Research jobs

The Opportunity 

As a key leader within our Partnerships and Income Development team, you will be responsible for creating, developing and delivering the Social Mobility Foundation’s Employer Programme – how we inform, influence and positively impact employer-led social mobility, and a source of income generation.

You will champion the Employer Programme internally, forging effective collaborations with colleagues across the organisation to ensure that our work with employers is understood and celebrated, and that opportunities to promote, develop and grow are maximised.

Reporting to the Head of Partnerships and Income Development, you’ll be the custodian of the Social Mobility Employer Index (SMEI) – our annual benchmarking and assessment tool for how UK employers recruit, retain and develop talent from all socioeconomic backgrounds and build inclusive workplaces. A key priority for this role will be a strategic growth plan for the Employer Programme that focuses on growing Index entrants, diversifying employment sectors, progressing employer best practice and maximising revenue.

By collaborating with internal teams and existing partners who offer pro-bono consultancy, you’ll scope, develop and deliver new products, resources and services that equip employers with the knowledge and practical tools to improve social mobility in the workplace.

We’re looking for someone who is willing and able to move easily between strategic thinking, marketing and hands-on delivery, and is excited about taking full ownership over this important work. Combining a passion for delivering our mission with keen commercial acumen, high attention to detail and project management skills, this is a unique chance to make a big impact on social mobility in the UK.

Location: We operate a hybrid model of work i.e. a combination of in-person and remote, with flexible days in the office depending on business need and your preferences. We would typically expect in-office attendance an average of one day per week.

When in the office you will be based in one of our regional offices (either Birmingham, Glasgow, Liverpool, London, Manchester or Newcastle – depending on preference and accessibility). This is where you will usually attend in-person events, training sessions etc. though some travel, to other offices and other locations, will occasionally be expected.

Contract: Full-time/Part-time, Permanent

Hours: We are looking for the right candidate and while we envisage this being a full-time role (37.5 hours per week) we are open to flexible working arrangements such as part-time, compressed hours, flexitime and job-shares. 

Occasional/frequent evening or weekend work may be required, for which time off in lieu (TOIL) will be given. 

Key Responsibilities:

1. Customer service and value proposition

• Develop value propositions for the SMEI and other employer products and services to help employers understand and improve social mobility in the workplace 
• Create and develop assets and activities to market the Employer Programme to employers across a range of platforms 
• Define the customer journey for the SMEI and ensure seamless customer experience, with clear and proactive communication and relevant content and resources 
• Actively manage and steward the customer pipeline for the SMEI and broader Employer Programme, reporting on prospects, acquisition and conversion 
• Gather customer feedback and market insights to help improve and develop products and services  

 2. Product ownership and project management 

• Project manage the Programme, with responsibility for key delivery areas yourself, as well as working with the Senior Index Coordinator / Policy Officer and other colleagues/external suppliers to deliver 
• Oversee the day-to-day delivery of the Programme and the annual Index scoring and feedback cycle, working with the Senior Policy Officer to ensure a smooth experience for employers  
• Lead the annual cycle for the SMEI product and other employer products as they are developed: defining the scope of work and setting priorities, survey review and design, data collection, overseeing marking and reporting, product review and evaluation 
• Manage all aspects of the Employer service, including the ongoing development of the digital platform, employer resources and online content   

3. Product and service development

• Develop the Employer Programme by scoping, developing and delivering new products, resources and services that equip employers with the knowledge and practical tools to improve social mobility in the workplace, e.g. a consultancy offer, events, webinars, staff training and off-the-shelf resources  
• Work with pro-bono supporters and existing partners to scope need, and test and pilot new products and services 
• Responsible for the annual evaluation of the programme, drawing on data and policy evidence, customer feedback and sector insights to inform development  

4. Stakeholder Management

• Champion and represent the Employer Programme externally, including attending and presenting at events, acting as spokesperson, meeting prospective entrants and other opportunities to grow connections and reach 
• Engage with external stakeholders, such as employers, policy experts and social mobility practitioners, to understand key issues and trends relevant to workplace and employer-led social mobility 
• Scope and create an external advisory group to support the development of the products and services that form part of the Employer Programme 
• Seek opportunities to collaborate with external partners to share relevant content and tools, and co-create and develop new products and services 
• Ensure that insights and impact from the Index and the SMF’s work with employers are communicated internally and externally 

5. Systems and Processes

• Work with internal and external partners to ensure the Index is as technologically efficient as possible, e.g. automating aspects of the marking and feedback process, ensuring quality monitoring, evaluation and reporting and identifying and progressing other ways to drive efficiency and maximise reach, whilst retaining the quality of the programme 
• Drive best practice and set a culture where digital tools are used effectively for relationship management and fundraising, including Salesforce 
• Maintain accurate and up to date records, using SharePoint and our Salesforce CRM to support pipeline management, income tracking and partner record 

6. Leadership and Development

• Play a proactive role in leading and inspiring the team, fostering a collaborative and creative culture of fundraising, income and product development 
• Champion the Employer Programme internally, forging effective collaborations across the organisation to ensure that our work with employers is understood and celebrated, and that opportunities to promote, develop and grow are maximised. Key relationships will include colleagues working in communications, campaigns and advocacy, data, finance and programme development.  

7. Line Management (Matrix Structure)

• Day-to-day people management  
• Identify training and development needs; employ a coaching approach, and clarify opportunities for skill enhancement and career growth  
• Recruit and induct new team members, and oversee the separation process for any leavers   
• Reasonably support well-being; provide a supportive work environment, and address any issues that may impact the well-being and morale of your reports   

Please see full job description attached for more details. 

