Project officer jobs in darlington, county durham

Job purpose

The Clinical Lead will play a pivotal role in leading and developing Action for ME’s Healthcare Services with the Operations Director, ensuring the highest standards of clinical care for individuals affected by Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME). The postholder will be responsible for clinical oversight, service development, and leadership, working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to enhance outcomes for children and adults with ME and will be the CQC Registered Manager for the service.

At present, the Healthcare Services is a small team with two doctors (GPs) and two physios. Our counsellors are overseen by a Counselling Lead Supervisor and our multi-faith Chaplains are supported by our Lead Chaplain.

We are keen to develop and expand our services, building on the small amount of spot purchasing from local commissioning boards and exploring a diagnosing and prescribing offer. We are also keen to explore the potential of increasing the range of disciplines offered within the team. You will play a key role in driving the strategy for our Healthcare Services with the Director of Operations.

Key responsibilities

• Provide clinical support and expertise to Action for ME's Healthcare Services, ensuring evidence-based, person-centred care.

• Act as Registered Manager for CQC (Care Quality Commission) purposes and ensure that the service meets all required standards.

• Lead the development and implementation of clinical policies, protocols, and best practices in line with national guidelines and regulatory requirements.

• Supervise and support healthcare professionals within the service, offering guidance, mentorship, and training.

• Designated safeguarding officer for Healthcare Services.

• Collaborate with external stakeholders, including NHS services, researchers, and others, to enhance healthcare provision for people with ME.

• Ensure the service complies with regulatory and safeguarding standards, including CQC requirements where applicable.

• Monitor and evaluate service delivery, using data-driven insights to improve clinical outcomes and patient experience.

• Provide expert advice on complex cases, supporting staff with clinical decision-making.

• Represent Action for M.E. at external forums, conferences, and policy discussions.

Person specification

• A registered healthcare professional (e.g., doctor, nurse, physiotherapist, or occupational therapist) with active professional registration (GMC, NMC, HCPC or equivalent) OR an experienced commissioner of healthcare services with experience of quality assurance, safeguarding and compliance.

• Extensive clinical experience in chronic illness management OR sound understanding of clinical practice, ideally with expertise in ME or related conditions and a clear understanding of the challenges faced by people with ME.

• An understanding of Care Quality Commission regulatory requirements.

• Proven leadership experience in a healthcare setting, including team management and service development.

• Strong understanding of evidence-based practice and clinical governance.

• A sound understanding and experience of safeguarding children/young people and vulnerable adults.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with patients, carers, and healthcare professionals.

• Experience in training and mentoring healthcare professionals.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary environment.

• Commitment to patient-centred care and advocacy for people with ME.

• Knowledge of NHS structures and commissioning processes.

• An understanding of working within the third sector or charitable organisations.

Marketing & Communications Manager

May 2025

1 Job Details:

Reports to: Director of Finance & Operations

Hours: 28 - 35 hours per week (negotiable)

Location: Home based (with occasional travel)

Salary: c £37,000 (with an excellent benefits package including life insurance and private healthcare)

Start Date Immediate

2. About us:

The UK Cyber Security Council works to bring together stakeholders to build and drive engagement in the cyber security profession, through developing standards and ethical practice, demystifying career routes into the profession and promoting the profession.

In collaboration with multiple UK Government departments and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), our approach is to co-ordinate existing programmes and shape new initiatives, in support of the ambition to make the UK the safest place to live and work online.

We are also a membership organisation, with corporate members, who share our interest in promoting, supporting and developing the cyber security profession.

3. The role:

If you’re successful, you will have a unique opportunity to join a growing organisation at an important phase of its development. This exciting strategic and operational role will enable you to lead on the dynamic marketing and communication approach of an organisation with a very important mission which engages with a myriad of important stakeholders  

4. Main Duties and Responsibilities 

· To lead the delivery of the organisations marketing and communications (marcomms) strategy plan.

· To lead the development of strategic marketing and communication plans across all programmes, products and services.

· To ensure that marketing and communications across the organisation reflect and align with the UK Cyber Security Councils brand, vision, mission and values.

· To oversee and deal with brand governance issues and to drive, manage and implement marketing solutions and promotions that support agreed brand awareness targets.

· To manage our digital and social media channels and to ensure that all programmes and services are promoted effectively through these channels.

