Research development officer jobs in birmingham

Position title: Health and Wellbeing Lead

Reports to: Head of Shed Development and Sustainability

Direct reports: None currently

Location: Remote (with regular travel)

Key stakeholders: UKMSA Volunteers, Sheds and Shedders, Head of Shed Development and Sustainability and team, Head of Volunteering

Salary: Level 3 – £30,000-£35,000

As Health and Wellbeing Lead, the purpose of your role will be to work with volunteers and colleagues to support Sheds and Shed Networks to improve men’s health and wellbeing across the UK. This work is within the context of informal, peer-led, self-determined spaces, where the emphasis is on activity not health prevention, which suits many men and works well for them.

This role involves engaging directly with Sheds and Shed Networks, supporting them to foster partnerships with local health and social care organisations, as well as supporting local health and social care organisations to understand and engage effectively with Men’s Sheds in their area.

You will work with volunteers, colleagues and external experts to gather and share accurate, accessible and relevant resources, information and case studies related to men’s health and wellbeing with Sheds and Shed Networks. This will include developing and engaging with digital health tools, information and training, as well as taking an empowering and capacity building ‘train the trainer’ approach to the design and delivery of all training and workshops related to men’s health and wellbeing.

You will work closely with the Head of Volunteering to support volunteers to promote the role of Men’s Sheds in preventative and community-based health locally and will work with colleagues to support volunteers to actively contribute to promoting the role of Men’s Sheds in preventative and community-based health at a national level. 

You’ll be the main contact for volunteers, Sheds and Shed Networks for all things related to Sheds and men’s health and wellbeing.

Key responsibilities:

1. Sheds and Shed Networks

· Be the main point of contact for all Sheds and Shed Networks for all things related to Sheds and men’s health and wellbeing – ensuring you are approachable, responsive and consistent.

· Empower volunteers and colleagues to support Sheds and Shed Networks to foster partnerships with local health and social care organisations.

· Empower volunteers, colleagues and the wider Shed community to support local health and social care organisations to understand and engage effectively with Men’s Sheds in their area.

2. Information and resources

· Work with volunteers, colleagues and external experts as part of the UKMSA Advisory and Guidance Group to continuously gather, develop and update relevant resources, information and case studies related to men’s health and wellbeing. Regularly share clear and accessible information and resources with Sheds and Shed Networks.

· Work with volunteers, colleagues and external experts as part of the UKMSA Advisory and Guidance Group to build knowledge and understanding of relevant organisations and services related to men’s health and wellbeing. Regularly share clear and accessible information about organisations and services with Sheds and Shed Networks.

· Work with Sheds and volunteers to gather case studies and develop resources highlighting Sheds that demonstrate innovation and best practice in the field of health and wellbeing.

3. Training and workshops

· Work with volunteers, colleagues and external partners to develop an empowering train the trainer model to enable Shed Leaders and Shedders to plan, deliver and evaluate training and workshops related to men’s health and wellbeing.

· Work with volunteers, colleagues and external partners to co-design and deliver training and workshops related to men’s health and wellbeing at UKMSA events.

· Support peer-to-peer learning amongst Sheds and Shed Networks through regional events, online forums, and learning networks.

4. Digital health and wellbeing

· Work with volunteers and colleagues to test and empower Sheds and Shed Networks to use digital platforms for hybrid training, remote participation, or digital inclusion efforts.

• Work with volunteers and colleagues to utilise and adapt data tools (e.g. CRM, health analytics and dashboards) for monitoring health and wellbeing related outcomes and for reporting impact.

5. Monitoring and Reporting

· Work with volunteers, Sheds and Shed Networks to collect and report data in relation to men’s health and wellbeing to demonstrate the role and impact of Men’s Sheds in preventative and community-based health.

· Work with volunteers, colleagues, Sheds and Shed Networks to contribute to relevant evaluation and research projects relating to Sheds and men’s health and wellbeing.