Person Specification:

We need someone who will demonstrate our organisational skills-based competencies - as listed below: 

1.  Leadership
2.  Communication
3.  Adaptability
4.  Professionalism 
5.  Decision-making

Technical knowledge, understanding and experience required:

Commercial and customer service:

• Demonstrable experience in managing pipelines and/or stewarding customers, demonstrating excellent customer service skills and a high attention to detail
• Confidence in public speaking, presenting or facilitating workshops with professional audiences 

Project management and product development:

• Demonstrable experience designing, delivering and developing programmes, products and/or services that meet organisational needs 
• Demonstrable experience in project management, shaping long-term strategy while managing day-to-day operations and delivery 

Project management and product development:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with experience building and managing relationships 

IT skills:

• Experience using Microsoft Office
• Experience of using or understanding of CRM software to effectively support pipeline and partnership management e.g. Salesforce
• Experience of or understanding of managing and using digital platforms for programmes, products and/or services 

Policy and data skills (desirable):

• Understanding of issues related to social mobility, diversity and inclusion, or workforce development
• Understanding of and/or experience in benchmarking tools, indices or assessment frameworks 

See attached job description for more detail on the person specification

Ways of working:

• Most of our work is office based, but you will spend a lot of time collaborating with other teams and clients via email, telephone and other communications channels such as Teams or Zoom. 
• Some travel will be required as part of this role to other offices and locations, as needed for events, work placements and meetings.

Benefits

• 36/37 days' annual leave (England & Wales and Scotland respectively - includes bank and public holidays), with 3 of these days reserved for the annual end of year office closure.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• 5% Salary sacrifice pension scheme with enhanced matching employer contributions
• Employee Assistance Programme available to staff and their family
• Flexible work options such as hybrid working, flexitime, part-time
• Regular staff team building and business planning “away days”

How to Apply

If you are interested in applying for this role, please head over to our website by 23:59, Thursday 3rd September and provide the following information:

1)    An outline of your previous relevant job roles (job title and dates only)

2)     A cover statement outlining your suitability for the role, with particular emphasis on how your experience, skills and knowledge meet the person specification (max. 750 words)

Thinking of using AI to help with your application? AI tools (such as Chat GTP, Gemini and Copilot) can help you research the SMF and the role you're applying for. They can also help you structure your application. The applications that stand out most are the ones that feel genuine and reflect your unique self and experiences.

Please note that generic applications and CV’s will not be considered.

Remote (Surrey and surrounding areas) | 18 – 24 hours

£27,500 pro rata | Flexible working | Real impact

Are you kind, caring and professional – the sort of person who listens deeply, holds space for others, and wants to make a real difference?

At Jigsaw South East, we support children and young people who are facing or coping with the death of a loved one. We’re looking for a compassionate and confident Grief Support Worker to join our small, dedicated team.

In this role, you’ll:

• Support families one-to-one and in groups, both pre- and post-bereavement
• Hold meaningful (and sometimes tough) conversations with warmth and sensitivity
• Help children feel less alone in their grief, and families feel more connected
• Contribute to our PIECES group programme, helpline, and referral process

This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to walk alongside people at one of the hardest points in their lives and offer light, steadiness and support.

We’re looking for someone who brings:

• A warm, person-centred approach
• Experience working with children and families
• Emotional resilience and a strong sense of purpose
• The ability to travel across Surrey and attend some evening/weekend sessions

We offer:

• Flexible working
• TOIL and supervision
• Ongoing training and personal growth
• A supportive, values-led team who genuinely care

If you believe in the power of kindness and want to help children feel seen, safe and supported, we’d love to hear from you.

View our recruitment pack for more information including a full job description and person specification:

ABOUT CFAB

CFAB is the UK's only charity with a dedicated international children's social work team and the UK's sole member of the International Social Service (ISS) network. We identify, protect and support children and families separated by international borders as a result of conflict, trafficking, migration, family breakdown and asylum-related issues.

Working with partners in more than 130 countries, we are experts in international social work, cross-border child protection, international care proceedings and overseas family placements, helping children remain connected to their families, identities and cultures wherever possible.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking an ambitious and experienced fundraiser to join CFAB at an exciting stage of our development. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of a small charity with a global reach, securing sustainable income that enables children and families across borders to remain connected, protected and supported.

Trusts and foundations will be at the heart of your role, building on our strong portfolio of funders while developing opportunities across corporate partnerships, supporter stewardship, challenge events and other emerging income streams. Working closely with the Deputy CEO, you will lead the day-to-day delivery of our fundraising strategy, develop new opportunities and help strengthen CFAB's fundraising capability.

As our senior operational fundraising lead, you'll have significant autonomy and the opportunity to influence organisational strategy while working as part of a collaborative team spanning fundraising, policy, communications and digital engagement. This role offers the chance to make a meaningful contribution to a growing organisation with an international impact.

You will also have the opportunity to recruit and line manage a Fundraising Coordinator from January 2027, helping to shape the next phase of CFAB's fundraising function.

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, and you have the skills, experience and passion to succeed in this role,

we'd love to hear from you.

Inclusion and Diversity Manager

House of Lords – Inclusion and Diversity Team, Human Resources

BELONG HERE. TOGETHER, WE MAKE PARLIAMENT HAPPEN.

As an Inclusion and Diversity Manager in the House of Lords, you’ll play an important role in supporting the UK’s parliamentary democracy. Your work will help Members and colleagues carry out their responsibilities effectively — contributing to something bigger than any one role.

You’ll be part of a collaborative community, working alongside colleagues from a wide range of professions. Together, we make Parliament happen.

You’ll be based on the Parliamentary Estate in Westminster — a unique working environment shaped by history and powered by the people who work here today.

What you’ll be doing

In this role, you’ll:

• Contribute to a dynamic, high-performing Inclusion and Diversity team that supports the Administration’s value of inclusivity and executes initiatives that deliver on organisational inclusion priorities.
• Support a range of internal networks and programmes to champion diverse voices in the House of Lords and contribute to a positive workplace culture.
• Advise and guide colleagues to access the support they need to thrive in the workplace.
• Work with other functions in HR to draft guidance and policies that support an inclusive working environment and encourages inclusive leadership.

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who can bring their skills and experience to make a meaningful contribution here.

