Senior conference and training events manager jobs in Stevenage, hertfordshire

Key responsibilities:

1. Main Purpose of the Job

• To ensure the panel reflects AvMA’s values and that where possible the panel is managed in line with our strategic plan.

• To manage and oversee the operation of the specialist AvMA clinical negligence panel to include ensuring the qualifying requirements for panel applicants are relevant and up to date and reflect any important medical and legal developments.

• The assessment of panel applications and interviewing of Applicants. Convening meetings of the panel committee, drafting agendas for those meetings and identifying issues to be discussed.

• Identify ways for the AvMA panel application process to become more streamlined, efficient and supportive of lawyers making panel applications. To develop the process to ensure it is fit for purpose, relevant and continues to meet the needs of the public.

• Ensuring the AvMA database of panel membership and special interests is kept up to date. Giving informal advice to solicitors enquiring about panel membership requirements, liaising and meeting with firms as required.

• Travelling and attending key networking events, including AvMA’s three-day (2 overnight stays) annual conference and AvMA annual panel meeting (usually held end Nov, beginning December), engaging with potential AvMA panel applicants, promoting the benefits of accreditation and the junior scheme (Certificates Competence Scheme (CCS)), keeping up to date with medical and legal developments. Speaking at panel meetings and generally to promote the panel.

• Working with the conference department to identify relevant topics for panel meetings and conference events.

• To improve on the current re-accreditation process to make it more streamlined and user friendly for applicants.

• To ensure relevant data from panel applications is captured on the CRM. Regular analysis of panel data, findings shared with AvMA senior leadership team and more widely where appropriate.

• To pursue AvMA’s EDI strategy by considering ways in which the panel can be developed to ensure panel members are as ethnically diverse as possible.

• To liaise with AvMA’s conference department to advise on any training which may be required to strengthen AvMA panel members knowledge and information base.

• To work with the Director Medico Legal services in assessing applications for Certificate of Competence Scheme (CCS) for juniors. To update and work on the Certificates Competence Scheme including organising applicant feedback to ensure this scheme continues to be fit for purpose. To inform and work with panel applicant mentors in strengthening the scheme.

• To deliver on administrative requirements such as quarterly reports for trustees, working with AvMA’s Service Delivery Quality and Outreach Committee (SDQOC) as required to update on continued improvement of AvMA Panel Accreditation Scheme.

• Dealing with queries raised by AvMA Panel applicants and/or juniors who may have had their applications rejected.

• Ensuring AvMA panel template letters and documents are updated

• From time to time speaking publicly about requirements for AvMA panel membership, common pitfalls and how to overcome them as well as other matters relating to panel.

• To consider client complaints about panel members to determine whether the threshold for disciplinary action under AvMA’s Panel procedures is met.

• To manage disciplinary procedure for AvMA Panel members, identify and liaise with adjudicators, prepare documentation, set up the hearing.

• To manage appeals against rejection of an application for accreditation/reaccreditation, liaise with adjudicators.

• To keep on top of any government, regulatory or other policy changes which may affect the way in which patients can access justice, recover damages and seek redress for adverse clinical outcomes, as well as any improvements or impediments to lawyers undertaking this work.

• To develop and grow the AvMA panel accreditation and Certificates Competence scheme membership; to identify cost efficiencies and maximum engagement with AvMA accredited panel solicitors.

• Any other duties associated with the role.

2. Skills and Experience

Administration of the AvMA Panel

The bulk of the administration and management tasks do not require specialist skills; however, assistance is provided by the PA to the CEO when required.

AvMA has a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) driven computer system throughout the organisation, the introduction has been phased and the applicant should be confident enough with sufficient IT skills to onboard the new system. The CRM works with Microsoft Dynamics 365 a data driven software solution which is intended to manage, track and store information. AvMA considers IT to be an ongoing commitment and the new panel accreditation manager should be willing to consider ways in which AvMA can maximise the impact of the CRM to improve services and data collection on key issues identified from panel related activities.

Tasks such as updating and preparing new panel application documents and report forms will require medical and legal input, the panel application interview process will involve discussions about topical medico legal issues and for this reason the post would suit someone who has a legal background, ideally qualified as a solicitor or barrister, preferably with clinical negligence accreditation. A a medical background would be helpful.

Assessment of new applications, interviews and dealing with correspondence

The Panel Accreditation Manager is primarily responsible for the assessment of new panel accreditation applications.

The role of Panel Accreditation Manager would suit someone who has practised as a claimant clinical negligence lawyer who is looking to draw on their expertise and experience in a new role.The successful applicant should be confident in assessing former peers and colleagues in a fair and impartial way.

The nature of this work is such that the Panel Accreditation Manager can come into possession of sensitive information, discretion and respecting confidentiality are key qualities for this role. 

Reaccreditations

Reaccreditation assessments are done internally by the Panel Accreditation Manager, occasionally assistance can be provided by members of the internal panel assessment team.

AvMA aims to make reaccreditations more straightforward for practitioners and the new appointee will be expected to liaise with the profession to understand where they consider the biggest hurdles to reaccreditation lie and to consider how these can be overcome without compromising standards. 

AvMA receives a minimum of 15 applications for reaccreditation per annum, however numbers are usually considerably higher, up to 30 per annum.It is thought that the reaccreditation process could be designed to be more streamlined and user friendly for both the applicant and in house.

Other AvMA Panel assessments

In addition to assessing AvMA panel applications and reaccreditations the Panel Accreditation Manager will need to assess applications from accredited panel members who have changed firms.

Change of firm applications tend to be straightforward if the applicant has been on the panel for some time and is going to a firm where there is another AvMA panel member but the process is more in depth for those going to a firm which does not have another AvMA panel member.  The Panel Application Manager needs to be confident that the new firm can meet the minimum standards and supervision requirements required of a first time panel application. 

There are about 5 applications for changes of firm rising to a maximum of 10 per annum. 

Interim Reviews

From time to time first time applicants may demonstrate that they largely meet the core criteria for AvMA Panel membership but there may be some areas that require improvement.In those cases, AvMA can award the applicant AvMA panel status subject to a review sometime later.The Panel Accreditation Manager is responsible for following up that review and examining progress made.The review is an opportunity to identify if the applicant has succeeded in strengthening the areas of weakness identified.If they have not, they risk losing their AvMA panel status entirely. 

There are about 3 interim reviews per annum, currently not exceeding 6. 

3. Other

• To support the Events Department’s quality initiatives and to suggest continuing improvements where needs arise.

• To undertake other duties commensurate with the post as may be required.

• Deputise for the Head of Events when necessary 

Job Title:  Commercial Partnership Manager

Location(s): Home-based with attendance at AdviceUK office in London and at meetings as required. 

London office: AdviceUK, 83 Victoria Street, London, SW1H 0HW 

Status: Fixed term for two years (potential to become permanent) 

Reporting to:  Head of Membership and Services 

Responsible for: n/a 

Pay range:  £42,000 to £47,000 full time equivalent. £33,600 to £37,600 actual salary, dependant on experience. 

Working hours: 28 hours per week within normal operating hours (35 hours full time equivalent). Normal operating hours are 8.00am - 6.30pm, Monday – Friday. Lunch and other breaks are unpaid. 

Special conditions: Some evening and weekend work may be required for which time off in lieu (TOIL) will be granted. Some travel will be required which may entail some overnight stays. 

We are committed to diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all backgrounds, particularly encouraging those from underrepresented groups. If you require any accessibility support or reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. 

JOB PURPOSE 

The postholder is responsible for securing, managing, and growing commercial partnerships with organisations that support AdviceUK’s mission, values and strategic priorities. These partnerships should significantly increase AdviceUK’s commercial income, extend AdviceUK’s reach, and achieve measurable social impact. The postholder will ensure that commercial partnerships both comply with relevant legal and regulatory requirements and contribute positively to AdviceUK’s reputation and influence. 

KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

1. Partnership development 

• Identify, research, and secure new commercial and corporate partnership opportunities aligned with AdviceUK’s strategic and income generation priorities. 

• Develop compelling partnership propositions, including sponsorships, strategic alliances, product/service developments, cause‑related marketing, corporate social responsibility, and other commercial collaborations. 

• Identify and develop new products and services that benefit members, grow income, and support member recruitment and retention. 

• Shape new products and services with user and sector insight, applying structured approaches to testing, evaluation and scaling. Ensure that pricing, return on investment and other financial modelling is completed to demonstrate how new products or services deliver agreed objectives. 

• Bring external market insight into AdviceUK’s strategic planning and decision making, ensuring that commercial partnership propositions are clearly differentiated in the markets they are targeting. 

• Work with the Head of Membership and Services, other colleagues at AdviceUK, and AdviceUK’s existing commercial partners to develop a commercial partnership strategy, business plan and pipeline. 

• Lead negotiations and contract discussions in partnership with the Head of Membership and Services, Finance and where relevant, AdviceUK commercial partners and subsidiaries. 

• Ensure all partnerships align with the charity’s mission, values and ethical standards.  

• Carry out appropriate due diligence and risk assessments on commercial partners

2. Partnership management and growth 

• Act as the primary relationship manager for AdviceUK’s current commercial partners and subsidiaries to ensure they feel valued, informed, and engaged throughout the partnership lifecycle. 

• Maximise the value of established partnerships through renewals, extensions, upselling opportunities, and agreed new income generation activity. Support cross‑team collaboration and knowledge sharing. 

• Identify opportunities for innovation and growth within AdviceUK’s commercial partnerships portfolio. 

• Support the communication of impact to partners, including reporting on outcomes enabled by their support. 

• Represent AdviceUK at events, conferences and networks relevant to the commercial partnerships portfolio.

3. Income generation and performance 

• Ensure all partnerships deliver against agreed financial and non‑financial objectives. Contribute to departmental budgeting and forecasting. 

• Monitor partnership performance and provide accurate reporting on partnership income, engagement, and impact. 

• Contribute to the ongoing review of existing commercial partnerships and service level agreements, making recommendations for change as required. 

• Share learning, insight, and good practice to continually improve commercial partnership approaches.  

• Ensure compliance with Charity Commission and Companies House guidance, relevant fundraising regulations, and internal governance policies.  

• Work closely with AdviceUK colleagues to deliver integrated partnership activities.  

4. Data and evidence

• Support the delivery of performance reports as required to evidence the extent to which commercial partnerships are achieving required KPIs. 

• Work with colleagues to ensure that partnership datasets are accurate, timely and support decision making. 

• Ensure any partnership activity that requires data sharing adheres to data protection and cybersecurity requirements. 

5. General responsibilities

• Ensure you effectively communicate AdviceUK’s vision, mission and objectives to staff, members and external stakeholders. 
• Ensure you demonstrate AdviceUK’s values and behaviours in all aspects of your work. 
• Build and maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders including staff, trustees, members, partners and suppliers. 
• With support from your manager, deliver your agreed personal objectives and undertake any agreed development or training. 
• Maintain a strong understanding of our members and the advice sector more generally, by reading internal reports; accessing relevant data reports; following our social media channels; and, where possible, attending member and other relevant events. With the agreement of your line manager, ensure you make time to speak to members and visit their services. 
• Adhere at all times to AdviceUK’s policies and procedures. 
• Carry out any reasonable duties compatible with the post assigned by the Head of Membership and Services. 

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

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

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

£90,000–£110,000 per annum

Full-time, permanent.

About NASS 

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

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

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

As our next Chief Executive, you will:

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

Why NASS?

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

Application

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

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

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