Senior head of operations jobs
Who we are
Chefs in Schools is a young, ambitious charity that’s rapidly growing. Our mission is to improve kids' health, through improving school food & food education. Working in areas of high deprivation, we support and train schools and their kitchen teams to serve the best, freshest and tastiest food possible, alongside meaningful food education. We share our learning and resources freely, aiming to inspire and enable others to follow our lead.
We’re backed by some of the biggest names in food and have ambitious targets to ensure every child has access to incredible school food and food education, setting them up for life with the skills and knowledge to feed themselves well.
About you and the role
This is a pivotal role, at a pivotal moment for us. We are entering a critical growth phase, which includes rapidly expanding our own operations and managing significant external partnership. As Head of Finance & Systems, you will be accountable for ensuring we have the right systems and structures in place to grow at pace without detriment to good governance.
The purpose of this role is to lead on our finance strategy, and ensure all of our systems, reporting and processes are helping to drive forward the charity and deliver on our objectives at scale. You will work closely with the Chief Executive and Directors to ensure that financial planning is effective and supported by accurate data analysis. You will report directly to Trustees as required and ensure that the highest standards of transparency and probity are maintained.
You will be joining the team during a period of growth in the size and complexity of our delivery. We currently have 24 employees and anticipate growing significantly in the next twelve months. You will have a crucial role in shaping our systems and processes to ensure we can scale effectively, both our existing programmes and a new membership-based programme that is in development. We’re looking for an experienced finance professional with an interest in effectively using technology and systems to drive efficiency, without compromising on accuracy or compliance.
You will oversee all financial administration, ensuring this is carried out proficiently and in line with all legal and regulatory requirements, including ultimate responsibility for ensuring that all statutory filings are made accurately and on time. Your role will also encompass ensuring that we operate within legal & regulatory frameworks and stay up to date with changes in relevant legislation.
The responsibilities, skills and experience listed below are intended to give you an idea of what we need for this role. If you don’t meet every requirement, but feel as though you would be able to work with us to deliver the majority of them, we would urge you to apply anyway. We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, and for us the most important ‘experience’ is passion for our mission. You may be just the right candidate for this, or other roles.
We want to get to know you at the interview and understand we can do this best if you’re at ease. We’re an inclusive employer and work hard to create a welcoming working environment for everyone, including appointing a neurodiversity champion to help us identify how we can make our work environment work for everyone. If you need adjustments to the interview process please let us know.
As we work with children & young people, an offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and DBS clearance, in line with our safeguarding policy.
Key responsibilities:
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Developing a comprehensive financial strategy that supports the delivery of the charity’s objectives and activities
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Developing our systems strategy, including reviewing suitability of our current systems (Quickbooks for accountancy, Beacon CRM, PLEO for expenses management, Survey Monkey for data collection etc. ) and ensuring optimal use of systems, maximising automation, and using AI where appropriate.
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Constantly seeking to develop and improve the organisation’s financial systems, policies and procedures to promote dynamic, best practice and up-to-date application of tools, systems and approaches
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Leading and developing the Finance and Office Manager and ensuring effective support from the external book-keeping team.
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Lead on creation of the annual budget, working closely with Directors.
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Advising the Chief Executive, team and Trustees, ensuring that benefits and risks of decisions are fully considered and fit with the overall financial strategy
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Oversee sound financial administration, management and governance across the organisation, ensuring robust financial controls in place and operating effectively.
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Provide leadership and guidance to all things finance related, providing mentoring and support to the team, and coaching on financial awareness.
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Accountability for monitoring that the organisation’s services are, and will, run to budget, supporting budget holders and reporting promptly on risks
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Have ultimate oversight of the external audit and production of the statutory accounts, supported in delivery of this by the Finance & Office Manager
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Oversee production of management accounts and bespoke financial reports, including accurate forecasting, incisive analysis and accessible narrative commentary, ensuring decision-makers have the information they need.
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Forecasting cash flow and managing the treasury position.
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Support the Partnerships & Impact team and Programme Managers with financial inputs to funding proposals and ensure restricted funds are used in compliance with grant conditions.
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Oversight of finance, governance and basic HR administration, supporting the Finance and Office Manager with high profile or complex queries, seeking specialist advice on financial or compliance matters as required
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Ensuring GDPR compliance across the organisation
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Leading an effective risk management process.
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Ensuring the organisation’s compliance with charity law, in accordance with the Charity Commission in England & Wales and all financial reporting requirements.
Skills & experience:
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You have interest and belief in our mission, to improve kids’ health through improving food and food education in schools
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You have full or partial qualification through an accredited accountancy body
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You have experience in a senior finance role (e.g., Director, Head of) in any sector, and some experience within a finance function in the 3rd sector (in particular familiarity with Charities SORP and experience of administering restricted funds).
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You have experience of audit
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You enjoy a mix of leadership and rolling up sleeves to get hands on
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You take a pragmatic and dynamic approach to robust financial management
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You can turn complex and dry data, into clear and engaging narrative
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You have project managed the implementation of new systems (accountancy / CRM / data) and have a good awareness of new technologies
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You are organised, methodical, strong on detail, and able to map out deadlines and plan ahead
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You are skilled in leading a team and building rapport with people, and strike a balance between being supportive and challenging
Benefits
You would be joining a friendly, supportive team who works hard but believe in a healthy work/life balance. We were voted one of CODE Hospitality’s happiest places to work in 2024. We seek a diverse range of perspectives, skills, experience and knowledge. Joining a small, collaborative team means you’ll be able to contribute to and draw on various projects and strategic insights.
We offer 33 days of holiday per year including bank holidays, 3 additional office closure days over the Christmas period as well as wellbeing days over the summer school holidays. We also have a Cycle to Work scheme, hybrid working, enhanced parental leave, and free access to the CODE app for discounted restaurants & hospitality venues. We are committed to developing our team and will support you with relevant training opportunities including £250 towards elective training and development of your choice.
We also offer Bupa Dental Insurance, Income Protection Insurance, as well as access to the Aviva Smart Health Platform which offers health benefits including free rapid access online GP appointments, free counselling and wellbeing support.
Application process
In line with our commitment to ensuring a fair and unbiased recruitment process, we invite candidates to answer a series of questions related to their day-to-day job. Please follow this link to answer the questions and submit your application along with your CV.
We recommend that you develop your answers offline and copy them in when you’re ready to ensure you don’t lose your work if interrupted.
Your answers will go through our sifting process: all answers will be anonymised, randomised and then reviewed by a panel of reviewers. A long list of candidates will then additionally have their CVs reviewed. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a 30 mins online interview. Successful candidates will be invited to attend a second, in-person interview at our office in Brixton, London.
Expected duration of this application process: 7 weeks
First interviews will be held on Thurs 14th Aug.
Second interviews will be held on Weds 20th Aug.
We’re on a mission to transform kids’ health through food – plate by plate, class by class, school by school.