6. Stakeholder Engagement

• Work with volunteers to build relationships with local and regional health, community, and voluntary sector organisations.
• Represent UKMSA at relevant networks, events, and conferences.
• Contribute to the planning and delivery of the annual Shedfest and other key events, coordinating and supporting volunteer involvement in relation to men’s health and wellbeing.
• Work with colleagues, including the CEO, to build effective working partnerships across the UK men’s health sector  

Key expertise required:

• Knowledge, skills and experience in men’s health and wellbeing.
• Some knowledge of how to effectively improve men’s health and wellbeing in the Shedding context, and a willingness and interest in working with volunteers to develop and share expertise in this area.
• An understanding of the importance of taking an empowering train the trainer approach to planning, delivering and evaluating training and workshops related to men’s health and wellbeing.
• Ability to build relationships with local and regional health, community, and voluntary sector organisations, and to support others to do so.
• Skilled at actively collaborating with volunteers and subject matter experts.
• Confident communicator - able to build rapport, deliver training, and manage sensitive conversations.

· Strong relationship builder - able to connect with people, build trust and maintain long term engagement.

· Willing, able and confident to travel to meet volunteers and attend Shed events regularly.

· Confident working with data and systems - including CRM tools and digital tools.

· Proactive and creative - always looking for ways to improve how things are done.

· Self-motivated and able to manage your own workload without needing close supervision.

· An understanding of the nuances and limitations of how Sheds can support health and wellbeing

What success looks like:

• Strong, collaborative relationships established between Sheds, Shed Networks and local health and community partners.
• Demonstrable improvements in the health and wellbeing of Shedders through supported activities and case studies.
• Volunteers, Sheds and Shed Networks feel empowered and equipped to deliver activities that support mental and physical health.
• Health and care organisations view Men’s Sheds as trusted, valuable partners in preventative health and social prescribing pathways.
• Resources, training, and support materials are well-received, practical, and widely adopted in Sheds and across Shed Networks.
• Clear and impactful reporting informs and supports UKMSA’s work at a national level.

This job is not:

• An expert, clinical or therapeutic health role—you will not be expected to deliver personal care, therapy, or counselling.
• Solely office-based or desk-bound—this is a varied, outreach-focused role that involves relationship-building, travel, and hands-on support.
• Focused only on one region—this is a national role, requiring awareness of regional variations across the UK.
• A short-term fixer—you’ll be building capacity and confidence in communities for long-term sustainability, not quick fixes or prescriptive solutions.

This job description is intended to outline the general responsibilities and expectations of the role. It may be reviewed and updated as the organisation evolves, and from time to time you may be asked to take on other reasonable tasks that fall outside this scope - we’re a small team, and flexibility is part of how we work.

Closing date: 9th October 1200 hrs
Interview: 17th October

Partnerships Manager

Location: Fully Remote

Salary: £27,992 per annum

Vacancy Type: Permanent, Full Time

Closing Date: 24th September 2025

We have an exciting opportunity for a Partnerships Manager to join our team and grow income from high-net-worth individuals and corporate supporters. You will identify, engage, and steward prospects to secure funding, while developing and implementing long-term relationship and stewardship plans.

You’ll be joining a passionate, fun, and target-driven team in a motivating environment, with the chance to make a real impact on the services we provide.

Key responsibilities include:

• Researching and identifying potential major donors, determining appropriate stewardship pathways, and involving Trustees or staff as needed.
• Implementing stewardship plans for major donors to secure five-figure gifts and above.
• Developing and supporting external fundraising committees to raise funds for local Forward Trust services.
• Researching and approaching potential corporate supporters, cultivating relationships, and securing funding.
• Collaborating across the organisation to develop engagement packages, partnership proposals, and progress reports.
• Managing the Fundraising Officer, providing support, motivation, and guidance.
• Representing Forward Trust at meetings, networking events, and conferences.
• Supporting the Head of Fundraising to develop strategies to maximise income from high-net-worth individuals and corporates.
• Ensuring data in the CRM is accurate, compliant with GDPR, and used effectively to inform fundraising activities.
• Managing and reporting on income and expenditure budgets, liaising with Finance, and contributing to reports for Senior Management and Trustees.
• Collaborating with other fundraising team members and participating in team meetings, supervision, and training.