You’ll have:

1. An interest in the House of Lords – Demonstrable interest in and commitment to the role of the House of Lords in parliamentary democracy.
2. Experience with inclusion and diversity – Specialist knowledge and experience working in an inclusion and diversity function, including experience delivering measurable improvements through inclusion and diversity initiatives.
3. Proficiency in strategic working – Experience contributing to and executing initiatives related to strategic objectives. The ability to assess the effectiveness of initiatives and adapt them to meet strategic aims.
4. Competency in project management – Demonstrable ability to independently manage projects and programmes, including their design, delivery, and review to quality, time and budget, alongside “business as usual” and reactive work.

It would be even better if you have (or are willing to learn) the:

• Stakeholder management skills – Proven ability to build effective working relationships with a wider range of stakeholders, including team members, senior leaders, and colleagues from different backgrounds.
• Ability to problem solve – High level of initiative and adaptability, including the ability to pick up work on short notice, offering resolutions and advice on inclusion and diversity-related issues.
• Ability to act with professionalism, tact and discretion – Demonstrable competence in managing sensitive issues tactfully and in alignment with the House of Lords Impartiality Guidance, representing the team with professionalism.

For full details, please see the job description.

What you’ll get in return 

Working at the House of Lords means joining a community that values your wellbeing, growth and contribution. 

You’ll benefit from: 

• 30 days annual leave (rising to 35 after one year) 

• Generous Civil Service pension scheme 

• A comprehensive Parliamentary health and wellbeing programme 

• Access to a wide range of learning and development opportunities across diverse professions 

• The chance to witness democracy in action and work in a place of historic national significance 

The work we do is vital to the House of Lords — the second chamber of the UK Parliament. It plays a critical role in making laws, scrutinising government, and providing independent expertise on national issues. 

Ready to apply? 

If you’re looking for an employer where you can belong, grow and thrive, we’d love to hear from you. 

Please complete your online application by 23:59 on 8 September 2026. We recommend that your application answers do not exceed 300 words.

Join SafeLives and play a key role in growing our community fundraising programme to help end domestic abuse. As our Community Fundraising Officer, you will inspire and support individuals, challenge event participants, regular givers and corporate supporters, ensuring they have an outstanding experience while raising vital funds for our work.

Working closely with colleagues across Fundraising, Communications and Influencing, you will develop engaging fundraising campaigns, manage our regular giving programme, The Starfish Club, coordinate challenge events, and create compelling supporter communications. You will also help identify and share powerful impact stories that connect supporters to the difference their fundraising makes.

We're looking for someone who is proactive, organised and creative, with excellent relationship-building and communication skills. You'll be motivated by working with a wide range of supporters, delivering exceptional stewardship, and finding innovative ways to grow income and reach new audiences.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a collaborative and values-led organisation where bravery, inclusivity, rigour and humanity are at the heart of everything we do. An understanding of the sensitivities surrounding domestic abuse, and a commitment to placing lived experience at the centre of our work, are essential.

About SafeLives

We are SafeLives, the UK-wide charity dedicated to ending domestic abuse, for everyone, for good.

We work with organisations across the UK to transform the response to domestic abuse. We want what you would want for your best friend. We listen to survivors, putting their voices at the heart of our thinking. We look at the whole picture for each individual and family to get the right help at the right time to make families everywhere safe and well. And we challenge perpetrators to change, asking ‘why doesn’t he stop?’ rather than ‘why doesn’t she leave?’ This applies whatever the gender of the victim or perpetrator and whatever the nature of their relationship.

Last year alone, we delivered more than 700 sessions to over 15,000 learners across the UK in policing, health, housing, justice, education and the specialist sector. And we have reached 90,000 adult and 100,000 child survivors through programmes designed and delivered with partners.

In the last 9 years, close to 7,000 perpetrators have been challenged and supported to change through flagship interventions developed by our Drive Partnership and the programme continues to expand year on year.

Together we can end domestic abuse. Forever. For everyone.

Benefits

• 34 days holiday inc. public holidays
• Paid annual wellbeing day
• Cycle 2 Work scheme
• Eye care vouchers
• Pension scheme with 4% employer contribution
• Length of service award
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Enhanced family leave Policies
• Holiday purchase scheme - buy up to an additional 5 days

How to apply

If you believe you have the qualities we have described, please look over the full job description and submit your CV and cover letter by 9am on 9th September. As part of our commitment to become a Disability Confident Committed employer we are happy to accept alternative applications such as video, voice note etc.

Help build the operational foundations of a pioneering national nature-based mental-health service for young people.

We are looking for an experienced, highly organised Operations Lead to turn an ambitious pilot into a scalable national membership model.

Salary: £40,000–£45,000 per annum, depending on experience
Hours: 37.5 hours per week; applications for a four-day week (30 hours / 0.8 FTE) are also welcome
Contract: 18-month fixed term, with the intention to extend or become permanent subject to delivery and funding
Location: Hybrid, with regular work with the Dose of Nature team and travel to member organisations across the UK

Dose of Nature is a mental-health charity improving mental health and wellbeing through structured, evidence-informed engagement with nature.

We are establishing a Young Person Memberships service for young people and young adults under 25. Through this model, trusted youth, community, education and clinical organisations will be trained and supported to deliver the Dose of Nature programme in the places and services young people already know.

The first phase is an 18-month pilot with approximately four to six member organisations. It will test, refine and validate a model that can be scaled nationally.

About the role

As Young People’s Memberships Operations Lead, you will establish and manage the operational infrastructure needed to make this new service work.

You will manage the end-to-end journey for member organisations: from initial engagement and readiness assessment, through onboarding, training and implementation, to active delivery, reporting, learning and renewal.

Working closely with the Young Person Memberships Service Lead, you will coordinate the systems, information, people and processes that enable safe, effective delivery. You will be the principal day-to-day contact for member Lead Coordinators, ensuring that actions, milestones, documentation, meetings and reporting are followed through.

