manage all receipts & payments to/from the Branch in accordance with the agreed procedures and in liaison with the appropriate staff and volunteers including weekly banking, cash handling, invoice creation and processing, Branch payments (including those made via credit cards and petty cash) and account reconciliation.

• Monitor, review and reconcile monthly receipts & payments on the Quick Books accounting system.

• Produce monthly management accounts which include bank reconciliations, balance sheets, Branch/departmental profit & loss statements, departmental comparisons and performance against budget and such other financial reports/management information as may be required including monthly reporting to the board of trustees.

• Coordinate bank accounts across the charity, including set-up and balance management.

• Prepare and submit quarterly VAT returns.

• Prepare annual financial statements and coordination of annual audit review.

• Support the staff and volunteers with day-to-day financial operations and ensuring departmental financial records are maintained and that monies received or expended are accounted for correctly.

• Work with the RSPCA Society National team regarding legacies, submission of care contribution funds, renewals of insurances etc.

• Ensure that strict protocols are followed for cash handling and that unbanked cash remains within the insured limit for cash held at each premises.

• Liaise with the Branch’s payroll provider to ensure staff hours are submitted and salary payments processed on a monthly basis and within the appropriate timescale.

• Process all staff and volunteer expenses in a timely manner.

• Manage all bookkeeping processes and functions, including the asset register, ensuring annual accounts are produced no later than the end of March each year.

• Develop, implement and maintain appropriate financial administrative procedures and processes.

Business Administration

• Responsible for day-to-day financial administrative support for the CEO and Trustees.

• Ensure that all administrative paperwork, including external correspondence is processed in accordance with Branch and Society procedures, including completion of all appropriate records for insurance and risk management purposes.

• Ensure financial data processing, retention and destruction conforms to the relevant policies such as GDPR.

• Ensure regulatory and legislative compliance of financial charity policies.

• Work closely with relevant operational staff to ensure appropriate responses are issued to all enquiries whether from members, supporters & volunteers, RSPCA colleagues or the general public.

• Liaise with staff and volunteers to facilitate the ordering of materials, supplies and equipment for the effective operation of the Branch, ensuring budgetary controls are maintained at all times.

• Work with the CEO and other staff to manage relevant licences, vendor relationships, service agreements and invoicing.

• Work with staff and volunteers across the whole charity on financial processes and controls.

Fundraising & Donations

• Identify, assess, and apply for appropriate grants and funding streams to maximise income for the branch, ensuring applications are timely, well-prepared, and aligned with funder criteria to support the branch’s strategic and operational objectives.

• Ensure that all donations (financial or otherwise) are acknowledged in a timely manner, receipts are issued for financial donations and the banking of all funds raised.

• Responsible for the accurate recording and banking of the funds raised.

• Develop, and manage relationships across relevant stakeholder groups, both within and outside the charity.

Gift Aid

• Ownership of the Gift Aid process.

General

• Attend meetings and training courses as required.

• Undertake such other duties as directed from time-to-time by your line manager.

Essential skills, qualifications and experience:

• A finance qualification or working towards level 3 AAT or ACCA with proven experience in charity financial operations.

• Good general level of education.

• Strong experience in financial reporting, budgeting and compliance.

• Demonstrable experience of managing small to medium size budgets (circa £400,000) & accounting systems (ideally with experience of Quick Books software).

• Proven experience of cash handling and financial management procedures. 

• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

• Proven ability to work to tight deadlines, be proactive and work autonomously.

• Proven IT literacy including use of business software and accounting packages (including Quickbooks), and Google Workspace.

• Strong numeracy and analytical skills.

• Experience supporting audits and implementing robust financial controls.

• Knowledge of Charity and Company Law.

• Proven ability to work under direction from superiors but equally able to use their own initiative.

• Proven ability to prioritise workload and meet tight deadlines.

• Proven ability to complete essential management paperwork and analyse data.

• Personable and with an open, positive approach to new ideas coupled with drive and enthusiasm.

• A flexible and collaborative approach to colleagues both staff and volunteers.

• Honest, trustworthy and reliable.

• A calm and friendly approach particularly when working under pressure.

• Sympathy for animal welfare and the work of the RSPCA.

• Full valid UK driving licence.

• Willing and able to travel around the Branch area on occasions.

Desirable skills, qualifications and experience:

• Experience of management & leadership.

• Training, coaching & mentoring skills.

• Experience of working with the general public and/or in a customer care environment.

• Experience of managing change in the workplace.

• Experience of managing small projects.

• Good basic knowledge of employment law.

• Knowledge of data protection requirements.

