Research communication officer jobs in Edinburgh

Team: Insight & Data 

Location: Remote 

Work pattern: 35 hours per week, Mon-Fri 

Salary: Up to £36,327.99 per year 

Contract: Permanent 

We are the UK’s largest cat welfare charity. All over the country, our passionate employees, volunteers and supporters are using their kindness and expertise to make life better for millions of cats and the people who care for them. 

Will you join us and make life better for cats? 

Responsibilities of our Insight & Data Analysis Officer: 

- Provide a data analysis service to all teams across Cats Protection 

- Provide clear analytical insight and narrative to support strategy, planning and decision making 

- Extract, analyse and interpret data from various systems 

- Translate complex data into clear insights for internal stakeholders 

- Produce and deliver regular reports, helping teams to measure performance against KPIs 

- Use evidence from Cats Protection’s annual CATS Report to inform decision making and shape external communications 

- Provide data and insight to inform external communications 

About the Insight & Data team: 

As part of the Strategy, Planning and Insight Department, the Insight Team provides a data analysis service to all directorates across Cats Protection including Cats Welfare & Operations, Marketing & Income Generation and Advocacy, Campaigns & External Affairs. We are a small team that deliver regular and ad reporting against the charity’s strategic objectives, manage market research projects and provide insight to help the organisation make effective decisions.

What we’re looking for in our Insight & Data Analysis Officer: 

- Significant experience of extracting data from systems, analysing the data and creating reports and insights 

- Experience using reporting tools such as Dashboards 

- Understanding of data analysis software 
- Experience of providing a data analysis service to multiple teams 

- Experience writing surveys and analysing the results of market research projects 

- High level of IT literacy 

- A strong communicator 

- Excellent planning and organisational skills with the ability to meet deadlines 

- Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with a variety of people and functions 

What we can offer you: 

- range of health benefits 

- 26 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with length of service 

- Salary Finance, which empowers you to take control of your financial wellbeing 

- and much more, which you can learn about

Application closing date: 4th June 2026 

Virtual interview date: 18th & 19th June 2026 

Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment. Please note, applications received after the closing date may not be responded to. 

If successful, your recruitment journey will include: 

1. Anonymised application form 

2. Virtual interview 

Please note, the process may change slightly dependent on application numbers. We will inform you of any relevant changes. 

Please email us if you require any adjustments to be made for you to complete your application or to participate in the recruitment journey. 

Team: Research & Engagement (Philanthropy & Partnerships) 

Location: Homebased 

Work pattern: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday 

Salary: Up to £38,918.33 per annum 

Contract: Fixed term for 3 months with possibility of extension

We are the UK’s largest cat welfare charity. All over the country, our enthusiastic employees, volunteers, and supporters are using their kindness and expertise to make life better for millions of cats and the people who care for them. 

Will you join us and make life better for cats? 

Responsibilities of our Senior Corporate Partnerships Communications Officer: 

• The successful candidate will be responsible for developing, coordinating and delivering strategic communications opportunities that magnify Cats Protection’s objectives and goals through our Corporate Partnerships. 

• The role will work closely with the Corporate Partnerships team to build innovative and impactful communication strategies and marketing plans for current and new partners, as well as generate creative ideas for prospects. 

About the Research and Engagement team: 

• We sit within the Marketing & Income Generation directorate. 

• The Research and Engagement team sits within Philanthropy and Partnerships and brings together prospect research, communications and events to ensure a coordinated, insight-led and supporter-centred approach supporting fundraisers to grow pipelines, build meaningful relationships, and maximise long-term income for Cats Protection.

What we are looking for in our Senior Corporate Partnerships Communications Officer: 

• Significant corporate partnership account management experience with particular expertise in the creation and delivery of partner marketing communications 

• Extensive experience of developing strong relationships with supporters/ clients/colleagues 

• Experience of developing bespoke propositions/presentations/proposals 

• Experience of working with marketing teams to develop marcomms campaigns 

• Significant charity experience 

What we can offer you: 

• range of health benefits 

• 26 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with length of service. 

• Salary Finance, which empowers you to take control of your financial wellbeing. 

• and much more, which you can learn about

Interested? Here’s how to apply: 

Application closing date: 1st June 2026 

Virtual interview date:TBC – Applications will be reviewed as they are received

Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment. Please note, applications received after the closing date may not be responded to. 