What We’re Looking For

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Proven track record of major donor fundraising, securing five-figure sums and managing effective stewardship pathways.
• Proven experience in identifying, managing, and growing corporate supporter accounts of at least five figures.
• Experience managing at least one member of staff.
• Skilled at managing high-level relationships internally (Trustees) and externally (high-net-worth individuals).
• Experience managing budgets related to your area of work.
• Proficient in using a CRM or other database to manage contacts.
• Understanding of GDPR principles and their impact on fundraising.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex issues clearly and compellingly.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to understand departmental income and expenditure projections.
• Willingness to attend fundraising events, which may be out-of-hours or away from home.

About Us

We are The Forward Trust, the social enterprise with charitable status that empowers people to break the often-interlinked cycles of crime and addiction to move forward with their lives. For more than 25 years we have been working with people to build positive and productive lives, whatever their past. We believe that anyone is capable of lasting change. Our services have supported thousands of people to make positive changes and build productive lives with a job, family, friends and a sense of community.

We are committed to our cause and the work we carry out as a charity. Equally the wellbeing and the employees who work for us are also important. Joining us an employee, we will offer you the following benefits:

• Flexible working
• Training and development opportunities
• Simply Health Cashback Scheme (optional)
• Season Ticket Loan Scheme 
• Cycle to work scheme
• Crisis Loan Scheme
• Electric Car Scheme
• 3 x Wellbeing Days (pro rata'd for part time employees)
• Access to Blue Light Card
• 25 days (rising to 30 with length of service) Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays 
• Contributory Pension Scheme – Employer matched contributions of up to 6% in the first two years’ service and up to 9% thereafter 
• Death in Service Payment (2x annual salary) 
• Critical Illness Insurance (subject to qualifying criteria)

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for the Forward Trust, please click apply to be redirected to their website to complete your application.

Head of Internal Audit

We’re looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join the team as the internal auditor.

Applications from individuals who are seeking flexible working options, including reduced hours or job shares are welcomed.

Position: SIT60 Head of Internal Audit

Location: Home-based. However, occasional travel will be required as part of this role (may include team meetings or other work-related meetings)

Salary: Circa £33,500 (FTE circa £51k) (inner London weighting £2,595 pro rata or outer London weighting £1,495 pro rata may be applied in accordance with where you live)

Hours: Part-time, 23 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Benefits: 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (this will increase with service up to 30 days, full time equivalent) cashback and discount scheme, employee assistance programme, learning and development, pension scheme, Life Assurance, Eye Care vouchers, Long Service Award, Tax-free childcare, Health Cash Plan, Working Pattern Agreement, flexible working opportunities available.

Closing Date: 10 October 2025. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.

Interview Date: 21 October 2025. Depending on the outcome a second interview may be arranged.

Interviews will be held via video conferencing. Please let us know if this will present any challenges when you email your application.

The Role

The role reports to the Associate Director of Legal and Governance, with an independent reporting line to the Chair of the Finance Committee.

The role will provide a comprehensive programme of internal audits into the activities of our charity and will report to our Finance Committee with recommendations for improvement. This is a crucial role in safeguarding the charity’s assets and reputation.

Key responsibilities will include:

• To establish effective and robust operational and strategic Internal Audit plans for the Charity and to report on progress of the plan
• To carry out the Internal Audits within the Internal Audit Plan, within the agreed timetable and budget shown in the Plan, to report on them, to present them to Board and Committee meetings and to monitor progress.
• To liaise with externally sourced providers of internal audit services in support of the role and for conducting internal audits into specialist areas of activity of the charity (such as IT arrangements).
• To maintain a strong working relationship with the Finance Committee, its Chair and the Chief Executive and to act as a Business Partner to all Executive Directors in relation to internal audit.
• To contribute to the Charity’s efforts to avoid fraud, including by advising on new policies and to lead on fraud investigations where appropriate
• To ensure a joined-up approach to both the external and internal audit work, minimising duplication and feeding into the external audit risk assessment.
• To liaise effectively with colleagues to ensure any potential new financial systems have adequate consideration of internal controls.
• To keep up to date with Internal Audit practice and developments and advise the Charity in relation to internal audit matters.