You will develop practical systems and workflows; coordinate training, supervision and partner meetings; maintain delivery trackers, risk and incident logs; support governance and quality assurance; and produce clear programme reporting for senior leaders, trustees, funders and partners.

This is a hands-on service-building role for someone who enjoys creating order from complexity, building trusted partner relationships and turning plans into action.

About you

You will bring significant experience in operations, programme management, service delivery or partnership coordination. You will have experience coordinating a complex programme across multiple organisations or delivery sites, and of developing practical systems, processes and workflows.

You will be confident managing partner relationships, maintaining action plans and risk logs, gathering and reporting data, and coordinating meetings, training or workshops. You will be highly organised, proactive and calm under pressure, with the judgement to know when to resolve an issue and when to escalate it.

Experience in mental health, young people’s services, health, education, charities or community organisations would be valuable, as would experience of NHS or VCSE partnerships, quality assurance, grant-funded programmes or multi-site delivery.

We welcome candidates who are motivated by improving young people’s mental health and interested in the role of nature, relationships and community in recovery.

Dose of Nature is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. This post is subject to enhanced DBS clearance, satisfactory references, eligibility to work in the UK and required safeguarding checks.

Please download the full Job Description and Person Specification before applying.

Purpose of the role

Transforming the Thames is an ambitious, partnership-led programme working towards a vision of a restored, reconnected and resilient Thames Estuary, a thriving coastal wetland where communities and wildlife can flourish.

Led by ZSL and delivered through a diverse partnership of industry, government, environmental organisations, local nature partnerships and landowners, the programme is bringing people and organisations together to reconnect the fragmented and damaged seascape of the Greater Thames Estuary. Through the protection, repair and restoration of coastal habitats, the programme is delivering an initial 320ha of habitat restoration by 2030, with ambitions to scale up this work over the long term.

This role will play an important part in bringing the vision for Transforming the Thames to life, coordinating communications across the programme and working with the ZSL project team and partners to deliver clear, consistent and engaging messaging. Working closely with ZSL’s central PR team, the role will support content, media activity and key campaign moments, drawing on ZSL’s brand, partner resources and creative content to share the programme’s story with a wide range of audiences.

With the project now underway, this is an exciting opportunity to raise awareness of Transforming the Thames, engage communities across the Greater Thames Estuary and showcase how collaboration can help nature recover.

This role is offered on a 12-month part-time fixed-term contract, working 22.5 or 30 hours per week depending on your preference. 

£19,164.60 - 22.5hrs per week 

£25,552.80 - 30hrs per week 

This is a hybrid role, predominantly field and home-based, with an expectation to attend ZSL’s Regent’s Park office at least once every two weeks with regular travel to fieldwork locations across London, Kent and Essex. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required with advance notice.

Key responsibilities:  

• Content Creation & Digital Communications: Lead content production and management for Transforming the Thames’ social media channels and create engaging content for wider ZSL channels. Produce and commission high-quality written, photographic and video content, including milestone stories, website updates, press releases, newsletters and community stories.
• Communications Planning & Campaign Management: Manage the project communications calendar, campaigns and milestone storytelling, identifying opportunities to share the project’s progress and impact with a range of audiences.
• Strategic Communications: Work with the Senior Partnerships Manager to deliver and regularly update the project communications strategy, ensuring communications support the project’s wider aims and ambitions.
• Partner Communications & Collaboration: Lead the quarterly Partner Communications Forum and coordinate communications across a large partnership, supporting shared messaging, brand consistency, content planning and amplification across partner channels.
• Major Events & Media Coordination: Coordinate communications around key project moments, including restoration activities, conferences and other major events, working closely with ZSL’s central PR and communications teams.

About You

• Proven experience in communications or media (environment, science, or public engagement ideal), with experience delivering communications campaigns and content to deadlines.
• Excellent writing and storytelling skills, with the ability to create engaging content for a range of audiences and channels.
• Experience planning and producing social media content, including short-form video, photography and video content.
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively and diplomatically across teams and partner organisations.
• Ability to coordinate communications across a partnership (including liaising with multiple comms teams) and manage complex messaging.
• A full driving licence and ability to travel to project sites across London, Kent and Essex, with occasional evening and weekend working. 

This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including confirmation of your right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. 

ZSL recognises that conservation is one of the least diverse sectors, and we actively encourage applications from candidates who identify as part of underrepresented communities. We are committed to building a supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage. 

About Us

We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we’re working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction.

What We Offer? 

Alongside the opportunity to do purpose-driven work that helps create a world where wildlife thrives, you'll enjoy a range of benefits, including: 

• Up to 12% contributory pension
• Flexible working options
• 25 days' annual leave plus UK bank holidays, increasing with service
• Enhanced family-friendly policies
• Life assurance from day one (for eligible employees)
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support
• Access to our staff Equality Networks
• Complimentary London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo tickets, plus retail discounts
• Cycle2Work scheme and interest-free season ticket loans (for eligible London-based employees) 

You can find the full details of our benefits in the attached Benefits Guide.

We may close this role early or extend the closing date due to the number of applications we receive, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. 

We anonymise applications until interview stage to ensure a fair hiring process. It’s important to highlight your unique skills, experience, and knowledge. Over reliance on AI-generated content may miss key criteria outlined in the job description and reduce the effectiveness of your application. 

Based in Bristol | Field-based across Bristol, Bath, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, South Gloucestershire & North Somerset

We’re looking for an experienced trade union organiser to lead campaigns, grow our membership, support activists and deliver outstanding representation.

The role

Our 1,200 staff work across 12 UK regions and our national centre in London. Regional offices support the work of local branches, helping to represent, recruit, organise and retain members, as well as making key contributions in areas such as campaigning, strategies for negotiation and bargaining, and actions against discrimination.