If successful, your recruitment journey will include: 

1. Anonymised application form 

2. Virtual interview via Microsoft Teams 

Please note, the process may change slightly dependent on application numbers. We will inform you of any relevant changes. 

Are you our next Trusts Fundraising Officer?

If you have a talent for story telling, are looking for a role where your words can make a lasting impact and are passionate about giving vulnerable young people life changing opportunities, then this is the job for you. We’re seeking a talented individual who can tell our story and help secure vital funding from trusts and grant-makers.

Trusts and other grant-makers are an important source of funding for our charity. As we look ahead, we’re expanding our Trusts fundraising portfolio to meet the growing needs of our programmes. This is where you come in.

As our Trusts Fundraising Officer, you’ll be an inspiring storyteller whose enthusiasm for our work shines through in your writing. You’ll play a key role in researching new funders, crafting compelling funding applications and keeping our supporters engaged with our work. Your work will involve developing case studies and gathering evidence to show the need for our services. This will help secure sustainable funding. You’ll be supported by our experienced Trusts Fundraising Manager to build lasting relationships with funders. Together, you’ll keep them engaged and informed about the positive impact they’re making on the young people we support.

The Trusts Fundraising Officer must be self-motivated, well organised, able to multi-task, have good administration skills and understand the “power of the outdoors”.  Paid or voluntary experience in a fundraising environment is essential.  This is a great opportunity for somebody looking to take the next step in their career, with plenty of scope to develop your skills and experience within a supportive team. Whilst the role is home-based you must live in the South West to ensure easy access for in-person meetings.

The Charity

At the Youth Adventure Trust, we use outdoor adventure to empower vulnerable young people from Swindon, Wiltshire and Somerset to fulfil their potential and lead positive lives in the future. We work with them to build resilience, develop confidence and learn skills that will last a lifetime, helping them to face the challenges in their lives. Dedicated support, guidance and mentoring from our staff and volunteers ensures young people receive the maximum benefit from our long-term intervention. Our aim is to make a lasting improvement to the lives of vulnerable young people. All our services are provided completely free of charge to the young people who are nominated by schools and other youth organisations to take part.

We’re proud to offer our programmes completely free of charge to participants which means the fundraising team is crucial. With ambitious plans to help more young people over the coming years, our Events Fundraising Officer role is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference. You’ll be well-supported as part of a small fundraising team with a big heart, with plenty of opportunities to visit our programmes and see the tangible impact of your work. 

What We’re Looking For:

• Outstanding communication skills – You can write clearly, persuasively and passionately. You’re confident speaking to others about the charity’s work.

• Writing experience – You have experience writing successful funding applications, proposals, or compelling articles, ideally but not necessarily with a  fundraising focus

• Fundraising experience - You may not have written a grant application before but you should have some paid or voluntary experience in a fundraising capacity.

• Attention to detail – You take pride in your work, have a good eye for detail and a thorough approach.

• Creativity - able to put together eye-catching proposals, impact graphics and social media posts.

• Self-motivation and organisation – You’re able to manage your own time and prioritise effectively.

• Passion for the outdoors and youth development – You understand the importance of giving vulnerable young people outdoor experiences and are willing to put on your waterproofs and join in on our activities and camps to witness first-hand the difference the Youth Adventure Trust makes.

• Willingness to learn - if you think you have what it takes but don’t have lots of experience as a Trusts Fundraiser, this role comes with plenty of scope to develop your writing skills and gain experience within a supportive team environment.

Safer Recruitment

The Youth Adventure Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and requires all employees to share this commitment. The suitability of all prospective employees will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment and in compliance with current employment legislation, and relevant safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance. 

The chosen candidate will ideally be based in Hertfordshire, and any travel expenses from within the county will be covered.

This is a fixed-term contract for 9 months, with a possible 3 month extension.

About Us

Healthwatch Hertfordshire are an independent champion for people who use health and social care services. Being a values-driven organisation with a national reputation for our research and engagement work, we are here to find out what matters to local people and help ensure their views shape the support they need.

Our purpose is to help make care better for people by improving how services are run now and in the future. We have an ambitious vision to ensure that health and social care work for everyone.

The Role:

We are looking for someone who enjoys talking to people, listening to their experiences, and turning those conversations into meaningful change.