• Willingness to learn and acquire new skills through training.

We promote an inclusive working environment in which diversity is recognised, valued, and encouraged. We acknowledge the multi-cultural and diverse nature of the UK workforce and society in general. We are committed to principles of fairness and mutual respect where everyone accepts the concept of individual responsibility. 

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

To support the Area Manager / Operations Director in ensuring the Charity’s development and growth in ways that are relevant and in line with operational services and charitable objectives.

To ensure the Charity achieves its aims and objectives and fulfils its operational plan effectively by providing high quality intervention, providing person centred support for at-risk young people.

To have key responsibilities in reducing risk and delivery of our Shaping Futures Intervention this is our Short-Term Intervention Programme (STIP) in Buckinghamshire.

This project is funded for the next 18 months, we will be working closely with partners to extend this funding agreement.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinate onboarding of young people, including the initial assessment, and developing 12 individualised sessions bespoke to each young person.
• Ensure a 12-week programme is written and sent to the young person with agreed outcomes after initial meeting.
• Responsible for a case load of young people up to 20 young people at any one time.
• Lead sessions and activities with appropriate resources to empower young people to make more positive choices to reduce violent behaviours, reduce risk of exploitation and other offending behaviours.
• Support the multi-agency network for the young people you are working with. Report any safeguarding concerns to the DSL, with support from your line manager.
• Work in partnership with the Operations team to develop opportunities in line with the intervention if needed.
• Attend stakeholder meetings where needed.
• Uphold Caudwell Youth’s values
• Effectively report to your line manager complaints and compliments relating to the programme
• Build knowledge of local strategies, linking in with network forums.
• Develop relationships and partnerships with local employers, benefit agencies, training establishments to enable opportunities for young people.
• Monitor targets and ensure programme objectives are met.
• Collect outcomes data with tools provided by Caudwell Youth.
• Embed engagement strategy with the young people in your area.
• Coordinate a safe exit of young people effectively, signposting to Caudwell Youth’s mentoring service (if appropriate) or externally.
• Ensure we achieve agreed development objectives, with support from your line manager.
• Be an ambassador for Caudwell Youth in the geographical area you are leading.

​Coordination and Development

• With support from your line manager, ensure the delivery, development of services, community-based activities, and development opportunities are in line with regulatory requirements, our own policies, including safeguarding, social media, health & safety and data protection.
• Develop services and activities and opportunities for inclusion, community engagement and personal development for young people as agreed with your line manager.
• Ensure appropriate planning, risk assessment and evaluation for all activities relating to your area of responsibility is completed, with support from your line manager where appropriate.
• In collaboration with the Operations team, support activities for the needs of the young people across the charity’s wider geographies.

Administration:

• Maintain an excellent standard of administration, record keeping and reporting of all work undertaken in line with data protection and Caudwell Youth’s policies and procedures.
• Monitor all activities for your area against targets and objectives.
• Undertake proactive activities in line with our policies and good practice.

Partnership and Liaison:

• Work closely with the team and the stakeholder steering group to promote good communication and shared focus.
• Ensure effective, relevant and appropriate communication at all times.
• Represent the Charity to other organisations, funders and supporters.
• Establish and develop good relationships with other charities and agencies to increase partnership and effective joint working where appropriate.
• Be a point of contact for referrers and external contacts as regards to activities and service provision.
• Maintain strong working partnership with Thames Valley Police and Buckinghamshire Council to deliver the Shaping Futures Programme.

Team Ethos:

• Work effectively as a team, supporting other team members and be willing to receive support whilst fulfilling your own responsibilities and tasks.
• Express and promote equal opportunities and encourage inclusion and involvement.
• Ensure good communications and relationships within the team at all times.
• Attend team meetings, personal work reviews and task group meetings proactively and as a contributor.

General:

• Demonstrate a high level of professionalism and maintain professional boundaries at all times
• Undertake and identify training as required and take a positive approach to personal development.
• Fulfil the duties and responsibilities of an employee as regards to Health and Safety at Work, including own safety and self-management.
• Undertake any other reasonable tasks deemed necessary.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

On appointment, you are expected to have:

• Previous professional experience and hold most of the necessary skills for the role.
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of young people services in the UK Strong people skills: demonstrates empathy, leads by example, and contributes to building a desirable team culture
• Understanding of young people at-risk Commitment to equality and diversity
• A positive attitude with a proactive and flexible approach to work
• A good understanding of safeguarding and confidentiality
• A full driving licence, with access to a vehicle and have business insurance cover on your policy

Experience:

