Public sector partnerships manager jobs in Birmingham

This is a senior communications and public affairs role at The British Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) at a pivotal moment for human rights in the UK. You will help shape public and political narratives about the Human Rights Act, amplify lived experience, and ensure BIHR’s expertise cuts through in national debates.

You will lead BIHR’s external communications -  including media, digital content, and website oversight – and support evidence‑informed policy positioning and parliamentary engagement. Working closely with colleagues across the charity, you’ll transform insights from our programmes into powerful, accessible messaging and high‑impact advocacy.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a small but mighty team known for its expertise, credibility, and influence on human rights in everyday systems.

Please note this is not an entry‑level role.

Key Responsibilities

Please refer to the Application Pack for the full details, but below is a summary.

 Communications

• Lead BIHR’s external communications strategy to ensure consistent, accessible, rights‑based messaging.
• Draft proactive and reactive press releases and media statements.
• Secure media opportunities highlighting BIHR’s work and the role of the HRA/ECHR.
• Manage the consistency and quality of website content.
• Create engaging digital content that translates complex human rights issues into clear, plain language.
• Maintain a content calendar aligned with key parliamentary, policy, and public affairs milestones.
• Track and analyse engagement data to inform strategy.

 Policy Evidence, Analysis & Positioning

• Conduct policy research grounded in the HRA/ECHR framework.
• Translate lived and practitioner experience into evidence‑informed policy positions and recommendations.
• Draft high‑quality briefings, consultation responses, reports, and messaging documents.
• Horizon‑scan for risks and opportunities to protect and advance human rights.
• Maintain BIHR’s internal knowledge base on HRA/ECHR and priority policy areas.

 Government & Parliamentary Engagement

• Monitor UK parliamentary activity and analyse implications for the HRA/ECHR and BIHR’s work.
• Build relationships with parliamentarians, government officials, and parliamentary offices.
• Support targeted advocacy to defend the HRA/ECHR and promote rights‑respecting law and policy.
• Represent BIHR at political and policy meetings and events.
• Ensure monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of public affairs activity.

 Stakeholder Engagement & Representation

• Build and sustain partnerships with NGOs, academics, policymakers, legal professionals, civil servants, and parliamentarians.
• Represent BIHR externally and engage in sector networks.
• Communicate BIHR’s policy positions and resources clearly and effectively.
• Identify opportunities for collaboration and influence.

 Other organisational requirements

• Work collaboratively as part of a small team.
• Support organisational processes and continuous improvement.
• Undertake other duties as required.

Who the Role Is Suitable For

This role is ideal for someone who brings strong communications skills, policy and advocacy experience, and a commitment to human rights as practical tools for change.

You’ll thrive if you:

• Can translate complex law and policy into accessible, compelling communications.
• Have experience engaging with parliamentarians, officials, and senior stakeholders.
• Are confident in human rights frameworks, particularly the HRA.
• Enjoy working in a small, collaborative team.
• Can manage competing priorities in a fast‑moving, politically sensitive environment.
• Live within approximately one hour of London, as regular Westminster/Whitehall meetings are expected.

Please refer to the Application Pack for a detailed Person Specification.

Applying for the role

Please click on the 'Redirect to recruiter' button (above or below) to:

• Get more information about the role, how to apply, and the selection and interview process/timing.
• Download an Application Pack and Application form (and an optional Equality & Diversity Form).

Please also note that:

• Completed application forms must be received by 10am on Wednesday 11 March 2026; we regret that late applications will not be considered.
• You should not submit a CV and cover letter instead of using the application form; such applications will also not be considered.

Thank you for your interest, and we look forward to receiving your application form.

If you’re passionate about safer communities and want a role where your work has a direct and lasting impact, this could be the perfect opportunity. As Crimestoppers’ Regional Manager for the North West of England, you’ll play a pivotal part in helping protect the public, empowering local people, and supporting the agencies working to prevent and solve crime.

We’re looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Regional Manager to represent Crimestoppers across the region. You’ll work closely with law enforcement and community partners to design and deliver meaningful crime‑prevention campaigns, while also coordinating cross‑border and national initiatives with organisations such as ROCUs and the NCA. You’ll empower local volunteer committees to thrive, act as a spokespeople for Crimestoppers in local and regional media, and drive funding opportunities that help expand our impact.

This role variety, and the chance to genuinely make a difference. We’re seeking someone with strong project and budget management skills, confidence under pressure, and the ability to build strategic relationships. Experience in or significant knowledge of the voluntary sector, media campaigning, or policing practice would be an advantage. If you’re committed to community safety and excited by the challenge of influencing real change, we’d love to hear from you.

Please have a read of the job pack here before submitting your CV and covering letter.

3 years fixed term contract | Full time | Home Based | £38,828p/a | DBS required

In this dynamic role, you’ll be at the forefront of delivering agreed and dynamic plans to improve outcomes for people living with/at risk of diabetes.by working to reduce variation, and improve care, treatment and prevention via influencing and partnership working activity.

