219 Public engagement officer jobs

Working with farmers, landowners, local residents, businesses, volunteers, conservation partners and Freshwater Habitats Trust colleagues, you’ll build trusted relationships and lead engagement and citizen science across the River Irfon catchment. Your work will help local people take part in an ambitious, connected approach to freshwater biodiversity conservation.

You’ll help drive the scheme by:

· Building and maintaining constructive relationships with farmers, landowners, local residents and businesses

· Planning and running quarterly engagement activities for the farming and landowning community

· Coordinating citizen science projects, including water-quality, invasive non-native plant and endangered wetland plant surveys

· Recruiting, supporting and motivating volunteers to take part in freshwater and wetland conservation

· Helping local people access, enjoy and understand important but often overlooked wetland habitats

· Creating project stories and information for the Freshwater Habitats Trust website, media and wider communications

· Keeping accurate time, volunteer and financial records, and supporting delivery on schedule and within budget

We need someone who brings:

· Experience of working with and motivating community groups and volunteers, including people experiencing economic, health or wellbeing disadvantages

· Confidence communicating nature-conservation ideas to non-specialist audiences

· An interest in freshwater and wetland ecology, ideally with knowledge of freshwater habitat management

· Strong stakeholder, organisational and time-management skills

· A relevant degree or equivalent qualification, ideally at 2:1 level or above, confident use of Microsoft Word and Excel, and a full current driving licence

· A friendly, professional and flexible approach, with close attention to detail

· Knowledge of the Welsh language is desirable; experience of citizen science or GIS would also be an advantage

Freshwater Habitats Trust is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.

Application pack and further details available from our website

Please send the application form as well as your CV

No agencies, please.

Closing date: Friday 16th Oct 2026 (12 pm)

Interviews to be held on 21st and 23rd October 2026

At the heart of everything we do is our purpose: to ensure patients benefit from the highest possible standards of care in anaesthesia, pain medicine and perioperative care. Our members support patients through some of the most significant and vulnerable moments of their lives. It’s our privilege, as their professional body, to help them grow and develop throughout every stage of their careers and provide the best possible care.

Our 2022–2027 Strategy has provided a clear sense of direction, and we’ve made significant progress in strengthening our voice, services and organisational foundations. As we develop our next strategy, we have an opportunity to think ambitiously about how we serve and engage our members, and mobilise their expertise to improve patient care and shape the future of the NHS.

The Role

This is where our new Director of Membership and Engagement will play a pivotal leadership role. We’re looking for an experienced senior leader who knows how to build a compelling membership proposition and create an organisation that its members genuinely value. You will bring a strong track record of improving member satisfaction, engagement, retention and value, ideally within a membership organisation or professional body.

Using data, insight and segmentation, you’ll shape a distinctive and responsive proposition for members at every stage of their careers. You’ll also bring commercial confidence and sound judgement. As well as enhancing RCoA’s value proposition for clinicians at every stage of their career, you’ll oversee a purposeful and impactful external communications function so we can give our members a strong and influential voice on the national stage.

Just as importantly, you’ll be a collaborative and credible leader. You’ll work effectively with senior colleagues, elected members, trustees and other stakeholders; build strong relationships with our Executive Team, President and Council; and inspire a directorate with a critical role in shaping the College’s future.

Timeline

Closing date: Monday 19th October 2026

Preliminary interviews: w/c Monday 2nd and Monday 9th November 2026

Final Panel interviews: w/c Monday 7th December 2026

PR Officer

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 an exciting, innovative, and ambitious charity. We are passionate about finding a cure for brain tumours through the establishment of dedicated Brain Tumour Research Centres of Excellence around the UK.

After a successful 2025, we’re building on our momentum and looking ahead with ambition. As our work continues to expand, so does our impact. We are now looking for passionate people to join us on the next stage of our journey!

It is a fantastic time to be joining us and we are keen to share this with likeminded and talented individuals. We currently have an opening for a PR Officer, to join our Marketing and Communications Team.

• Do you want to make a difference in one of the most innovative and exciting medical research fundraising charities in the UK?
• Do you have a Bachelor’s degree in public relations, media communications or a related field, or similar professional level of experience of at least two years?
• Do you have experience of working in a newsroom?
• Are you able to prioritise and meet deadlines whilst remaining adaptable to a fast-moving news agenda?

Have you answered Yes to these questions?

Does this sound like the opportunity to really take the next step in your career?

Excited to learn more about this position? Then please take a read through our recruitment pack below. 

If you have the skills and ambition that we are looking for we are excited to receive your application. We are really looking forward to welcoming a new member to our team!

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.

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

Closing Date: 02nd October 2026

PR Officer (Research and Campaigning) 

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 an exciting, innovative, and ambitious charity. We are passionate about finding a cure for brain tumours through the establishment of dedicated Brain Tumour Research Centres of Excellence around the UK.

After a successful 2025, we’re building on our momentum and looking ahead with ambition. As our work continues to expand, so does our impact. We are now looking for passionate people to join us on the next stage of our journey!

It is a fantastic time to be joining us and we are keen to share this with likeminded and talented individuals. We currently have an opening for a PR Officer (Research and Campaigning), to join our Marketing and Communications team.

• Do you want to make a difference in one of the most innovative and exciting medical research fundraising charities in the UK?
• Do you have a Bachelor’s degree in public relations, media communications or a related field, or similar professional level of experience of at least two years?
• Are you experienced in working in a science communications and/or policy communications role?
• Have you got a demonstrable track record of generating impactful PR coverage?

Have you answered Yes to these questions?

