Project officer jobs in edinburgh

The Bumblebee Conservation Trust (the Trust) is recruiting a part-time HR Manager.

The purpose of this role is to manage and develop all core HR functions, supporting employees and the organisation and ensuring the delivery of HR services which are efficient, inclusive and aligned to the Trust values. 

Based on the developing People Strategy, the HR team deliver a wide range of HR projects for continuous improvement. This is an exciting opportunity to make a positive difference in a friendly, highly focussed organisation with an important mission.

The role will line manage the Senior HR Officer and oversees HR operations, recruitment, policy development, staff development, wellbeing, EEDI and remuneration processes.  The post provides an advisory service to the senior management team and will have the opportunity to play a key role within many of the Trust teams.

You will be CIPD level 5 qualified or working towards, and be able to demonstrate previous relevant experience of working at HR Manager level in which you will have delivered the full range of generalist HR operations.  You will hold skills in relationship building, communication, project management and organisation together with good knowledge of employment law and digital systems utilisation.

Please refer to the job description and person specification on the webiste for more details of the role.

This is a part-time post for 21 hours per week across 3 days.  A flexitime system is in place. This post will be employed on a permanent basis and is homeworking.

The Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer.  This means that whilst seeking employment or during such employment with the Trust, we will seek to ensure equality of treatment for all persons regardless of sex, race, age, marital or civil partnership status, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity status. 

At the Trust, we have a clear goal: to be the place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, to stay and do their best work. We pride ourselves on reaching for our vision, through the hard work and dedication of our passionate and creative employees. 

We’re excited to be partnering with Consumers International, a high-impact, international non-profit working at the forefront of social innovation, consumer rights and global policy. This is a fantastic opportunity for a Communications Specialist – a proactive, strategic thinker who can help tell their story to the world. If you’re a natural storyteller with strong digital writing skills, content execution and strategy experience, and a solid understanding of working in or with the charity or public sector, this could be the role for you.

The Role:

As Communications Specialist, you’ll support the delivery of strategic communications across digital, social, and campaign channels – helping shape global narratives and raise the visibility of key research, tools, and events. You’ll bring a collaborative mindset, creative energy, and a sharp eye for detail, with a particular flair for digital content and project coordination.

About You:

You’ll bring:

• Established communications experience, preferably in the charity, government or international development sector
• A strong track record in digital content creation and audience-focused storytelling
• Demonstrable experience in supporting events, research launches or campaign rollouts
• Excellent project management and coordination skills
• Strong stakeholder communication, both internally and externally
• Experience mapping audiences and designing targeted messaging strategies
• A good eye for design and understanding of visual identity

? Quick facts:

• Remote role, with a strong preference for monthly meetups at the London office. If you enjoy being in the office, then you can be in the London office more. 
• 2-year fixed term, with strong potential to become permanent
• £32,000–£35,000 depending on experience
• ? Interviews held on a rolling basis – early applications encouraged.

Applications for the Communications Specialist will be reviewed on a rolling basis. For more information, please apply now!

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

Role Purpose 

We are seeking a Senior Digital and Information Security Specialist to join our small dedicated team of risk experts. In this role you will lead the development, delivery, and continual improvement of Kamara’s digital security offering and support a team of digital security specialists, review and refine their work, and ensure our approaches remain current with emerging trends and methodologies. You will also play a key role in administering and strengthening Kamara’s internal IT security and information management systems, working closely with the leadership team to ensure robust, resilient, and practical systems that align with our organisational goals. 

Who we are looking for 

We are looking for a technically skilled and people-centered digital security professional who combines deep technical expertise with excellent communication and facilitation skills. You will have a track record of providing pragmatic, context-sensitive digital security guidance to organisations operating across diverse budgets, capacities, and geographies. We particularly welcome candidates with experience supporting social justice or civil society organisations, especially those working in higher-risk environments. 