• Experience of working with statutory services to support at risk young people
• Experience of working to agreed delivery targets, monitoring outcomes, programme evaluation and report writing
• Excellent presentation skills to external stakeholders

Skills:

• Experience of liaising and relationship building with local networks
• Awareness of other local charities
• Use of software such as Office 365 and Better Impact
• Desirable but not essential - hold a certificate in JNC or NYA Youth Work Qualification

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

Please confirm the following essential criteria. All questions must be answered Yes to meet the essential criteria:

• Do you have a minimum of 1 year’s experience working with young people in a formal or informal setting?
• Do you have experience planning and delivering activities or support services for young people?
• Do you hold a full UK driving licence with no endorsements or convictions, and be eligible to obtain business insurance?
• Do you have basic experience using Microsoft Office (e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook)?
• Do you hold a Certificate in Youth Work and Community Practice? (this can be a qualification from an awarding body JNC, NYA or equivalent).

WHY WORK FOR US: 

We are an experienced team that are dedicated to improving the lives of the young people we support.

Benefits:

• Flexible working
• Hybrid – working from home and in the community
• Westfield Health (including Employee Assistance Programme and extended counselling sessions)
• Group Personal Pension with a 5% employer contribution and Salary Sacrifice Scheme
• 25 days annual leave (FTE) plus bank holidays, plus charity closure between Christmas and New Year
• Extra paid day off on your birthday
• Paid day off for volunteering in your community
• Training opportunities to support your personal development
• Employee discounts on everyday goods and services
• Being part of a passionate and dedicated team

Caudwell Youth is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of this commitment, we undertake disclosure checks in accordance with the Codes of Practice for all. Having a criminal record will not automatically exclude applicants.

Do you have a gift for creating learning spaces that bring people together across cultures and contexts?

Are you passionate about building a diverse and inclusive culture, shaped by prayerful practice and reflection?

• Permanent 28 hours per week

• Hybrid working – approximately two days a week at CMS House, Oxford.

• Starting salary £41,795 pa full time equivalent (£33,436 pro rata 4 days per week) with further salary advancement opportunity and with a generous pension contribution: up to 10 per cent employer contribution on annual salary

• CMS offers 36 days of annual leave pro rata (including bank holidays) as well as enhanced paid sickness, maternity, paternity and adoption leave.

• CMS supports the mental wellbeing of its employees and offers a generous rewards and wellbeing package, including:

o access to 24/7 employee assistance programme with qualified counsellors

o regular wellbeing coffee mornings

o support on menopause for women

o up to three volunteer days a year

o up to three family emergency leave days a year

o retreats and resources for prayer life

 We welcome applications from everyone. We particularly welcome applications from women and individuals from minority groups as they are currently underrepresented within our organisation at this level. All appointments are made on merit of skill, experience and potential as set out in the job description and person specification.

Your role

The Mission Learning and Inclusion Manager will help us deepen how we learn, grow, and reflect together as a global mission movement. In this unique role, you will foster a culture of learning and inclusion across CMS - in the UK and around the world.  You will:

· Cultivate reflective mission practice, encouraging the sharing of insights and experience from diverse global contexts

• Champion diversity and inclusion, helping nurture a culture where all people are valued, empowered, and able to thrive
• Encourage spiritual practices that sustain and shape our life in mission, enriched by wisdom from across our global community

The organisation you’ll be joining

Church Mission Society is comprised of people who are passionate about mission and fired up about helping people follow Jesus. For over 200 years CMS has been at the forefront of global mission, living out the gospel of Jesus, seeing lives changed and communities transformed. If you join CMS, you will find an organisation that has been reinvigorated with a fresh vision to make disciples of Jesus among people at the edges, both in the UK and around the world.

What you’ll need to succeed

The successful candidate will collaborate closely with people and programmes across CMS, from mission leaders and local hubs to vocational recruitment and pioneer training. You will also lead formation and orientation for new people in mission, helping them begin well and stay rooted in practices that sustain them long-term.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Brings experience in intercultural mission and adult learning
• Is passionate about equity, belonging and inclusive culture change
• Can hold together spiritual depth, reflective practice, and practical delivery

If you’re energised by building learning communities and believe inclusion and spirituality are essential to mission, we’d love to hear from you.

It is also a requirement for this post holder to be a committed and practising Christian as well as committed to CMS’s values and aims.

Further details can be found in the job description and person specification available to download on the CMS website.

Our commitment to you

Our core values of being pioneering, relational, faithful and evangelistic are integral to everything we do, and we work hard to ensure that every member of staff is valued, supported and encouraged to continually learn and develop their skills.