You will gather evidence from Hertfordshire residents about their experiences of health and social care services, analyse the findings, and produce clear insight driven reports that drive service improvement through insightful recommendations, and partnership with decision makers.

The broader health and social care landscape is actively changing around us, and we need someone who can work flexibly, respond to changing needs, and stay confident and calm during change – making sure our values and duties to the public are successfully delivered.

Responsibilities

• Building relationships with local residents, including those from underserved and marginalised communities
• Running focus groups, surveys, and engagement events
• Engaging with senior stakeholders (internally, NHS, county council, voluntary sector)
• Managing research and engagement projects from start to finish
• Writing clear, practical reports and insights
• Presenting findings and recommendations

Essential Criteria

• You live in or near Hertfordshire and can travel regularly across the county
• You are confident and experienced communicating with the public, diverse communities, and senior leaders
• You have experience designing and delivering research questions, running focus groups, and crafting and analysing survey data
• You can write clear, engaging reports for health and care decision makers and the broader public, drawing recommendations from the insights

Skills and Experience

• Ability to scope, design, organise, deliver, and analyse insight from focus groups and online surveys
• Experience of engaging directly with members of the public to gather insights
• Talking to people from a wide range of communities
• Good organisation and project management skills
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Ability to work collaboratively and in a flexible and agile way

If you do not meet the entire criteria but believe you have preferential experience and transferable skills, we welcome you to apply.

To Apply

Please submit your CV and a tailored covering letter to Louis Eastwell of Hire Purpose, before 23:59 on Sunday 31st May 2026.

You are welcome to initially submit a CV prior to completing a covering letter.

Louis is exclusively managing this recruitment campaign and will be speaking with all longlisted candidates prior to a formal interview with Healthwatch Hertfordshire.

Application Guidance:

A tailored covering letter highlighting how you meet the essential requirements of the role, outlining your relevant experience, skills, attributes, and your motivation for applying and supporting Healthwatch Hertfordshire’s mission.

Hire Purpose champions inclusive recruitment.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. We uphold equal opportunity principles and challenge bias at every stage, partnering only with organisations that share our commitment to integrity, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Hire Purpose is also proudly a B Corp certified business that has met B Lab UK’s high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.

Bowel Cancer UK is 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 employees working across four nations in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we’re in a privileged position to be able to deliver our ambitious new 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 world where nobody dies of bowel cancer.

Job Summary for Senior Health Information Officer

This role is ideal for someone passionate about creating high-quality, evidence-based health information and making complex medical topics accessible to all audiences. You will play a key part in developing engaging content, maintaining information standards, and ensuring patients, professionals and the public have access to accurate, up-to-date resources.

You’ll work collaboratively across teams, manage a wide range of digital and print resources, and help drive innovation in how health information is delivered and used.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, write and review high-quality, evidence-based health information content
• Maintain and update digital and printed resources in line with latest evidence
• Translate complex medical and scientific information into clear, accessible language
• Create engaging content across multiple formats (web, social media, publications)
• Monitor research and sector developments to keep information accurate and current
• Work with internal teams, clinical experts and external partners to ensure quality and consistency
• Support evaluation, impact measurement and continuous improvement of information services
• Contribute to innovative approaches to reach diverse and underrepresented audiences
• Assist with funding applications and provide insight on service impact

About You

• Experience in health information, medical communications, or research translation
• Strong writing, editing and proofreading skills
• Ability to interpret and communicate complex evidence clearly
• Skilled in digital content creation and multi-channel communications
• Highly organised with strong project management abilities
• Collaborative, proactive and committed to high-quality, patient-focused work

​Please note this is a summary of the role. For a comprehensive outline of responsibilities and requirements, please refer to the attached job description.

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.

Senior Stories Officer

Bowel Cancer UK is 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 employees working across four nations in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we’re in a privileged position to be able to deliver our ambitious new 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 world where nobody dies of bowel cancer.

Job Summary for Senior Stories Officer

The Senior Stories Officer is responsible for sourcing, developing and sharing powerful lived‑experience stories that bring Bowel Cancer UK’s mission and impact to life. The role leads the ethical gathering, crafting and distribution of case studies across channels including media, digital, social media, fundraising materials, campaigns, partnerships, and internal communications.