We’re looking for someone who can inspire and collaborate, building strong, positive relationships to increase understanding of diabetes. Your ability to influence and work together with others will help us support health system professionals and communities to improve diabetes care.

Join us and be a part of something truly transformative. Together, we can change the narrative around diabetes and create a more inclusive world.

Please note that we require that the successful postholder must be based in the East of England., United Kingdom

The Vacancies

We are seeking to appoint one registered medical practitioner and one business registrant (Companies Committee), one lay member (Education Committee) and one optometrist (Standards Committee) to our Advisory Panel Companies Committee.

About the GOC
We are the regulator for the optical professions in the UK. Our purpose is to protect the public by promoting high standards of education, performance, and conduct.  For more information about us please visit our website.

About the Advisory Panel
The Advisory Panel is a meeting of the four Council’s committees (Companies, Education, Registration, and Standards) in plenary session. They are established by statute for the purpose of giving advice and assistance to Council (whether or not in response to a request from them) on:

• matters relating to business registrants other than matters required by the Opticians Act to be referred to the Investigation Committee, the Registration Appeals, Committee or the Fitness to Practise Committee;
• matters relating to optical training, education, and assessment;
• matters relating to registration, other than matters required by the Opticians Act to be considered by the Registration Appeals Committee; and
• matters relating to the standards of conduct and performance expected of registrants or those seeking admission to the register.

Time Commitment and Remuneration

This role is part time with a commitment of approximately 2-3 days per year, including time spent preparing for meetings.  Meetings will usually take place via MS Teams but may on occasion be held at the GOC Offices in London or other suitable venues.

Members are paid up to £185 per meeting. This is taxable and subject to National Insurance (NI) contributions. This is in line with our member fees policy and member fee schedule.

How to apply

Please apply with the following:

• your CV outlining your employment history, any relevant voluntary work, public service, or other experience; together with any relevant professional, academic, or vocational qualifications (please keep this to two sides of A4);
• the application form (attached), stating how your experience matches the essential criteria for the vacancy you are applying for; and
• an EDI monitoring form (linked in the candidate pack) 

Please email your completed application quoting reference GOC01/26 to appointment@optical. org.

We would welcome applications from individuals who are disabled and from diverse ethnic backgrounds, as these are currently under-represented on our Council and committees.

For more information about these roles please download the candidate information pack attached.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: midnight Sunday 29 March 2026.

Online interviews will be held on 14,15,18 and 19 May 2026.

If you have any questions, please email them to appointment@optical. org and we will aim to respond to you within 48 hours. 

We strive to be as diverse as the public we protect and welcome applications from everyone, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, maternity, and geographical locations outside of London.

BID Services is a leading national charity supporting people who are deaf, hard of hearing, sight impaired, severely sight impaired, and those with dual sensory loss. We work alongside clients, their families, and carers to ensure they can access the opportunities, services, and information that matter most. 

We are seeking a strategic, values driven CEO to lead the organisation into its next chapter. This is a hands-on leadership role and you will shape strategy, drive operational excellence, and ensure BID Services continues to grow its impact, reputation, and financial sustainability. 

What you will do 

• Provide visible leadership to the organisation, inspiring and motivating a multi-disciplinary team while fostering a high performing, inclusive, and collaborative culture.

• Translate strategy into action, delivering operational priorities and ensuring services meet the highest standards 

• Take responsibility for financial stability, new business, fundraising, and income generation, and embedding a sustainable funding model 

• Act as the public face of BID Services, influencing the national conversation on sensory impairments, building partnerships, and engaging stakeholders across sectors

• Lead governance, risk management, compliance, safeguarding, and data protection, reporting to the Board and supporting trustees in their responsibilities. 

Who we’re looking for 

• Proven senior leadership experience in the not-for-profit, social, or private sectors, with a track record of delivering strategy, growth, and change 

• Commercial acumen, with experience securing funding, generating income growth, and managing budgets 

• Skilled at partnership building, stakeholder engagement, and influencing policy or national agendas

• Experienced at Board level and able to lead and motivate teams while fostering a strong organisational culture

• Familiarity with working with people with a sensory impairment, those with disabilities or vulnerable adults

• Credible, confident, and collaborative, with the courage to make bold decisions and the energy to drive innovation 

Additional considerations 

• Full time role, requirement to be Midlands-based (Birmingham) typically 3 days per week 

• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, wellbeing, and sustainable practices 

This is an opportunity to lead a respected, impactful organisation where your leadership, vision, and energy will make a real difference in people’s lives. 

Closing date Friday 20 March 2026

About the Role

As a passionate professional in the identification, development and management of a wide range of relationships in support of our programme partnership, you will ensure the Career Ready programme in Renfrewshire and West Dunbartonshire continues to thrive, which includes securing charitable donations from supporting partners. You will work closely with our Programme & Partnerships Manager for Glasgow, in support of our work growing there.

This role requires experience of partnership and account management and the scale and ambition of our social mobility work means you will need to be well organised, confident and able to positively influence a wide range of people including headteachers, teachers, CEOs and HRDs.