Does this sound like the opportunity to really take the next step in your career?

Excited to learn more about this position? Then please take a read through our recruitment pack below. 

If you have the skills and ambition that we are looking for we are excited to receive your application. We are really looking forward to welcoming a new member to our team!

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.

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

Closing Date: 02nd October 2026

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.

About Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance
Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) exists so nobody in Scotland suffers or dies because medical help cannot get there in time. People can get sick or have accidents anywhere and anytime. But in Scotland there are places where urgent medical help cannot reach people. Or help gets there too late. And when lives are at risk every minute matters. As a charity we rely on donations from the Scottish public, companies and communities to ensure that urgent medical help gets to the patient when it is needed, wherever they are and at whatever time of day.

The Role

We are seeking a confident media and communications professional to join our Marketing and Communications team and lead PR and media activity across SCAA. Reporting to the Marketing and Communications Manager, the successful candidate will secure impactful media coverage, manage press enquiries, build relationships with journalists and stakeholders, support and brief spokespeople, and develop compelling stories that showcase the charity's impact. Working collaboratively across the organisation, they will play a key role in delivering our communications strategy and increasing awareness, engagement and support for SCAA’s mission.

This role will be based in Perth, at Scone Airport. SCAA supports flexible and hybrid working arrangements—our current approach typically includes two office days per week for those working on a hybrid basis. The usual hours of work will be Monday—Friday, 9am—5pm but it should be noted that this role will require the successful candidate to occasionally work at weekends and during the evenings. This role will also require the successful candidate to travel regularly to operational locations and media opportunities within Scotland, sometimes at short notice, and to undertake media on-call duties as part of a rotational rota.

About You

Essential

• Experience working in journalism, public relations, communications or a press office environment.

• A strong track record of securing positive media coverage and developing relationships with journalists and media outlets.

• Excellent writing and storytelling skills, with experience creating engaging content for print, digital and broadcast channels.

• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to work with senior leaders, spokespeople and external partners.

• Sound editorial judgement and the ability to communicate sensitive stories with empathy, professionalism and discretion.

• Highly organised, able to manage multiple projects and deadlines, and remain calm under pressure.

• A collaborative approach, with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective relationships across teams.

• Commitment to the values and mission of Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance, with the flexibility to travel across Scotland as required.

Please refer to the full person specification and job description for more information.

Our Benefits

• Pension: 12% employer’s & 5% employee’s contribution (after 3 months’ service)  
• Annual Leave: 36 days (incl. public holidays) + an extra day for your birthday (and additional days with long service)
• Death in Service benefit: 4 times annual salary
• Optional Private Medical Insurance plan and Cashplan
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Enhanced Maternity/Adoption/Paternity Pay
• Access to Blue Light Card
• Learning and Development Opportunities

Selection Process

Interviews will take place at our base at Perth Airport in Scone during the week commencing the 12 October 2026.

How to apply
Please refer to the full job pack on our website.

Application deadline is 5pm on Sunday 4 October 2026. 

The Media and Marketing Officer supports the College of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare's public profile, helping to develop compelling content to support our mission to improve sexual and reproductive healthcare (SRH) outcomes across the UK. You will be able to spot opportunities and help us advocate for and work with the SRH community and patients to ensure that both are well supported in the delivery and accessibility of SRH. 

The Media and Marketing Officer will contribute to the College’s ambition by increasing awareness, influence, and engagement with key audiences across traditional and digital media channels. Working with the wider Marketing and Communications team, you’ll help drive engagement with the College’s member and public-facing campaigns through compelling content. You’ll also support our partnership and collaborative working across the sector and beyond.

The Mental Health Foundation is recruiting for a Policy & Public Affairs Officer to support the development and delivery of our policy and public affairs programme, based in our London office.

Deadline: 5pm on Monday 5th October 2026 - however, we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive plenty of suitable applications - if you're interested, we encourage you to apply soon!
Location: London
Salary: Starting salary £32,604 rising to £36,796, plus London weighting of £4,000
Hours: Full-time (32 hours per week)
Contract type: Permanent

This exciting role will support the Mental Health Foundation’s policy objectives through policy and public affairs work, while contributing to the development and delivery of the policy and influencing team’s strategy. The postholder will lead on specific policy priorities and maintain a strong understanding of policy and legislative developments affecting public mental health. By building relationships with key stakeholders, including parliamentarians, they will help strengthen the Foundation’s influence and drive meaningful improvements in mental health policy.

What does the role involve?

• Work closely with the Head of Policy & Public Affairs and other team members as appropriate to develop and deliver the Foundation’s policy objectives through policy and public affairs work.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of policy and legislative developments affecting public mental health and particular priority policy topics for the Foundation.
• Act as the main contact between the policy and influencing team and the campaigns team.

What skills, knowledge and experience are we looking for?

• In-depth knowledge of policy development systems and processes in the UK.
• Excellent writing skills, including the ability to write precisely and quickly for a range of audiences.
• Ability to critically analyse complex legislative, policy, and research developments.

Safeguarding is Everyone’s business – Mental Health Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all its beneficiaries, those who surround them, its staff, volunteers, and anyone else who comes into contact with its services and expects all trustees, staff, and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to appropriate vetting procedures (proof of eligibility to work in the UK, proof of residency and satisfactory employment screening, including a Disclosure check, renewed on a 3-yearly basis and two most recent references). We are unable to provide sponsorship for this post, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the UK.