As a Regional Organiser, you’ll be playing a hands on, day to day leadership role, as well as acting as an advocate of the union. Guiding, supporting and developing local branches and activists to ensure the strongest possible workplace organisation, you’ll identify activist training and development needs, provide coaching and mentoring to stewards and branch officers, and manage a small team of area/local organisers. Additionally, you will lead negotiations, represent members individually and collectively, and help branches to develop effective systems and processes for handling casework.

The person

What we’re looking for...

• An understanding of our movement, its pressures and drivers, with a passion for equality.

• Ability to provide advice and guidance on the effective organisation of key branch duties (eg maintaining membership density, activist base enhancement, supporting employers with major restructuring, maintaining confidence in union ability to influence outcomes, oversight of case work and reducing response times).

• Good knowledge of key employment law, including developing case law and upcoming changes that may affect members.

• Good understanding of the political landscape and how this might impact our approach.

• Ability to manage a team of staff, with a willingness to collaborate and to lead by example.

• Excellent communication and advocacy skills, with proven ability to manage high level negotiations and representation of cases in challenging situations.

• Ability to build and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, ability to influence and engage at all levels eg activists, democratic bodies/committees.

• Strategic project management experience, including budget management. Ability to develop strategies and solutions to solve complex problems.

Please refer to the job description and person specification for full requirements for this role.

This is a field based role and you will need to be able to travel in and around the South West region, including to our regional offices in Bristol, Exeter, Taunton and Poole, as required and occasionally to London for training, meetings or other purposes. The South West region covers a large area from Wiltshire to Cornwall.  However, for the foreseeable future we expect this post to be based in the Bristol office and will be supporting our branches in the north of the region (Bristol, Bath, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire).

How to apply

To apply for this opportunity please download and complete the General application form, referring to the job description and person specification.

Please note that only the relevant application form will be accepted. CVs will not be accepted.

The completed application form, along with the Recruitment and Disability Monitoring Form, should be sent by email.

Please save each of your documents to include your full name, followed by job title, region/dept and reference.

Completed application forms must be received by no later than 11:59pm Sunday 13 September 2026.

In-person interviews will be held in our Taunton office on Tuesday 29 September 2026. 

Please see a map of our regions.

About UNISON

UNISON is the UK’s leading public services trade union, with over 1.3 million members working in the public sector, private, voluntary and community sectors and in the energy services. We employ approximately 1,200 staff, with around 370 at our national centre in Euston in central London and the remainder in our 12 regions across the UK, including Northern Ireland.

UNISON is a dynamic, progressive union, committed to equality. We encourage men and women of all ages, Black and minority ethnic groups, disabled people, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people to work with us.

Citizens Advice Stevenage is an ambitious and innovative member of the Citizens Advice network. We have expanded our services and offering to meet the increased demand in the area, doubling in size over the last few years. 

As a positive subsequence, we are looking for a Head of Finance & Business Support, who will become a core member of the Senior Leadership Team, responsible for overseeing the financial stewardship of Citizens Advice Stevenage. To lead on financial governance, business support operations, and compliance, ensuring the organization operates sustainably and meets all legal and regulatory obligations. The role is pivotal in safeguarding the charity's financial integrity, supporting strategic decision-making, and enabling effective service delivery. 

Financial Leadership 

• Prepare, review, and present draft and final budgets for approval by the board, ensuring timely submission of financial information to the CEO and Trustee Board. 

• Oversee financial reporting processes, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and compliance with regulatory standards, including variance analysis and annual balance sheets, ensuring timely submission of financial information to the CEO and Trustee Board. 

• Manage the reserves policy, ensuring regular review and alignment with operational needs and financial risks. 

• Identify and manage financial risks, ensuring integration into the organization’s risk register and adherence to appropriate mitigations.

• Ensure that the day-to-day finance and back-office function is high performing and compliant, safeguarding effective and efficient financial management processes. 

• To co-ordinate the proactive and timely dissemination of high-quality financial information to services, the CEO, and Board such as annual budgets, monthly management accounts, cash flow analysis, financial forecasting and monthly business performance figures.

• To ensure that the organisation has in place, robust and compliant financial systems and procedures; and that these are complied with by all budget holders, ensuring that any oversights are fully investigated and reported upwards as necessary.

• To lead on the preparation of statutory accounts, provide year end accounts, provide appropriate support and assistance to the organisation’s auditors and delivery of recommendations arising from the Audit process.

• To ensure that all statutory returns are complete in a timely and effective manner, including those in relation to VAT, PAYE, NIC and SSP, and that appropriate compliance dates are met for the Charities Commission and Companies House.

• Oversee the transactions, activities and processes of the external payroll provider.

• To monitor and advise on current and future tax legislation, with a view to optimisation.

• To support service managers in the preparation of bids and contract negotiations and provide financial activity analysis and reports in line with specific project reporting requirements.

• To monitor, report and make recommendations regarding the Investment and Reserves Policy to the Board.

• To oversee the payroll function to ensure employees are paid in an accurate and timely manner.

• To monitor and control creditors and debtors, ensuring invoices are paid on time and the risk of bad debts is minimised.

Compliance and Risk Management 

• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory frameworks, including the Charity Commission, Companies House, FCA, ICO, and other relevant bodies. 

• Maintain and regularly review financial systems, controls, and policies, ensuring they are effectively implemented and aligned with legal requirements. 

• Conduct due diligence for pension, redundancy, and other liabilities, ensuring plans are in place for management and mitigation. 

• Support the trustee board in understanding risks related to projects and contracts, providing assurance of compliance with funders’ requirements. 

• To lead on the Risk Management process, advising the CEO and managers on risk matters, and reviewing the risk register on a regular basis, reporting to the Board of Trustees.

• To check, amend and monitor the Financial Procedures Manual; reporting material breaches to the CEO and Board of Trustees, as required/in-line with governance.

• Working with the senior leadership team monitoring and updating Insurance matters as required, reporting to the CEO and Board of Trustees.

Business Support Operations 

• Lead on organisational business continuity planning, ensuring resilience during crises and alignment with the charity's objectives. 