The postholder will work closely with people affected by bowel cancer, ensuring their experiences are represented sensitively, accurately and in an informed way. They will also support colleagues across the charity to use stories effectively, maintaining a central story and assets bank, and safeguarding processes.

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.

Help Change the Future of Polycystic Kidney Disease Research

Patient & Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) Manager

PKD Charity
Remote (UK-based) | Part-time (22.5 hours / 3 days per week)
Salary: £33,000–£35,000 FTE pro rata (£19,800–£21,000 actual)

The PKD Charity is looking for an exceptional communicator and relationship-builder to lead patient involvement in groundbreaking PKD research.

This is not a standard engagement role.

You will help ensure that the voices, experiences and priorities of people living with polycystic kidney disease directly influence research, clinical studies and future healthcare decisions across the UK.

PKD affects around 70,000 people in the UK. It causes kidney failure, lifelong health complications and reduced life expectancy. There is currently no cure.

We believe research is stronger when patients are genuinely heard — not consulted as an afterthought.

That’s where you come in.

The Opportunity

As our Patient & Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) Manager, you’ll lead and shape involvement activity through the PKD Research Hub, working alongside patients, researchers, clinicians and partners to make research more inclusive, meaningful and impactful.

You’ll:

• Lead and support our Patient Involvement Panel
• Facilitate high-quality patient engagement and focus groups
• Work directly with researchers and industry partners
• Champion authentic lived experience in research decision-making
• Support awareness of clinical studies and research opportunities
• Create compelling patient stories and engagement content
• Help influence the future direction of PKD research in the UK

We’re Looking For Someone Who:

• Understands the power of meaningful patient involvement
• Can confidently manage relationships with patients, researchers and stakeholders
• Has experience in PPIE, health research, healthcare or the charity sector
• Is an excellent facilitator and communicator
• Brings empathy, professionalism and initiative
• Wants to make a tangible difference every single day

Experience in rare disease, kidney health or long-term conditions is welcomed but not essential.

Why Join Us?

At the PKD Charity, you’ll join a passionate national charity working to improve lives through:

• Research
• Advocacy
• Support
• Education
• Patient voice

This is a rare opportunity to shape a growing area of work with real national impact — while working flexibly as part of a supportive, mission-driven team.

What We Offer

✔ Fully remote working
✔ Flexible part-time hours (3 days / 22.5 hrs)
✔ 25 days annual leave pro rata + bank holidays
✔ Pension scheme
✔ Meaningful, purpose-driven work
✔ Opportunity to influence national research activity

Apply Now

For details on how to apply, please see the application pack.

Deadline 9am Monday 1st June. Interviews will provisionally be held online on Wednesday 10th June. However we will monitor applications on a rolling basis and may approach for interview at an earlier date. If we find the right candidate we may close the recruitment campaign at an earlier time, so we encourage you to get your applications in at the earliest opportunity.

Relationship Manager (North and Scotland)

Full-time (37 hours) | permanent

c£36,000 depending on experience | Home-based | Hybrid

At the Bone Cancer Research Trust, we exist because families refused to accept a world where primary bone cancer had no hope, no answers and almost no research. Today, we’re the UK’s leading bone cancer charity and every supporter you engage helps push vital research forward and provides comfort to families who need us.

About the role

As Relationship Manager, you’ll build genuine, lasting connections with our Special Funds - our named funds created in honour or memory of someone affected by primary bone cancer, community supporters and local businesses. Your relationship-led approach will help create the family feel connections we’re known for, inspiring long-term support and raising vital income for people affected by primary bone cancer

You will:

• Grow and manage Special Funds, our named funds created in honour or memory of someone affected by primary bone cancer.
• Build strong, meaningful relationships with all our supporters, ensuring every person feels valued and connected.
• Secure and steward regional corporate partnerships
• Meet a regional income target of approx. £300,000
• Represent BCRT in your region, strengthening awareness and community connections at meetings and events.

About you:

• A natural relationship builder with 3+ years’ fundraising experience and a genuine passion for supporter care.
• Compassionate and professional, especially when working with families personally affected by primary bone cancer.
• Organised, proactive and confident working independently, able to balance a varied workload.
• A clear and engaging communicator, bringing warmth and positivity to every interaction.
• Able to travel across the region (car required).

