Senior office administrator jobs in Manchester

About the Department

The Church of England Foundation for Educational Leadership was set up in 2017 with the mission to 'develop inspirational leaders who are called, connected, committed to deliver the Church of England vision for education'. Since then, it has operated a wide range of leadership development programmes, networks, research, conference and events, and published a range of key leadership resources to equip school leaders at every level to put their vision into practice.
Part of this provision has been as a very successful national provider of NPQ programmes. Beginning in 2017 with the delivery of NPQs for Headteachers, our suite of programmes has now expanded to include programmes for Specialist Teachers, Senior Leaders and also Executive Leaders. More recently, a partnership between the Church of England and the Catholic Education Service is also enabling programmes to be delivered more widely as together our school provision represents around 34% of the sector.

In 2025, the department will launch three new national programmes: Flourishing Leaders, Flourishing Teachers, and Flourishing ECTs (in partnership with UCL). These programmes respond to growing demand for high-quality, values-led professional learning and represent a significant expansion of our work across the education sector.

About the role
We are seeking a Programme Officer who will support the Church of England Education Office's Professional Learning Team. The role is part of a wider team of Programme Officers who support a variety of functions across both the NPQ suite and the Flourishing programmes. Programme Officers work across different portfolios, supporting delivery through directly contracted Delivery Partners and via our National Programme delivered by the Education Office.

Working collaboratively, Programme Officers take on different areas of responsibility to ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality programmes across the country. This role offers the opportunity to develop project management and programme delivery skills in a holistic and supportive environment.

Internal-facing Support

• Maintain the integrity of data within Salesforce and other systems. Trouble-shoot errors when seen.
• Support the effective programme management, launch and delivery of NPQs and Flourishing programmes.
• Lead on administrative tasks relating to the delivery of the programmes, including participant recruitment, onboarding and ongoing participant management (e.g. processing withdrawals and deferrals, supporting participant assessments).
• Provide event administration support, including scheduling, online meeting setup, and updating learning platforms (e.g. Blackboard).
• Assist with the preparation of reports on recruitment, engagement, and quality assurance.
• Provide administrative support across delivery functions, including inbox management, form creation, and reporting.
• Support continuous improvement by collecting and organising feedback from participants, facilitators, and partners to inform programme development and enhance delivery.
• Be prepared to work flexibly across the team, supporting different areas of programme delivery as needed to respond to changing priorities and ensure smooth operation.

External-facing Support

• Provide high-quality, courteous and caring first-line support for participant and partner queries via shared inboxes.
• Support the Learning Technology team with online event administration and technical support.
• Assist applicants and sponsors with the application process and IT-related queries.
• Use data systems, to identify and support Delivery Partners who have participants who are at risk of falling behind, in order for them to take swift action to ensure support is put in place and their participants are able to catch up in a timely manner.
• Support the onboarding and coordination of Coaches and Facilitators across all programmes.
• Act as the first point of contact in online sessions, supporting facilitators to use key features of Zoom and Teams (e.g. breakout rooms) and answer queries from participants, coaches and facilitators.
• Maintain accurate records of contractual milestones and deliverables for external partners.
• Liaise with Delivery Partners to ensure timely and accurate completion of administrative tasks and meeting of their contractual milestones.

Essential

Knowledge/Experience:

• Experience working in an administrative environment, including inbox management and good skills in phone/email communication with stakeholders.
• Experience working in a pressured environment, meeting milestones and key deliverables
• Experience of working collaboratively as part of a team
• Experience in compiling data, extracting and analysing information

Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent customer service skills and ability to manage stakeholder queries.
• Proactive and able to work independently to suggest and implement solutions.
• Strong attention to detail and a sense of ownership.
• Proven communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Desirable

• Experience in finance administration and reporting.
• analytical and data-handling skills.
• Experience using survey tools (e.g. Form Assembly).
• Familiarity with Learning Management Systems (e.g. Blackboard) and CRM systems (e.g. Salesforce)
• Experience supporting professional learning or education programmes.