• Oversee the development, implementation, and review of key policies, ensuring they reflect legal obligations and organisational values. 

• Manage IT systems and cybersecurity measures to protect organisational data and operations, ensuring compliance with standards such as Cyber Essentials. 

Strategic Contribution 

• Provides proactive strategic financial advice and guidance to the Trustees and wider leadership team, monitoring and reporting on the financial performance against agreed targets, identified risks and key performance indicators. 

• Provide financial and operational insights to inform strategic decision-making and long-term planning. 

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and financial accountability across the organisation. 

• Funding strategy: Support the CEO and board to regularly review the sustainability of its income sources and their impact on achieving charitable purposes in the short, medium and longer term.

• Work with the CEO and Head of Impact and Development to prepare the funding strategy that should go beyond immediate budgetary considerations and look at the wider funding landscape. The organisation needs to understand potential emerging opportunities and the organisation's readiness to pursue them. 

Team and Stakeholder Engagement 

• Build and maintain effective relationships with trustees, funders, regulators, and key stakeholders, to ensure that Citizens Advice Stevenage meets its financial, regulatory and legal obligations. 

• Provide leadership and support to finance and business support teams, ensuring professional development and effective performance management. 

People management and development  

• Develop and implement a culture of continuous learning that will equip and develop people to deliver outstanding delivery. Responsibility for the training and development plan for the Finance and Business Support ensuring it is in effective operation including maintaining records of training needs identified and training attended.  
   

• Working with the rest of the leadership team ensure the organisation delivers a fair, inclusive, equitable and transparent employee and volunteer experience, taking account of our EDI aims and in line with employment law and the Equality Act 2010. 
   

• Ensure Open and timely communication that provides information about the organisation and context for decisions that are made, helps to build trust and confidence and earn legitimacy. 
   

• Ensure the effective performance management and development of staff through regular supervision sessions, appraisals and learning and development.  
   

Person Specification 

• ACA/ACCA/CIMA Qualified, CPE up to date.

• Strong financial management experience at a similar level within the charity/not for profit sector 

• A proven track record of leading, developing and inspiring small teams 

• Experience of strategic business & financial planning, forecasting and budget management. 

• Sound experience of producing month-end management accounts and audited year-end financial accounts 

• Experience of managing and using financial systems 

• A working knowledge of relevant legislation (regulatory, legal and financial) in the context of a charitable organisation 

• Experience of managing change and change programmes 

• A track record of initiating, leading and managing associated risks 

• Strong influencing, negotiating and collaborative working skills, with the ability to present complex financial information clearly and concisely in writing or verbally 

• Confident IT skills; confident using Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel

• Experience designing and introducing new financial processes, procedures and reports

• Working knowledge of QuickBooks software [advantageous]

• Experience working with a Board of Trustees [advantageous]

• Understanding of Charity Commission and Companies House reporting requirements

• Project and/or professional services experience

• Understanding of Charity Law

• Experience of working in the not-for-profit sector

• Understanding and experience using the Charity Governance Code

• Experience in working with Charity SORP

• Legal experience – as so far as they can scrutinise and review basic contracts and their revenue recognition requirements and VAT implications

• Strategic and forecasting experience

Students’ Union UCL is an organisation that exists to make more happen. We are the representative body for University College London’s (UCL) students, one of the most diverse student communities in the world.  Our vision is to provide an outstanding experience for all UCL students and to be one of the best students’ unions in the UK and the world.  We aim to build a vibrant and empowered student community with real influence in UCL and beyond, that enables students to enjoy their time at university; pursue their interests and passions; see the world in new ways; and develop the skills and experience to change the world for the better.

We are a registered charity employing over 150 career staff and 300 student staff, delivering a wide range of services and representative functions for UCL students. We have the widest portfolio of services of any student organisation in the country, managing UCL’s extracurricular programmes for sport, music, drama, dance, media, volunteering, academic societies and intercultural engagement; providing a wide range of fantastic social spaces; leading on student democracy and representation across UCL; and offering excellent student support services.

It's an exciting time to join our growing organisation as we lead the delivery of UCL’s ground-breaking Student Life Strategy. This is enabling us to build more programmes to improve students’ mental and physical wellbeing, promote genuine equity for all, build students’ skills and confidence, develop their international connections and intercultural skills, and make a real contribution to our local community.

The role is a permanent contract. This role is based at our Bloomsbury campus with flexibility to work from home on a 40/60 basis (40% working from the office). We will consider applications to work on a part-time, flexible, and job share basis wherever possible.

Do you have experience in organising and managing a variety of events; or enabling volunteers to deliver events? Do you have Knowledge and understanding of student activities programmes including clubs, societies and volunteering? 

If the answer is yes, then we want to hear from you.

Our ideal candidate will have the ability to manage conflicting priorities and busy workload, excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work with a diverse range of people and be committed to working in a democratic and student led environment. 

At WSUP, we believe everyone deserves access to safe water and sanitation. As a leading international development organisation operating across Africa and Asia, we work with governments, utilities and communities to create sustainable solutions that improve millions of lives.

We are seeking an experienced and collaborative Head of Finance to lead our finance function and help ensure the financial sustainability and effectiveness of our organisation. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, you will provide expert financial leadership, oversee governance and compliance, support strategic decision-making, and lead a talented international finance team. You will lead a team of 5-10 core finance staff and indirectly support Country Finance Managers in 4 - 6 programme countries. 

We are looking for someone who combines strong technical finance expertise with excellent people leadership skills and the ability to build effective relationships across a diverse and international organisation. This is an ideal opportunity for someone who is motivated by using their skills to create meaningful social impact.

What We Offer

• Hybrid Working
• Up to 5% matched pension contribution
• Flexible working arrangements
• Life assurance
• Employee Assistance Programme
• 24-hour GP service
• Enhanced maternity leave: 12 weeks at 90% pay, followed by 12 weeks at 50% pay
• Enhanced paternity leave: up to 4 weeks' paid leave
• A supportive, collaborative and mission-driven working environment

Our Commitment to Inclusion

WSUP is committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation where everyone feels valued, respected and able to thrive.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation and encourage applications from people from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.