Why you’ll love working with us

You’ll join a small team that works collaboratively and keeps our community at the centre of everything we do. We’re supportive, friendly and you’ll have the flexibility to manage your work while seeing the direct impact of the relationships you build.

What we offer

· Flexible approach to working hours

· 30 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays

· Private Health Insurance (following successful probation)

· 6% employer pension contributions

· Life Assurance of 4x annual salary

Community Fundraising Assistant - North 

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 Community Fundraising Assistant - North, to join our Community and Digital Fundraising team.

• Do you want to make a difference in one of the most innovative and exciting medical research fundraising charities in the UK?
• Are you able to provide friendly and professional support to fundraisers and supporters?   
• Do you have experience in supporting events or community activities?
• Do you live in either Scotland, North East England, North West England or the East Midlands? 

​

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 which is included within this advert.​​​

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.​

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.

​

Transport for All has a strong reputation for leading the debate and advocating for change to improve the journeys made by disabled people. This role presents an opportunity for a strong leader with the commitment, enthusiasm and expertise to build on our success.

Our Chief Executive will be responsible for continuing to delivering the remainder of our 5-year strategy, whilst horizon-scanning to work with the team and wider DPO community to engage in the opportunities and changes ahead. We’re a small team and this is a wide-ranging role which includes:

• Representing the voice of the 16 million+ people in the disabled community by influencing policy and infrastructure decision-makers through our campaigns.

• Overseeing a highly regarded policy and public affairs function with associated communications and stakeholder engagement, maintaining our high profile and reputation with national and local governments.

• Ensuring the charity’s funding is robust and sustainable, looking at how we can diversify our income and direct it towards what matters through continuing to deliver our strategy and planning for our future.

• Overall responsibility for our successful training, research and consultancy business, building partnerships and further growth. This includes the National Accessible Transport Survey.

• Championing our award-winning support services for disabled people.

• Leading our expert teams through a period of growth and consolidation, embedding a strong organisational culture and matching our structure and systems to our upcoming challenges and increasing size.

You will report to and be supported by a well-functioning and committed Board of Trustees who are professionals with experience of working in the charity and transport sectors, as well as finance, legal and government backgrounds.

The role will support a phased approach to understanding the feasibility of a community-led conservation network within the UK: leading on stakeholder mapping and analysis, creating and sharing learning materials and inputting to comms content, relationship building with existing and new contacts, organising meetings, events and workshops, supporting peer-to-peer knowledge sharing, and ensuring that relevant learning is captured and integrated into the work. You will have the opportunity to attend relevant events and forums, and will be required to travel to attend in-person meetings, within the UK. Additionally, you will play a valuable role in a small, collaborative team, working together with colleagues to ensure administrative and programme level processes are shared across the team.

You will have proven research and data collection skills, including interviews or other qualitative methods, and experience in undertaking desk-based research and analysis. You will bring excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to deliver presentations and develop comms materials, along with a proven ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse range of people and organisations, including community or local groups.

You will have some understanding of the UK conservation sector, and/or relevant conservation issues and opportunities, and an interest in, and commitment to, community-led conservation. You will be an excellent team player, able to seek out and harness the views and contributions of others, and to work sensitively and constructively with communities and individuals.

In return, the role offers the opportunity to work within a ground-breaking and entrepreneurial organisation, at the forefront of global conservation, and alongside a vibrant and dynamic community network. In addition, Fauna & Flora offers a generous pension contribution, attractive annual leave allowance and life insurance

Please visit our website and download the job application pack for further details on how to apply

The closing date for applications is Sunday, 31 May 2026. Interviews are likely to take place on the 10 & 11 June 2026.

No agencies please.

This role is not eligible for sponsorship for a Skilled Worker Visa.

What does it take to lead the national voice for special schools at a time of real change?

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – National Association of Special Schools (NASS)

National – home-based, with regular travel across England and Wales, particularly London

£90,000–£110,000 per annum

Full-time, permanent.

About NASS 

The National Association of Special Schools (NASS) is the membership association for special schools in England and Wales. We bring together independent special schools, non-maintained special schools, special academies, maintained special schools and multi-academy trusts with specialist provision.

We exist to inform, support and represent our members, helping specialist schools improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND and secure the place of specialist provision within the wider education system. NASS is known for being accessible, responsive and personal, combining national influence with practical support that members value as timely, human and trustworthy.