The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Join Affinity Trust as Director of Quality Improvement and Compliance
- Location: Hybrid with frequent travel to our Head Office for Executive Meetings, and national travel to our support locations.
- Head Office: Thame, Oxfordshire
- Salary: £100,000 per annum
- Car Allowance: £6,200
- Governance: You will be the Nominated Individual and Caldicott Guardian
With the right support, anything is possible
We are looking for a collaborative and visible leader—ideally from within social care or a closely related sector—who has significant experience leading a Quality or Operations function across a large and diverse set of services.
Through your engagement with regulators, networks, and professional bodies, you will bring external insight into the organisation and help us stay at the forefront of best practice in quality and compliance.
About us
We are Affinity Trust, a national charity with over 30 years' experience supporting children, young people, and adults with learning disabilities, autism, and other needs.
With nearly 2,500 colleagues and services across England and Scotland, we are values-led, financially strong, and driven by a single purpose: supporting people to live their life, their way.
Why this role matters
This is a pivotal, high-impact role. As Director of Quality Improvement & Compliance, you will play a central part in shaping how we continuously raise the standard of support across Affinity Trust.
You will lead our approach to quality, improvement and co-production — ensuring we have the systems, insights, and culture needed to deliver consistently excellent, person-centred support.
You will influence practice across our services by working in close partnership with operational leaders, providing the challenge, guidance, and support needed to embed sustainable improvements.
You’ll also champion innovation—harnessing the potential of digital tools and outcomes measurement to improve how we understand, assess, and enhance the lives of the people we support.
Above all, your work will be vital in helping us live out our core belief: that with the right support, anything is possible. This role is key to Achieving More Together.
What you’ll bring
We're looking for:
- A proven, senior leader from social care or a similar regulated sector.
- Deep understanding of quality, compliance, and safeguarding in complex service environments.
- Strategic acumen paired with empathy, collaboration, and a values-driven approach.
- Passion for co-production, data-informed improvement, and empowering people to thrive.
- Experience engaging with regulators (CQC/Care Inspectorate), driving innovation, and leading high-performing teams.
Benefits
- £100,000 salary + £6,200 car allowance
- 30 days annual leave + bank holidays
- Private healthcare, enhanced pension, life insurance, and Blue Light discounts
- Hybrid flexibility, national influence, and deep local impact
Ready to be part of something extraordinary?
Apply by: 27 July 2025
Interviews: 28 August 2025
For more information, please refer to the candidate pack attached to this advert.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Diversity and inclusion matter to us.
Our vision is of a future where both people and the planet thrive. Diversity is one of our core values and we strive to build a workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging. All new staff who join us learn about the importance of diversity and inclusion to the Museum and how to contribute to creating an inclusive environment.
We know we have more to do, but we are committed to ensuring that everyone who works at the Museum feels they can thrive and feel valued and respected.
Job Summary
To manage talent acquisition for the Museum, working with hiring managers to plan and deliver effective campaigns to fill each role with the best possible candidate. To manage and develop a range of materials and systems to support talent acquisition activity.
Main responsibilities
- Be responsible for the end-to-end recruitment pipeline across the Museum (around 150 campaigns per year)
- Work with the HR Business Partners to understand and predict resourcing needs and plan future hiring needs
- Be responsible for the Museum’s candidate marketing materials including the careers site, developing content and working with the Digital team to ensure content is updated regularly
- Work with hiring managers to plan and deliver tailored recruitment campaigns for each role
- Undertake focused research and campaign planning for hard-to-fill and specialist roles to ensure they are filled with appropriately qualified candidates
- Keep abreast of best practice and new developments in talent acquisition, testing and learning new ideas and methodologies to improve our approach
- Liaise with the HR Administrators to ensure vacancies are posted as needed and candidates are moved through the recruitment pipeline. Administer an allocation of campaigns where required during peak periods
- Plan and manage volume recruitment events for front of house roles in conjunction with hiring managers and the HR Advisor
- Develop and deliver a range of selection assessment tools and methodologies to ensure we select the right hires for each role. Sit on interview/assessment panels as required
- Work with the Volunteering Co-ordinator and HR Operations Manager to develop and deliver an effective recruitment service for volunteers
- Manage the recruitment advertising budget ensuring it is deployed where it will deliver the best returns in terms of candidate quality
- Liaise with recruitment and agencies as needed, selecting the best value partners, negotiating rates and managing their service delivery
- Support on Executive Search campaigns where required for senior hires
- Manage the day-to-day functioning of the Applicant Tracking System, liaising with the HR Operations Manager on system developments and improvements
- Work with the managers of proposed externally funded projects to understand potential hiring needs and advise on timing/strategy
- Work with the Head of Inclusion & Organisational Development on strategies to ensure inclusive recruitment and to meet our targets for increasing representation at every level of our workforce
- Work with the HR Operations Manager to develop a suite of management information reports for hiring managers, senior leaders and HR that give insight into campaign performance and candidate diversity. Make recommendations for changes and developments based on insights from this data.
Person Specification
- Significant experience as an in-house recruiter with a successful track record of hiring into key roles
- Experience of a broad range of assessment methodologies and deploying these to select the best candidates for each role
- Experience of developing and implementing assessments against behaviour frameworks
- Experience of coaching hiring managers to deliver effective recruitment campaigns
- Experience with developing candidate attraction materials and communications
- Experience of developing and delivering training for hiring managers
- Experience of developing targeted campaigns for hard-to-fill/niche roles
- Significant experience using digital tools such as LinkedIn Recruiter to identify and approach potential candidates
- Experience of working with Applicant Tracking Systems, developing their use to maximise their effectiveness
- Highly numerate with proven ability of taking a data-driven approach and making recommendations based on insight
- Highly organised with the ability to manage and prioritise a range of campaigns
- Flexible and proactive approach
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Experience of managing budgets and supplier relationships
Desirable
- Accreditation in one or more psychometric testing methodologies e.g. BPS RQTU certification
- Experience of hiring in the academic/scientific sectors
Key Information
This is a hybrid working role so you will be expected to divide your time between home working and working on-site at South Kensington.
All positions at the Natural History Museum are conditional subject to
receipt of:
- Proof that you are legally entitled to work in the UK
- A Basic Disclosure Check from the Disclosures and Barring Service (DBS)
- Satisfactory references covering the last 3 years of your employment or education
- Health clearance
The Museum supports flexible working.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
Our partner is a well-respected advocacy INGO. They are seeking an exceptional Head of Finance to lead an established finance team, some willing to be hands on whilst offering strategic advisory support to the senior leadership team .
Responsibilities
- Lead the Finance Team with clear direction, ensuring delivery of results aligned to organisational goals and priorities.
- Oversee financial planning, including budgeting, forecasting, and consolidated reporting in line with IFRS standards
- Deliver high-quality financial reporting and analysis to senior leadership and Board committees to support informed decision-making
- Establish and maintain robust financial controls, systems, and risk management processes; and develop and implement financial policies and procedures relevant for a global organisation with national offices working in challenging environments.