Key Responsibilities 

Project Design and Delivery 

- Design and deliver digital and information security assessments, management plans and protocols for a range of partner organisations 

- Facilitate engaging workshops (both virtual and in-person) to support partners in implementing and embedding digital security practices 

- Represent Kamara in meetings with partners 

Team and Curriculum Development 

- Support a small team of digital security specialists, reviewing and contributing to their learning and development 

- Contribute to the ongoing development and refinement of Kamara’s risk management methodologies and tools 

- Stay informed about emerging threats, technologies and best practices, using insights to strengthen our digital security offering 

Internal Digital Security and IT systems 

- Oversee and administer internal IT and digital security systems, working in close collaboration with the leadership team

- Conduct regular internal audits and risk assessments, recommending and implementing improvements as needed 

- Design and deliver digital security training sessions for staff, as required. 

Candidate Profile 

Essential: 

- A minimum of 8 years’ experience in IT and digital security roles - Experience providing direct digital security support and training, ideally to social justice or civil society organisations, and/or in higher-risk contexts - Excellent communication, facilitation and cross-cultural collaboration skills - Hands-on experience managing Windows/Linux/or macOS infrastructure and cloud-based environments (Azure, Google, Amazon) 

- Strong understanding of vulnerability assessment, mitigation, and hardening techniques 

- A pragmatic approach to digital security, with the ability to translate complex concepts into accessible, actionable guidance 

- Strategic view and experience managing digital and information security risks, including the intersection between information security and legal and regulatory frameworks 

- Fluency in English (both written and spoken) and ability to work within Western Hemisphere timezones 

Preferred: 

- Relevant professional qualification or certification in digital security, IT, or facilitation 

- Experience managing and/or mentoring teams 

- Experience working in social justice organisations / movements and/or in high-risk contexts 

- Additional working languages (e.g., Portuguese) 

- Willingness and ability to travel internationally 

Terms 

Contract: One-year fixed term (O.8 FTE) with potential for renewal or transition into a permanent role for the right candidate. 

• To lead and deliver Butterfly Conservation’s strategic aims for nature recovery in Wales, maximising our impact for butterflies, moths and people.
• To implement BC’s objectives through leadership of the Wales Nature Recovery team, setting and managing budgets, targets and workplans while inspiring and enabling staff to achieve their best.
• To develop and strengthen collaboration with BC staff, volunteers, stakeholders and partners to drive progress on BC’s targeted species recovery programmes, landscape-scale initiatives and wider nature recovery in Wales. 

• Drive delivery of BC’s strategic objectives through designing and managing workplans for the Nature Recovery Wales team, translating ideas into action and ensuring effective reporting to monitor and share evidence of our impact.
• Lead BC’s species recovery work for priority butterflies and moths in Wales, setting objectives and driving targeted action to recover populations of some of our most threatened species. 
• Lead our landscape-scale conservation work in Wales, developing and overseeing projects using butterflies and moths as indicators of nature recovery across a landscape.
• Develop and deliver new approaches to contribute to broader nature recovery across Wales, including exploring potential nature markets and developing our advice and services to reach more partners. 
• Lead, manage and be accountable for the Nature Recovery team in Wales, including a small number of direct line management reports. Responsible for budgeting, work planning and resource management, including overseeing annual performance management, team meetings, supporting training needs, staff development and well-being.
• Lead the development of new nature recovery projects, including partner liaison, project planning and design, budgeting and reporting to funders. Collaborate with Nature Recovery, Fundraising, and Finance teams to build a case for support and develop bids for external funding through partnerships, appeals and services. 
• Oversee the management of BC’s Nature Reserves in Wales through the work of the Conservation Manager, in collaboration with the Ecology Services team, to maximise their contribution to nature recovery. 
• Be responsible for Wales Nature Recovery budgets and their control, working closely with the Finance team to ensure effective planning and timely financial reporting.
• Ensure close working between BC staff, Branches and key volunteers in delivering co-ordinated nature recovery action towards BC’s strategic goals across Wales.
• Support the Engagement and Volunteering team in the development and delivery of volunteering activity across Wales, putting people at the heart of our work.
• Work with BC’s policy team and NGO partners to support collaborative work on major policy issues and advocate BC priorities in Wales.
• Promote the impact of our work across Wales, including contributing to impact reporting within BC and providing inspiring and engaging external communications to wider audiences.