You will identify and approach opportunities that are well researched and pursue with unswerving perseverance. It’s also a great chance to develop personally.

Programme & Partnership Managers lead the delivery of our programme locally. In this role, you’ll grow, develop, and maintain the employer and education partnerships that make the Career Ready programme work — including our Local Advisory Boards, Local Authorities, school coordinators, the Developing the Young Workforce Regional Group, and the employers and volunteers who provide mentoring with the accompanying paid internship, deliver engaging masterclasses, and support events.

Once you’re confident in what, why, when, and how of our work, you will:
1. Lead, grow, and strengthen the Career Ready partnerships in Renfrewshire & West
Dunbartonshire.

You’ll ensure an excellent programme experience for all stakeholders and secure employer engagement for approximately 60+ students each year (with growth expected) who take part in our 18-month programme. This includes ensuring
sufficient mentors with the accompanying paid internship, high-quality masterclasses and purposeful events.

2. Support programme delivery, stakeholder engagement and the generation of new programme and funding partnerships across Renfrewshire & West Dunbartonshire. 

You’ll work closely with the Career Ready Glasgow & West Areas Local Advisory Board, the Programme & Partnerships Manager for Glasgow, the Head of Programme & Operations, the Scotland Partnerships Manager, Partnerships Lead, and your fellow Programme & Partnerships Managers — all committed to delivering quality, impact, and sustainability. You’ll also collaborate with the Scotland Operations Team to
ensure accurate data, strong processes, and effective management information for the area.

Find out more

You can find out more about the role, and working at Career Ready, in our candidate pack.

• £36,000 - £39,870 DOE (pro rata for part time)
• A working from home allowance of £300 pa is provided (pro rata for part time)
• Annual leave: 27 days holiday plus bank/public holidays. In addition, Career Ready is closed between Christmas and New Year. Career Ready also allows flexible use of some Bank & Public Holidays
• 6% of salary contribution to a private pension subject to an employee contribution of 3%
• Access to both our Reward Gateway Portal and an Employee Assistance Programme
• Business expenses including mileage allowance for car usage

How to apply

Please visit our website for full details of how to apply.

Timetable

• Closing date: 5 pm, Monday 16 March 2026 (early applications are encouraged)
• Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an initial screening conversation prior to interview
• Interviews will take place from w/c 30 March 2026

Help make borrowing the norm across Wales. Lead bold, bilingual communications that grow a national movement for sharing, sustainability and fairness.

Benthyg Cymru is building a national borrowing infrastructure for Wales — supporting 35+ Libraries of Things and sharing projects that help people save money, reduce waste and access what they need. We’re at a pivotal stage of growth, with expanding public-sector partnerships and rising national interest. Communications is central to what happens next.

We’re looking for a fluent Welsh-speaking Communications, PR & Marketing Lead who can turn strategy into compelling public storytelling and measurable borrowing growth. This is a hands-on, outward-facing role for someone confident producing high-quality content, leading national campaigns, building media relationships, and testing ideas in a fast-moving, mission-led environment.

You’ll lead our communications and marketing strategy, deliver behaviour-change campaigns, manage digital channels, shape PR narratives, and support national pilots and partnerships. You’ll balance creativity with accountability, ensuring borrowing is visible, trusted and culturally relevant across Wales.

Location: Remote (Wales-based) with travel
Hours: 28 per week (negotiable)
Salary: £34,271 actual + 3% pension
Contract: 1 year (with view to extend)
Benefits: 25 days annual leave + bank holidays, Wellbeing Days, Employee Assistance Programme

If you’re proactive, attuned to Wales’ cultural landscape and confident communicating in Welsh and English — and excited by the challenge of growing a national movement — we’d love to hear from you.

About the role

Gambling Harm UK is recruiting two Regional Public Health Systems Change Leads to support the development and embedding of a public health approach to gambling harm prevention and early intervention across England.

This is a strategic, system facing role rather than a frontline delivery post. You will work with health, social care and wider public sector partners to influence how systems recognise, prioritise and respond to gambling related harms. The role focuses on partnership development, facilitation and implementation support, helping partners adopt evidence-based guidance, reduce stigma and shame, and embed sustainable system responses.

You will act as a regional lead for programme delivery, supporting place-based implementation and contributing to national learning.

Location: Home based with national travel across England

What you will do

• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with Integrated Care Boards, primary care, NHS providers, local authorities, Healthwatch organisations and voluntary sector partners. 
• Support the adoption and implementation of NICE guidance on gambling related harms within local systems
• Facilitate cross sector partnership working to strengthen prevention, early identification and safeguarding responses. 
• Use strong networking, influencing and facilitation skills to bring partners together around shared priorities
• Support workforce development approaches including local champion and cascade models
• Support narrative change activity to reduce stigma and shame associated with gambling harm and improve safe disclosure
• Ensure lived experience insight meaningfully informs system design, training and implementation
• Contribute to learning, evaluation and sharing what works across different local and system contexts
• Support partners to embed change into routine practice beyond the life of the programme

About you

You will have experience working within or alongside complex public sector systems and be comfortable influencing change without formal authority. You will be confident building and sustaining professional networks, able to navigate complexity, and skilled at translating evidence into practical system level action.