Circumstances

Whilst this is a remote role, the post-holder will need to travel on occasion. This could be for NSE Team Days, NSE Residential (one overnight stay in the Autumn each year), Professional Learning Team Days, other events such as the National Conference, DP Days etc. It is anticipated that there will be approximately 12 travel days per year, although this will vary.

Closing date for applications is 08 March at 23:55 pm

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact

We have no fixed days of the week for the part-time element of this role and can discuss this further during the interview process.

Learning Disability Community Leader, L'Arche Manchester

ABOUT THE ROLE

Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week (including some evening and weekend working, and regular on-call)

Salary: £47,946 per annum

Reports to: L’Arche UK Regional Leader

Place of work: L’Arche Manchester Community, Manchester M20 4AW. Some travel and overnight stays will be required within the UK

Contract type: Temporary 12-month appointment to cover maternity leave

Closing date: Monday, 2nd March at 12 pm.

Main purpose of the role

The Community Leader is responsible for ensuring that the Community is living the mission of L’Arche, by providing excellent and sustainable care and support services, support for  spirituality, and engaging with our neighbours and the wider community around us.

The Community Leader will:

• Lead the Community by responding to the needs, choices and context of our members while being faithful to the L'Arche UK Vision and Values, the L'Arche International Identity and Mission Statement, and to a co-created Community Mandate and plan;
• Maintain and enhance high-quality, person-centred care, support, and housing for people with learning disabilities, both at home and in our day services in partnership with the Registered Manager, the local and national teams, individual circles of support, and external partners. 
• Ensure the Community’s financial sustainability through robust financial planning and management. This includes setting budgets and controlling spending, maximising housing occupancy, supporting the negotiation of care contracts, growing our day services and spotting fundraising opportunities. 
• Foster a culture that maximises the voice and power for people with learning disabilities, and builds listening and collaboration between Community members. This will include working with an active Community Support Group, Community Gatherings, listening groups, and other forums. 
• Lead and manage a committed and engaged leadership team to achieve objectives, set a positive culture, and support the personal and professional growth of our teams. 
• Cultivate an open, creative, and inclusive spiritual life, inviting everyone in the Community to deepen their connections. 
• Model, advocate for, and embrace the L’Arche ethos of deep, long-term, and mutually transforming relationships between people with and without learning disabilities. Plan and lead a regular calendar of events that build community belonging and help keep people connected. 
• Contribute to the national work programmes of L’Arche UK, as part of the National Council, collaborating with Community Leaders of other L’Arche Communities, to share skills, best practice and resources. 
• Be a visible representative of L’Arche locally in the wider community, with stakeholders like local authorities, professional organisations, schools, faith communities, and L’Arche world wide.

Key essential criteria

• Senior leadership experience in support to adults with learning disabilities (or transferable skills and experience in a closely-related field). 
• Experience leading and managing an organisation or large teams to deliver results, maintain compliance and quality, and to respond to risks and opportunities. 
• Experience leading and developing diverse teams to flourish, individually and together. 
• Good financial planning skills and experience successfully managing a substantial budget. 
• Evidence of the ability to think strategically, and work collaboratively to develop and implement community plans. 
• Experience of living or working alongside people with learning disabilities and/or autistic individuals

This role is subject to an enhanced DBS criminal record check. 

You may have held these job titles in the past: Registered Manager, Service Manager, Head of Care, Senior Operations Lead, Community Director, Head of Community Services, Country or Regional Lead, Learning Disability Services Manager, Head of Mission and Community Life, Health & Social Care Manager, Local Authority Commissioning Lead;

You can find more details about L'Arche and the Manchester community on our website. 

Why join L'Arche?