We are committed to the safeguarding and protection of the people we serve, our partners, our volunteers, and our staff. We believe that every child or adult we come into contact with has the right to be protected from all forms of harm and abuse. Our recruitment and selection processes are in line with our Safeguarding Policyand-statements and the SCHR Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, which CMS is a member of as part of our commitment to safeguarding.

Closing date

We must get your application by midnight on Sunday 27th July 2025

Interviews are planned to be held on Tuesday 5th or Wednesday 6th August 2025 at CMS House, Oxford.

To apply

Please send your application form and CV on website or by post to HR Team, Church Mission Society, Watlington Road, Oxford OX4 6BZ.  CVs will only be considered when sent with a completed application form, which is available to download from our website.

Candidates for all UK roles must already be eligible to work in the UK, with a valid visa and work permit if required.

As a member of the Inter-agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, CMS has committed to systematically check with previous employers from the last five years for any ‘SEAH’ (Sexual Exploitation, Abuse or Harassment) issues relating to all potential new hires.

We are seeking a compassionate, visionary, and strategic Chief Executive Officer to lead Mermaids through the next stage of its evolution, dedicated to improving the lives of gender-diverse children and young people, and those who are important to them. As CEO, you will be responsible for driving the charity’s mission, shaping its strategic direction, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, affirming support services. You will act as a visible and credible advocate for trans and 
gender-diverse youth, build strong relationships with stakeholders, and influence public policy and sector practice. Working closely with the Board of Trustees, you will oversee a small committed team, ensure robust financial management with the Chief Operating Officer, and lead fundraising efforts to secure a sustainable future. This is a unique opportunity for a values-driven leader who brings both strategic acumen and a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and lived 
experience. 
Service Delivery:
• Provide strategic and operational leadership across all service delivery areas, including support line services, group work,  advocacy, external communications, and policy.
• Ensure services are high quality, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of trans and gender-diverse children, young people and the special people in their lives.
• Lead the continuous improvement and development of service delivery models, ensuring impact, effectiveness, and alignment with the charity’s mission.
• Champion a culture of safeguarding, accountability, and young person-centred practice throughout all service delivery. 
• Act as the organisation’s Safeguarding Lead, with oversight of on-call, safeguarding training, and ensuring appropriate escalation mechanisms are in place.
• Oversee the design and implementation of advocacy and policy activities, ensuring the charity’s voice is informed by lived 
experience and is impactful at local and national levels.
• Act as a visible and hands-on leader for frontline teams, providing support, supervision, and inspiration to staff and 
volunteers.
• Monitor performance, outcomes, and feedback to ensure services are meeting objectives and delivering positive change 
for beneficiaries.

Governance:
• In partnership with the board of trustees, set and articulate our vision, mission and strategy, and keep this under continual 
review.
• Lead the development and implementation of Mermaid’s strategic plan, ensuring sustainability and growth.
• Liaise with the board of trustees to ensure the charity’s governance, structure, policies and procedures are appropriate 
and effective, taking remedial measures and implementing change as necessary. This includes supporting board 
development.
• Work closely with the Chair and Board of Trustees to support strong governance and informed decision-making.
• Provide accurate and timely reporting on organisational performance, risks, and impact.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory guidance and legislation, including the Charity Commission and the Fundraising 

Finance & Fundraising:
• Working with the Chief Operating Officer and the Board of Trustees, ensure Mermaids has robust, deliverable fundraising 
and finance strategies in place, and subsequent action plans are embedded throughout the organisation to support their 
delivery.
• In partnership with the Chief Operating Officer, ensure Mermaids has robust finance, HR, IT, data privacy and governance processes and procedures are embedded.

People and Culture:
• Line manage senior staff including the COO and service delivery managers.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, inclusive internal culture that values lived experience and wellbeing.
• Continue work to embed a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion across the organisation, as well as a focus on accessibility.
• Work to define and drive trans-centred leadership across the organisation, including ensuring that the organisation is a trans-positive, supportive employer.

External Engagement and Advocacy:
• Represent Mermaids publicly, including acting as the key spokesperson and strategic policy stakeholder, ensuring 
organisational awareness of the external landscape and the changing needs of trans children, young people and their 
families, and advocating for these needs to be met.
• Lead communications strategy, and lead press engagement by responding to media inquiries, interviews, press conferences and media events.
• Lead on stakeholder engagement, including with funders, supporters, community partners, and policy influencers.
• Advocate for the rights and needs of trans and gender-diverse children, young people and the significant others in their lives at a national level.