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Interim Head of Finance & Operations
Career Ready is a social mobility charity that believes that every young person deserves the opportunity to enjoy a rewarding future.
We were founded in 2002 by leading business figures with a mission: to boost social mobility by empowering young people and giving their talents a platform from which to flourish. Since then, we’ve grown in England and Scotland to support young people in areas of need.
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced, qualified Finance professional to lead our Finance & Operations function.
About the Role
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer the Interim Head of Finance & Operations leads on and assumes day to day responsibility for providing high quality, strategic financial management for Career Ready.
You will lead on business operations to ensure the ongoing effective functioning of the charity and drive sustainable growth.
The Interim Head of Finance and Operations plays a key role in leading greater organisational efficiency and simplifying processes and will continue the delivery of a project plan reflecting the 2025-30 strategy.
You will play a critical role in driving the increased quality of Career Ready’s offer to our stakeholders in line with our strategy, vision and values.
Member of our SMT, comprising of the CEO, Director for Scotland, Director of Programme and Partnerships and Heads of functions.
This is an interim role to cover a period of maternity leave.
Main responsibilities and accountabilities
· Lead, direct and manage the finance and operations functions, overseeing two direct reports, ensuring they deliver a high-quality service to all internal and external stakeholders and are seen as adding value, in enabling Career Ready to achieve its vision and strategic objectives through its people.
· Continue the delivery of a project plan reflecting the 2025-30 strategy, ensuring that activities happen at pace, are deadline-driven and achieve a high level of impact.
· Assume overall responsibility for the financial management of Career Ready, working with the SMT to ensure high quality and effective use of charitable funds.
· Input into and review the financial elements of funding applications and ensure that fund accounting processes align with funders’ requirements for project reporting.
· Produce financial reports for various stakeholders, as well as leading on financial modelling.
· Have oversight of all financial and accountancy matters including month end reports, management accounts, cash flow management, compliance, tax liability, presentation of management information and KPIs. Ensure that the CEO and Trustees are provided with accurate, timely information and analysis.
· Oversee and coordinate the fully managed payroll services with the external bureau for all Career Ready employees and for some internship students (Jun to Aug during the Summer)
· Administration of the Staff Opt-In Pension Scheme, including onboarding new staff (Royal London)
· Act as a role model in our ‘one team’ culture. Lead in the development of efficient working practices across the charity, creating momentum and supporting motivation within the charity.
· Lead risk management strategies and internal control procedures to minimise the risk of loss, or damage to, Career Ready’s assets.
· Prepare and submit annual operational budgets and annual accounts to the CEO for review and approval.
· Draft and deliver papers for Trustees and Finance and Fundraising Committee (F&FC) meetings.
· Attend Board and F&FC meetings to present papers and answer questions related to areas of expertise.
· Provide day to day line management of the Senior Finance Officers and support their ongoing growth and development.
· Management of organisational governance and compliance activities, including policy management.
· Oversee and manage the organisation’s risk management register and process, with input from SMT.
· Oversee reviews and renewals of all insurance policies that affect the organisation.
· Lead on the compliance of statutory and charity regulatory reporting, giving guidance to colleagues where required.
· Ensure any changes to processes and procedures across the function are clearly documented.
Person Specification
Essential skills and experience
- Belief and commitment to Career Ready’s mission and values
- Qualified (ACA/ACCA/CIMA/AAT) accountant with at least 5 years’ experience in financial management including budgeting, preferably in the charity sector.
- Significant experience in producing management and financial accounts
- Skilled in financial reporting and producing VAT returns
- Preparing for and ensuring a successful year-end audit, and demonstrable knowledge of UK Charities SORP and other reporting standards
- Experience in budgeting to support strategic decision making.
- Financial dexterity and strong analytical skills.