• Promote BC’s values (Excellence, Passionate, Inspiring, Collaborative) ensuring they are adopted in all aspects of the role.
• Maintain a strategic overview of the organisations’ delivery across the UK and contribute to development of BC’s policies and strategic planning.  
• Undertake any other reasonable duties as required and commensurate with the grade of post.
• Undertake all duties and responsibilities in compliance with the rules and regulations encompassing equal opportunities to help foster a diverse workforce.
• Work in accordance with BC’s policies, procedures, and codes of conduct.
• Actively participate in on-going professional development activities.

• To lead and deliver Butterfly Conservation’s strategic aims for nature recovery in Northern Ireland, maximising our impact for butterflies, moths and people.
• To implement BC’s objectives through leadership of the Northern Ireland Nature Recovery team, setting and managing budgets, targets and workplans while inspiring and enabling staff to achieve their best.
• To develop and strengthen collaboration with BC staff, volunteers, stakeholders and partners to drive progress on BC’s targeted species recovery programmes, landscape-scale initiatives and wider nature recovery in Northern Ireland. 

• Drive delivery of BC’s strategic objectives through designing and managing workplans for the Nature Recovery Northern Ireland team, translating ideas into action and ensuring effective reporting to monitor and share evidence of our impact.
• Lead BC’s species recovery work for priority butterflies and moths in Northern Ireland, setting objectives and driving targeted action to recover populations of some of our most threatened species. 
• Lead our landscape-scale conservation work in Northern Ireland, developing and overseeing projects using butterflies and moths as indicators of nature recovery across a landscape.
• Develop and deliver new approaches to contribute to broader nature recovery across Northern Ireland, including exploring potential nature markets and developing our advice and services to reach more partners. 
• Lead, manage and be accountable for the Nature Recovery team in Northern Ireland, including a small number of direct line management reports. Responsible for budgeting, work planning and resource management, including overseeing annual performance management, team meetings, supporting training needs, staff development and well-being.
• Lead the development of new nature recovery projects, including partner liaison, project planning and design, budgeting and reporting to funders. Collaborate with Nature Recovery, Fundraising, and Finance teams to build a case for support and develop bids for external funding through partnerships, appeals and services. 
• Be responsible for Northern Ireland Nature Recovery budgets and their control, working closely with the Finance team to ensure effective planning and timely financial reporting.
• Ensure close working between BC staff, Branches and key volunteers in delivering co-ordinated nature recovery action towards BC’s strategic goals across Northern Ireland.
• Support the Engagement and Volunteering team in the development and delivery of volunteering activity across Northern Ireland, putting people at the heart of our work.
• Work with BC’s policy team and NGO partners to support collaborative work on major policy issues and advocate BC priorities in Northern Ireland.
• Promote the impact of our work across Northern Ireland, including contributing to impact reporting within BC and providing inspiring and engaging external communications to wider audiences.

• Promote BC’s values (Excellence, Passionate, Inspiring, Collaborative) ensuring they are adopted in all aspects of the role.
• Maintain a strategic overview of the organisations’ delivery across the UK and contribute to development of BC’s policies and strategic planning.  
• Undertake any other reasonable duties as required and commensurate with the grade of post.
• Undertake all duties and responsibilities in compliance with the rules and regulations encompassing equal opportunities to help foster a diverse workforce.
• Work in accordance with BC’s policies, procedures, and codes of conduct.
• Actively participate in on-going professional development activities.

People Adviser – Employee Relations

We are seeking a supportive and confident People Adviser with solid employee relations experience to help managers and staff navigate HR issues fairly, consistently, and in line with best practice.

Position: People Adviser – ER
Salary: £35,000 to £40,000 per annum
Location: Remote with occasional travel
Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: 30th November 2025
Interview date: Week commencing 8 December 2025

About the role

This is a hands on role providing first line HR advice and support across the organisation. You will be a trusted point of contact for staff and managers, helping them resolve people issues with confidence while ensuring policies are applied fairly.