How to apply

If you think your skills match and you’d like to be part of a dynamic and growing organisation, please complete and submit your application via our website. Please ensure you attach an up-to-date CV and statement of suitability answering all points of the person specification. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive plenty of suitable applications so we recommend applying as soon as you can. First round interviews are planned for 20th to 22nd October. Second round interviews are planned for 28th October.

We believe our people should represent the communities, organisations and individuals we work with. Diversity and inclusion is a strategic priority for us as an employer and mental health charity, and we are proud to be signatories of the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter and the Disability Confident Committed Scheme. Applications from under-represented sections of the community are actively encouraged.

If you have a disability, require any additional support or have any questions regarding the role, please contact us. We make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and during employment. Disabled candidates who meet all the essential person specification criteria will be offered an interview. Therefore, please do ensure you tick the relevant box on the application form and clearly indicate in your application/covering letter if you consider yourself to meet the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 / Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

We are currently operating mostly digital recruitment (including interviews via video conferencing). We operate a hybrid working model of a minimum of 2 days per week in the office and the rest working from home.

We look forward to hearing from you!

As Communications Officer, you will play an important role in delivering our digital, marketing and engagement strategies. You’ll work across social media, email marketing, websites, campaigns, content, branding and media, helping to build CUF’s profile and equip people to build stronger relationships.

You’ll take responsibility for delivering paid social campaigns, coordinating our Mailchimp activity and e-newsletter, publishing website and social content, and using data to understand what’s working and improve our communications. You’ll also work closely with colleagues across the organisation, including the Fundraising Team.

You’ll have professional experience in communications or marketing, excellent writing and editing skills, and a good understanding of digital communications. You’ll be confident using websites, social media and email marketing platforms, and comfortable working with data and analytics.

Experience of Mailchimp, Salesforce, CMS, social media advertising and design/photo-editing software would be an advantage.

You’ll be creative, organised and self-motivated, with the ability to work collaboratively in a small team. An interest in social action and community-led development is desirable, as is experience of working in a charity or interfaith environment.

Why join CUF?

This is an opportunity to use your communications skills for a purpose: helping churches, faith groups and communities recognise their strengths, build connections and take action to overcome poverty.

If you’re looking for a communications role where your work can make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you.

For an informal conversation about this role and for more information, please contact our Communications Manager, Laura Morton, please see job pack for contact details.

To apply: please send an up-to-date CV and covering letter outlining your relevant skills and experience to the HR Officer, please see job pack for contact details. Please note only CV's accompanied with a covering letter will be considered for shortlisting.

Closing date: Midnight, Sunday 18 October. 

Interviews: Online, week commencing 26 October.

Church Urban Fund is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity.

Project Manager: Voices for Health Equity (Maternity Cover)

Job Description and Person Specification

Job title Project Manager: Voices for Health Equity (Maternity Cover)

Hours 35 hours per week

Duration 11 months, ideally starting in mid November, with potential to extend to 15 months with mutual agreement

Salary Between £37,000 - £43,750. Placement within the band will depend on skills and experience, with the upper end reflecting significant, directly relevant expertise.

Location Hybrid work between home and our Vauxhall office, as well as regular travel to in-person events across England. Please read more about our approach to hybrid working in the relevant section below.

Reports to Director of Evidence and Improvement

National Voices

Making what matters to people matter in health and care

National Voices is the leading coalition of health and social care charities in England. We have more than 200 members covering a diverse range of health conditions and communities, connecting us with the experiences of millions of people. We work together to strengthen the voice of people: patients, service users, carers, their families, and the voluntary organisations that work for them.

Our Vision:

People shaping their health and care.

Our Mission:

We advocate for more inclusive and person centred health and care, shaped by the people who use and need it the most.

We do this by:

· Understanding and advocating for what matters to people especially those living with health conditions and groups who experience inequalities.

· Finding common cause across communities and conditions by working with member charities and those they support.

· Connecting and convening charities, decision makers and citizens to work together to change health and care for good.

The Role

In April 2026, National Voices was commissioned by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to deliver their work with the CQC Public Engagement Network. The Public Engagement Network is a group of 50+ charities with reach into communities experiencing health inequalities across England. By engaging with these organisations, the CQC’s aim is to ensure that local health and care services meet the needs and preferences of the communities they serve.

For both organisations this is much more than just another engagement contract, it is a new partnership designed to make the voices the CQC hears from more than the sum of its parts. In our work with the Public Engagement Network, we are committed to:

1. Ensuring meaningful participation of people and communities

2. Championing accessibility and inclusion

3. Valuing VCSE organisations as equal partners

4. Ensuring insights collected lead to impact and action

5. Investing in the long-term capacity and agency of VCSE organisations

6. Being brave and principled – acting with courage and not shying away from difficult conversations

The Voices for Health Equity Project Manager role is to:

- Lead the delivery of the Public Engagement Network contract from inception through to delivery, learning and evaluation, including co-ordinating an integrated management team including representatives of our two partner organisations.

- Build, manage and sustain the Public Engagement Network, creating a range of opportunities for members to participate, and ensuring relationships are meaningful, inclusive and mutually beneficial.

- Ensure high-quality insight is captured from the network, analysed and translated into learning, improvement and influence.

- Provide day-to-day project governance, reporting, quality assurance and risk management.

The role is delivery-focused and externally facing, with significant responsibility for programme management, partner relationships and ensuring National Voices’ values are embedded in how CQC uses the insights generated.

Responsibilities

Programme and client management

· Lead the end-to-end delivery of the Public Engagement Network programme, including co-ordinating an integrated management team including representatives of our two partner organisations.

· Manage individual project plans, budgets, risks and dependencies, escalating issues appropriately and ensuring delivery remains on track.

· Oversee subcontracted work, including agreeing briefs, managing performance, quality assuring outputs and approving invoices.

· Act as the main point of contact for the commissioners, and lead on regular reporting obligations and on programme evaluation.

Building and managing the Public Engagement Network

· Take lead responsibility for engaging, stewarding, supporting and retaining a network of VCSE organisations with reach into marginalised communities and those experience inequalities.

· Design and deliver engagement approaches with the network and those they represent that prioritises trust, long-term relationships and mutual benefit.

· Oversee the delivery of learning events, sense-making sessions and other opportunities that support members to build confidence, skills and influence.

· Ensure participants are appropriately supported, reimbursed and recognised for their contribution.

· Ambitiously grow the Network, through participating in outreach events, ongoing communication activities and more.

Co-ordinate and support activities capturing insight, learning and impact

· Co-ordinate and support colleagues with projects that capture qualitative and quantitative insight from people with lived experience, including insight capture events, focus groups, interviews, advisory groups etc.

· When needed, support the analysis and synthesis of insight into clear themes, findings and recommendations.

· Work with colleagues to ensure insight informs National Voices’ wider influencing, improvement and learning activity.

· Support effective feedback loops, ensuring participants understand how their input has been used and what impact it has had.

Governance, quality and risk management

· Provide day-to-day programme governance for assigned projects, operating within agreed frameworks and reporting arrangements

· Contribute to internal management groups and partnership meetings as required

· Maintain and review risk registers and quality assurance processes.

· Ensure safeguarding, data protection, accessibility and ethical considerations are embedded in all activity.

· Support preparation of regular performance and impact reports for internal and external audiences.

Partnership and stakeholder management

· Work closely with partner organisations to deliver programmes collaboratively, modelling National Voices’ values and ways of working

· Build effective relationships with senior stakeholders across the CQC, VCSE organisations and delivery partners.

· Represent National Voices at external meetings, events and learning forums as required.

Line management and internal leadership

· Line-manage the Voices for Health Equity Project Officer including overseeing day-to-day work, quality assuring outputs, holding regular 1-2-1s as well as setting annual objectives and completing appraisals.

· Provide matrix management for other National Voices of colleagues including other Manager roles and other officers, as and when work requires.

· Work in sync with other managers across National Voices, contributing to a joined-up, supportive team culture

· Deputise for the Director of Evidence and Improvement, or other senior colleagues, when required.

General

· Take a proactive approach to including people with lived experience and members in all areas of work

· Support the development of funding bids and proposals, including shaping delivery models and costing activity.

· Follow organisational processes to measure, monitor and communicate the impact of our work

· Support good project, financial and data management

· Contribute to team planning activities and undertake other relevant duties as appropriate

· Be prepared to take part in full-day events and, with sufficient notice, events outside core working hours

Person Specification

Values, attitudes and behaviours

• Passionate about National Voices’ mission and the meaningful involvement of people with lived experience
• Strong commitment to equity, inclusion and reducing health inequalities
• Proactive, flexible and comfortable working in complexity
• Calm under pressure and able to manage multiple priorities while maintaining quality
• Confident in building relationships and constructively challenging where needed
• Comfortable working collaboratively and taking responsibility for delivery
• Energised by breadth and variety, able to work effectively across diverse topics and themes while spotting connections and opportunities for impact

Skills and abilities

• Strong project or programme management skills, with experience delivering complex, multi-stakeholder work
• Demonstrable experience of working with people with lived experience and/or VCSE organisations in a meaningful and inclusive way
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to translate complex insight into clear, accessible outputs
• Experience of managing partnerships, subcontractors or commissioned work
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise, plan and manage risk
• Experience of quality assurance, reporting and working within governance frameworks
• Excellent people skills, with the ability to lead, support and motivate others

Experience, knowledge and understanding

· Demonstrable experience in leading insight generation projects which have led to real-world impact and improvements.

· Experience in engaging with people experiencing inequalities in a safe and meaningful way.

· Demonstrable experience in monitoring and reporting on KPIs and the impact of engagement work.

· Experience of managing funder relationships and generating income.

· Experience of facilitating and presenting at events and workshops.

· Experience of managing and building coalitions or groups of VCSE or other membership organisations (desirable)

· An understanding of qualitative and quantitative approaches to evidence generation and analysis (desirable)

· Project management qualifications (desirable)

Our approach to hybrid working

We recognise the importance of coming together regularly, in-person, as a team, so we can share learnings and spend social time with each other. We also recognise that people need flexibility, and that homeworking enables focused work and can fit well in people’s lives.

We ask all staff to take part in pre-arranged team meetings which take place every six weeks in our office space. We also might ask you to meet in-person with members of your team from time to time, or to be available for face-to- face meetings with clients and partners where this enhances the work.

We assume that this would usually not amount to more than one day per fortnight for people who work full time. We are happy to discuss how this sits in your life. This can be agreed by your line manager.

In addition, because this role involves engaging with and recruiting to a large network of VCSE organisations, the post holder will be required to regularly attend in-person events across England. These are likely to take place around once a month and may sometimes require overnight stays. Travel, accommodation and subsistence costs for events across England will be paid, however, travel to our London office will be at the expense of the postholder.

Please note that our offices are fully wheelchair accessible and that we are committed to making our workplace fully inclusive.

Application guidance

Please submit a CV and answer the questions in the application form to apply.

Applications should be addressed to our Director of Evidence and Improvement, Sarah Sweeney, and submitted through CharityJob.

Please specify any access or other requirements of which we need to be aware for the online interview.

The deadline for applications is noon on 2nd October 2026.

The interviews will take place on Friday 9th October on Microsoft Teams. Details of an interview task and interview questions will be emailed to you in advance.

We are committed to diversifying our team in order to broaden the insight and experiences we can draw on, and to do our work more credibly. In particular, we would welcome applications from older people, disabled people and people who have experienced socioeconomic inequality. Our offices are fully accessible and we are a Disability Confident and an LGBT+ friendly employer.

The Research and Engagement Officer will report to, and support, the Healthwatch Hounslow Manager. They will:

• Deliver research projects – including planning logistics, designing methodology and analysing quantitative and qualitative data.

• Report findings through presentations and written reports throughout the year.

• Lead on organising projects, ensuring that actions are followed up, prioritising effectively and providing relevant outputs.

• Deliver a regular programme of Hounslow-based outreach and events.

• Onboard, support and manage volunteers, working with our team of volunteers to deliver research and associated activities.

• Undertake policy reviews and provide advice on research and evaluation methodology to the Research Director, Healthwatch Hounslow Manager and other members of the Public Voice team.

• Work with Public Voice teams to capture issues relating to the delivery of services or gaps in policies. Use this information to identify common themes which relate to service design and health and social care policy.

• Engage effectively with seldom-heard communities.

We are seeking a candidate with proven research experience, including the ability to interpret and analyse data and present solutions. You will have a keen interest in health and social care and the ability to write clear, concise policy reviews. You will also have a flair for programme and project management, and be skilled in organising tasks, logistics and administrative systems. The successful applicant will value equality, diversity and inclusion, and will be enthusiastic about promoting these principles in their work. They will have warmth, empathy and respect for others, alongside the ability to effectively engage seldom-heard communities. 

About School of Hard Knocks

School of Hard Knocks (SOHK) is one of the UK’s leading education charities, working in 29 secondary schools across England, Scotland, and Wales. Using rugby as a key delivery tool, we support young people who are struggling to engage in early secondary education - often because of anxiety, low confidence, disrupted home lives, or behavioural challenges rooted in trauma. For many of the children we support, life has already brought more hardship than most adults experience in a lifetime. Our purpose is clear: to help young people facing complex challenges break the cycle and move towards a safer, stronger, more hopeful future.

The SOHK Schools Programme is a two-year intervention working with cohorts of around 20 pupils from Year 7 through to Year 9. Pupils are selected by the school and are typically among the hardest to reach young people. Each week, we deliver half a day of rugby training and classroom sessions built around our 3Cs framework, covering topics such as growth mindset, goal setting, and decision-making, alongside monthly one-to-one sessions with every pupil. The programme’s impact is evaluated by SOHK staff, teachers, parents, and the pupils themselves.

90% of our participants report feeling more confident and more engaged with school after taking part, with long-term effects on attendance, attainment, and life outcomes. Find out more about our Schools Programme.

Since 2023, SOHK has been proud to partner with Impetus, a charity that invests in and supports organisations helping young people from disadvantaged backgrounds succeed. This partnership combines investment with strategic and organisational development support, helping to strengthen our impact and set SOHK up for sustainable growth.

We are proud to be delivering long-term programmes that meaningfully reach hundreds of young people each year - but the societal need is vast. Our ambitious four-year strategic plan targets growth, aiming to bring our impactful programme to hundreds more young people each year.

“Despite the usual challenges that every education or sport for development charity faces, School of Hard Knocks really is unique. It is not so much what we deliver at a programme level (which is of course brilliant) but who we are as a team. If you are a values-led leader and love the idea of ‘team’, then School of Hard Knocks is the place for you.”

- Ken Cowen, Founder and outgoing CEO

The Role

The CEO is the public face and leader of SOHK, responsible for the overall strategic direction, vision, and management of the charity - ensuring SOHK meets its mission and strategic objectives while maintaining strong relationships with Trustees, staff, supporters, and the wider SOHK community. We’re looking for a mission-driven charity leader and effective fundraiser, capable of building a sustainable growth model.

Strategy and Direction

● Be the face and voice of the charity - its principal ambassador

● Lead the development and periodic review of SOHK’s strategy with the Trustees and Senior Management Team

● Translate the 2026-30 strategy into organisational priorities, plans, and goals

● Ensure safeguarding, wellbeing, and the lived experience of young people remain central to every decision and growth plan

Programme Delivery, Quality and Impact

● Hold a high bar for programme quality and outcomes for young people

● Line-manage and support the Director of Programmes, working with delivery teams and partners to build a world-class, evidence-based intervention

● Ensure SOHK can evidence the impact of its programmes, with insights feeding back into constant improvement

Income Generation, Fundraising and External Relations

● Lead income generation across trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, individual giving, and challenges and events

● Line-manage and support the Head of Fundraising in executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy

● Hold senior relationships with funders and partners, building SOHK’s brand, reputation, and profile

Leading People, Culture and Operations

● Build and lead a high-performing Senior Management Team

● Foster a positive, inclusive, high-performing culture aligned with SOHK’s values

● Line-manage and support the Director of Finance & Operations, ensuring operational excellence

Governance and the Board

● Act as the primary link between the organisation and the Trustees

● Attend all Trustee meetings (held quarterly) and provide timely, accurate reporting

● Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and Charity Commission requirements

About You

Essential

● Proven senior leadership experience in the charity, education, youth, or social impact sector - whether as CEO or as part of an executive team - including working directly with a Board of Trustees

● Demonstrated success in building or significantly growing an organisation, programme, or initiative

● A collaborative and values-led leadership style, with the ability to inspire trust, hold people to account, and build high-performing teams

● Strong track record of income generation, including securing significant funding from trusts, foundations, corporates, or major donors

● Experience of financial oversight, budgeting, and organisational planning at a senior level

● Strategic thinker, able to translate vision into clear plans and delivery

● Strong relationship-builder and communicator, confident with a wide range of stakeholders

Desirable

● Previous charity CEO experience - a bonus, but not essential; we know brilliant candidates come from a wide range of backgrounds

● Direct classroom, youth work, or education leadership experience

● Knowledge of the UK education system and youth policy landscape

● Experience of scaling a multi-site delivery organisation and working with local authorities

Personal Attributes

● Deep commitment to improving outcomes for young people, especially those facing disadvantage

● Resilient and persistent, able to work under pressure and navigate setbacks

● Collaborative, open, and reflective leader who seeks feedback and learns from it

Terms of Appointment

Contract type

Full-time, permanent

Location

Greater London, with offices in Edinburgh & Cardiff

Salary

£85,000 – £90,000 per year + £5,000 PRP

Reports to

Chair of the Board of Trustees

Direct reports

Director of Programmes; Head of Fundraising; Director of Finance & Operations

Travel

Regular UK travel, primarily to Edinburgh and Cardiff. Occasional evenings for stakeholder engagement and fundraising events

Trustee meetings

Quarterly, in London, in the evening, plus ad hoc subcommittees

Harris Hill is delighted to be working with Citizens Advice St Albans District (CASTAD) to recruit its new Chief Executive Officer.

CASTAD provides free, confidential, impartial and independent advice to help people overcome their problems. We campaign on the issues that matter to them when their voices need to be heard.

We want to see a world where no one suffers through ignorance of their rights and responsibilities, or an inability to pursue them; and where the underlying causes of people’s problems have been eliminated.

As Chief Executive, you will:

• Deliver high-quality client services to approximately 9,000 users per annum.
• Ensure financial resources are in place to run the service.
• Work with the Trustee Board to define and lead the future strategy and sustainability of CASTAD.
• Execute the agreed strategy by ensuring a detailed and measurable Business Plan is in place, regularly tracked, and reported on.

If you are inspired and excited by what CASTAD does, we’d love to hear from you.

Job title: Chief Executive Officer
Salary: circa £50,000 - £55,000 p.a.
Contract: Permanent / Full-time
Location: Citizens Advice St Albans and District, The Civic Centre, St Peters Street, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 3JE. (Flexible working will be considered.)

How to apply: Please review the Recruitment Pack for further information about CASTAD, the CEO position and for details on how to apply.

Closing date for applications: 9am Monday 19 October 2026

Both CASTAD and Harris Hill operate an equal opportunity policy and commit to treating all of our candidates and jobseekers fairly. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

The Talent Set is delighted to be partnering with Mencap to recruit a new Director of Public Fundraising & Engagement. This is a rare opportunity to join one of the UK's leading disability charities at a pivotal moment of investment and renewed ambition. 

Director of Public Fundraising & Engagement
Salary: £85,000
Location: Hybrid (London HQ)

Mencap is embarking on an exciting period of fundraising growth and transformation, creating a rare opportunity for an ambitious and strategic fundraising leader to join the organisation as Director of Public Fundraising & Engagement. With strong backing from the Chief Executive, Board and Executive Team, public fundraising is recognised as a critical source of flexible, unrestricted income that enables Mencap to deliver meaningful impact for people with a learning disability and their families. 

This role will shape the future of public fundraising and engagement at Mencap. At a pivotal point in their strategy, you will lead an established and ambitious portfolio across Individual Giving, Community and Events, and Legacies, helping grow sustainable income, extend their reach and build deeper relationships with the people who support Mencap's work.

Many people who support Mencap have a personal connection to someone with a learning disability. You will build on these valued relationships while developing a compelling case for support that reaches further, inspires new people to engage with the cause and grows Mencap's supporter base. Working with colleagues across the organisation, you will turn awareness and commitment into meaningful action, strengthening their fundraising culture and helping make a greater difference for people with a learning disability and their families.

Recent investment in fundraising infrastructure, including the implementation of Salesforce, has created the foundations for future growth. The organisation is now focused on strengthening supporter insight, building a more integrated view of audiences and creating a smarter, more data-led approach to engagement and income generation. There is a clear appetite across the organisation to modernise and accelerate fundraising performance.

We are looking for a confident senior fundraising leader who combines strategic ambition with strong financial judgement, effective use of donor data and a clear understanding of regulation, compliance and return on investment. You will be credible with senior stakeholders, able to lead through change and passionate about building inclusive, high-performing teams focused on meaningful impact.

You will directly lead key roles across the function, including the Head of Public Fundraising and the Legacies Administration Lead, creating the leadership, confidence, systems and ways of working needed for public fundraising to grow. This role is for someone who can set direction, build the conditions for teams to succeed and help the function scale income and deliver lasting impact.

This role sits at the heart of Mencap's growth strategy. While there are areas of strong performance and established success, there are also significant opportunities to strengthen strategic planning, prioritisation, audience development and supporter engagement. The successful candidate will help shape the organisation's next fundraising strategy, ensuring investment decisions, income ambitions and delivery plans are aligned and achievable.