As well as joining a friendly Community, where you will be well supervised and supported, and benefit from L’Arche’s mentorship programme, these are some other benefits you get by working for us:

• Joining shared meals since cooking and having a meal together is what we are all about
• Enhanced Maternity, Adoption/Surrogacy, Paternity Pay (depending on length of service, details available on request) 
• Enhanced sick pay
• Interest free loans and salary advances available
• Free DBS / PVG checks
• Free Employee Assistance Programme available to everyone
• Up to 5 days paid compassionate leave
• Up to 6 days paid (pro rata) for time off for emergency dependents leave
• Specialist bereavement counselling for employees and their family members
• Life Assurance
• Access to the Bike to Work scheme

Discover what makes L’Arche a rewarding place to work—explore  more of our employee benefits on our website.

A full job description and person specification can be found in the Recruitment Pack.

To apply, please submit your CV and answer the questions from our online application form. 

The closing date is: Monday, 2nd of March at 12 pm.

First interviews (online via Microsoft Teams) are expected to take place during the week beginning the 9th March 2026.

Second round interviews will take on the place week beginning 16th March 2026 and will take place within the Community.

We encourage you not to wait until the closing date to submit your application, as we may begin interviewing strong candidates before then.
We also reserve the right to close the advert early if we receive enough suitable applications.

Please also read our privacy notice for job applicants.

Are you a visionary leader who can help shape the next stage of our work to protect, create and restore Scotland’s woodlands?

We are looking for our next Chief Executive, someone who can lead the charity into an exciting period of growth and change.

FWS is a Scottish charity working to create a Scotland where trees and native woodlands are thriving for our wildlife, communities and climate.  Our mission is to protect, create and restore these vital habitats through knowledge, partnership and practical action.

Founded in 2012 to support innovative thinking for trees and native woodlands, we have grown into an organisation delivering practical action at scale. Today, our work stretches from city spaces to wild places — supporting farmers and landowners to create or restore native woodlands, strengthening local nurseries, building sector skills, and bringing trees into everyday landscapes across Scotland.

The organisation has grown rapidly over the past three years, and now operates as a team of seven delivering national programmes across Scotland.

About the role

This is a rare opportunity to shape a small, ambitious and high‑performing charity at a time of growth and increasing national influence.

As Chief Executive, you will report to and work closely with our Board of Trustees, providing strategic leadership and acting as the organisation’s senior representative. You will:

• Lead the delivery of our strategic plan and future direction
• Strengthen partnerships across the woodland, environmental, community and land‑use sectors
• Oversee programme delivery and organisational performance
• Support, motivate and develop our small and committed team of seven, working across programmes, fundraising and communications
• Represent Future Woodlands Scotland at senior levels across Scotland

You will bring strategic clarity, a collaborative leadership style, and the ability to build strong, trusted relationships across sectors and with funders.

Location

This role is Scotland-based, working from home with travel across Scotland to meetings. Our current team is spread across Dumfries & Galloway, Lothian, Central Scotland and Aberdeenshire.

Contract and salary

• 8% employer pension contribution
• Permanent, part‑time (3 days per week)
• £65,000–£75,000 FTE, depending on experience
• 25 days annual leave + 10 public holidays (pro rata)
• Additional annual leave increasing with length of service, up to a maximum of 10 additional days.

How to apply

Before applying, please read the Candidate Pack for full details of the role, responsibilities and the application process. You can find it on our website. 

Invitations are invited from suitably qualified people and applications should consist of a CV and covering letter. The covering letter should explain how you meet the essential skills set out in the Candidate Pack and what you would bring to Future Woodlands Scotland.

If you would like an informal chat about the role, please contact Shireen Chambers to arrange a call (details in Candidate Pack).

Key dates:

• Application deadline: Midday, Monday 16 March 2026
• Interviews: Monday, 30 March 2026, in Edinburgh in person

About the eoa (Employee Ownership Association)

Employee ownership in the UK is at a critical moment. The sector has more than doubled since 2020. Awareness is rising. Evidence is compelling. Businesses, communities, and policymakers are increasingly recognising that a people-powered approach can unlock fairness, resilience, and productivity.