About You

You will have:

• A qualification in internal audit or accounting (e.g. CIA, MIIA, AAT, ACCA, CIMA) as a minimum.
• A good knowledge of how charities operate and their main processes including Finance, HR, Fundraising and CRM systems.
• An in-depth knowledge of risk based internal auditing techniques, including testing and sampling methodologies.
• A good understanding of charity related compliance requirements, and appropriate counter-fraud measures and risk management processes
• An ability to act with authority and provide an independent voice on internal audit matters affecting the charity.

To fulfil the role, you must be a resident of the UK and have the right to work in the UK.

When you click to apply, you will be able to see the full responsibilities and person specification for further information on the role.

Please submit your CV, (including details of your current address), and a supporting statement of no more than two pages, demonstrating how you meet the person specification and what you bring to the role in terms of your skills and experience. Please state any preferences for flexible options in your covering letter. Applications from individuals who are seeking flexible working options, including reduced hours or job shares are welcomed.

Finding strength through support

The organisation is the only charity in the UK providing lifelong support for all stroke survivors and their families. Providing tailored support to tens of thousands of stroke survivors each year. This support includes one-to-one and group support, funding vital scientific research into stroke prevention, acute treatment, recovery and long-term care, and campaigning to secure the best care for everyone affected by stroke. 

They are here for stroke survivors and their loved ones, from the moment they enter the new and frightening post-stroke world, supporting them every step of the way as they find their strength and their way back to life.

It’s only thanks to the generosity of supporters and donors that they can provide vital support. 

The Association is driven by an ambition to improve the lives of everyone affected by stroke. This means they’re determined to create an equitable and inclusive workplace that benefits from the difference, and thrives on the diversity, of our people. Guided by an approach to solving inequity in stroke, the team are prioritising listening to, and learning from, lived experience across the charity.

The charity are working to improve the representation of this lived experience at all levels within the Association and are eager to recruit applicants from a variety of communities and backgrounds. We are keen to receive applications from people affected by stroke, people of colour, members of LGBT+ communities, and disabled people because these identities and experiences are underrepresented and would add enormous value to how the organisation work.

A Disability Confident employer, the organisation is making great progress focusing on flexible working, reasonable adjustments and access to work. The charity has a variety of staff network groups and are committed to continuously improving diversity and inclusion efforts. If you have questions, or access needs, we’re happy to discuss any support and adjustments we can make throughout the recruitment process so that you’re able to contribute your best in a way that meets your needs.

You may also have experience in areas such as Auditor, Lead Auditor, Head Auditor, Head of Internal Audit, Head of Internal Auditing, Director of Internal Audit, Director of of Internal Audit, Internal Auditing Director, Internal Audit Director, Senior Auditor, CIA, MIIA, AAT, ACCA, CIMA. #INDNFP

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

The role of Head of Legal reports to the Director of Legal & Governance and you will assist them in ensuring the legal function of the organisation runs efficiently, smoothly and that we proactively identify and address legal risk and development needs.

You will be responsible for overseeing and managing the day to day legal affairs of the organisation.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Identify legal risk and propose mitigations and solutions.
• Proactively identifying issues and resolving problems efficiently.
• Providing guidance and advice to colleagues
• Developing and managing the suite of legal templates in use across the organisation, proactively identifying areas for improvement and / or development and working collaboratively to develop new templates as needed
• Ensuring internal legal requirements are well designed and understood and are aligned to delivery of strategy
• Ensure that internal legal processes run smoothly
• Make sound, timely decisions that support sustainable, long-term strategic outcomes.