- Strengthen financial management practices across the organisation through training, technical support, and capacity building
- Monitor financial performance and lead evaluation processes to ensure accountability and impact of financial operations
- Foster strong internal collaboration and communication on financial matters across teams and with key stakeholders in the wider network
- Build strategic partnerships and engage with external peers and communities of practice to support innovation and learning
- Manage and develop team performance through regular feedback, coaching, and a collaborative approach to achieving objectives
Requirements
- Qualified, experienced finance leader with a minimum of 10 years of experience, willing to be hands on running all aspects of the finance function and able to offer strategic advisory insight and support to the senior leadership team.
- Strong technical skills, covering financial accounting & compliance; budgeting, financial planning and forecasting; and financial reporting, including IFRS and donor reporting standards.
- Experience leading the finance function of an INGO with several national offices with different capacity, and some working in challenging environments.
- Full grants cycle management – from budget proposal development, due diligence & sub-granting, grants compliance & reporting. Experience of working with institutional donors is strongly desirable.
- Excellent communication skills – written and verbal – and able to build effective relationships and succinctly communicate key themes and analysis to finance and non-finance staff, and external stakeholders effectively.
- Demonstrable experience of managing a mature and diverse finance team.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage tight deadlines while ensuring accuracy and attention to detail.
- Excellent written and spoken English; proficiency in additional languages—especially German, French, or Spanish—is an asset
- High level of cultural sensitivity, political awareness, and diplomacy in diverse, international settings.
Whilst the organisation offers hybrid working, for this position, it is informally expected that the candidate will be in the office 3-4 days a week. The organisation is open to sponsoring candidates who do not have the right to work in Germany, and will offer a relocation allowance.
Your main role is to be a senior member of the PIRC team, holding responsibility for overseeing PIRC’s strategic direction and vision, programme delivery, representing the organisation at internal and external events, and working with the Head of Operations to ensure the financial health of the organisation.
Title: Head of Programmes
Contract: Permanent
Location: Hybrid - based at PIRC offices in Machynlleth, as well as your home address, with travel when necessary.
Salary: £42-45,000 (£33-36,000 pro rata). This is the base rate for our socially-just pay policy, which can provide additional salary based on personal need.
Hours: 32 hours over 4 days, usually between Monday to Thursday, with 1:1 toil system (hours or days earned for working beyond your set hours)
Job-sharing: Unfortunately applications for job-sharing this role cannot be considered.
Holiday: 28 days (22.5 days pro rata, including bank holidays)
Additional Leave: We operate a two-week (paid) winter closure period. This is non-contractual leave and it does not count towards your annual leave allowance. Closure period dates are reviewed and confirmed annually.
Benefits: NEST Pension 3% employer contribution, External Mentor, Annual Training & Development Budget, Free eye test & contribution to glasses.
Deadline to apply: 9:00am, 14th July 2025.
Interviews: We’ll carry out remote interviews online, on 22nd and 23rd July 2025.
Preferred start: October 2025, negotiable.
This role requires that you are resident and have the right to work in the UK.
PIRC works to support our movements—for equality, anti-oppression, and climate justice—to tell better stories for a just world:
- We connect diverse groups, in participatory spaces, to share knowledge, develop strategies and strengthen movements;
- We carry out strategic research to support this work;
- And we create and openly share resources and tools for developing better strategy and communications.
For us, this work is not just about communication: our practices must reflect and strengthen the stories we tell, and the values that underpin them. Our approach is strongly rooted in the social sciences, and is led by principles of:
- liberation
- connection
- participation
- creativity
We advocate an approach that can be used by grassroots groups with limited financial resources, who often find themselves excluded by mainstream strategic communications work.
The Role:
Strategic Leadership
- With the Head of Operations, co-lead, as part of a collaborative process with the full staff team, the development and review of the operational strategy and budget
- Plan and facilitate Programme Team Meetings
- Oversee and input into funding applications and reports, including ensuring programme team documents are kept up to date for fundraising
- Working with the fundraiser to identify funding opportunities and attend key funder meetings
- Input into Board development, including regular reports at Board meetings
- Oversee and drive annual, quarterly and monthly planning
- Play an active role in the restructure and its evaluation and review, including development of this role
Team Leadership & People (HR) Management:
- Work closely with delivery staff to set delivery project plans
- Check in regularly with individual Delivery Team members (such as Workshops Lead, Curriculum Lead, Community Lead and Research Lead)
- Support staff to take ownership of and drive forward their areas of work and participate in the overall running of PIRC
- Support staff development
- Liaise with PIRC Board ‘Delivery SubGroup’
Programme Delivery
- Ensuring programme delivery is aligned with PIRC’s strategy and values
- Taking an active role in programme delivery alongside Delivery Team members
Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement
- Liaising with funders, maintaining existing relationships and building new ones
- Building and maintaining relationships across PIRC’s movement ecosystem
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a leading international humanitarian organization, committed to protecting the rights and improving the lives of displacement-affected people around the world.
DRC Ukraine is offering a unique opportunity to join our senior management team as Head of Programme (HoP) – a pivotal role driving strategy, innovation, and technical excellence in a complex and dynamic operational context.
About the job
Are you an experienced leader with a strong background in strategy development, programme management, technical coordination, and team development?
We are looking for a dedicated professional to lead the Programme Department in Ukraine. As Head of Programme, you will shape strategic direction, oversee technical sectors, and ensure the design and delivery of high-quality, evidence-based interventions across the country. Working closely with internal and external stakeholders, you will represent DRC in key forums and contribute to programmatic excellence that reflects the evolving needs of displaced populations and affected communities.
Your main duties and responsibilities will be:
- Provide strategic and operational leadership to the Programme Department, including sector leads and deputies (10 direct reports).
- Lead the development and implementation of technical strategies and donor-aligned funding plans.
- Oversee program quality through technical support, capacity building, and standard-setting across sectors (Protection, Shelter & Settlements, Economic Recovery, Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding).
- Drive DRC’s localization and partnership agenda, ensuring collaboration with national actors and authorities.
- Engage with donors, coordination forums, and humanitarian stakeholders to position DRC as a credible and effective partner.
- Guide proposal development, business development, and advocacy efforts, ensuring that evidence and learning inform strategic priorities.
- Support programme integration and promote inter-sectoral approaches where contextually appropriate.
- Ensure strong coordination between Programme, MEAL, Communications, and Grants through effective management and delegation.
About you
To be successful in this role we expect you to have at least 7 years of experience in humanitarian or development programming, with at least 4 years in the roles with people management responsibilities. Moreover, we also expect the following:
Required
- Experience managing program operations at the senior management level, preferably at country-level
- Proven leadership skills and a competence in people management
- Experience with proposal development, budget development, program implementation, monitoring and evaluation
- Experience with effectively coordinating with national partners, local/government authorities, NGO partners, donors and other relevant stakeholders
- Strong technical knowledge in at least two of the DRC core sectors (Protection, EcRec, Shelter & settlement, HDP)
- Full professional proficiency in English; working knowledge of Ukrainian is a strong advantage
In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’s five core competencies:
- Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.
- Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.
- Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
- Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.
- Demonstrating integrity: You uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to our values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.
We offer
Contract length: 24 months (renewable based on funding and performance)
Band: E – Management
Work location: Kyiv (Non-family Duty Station), with regular travel to field locations
Start date: August 2025
Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for DRC Employees please refer to our website for more details.
Application process
All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered.
Closing date for applications: 15 July 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and DRC reserves the right to proceed with the recruitment before the deadline if a suitable candidate is identified
For more information about the Danish Refugee Council, please visit our website drc.ngo.
Danish Refugee Council is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and positive work environment based on mutual respect for all employees. All applicants are considered for employment regardless of personal characteristics or attributes.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Today, 12 children and young people will be diagnosed with cancer. We’ll stop at nothing to make sure they get the right care and support at the right time.
Change lives in a life-changing career
When a child or young person is diagnosed with cancer, their whole world can feel like it’s falling apart. Independence is taken and confidence is stolen. Stability no longer exists. The future suddenly feels uncertain.
The impact of cancer on young lives is more than medical. That’s why we exist. Our specialist social workers help children and young people with cancer and their families navigate the emotional and practical impact of cancer. We remove barriers, solve problems and prioritise wellbeing. And we stop at nothing to make sure they get the right care and support at the right time.
We challenge the systems and policies that surround children and young people, we highlight gaps and campaign for change. Because we know what a better future could look like. And we know what we need to do to make that future a reality. We need to push harder, reach further and work smarter. And we need the right people on our team to help us get there. People like you.
About the role
At Young Lives vs Cancer, we play a unique and vital role in supporting children and young people with cancer. Guided by our strategy, The Time is Now, we are committed to delivering high-quality, impactful services that make a real difference. As a leading provider of psychosocial support and accommodation throughout treatment, end-of-life, and bereavement, we are proud to ensure our services remain relevant, responsive, and tailored to the needs of those we support.
We are looking for a dedicated professional to provide business support across the directorate, working closely with senior operational leaders to drive the implementation and development of our services. This role will be instrumental in supporting new service initiatives and collaborating with other directorates and external partners, such as the NHS and charity organisations, to help us achieve our strategic goals.
This role is subject to a criminal record check. In the event of a successful application an enhanced criminal record check will be completed.
What will I be doing?
No two days are the same at Young Lives vs Cancer. So, summarising your ‘day to day’ isn’t easy. Here are some of the main things you’ll be doing, but you’ll find more details in the job description.
- Providing business support across service development, planning, evaluations, and improvement projects
- Collaborating with other directorates and external partners to deliver joint initiatives aligned with strategic goals
- Supporting the implementation of new systems and processes to drive continuous improvement
- Designing and managing operational programmes, embedding learning from previous work
- Coordinating cross-functional teams, managing risks, and ensuring robust monitoring and reporting
- Building strong relationships with stakeholders and managing governance and service agreements with NHS trusts
What do I need?
Diverse perspectives and unique skillsets are at the heart of Young Lives vs Cancer. If you're passionate about making a positive impact and eager to learn, we encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet the criteria and person specification fully. Your potential is what matters most to us, and we’re committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment to help you develop.
The key experience, skills and attributes we’re looking for in this role are:
- Experience in service delivery and development within health or social care, with a strong track record of managing programmes that drive improvement and innovation
- Skilled at working collaboratively across multi-disciplinary teams and with external partners to achieve shared goals
- Confident in preparing reports, managing corporate documentation, and using monitoring and evaluation to inform decision-making
- Strong understanding of project management, with the ability to identify risks and embed learning
- A commitment to anti-oppressive practice, equity, and amplifying the voices of children, young people, and families affected by cancer
- Passionate about Young Lives vs Cancer’s mission, values, and strategic priorities, with a proactive approach to safeguarding, inclusion, and continuous improvement
What will I gain?
For people to reach their full potential, they need the right environment. As a member of Team Young Lives, you’ll be made to feel supported, valued and appreciated. Here’s how we do it:
- Flexible working: we’re open to working hours outside of 9 - 5 and we can talk through your flexibility requirements at interview stage
- Thinking and Growth days: four days a year to support your wellbeing through reflection, learning and development - in whatever way works for you
- Generous annual leave allowance
- Great family/caring leave entitlements
- Enhanced pension
- Access to our employee savings scheme
To find out more about our benefits package, have a look on our website.
Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
At Young Lives vs Cancer, we recognise that opportunities for too many people remain a condition of their sex, ethnicity, class, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation – or a combination. This has never been acceptable to us as an organisation. We don’t just accept difference, we value it, celebrate it, nurture it and we thrive because of it.
We’re on a journey to be reflective of the diverse children, young people and families we support. We know we aren’t there yet, and we’re passionately committed to taking actions and making changes to be a truly diverse, inclusive and equitable organisation. This includes taking anti-oppressive action and removing barriers in our recruitment practices. We particularly welcome applications from members of minoritised communities. Our Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging strategy will tell you more.
We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. CVs can be uploaded, but we won't be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to fully complete the work history sections of the online application form for us to be able to assess you quickly, fairly and objectively.
Accessibility
We’re committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always aim to be as accommodating as possible.Please let us know in your application form of any adjustments or access requirements we could make to help you with the application process and interview.
To arrange an informal chat, please contact Cassie Davis, Service Manager Operations & Development.
#ShowTheSalary #NonGraduatesWelcome
Closing date: Thursday 24 July, 5pm
Interview date: Tuesday 29 July, via Teams
Interview note: We will let you know whether you’ve been shortlisted for interview on the afternoon of Friday 25 July. If you're shortlisted, you'll be invited to book an interview slot. Once confirmed, we'll email you the interview questions in advance.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts 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!
All of us at The Talent Foundry believe that a young person's success should be determined by the talents and abilities they have, not where they come from.
Our vision is to spark ambition and unlock opportunity so that every young person can succeed and thrive as part of a fairer society.
We are proud of our long-term, transformational partnerships with business. This pivotal role in our newly established engagement team has been created to support our next phase of growth and ambition.
This is a broad and dynamic position which will have responsibility for the successful development and implementation of The Talent Foundry’s engagement strategies across fundraising, marketing and communications.
Head of Engagement (fundraising and marketing)
You will be an ambitious fundraising leader committed to supporting our new vision - to support 1 million young people in the next five years - by developing and implementing exciting ways of engaging our key stakeholders - educators, supporters, volunteers and young people.
Read more about the responsiblities of this role and how to apply in our application pack.