This is a pivotal moment for the organisation. In February this year, the Department for Education published a major white paper on SEND reform which will require NASS to both influence national policy on behalf of our members and children and young people, as well as support them to navigate the changes. Our new CEO will need to review our strategy while building on our strong platform and momentum to further deepen our influence and strengthen our internal capacity.

As our next Chief Executive, you will:

• Strategy & Impact: Lead NASS through a period of policy and structural change, ensuring the organisation remains clear on purpose, responsive to members and influential in the SEND landscape.
• Governance & Finance: Work closely with the Board of Trustees to provide strong governance, prudent financial stewardship, robust risk management and clear strategic oversight.
• Operational Leadership: Provide confident leadership to a small, remote team, strengthening collaboration, accountability, resilience and a positive, high-trust culture.
• Income Generation: Oversee budgeting, planning and reporting while developing thoughtful opportunities to diversify income through membership, partnerships, events and related activity.
• Community & Partnerships: Build and sustain trusted relationships with government, parliament, regulators, sector bodies and member schools, ensuring NASS remains relevant and well connected.
• Member Services: Protect and enhance the practical offer to members, from briefings and special interest groups to conferences, webinars, training and peer-to-peer learning.
• Brand & Profile: Act as a credible public ambassador for NASS, helping to modernise communications and broaden the organisation’s voice beyond a founder-shaped model.
• Future Growth: Shape a distributed leadership profile and support a more varied, accessible and engaging approach to membership, advocacy and communications.
• A seasoned senior leader with experience in a charity, membership body, education or public sector setting, and a clear track record of leading through change.
• A strong strategic thinker, able to absorb complex information quickly and translate it into clear, practical direction.
• A confident communicator with the gravitas to represent NASS with members, staff, trustees, MPs, peers, media and national partners.
• A politically astute relationship-builder, comfortable navigating a complex and fast-moving external environment.
• Experienced in governance, with a sound understanding of working with boards or trustees and supporting effective decision-making.
• Numerate and commercially minded, with experience of budgets, financial planning, income generation or partnership development.
• Credible, approachable and resilient, with the emotional intelligence to lead well in a high-profile, remote and sometimes uncertain context.
• Direct SEND experience would be a significant advantage, alongside understanding of specialist education or similarly complex stakeholder environments.

Why NASS?

• This is a chance to lead a respected, member-led organisation with a strong national reputation and a clear public purpose.
• You will help shape the future of specialist education at a time when SEND reform is high on the agenda.
• NASS has a loyal, experienced and collegiate remote staff team, supported by an active Board of Trustees.
• The organisation offers a genuinely influential platform, with strong connections across the sector and with government.

Application

For full details of the role including how to apply, please download the full appointment brief. For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny Hills at Harris Hill via apply button with times to speak and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile which will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 8th June 2026

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

About Bipolar UK

Bipolar UK is the only national charity dedicated to supporting people affected by bipolar — including individuals, carers, families and loved ones. Over one million people in the UK live with bipolar disorder, yet many experience symptoms for years before receiving an accurate diagnosis.

We are entering an exciting new phase following the launch of our co-produced three-year strategy (2026–2029). Over the coming years, we will reach more people than ever before, expand access to self-management support, and build understanding of bipolar across workplaces, services and communities.

At the heart of our work is the belief that people affected by bipolar are the experts in their own lives. We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion, and to ensuring our services are accessible, culturally responsive and shaped by lived experience.

 Purpose:  The Peer Support Officer role will work within Bipolar UK’s Peer Support Line team to support our community through telephone and email support across the UK.

The role involves using your skills and knowledge to support people affected by bipolar disorder with support requests and providing information and signposting to people via email and telephone. The successful applicant will also manage service reports in Salesforce, report back regularly to the management team, as well as developing links with other mental health services or appropriate agencies.

Though Bipolar UK does not offer Crisis Support, the successful applicant may have to direct members of our community experiencing a crisis to relevant services and will also be responsible for recognising and reporting Safeguarding incidents within the bounds of Bipolar UK’s Safeguarding Policies.

The position requires good personal interaction and the ability to empathise with service users while remaining calm and considered in sometimes difficult situations.  This is a varied and hands on role and we are looking for someone with good communication (verbal and written) along with good organisational skills. Bipolar UK will offer the successful applicant regular support and engagement with the team, as well as reflective practice sessions throughout their service with the charity.