We believe the UK can reach 10,000 employee owned businesses within the decade, transforming succession, broadening ownership, and reshaping the economic landscape. But achieving this relies on bold, strategic, values-led leadership across our community.

The eoa exists to build and connect that community: a network of more than 850 member businesses, thousands of employee owners, specialist advisors, policymakers, and partners committed to powering fairer livelihoods and stronger businesses through employee ownership.

Purpose of the Role

The Finance Manager leads the eoa’s finances to ensure the businesses resources are used effectively, efficiently, and sustainably.

You will develop robust financial systems, reporting, and analysis to provide insight and assurance to the SLT and Board, playing a central role in safeguarding the eoa’s financial health and enabling its strategic goals to be achieved.

Role Summary

• Contract: Permanent
• Hours: 22.5 hours per week, working pattern to be agreed with successful candidate
• Location: Manchester (hybrid). You will be expected to attend the office at least twice per month, and more often where needed
• Salary: £45,000 (£27,000 pro rata) p/a
• Pension: Up to 7% employer pension match (from year 1 anniversary)
• Annual Leave: 30 days leave + bank holidays
• Reports to: Membership & Operations Director
• Management of: Finance and Business Support Administrator

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of the organisation’s financial strategy, ensuring it underpins and enables operational delivery.
• Manage the annual budget-setting process, working closely with colleagues to align budgets with strategic priorities.
• Manage day-to-day financial operations, including financial accounting, membership renewals, bank account management, cash flow monitoring, credit control, payments, and function oversight.
• Take responsibility for accurate and timely payroll and pension delivery, working in partnership with an external provider.
• Prepare and reconcile monthly, and year-end accounts, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and robust controls.
• Produce accurate, timely financial forecasts, management accounts and financial analysis to support operational and strategic decisions.
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements including tax (VAT, PAYE, Corporation Tax) and financial reporting obligations.
• Maintain strong internal controls and risk management processes, safeguarding the organisation’s financial health.
• Act as a signatory on company bank accounts, ensuring appropriate authorisation and governance arrangements are in place.
• Lead the ongoing development and improvement of finance processes and systems, and automations to drive efficiency and effectiveness.

Knowledge, Experience, and Attributes

• Degree-level education and either ACCA, CIMA, or ACA qualification.
• Proven track record in budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and delivering accurate management accounts and financial analysis.
• Experience of working for or preparing SME accounts, managing audits, risk, and internal controls, with a focus on continuous improvement of systems and processes.
• Strategic thinker who can translate complex financial data into clear, actionable insight for senior leaders and the Board.
• Highly organised, proactive, and solution-focused, with excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Collaborative, adaptable, and professional, demonstrating integrity and sound judgment in all financial matters.

What Constitutes Success in This Role?

Success in this role means the eoa has reliable, efficient, and well-governed financial operations that underpin all aspects of the business. You will ensure day-to-day finance processes are accurate and timely, cash flow and budgets are effectively managed, and statutory obligations are met with confidence. By providing clear analysis and insight, you will support the SLT and Board in making informed decisions, drive improvements in systems and reporting, and enable the eoa to achieve its strategic priorities.

Key outcomes for the role Measures

1. Outcome: The eoa maintains accurate, timely, and insightful financial reporting and analysis to support decision-making.
   Measure: Accurate monthly management accounts and forecasts delivered on time. Rolling forecasts and scenario analyses updated regularly.
2. Outcome: Budgets are aligned with strategic priorities and financial resources are optimally managed.
   Measure: Budgets prepared and approved within agreed timelines. Variance between budgeted and actual expenditure monitored and reported. Cash flow maintained within agreed thresholds.
3. Outcome: Statutory, regulatory, and internal governance requirements are met and risks are effectively managed.
   Measure: All statutory filings (tax, Companies House, pensions) submitted accurately and on time. External audit completed with no significant issues. Internal controls and risk management processes maintained and reviewed annually.
4. Outcome: Financial systems and processes support operational efficiency and organisational growth.
   Measure: Transaction processing, reconciliations, and payroll delivered accurately and on schedule. Improvements in process efficiency implemented.
5. Outcome: Finance contributes proactively to strategic decision-making and organisational development.
   Measure: Financial insight and recommendations consistently inform senior leadership decisions. Evidence of finance-led initiatives driving cost efficiency or strategic impact.
6. Outcome: Finance function evolves to meet organisational needs and supports a culture of improvement.
   Measure: New or updated systems, processes, or reporting tools implemented successfully. Finance function demonstrates improved efficiency, effectiveness, or scalability over time.

How to apply

To apply, please submit:

• A two-page CV
• And ane of either:
  • Cover letter setting out your motivation, approach, and what you will bring to the role
  • Video (maximum 10 minutes) setting out your motivation, approach, and what you will bring to the role

Applications should be submitted before 9:00am 2 March 2026. We will close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. If you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

Interviews will be in Manchester w.c. 9 March 2026.

The eoa welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those who are under-represented. We recruit based on values, skills, and contribution to our purpose.

Role

The Programme Officer will manage day-to-day relationships with Degrees’ research groups based in the Latin America and Caribbean region, ensure smooth grant administration, and support regional events.

Key Responsibilites

Grantees

• Being the first point of contact for our grantees and stakeholders, including volunteer research collaborators. 
• Supporting research teams to gain access to, for example, modelling data. 

Grant management 

• Grant management, including onboarding and ongoing administrative support for the grantees of the various research funds at Degrees. 
• Processing payments.  
• Supporting the monitoring, evaluation and learning process in relation to programmatic activities. 

Events

• Working closely with the Events Manager, other regional Programme Officers and Policy Engagement staff to organise international events, including regional workshops in Latin America and the Caribbean.  

Administration

• Support the building and improvement of internal processes. 
• Contributing to the monthly call and research seminars. 
• Provide ad-hoc support as needed, for example, financial administrative support for grants and programmatic events, note-taking, organising travel, inputs to communications, working with Degrees’ senior management, board, volunteers, and partners. 

Key relationships

• Within the Programmes team forge close working relations with Programmes Director, Programmes Manager, other Programme Officers, Events Manager, Staff Scientist and Scientific Writing and Publishing Lead.
• Develop strong working relations with colleagues from the following teams i) Operations, ii) Policy & Engagement and iii) Communications. 
• Provide ongoing support for Degrees funded scientists based in Latin America and the Caribbean. 

Qualifications

We are seeking a dynamic self-starter based in the UK, with experience in planning and running international events as well as academic workshops. As Degrees is still operating as a relatively small but growing team, the successful candidate will be flexible and motivated – prepared to turn their hand to whatever needs doing to deliver Degrees’ programme of work.

Essential

• A university degree in a relevant subject such as international development, international relations, public policy or earth sciences.
• At least two years’ experience.
• An understanding of climate change science and associated development challenges.
• Fluent in English and Spanish. 
• Strong organisational and project management skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.  
• Good analytical skills with an ability to distil key messages from complex information. 
• Strong digital skills.
• An ability to multitask, to set and deliver on priorities, and to work under pressure.  
• Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work with people of all levels and backgrounds.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic, remote start-up environment.  
• Ability to travel overseas for up to a week per visit as required. 
• A commitment to the mission and values of the Degrees Initiative. 
• Legal right to work in the UK.  

Desirable

• A master’s degree in a relevant subject. 

• A degree in environmental science or international development.  

• Five to ten years of post-university professional experience 

• Proficiency in Portuguese. 

• Advanced digital skills, such as proficiency with advanced spreadsheet functions.

• Experience using CRM systems and Microsoft Office applications, with strong proficiency in Excel.

• Experience working in or with developing countries. 

• Experience in event organisation, workshop facilitation, grant administration, impact monitoring and evaluation, and/or budgeting and financial management. 

Project Manager, Policy Fellow

Terms: full time; 3 year contract
Salary: £36,400-46,000
Location: Remote working, option to use co-working space.  There will be requirements to travel internationally.
Start Date: As soon as possible
Reports to:  Programme Manager, Senior Policy Fellow, Dr Chiara Cervasio

Please note:  Applicants must have the right to work in either the UK, Italy or Germany and be either currently located in one of these countries or prepared to relocate prior to commencing employment.  In this case, BASIC is not providing any relocation assistance and is unable to sponsor VISAs.

About BASIC

BASIC is an independent, non-profit think tank working to safeguard humanity and Earth's ecosystem from nuclear risks and interconnected security threats, for generations to come. Our vision is for a global security consensus founded on multilateralism, the recognition of the indivisibility of security, adherence to Earth's planetary boundaries, and consideration of future generations.

For nearly 40 years, we have built a global reputation for groundbreaking dialogue and incisive thought leadership to strengthen international peace and security. We are an intellectually and culturally diverse team of 20 expert-practitioners with deep institutional experience, headquartered in London with additional presences in Berlin and Rome. We are independent, receive no core funding from any state, and our project work is funded transparently.

BASIC's approach to resolving contemporary nuclear dynamics is centred on dialogue as both a practice and a philosophy. We interpret dialogue broadly, recognising that meaningful engagement takes many forms: from facilitating direct strategic conversations between adversaries grounded in conflict resolution principles, to developing networks and diplomatic initiatives that build consensus around shared objectives, to shaping the intellectual foundations of policy discourse through rigorous research and thought leadership.

BASIC is a fast-paced and rewarding environment with an exceptionally positive and inclusive team culture. We have experienced rapid growth over the past decade and are well-suited to people who are motivated by our mission, able to work at a sustained pace, keen to develop professionally, and enjoy being part of a collaborative team working on consequential issues.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary with room for growth

• 30 days annual leave (pro rata), plus bank holidays and closure days over the December festive period

• Employer pension contributions of 5% (above the national minimum)

• Flexible working arrangements, with set days (Wednesdays required) but flexibility on hours

• Remote working with option to use co-working space

• 1-2 all-staff in-person team away day per year, as well as other in-person working opportunities

• Opportunities for professional growth and development

• Excellent team culture built on respect, openness, and inclusion

The Role

The Project Manager is an adept and organised professional, esteemed within the nuclear policy community for their level. Responsible for overseeing a discrete package of work, they must demonstrate a clear understanding and alignment with broader programme goals, strategies, and objectives. The role will report to the Programme Manager.

Taking charge of project deliverables, the Project Manager will navigate the entire project cycle, from generating fundraising ideas to developing them further and building knowledge of funding relationships. The role will also include deputising for the Programme Manager during periods of absence, ensuring continuity of delivery, external engagement, and team support as required.

The Project Manager will take responsibility for the South Asia portfolio under the Responsibilities and Global Governance (RGG) Programme. The RGG Programme works to strengthen global security by supporting the development of responsible governance frameworks for weapons and dual-use technologies in cross-cutting operational domains. Under the South Asia portfolio, the RGG Programme has facilitated research and dialogue with the Indian and Pakistani nuclear policy communities with a focus on regional crisis prevention, management, and de-escalation practices.

The Project Manager should possess a solid understanding of global security and conflict resolution and a deep understanding and demonstrable knowledge of military security dynamics in South Asia, coupled with a proven ability to design and execute high-quality project management and research. The ideal candidate is an established researcher with a specialisation in nuclear weapons issues and South Asia. As the candidate will be expected to facilitate India-Pakistan nuclear dialogues, it is important that they will show an ability to engage impartially with all parties.

It is expected that the Project Manager will have solo authored, policy relevant, publications. The Project Manager should possess the skills to expand their network in their area of specialisation, benefiting BASIC, and be capable of line managing other team members within their project. 

This role necessitates a formal project or programme management qualification – BASIC will provide the Project Manager with such training and qualifications if they do not already possess one. The Project Manager will collaborate with their line manager to identify a professional development plan, closing skills gaps and aspiring to become an internationally respected leader in their field.

Key Responsibilities

1. Project Delivery

Applicants will need to be able to demonstrate the ability to:

• Manage project timelines, budgets, and reporting requirements

• Line manage, mentor/coach, and provide pastoral care for the project team: policy fellows, project assistants and interns

• Write high-quality, policy-relevant research reports, op-eds and briefings

• Organise international roundtables, workshops and other events with track 1 and 2 participants

• Manage relationships with stakeholders and build BASIC’s network and reputation

• Independently represent BASIC at international meetings

2. Fundraising

Applicants will need to be able to demonstrate the ability to:

• Develop a project, by independently and confidently scoping funding opportunities

• Liaise with the Programme Manager on funding priorities and opportunities

• Manage projects with minimal day-to-day manager input.

• Develop new and existing relationships with funders

• Write and edit funding applications

3. Communications

Applicants will need to be able to demonstrate the ability to:

• Collaborate with various stakeholders including international partners to build strong relationships.

• Facilitate dialogue and cooperation among diverse stakeholders.

• Promote our / their work confidently and internationally 

• Confidently use online social media platforms, and if possible, press contacts

4. Office support

Applicants will need to be able to support the running of the organisation and colleagues with a range of administrative tasks wherever required.

Person Specification:

Essential:

• Educated to Master’s level – or demonstrate the equivalent in work experience

• 5+ years of work experience in a think tank, research institute, NGO, foundation or government working on international security issues

• Demonstrable knowledge of South Asian military security issues

• Passion and commitment to our organisational mission of promoting dialogue to advance global security

• Demonstrated ability and track record in leading the creative development and delivery of policy projects in the UK or internationally, including budgeting and reporting

• Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders from a variety of professional and cultural backgrounds and with broad variations in seniority and function

• Excellent analytical and methodological skills, and an organised approach to research

• Well-developed interpersonal skills, including evidence of working successfully as part of a team

• Track record of previous fundraising experience and success

• Strong track record of publications, including policy-relevant ones

• Experience organising policy roundtables and workshops

• Willingness to travel internationally including to India and Pakistan when required

• Strong organisational skills and an eye for detail

• Good personal network in their research area

• Previous line management experience

Desirable:

• Educated to PhD’s level
• Formal programme/project management qualification

Please note that, due to the large number of applications we receive, we are not able to acknowledge receipt of all applications and only shortlisted candidates will be notified. If you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date, you have not been successful.

Context:
Kinship provides direct support to, raises awareness of and campaigns for the rights of kinship carers across the UK. Kinship carers are navigating complex family relationships, trauma, poverty, discrimination. The children that they care for have frequently experienced abuse or are at risk of harm. Safeguarding concerns can be disclosed by kinship carers at all contact points with Kinship. 

Safeguarding children and adults at risk of abuse or neglect is a collective responsibility and requires a safeguarding approach that is aligned to statutory frameworks, is professional, consistent, trauma-informed and proportionate to level of risk.

The designated safeguarding officer holds organisational responsibility for Kinship’s safeguarding framework and actions. The role works collaboratively with a team including a Safeguarding Trustee and a group of Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads drawn from key service areas across the charity.

The role provides expertise, professional guidance and clear direction across the organisation, supporting staff and volunteers to make sound safeguarding decisions within a framework.

Purpose of the role:
The Designated Safeguarding Manager works closely with all teams across Kinship to embed proactive, person-centred, and partnership-driven safeguarding practice to protect children and adults at risk of harm.

The role provides professional oversight to Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads through individual and group reflective practice and supports high-quality and defensible safeguarding decision-making. The role drives contextual safeguarding approaches, promote professional curiosity, continual professional development and ensures safeguarding responses are informed by lived experience and the realities of kinship care.

At Kinship safeguarding concerns come from risks of harm to adults and children often with risks of harm to multiple people in the same family context.

This requires careful, trauma-informed decision-making and support for staff responding to complex safeguarding situations.