This is both a strategic and hands-on role, with specific responsibility for cultivation, stewardship and increasing our fundraised income through major gifts and philanthropy, across individuals, grant and trust funders and corporate foundations.
Your experience:
- Track record in fundraising - either from a major gifts, philanthropy or trusts and foundations background
- Excellent communications and engagement skills
- Ability to propose, initiate and execute ideas and quickly respond to opportunities
- Team management
This is a hybrid role with travel expected to meet with colleagues, funders and visit our projects in schools and partner offices. You do not have to live in London to apply for this role, but before applying, please consider what you would consider a reasonable commute from where you live to our team together days with take place every month. You can read more about our approach to hybrid working in our application pack.
Other benefits:
- 28 days holiday + bank holidays
- £500 L&D budget
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Morning/afternoon of your birthday off
Please ensure your CV includes:
- your full work history since leaving full time education (or the past 10 years)
- please include a note(s) about any employment gaps between roles
- include start/finish months and years (eg Aug 23 - Feb 25)
Any CVs without this information will be discounted.
Talent is everywhere, opportunity is not. The Talent Foundry, a UK education charity, bridges this gap and improves social mobility for young people.





The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you interested in being part of a team making a tangible difference in Norfolk? Can you harness technology, data, and communication strategies to amplify community impact? Do you have experience in CRM, data analytics, and systems optimisation? If so, you might just have found your dream job.
This new role is pivotal to Norfolk Community Foundation’s desire to harness technology, data, and communication strategies to amplify community impact.
About the role
The Head of Digital Transformation and data strategy reports to the Director of Finance and Operations and is part of the Senior Management Team working closely with the Chief Executive.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Modernising systems and workflows to enhance organisational efficiency and resilience.
- Leveraging data insights to inform strategic decisions.
- Strengthening digital communications for stakeholder engagement.
- Driving responsible innovation, including AI and automation, to improve efficiency and impact.
About you
We are looking for someone with a strong track record in strategic leadership and digital transformation, who can confidently set a vision and drive innovation across an organisation. You will be experienced in managing CRM systems (particularly Salesforce), data analytics, and optimising systems to improve performance and efficiency.
You will have excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate complex data into meaningful insights and actions. A deep understanding of cybersecurity, GDPR, data governance, and risk management is essential, as is a forward-thinking approach to emerging technologies, including AI and automation. This is a fast-paced role that requires initiative, adaptability, and a passion for continuous improvement.
What can we offer you?
We have a range of benefits that we offer our staff, including:
- 25 days holiday (pro rata) plus bank holidays.
- Up to 3 ‘Development Days’ a year to pursue passions, volunteering or learn new skills.
- Flexible working options available.
- A health and wellbeing plan, providing money back on optical, dental, physiotherapy and more, access to advice and support, and discounts and rewards from hundreds of leading retailers, restaurants and destinations.
- Pension scheme.
- Death in service cover.
- Training and development opportunities.
- Visits to see the impact of the difference the Foundation is helping to make happen.
Who are the Norfolk Community Foundation?
We are a local charity with a clear vision of strengthening communities from the bottom up to make Norfolk a vibrant and fairer place to live. Working in partnership with local charities and community groups by providing them with funding, leadership and guidance, we help to inspire local people and those with an interest in Norfolk to give funds, time and resources to support their communities.
To build stronger communities in Norfolk from the ground up.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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.
Our Sponsor Refugees team fits within our ‘Migrants and Refugees’ theme of work, which combines place-based and multi-issue organising through our Migrants and Refugees Organising (MARO) team, and effective national campaigns, alongside the pioneering community sponsorship of refugees. Staff joining Sponsor Refugees are joining a thriving team that works collaboratively with the wider Migrants and Refugees theme and with a range of other Citizens UK teams.
Our MARO team fits within our ‘Migrants and Refugees’ theme of work, which combines place-based and multi-issue organising, with effective national campaigns, and the pioneering community sponsorship of refugees through our Sponsor Refugees team. Staff joining MARO are joining a thriving team that works collaboratively with the wider Migrants and Refugees theme and with a range of other Citizens UK teams.
Living Wage Foundation
The Living Wage is an independent movement of businesses, organisations and people who believe that a hard day’s work deserves a fair day’s pay. The Living Wage campaign was launched by London Citizens in 2001 and aims to ensure low paid workers have enough money to get by and enough time for community and family life.
The Living Wage is an hourly rate calculated according to the basic cost of living in the UK that employers choose to pay on a voluntary basis. The Living Wage Foundation recognises and celebrates employers that pay the real Living Wage through an accreditation programme which awards the Living Wage Employer Mark.
The independently-calculated rates are announced during Living Wage Week each November when we celebrate our growing network of Living Wage employers. There are now more than 15,000 accredited Living Wage employers across the UK which has secured pay rises for over 475,000 employees.
The Living Wage Foundation is part of Citizens UK – a community organising charity which works with a broad base of institutions across the political spectrum. At the Living Wage Foundation, we take a 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.
The Living Wage Foundation has an exciting opportunity to join our dynamic team as an Operations and Data Officer. We are looking for a highly motivated and organised individual to help maintain, develop and continuously improve our data and systems. The role will be an integral part of the Living Wage Operations and Insight Team, providing technical support to ensure the integrity of our systems, and supporting with development projects.
The Operations and Data Officer will need to be highly numerate and have great analytical skills to support our monitoring and evaluation functions, working with the Head of Operations and Insight on financial and budgeting management, reconciliation and forecasting for the Living Wage Foundation. The suitable candidate will be detail-oriented, be able to demonstrate their ability to seek out improvements and problem solve creatively and have experience working with Salesforce or equivalent CRM systems.
Main Responsibilities
Working as the Operations and Data Officer– LWF for Citizens UK, reporting to Senior Data & Operations Manager, LWF, your main responsibilities will include:
Project Management
Deliver work targets on time and to standard to support the Foundation’s data and systems: :
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Support the day-to-day operations and management of all systems within the Living Wage Foundation designed to enable the functioning of Living Wage accreditation schemes.
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Proactively seek out systems improvements to make our processes more efficient so the Living Wage Foundation continues to provide an excellent service to the Living Wage network.
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Provide operational support for all aspects of the accreditation and recognition systems, including identifying and fixing errors.
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Maintain integrity of Salesforce database; identify and source incomplete information within the database; take responsibility for tidying, cleansing and backing up existing data.
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Support maintenance of integrated systems, including syncing data to Act-On and the website.
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Work with Operations and Data Manager to keep templates, forms and related communications materials up to date
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Manage merchandise administration including email inbox, day to day queries, and Shopify administration.
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Support Operations and Data Manager to manage budgets for external contracts (e.g. with developers and suppliers).
Learning and expertise
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Keep up-to-date with functional good practice and technical updates to all our systems, including within the third sector.
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Support with network data enquiries, including analysing data, creating Salesforce reports and dashboards for colleagues.
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Work with colleagues to identify learning & development needs and support Operations and Data Manager to develop and deliver inductions, training and guidance to meet requirements.
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Keep internal training manuals up to date to ensure the Foundation’s team can access clear and consistent information about our systems and processes.
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Support Operations and Data Manager to monitor the impact of internal trainings, support, resources and guidance – update and improve internal support offer as required.
Communications
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Create and write dashboards and reports to support the analysis of our performance.
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Champion systems throughout the organisation and advocate for systems-based solutions. Offer ad hoc guidance to the team and help communicate any changes to systems.
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Run systems surgeries for colleagues to answer ad hoc enquiries and support learning.
Develop and manage external relationships
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Communicate effectively with our external contractors (e.g. merchandise suppliers) to ensure contracts are fulfilled in a timely manner.
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Help identify suitable new suppliers to meet organisational need.
Develop and manage internal relationships
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Support Operations and Data Manager to identify technical solutions to meet organisational requirements.
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Monitor and respond to operations and data enquiries from colleagues. Work effectively with colleagues across Citizens UK, actively participate in the team and organisational wide events.
Income and resources
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Maintain Salesforce data integrity to support accurate and timely invoicing. Help ensure the integrity and safety of our data advising wider organisation on best practice where appropriate.
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Support Operations and Data Manager to track expenditure for Shopify and merchandise suppliers.
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Contribute to plans and proposals to grow sources of income or resources.
Contribute towards Citizens UK’s strategic objectives
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Responsibility for delivering agreed areas of the Foundation’s work plan.
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To work collaboratively with the LWF team and across Citizens UK to ensure that we are meeting the expectations of our network and stakeholders.
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Display self-awareness of DEI issues and good practice, considering impact on direct reports and stakeholders.
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Understand how your role contributes to the purpose of the Foundation and the core mission of Citizens UK.
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Implement Citizens UK’s and the Foundation policies, procedures, and values in own work and that of the team.
Personal Specification
(D) Desirable, (E) Essential
Qualifications
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Degree or equivalent professional qualification or experience (D)
Experience
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A minimum of 2 years proven, comprehensive experience in an operations role (E)
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Experience of analysing business requirements and turning them into technical solutions (E)
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Experience of providing technical support to a team (E)
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Experience of administrating and updating Salesforce or similar databases, and using database integrations such as Zapier, QuickBooks, Form Assembly and email marketing platforms (D)
Key skills and knowledge
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Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret large quantities of data to evaluate and improve performance (E)
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Interest in and good understanding of database and systems management and integration (E)
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Ability to take in and interpret information and communicate in a succinct manner (E)
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Demonstrable ability to find creative solutions to complex problems and implement new systems (E)
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High levels of numeracy with strong attention to detail (E)
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Excellent time management skills with the ability to juggle a wide range of competing demands (E)
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Strong IT skills to include MS Office and database software (E)
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Sound knowledge of data protection regulations and GDPR (E)
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Understanding of the policy and campaign landscape in the UK (D)
Personal qualities & values
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A proactive approach to all areas of work with a ‘can do’ attitude and a flexible approach to work demands (E)
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A strong commitment to the Living Wage campaign and the 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.
Interview date: W/C 4th August
Want to find out more about us and the role?
If you would like further information on the role, the organisation, or our commitment to addressing under-representation and the development and progression of all colleagues, we would be happy to answer any questions.
Join us for a 45-minute lunchtime webinar to learn more about working at the Living Wage Foundation/Citizens UK. Anyone can attend to find out more about the role, all enquiries welcome. In the past, candidates have found this a helpful space for understanding whether the role is right for them.
The webinar will take place on Monday 7 July from 13:00-13:45 on Zoom. Sign up here.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
At The National Lottery Community Fund we are passionate about strengthening communities and improving lives. We are driven by our strategy, ‘It starts with community’ and its four community-led missions, as well as our equity-based approach to tackling poverty, discrimination and disadvantage. As part of our commitment to being more than a funder, we are serious about enabling collaboration, sharing best practice, amplifying the impact of our grantholders and influencing future policy making.
We are now seeking to appoint a Head of Policy Engagement to lead our engagement with policymakers and senior sectoral stakeholders under our four community-led missions and lead our customer support offer. Using your deep understanding of the political and social environment in which our grantholders operate, you will explore the context for new funding initiatives, including potential partnerships, ensuring that we are making the greatest impact possible.
You will already have well established relationships with Welsh Government Departments, other funders and the voluntary and community sector and you will use this to share learning and insight from our funding, lead consultations and identify opportunities for future collaboration. You will convene both grantholder and stakeholder networks to inform our analysis and ensure that community voice is at the heart of our decision-making.
Working with our Funding Team you will ensure we provide first class customer support leading our advice service and working closely in support of our outreach work, ensuring an appropriate level of general and targeting applicant and customer support.
You will be part of a policy and practice network across the Fund, working collaboratively with colleagues across the UK to develop One-Fund approaches to our missions.
We’re looking for someone who is values-driven, passionate about the Fund’s purpose and deeply committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and environmental responsibility. You will have a strong track record of influencing at a senior level and be able to articulate strategic ambitions clearly and effectively. You will also have a nuanced understanding of the role of a non-Departmental Public Body in the policy landscape and experience of working collaboratively across organisational boundaries. As a member of the Wales Leadership Team, you will provide inspiring leadership and strategic direction to the wider team.
Regular travel around Wales is expected, as well as some travel to other parts of the UK to connect with colleagues. We offer a flexible and supportive working environment and an excellent all-round benefits package.
Interview Date: Week commencing 4th August
Location: Wales. Our offices are in Cardiff and Newtown. We have a flexible, hybrid approach to working.
On application, please align your supporting statement to the criteria below
Essential Criteria
- Deep understanding of Welsh communities. Knowledge of the context for the third sector, the funding landscape, public policy and the people and organisations who are influential in these areas.
- Demonstrable experience in high-level engagement, influencing and senior relationship management, internally and externally.
- Experience of managing customer facing support services.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to articulate strategic ambitions, positioning the organisation in the funding landscape and social policy debates.
- Passionate about the Fund’s purpose, evidencing a deep understanding of equity, diversity and inclusion and related best practice.
- Proven leadership skills, including the ability to inspire colleagues and work collaboratively in matrix structures.
- Strong planning and analytical skills, with expertise in research and consultation.
- Proven commitment to continuous improvement, self-reflection and personal development.
Desirable Criteria
- Clear understanding of the role of a UK-wide non-Departmental Public Body and the implications for policy and influencing.
- The ability to speak and write in Welsh.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Communities in the UK come in all shapes and sizes. National Lottery funding is for everyone – therefore, we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and we work hard to ensure our funding reaches where it is needed.
We also believe our people should represent the communities, organisations and individuals we work with. That’s why The National Lottery Community Fund is committed to being an inclusive employer and a great place to work. We recognise and celebrate the fact that our people come from diverse backgrounds. We positively welcome applications from people from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities or longstanding health conditions, people who are LGBTQ+, and people from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds, as well as people of all ages.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we take a proactive approach in making reasonable adjustments, if needed, throughout the recruitment process and during employment. (This can be related to a physical and mental health condition.)
It starts with community.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
What you will be achieving
As People Assistant, you will be supporting an established People and Culture (P&C) team to deliver an efficient and accurate P&C administration service across the Academy, ensuring that all P&C records are maintained properly. You will have some admin experience, which could be easily transferred to working in a P&C team. There will be opportunities to grow and develop in the role and get involved in wider cross-team working projects.
The People and Culture function forms part of the Directorate team. The team includes the Head of People and Culture, two People Business Partners and two People Assistants (including this role).
The wider Directorate team is responsible for supporting big annual Corporate Events. The team also supports and provides administrative support to the Chief Executive (CEO), President, Officers and Senior Leadership Team.
What you will be doing
- Supporting the People Business Partners in managing the recruitment activity. Recording diversity information after each recruitment round, ensuring it is available for annual analysis.
- Managing the new starter admin process, including conducting reference checks, induction meetings, and ensuring line managers follow the induction and probationary procedures.
- Undertaking P&C administration, including updating the HR employee database (Cezanne), P&C spreadsheets, preparing correspondence, and responding to external reference requests.
- Maintaining and updating information on the staff organogram and number of permanent/fixed-term posts on a monthly basis.
- Supporting the People Business Partner to prepare payroll administration and paperwork.
- Monitoring the sick leave and annual leave processes - escalating any potential issues to the People Business Partners and Head, as appropriate.
- Supporting the People Business Partners with any training administration, booking paperwork, and supporting training day coordination.
- Being the super user of the HR system.
- Updating any changes in the system, as and when needed.
- Supporting Academy away days.
- Supporting the People Business Partners in systems development work, as necessary.
What you’ll bring to the role
- The ambition to study towards CIPD level 3, or be studying towards.
- Experience of doing admin (within a P&C department would be an advantage).
- Some experience of dealing with people at all levels.
- Excellent IT skills, working with databases (experience with HR databases would be an advantage).
- Good literacy and numeracy skills
Benefits
- Salary progression framework.
- Hybrid and agile working.
- 29 days' annual leave, including Christmas closure dates, plus bank holidays.
- Regular organisation-wide Wellbeing Days.
- Pension (the Academy offers a flexible contribution structure with a minimum employer contribution of 8% up to a maximum of 13% of gross salary, with an employee contribution ranging from 3% to 8%).
- Life assurance.
- Vitality Private Medical Insurance, on completion of probation.
- SimplyHealth Cash Plans, on completion of probation.
- Season ticket travel loan (interest-free), on completion of probation.
- Cycle to work scheme, available on completion of probation.
- Family-friendly benefits - enhanced maternity and paternity leave (subject to qualifying period), coaching for parents returning to work.
- Subscription to Headspace and Class Pass.
- Staff training to support your development, including EDI training.
For more information and to apply, please visit our careers portal.
Closing date: 5.00pm on Thursday 17 July 2025.
Interview dates: Thursday 24 & Friday 25 July 2025 (likely held online).
This would be ideal for someone at the beginning of their career looking to grow and develop within a very supportive and innovative organisation. We will provide a structured development programme, lots of opportunities for growth, along with a very nurturing, mission-focused culture and excellent benefits.
This role will support the Head of Environments, Platforms and IT Security to ensure that our technology infrastructure is reliable, safe and future-proofed. As required, the role holder will also support project implementation within the Technology Operations remit, having a direct impact in moving us forward in realising our vision and mission.
As a result of our Christian ethos, this post is covered by an Occupational Requirement (OR) under Part 1 of Schedule 9 to the Equality Act 2010. The successful applicant will be expected to be a practising Christian and to clearly demonstrate a personal commitment to the mission, principles, values and practices contained in our Ethos Statement, by:
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Active membership of local church congregation.
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An understanding of the faith aspects of the work of Christian charities, including the preparedness to pray with colleagues, where appropriate.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Head of Sector Development
Full Time: 35 hours per week | £55,500pa | Hybrid | Closing Date 7th August 2025
Job Reference: HSD02 (Please quote this on any correspondence)
Headline: Help shape sector development for the UK’s professional body for libraries, information, and knowledge management
The role
We are seeking an experienced and strategic professional to join us as Head of Sector Development. This pivotal leadership role will drive the delivery and growth of our professional services, shaping how the profession attracts, develops, and retains talent. You will play a critical role in ensuring CILIP continues to set the standard in professional development, assessment, and workforce support, enhancing the value we offer to members, employers, learning providers, and wider stakeholders.
What you’ll be responsible for:
As Head of Sector Development, you will lead a high-performing team to deliver and evolve a portfolio of services that support career progression, professional registration, accreditation, training, and sector-wide standards. You will take ownership of the Professional Knowledge and Skills Base (PKSB), ensuring it remains relevant, robust, and at the heart of our service offer. You will work closely with learning and employer partners, member networks, and other professional communities to strengthen talent pathways, while ensuring that our services are accessible, inclusive, and aligned with market need.
You will be responsible for setting the strategic direction of the sector development function, reporting on its impact and outcomes, and driving commercial growth through effective product design and service delivery. This includes the development of a scalable training offer, effective use of digital platforms, and innovation in content packaging. Your leadership will ensure that quality assurance standards are upheld across all services, while also championing the importance of professionalism and ethical practice throughout the sector.
What we’re looking for
You will bring significant experience from within the library, information, or knowledge management field, alongside deep knowledge of the professional development landscape. Your expertise will include developing competency frameworks, managing accredited programmes, and designing services that support career-long learning and progression. You will be confident working with regulatory requirements and quality standards, and able to use market intelligence and internal data to inform strategic decisions.
As a leader, you will be values-driven, collaborative, and commercially minded. You’ll be an effective communicator with the presence and credibility to represent CILIP at senior levels. You’ll bring a strong understanding of inclusive practice and a proven ability to develop services that are accessible and relevant to a diverse profession. Most importantly, you will be passionate about professional development, driven by impact, and committed to strengthening the role of the sector in society.
Why join us?
We’re on an exciting journey to transform how we work, what we offer, and how we serve our members and partners. You’ll play a central role in shaping this future, leading change, driving innovation, and helping ensure CILIP thrives in a rapidly evolving sector.
If you're an inclusive, strategic leader who thrives on innovation, people leadership, and delivering measurable impact, we’d love to hear from you.
About CILIP
CILIP is the leading voice for the information, knowledge management and library profession. We are here for everyone who has a professional connection to information, knowledge, data and libraries, and shares our belief in their power to change lives.
Our purpose is to unite, support and empower information professionals across all sectors.
What we do:
- Continuing Professional Development (CPD): We will deliver high-quality CPD events and training that enable our members to enhance their skills, knowledge, and expertise.
- Membership services: We will provide excellent membership services that support our members and enable them to maximise their membership benefits.
- Professional standards: We will uphold and develop professional standards that promote excellence in libraries, information and knowledge management.
- Content and publishing: We will deliver high-quality books, journals, magazines, and other content that enables our members to improve their skills and develop their expertise.
- Advocacy: We will advocate for the value of our profession and the important role of our members in organisations and society.
- Research and development: We will work in collaboration to deliver R&D programmes which advance our strategic goals.
Benefits of working for CILIP:
- Work alongside passionate, mission-driven professionals.
- Enjoy a flexible, supportive, and inclusive working environment.
- Generous pension and death-in-service entitlement.
- 28 days paid leave per year, plus bank holidays and an additional 3 days leave between Christmas and New Year.
- Perkbox employee discounts.
- Enhanced sick pay, maternity, paternity, adoption and carer’s leave.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
How to apply:
Please submit a letter of application outlining how you meet the criteria and why you are the right fit for this role.
For full details, please refer to the attached role description and person specification (on our website).
To express your interest or arrange a confidential conversation, please contact our HR department,
Closing date: Applications should be submitted by midnight on Thursday 7th August 2025 with shortlisting taking place on Monday 11th August.
Interviews: Will be held week commencing 25th August 2025
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Role: Head of Finance
Location:Hybrid (on-site 3 days per week in Sheffield)
Our offer to you
We pride ourselves in being a great place to work, providing a supportive culture with opportunities to grow and develop your career, achieve a healthy work life balance and to be recognised for the great work you do. You will receive:
- Competitive salary and pension scheme
- 33 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays) - increasing to 38 days over 5 years
- Hybrid, Flexible working
- Cycle to work scheme Electric Vehicle Scheme
- Health and Wellbeing portal – access to financial, health and wellbeing support and an Employee Assistance Programme
- Discounts – you will have access to Blue Light and NHS Discounts as well as discounts on mobile phones, gym membership, cinema tickets, restaurants, holidays and shopping
About Us
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a team of over 1,400 employees and over 31,000 volunteers, united by our goal of saving lives through essential first aid services, training and campaigning. As a charity with rich heritage and a long history of serving humanity, we are proud of our past and excited about creating a healthier, safer, more resilient future.
St John Ambulance works at the heart of communities, supporting and enabling them to access and receive physical and mental health first aid. We do this through developing and providing effective community response and outreach services (e.g. Ambulance response & Nighttime Economy) and using our longstanding expertise to empower people with vital clinical skills and the confidence to use them (e.g. our Volunteers and Community Advocates, NHS Cadets and Young Responders programmes). There is also a buoyant social enterprise network which delivers first aid training and supplies medical consumables to businesses and consumers.
Job Summary
We’re looking for an experienced and forward-thinking finance leader to play a central role in shaping the future of the finance team at St John Ambulance. Reporting to the Finance Director (who reports directly to the CEO), this is a high-impact position at the heart of our finance transformation journey—ideal for a self-motivated, qualified accountant who thrives on change and making an impact.
As a senior leader within the organisation, you’ll be instrumental in driving the evolution of our finance function, leading and developing a large, multi-disciplinary team. You'll bring deep expertise across a broad range of finance disciplines and be excited by the opportunity to embed best practices, streamline processes, and strengthen financial governance.
This is more than a technical role—it's a strategic leadership opportunity. You'll collaborate with senior stakeholders across the organisation and externally, using your communication and influencing skills to shape decision-making and support our charitable mission.
You’ll oversee the delivery of timely, accurate management accounts and play a key role in providing high-quality financial reporting to our Trustees and Finance Committee. You'll also take the lead on our statutory audited accounts, acting as the principal contact for both internal and external auditors.
With additional responsibility for cashflow forecasting, treasury management, tax compliance, VAT, and gift aid, this role ensures St John maintains robust financial governance. While charity sector experience is an advantage, it's your passion for making a difference and your leadership in finance that will set you apart.
About You
- Educated to degree level with a full professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA).
- Significant post-qualification experience (PQE) in senior financial accounting roles, with strong technical expertise.
- Proven track record in producing annual statutory accounts and successfully managing external audit processes.
- Extensive experience leading and developing large finance teams within complex organisations, driving performance and accountability.
- Skilled in preparing management accounts, income and expenditure reports, and cash flow forecasts to support strategic decision-making.
- Demonstrated success in finance team transformation, implementing process improvements, and enhancing financial controls.
- Experienced in stakeholder engagement at all levels, including Board reporting, and providing expert technical accounting advice to support change and excellence.
About the Role
- Lead statutory and management reporting: Oversee the production of audited statutory financial statements and timely completion of the external audit. Ensure best practice in external financial reporting and take full responsibility for the accuracy and delivery of monthly management accounts.
- Own cash flow and balance sheet management: Lead the preparation of the charity’s monthly rolling cash flow forecast and ensure full ownership of the balance sheet, including timely and accurate reconciliations.
- Strengthen financial controls and working capital: Ensure effective financial processes and controls within transactional teams to manage working capital and drive continuous improvement in financial operations.
- Oversee compliance and tax: Identify, manage and control financial risks, including tax compliance. Provide expert technical accounting advice and ensure the charity remains fully compliant in all taxation matters, including VAT and gift aid.
- Drive counter fraud and governance improvements: Act as the financial lead for the charity’s control environment and counter fraud framework. Champion improvements in fraud awareness, culture, and control.
- Manage key external relationships: Serve as the main contact for the charity’s bankers and investment managers, and act as secretary to the Finance Committee and Investment Advisory Group.
- Optimise treasury and investment performance: Lead treasury activities to maximise returns on working capital and investments, ensuring alignment with the charity’s strategic objectives.
- Develop team and performance culture: Foster a high-performing finance team through regular 1-1s, development reviews, and team meetings. Embed a strong performance management culture in line with St John Ambulance policies.
Please see the job description for more detail (this can be viewed on our website or once you click apply)
If you are a current St John Ambulance employee, please apply here: Click here
For all other candidates, or St John Ambulance volunteers wishing to apply: please apply below
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive high volume of applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
St John Ambulance are committed to increasing the diversity of our team and making sure we best reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.At St John, everyone is valued and supported to thrive, we have several networks including Multi Culture, Disability and Accessibility, Pride, Family and Carers and Women’s groups. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination and engender a sense of belonging for all, by creating an environment of mutual respect, where we value unique differences and demonstrate authentic allyship. We believe passionately in equality, diversity and inclusion.
St John Ambulance is committed to safeguarding and we promote safe recruitment practice. Therefore, all successful applicants will undergo pre-employment checks, including DBS Clearance, as part of the onboarding process, if applicable to the nature of the role
Please note: St John does not accept speculative CVs and will only review CVs sent in application for an advertised vacancy.