This is a part time, fixed term role and can be based at any of our hubs located in Birmingham, Leeds or London.

For more information, please download the Job Recruitment Pack.

Due to receiving high volumes of interest in our opportunities, this vacancy may close earlier than the advertised deadline. To ensure your application is considered, please submit it as soon as possible.

Are you a social media whizz with a passion for telling powerful stories? Keen to progress in your career in public relations and digital communications while making a real impact in the charity sector? Join Dravet Syndrome UK as a Marketing and Communications Manager (home based,16 hours/week) and bring your creativity and energy to a role where you’ll help shape our online presence, generate meaningful media coverage, and connect communities through engaging content.

Reporting to the Head of Marketing and Communications and working with the Marketing, Communications and Fundraising Manager in this varied position, you’ll drive DSUK’s social media activity, creating and scheduling posts across our social media channels. Alongside engaging online audiences, you’ll be instrumental in our proactive PR work—writing press releases, pitching stories to key media, responding to journalist enquiries, and helping develop compelling family case studies for campaigns. As part of a passionate and supportive team, you’ll collaborate to measure the impact of our communications and marketing work.

If you’re ready to grow your career in communications and want to make a difference for families affected by Dravet syndrome, we want to hear from you.

As part of DSUK’s commitment to safeguarding, the postholder is expected to undertake an enhanced DBS check.

About Dravet Syndrome UK

Dravet Syndrome UK (DSUK) is a small independent UK charity dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by Dravet Syndrome. Dravet Syndrome is a rare neurological condition that affects around one in every 15,000 people in the UK. As well as experiencing severe, difficult-to-control seizures, children and adults with Dravet Syndrome have varying degrees of intellectual disability and a spectrum of associated conditions (known as ‘comorbidities’), which may include autism, ADHD, behaviours that challenge and difficulties with speech, mobility, eating and sleep.

The charity was founded in October 2008 by a small group of 30 families. Today, DSUK is a registered charity helping over 550 families with support, education, and research programmes, underpinned by a world-class Medical Advisory Board.

What you will bring

Essential

· Demonstrable experience in planning and delivering engaging and targeted social media content to build community, raise awareness and drive engagement.

· Hands-on experience managing websites (using WordPress), delivering e-marketing campaigns (e.g. Mailchimp or similar), and applying SEO principles and other techniques to optimise digital communications and online visibility.

· Demonstrable experience in media relations, including writing press releases, working with case studies and successfully pitching and responding to a range of media (online, press, radio, broadcast)

· Demonstrable experience of working in charity, patient advocacy or healthcare sectors

· Ability to deal with people at all levels with empathy, tact and credibility

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to distil large amounts of information and present it in engaging and innovative ways for a variety of audiences

· Demonstrable design skills and knowledge of desktop publishing software e.g. using Canva to create in-house designs for social media and our website

· Act as a brand guardian, ensuring external designers and agencies understand and apply our brand, visual identity, and corporate communications guidelines effectively

· Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritise

· Be a self-starter and team player with experience of remote working, and able to work effectively with colleagues using remote technology (e.g. Zoom, Google meets, etc)

Desirable

· Membership of a professional body such as Chartered Institute of Public Relations and/or a commitment to continuous professional development

 Why join Dravet Syndrome UK?

Join our dynamic and growing charity, where you'll thrive in an exciting and engaging environment. We are proud to be a family-oriented charity experiencing growth and fuelled by an ambitious plan for expansion. Our dedicated team is deeply connected to our core audience, and their motivation stems from witnessing our impact on people's lives. Join us today and contribute to making a lasting difference in the lives of those we support.

The closing date for applications is Wednesday, 24 September 2025, with shortlisting interviews taking place in early October with job to commence November 2025.

Our commitment to diversity

As part of our ambitions to improve equality and diversity, we welcome applications for this role from those who identify under any of the protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010, which include race, age, disability, sex, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage & civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity.