Senior conference and training events manager jobs in Stevenage, hertfordshire

About This Job

This is an exciting training role in Army Cadet Headquarters responsible for assuring that First Responder training supported through ACCT UK for the Army Cadets is delivered in accordance with appropriate national governing bodies or appropriate awarding bodies, and that the appropriate qualifications are recorded on Westminster.

We are looking for a training professional to bring their skills, enthusiasm, and personal credibility to the team and lead on medical planning policy, process and assurance being completed.

Essential Skill

· Be an experienced trainer with a minimum of a Level 4 Teaching Qualification

· Evidence of continuing personal and professional development

· Have knowledge of the requirements of awarding bodies for the delivery of first responder

· Have a sound understanding of the role of medical support in the Army Cadets.

· Understand the legislative requirements for First Aid provision as set out by the HSE.

· Demonstrable success in establishing effective working relationships across a range of organisations at all levels

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Please refer to the attached Job Description for further information.

Our charity

ACCT UK is a national youth charity dedicated to improving the life chances of young people. The Combined Cadet Force Association (CCFA) is a charity dedicated to the promotion of the ideals and activities of the Combined Cadet Force in schools. Together we want to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to learn new skills, build confidence and be inspired through their cadet experience.

We want to develop the youth leadership and training abilities of adult volunteers whilst also helping young people to access cadet activities through fundraising, grant-making, developing new resources and direct support.

We strongly believe that everyone benefits when you help young people to develop their character and values through activities that stretch and mature them. We also know that when young people engage with others at a range of levels in their communities it builds confidence and improves empathy for other’s lives.

Who we are

By joining ACCT UK you will help us to reach more young people and make a greater difference and we look forward to working with you. We actively promote and encourage you to explore ideas that improve all aspects of the charity’s work in pursuit of its charitable aims.

The charities are proud of our diverse teams, with people on different working patterns, from different backgrounds and at different life-stages. Our experience has taught us that having people with different perspectives and different lived experiences leads to better outcomes for our beneficiaries. If you are wondering if our organisation is for someone like you, the answer is yes! Please apply and explain how you, your experience, your talent and your potential are the right fit for this role.

What we can offer you

In addition to your salary, we offer all staff:

· Flexible working arrangements (you agree a working pattern with your line manager).

· The ability to work both from home and from our Aldershot office.

· Personal Accident Insurance, including loss of earnings cover and death benefit.

· 15 days of sick pay in any 12-month period (after 12 months employment - pro-rata for part time staff).

· A contributory pension scheme (you contribute at least 5% and we will contribute 10%).

· Good leave allowances (which are offered pro-rata for part time staff):

o 20 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays.

o Additional privilege leave, on set days each year, such as between Christmas and New Year.

o An additional five days of volunteering leave.

· Support for qualifications and personal development.

· Employee Assistance Programme.

· Season ticket loan.

· Railcard (if you are eligible)

· A caring and supportive team environment.

How to apply

Please send a CV and Cover letter that details how you meet the requirements of the job description by 2359hrs by Sunday 26th April 2026.

Interviews will be held in person during the week commencing Monday 11th May 2026.

While AI tools can be beneficial, we value the personal touch and authenticity in job applications. We encourage you to highlight your unique experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, ensuring all information is accurate. Please use AI tools responsibly and with integrity throughout the application and selection process.

Please note that as a charity dedicated to improving the lives of young people, we require staff to make a declaration about any relevant convictions, undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check, Right to Work check and a Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) check (one of the requirements being that applicants must have been resident in the UK for 3 years). In addition, we will follow up references.

Please be advised that this position may close earlier than the stated deadline if a sufficient number of high-quality applications are received. To ensure your application is considered, we strongly recommend submitting it as soon as possible. Candidates will be notified of the next stage in the recruitment process if they are shortlisted.

Clinks 

Clinks supports, promotes and represents the voluntary sector working with people in the criminal justice system and their families. Our vision is of a vibrant, independent and resilient voluntary sector that enables people to transform their lives. 

Job purpose 

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced and organised candidate to join Clinks and play a key role in delivering our annual programme of events and training. 

The Events and Training Officer will lead on the planning, coordination and delivery of Clinks’ busy calendar of member engagement activity, including online and in-person events, training sessions, and our flagship annual conference. 

Events and training at Clinks are delivered collaboratively across teams, and the post-holder will help coordinate this programme while also taking an active role in delivery. They will ensure that Clinks’ events and training offer is high quality, accessible, well-promoted, and responsive to the needs of the voluntary sector working in criminal justice. 

This role requires someone who is confident managing multiple priorities, working collaboratively across the organisation, and building strong relationships with external stakeholders. 

Reports to:  Senior Member and Digital Development Officer

Responsible for: None 
 

1. Duties and key responsibilities 

Events and Training Programme Coordination 

• Coordinate the delivery of Clinks’ annual programme of events and training, working with colleagues across the organisation to ensure a consistent, high-quality offer. 

• Manage the full event lifecycle, including planning, logistics, speaker and facilitator liaison, registration, delivery support and follow-up. 

• Act as the main point of contact for all events and training enquiries, providing excellent support to members, delegates and partners. 

• Ensure events are delivered in the most cost-effective way, to budget, and in line with Clinks’ internal processes. 

• Support staff across Clinks to deliver events and training sessions, including providing guidance, templates, systems support and coordination. 

• Promote all events and training opportunities through appropriate channels, working closely with communications colleagues. 

• Manage relationships with external facilitators and event partners to ensure smooth delivery and strong collaboration. 

• Monitor pricing and access to ensure smaller organisations are supported, while also contributing to Clinks’ income generation targets. 

• Collect, analyse and report on feedback and evaluation data to inform continuous improvement. 

Annual Conference Planning and Delivery 

• Lead on the planning and delivery of Clinks’ annual conference, working closely with colleagues across the organisation. 

• Coordinate venue liaison, suppliers, programme planning, speaker management, delegate communications and event-day delivery. 

• Develop and manage the conference project timeline, ensuring milestones are met and risks are proactively addressed. 

• Support opportunities for sponsorship, partnerships and income generation linked to the conference. 

• Ensure the conference reflects Clinks’ strategic priorities and provides an engaging, inclusive experience for members and stakeholders. 

Membership Engagement Support 

• Support the wider Membership team to ensure events and training align with Clinks’ membership offer and benefits. 

• Encourage member engagement through forums, learning opportunities and networking events. 

• Work with colleagues to identify unmet need across the sector and shape future event and training activity accordingly. 

• Contribute to the development and implementation of Clinks’ membership and engagement strategy, particularly where it connects to events delivery. 

Systems, Administration and Digital Support 

• Oversee event booking and registration systems, ensuring accurate records and smooth user journeys. 

• Maintain and update relevant website content linked to events, training and learning resources. 

• Ensure event data is recorded accurately to support evaluation and reporting. 

• Support ongoing improvements to systems and processes for managing events and training efficiently. 

General responsibilities 

• Represent and be an ambassador for Clinks 

• Work to support the mission, ethos and values of Clinks 

• Be flexible and carry out other associated duties as may arise, develop or be assigned in line with the broad remit of the position 

• Support and promote diversity and equality of opportunity in the workplace 

• Work collaboratively with others in all aspects of our work 

Person specification

Experience 

Essential

· Experience of planning, coordinating and delivering events or training activity, both online and in-person.

· Experience of managing event logistics and administration, including booking systems, delegate communications and follow-up.

· Experience of working with a range of stakeholders, such as members, external partners, speakers or facilitators.

· Experience of working collaboratively as part of a team, while also being able to take responsibility for tasks independently.

Desirable

· Experience of coordinating or supporting delivery of a large-scale event such as an annual conference.

· Experience of evaluating events or training activity and using feedback to inform improvements.

· Experience of supporting income generation through events, training or related activity.

Skills and abilities 

Essential

· Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a busy programme environment.

· Excellent attention to detail, including accurate handling of event data, bookings and communications.

· Confidence delivering training sessions or contributing directly to delivery where required.

· Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with colleagues, members and external partners.

· Ability to work proactively, using initiative to solve problems and improve processes.

· Confidence using digital tools and systems, including online event platforms, booking systems and databases/CRMs.

Desirable

· Ability to support the development of new event and training offers in response to member need.

· Experience of supporting marketing or promotional activity for events and training.

· Understanding of accessibility and inclusion in event delivery, ensuring a positive experience for all participants.

Knowledge

Essential

· Understanding of the role of the voluntary and community sector, and the importance of strong networks, learning and collaboration.

· Awareness of the need for events and training to be high quality, accessible and responsive to stakeholder needs.

Desirable

· Knowledge of the criminal justice system and/or organisations working within it.

· Understanding of the challenges faced by smaller VCSE organisations, particularly around access, capacity and resources.

Personal attributes and other requirements

· Able to travel nationally across England and Wales.

· Able to work evenings and weekends and stay away from home overnight where necessary.

· Work well as part of a small team and independently, with a flexible approach to work.

· Commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities. An ability to apply awareness of diversity issues to all areas of work.

· Commitment to the values and ethos of supporting people in the criminal justice system.

This job description does not form part of your contract of employment and can be amended from time to time as the needs of the organisation require. 

This is a rare opportunity to lead the development and delivery of our digital learning and natural history publishing at our national environmental education charity.

You will oversee a talented team and collaborate with authors, designers, and creators in the natural history community to deliver innovative training and resources that set the standard for environmental learning.

• Permanent full-time contract
• Starting salary circa £36,973 per annum + excellent benefits
• Flexible base location with remote / home working welcomed
• Make a visible, lasting contribution to environmental education across the UK

Love where you work!

At the Field Studies Council, our mission is to create outstanding opportunities that inspire everyone to engage with and care for the environment.

Your team will be responsible for creating high-quality training courses, publications, and resources that inspire learners of all ages. You’ll work together to extend our charity’s impact across the UK.

We value the contribution each team member makes and provide excellent benefits to reward and support you in your role.

What you’ll be doing

In this key leadership role, you will guide the Digital Learning & Publishing unit, ensuring our courses and publications are impactful, financially sustainable and aligned with our charitable mission. Your work will include:

• Overseeing the production and management of biodiversity training courses and natural history publications
• Leading a team to deliver both in person and digital learning experiences
• Managing budgets, business planning, and the operational performance of the unit
• Working with Marketing to grow ecommerce revenue and promote the portfolio
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with partners, authors, tutors, designers, and the wider natural history community
• Identifying new opportunities, markets, and partnerships to expand our reach
• Leading editorial workflows, rights management, licensing, and version control
• Commissioning new titles and resources that support environmental understanding
• Ensuring compliance with GDPR, safeguarding, and copyright requirements

Where you’ll be based

The base location for this position is negotiable, with remote working / home working welcomed. If you prefer working in an office environment, you can work from one of our Field Studies Centres across the UK. Hybrid working options can also be considered.

This role includes travel to Field Studies Council locations and other venues throughout the UK and will involve some overnight stays.

You’ll thrive in this role if you are:

• An experienced senior manager with a strategic mindset
• Skilled at leading teams, freelancers, and creative contributors
• Confident working with authors, artists, designers, and content creators
• Experienced in delivering training materials at regional or national scale
• Commercially aware, with strong budget management experience
• A clear and engaging communicator with excellent written and verbal skills
• Highly organised, detail focused, and able to deliver at pace
• Comfortable using digital tools, databases, and online learning platforms
• Motivated by our mission and values

If you are looking for a role where your leadership can make a genuine difference to environmental learning, we would be delighted to receive your application.

* Your benefits whilst working with us will include:

• 28 days annual leave + bank holidays
• 2 extra loyalty days dependent on length of service
• Life assurance 5 x your annual basic salary 
• Health and Wellbeing Support App for you and eligible family members to access remote GP appointments, mental health consultations, physiotherapy sessions and financial & legal support
• 24-hour Counselling Helpline Service
• Cycle to work and EV schemes
• Discounts and cashback opportunities 
• Flexible working options where roles permit
• Quality learning and development opportunities

The closing date for receipt of your completed application is 27th April 2026.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we’re in receipt of sufficient applications. Please apply early to avoid disappointment.

Interviews are scheduled to take place at Field Studies Council online in the week commencing 11th May 2026.

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by email.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and we expect all team members to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will only be confirmed following the successful completion of rigorous pre-employment checks, including appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks / PVG Scheme check with Disclosure Scotland.

As Director of External Affairs across the Bild Group of four small charities (with collective turnover of approx. £3m/yr), you will have a deep commitment to human rights and improving people’s lives.

You will provide strategic direction and leadership to the External Relations function across all four charities in the group, taking overall responsibility for and providing thought-leadership on our strategic approach to policy, influencing, public affairs, stakeholder engagement. 

You will play a lead role in planning, developing, and implementing the communication and external relations and wider engagement strategic plan to grow awareness and profile of Bild, Respond, Restraint Reduction Network (RRN) and ACT.

By sharing the impact of our work and programmes in improving the lives of people with learning disabilities, autism and /or mental health conditions, you will support Bild in becoming the sector leading provider of organisational and workforce development (and RRN in becoming the leading charity in reducing restrictive practices globally – and Respond as leaders in trauma informed therapy).

You will champion Bild and RRN’s brand, vision, mission and values acting as an ambassador for the organisation both internally and externally to partners, stakeholders and media.

Key Responsibilities and Duties: 

Strategic Leadership:  

• Develop and implement an integrated communications and external relations strategy across the four charities in the group to raise our profile and to influence change which positively impacts on our beneficiaries, aligning media, campaigning, and public affairs with the charity’s mission and strategic priorities 

• Lead and inspire a high-performing team including Membership and Events Officer, Resources Coordinator and comms team as required 

Comms & Marketing:

• Plan, develop and implement strategic communications and marketing plans to maximise awareness of the Bild Group of charities across the broad spectrum of communications disciplines including media relations, stakeholder management, influencer engagement, ethical (impact focused) marketing, social and new media and the production of new materials and resources 

• Write, develop and produce materials such as infographics, press releases, briefing documents, media statements and online information suitable for stakeholders, including people with lived experience

• Ensure effective marketing across all four charities focusing on impact and including ensuring we attend a range of external events and that all four websites are best practice. 

Influencing & Public Affairs:  

• Working with the CEO, you will drive policy change by developing strategies to influence key decision makers through building relationships with parliamentarians, government departments, and sector stakeholders to ensure the charity's policy agenda is impactful 

• Lead proactive and reactive media engagement, calls and requests for information in order to capitalise on suitable opportunities for maximising the reach and impact of all four charities

• Build our credibility as a thought leader in the sector 

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships:  

• Build and sustain strategic alliances with senior civil servants, civil society groups, and community partners to increase the organization's influence and impact 

• Develop effective stakeholder relationship management processes that ensure partnerships of all levels are provided with a rich, immersive engagement experience with the organisation and the work that we do 

• Identify, liaise with and ensure positive relationships with key stakeholders – internal and external including media, government departments, partners, charities, providers, customers, other relevant parties to secure maximum impact for all four charities and their beneficiaries

Reputation, Brand Management & Marketing:  

• Champion the Bild group brands, promoting the mission, values and impact of the organisation and ensuring consistent, engaging narratives and high-quality storytelling across all external channels

• Shaping the charity's profile and protecting its reputation through media relations, digital engagement, and consistent key messaging and building our credibility as thought leaders in sector. 

Membership, Events & Communities:  

• By ensuring appropriate, effective and engaging communications to all relevant audiences and stakeholders, your role will support the growth and development of our membership, Communities of Practice and the event programme (including webinars and conferences).

• Effectively plan, manage and lead a range of events for the Bild group of charities and associated marketing and communications

• Develop framework for Communities of Practice and strategy for engagement and growth 

• Supporting Bild and RRN spokespeople with PR and media outreach

• Keep abreast of communications and engagement activity within the sector and demonstrate an awareness of the impact these may have on existing and future communications activity

General Responsibilities 

• Contribute to evaluation and assessment of results against KPIs and tracking activity

• Allocate, manage and evaluate budget spend

• Identify resource requirements for activity across Bild group

• Develop and maintain systems, databases and procedures to support Bild group communication activities

• Plan, monitor, appraise and report progress of activity regularly with an innate understanding of how this supports activity across the Bild group

• Plan, manage and oversee budgetary spend related to outsourcing specialist activities such as video editing and design

• Ensure communications and marketing work complies with data protection and other legal, professional and agency requirements, standards and policies

• Support the senior leadership team on any activity as required. 

Personal Development  

• Be part of a culture of quality in all areas of communications, PR and marketing

• Participate and contribute to individual performance appraisal and supervision sessions

• Keep abreast of relevant initiatives and developments within the adult health and social care, education & disability sector and the wider communications / engagement profession

• Undertake relevant training, as necessary including accessing new systems and software as required to support the role.

Organisational Responsibilities: 

• Access and work within Bild’s policies and procedures.  

• Attend internal cycle of team meetings relevant to this role.  

• Engage with line management, supervision (where appropriate) and appraisal process.  

• Comply with data protection regulations, ensuring that information on clients, employees, volunteers and other stakeholders remains confidential.  

• Take responsibility for personal learning and development with support from line manager.  

• Work in a manner that facilitates equal opportunities and inclusion for all.  

• Remain professional and respectful at all times, promoting positive relations with all those we encounter in our work.  

• Maintain health and safety and risk awareness for self and others across the organisation.  

• Undertake any other duties that Bild may require within the remit of this role.  

This job description does not form part of the contract of employment. It is intended as a guide to the general scope of duties and is not definitive or restrictive. It is expected that some duties will change over time and this description will be subject to review with the postholder at their annual appraisal.  

Person Specification  

Job Title 

Director of External Relations 

• Exceptional copy writing and verbal communication skills

• Good presenting, negotiating and influencing skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build mutually beneficial relationships

• The ability to work effectively within a small team

• Ability to work under pressure, and plan, manage, and adapt own workload

• A flexible, proactive and problem-solving approach to work

• A motivated attitude and ability to work on own initiative 

• A commitment to human rights and modelling accessibility and inclusion throughout activity

• Willingness to travel and work flexible hours as demanded by the post

• Fit to undertake the duties of the post. 

Experience/Skills/Competencies 

Essential 

• Significant experience working in communications, policy and PR with demonstrable success

• PR and media management experience, including both online and traditional PR

• Experience of managing and implementing social media plans, including post development, scheduling, evaluation and monitoring feedback

• Experience of overseeing the design and production of print and electronic publications, including website management and development

• Experience of managing CRM systems and ensuring effective data capture and utilising data to inform decision making

• Ability to analyse data and shape results into reports that inform decision making

• Ability to build effective relationships and networks and establish credibility for Bild, RRN, Respond and Bild ACT 

• Ability to work collaboratively and develop positive relationships with colleagues, members and wider stakeholders

• Demonstrated digital comms / social media skills and understanding of emerging digital marketing tools and platforms

• Ability to use a variety of IT packages/databases including CRM systems.

• Experience managing budgets and associated reporting

• Ability to work remotely and regularly travel to in person events

• Time management skills and ability to prioritise workload under pressure as part of a small but vibrant team

• Strong awareness and interest in news/current affairs/politics and the broader third sector, social care and education sector. 

Desirable 

• Experience working in the not-for-profit sector, preferably in another disability and/or membership charity

• Strong understanding of education, health, social care, disability and not for profit environment

• Strong media contacts within relevant trade sector publications

• Ability to use externally managed media databases (such as Agility etc.)

• Experience with conferences, webinars and hybrid events. 

• Experience supporting and manging a remote team

Education and Qualifications: 

Other Requirements: 

• Commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities and able to apply awareness of diversity issues to all areas of work.  

• Regular travel to attend meetings and events. 

• Occasional evening meetings.  

Legal requirements: 

• Enhanced DBS check.