- Strong IT skills, including advanced MS Excel skills and extensive of using an accounting software, preferably Xero
- Excellent organisational and prioritising skills and ability to work independently and with autonomy
- Strong starter finisher with ability to lead and drive projects
- Knowledge of charity governance and compliance requirements
- Ability to build excellent relationships and have effective engagement with stakeholders
- Good communication skills and ability to communicate financial concepts to non-finance staff
- Attention to detail
- Ability to present financial information to various audiences
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and sensitivity of financial information
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to cope with competing demands to deadlines
- Honest and dependable
Desirable skills and experience
- Experience of leading a team, strong team building skills
- Line management experience
- Experience of using MS Planner or other project management tools
- Genuine interest in the work done by the Charity
- Experience of using a CRM (Salesforce)
- Degree in financial management or accounting
Full details are provided in the candidate pack
Salary and Benefits
Salary: £52,000 to £54,000 FTE (salary will be pro-rata for part time hours)
28-35 hours per week. Career Ready is committed to supporting condensed/flexible working patterns.
Permanent and remote. Travel to London required on an occasional basis
You will be rewarded with the following benefits:
· 6% contribution to personal pension plan, subject to 3% employee contribution.
· Annual leave: 27 days per annum plus bank/public holidays (pro rata for part time). The charity is also closed between Christmas and New Year. Career Ready also allows flexible use of some Bank & Public Holidays
· Cycle to Work Scheme
· Access to both our Reward Gateway Portal and an Employee Assistance Programme.
· Flexible working
· Work from home allowance and paid travel expenses.
We regret that Career Ready is unable to offer visa sponsorship and candidates must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the UK. In accordance with our commitment to safeguarding, offers of employment are subject to completion of a DBS check.
Timetable
Applications close at 9am on Monday 21 July 2025
Please note that the closing date may be brought forward if we receive strong applications.
This is an interim role to cover a period of maternity leave, with a provisional start date of late September for a handover period.
21 - 50
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Are you a strategic and values-driven leader with a passion for equity, inclusion and ensuring people with lived experience have real power to shape change? Then join Shelter as our Head of Lived Experience Insight, and you could play a central role in delivering our vision – ensuring that people directly affected by the housing emergency influence and shape everything we do.
About the role
We’re looking for a Head of Lived Experience Insight to lead the strategic direction for lived experience across Shelter. You will manage a high-performing team and oversee the development and delivery of our lived experience insight strategy, ensuring it is embedded throughout all areas of our work. You will drive a high-quality programme that supports our strategic priorities, build strong relationships with senior stakeholders, and identify opportunities to develop and strengthen our approach. You'll also play a key role in ensuring lived experience is consistently integrated into organisational planning and decision-making.
Role specifics
As Head of Lived Experience Insight, you will lead the development and delivery of Shelter’s Lived Experience Insight strategy, working with senior leaders to embed lived experience across governance, planning and decision-making. You’ll manage and support a skilled team, ensuring high performance, wellbeing and development, while overseeing the quality and impact of Shelter’s lived experience programme. This includes managing budgets, delivering externally funded projects, and ensuring robust data and evaluation practices. You’ll build strong internal and external relationships, promote shared learning, and drive culture change, co-production and anti-racist practice across the organisation. You will also ensure safeguarding, health and safety, and continuous improvement are central to all aspects of the team’s work.
Apply to be part of our team and be the change you want to see in society.
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.
We are happy to talk about flexible working, personal growth, and to promote a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.
About the team
This role heads the Lived Experience Insight Team which sits within the Equity, Inclusion and Culture (EIC) Directorate.
The Lived Experience Insight team works across several different directorates and teams, to support the development of our approach to put lived experience at the heart of our fight for home.
We work collaboratively with people with lived experience, Shelter staff and key stakeholders. We help to deliver projects and activities which give people with lived experience the opportunity to influence and shape our work. This ranges from organisational governance and strategic decision making to local and national influencing, to staff recruitment.
About Shelter
Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and where we thrive. Yet everyday millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.
We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.
We need ambitious, passionate people to join us. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.
Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. To win this fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, equitable and transparent. We are committed to combating racism both within and outside Shelter. We welcome you on our journey to becoming truly anti-racist.
Safeguarding statement
Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies.
Shelter does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Location: Working remotely from home across the four nations of the UK, occasionally co-working spaces, with occasional travel.
Start date: As soon as possible (Autumn 2025)
Salary: £69,080 (F/T pro-rated for 0.6FTE to £41,808)
Benefits: 30 days Annual holiday (18 days pro rata). Pension Scheme. Flexible working arrangements. Access to co-working budget
Hours of work: Part Time at 0.6 FTE worked flexibly around business needs at 21 hours per week
Contract type: Permanent contract
Do you want to play a vital role in supporting a charity who are reshaping the systems that support children and young people across the UK? Are you a values led finance and operations leader who thrives on both strategic thinking and hands-on problem solving? Can you help steward a high performing, mission driven organisation through its next phase of growth and impact?
Dartington Service Design Lab is a national charity that harnesses experience, cutting edge evidence and design to tackle the challenges children and young people face today, securing thriving futures for tomorrow. As we move forward with our refreshed strategy, we are looking for a new Director of Finance and Operations to join our Senior Leadership Team.
This is a unique opportunity to lead the Lab’s operational heart; from finance and governance to people, culture, IT and compliance. You'll work closely with the CEO and leadership team to ensure our infrastructure is not only effective and efficient, but enabling of bold, systemic work across the UK. The role balances high level financial strategy and organisational leadership with routine financial reporting, oversight of day-to-day operations and actively supporting team wellbeing. It will suit someone confident operating strategically at an Executive and Board level, but who’s also comfortable rolling up their sleeves in a small, agile organisation.
We are seeking someone with significant experience in finance and operations leadership, ideally in a non-profit, consultancy or values driven setting, who is committed to equity, anti-racism, and social justice. This is a 0.6 FTE role (21 hours/week) and we welcome applications from those looking for flexible or part-time senior leadership work that makes a real difference. To support the removal of barriers to colleagues contributing fully as employees and to address equity considerations, we have a flexible working policy that trusts individuals to manage their time, working flexibly to deliver against our commitments, for example the 21 hrs can be condensed over 3 days or worked over 4-5 days.
As a team, we operate remotely across the UK with regular project-related travel. Our staff work from home or when appropriate, together in local co-working spaces, and normally, a few times a year we meet as a whole team for a few days to develop and connect.
Don’t meet every single requirement outlined in the Job Description? Studies have shown that women and racially minoritised groups are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single requirement. Dartington Service Design Lab is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone. So, if you’re excited about this role but your experience or qualifications don’t match the job description exactly, we encourage you to apply anyway. You might just be the right person to help us achieve our impact for children and young people.
Candidates should be aware that, in line with our commitment to equity, we have made the decision not to negotiate regarding salary on appointment or progression. The evidence shows that negotiation of salary is an inherently inequitable process that marginalises women and those from racially minoritised communities. We do, however, have a transparent grade and scale structure for all those in the Lab which, based on organisational affordability and satisfactory performance in role, will result in an increase to salaries every two years up until the ceiling of that particular role’s banding.
The post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service certificate and pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.
If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you. Find out more in the Candidate Briefing Pack.
Registered Charity
Creating thriving futures with and for children and young people
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Contract:9 - 12 month fixed term contract (maternity cover)
Salary:£57,500 – £71,000 per annum
Plus £3,954 London Weighting Allowance if based from our London offices.
Location:Hybrid from our London offices, with occasional travel to Blue Cross sites as required. Remote working will also be considered.
Closing date:Sunday 13 July 2025
Interview dates: See below
We’re recruiting a strategic, innovative, and commercially minded Head of Veterinary Strategy to lead the design and delivery of sustainable veterinary service models. This pivotal maternity cover role will help shape the future of affordable veterinary care at Blue Cross.
More about the role
You’ll lead transformational projects across the veterinary directorate, collaborating with internal teams and external partners to expand the reach of our services. From scoping emerging technologies and business growth opportunities to developing flexible pricing models and influencing national strategy, you’ll play a critical part in achieving our ambition to be leaders in pragmatic and efficient veterinary services.
You’ll develop strategic partnerships and oversee the implementation of innovative digital solutions, ensuring our services are future-ready and accessible to more people and pets. As a key member of the Veterinary Leadership team and wider Blue Cross Leadership team, you'll also nurture a healthy, high-performing culture across the organisation.
This role offers a rare opportunity to contribute to a truly purpose-led organisation, working at the intersection of animal welfare, healthcare, and innovation.
This is a full-time position, working 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, on a 9 to 12-month fixed-term contract to cover maternity leave. The role follows a hybrid working pattern, with a minimum of two days per week in the office and the remainder working from home. Some travel to other sites will be required. We are open to considering remote working arrangements.
About you
You’re a strategic thinker with experience of leading large-scale service development in a veterinary or healthcare setting. You're confident working at pace and with autonomy, turning insight into action and engaging stakeholders at all levels to bring your vision to life.
You’re commercially astute, data-led and always thinking one step ahead – driven by a passion for improving access to veterinary care and a deep belief in our mission. With proven leadership experience, you know how to build high-performing teams and implement change across complex structures while staying grounded in compassion, courage, and inclusivity – our Blue Cross values.
Essential Qualifications, Skills, and Experience
- Extensive leadership experience across diverse, multidisciplinary teams
- Deep understanding of large-scale service delivery in a veterinary or healthcare setting
- Experience of successfully designing and delivering strategic plans
- Experience of leading change initiatives at scale across complex organisational structures or services
- Experience of providing high level stakeholder management leading to growth through new business development opportunities
- Experience of working as part of a senior leadership or strategy team
- Excellent communication and presentation skills with experience at presenting to boards, public and professional audiences
- Experience of implementing new technologies or digital developments in service delivery settings
- Experience with financial modelling and pricing strategies
- The ability to demonstrate, understand and apply our Blue Cross values
Desirable Qualifications, Skills, and Experience
- Qualification in business or strategy management
- Certified in programme and/or project management methodology (e.g. MSP, PRINCE2, APMG)
- Experience in the social sector
How to apply
Click the apply button below and complete the online application process before the closing date on Sunday 13 July 2025. The interview process will consist of two stages. The first stage will be a competency-based interview held via MS Teams, scheduled between 23 and 25 July 2025. The second stage will take place in person in London on 31 July or 1 August 2025 and will include a presentation task.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
We're recruiting for an Engagement Lead, to work in our Innovation & Practice team.
As Engagement Lead you will play a central role in our team – developing, leading and managing significant projects for us, including citizens’ assemblies, citizens’ juries, deliberative workshops, and participatory processes. You will need to have a good understanding of deliberative processes, have excellent project leadership and project management skills, as well the ability to build and maintain good relationships with a wide variety of people, including members of the public, project partners, colleagues and decision-makers.
The role sits in the Innovation and Practice team that designs and delivers high quality practical engagement work leading to better decisions, more engaged citizens and helps address critical challenges of our society. We are constantly balancing high quality standards with innovation to ensure that we stay at the cutting edge and that our engagement processes break down entrenched inequalities of power.
You will be a proven project leader looking to make your next move and develop your leadership skills and profile in this interesting and important area of public participation work. We are particularly interested in candidates who have experience in the design and delivery of large scale deliberative engagement projects.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Join our Legacy Administration Team as the right hand to the Team Leader, where you’ll play a key role in managing a vibrant mix of specific, residuary, and reversionary bequests. You’ll help transform supporters’ final wishes into real-world impact, ensuring every generous legacy gift reaches its full potential for Marie Curie’s vital work
Description for Internal Candidates
Marie Curie is the UK’s leading end-of-life charity. We are the largest non-NHS provider of end-of-life care in the UK, the only provider across all four nations, delivering community nursing and hospice care across the country, while providing information and support on all aspects of dying, death, and bereavement. Our leading research pushes the boundaries of what we know about good end-of-life, and our campaigns fight for a world where everyone gets to have the best possible quality of life while living with an illness, they’re likely to die from.