The Community Support Worker will provide direct, practical and person-centered support to mentees approaching release from prison and after release into the community. Working under the direction of the Project Manager, the post-holder will help mentees identify priorities, develop and progress action plans, access appropriate services and maintain engagement during a period of significant transition.

This is a front-line resettlement and community support role. The post-holder will work alongside mentees, volunteer mentors, prison and probation colleagues and community services to reduce barriers to stability, support safe mentoring relationships and help mentees progress towards realistic goals.

The role requires someone who can build trust while maintaining clear professional boundaries, work confidently across prison and community settings, manage a varied caseload, respond proactively to changing needs and escalate safeguarding or risk concerns appropriately.

Key relationships

· Project Manager and Service Delivery Director.

· Other Trailblazers staff and project colleagues.

· Volunteer mentors and prospective volunteers.

· Mentees and, where appropriate, family members or other community support networks.

· Prison staff, including resettlement, offender management and other relevant departments.

· Probation practitioners and other statutory services.

· Community organisations, accommodation providers, DWP / Jobcentre Plus, employers, education and training providers, health and substance misuse services and other local partners.

Working with colleagues across the Academy, Marketing and Communications, and wider teams, this new role is responsible for growing and nurturing engaged Academy audiences across online communities, social media, email and other channels. The role will plan, draft and publish approved content; moderate and manage online groups in line with community guidelines; and support the promotion of Academy learning opportunities through case studies, testimonials, photography and video content.

By monitoring audience growth, engagement and retention, maintaining accurate records and ensuring use of content is compliant with Battersea privacy and retention policies, the role will help demonstrate the impact of the Academy and support its ambition to reach, engage and benefit more organisations, individuals and animals.

What we can offer you:

In return for your commitment to our cause and to recognise the value of our employees, Battersea offers a range of benefits to support the wellbeing of our employees. These include:

• 28 days of annual leave (plus 8 days paid public holidays) per year.
• Discounted gym memberships and cycle to work schemes.
• Employee Assistance Programme and access to Wellbeing Resources.
• Generous pension contributions - up to 10% employer contribution.
• Free healthcare cash plan, where you can claim for a range of treatment including dental, optical, physiotherapy, chiropody and acupuncture every year.
• Annual interest-free season ticket loans.

We are also committed to providing learning and development to our employees. During your time with us, we provide support for your professional and career development, including access to digital and in-person training programmes, leadership and management training, mentoring and much more.

Diversity and inclusion:

We are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive experience for all staff, volunteers and trustees and those hoping to join us. We operate an anonymised shortlisting process and actively seek to ensure our process is fair and equitable for all.

We understand the value of diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences to help us deliver even more for our dogs and cats, and we welcome applicants from all sections of the community.

As a Disability Confident Committed Employer we will ask about any adjustments you may need at application and/or interview stage, and if you are offered a role with us, we’ll talk to you about any workplace adjustments you may need to help you perform at your best. If you would like to talk more about this, please contact us. Greyscale copies of the recruitment pack are also available on request.

More about us:

At Battersea, we aim to never turn away a dog or cat in need of help. We give each one lots of love, expert care and get to know their characters and quirks so we can find them a new home that’s just right for them. Join us and help us be here for every dog and cat, wherever they are, for as long as they need us.

Acceptable use of AI:

At Battersea, we value expertise. We recognise each candidate that applies to us will have a range of expertise they can offer us, so we want to hear about this in your own words. We understand the support that generative artificial intelligence (AI) software can offer but it can also lead to numerous applications presenting as generic and impersonal. This makes it difficult to gain understanding of your unique experience.

To best showcase yourself, we encourage you to write your responses without the assistance of AI. If you require the use of AI software to aid in completing your application, we ask you use the generative responses as a prompt for writing your answers and avoid copying and pasting. You must also ensure the information presented in your application accurately reflects your experience.

Closing date: Sunday 13th September 2026, 11.59pm

All applications must be submitted before the closing date advertised. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received.

Interview date(s): Friday 18th September 2026

For more information about the role, please download our Recruitment pack.

To apply for the role, please click the "Apply" button below.

Citizens UK 

Citizens UK is the UK’s biggest, most diverse and most effective people-powered alliance. We bring communities and local organisations together to work on issues that matter; from campaigning for zebra crossings on dangerous roads, to reforming the immigration system, to the Living Wage campaign. We have a track record of winning change through hundreds of local and national campaigns. We know everyday people have the ability to shape the world around them. We believe that through developing local leaders, we can drive nationwide change and create community-led solutions to big and small problems.

Living Wage Foundation 

The Living Wage movement began in 2001, after Citizens UK brought together communities in East London to discuss poverty and low pay. The campaign grew in momentum and soon required a mechanism to recognise employers who wanted to join the movement, which saw the establishment of the Living Wage Foundation in 2011.

Still part of Citizens UK today, the Living Wage Foundation continues to work with community organisations to make sure the voices of both workers and businesses are part of the Living Wage movement. We now work with over 16,000 employers, benefitting over 475,000 people and winning over £3bn of better wages for people who need it most.

Citizens UK works with a broad base of institutions across the political spectrum. At the Living Wage Foundation, we take the same deliberately broad-based approach and accredit all organisations who pay the real Living Wage to their directly and indirectly employed staff and are committed to tackling in work poverty.  As a team we work across a range of industries and sectors to achieve this mission. We seek pragmatic coalitions in order to progress specific campaigns, and partnership around a particular issue such as Living Wage, does not imply an endorsement of broader purpose and policies.