Essential

• Experience of working with health, local government, social care or related public sector systems
• Experience of supporting system change, service improvement or partnership working
• Strong networking, communication and relationship building skills
• Understanding of public health approaches, prevention and health inequalities
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across organisational boundaries

Desirable

• Lived experience of gambling related harm, including experience of having gambled with harm or being affected by someone else’s gambling
• Experience supporting the implementation of NICE guidance or similar evidence based frameworks
• Knowledge of safeguarding, trauma informed practice or related policy areas
• Experience of working with lived experience insight in service or system design
• Knowledge of gambling related harms or related behavioural health issues

Why work with us

Gambling Harm UK is an independent charity working to reduce gambling related harms through evidence based, public health and system level approaches. We centre lived experience, challenge stigma and shame, and are committed to addressing inequalities and the commercial determinants of harm.

ABOUT THE ROLE
We are looking for a creative and dynamic person with a proven track record in creating, delivering and managing digital content across social media platforms to develop, implement and manage strategies to grow our online presence and raise our profile.

You’ll have demonstrable experience across a wide range of social media platforms with the ability to craft engaging content to build a rapport with your audience while continuing to uphold our brand and professional values. You will be managing multiple accounts held by the charity.

You will have experience of using third party management tools to create, plan and schedule content, analysing reach and engagement, and using analytical tools to help make informed decisions about our digital marketing strategies. You will regularly report back to the management team feeding into our wider strategy discussions, making recommendations on future campaigns. 

You will be part of a wider communications team, working alongside the PR & Communications Manager, reporting to one of the trustees, fostering an organisation-wide approach working with all colleagues to ensure a planned, structured and collaborative approach to our communications and marketing planning.
As a small charity, flexibility is key to meet the needs of our shifting priorities and in between delivering and managing social media content – your primary focus –  you will additionally support wider marketing activities with creation of digital content to support charity advertising, support the development of our online (web) content and more general activities across the communications team. While there will be some level of existing experience, training will be provided for anything bespoke.

As part of the role, you will help our UK-based volunteers to develop local social media activities and support them as required. This may involve making recommendations in their approach, supporting content creation and upskilling them to gain confidence in using social media.

The role is remote and the successful applicant can work from a location of their choice, making optimum use of video conferencing and online collaboration tools to connect with the wider communications team.

Some UK travel within the role is expected with the charity reimbursing reasonable UK travel costs where agreed up front and on behalf of the charity. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Own and lead social media execution, from planning through to delivery across multiple accounts and multiple platforms
• Develop content and strategy for new (to IA) and new-to-market platforms
• Develop and deliver relevant content that drives awareness, engagement and conversation in line with IA’s aims and objectives
• Work closely with communications peers, wider staff and volunteers to deliver meaningful campaigns which aligns to IA’s purpose and support model
• Upholding brand and culture in everything you do
• Co-develop policies relating to your area of responsibility to ensure the management of online risks, suitability to content, data protection and safeguarding
• Develop partnerships with key individuals, ensuring strong social amplification and storytelling
• Oversee social content calendars, asset production and approvals aligned to wider communications strategies
• Review and manage marketing assets, ensuring brand consistency and compliant content
• Adapt quickly to shifting priorities and confidently jump into new projects in a fast-moving 
• environment
• Support with the development/management of wider digital content (web, digital advertising) 
• prioritising the needs of the charity
• Monitoring all socials, reacting to/moderating follower engagement and questions as part of our wider support model
• Supporting volunteers with local branch social media engagement, advising on use, upholding IA’s wider values and policies and monitoring content/engagement suggesting changes where relevant
• Management reporting on social media interactions, successes, areas for development, improvements and making recommendations to the Management team/Board

PERSON SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL

• Experience in developing and implementing social media strategies and content in a similar role for at least 12 months 
• A thorough working knowledge of a wide range of social media platforms
• Third-party applications to manage social media content across a range of platforms in addition to regular reporting and provision of management information to help the team make informed decisions to support the wider charity’s wider digital marketing strategy. 
• Development of engaging and creative digital content
• Experience in social media moderation
• Working with and maintaining effective stakeholder relationships including our trustees, staff, volunteers and external medical professionals
• Digital marketing experience
• Team player 
• Familiarity with UK data protection regulation 

DESIRABLE

• Working knowledge of the Wordpress platform
• Advertising opportunities across social media to expand reach including cost models and budgetary management
• Basic understanding of AI and the benefits of using it within the not-for-profit sector
• Experience of working on sensitive content for people who have experienced acute and chronic illness, been through life changing surgery or those who may be feeling vulnerable or exposed at a difficult time
• Experience across the not-for-profit sector
• Experience of A/B testing

SKILLS & QUALITIES

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Flexible, adaptable in approach, creative thinker
• Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply, please submit:

1. Your CV (up to 3 pages) 
2. A covering letter outlining your suitability to the role (max 500 words)

Interviews will be two-stage for successful candidates. Initial interviews will be held via video conferencing (such as Zoom) discussing previous experience and role fit with successful candidates going through to a second round. This includes alignment to IA’s values. Please allow up to 1 hour for this stage.

Second round interviews are expected to be via video conference. Successful candidates will, at least one week in advance of the second round, be given a short brief and asked to provide sample content (or a clear idea of their marketing strategy) and share their ideas at least 48hrs before the interview. Candidates should be prepared to present their social media ideas at interview and answer any questions from the interview panel. 

Additionally second stage applicants will be asked to provide examples of their own previously created content, at least 48hrs prior to the interview. You should be comfortable sharing past content that you have created previously which will be treated with the strictest confidence. Please allow up to 1 hour for this stage.

Applications should be submitted via the advertising platform including your CV and covering letter. See attached role profile for recruitment timetable and further details about us/the role, including contact details for an informal chat, if required, before applying. Applicants are encouraged to ensure availability in line with the recruitment timetable in the attached job specification.

While IA recognises the value of AI technology in the current climate, IA reserves the right to ignore applications where we have reason to believe that they have been wholly produced using generative AI tools.

Please let us know if you require any additional support to attend or undertake an interview or if there is anything we should consider as part of the interview process

Job Title: Policy and Influencing Lead

Salary: £42,500 per annum pro rata, plus 15% ILW if applicable

Hours: Part time, up to 22.5 hours per week, open to discussing working patterns

Location: Birmingham or London

Contract Type: Fixed term contract for 12 months, with plans to review

Reports to: Director of Fundraising and External Affairs

THE CHARITY

Suicide is the leading cause of death of men under 35 and three quarters of those who die by suicide are men. James’ Place exists to save the lives of men in suicidal crisis through delivering clinical services. We are a charity currently offering free, life-saving therapy to suicidal men at our centres in Liverpool, London and Newcastle.

James’ Place was set up by Clare Milford Haven and Nick Wentworth-Stanley in 2008 after their twenty-one-year-old son, James, died by suicide ten days after a minor operation. James had no history of mental illness or depression and had sought urgent help for anxiety and suicidal thoughts but didn’t find it.   

James' Place was set up to make the experience of finding help as easy as possible. We offer men who are experiencing a suicidal crisis a brief, intensive, therapeutic intervention in a safe environment. Men who walk through the door at James’ Place will be in a space where they feel valued and respected.  We provide a calm and peaceful environment both inside the centres and in our outside spaces, accessible to men who visit us as well as their friends and families. We have so far treated over 4,300 men who might otherwise have been unable to access the support they desperately need.

In early 2026 we will be opening our fourth centre in Birmingham, which will support suicidal men living in the West Midlands.

THE OPPORTUNITY

This is a new role in an expanding and dynamic organisation. It responds to our growing ambition to share what we have learned about suicide prevention and delivering services to men who are affected by inequalities.

We understand that for more men to be saved, we need others to take action too. And we need to make this case for change as compelling and impactful as possible to influence commissioners, NHS providers, or policy makers to save more men’s lives.

This role will involve leading the influencing strategy, building evidence-based policy positions, and executing powerful messaging to effectively demonstrate the impact of crisis intervention and the importance of extending this provision to more men across the country.

Overarching priorities

· To influence national and local systems leaders on the importance of rapid, equitable, accessible and tailored treatment and support for acutely suicidal men.

· To establish James’ Place as a leading and credible voice in innovative suicide prevention practice, reducing inequalities in access and in supporting men who other services aren’t reaching.

· To strengthen our evidence base and contribute insight and data to networks and partners who can grow its impact (such as organisations with larger influencing teams, media organisations, policy makers and think tanks).

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy

· Identify key actors and establish, lead and execute an influencing plan for the next 12 – 24 months, in line with the above priorities, emerging insight and changing contexts.

· Lead effective relationship and network building and management across charity, health and policy sectors.

· Adopt a holistic perspective with communications and fundraising colleagues, that is deeply informed by clinical practice and aligned with strategies for growth.

· Explore future partnerships to strengthen evidence base, impact and reach, with academics, think tanks, funders and policy makers

· Ensure James’ Place responds to emerging policy and influencing opportunities (such as men’s health, inequalities work, neighbourhoods, integrated health organisations, strategic commissioning and so on)
Delivery

· Represent James’ Place on external groups at parliamentary events and sector forums as appropriate, ensuring the charity’s position and the voices of men we treat are clearly and respectfully communicated.

· Monitor and respond to legislative and regulatory changes and lead consultation responses.

· Research and produce compelling policy briefings, consultation responses and evidence-based reports

· Champion accurate data collection, evaluation and insight across James’ Place, demonstrating how crucial this is for policy and influencing work externally.

· Fully brief and support the CEO and other senior leaders’ attendance at events, meetings and media work.

· Engage with researchers, evaluators and campaigners on what James’ Place knows and does so that they can represent and champion James’ Place effectively.

· Support senior colleagues to engage with the Board on matters of policy and influence.

· Undertake any other duties as required in pursuit of organisational success.

Charity-wide

· Work closely with services, clinical, fundraising and communication colleagues to deliver our strategy and business plans to meet our charitable objectives.

· Play a role across the whole organisation, offering support and demonstrating leadership across the charity, helping colleagues to grow and develop.

· Recognise the value of review and evaluation and contribute to the on-going development of James’ Place as a respected, effective and sustainable charity.

· Work with the team to build our understanding of men in suicidal crisis and how suicidal behaviour develops.

· Promote and demonstrate the highest level of safeguarding best practice.

· Deputise for senior colleagues and represent the organisation externally as and when required.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

· Extensive experience in policy and influencing work at a senior level on a social or health issue, including mental or physical health, equity, or social justice.

· A strong track record of building and maintaining external relationships across sectors: government, NHS, public services, charities, academia or think tanks; healthcare experience is highly desirable

· Substantial experience of preparing and submitting consultation documents, position statements and advocacy materials.

· Strong communication skills, in writing and in person.

· Experience of working with quantitative and qualitative research and researchers, work with data and insight to make credible and evidence-based arguments.

· Practical, resilient, unflappable; an innovator, open to exploring new ways of working.

· Experience of working with people with lived experience of sensitive and personal issues.

Desirable 

· Experience of public speaking.

· Experience of working with NHS commissioners or mental health services.

· Working with volunteers and people with lived experience of suicidality or inequality.

WE OFFER

· A 7% employer contributory pension scheme.

· Family friendly policies.

· Death in service insurance scheme.

· 25 days plus bank holidays leave entitlement (FTE), including enhanced holiday allowance with incremental rises after qualifying period.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please follow the instructions on the attached document. 

Closing date: Monday 16 March 2026, 5pm

James’ Place is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community. Our aim is that no job applicant, temporary worker or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender and transgender status, race and ethnicity, religion and belief (including no belief), marriage or civil partnership status or sexual orientation.

If you have a disability or health conditions which means you'd benefit from any adjustments to the interview process to help you perform at your best, please do let us know in advance.

Any job offers made are subject to the receipt of two relevant satisfactory employment references. We expect this to include one from your most recent or current employer. Any job offers made are also subject to a satisfactory DBS check and a Right to Work in the UK check.

This is a home-based role, working Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Applications are welcome from candidates based outside Belfast, provided they are resident in Northern Ireland and able to commute to the Belfast office if required.

The External Affairs Manager plays a pivotal role in empowering people with sight loss to live the life they choose. This position leads the development of policy and campaigns within the country, aligning with Guide Dogs’ strategic objectives. Working collaboratively with the central policy, public affairs, and campaigns team, as well as the country leadership team, the role builds strategic partnerships with government bodies, local authorities, societies, and other key organisations. This ensures Guide Dogs remains informed and influential on all policy initiatives affecting the organisation and its stakeholders.

The post holder will be responsible for the day‑to‑day leadership, management and oversight of a team.

The post-holder is responsible for shaping policy positions, drafting responses to consultations from councils, combined authorities, and devolved governments, and driving impactful campaigns at a regional level. A key focus is increasing the involvement of blind and partially sighted people in advocacy and campaigning.

Additionally, the role leads the implementation of Guide Dogs’ regional marketing and communications strategy across the Devolved Nations. This includes raising brand awareness, engaging diverse audiences—service users, families, volunteers, donors, and the public—and delivering integrated communications plans that strengthen Guide Dogs’ presence and impact.

Key Responsibilities

Policy Development

• Lead the creation of country-specific policy and position papers, ensuring alignment with organisational strategy.
• Prepare responses to consultation papers from devolved administrations, local government, and regional bodies.
• Represent Guide Dogs on committees, working groups, and forums, staying informed on policy issues impacting the organisation and its service users.

Public Affairs

• Build and influence relationships with key stakeholders, including elected representatives and senior officials.
• Represent Guide Dogs at Government Scrutiny Committees and cross-party groups.
• Act as the primary liaison with local government and statutory agencies.

Campaigns & Influence

• Strategically lead and coordinate campaigns at a country level, ensuring alignment with devolved policy priorities.
• Develop and deliver campaigns addressing local needs of the visually impaired community.
• Foster partnerships within the Third Sector to build consensus and amplify Guide Dogs’ strategic aims. 

Leadership & People Management

• Provide strong leadership to local staff and volunteers, promoting best practice and knowledge-sharing.
• Oversee recruitment, performance management, and compliance with safeguarding policies.
• Ensure high levels of engagement through effective communication and leadership.

Financial Accountability

• Support fundraising initiatives and monitor operational budgets to ensure efficiency and compliance.

Diversity & Inclusion

• Champion Guide Dogs’ diversity agenda, ensuring services are inclusive and accessible.
• Work with external partners to create a more inclusive environment for people with sight loss.

How to apply 

Further details on the full role are attached below. When you are ready to apply, submit an online application form via this page.

If you would like to have an informal conversation about the role before applying, or require any accessibility support to apply, our friendly recruitment team is ready and waiting to help.

As part of your application ensure you provide evidence and examples of how your skills & experience meet the criteria as set out in the attached job description. You will also be asked to complete a few job-specific questions as part of this application process, so please be prepared to write your answers to these questions.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Guide Dogs welcomes applications from all sections of the community and actively encourages diversity to maximise achievements, creativity and good practice. We positively welcome and seek to ensure we achieve diversity in our workforce and that all job applicants and employees receive equal and fair treatment, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability or nationality. 

As a Disability Confident Employer, we are proud, whenever possible, to offer an interview to all candidates that meet our selection criteria, and who indicate they wish their application to be considered under our Disability Confident interview commitment. For more details, visit our careers site.

If you are successful you will need to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK via our digital ID checking supplier; in addition, we cannot offer visa sponsorship at this time.

Safeguarding

Guide Dogs is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk of harm with whom we work. We expect all our employees and volunteers to fully share this commitment.

At Guide Dogs, we believe in fair and equitable hiring practices. A criminal record will not automatically disqualify an applicant from consideration for a position. Each case will be evaluated individually, taking into account the nature of the offense, its relevance to the role, and the time that has passed since the incident. We encourage all candidates to disclose relevant information, and we assure you that it will be handled confidentially and fairly.

Guide Dogs follow Safer Recruitment practices to ensure we are safeguarding the vulnerable people we work with. As part of this, we require a full work history with any gaps accounted for & a minimum of 2 professional referee details fully covering the past 5 years. If you are applying for a disclosure role, please note that you will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and sign up to the DBS update service.

For high volumes of applications, we reserve the right to close adverts earlier than advertised.

About Us

We’re the UK’s leading bowel cancer charity. We’re determined to save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by bowel cancer. We support and fund targeted research, provide expert information and support to patients and their families, educate the public and professionals about the disease and campaign for early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care.  

We currently have around 95 staff based in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we’re in a privileged position to be able to grow our staff team to deliver our ambitious strategy, On a mission. There are huge challenges facing bowel cancer patients across the UK and our community needs us now more than ever. We’re building a strong and united team to bring us closer to a future where nobody dies of bowel cancer. 

Senior Early Diagnosis Programme Manager

The Senior Early Diagnosis Programme Manager is a key role as we develop and evolve our early diagnosis programmes at Bowel Cancer UK. The role will provide strategic and operational leadership across the charity’s awareness and engagement programmes and the new Bowel Towns programme. This role will manage a multi-disciplinary team delivering programmes that improve cancer awareness, empower communities, and drive earlier diagnosis.

In addition, as the charity’s services lead for Northern Ireland (NI), the post holder will build high-impact partnerships and develop a regional plan to enhance awareness, early detection, and support for people affected by cancer. You’ll work closely with the Head of Services and Support to ensure our early diagnosis services are impactful, inclusive, and evidence-based.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and at Bowel Cancer UK we are committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Successful candidates may be subject to either a satisfactory basic, standard or enhanced DBS check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) dependent upon the role.

Communications Manager

Part-time: 18.75 hours per week (0.5 FTE)

Contract duration: Fixed term until 30 June 2026, with strong likelihood of extension

Line managed by: Head of Policy & Engagement

Location: Remote within the UK (with occasional travel as needed)

Salary: £40,000 FTE (£20,000 pro rata)

About GISF and Protect Aid Workers (PAW)

The Global Interagency Security Forum (GISF) is a member-led NGO network working to strengthen security risk management across the humanitarian and development sectors. With over 150 member organisations, GISF provides resources, convening spaces, and expertise to help keep aid workers safe.

Protect Aid Workers (PAW) is a multi-partner mechanism that supports humanitarian personnel who have experienced serious security incidents while carrying out their work. PAW provides financial assistance and access to legal support to aid workers and their families following critical incidents, including detention, serious injury, kidnapping, or death. The mechanism aims to fill gaps in protection and support where organisational or national systems are insufficient. PAW is delivered through a consortium of partners, including GISF, Legal Action Worldwide, and Protect Humanitarians, and funded by the European Commission.

About the role

GISF is seeking a Communications Manager (0.5 FTE) to lead a high-quality, high-impact communications for the Protect Aid Workers (PAW) initiative, ensuring strong, consistent, and compelling public-facing outputs that amplify the programme’s impact and visibility across partner and audiences. The role will be embedded within the PAW programme, while reporting into the GISF Secretariat under the line management of the Head of Policy and Engagement.