You will also support the People Partner and Business Partner with employee relations casework, HR administration, policy compliance, and general queries. Your guidance will help managers lead well, improve consistency, and strengthen staff engagement.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing first line HR advice to managers and employees
• Supporting employee relations cases including performance, disciplinary and grievance matters
• Ensuring HR policies are applied fairly and consistently
• Managing HR administration including contracts, changes, absence records and exit interviews
• Maintaining accurate HR documentation and records
• Supporting policy review and implementation
• Contributing to employee engagement and wellbeing activities
• Helping identify training needs and supporting HR related training
• Managing HR data and preparing reports
• Supporting wider HR projects and continuous improvement

About you

You will be approachable, clear and supportive, confident providing advice and building trust with staff at all levels.

Essential skills and experience:

• Experience providing HR advice and HR administration support
• Knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice
• Experience handling employee relations cases
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• CIPD Level 3 or equivalent experience
• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills
• Able to handle confidential information with discretion
• Comfortable using HR systems and Microsoft Office

Desirable:

• Experience in the charity, health or social care sector
• Working towards CIPD Level 5
• BSL skills or willingness to learn

About the organisation

You will be joining a specialist national charity supporting the health and wellbeing of deaf people across the UK. Services include care, therapy, advocacy, domestic abuse support, and children and young people’s services. Their work is delivered by deaf people for deaf people in British Sign Language, and they are recognised as one of the largest disabled people’s organisations in the UK.

To Apply

You will be redirected to our client’s website to complete an online application for this role, there is also a BSL video translation of the job description.

Other roles you may have experience of could include HR Officer, HR Advisor, HR Administrator, People Officer, People Advisor, HR Coordinator, Employee Relations Administrator. #INDNFP

Our partner, an established UK charity with a focus on fighting poverty by transforming access to health care services in lower- and middle-income countries in Africa seeks a highly dynamic individual for a one-year fixed-term contract, with the possibility of an extension. The position is part of the management team, and the post holder will be expected to lead on the financial accounting, management accounting, and budgeting for the organisation as well as taking forward some strategic finance and operations projects as we expand our programmes in existing countries. The individual will also be expected to support the Co-CEOs with administrative, compliance and IT related tasks.

Finance
•Maintain a strong control environment, ensuring accounting records are complete and accurate.
Financial accounting
•Prepare annual statutory accounts in accordance with SORP 2015.
•Prepare for the annual external audit and host auditors ensuring the audit process runs smoothly. This includes supporting  country offices in hosting their respective audits.
•Ensure annual statutory accounts are finalised and submitted to Companies House and the Charity Commission by the appropriate deadlines.

Management accounting
•Coordinate the month-end process with the Finance Officer (UK) and Programme Finance Lead, and review transaction postings.
•Prepare monthly management accounts with cash flow forecasts, modifying the format as needed to suit the preferences of senior management and the Board of Trustees.
•Prepare the annual organisational budget and mid-year reforecast.
•Improve existing budget templates to enable straightforward and transparent budgeting for donors.
Support to country offices
•Collaborate with the Programme Finance Lead on a monthly basis to reconcile intercompany accounts, ensuring that reconciling items are cleared promptly.
•Support country office teams in fulfilling any reporting and financial compliance requirements.
•Conduct internal process reviews (internal audits) of country offices where required.
•Review the bi-weekly payment runs for the UK office and the monthly country office fund requests, ensuring cash flow planning is in place for these payments.
•Ensure asset registers are maintained appropriately.

Administration
•Support staff in conducting procurement in line with our procurement policy.
•Assist with preparation for quarterly Board meetings.
•Support office management tasks.

Other
Review and develop existing policies and procedures (e.g. the Finance Manual).

Community Fundraiser - London​

Are you ready to take on a new challenge with a leading charity making a real difference in brain tumour research? ​

Brain Tumour Research is seeking an experienced and motivated fundraiser to join our team. As a key part of our fundraising efforts in our high-performing East region, you will have the opportunity to drive income generation through a variety of initiatives, including challenge events, fundraising groups, and corporate partnerships such as charity of the year. You will also be responsible for driving initiatives to increase our profile and supporter base within London.​

Key Responsibilities: ​​​

• Generate income across a range of community fundraising initiatives and events, with the opportunity to lead on key projects 
• Steward supporters to help drive the charity’s fundraising activities and growth 
• ​Work with the fundraising team to develop and maintain strong relationships with fundraisers, donors, partners, and key stakeholders ​
• Contribute towards the growth and success of fundraising efforts, ensuring a sustainable income stream for the vital ongoing funding of brain tumour research ​​

Requirements: ​​

• At least one year of fundraising experience, with a proven track record in income generation 
• Strong experience in supporter stewardship  
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage and inspire supporters and partners alike ​
• Passion for Brain Tumour Research and its mission to fund research and ultimately find a cure 

​

If you are looking for a fulfilling and impactful role and have the level of experience and skill we are looking for, we welcome your application.​​

​For this role, the successful candidate must live in the London area.​​

​We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.

​

We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process.  Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.

Closing Date: 28th November 2025

​

We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.

​

Community Fundraiser - Home Counties

​

Are you ready to take on a new challenge with a leading charity making a real difference in brain tumour research? ​

Brain Tumour Research is seeking an experienced and motivated fundraiser to join our team. As a key part of our fundraising efforts in our high-performing East region, you will have the opportunity to drive income generation through a variety of initiatives, including challenge events, fundraising groups, and corporate partnerships such as charity of the year. You will also be responsible for driving initiatives to increase our profile and supporter base within Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire and Essex. 

​​

Key Responsibilities: ​

• ​Generate income across a range of community fundraising initiatives and events, with the opportunity to lead on key projects 
• Steward supporters to help drive the charity’s fundraising activities and growth 
• ​Work with the fundraising team to develop and maintain strong relationships with fundraisers, donors, partners, and key stakeholders ​
• Contribute towards the growth and success of fundraising efforts, ensuring a sustainable income stream for the vital ongoing funding of brain tumour research ​

​

Requirements: ​​

• At least one year of fundraising experience, with a proven track record in income generation 
• Strong experience in supporter stewardship  
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage and inspire supporters and partners alike ​
• Passion for Brain Tumour Research and its mission to fund research and ultimately find a cure 

​

If you are looking for a fulfilling and impactful role and have the level of experience and skill we are looking for, we welcome your application.

​

​

​We will give preference to those candidates living in the Bucks, Beds and Northants areas of this region.​​​

​We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.​

We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process.  Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.

Closing Date: 14th December 2025

​

We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.

​

We are looking for a dynamic and empathetic Member Engagement Manager to join our team. This will be a key role in building strong relationships with our members and driving long term engagement.

The British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) is the lead organisation for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in the UK and Ireland.

We are a growing organisation which aims to improve the mental health of people across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, through furthering research and good practice in CBT and related professions.

We have more than 25,000 members across the UK, Ireland and overseas, and a growing staff team, who work remotely.  Our members are part of geographical branches and Special Interests groups. A key part of the Member Engagement Manager role will be to build and support a framework for this network and the individuals who make it up.

Ideally, we need someone who is a strong communicator with excellent relationship building skills, who will manage initiatives to listen to our members, create meaningful connection and ensure members feel valued.

The role will be home-based, with requirements to travel to meetings across the UK and Republic of Ireland to support the work of the branches and sigs as well as attendance at twice yearly staff meetings

What we offer

- A supportive an inclusive team environment

- Flexible working

- A generous annual leave allowance of 30 days plus bank holidays

- Employee Assistance Scheme

How to apply

Send an up-to-date CV with a covering letter of no more than two pages no later than 28th November 2025. Interviews will be held on 12th December 2025

The covering letter should set out how you meet each of the criteria from the person specification that are marked with “Application”.

Job Title: Community Gardening Movement Builder (England & Wales) 

Location: Hybrid / home-based or based at an RHS site, with frequent travel (including overnight stays) 

Salary: £38,000  

Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week) 

Contract: Permanent 

Closing date for applications:  26th November 2025 

Are you passionate about plants, gardens and nature? Do you believe in the power of gardening to support people, places and our planet? Are you excited about the idea of supporting, enabling and amplifying community action that will create green change at scale? 

If this sounds like you, join the RHS Communities Team as our new Community Gardening Movement Builder (England & Wales), as we expand our collective mission to champion, support and connect the UK’s vibrant community gardening movement.

Overview of the Role 

In this exciting new role, you will work closely with the Community Partnerships & Networks Manager to implement the RHS’ movement building plans for community gardening – and build lasting green change.