Purpose 

At Citizens UK, our organisers and project staff work within communities to develop leaders, strengthen organisations, campaign for change and organise across difference. There are various project roles and operational, communication, finance and HR roles that support the organisation and project staff and organisers to deliver on this mission and work. This work is rewarding and can be challenging; it requires a personal commitment to inclusion, a willingness to listen and disagree respectfully, and an interest in working in an organisation where our staff, member institutions and leaders will come from a diversity of backgrounds and often hold views that may be very different from our own. More information about how we operate within this context and build trusted relationships across difference can be found on our website and is covered in induction. Onboarding and navigating this relational culture, and type of work, is supported by line managers and further training. 

Main Responsibilities 

We are looking for highly motivated and organised individual to coordinate our accreditation scheme. The role will work with our network of employers, and support new organisations through the accreditation process. 

The Programme Officer will lead our work across the South West and support our managers to grow and deepen engagement with Living Wage Employers through our associated schemes. You will help to ensure our resources and publicity materials are well written and up-to-date, and to coordinate events to grow our employer network. 

Working as the Programme Officer for Citizens UK, reporting to a Programme Manager, your main responsibilities will include: 

Contribute towards the achievement of CUK and LWF’s strategic objectives

Understand how the role contributes to LWF’s purpose and the core mission of CUK

Reliably implement CUK’s and LWF’s policies, procedures, and values in own work

Work with CUK community organisers and leaders to promote civic engagement with and ownership of the Living Wage campaign 

Feed into the LWF strategy and objectives development 

Living Wage Accreditation 

• Support key contacts at potential LW Employers through the accreditation process, from dealing with initial enquiries to guiding them through the employer journey, to checking and processing their accreditation 

• Develop rewarding relationships with key employers, industry, and campaign partners within our networks to build interest in the Living Wage and deliver a high-quality experience to our accredited employers 

• With support from the wider team, develop plans and strategies to grow the number of accreditations in specific regions or industries 

• Collate and disseminate Living Wage criteria and policy issues through both internal and external facing guidance, whilst reviewing and monitoring its suitability 

• Support the development and implementation of projects to promote and grow Living Wage accreditations and develop the quality of service offered 

Build and manage projects and achieve work targets effectively

Successfully progress projects and tasks incl. tracking performance and expenditure 

Deliver agreed areas of the LWF’s work plan and leading on agenda items to report into team meetings.

Support the growth and development of new and existing Living Wage schemes incl.  Recognised Service Providers, LW Funders, LW Places, Living Hours, Global Living Wage and Living Work Consultancy 

Deliver personal work targets on time and to standard: 

• Respond to telephone and web-based enquiries by providing advice and support to employers and supporters 

• Provide administrative support for all aspects of the accreditation journey, incl. processing accreditations, recognitions, and renewals 

• Maintain LWF data on systems, incl. Salesforce employer database

• Support the maintenance of our systems to ensure efficient processes and develop reporting mechanisms for effective monitoring and evaluation of our impact and progress against plans 

• Coordinate and administrate Steering, Advisory or Leadership Groups as required, incl. coordinating agendas, sending out timely papers, taking minutes and following up on actions 

Learning & expertise

Keep abreast of new developments in the accreditation space

Apply new learning to work and respond effectively to feedback 

Work collaboratively with the LWF and franchise teams to share learnings and experience and ensure that we are meeting the expectations of our network and stakeholders 

Develop and manage external relationships 

Effectively develop and support a range of external relationships 

Respond effectively to queries or requests from stakeholders 

Engage with a diverse range of external stakeholders to support and develop projects as required 

Communications 

Communicate effectively within the LWF; ensuring that messages are reliably passed to those who need to know 

Represent the LWF coherently in writing and verbally 

Events and Communications 

• Plan and organise events to celebrate and grow our network of LW Employers, incl. playing an active role in the delivery of LW Week and assisting colleagues with event logistics 

• Represent and speak on behalf of the LWF at internal and external meetings and events 

• Develop or feed into employer resources incl. marketing materials, blogs, reports, templates, and guides 

Develop and manage internal relationships 

Work effectively with colleagues across Citizens UK 

Work collaboratively within the LWF team and actively participate in the team to ensure we meet the expectations of our network and stakeholders 

Generate income and resources

Contribute to plans and proposals to grow sources of income/resource.

Take personal responsibility for the careful stewardship of LWF’s resources 

Personal Specification 

(D) Desirable, (E) Essential 

Qualifications 

Bachelor’s degree in any subject (D) 

Subject of relevance to community work or community organising (D) 

Experience 

• Comprehensive experience in an administrative role (E) 

• Experience of building positive relationships (E) 

• Experience of managing and updating Salesforce or similar databases (D) 

• Experience of delivering a range of high quality communications materials, including websites, reports, newsletters (D) 

Key skills and knowledge 

• Excellent time management skills with the ability to juggle a wide range of competing demands (E) 

• Understanding of database and systems management (E) 

• Ability to take in and interpret information and present in a succinct manner(E) 

• Excellent communication skills, both verbally and written, combined with the ability to liaise with senior stakeholders, both online and in-person (E) 

• Ability to act on own initiative to introduce and develop new systems as appropriate (E) 

• Strong attention to detail (E) 

• Strong IT skills to include MS Office and database software (E) 

• Understanding of the policy and campaign landscape in the UK (D) 

Personal qualities & values 

• A proactive approach to all areas of work with a ‘can do’ attitude and a flexible approach to work demands (E) 

• A strong commitment to the Living Wage campaign and principles of Citizens UK (E) 

About the application process 

We work within diverse communities bringing people together. In line with our Inclusion value, we would love to see applications from LGBTQIA+ people, people from racialised communities, people living with disabilities and people of faith, all to better represent the communities we work in. We want our employees to have the working conditions that allows them to fully participate, be able to be their best authentic selves and thrive doing so, and we have employee networks to support staff. Even if you don’t quite meet all the required criteria still consider applying, as we invest in our employees and support them to develop the skills and knowledge required to deliver their role. 

For questions and reasonable adjustments regarding your application including information in a different format, or our recruitment process, please email us.

Interviews will be in person in the South West region, week commencing 28th September 2026.