Potential Early Objectives / Success Measures

• Develop and begin delivering a public fundraising and engagement strategy aligned to Mencap 2030.
• Agree income, investment and performance measures across Individual Giving, Community and Events, and Legacies.
• Establish reporting that supports clear decisions on income, expenditure, compliance, risk, impact and return on investment.
• Build a stronger approach to audience understanding and segmentation to support growth in engagement and income.
• Strengthen ways of working with Brand and Communications to improve supporter journeys and fundraising conversion.
• Strengthen leadership, systems and processes so the public fundraising function has the capability and infrastructure to grow sustainably.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate:

• A strong track record of senior fundraising leadership, with significant expertise in individual giving and supporter acquisition.
• Experience managing and growing large-scale public fundraising programmes.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of legacy fundraising and its strategic value within a diversified fundraising portfolio.
• Experience leading fundraising transformation, organisational change and income growth initiatives.
• The ability to use data, insight and technology to improve fundraising performance and supporter engagement.
• Outstanding stakeholder management and influencing skills, with experience working effectively across complex organisations.
• Proven experience building collaborative relationships across multiple functions and senior leadership teams.
• Exceptional people leadership skills, with experience of developing high-performing teams and creating clarity around strategic priorities.
• The confidence to challenge constructively, make evidence-based decisions and balance immediate needs with long-term growth ambitions.
• A strategic and commercially minded approach combined with a strong commitment to Mencap's values and mission.

Above all, we are looking for an inspiring and collaborative leader who is excited by the opportunity to modernise, strengthen and grow one of the sector's most important public fundraising portfolios. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of fundraising at Mencap, building on strong foundations while unlocking significant untapped potential across supporter engagement and income generation.

How to Apply
The deadline for applications is Friday 2nd October with 1st stage interviews to take place w/c 12th October. To apply, please submit your CV demonstrating your suitability for this role via our website using the apply now button.
If you have any initial questions before applying, please get in touch. We aim to get back to all successful candidates within 48 working hours.

Commitment to Diversity
The Talent Set is committed to inclusive recruitment practices and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. We actively encourage applications from people with diverse experiences and are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments required throughout the recruitment process.

Position: Press and Communications Officer, Wales
Hours: Part-Time, 21 hours per week
Location: Home-based in Wales
Salary: Starting from £26,912 per annum FTE (£16,147 actual for 21 hours per week) plus excellent benefits
Salary Band and Job Family: Band 1, Charity
You’ll start at our entry point salary of £26,912 FTE (£16,147 actual) per annum, increasing to £28,594 FTE (£17,156 actual) after 6 months service and satisfactory performance and to £30,276 FTE (£18,166 actual) after a further 6 months.

Swydd: Swyddog y Wasg a Chyfathrebu, Cymru
Math: Rhan-amser, 21 awr yr wythnos
Lleoliad: Gweithio gartref yng Nghymru
Cyflog: Cyfwerth ag Amser Llawn £26,912 (£16,147) y flwyddyn ynghyd â buddion rhagorol
Band Cyflog a Theulu’r Swydd: Band 1, Elusen
Byddwch yn dechrau ar ein cyflog pwynt mynediad o Cyfwerth ag Amser Llawn £26,912 (£16,147) y flwyddyn, gan gynyddu i Cyfwerth ag Amser Llawn £28,594 (£17,156) ar ôl 6 mis o wasanaeth a pherfformiad boddhaol ac i Cyfwerth ag Amser Llawn £30,276 (£18,166) ar ôl 6 mis arall.

About us 

We make sure people living with MS are at the centre of everything we do. And it’s this commitment that unites us across the UK.

Our strategy is based on what people affected by MS have told us is important to them. It gives us a clear and determined focus.

Our work is based on the hopes and aspirations of our MS community. Together we campaign at all levels, fund ground-breaking research and provide award winning support and information.

Our people are our greatest asset and the key to our success. We offer a vibrant, progressive working environment where you'll be able to make a difference.

Gwybodaeth amdanom ni 

Rydyn ni’n gwneud yn siŵr bod pobl sy’n byw ag MS wrth galon popeth rydyn ni’n ei wneud. Yr ymrwymiad hwn sy’n dod â ni ynghyd ledled y DU.

Mae ein strategaeth yn seiliedig ar yr hyn y mae pobl y mae MS yn effeithio arnynt wedi dweud wrthym sy’n bwysig iddyn nhw. Mae’n rhoi ffocws clir a phendant i ni.

Mae ein gwaith yn seiliedig ar obeithion a dyheadau ein cymuned MS. Gyda’n gilydd rydyn ni’n ymgyrchu ar bob lefel, yn ariannu ymchwil arloesol ac yn darparu cymorth a gwybodaeth sydd wedi ennill gwobrau.

Ein pobl yw ein prif ased ac maen nhw’n rhan annatod o’n llwyddiant. Rydyn ni’n cynnig amgylchedd gwaith bywiog a blaengar lle byddwch chi’n gallu gwneud gwahaniaeth.

About this job

This is a brilliant opportunity to join our hardworking, creative and supportive MS Cymru team

You’ll be communicating with both Welsh and English speaking audiences, and you must be a fluent Welsh speaker/writer.

We’re looking for a tenacious, proactive Press and Communications Officer to join our team and help us meet our ambitious goals.

Crucially, you’ll promote and deliver media coverage/strategies to promote our work with a particular emphasis on promoting our fundraising, campaigning and service activity.

You’ll also be our point of contact for media enquiries we receive. And you’ll support the development and delivery of our digital communications, ensuring we have a strong and representative social media presence.

The chosen candidate will have relevant experience (such as a press office, PR agency or journalism) and be comfortable managing competing priorities as part of a busy team. You’ll have excellent writing and communications skills in Welsh and English, and a positive attitude.

Welsh language written and speaking skills are essential. An application submitted in Welsh will be treated no less favourably than an application submitted in English.

Y swydd

Mae hwn yn gyfle ardderchog i ymuno â’n tîm gweithgar, creadigol a chefnogol yn MS Cymru.

Byddwch yn cyfathrebu â chynulleidfaoedd Cymraeg a Saesneg, a rhaid i chi fod yn siarad ac ysgrifennu Cymraeg yn rhugl.

Rydyn ni’n chwilio am Swyddog y Wasg a Chyfathrebu dygn, rhagweithiol i ymuno â’n tîm a’n helpu ni i gyflawni ein nodau uchelgeisiol.

Yn hollbwysig, byddwch yn hybu ac yn darparu strategaethau/sylw yn y cyfryngau i hyrwyddo ein gwaith, gyda phwyslais penodol ar hyrwyddo ein gweithgareddau codi arian, ymgyrchu a gwasanaeth.

Hefyd, chi fydd ein pwynt cyswllt ar gyfer ymholiadau gan y cyfryngau. Byddwch hefyd yn cefnogi’r gwaith o ddatblygu a darparu ein cyfathrebiadau digidol, gan sicrhau bod gennym bresenoldeb cryf a chynrychioladol ar gyfryngau cymdeithasol.

Bydd gan yr ymgeisydd llwyddiannus brofiad perthnasol (er enghraifft mewn swyddfa’r wasg, asiantaeth cysylltiadau cyhoeddus neu newyddiaduriaeth), a bydd yn hyderus yn rheoli blaenoriaethau sy’n cystadlu â’i gilydd fel rhan o dîm prysur. Bydd gennych sgiliau ysgrifennu a chyfathrebu ardderchog yn Gymraeg a Saesneg, yn ogystal ag agwedd gadarnhaol.

Mae sgiliau siarad ac ysgrifennu yn y Gymraeg yn hanfodol. Ni fydd cais a gyflwynir yn Gymraeg yn cael ei drin yn ddim llai ffafriol na chais a gyflwynir yn Saesneg.

Closing date for applications: 9:00 on Monday 12th October 2026.
Anticipated interview date: 28th & 28th October.

PLEASE PRESS THE 'HOW TO APPLY' BUTTON FOR MORE INFORMATION.

More about our employee benefits:
We have a wide range of employee benefits including (but not limited to): 

Encouraging work life balance

• 38 days paid annual leave (including bank holidays), pro-rata for part-time
• More annual leave entitlement, based on length of employment
• Smart working options (with the opportunity to work remotely and find a smart working pattern that suits both you and us) 
• Flexible working options 

Caring for you and your family 

• Generous sick pay entitlement
• More sick pay entitlement, based on length of employment 
• Opportunity to buy and sell annual leave in each calendar year 
• Free access to a GP virtually 24 hours a day/7 days a week allowing you unlimited advice, reassurance and where appropriate diagnosis 
• Enhanced leave for new parents 
• Free access to a confidential 24 hours a day/7 days a week helpline service for both you and your family with a specialist range of support and information
• Special leave options (such as up to 5 days paid leave for domestic or personal emergencies a year)
• 10 days paid disability leave a year, pro-rata for part-time 
• 10 days paid carers’ leave a year, pro-rata for part-time 
• Cycle to work scheme 
• Death in service scheme 
• New family-friendly benefits, including paid leave:
  • In the event of miscarriage or still birth 
  • To support fertility treatments
  • For antenatal appointments for both parents

Thinking about your finances 

• Enhanced salary sacrifice pension scheme
• Discounted season ticket loan and interest-free emergency loans
• Give as you earn to support other charities of your choice before tax
• New employee portal including lifestyle savings vouchers and personal wellbeing

Enriching your life at work

• Personalised development plans with a wide range of training courses and opportunities to source additional training options with your line manager
• Yearly internal apprenticeship opportunities
• New, modern offices that embrace working together both in-person and remotely 
• Various opportunities to influence how we internally operate (including surveys, and focus and committee groups) 
• Active and supportive internal employee networking groups for collaboration and peer support 
• 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering for MS Society activities during normal working hours (such as fundraising events, or campaigning in the local community) 
• 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering with other charities during normal

Equal Opportunities 
We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities and or from ethnic minority backgrounds.

We’d be grateful if you downloaded and completed the equality and diversity monitoring form and submit it with your application. 

Disability Confident Employer 
We’re a Disability Confident Employer and we’re committed to promoting equality and diversity.

You can ask for reasonable adjustments as part of both our recruitment and new starter on-boarding processes.

If you need any help or adjustments to apply for this role, please contact us. You can also ask for the application materials to be sent to you in a different format. Such as for them to be sent to you by email or in a larger word format.

Safeguarding 
We’re committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone who uses our services and we come into contact with.

This is regardless of Gender, Race, Disability, Sexual orientation, Religion or belief, Pregnancy, Gender reassignment.

We recognise our particular responsibility to make sure vulnerable adults and children are protected.

We have measures in place to protect everyone we come into contact with from abuse and maltreatment of all kinds.

Your right to work in the UK 
You must have the right to work in the UK to work in paid employment with us. You’ll need to share documents showing you’re eligible to work in the UK if we offer you employment.

You can find the UK visas and permits granting you the right to work in the UK on the UK Government website. We currently don’t have a Sponsor Licence agreement with the Home Office and aren’t able to support you with your visa applications.

No agencies please.