· To write high quality content, briefs, press releases and social media posts as part of our marcomms requirements.

· Working with the leadership team to develop a plan and process for internal communications across the Council.

· To lead on collaboration with licenced bodies and partners on joint marcomms and promotions

· To maintain an awareness of the Council’s strategy and wider cyber security landscape and propose content that will speak to key audiences.

· To update the website content on a regular basis as the window to the organisation.

· To work with internal and external colleagues to agree marketing and communications strategies for each programme and support the delivery of e-marketing and social media campaigns.

· To lead on the delivery of consistent, branded marketing collateral – print and digital in support of identified brand awareness targets.

· To lead on promoting our events management activities working closely with internal and external colleagues.

· To develop and evaluate customer research, market conditions and competitor data to ensure that annual marcomms plans remain refreshed and up to date.

· To work with senior managers to develop annual engagement targets based on

increased engagement and influence.

· To measure and report performance of all marketing activity, assessing against

targets, together with other relevant metrics and analytics.

· To prepare progress reports as required for the Chief Executive and/or Board of Trustees.

· To ensure effective data management concerning members and supporters to ensure that GDPR compliance is maintained at all times.

· To represent the Council in a professional manner and to act at all times in a manner which will not damage its reputation.

· To undertake other tasks from time to time as required by the Leadership Team.

This job description is intended as a general guide to the scope of the post and may change in line with the needs of the service or at the request of the line manager.

5. Person Specification:

5.1 Essential Criteria:

· Experience and willingness to be hands on in content development and production including graphic design of marketing collateral

· Experienced in copy writing, proof reading and editing content

· Experience of content management systems (CMS) 

· Experience of working with creative agencies and PR companies

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills

· Experience of using customer relationship management systems (CRM)  

· Excellent project management skills

· Attention to detail and driven by high quality outputs

· Ability to work autonomously, work under spikes of pressure and meet deadlines

· Ability to think outside the box, dynamic and innovative

· Experience of managing the social media area including content and campaigns

· A track record of successful programme and organisational marketing

5.2 Desirable:

· A degree in marketing or communications or equivalent

· An understanding of the Cyber Security Profession

· Experience of managing staff, volunteers or interns

·  Experience of creating high impact comms design  

· Experience of commissioning content from external authors 

· Experience working in a professional body context, and/or with committees and volunteers

6. Diversity

We actively encourage applications from a wide range of people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our positions as we are committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills, experiences and abilities people.

We actively support diversity and inclusion and ensure that all our employees are valued and treated with dignity and respect as we want to encourage everyone in our business to reach their potential.

Opportunity!

SteelWatch offers a unique opportunity for an expert in steel decarbonisation with a passion for driving climate action. If you can communicate your technical analysis  to challenge legacy steelmakers with clarity and conviction, this role is for you.

In this new role as SteelWatch Industry Decarbonisation Lead, you will have the opportunity to deepen and articulate the arguments of SteelWatch, providing vigilant scrutiny and an international voice for steel decarbonisation.

The ideal candidate will be an excellent communicator and natural collaborator who combines technical understanding of steel decarbonisation internationally with an ability to spot trends and their significance in data and detail. The role could be an ideal next step for professionals coming from consultancy, decarbonisation initiatives, companies in the iron and steel value chain, trade associations, international agencies, and civil society. 

Summary of the role

The Industry Decarbonisation Lead will shape SteelWatch’s position on steel decarbonisation to inform our change-making strategies, provide overall management and cohesion across our work on data analysis and industry insight, and act as a spokesperson in conversation with industry stakeholders.

The organisation

SteelWatch is an international climate campaign organisation, driving corporate accountability and action in the steel sector. Our vision is a steel sector that underpins a thriving zero emissions economy. We are a change-making organisation, with the task of driving change in an entrenched, powerful, technologically-confident sector that faces little climate pressure. SteelWatch is a non-profit registered in the Netherlands in 2023. Having grown to a team of 20, we are still a young organisation, learning-by-doing, working with fluid teams not rigid structures, ensuring we evolve, test, and learn. We seek team members who will enjoy breaking new ground with us.

We run corporate campaigns and challenge the global steel industry to replace complacency with urgent action in line with the 1.5C limit. SteelWatch has established a strong visible presence among civil society and steel industry stakeholders. We are increasingly recognised as an authoritative and challenging voice on steel decarbonisation, invited to engage in industry events and debates internationally.

Accurate and credible data, robust analysis and our global, long-term, climate-first lens on sector decarbonisation, are key strengths that underpin our campaigns and dialogue. We complement the work of other civil society change-makers bringing a vigilant voice and corporate scrutiny. We currently focus on OECD countries, and specifically across Europe and Japan, with team members in Europe/Africa and Asia-Pacific timezones.

Role and Responsibilities

The Industry Decarbonisation Lead is a new role, which will work in close collaboration with colleagues across the organisation and is fundamental to the long-term strategy of SteelWatch to transform the iron and steel industry. The core purpose of the role is to cultivate our collective ability to harness credible evidence for our campaigns, and to engage effectively with industry with an ambitious well-informed vision for decarbonisation.

For the initial year(s),  there are three main areas of responsibility.

1. The Lead will be responsible for navigating and shaping SteelWatch’s positions and point of view on relevant issues regarding steel decarbonisation with a goal of driving long term transition to near-zero emissions steelmaking.
2. The Lead will be responsible for managing and shaping our range of work on data, evidence, insights and analysis -with the team members involved -  to ensure the quality and relevance of our evidence base and our industry intelligence.
3. The Lead will be one of the key spokespeople for the organisation, particularly in industry dialogue and events. The role will report to the Executive Director and is likely to line-manage 1-3 people.

Success for this role will depend on close collaboration with others in SteelWatch including the:

• Steel Analyst, and other team members and consultants working on data and analysis;
• Campaigns Teams, ensuring campaigns are well evidenced, informed and targeted on the critical issues.
• Communications Team, ensuring everything that we externally communicate is consistent and credible, as accuracy is key in our role to speak truth to power.
• Executive Director, sharing the work of representation of SteelWatch externally and updating our arguments as the steel industry evolves.

Responsibilities

1. Shape, evolve and articulate SteelWatch’s positions and point of view on steel decarbonisation:

SteelWatch already has a strong point of view (POV) on many of the core elements of the iron and steel transition. However, the POV needs to be continually reviewed in the light of new developments, on occasion adapted, and extended to new emerging issues. Sharpening the POV is a collaborative process -  the Industry Decarbonisation Lead will be responsible for steering and landing this process. The Lead will:

• Ensure the POV is constantly evolved,improved and adapted through collaboration, guiding the process and landing the outcome;
• Ensure the POV is clearly articulated and socialised internally and externally with allies.

2. Manage and shape our range of work on data, industry trends, and analysis.

SteelWatch currently has in-depth data and news tracking on two companies, the targets of our corporate campaigns. We track iron and steel industry news and analyse industry announcements. We are developing our capacity to react to steel news globally, track blast furnaces investments and other announcements, and rate and rank companies.  The Industry Decarbonisation Lead will, in collaboration with the Steel Analyst:

• Shape and prioritise our work on gathering data,  tracking industry news, and analysing industry strategies,  to support and inform the priorities of the organisation, and ensure we make best use of the information in our campaigns.
• Build capacity within SteelWatch to do this consistently across our growing portfolio of work.
• Ensure the quality and relevance of our evidence base, and the processes we have for updating and using it.
• Continue to build our capacity to assess industry announcements and to use that analysis effectively for pressure.
• Scope, support, and lead projects that are data analysis projects, and hold responsibility for the data analysis component of other projects/campaigns. These are likely to include, corporate scorecard, blast furnace trackers, and data visualisation.

3. Ensure relevance, consistency and accuracy in our external communications.

Our external communications are based on credible evidence and SteelWatch’s POV  combined with core narrative (responsibility of the Comms team), and campaign arguments and tactics (responsibility of the Campaigns Team).  Working closely with the Steel Analyst who currently is the ‘source of truth’ and fact-checker, the Industry Decarbonisation Lead will:

• Ensure all external outputs are factually correct, credible and in line with our point of view.
• Develop processes and materials that increase technical understanding and consistency across team members and amongst those we communicate most closely with (eg allies, core media).
• Ensure robust processes are in place for fact-checking.
• Lead the development of our series of SteelWatch Explainers to present key concepts in accessible form among allies and industry.
• Support the Communications and Campaign teams to assess what reactive news to prioritise, and to respond quickly and accurately.
• Strengthen our ability to brief and correct journalists, dealing with their misunderstandings around iron and steel.

4. Act as spokesperson for SteelWatch in industry dialogue.

SteelWatch is vigilant and challenging to the steel industry. Our tone of voice varies from the creative campaigns, to the engaged dialogue. The Industry Decarbonisation Lead is expected to communicate externally and directly in dialogue, in writing and especially with the industry stakeholders at conferences, in private meetings or via social media.  The lead is not the only voice of the organisation, but should be a focal point in building consistency. They will:

• Attend industry events and discussions, representing SW point of view and strengthening our industry connections;
• Speak at industry events, speak to the media where appropriate.
• Produce high quality written materials, support those written by colleagues, and support high quality data visualisation that communicates our messages.
• Engage actively on LinkedIn (and/or other social media) to respond to industry commentary and engage as SteelWatch.

5. Build relations with industry

SteelWatch is building relations with industry actors, both to share our views and ensure we are up to date on latest trends. The Lead will:

• Through industry events, networks and dialogue, strengthening our industry connections;
• Build relations with industry to acquire up to date information, and increase our ability to sense-check news and respond to trends.
• Keep abreast of industry conversations in order to identify the most relevant shifts, key topics or opportunities for SteelWatch to create pressure for change.
• Support others in SteelWatch to engage with industry, particularly in other regions and languages than your own.

6. Provide line management and task management to team members engaged in data and analysis.

SteelWatch currently has a mixture of long-term and short-term or part-time staff and consultants working on data, tracking and analysis.  They are managed by different team members.  The Industry Decarbonisation Lead will:

• Set objectives and define tasks for the data team, in line with overall SteelWatch strategy and plans, as they evolve. Provide line management for core data team members.
• Manage consultants focused on data or analysis, adapting TORs and finding new consultants as needed;
• Ensure synergy across the various team members  and their work.

Essential skills and experience

• Ten or more years of experience in industry, energy, and/or decarbonisation, of which at least 2 years focused on the steel industry.
• In-depth knowledge of steel decarbonisation pathways, current trends, the challenges and opportunities.
• Proven ability to manage and interpret data, and to use data for powerful arguments.
• Excellent writing and communication skills in English, a talent for conveying complex ideas in understandable ways.
• Proven capacity to build collaboration with non-technical colleagues and enhance organisational capacity to use data and evidence. 

Desired skills and experience

• Experience working across a range of topics, projects and tasks, juggling short-term deadlines and long-term priorities.
• We are particularly interested in candidates that bring deep expertise in the energy transition, and/or in financial analysis of companies' approach to decarbonisation, as these would complement existing skills.
• Knowledge of steel decarbonisation across different geographies, particularly including countries of Asia.
• Experience in climate and/or campaigning organisations (professional or voluntary)

Essential competencies and aptitude

• An eye for detail and ability to ensure 100% accuracy;
• A strategic mind, an instinct to see the big picture, long-term trend, and ability to spot opportunities for engagement or leverage;
• Willingness and ability to toggle between the detail and the strategic;
• Ability to work at pace, with the rhythm of a campaign organisation.
• Excellent people skills and proven track record as a team player, able to work well with colleagues across cultures and geographies;
• Flexibility to work early or late hours on some days each week to overlap with other time zones and to travel 3-6 times per year.
• An affinity with the messaging and campaign approach of SteelWatch. You do not have to have campaign experience or act as a campaigner, but you must agree with the level of transformation that we believe is required, and be excited to contribute your skills to an organisation that critiques the limited ambition of current industry players.

Language requirements

• Ability to work in English at a professional level is a requirement. Additional skills in European or Asian languages are useful, particularly Mandarin, Portuguese or German.

 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Country location

This role is open to candidates working in timezones UTC -1 to UTC +4 and in countries in which it is possible to have a 2-year fixed term employment contract with an Employer of Record. Within Europe, we welcome applications from candidates based in the Netherlands, UK and Germany, and in addition we welcome applications from candidates in Africa or the Middle East.