The Peer Support Officer reports to the Services Manager who manages this service. This will be a home-based role with occasional travel, such as team days/meetings/training.

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to provide practical, non-clinical information and peer support to our community, including family and loved ones. Our Peer Support Line is often a first point of contact, offering a listening ear, helping to reduce isolation, and signposting people to relevant information, services, research and campaigns.

You will join a team of highly skilled colleagues who share the same passion to support our community in a safe and appropriate way.

Specific Responsibilities

• Act as an initial point of contact with the charity for all enquiries about our services
• Act as an initial point of contact for all people affected by bipolar disorder seeking support, information and signposting
• Direct enquiries for Bipolar UK’s additional services, including understanding Bipolar UK’s specific resources and training opportunities for workplaces and connections for research
• Build and maintain relationships with existing volunteers and with volunteers expressing interest in supporting Bipolar UK
• Ensure that all service provided by both the postholder complies operationally with Bipolar UK policies and procedures, including safeguarding and data protection postholder must handle personal/special category data confidentially and in line with policy/UK GDPR
• Contribute to the development and delivery of new formats of peer support in a spirit of co-production
• Ability to work flexibly and responsively, responding to urgent requirements
• To ensure that all support information and signposting options are kept up to date
• To complete all support records in a timely manner
• Reporting all Safeguarding concerns and crisis incidents in line with Bipolar UK’s relevant policies
• To work with community mental health teams and other interested stakeholders to promote the services of the charity
• To act as an advocate for Bipolar UK within your work
• Willing to travel within the UK as deemed appropriate by the organisation, reasonable adjustments are available.
• Other duties deemed appropriate by the Chief Executive to assist in achieving the aims and objectives of the charity

 Person Specification

The successful candidate will have:

• Understanding of lived experience and peer support
• Ability to work as part of a team and individually using own initiative
• An understanding and awareness of safeguarding
• Ability to work autonomously and at times remotely from line manager
• Experience of data collection and monitoring
• Excellent communication skills
• Excellent organisational skills
• Be competent in the use of Microsoft 365 products including Outlook and other Microsoft Office programmes
• Experience of delivering peer support in paid employment or as a volunteer

Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Bipolar UK is an equal opportunities organisation. We warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from people with lived experience of bipolar or other mental health conditions, people from under‑represented communities, and those whose voices are less often heard in mental health spaces.

All recruitment decisions are based solely on skills, experience and suitability for the role.

Data Protection

Any personal information you provide will be handled securely and used only for recruitment purposes, in line with UK data protection legislation.

Safeguarding

All employees are expected to work in line with Bipolar UK’s safeguarding policies, ensuring safe, respectful and empowering environments for everyone we work with.

The successful candidate will likely have:

• Experience of partnership working with statutory and third sector organisations
• Lived or professional experience supporting people affected by bipolar, or severe mental health conditions.

How to Apply

Bipolar UK operate a blind recruitment practice and advertise our roles via CharityJob.

Please submit your CV online to CharityJob with a covering letter (maximum two A4 pages). Your cover letter should clearly demonstrate how your experience meets the person specification and explains your motivation for working with Bipolar UK

Closing date is 9am on Monday 25 May 2026.

Position: Policy and Public Affairs Officer (Scotland)
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours a per-week
Contract: Permanent
Location: Home Based in Scotland
Salary: Starting from £26,384 per annum plus excellent benefits
Salary Band and Job Family: Band 1, Charity
You will start at our entry point salary of £26,384 per annum, increasing to £28,033 after 6 months service and satisfactory performance and to £29,682 after a further 6 months.

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.

About this job

We’re looking for an enthusiastic and talented policy and public affairs professional to join our team. You should have experience of working to develop policy and have the ability to communicate our position to a wide range of audiences across Scotland.

In this exciting role you will work with the MS community to influence change in public policy, continuing to make the case for improvements in the treatment, care and support of people affected by MS.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who understands the political and policy environment in Scotland, who has experience in external facing influencing roles, who is outcome-focused and delivers tangible results. The successful candidate will work closely with the MS community, the Scottish Policy and Communications team as well as key external partners such as MSPs and their teams.

Closing date for applications: 9:00 on Monday 1st of June

Interested?

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

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.

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

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.