You’ll be part of a passionate, forward-thinking team dedicated to making horticulture accessible, inclusive and transformative. Your daily work will include creating and coordinating content, campaigns, projects and events that will support, connect and amplify community gardeners across England and Wales. The role will involve frequent travel across England and Wales, and regular opportunities to meet community gardeners, partner organisations and stakeholders, both in-person and online. 

To work for the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is to join a thriving charity, whose mission is to be there for everyone on their lifelong adventure with gardening. Everything we do is built on the transformational power of gardening – and the benefits it brings to people, places and our planet. And we couldn’t do this without our people. We’re proud of the knowledge, enthusiasm and ideas that each one of our team members brings. From working across our social media channels, to volunteering in the RHS Gardens, from serving customers in our garden centres to running national marketing campaigns, we believe that every member of the RHS team should have the opportunity to make a difference. Our careers portal here provides a comprehensive overview of what we offer, the teams that work at the RHS and our great benefits. Details of our great benefits can be found here. 

As Community Gardening Movement Builder (England & Wales) you will be responsible for:

• Leading the digital and in-person convening of community gardeners across England and Wales, to increase the engagement of community gardens, support groups to develop and thrive, and build the platform of the community gardening movement.

• Mapping key stakeholders, campaigns and movement-building activity underway in sectors and spaces relevant to community gardening, keeping colleagues up to date with developments, and flagging challenges and opportunities.

• With the Community Partnerships & Networks Manager, building strong relationships with community gardening groups, partner organisations and key external stakeholders in the policy sphere – such as local authorities, mayoralties and devolved governments.

• Working closely with colleagues in the Communities team and other teams across the RHS to plan, commission and platform a wide range of digital content that will encourage, inspire and enable the community gardening movement.

• Working closely with RHS colleagues, partner organisations and community gardeners to commission, collate and promote data, research and stories that will help amplify the voices of community gardeners and build the case for policy change. 

About you

You will be able to show: 

• A passion for growing, nature, and the role that community gardening can play in bringing people together and addressing social, economic and environmental challenges. 

• A track record of experience in a movement building, policy, strategy, public affairs or external communications role (or the ability to demonstrate similar levels of knowledge if you have not worked in one of these specialisms before). 

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to present and creatively engage different audiences. 

• Adept interpersonal skills, with experience of building external relationships and collaborating with a wide range of contacts. 

• Strong digital literacy, and an interest in utilising a wide range of digital tools to connect, communicate and convene. 

• An eye for detail, with the ability to analyse, interpret and present complex data. 

• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to use your initiative to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• The ability to work as an integral member of a small, high-performing team, and to work collaboratively and with agility across the team and the wider organisation. 

Safeguarding and Inclusion  

The RHS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and expects all personnel to share in this commitment. We are an inclusive employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. 

Other information

We may review applications as soon as we receive them so if you see a vacancy that you are interested in, please apply straight away as the vacancy will be closed as soon as we hire the right candidate. If you require any additional support with making your application, please contact Sharon Ellis please ensure to include the job title or job reference number REQ (found at the top of the advert) when emailing.

October 2025

Governance Manager (12-months maternity cover)

About the role

This is an exciting time to join Emmaus UK and provide maternity cover for our Governance Manager.

This standalone role is responsible for managing the operations of the board and committees of Emmaus UK, as well as for providing support to local boards at Emmaus communities across Great Britain as they look to develop their governance arrangements.

The postholder will manage the board of trustees, leading on recruitment, induction and compliance, ensuring meetings run smoothly and are minuted effectively. They will also work as company secretary, managing the smooth-running of the AGM, and ensuring returns are made to Companies House and the Charity Commission within appropriate timeframes.

The Governance Manager is responsible for monitoring the development of policies, tracking completion and working with managers to continuously improve policies in line with changing regulation.

The role will also involve extensive work with members of the Emmaus movement, through the performance of reviews of local governance of members, reporting back to local boards on areas to celebrate and actions to develop. They will also be responsible for developing Emmaus UK’s best practice toolkit for trustees to refer to in developing their local governance arrangements, and for liaising with the wider Emmaus movement through facilitation of the membership processes with Emmaus Europe and Emmaus International.