Location and remote working and travel

• Location: work location is remote from your home base. Staff members work remotely and online on a daily basis.
• Travel is an essential part of the role.  If you are constrained in your ability or permissions to travel, please discuss this before investing in an application.
• Travel to an annual full team retreat is essential - this happens once a year and may be in Asia, Europe or other. Additional travel for events and face to face time is expected. This may be in Europe, Asia, or elsewhere and likely to be 2-5 times a year.
• While we offer flexibility for you to work away from home base, this will need to be coordinated with travel of other colleagues, may depend on timezone changes and/or be limited by legal contracting constraints.

Working conditions and benefits

• Working hours are flexible. Whichever time zone you are in, you will need to have flexibility to work early or late across different time zones straddling Asia/Pacific/ Europe&Africa /UK. You also have the opportunity to build in some flexibility around your own non-work commitments.
• This role is full time, 5 days/week.  We may also consider 4 days a week (Monday to Thursday) but would require flexibility around this. If you prefer part time please indicate this at time of application.
• The initial contract period will be up to 24 months with a possibility to renew, depending on country regulations. The type of contract will depend on the location.
• You must have a valid work permit in the country where you plan to be employed. SteelWatch is not in a position to support a visa process.
• Remuneration is according to SteelWatch norms,  level of experience and location of employment. For a technical expert in this Lead role, a Netherlands-based salary is in the range of  €72,000 - 92,000.  Salaries are adjusted by location. 
• Our leave policy, unless varied by national regulation, provides 34 days in total combining public holidays and paid leave in all countries, plus birthday leave and inspiration time.

Ethics:  we are a values-based organisation. Every staff member and consultant is asked to sign our Ethics statement and help us as an organisation live up to our values.

Equal opportunities:  we strive to be an equal opportunities employer. We actively welcome applications from candidates from historically underrepresented groups in the climate change movement.  If you require any adaptation or assistance during the application process, please be sure to let us know so that we can adjust.

We are recruiting a Digital Fundraising Assistant to assist in the delivery of our growing virtual events programme. 

This is an exciting new role which involves supporting delivery of a wide range of virtual events at Sands, in order to grow our fundraising income.  The role includes increasing Sands’ online presence across a range of channels through excellent stewardship of large audiences who are both warm and new supporters. 

You will ensure delivery of a world class supporter experience using an omnichannel approach, helping our supporters reach and exceed their fundraising targets.

Working with the Digital Fundraising Manager, you will monitor the everchanging virtual challenge environment and consider how best to adapt our activities in order to achieve financial targets and remain innovative and a leader within the sector.

You will have strong communication skills and enjoy building relationships, especially within online communities. Additionally, you will have an understanding of a wide range of social media channels and an interest in creating refreshing, inspiring content.

A highly organised and efficient approach is essential in order to respond to large quantities of enquiries across multiple channels. Excellent written communication skills are therefore essential.

Relevant experience in creating engaging video, image and written content for different social channels is also an essential requirement.

This post is home-based. There may be the need to support Sands events at weekends and/or evenings and working hours can be adjusted accordingly.

**An opportunity to work & stay at our Hummingbird Support House!**

We’re looking for a compassionate and experienced Key Support Worker to be part of Hummingbird Homes—a unique new model helping young people transition from care to independent living.

Background:

At Handcrafted, we work with a range of vulnerable people, including care leavers. Their stories and experiences have helped us to recognise that there is a gap in provision from 16+, where transitioning into independent living is either an overly support-intensive time or very isolating. We have created a new model of support for those transitioning from care to independent living, bridging a critical gap in services.

Our New Approach:

To set up the Hummingbird Community, we have purchased five houses that are all near each other. Four of these will be used as supported housing for children 16+ transitioning out of the care system, and one of them will serve as a dedicated "Support House". 

This house will have a central community space for the young people, and it's a home where you can stay nearby whilst working, on-call, or between shifts, for as long as you are employed by Handcrafted.

The communal area downstairs will be the base for spending time together and providing life skills training alongside the wider team.

You would have your own private space upstairs for when you stay at the Support House.

Your Impact:

The heart of Hummingbird Homes is to offer children in care a sense of normality and stability. We aim to create a gentler transition into adulthood and independent living by fostering an environment of belonging and community through regular social activities and a family-like atmosphere. 

As a Key Support Worker, your role would be central to this mission—forming meaningful relationships with young people and ensuring that each young person receives the guidance and support they need to take their next steps with confidence.