Key responsibilities

Lead on priority PAW communications deliverables, including:

Human stories and case-based communications

• Work closely with PAW case managers to identify suitable stories of aid workers who received support from the PAW mechanism following an incident
• Develop and produce compelling written and visual human stories with consideration of sensitivities
• Translate case learnings into accessible comms products

Design and visual communications

• Develop and maintain PAW graphic templates and visual assets
• Produce partner comms kits, social media assets and visual toolkits
• Ensure consistent branding across all PAW outputs, including materials produced by partners

Events and external engagement

• Support the events team with communications needs for key programmatic events
• Develop event-specific comms plans, materials, and live outputs
• Coordinate with PAW partners to align messaging

Other

• Provide additional communications support as needed

Person specifications

• Demonstrable experience leading communications for complex programmes, partnerships, or campaigns
• Experience developing human stories end-to-end, from identifying suitable cases to final presentation
• Competence in graphic design tools, particularly InDesign and Canva
• Proven experience producing high-quality visual materials, including templates, toolkits, or brand assets
• Ability to turn ideas into clear, visually engaging products (infographics, reports, slide decks etc)
• Strong writing skills for different audiences
• Experience leading communications for events

Attributes

• Strong judgment and sensitivity when handling difficult subject matters
• Ability to build trust with partners and beneficiaries
• Commitment to high-quality delivery and collaborative working style

Contract:  Permanent, part time (3 days per week)

Salary:  £14,920 per annum (FTE £29,010 per annum)

Location:Home based within Oxfordshire, ideally within one hour of Burford, with regional travel

Closing date:  Friday 13 March 2026

Interview date:  Thursday 19 and Friday 20 March

As Community Project Coordinator, you will be part of a dedicated team overseeing the efficient day-to-day operation of our Pet Food Bank project and wider community-based initiatives. Working closely with the Community Project Lead, you will help deliver projects that improve the lives of people and pets, with dignity at the heart of everything we do. This includes supporting a national network of pet food banks and partners, increasing awareness of Blue Cross, and ensuring practical, compassionate support reaches pet owners in short term crisis.

More about the role

This is a home-based role within Oxfordshire, ideally located within one hour of our Burford offices, as you will be required to travel to Burford on a weekly basis to manage deliveries at our Warehouse. Due to the rural location and less frequent public transport, travelling by car is often the most practical option. While the role is home based, you will be contractually attached to the Burford site. Travel to Burford will therefore be treated as normal commuting and expenses will not be payable for travel to this site.

Working across a defined geographic region, you will support the development and smooth running of the Pet Food Bank project and other community initiatives. This will involve close collaboration with pet food banks, suppliers, local authorities, community groups and volunteers to ensure effective coordination, communication and logistics.

You will secure donations of pet food and services, oversee the movement of food and equipment, and regularly travel to food bank partners and other organisations. A key part of the role involves liaising with volunteers and colleagues by phone and in person, ensuring everyone is supported, informed and working together effectively.

Alongside core project delivery, you will support the planning, preparation and delivery of a large-scale summer event in June 2026, working in partnership with one of our corporate partners. This event will play an important role in expanding our outreach and support for pet owners in need. You will also provide essential administrative support, contribute to reporting, and help deliver a clear and effective communication plan to support project and event activity.

Occasional travel to other partner organisations or Blue Cross locations will be required. Travel to locations other than your attached Burford site will be claimable in line with Blue Cross expenses policy.

You will act as a positive ambassador for Blue Cross, ensure policies and procedures are followed, and support the Community Project Lead with income delivery and media activity where required. 

About you:

You will thrive in a role where you can see the impact of your work every day. You are an organised, proactive and people focused individual who enjoys building meaningful relationships and working collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders.

You will be a confident and empathetic communicator, able to engage professionally and non-judgmentally with members of the public, volunteers, partners and colleagues. You will be comfortable managing multiple priorities, adapting to changing deadlines, and handling sensitive information with discretion.

Able to work independently across your region, you will also be a strong team player with good problem-solving skills and the ability to balance day-to-day delivery with forward planning. An understanding of the local areas within your region would be an advantage.

Essential Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

• Full UK driving licence with access to your own vehicle
• Demonstrable experience of using excellent communication skills to build and maintain effective internal and external relationships
• Proven ability to prioritise and organise work and projects
• Proven administration skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• IT literate with MS Office and web based databases and platforms
• The ability to demonstrate, understand and apply Blue Cross values 

Desirable Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

• Experience in a similar role
• Experience supervising or managing volunteers
• Previous experience working in the charity sector

How to apply 

To apply, please click the apply button and submit your application. As part of the application process, you will be asked to indicate your preferred base site. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of suitable applications. 

Blue Cross benefits   

Our people are the most important part of delivering our purpose. If it weren’t for their amazing efforts and commitment, we wouldn’t be able to make the difference that we do today.  In return, we want to provide you with the best working environment we can.

With a wide range of perks aimed at enhancing your life both inside and outside of work, you'll
thrive in a supportive and rewarding environment.

Our generous benefits package includes:  

• 38 days per year, increasing to 43 with service (including bank holidays). For part-time roles, holiday entitlement is calculated pro-rata.
• Pension scheme with enhanced employer contribution 
• Life assurance 
• Unlimited access to an employee assistance programme
• Programmes for physical and mental wellbeing support
• Free access to GP via MetLife
• Recognition scheme
• Annual volunteer days 
• Claim for professional fees
• Charity worker discounts across a variety of retailers. 

We want you to feel valued and supported throughout your career with us. For more details on our benefits and to see how we invest in our team, visit the 'Why Work for Us' page on our website.

To read more about the benefits Blue Cross has to offer, please visit the 'why work for us' page on our website.