About Emmaus UK

We understand that a home is more than just a roof over your head; it’s somewhere to belong, where you feel part of a community, and that’s what Emmaus offers. 

Emmaus is a unique, secular organisation supporting homeless and socially excluded people by providing a home, meaningful work opportunities and a sense of belonging. 

There are currently over 30 Emmaus communities across the UK, stretching from Glasgow to Dover and Norfolk to South Wales, including three Emmaus groups working towards the development of services in their areas. Collectively the Emmaus federation supports more than 1,000 people with experience of homelessness. 

Emmaus UK Governance

• Manage the board of trustees, leading on recruitment, delivering a comprehensive and appropriate induction, dealing with enquiries, maintaining declarations of interest, skills audit and eligibility forms and ensuring all details are up to date and accurate.
• Act as company secretary for Emmaus UK, leading on the preparation for and delivery of the Annual General Meeting, filing required returns, developing documents associated with membership, and ensuring the charity is compliant with relevant charity and company law.

​Board and Committee Meetings

• Coordinate board meetings including organising venues, liaison with the relevant secretary and chairs in creating agendas, preparing and distributing papers and taking and circulating accurate minutes
• Oversee the smooth-running of committee meetings in conjunction with the admin team, including creation of the annual calendar.
• Ensure all follow up actions are coordinated, and ongoing rolling actions logs are maintained and appropriately shared with the Emmaus UK staff team.

Emmaus UK Governance Development

• Lead on governance projects within Emmaus UK, including but not limited to risk, policy management and internal governance reviews, reporting to the Board and subcommittees as appropriate.
• Provide governance advice and support to staff members on an ad hoc basis.
• Monitor all internal policies and procedures ensuring they are fit for purpose and kept under review by the relevant staff members.

​Federation Governance

• Lead on reviews of members’ local governance arrangements, scheduling, undertaking analysis, reviewing documentation, collating responses from members and observations from Emmaus UK Senior Leadership Team members, and reporting to local boards on findings and Emmaus UK’s Audit & Risk Committee on emerging themes.
• Provide guidance for federation members on governance development through ad hoc advice, the production of governance toolkits and supporting resources.
• Facilitate the membership processes and requirements for Emmaus Europe and Emmaus International, supporting transitioning members and contributing to movement-wide events such as the World and Regional Assemblies, international visits and exchange programmes.

To apply 

· To apply for the role, please complete our application form and equal opportunities monitoring form and email us, our Email address is in the application Pack by COP Wednesday 19th November 2025. 

· Please ensure you download the job pack and refer to the job description and person specification when completing your application form.

· Those shortlisted will be invited to an interview conducted via Microsoft Teams on Wednesday 26th November or Friday 5th December 2025.

· If you would like to arrange an informal discussion about the role, please email us, the email address is in the Application Pack.

About Planet Patrol

Our vision is a world where all beings can enjoy our waterways, free from pollution. We are a global community dedicated to placing people-powered environmental data at the heart of decision-making. Through our unique anywhere, anytime, anybody approach to citizen science, we gather critical evidence of water and litter pollution to drive solutions that protect both environmental and human health. Our data and citizen science methods have been featured in academic journals (Stanton, et al., 2022) and media investigations (Channel 4 and ITV), enhancing public and scientific knowledge of litter pollution.

About the role

As Director, you will oversee daily operations, including forecasting and budgeting for the entire organisation (currently c£300K per annum). As such, you will lead on developing a sustainable funding stream for our mission-driven work, ensuring we maintain a 6-month runway at all times. You will build and maintain strong external relationships to help grow and develop the organisation. The Director will provide leadership to a small, remote team (4 x PAYE) and create a happy, sustainable and productive work environment. Most importantly, the Director will ensure objectives are being met - both personal and organisational - to deliver impactful, positive change for our waterways in the UK, and abroad. 

About you

The successful candidate will be a strong leader who excels at strategic thinking, with the natural ability to analyse situations and relationships to maximise impact and return on investment. They will have experience in line management, fundraising and financial management. We are seeking candidates who have experience in senior management in a non-profit setting, ideally within the environmental sector but not essential. Critically, you must thrive in a start-up environment and have a can-do attitude to problem solving. You’ll be one of only a handful of employees and a team of excellent freelancers, so being a team player is a must! This is a great opportunity to really shape the organisation and our impact, so if you like having agency and being innovative, Planet Patrol would be a great fit.