Your Role in Our Vision
Join our Legacy Administration Team and manage a varied and active caseload of specific, residuary, and reversionary bequests. This is a pivotal role, helping to ensure that every gift left to Marie Curie is handled with care, accuracy, and respect — enabling us to continue delivering our essential services.
Legacy income is one of the most significant sources of funding for our charity. In this role, you will be responsible for safeguarding and maximising that income through diligent case management, effective communication with solicitors and executors, and a firm understanding of probate law and best practice. Your work directly contributes to our ability to care for people affected by terminal illness.
Experience across all UK jurisdictions is not essential, as full training will be provided.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a caseload of specific, residuary, and reversionary legacies across the UK.
- Ensure Marie Curie receives its full legal entitlement, in line with Wills and settlements.
- Handle correspondence efficiently, updating records on our FirstClass 4 database and meeting internal service standards.
- Act as the lead charity where appropriate and liaise with co-beneficiaries.
- Monitor and progress open cases to ensure timely completion.
- Review estate accounts carefully, ensuring accuracy and appropriate application of tax exemptions.
- Obtain tax deduction certificates where cost-effective to do so.
- Ensure funds are allocated correctly to restricted or unrestricted purposes as specified in Wills.
- Comply with Law Society guidelines regarding Non-Contentious Costs.
- Represent Marie Curie’s interests in shared estates and collaborate with legal professionals and the public.
- Identify and escalate potential risks or disputes that may affect our entitlement.
- Seek opportunities to maximise the value of legacies and proactively manage estate assets.
- Support stewardship activity by working closely with the Legacy Marketing and Local Legacy teams.
What You’ll Need
- Proven experience in legacy administration.
- Experience working in or with the charity sector.
- ILM Certificate in Charity Legacy Administration, Law Degree, or relevant professional qualification.
- Strong understanding of probate law and estate management.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Highly organised with a strong attention to detail.
- Confident using digital systems and databases.
Application & Interview Process
Please find full job description here
- As part of your online application, you will be asked for a CV and covering letter. Please review both the advert and job description and outline your most relevant skills, experience and knowledge for the role.
- Closing date for applications: Sunday 20th July 2025 23.59pm
Salary: £30,000 - £35,00 DOE + London Weighting £3,500 (where applicable, 2/3 days in London Office per week)
Contract:Permanent, Full Time
Based: UK Home Based with monthly travel to our London office or one of our hospices (Marie Curie will cover all travel costs and if required, accommodation) OR London Office Embassy Gardens based.
Benefits you’ll LOVE:
- Flexible working. We’re happy to discuss flexible working at the interview stage.
- 25 days annual leave (exclusive of Bank Holidays)
- Marie Curie Group Personal Pension Scheme (we will match your contribution up to 7.5%)
- Loan schemes for bikes; computers and season tickets
- Continuous professional development opportunities.
- Industry-leading training programmes
- Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programmes
- Enhanced bereavement, family friendly and sickness benefits
- Access to Blue Light Card membership
- Subsidised Eye Care
Marie Curie is committed to its values, which underpin our work. We take stringent steps to ensure that the people who join our organisation through employment or volunteering, are suitable for their roles and are committed to safeguarding all our people from harm. This includes our staff, volunteers and all those who use or come into contact with our services. We are dedicated to creating not just a safe place to work but also a supportive and rewarding one.
We are committed to a world where everyone can thrive and fulfil their potential. We are devoted to the social justice imperatives and organisational benefits of full diversity, inclusion and equity in the workplace, and are a Stonewall champion. We actively encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, perspectives and lived experiences.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.