Your top qualities as a leader

• Ambitious
• Collaborative
• Agile
• Resilient
• Resourceful

Key Responsibilities

Funding Development + Stakeholder Relationships (40%): 

• Significant responsibility for successful contractual negotiations and maintaining a healthy new funding pipeline. Secure six-to-seven figure funding opportunities to provide a sustainable revenue stream for 3+ years. 
• Strategic understanding and experience of competitive and fast changing charitable financial landscape. 
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with funders and other voluntary sector organisations.
• Ensure we are suitably represented at appropriate meetings, events, conferences, management groups etc. and that issues that impact our work are raised appropriately. 

Operational Leadership including Compliance + Budgetary Control (30%): 

• Effective leadership driving business operations and strategic targets. Inspire teams to deliver high-quality programmes and foster a culture of creativity and innovation. 
• Draw up and monitor budgets, with support from the Founder and Team Leaders, and ensure effective management and use of all resources. Ensure maximum operational efficiency and maintain a six-month runway at all times.
• Work collaboratively with the Founder and Team Leaders to build annual Business Plans and long term strategies for the organisation.
• Ensure compliance across product / project delivery, finance, human resources, IT, legal, health and safety, customer services and facilities management. Ensure that all data is collated and managed in line with data protection requirements.
• Maintain and develop effective human resource systems for the recruitment, management, support, training, and appraisal of staff and volunteers. Ensure systems are in place to monitor and evaluate the work. 

Team + Performance Management (30%): 

• Build high-performing, committed teams. This includes line managing, coaching, and supporting team members to create a positive, productive work environment. 
• Oversee the team to deliver comprehensive planning and reporting.
• Set benchmarks, monitor performance, and develop a culture of continuous improvement. 
• Proactively manage the performance of Team Leaders by carrying out inductions, regular accountability meetings, supervisions, and probation reviews, while also setting clear work and development objectives.

Person Specification 

The role is for up to 30 hours a week over 4 days - for the right person we would consider fewer hours. If you think you could do the role but do not meet all of the specification points below, we would still like to hear from you. 

Essential Experience and Ability

• Senior management experience working within a small charity or Community Interest Company (CIC).
• Track record of driving operational excellence, including organisational finances and resources.
• Experience of line management, team development and performance management.
• Experience of securing sustainable and diverse revenue streams; including  multi-year, strategic deals worth six-and-seven figures. 
• Proactive approach to risk management and maintaining compliance.
• Experience in a strategic role, including developing organisational strategy and/or developing and overseeing monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
• Experience of working with a range of stakeholders and managing stakeholder relationships.
• Ability to effectively prioritise, manage and oversee programmes of work across the organisation and lead through change. 
• Ability to work under own initiative, delegate where appropriate, prioritise work and meet strict deadlines. 
• Good general IT skills and appreciation of new platforms that can increase efficiency and effectiveness (Slack, Trello, Canva, Dext, Xero, HubSpot, SenseHR).
• Broad understanding of GDPR and other essential legislation and organisational policies, including use of AI.
• Passionate about the environment and the importance of citizen science.
• A commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion.
• Legal right to work in the UK without visa sponsorship.

What we offer

Planet Patrol values collaboration, innovation, and agility. That’s why we’re proud to be a 4-day week employer. We offer a flexible, remote working environment, paired with regular opportunities to connect as a team. We’re a vibrant, mission-driven non-profit that supports professional growth, alongside wellbeing. We offer a generous annual leave package, your birthdays off and encourage you to get out into nature whenever possible.

Application details

If you believe in the work we’re doing and think you could add something to it then we would love to hear from you.

Please submit your CV, LinkedIn profile and answers to the four questions listed on the application page. We are unable to process applications which are not complete.

Applications close midnight Sunday 23 November. 

First stage interviews will be held virtually on Wednesday 26 November.

Second stage interviews will be held in person on Wednesday 3 December.