How the role works:
Reporting to the Head of Programmes, the Designated Safeguarding Manager holds responsibility for safeguarding practice across the organisation and provides expert oversight and organisational assurance ensuring safeguarding is embedded consistently, proportionately and in line with best practice.

This role will require flexibility for occasional travel in England and Wales.

Key responsibilities:

Organisational safeguarding accountability and assurance

• Act as Kinship’s Designated Safeguarding Officer, holding organisational authority for safeguarding decision-making and escalation.
• Hold organisational accountability for safeguarding practice, ensuring responsibilities are well defined, understood and embedded across the organisation.
• Maintain and assure a robust safeguarding framework, including defined roles, escalation routes, decision-making thresholds and accountability arrangements and balance safeguarding rigour with compassion and proportionality.
• Provide safeguarding oversight and assurance during service development, mobilisation and organisational change to ensure risks are identified, assessed and mitigated.

Trauma-informed safeguarding practice and oversight

• Embed trauma-informed safeguarding practice, ensuring all decisions, interventions, and organisational processes:
  • Recognise the impact of past and ongoing trauma on children, kinship carers, and families.
  • Prioritise emotional and psychological safety while balancing protection, autonomy, and empowerment.
  • Integrate trauma-awareness into risk assessments, safety planning, case management, policies, and service design.
• Support staff through reflective supervision, guidance, and training to respond effectively.
• Provide professional oversight and reflective practice support to Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads.
• Provide expert safeguarding advice and consultation to staff and managers, supporting the assessment of concerns, threshold decisions, appropriate escalation, and proportionate, trauma-informed decision-making.
• Quality-assure safeguarding practice and decision-making to ensure actions are proportionate, person-centred, trauma-informed, and defensible.
• Maintain appropriate oversight of safeguarding records, risk assessments, and safety planning.

 Policy, compliance and organisational assurance

• Develop, review and maintain safeguarding policies, procedures and guidance in line with legislation, statutory guidance and Charity Commission expectations.
• Ensure safeguarding systems, processes and recording arrangements are robust, accessible and consistently applied.
• Provide regular safeguarding assurance, analysis and learning reports to senior leadership and the Board of Trustees.

Culture, capability and continuous improvement

• Embed trauma-informed, contextual and culturally responsive safeguarding practice across the organisation.
• Promote professional curiosity and reflective practice, supporting staff to exercise sound professional judgement and avoid overly procedural responses.
• Design and deliver safeguarding training and guidance for staff and volunteers, building organisational capability and confidence.
• Lead learning reviews following safeguarding incidents or near misses, ensuring learning informs service and practice improvement.

Equity, inclusion and anti-racist safeguarding

• Ensure safeguarding practice actively considers how race, ethnicity, racism and intersecting inequalities shape risk, vulnerability and access to support.
• Support teams to identify and challenge bias and assumptions through reflective practice, supervision and learning.
• Embed equity, inclusion and anti-racist principles within safeguarding frameworks, policies, training and quality assurance processes.

Partnership working and external accountability

• Work collaboratively with statutory partners and external agencies to support effective safeguarding responses.
• Represent Kinship in multi-agency safeguarding forums, reviews or regulatory engagement as required.

Experience (Essential)

• Significant experience in adult and child safeguarding practice, including oversight of complex, high-risk, and multi-agency safeguarding situations.
• Experience providing professional oversight, reflective supervision, and structured learning support to safeguarding practitioners or leads, without direct line management responsibility.
• Experience embedding contextual safeguarding approaches and promoting professional curiosity in decision-making.
• Experience of working confidently with complexity, challenging constructively and supporting teams to do the right thing in difficult situations.
• Experience developing, reviewing, and embedding safeguarding policies, procedures, training, and learning frameworks.
• Substantial experience working with dispersed or multi-disciplinary teams, supporting wellbeing, professional development, and reflective practice.
• Experience working in voluntary sector, community-based, or service delivery organisations, particularly where safeguarding concerns arise through multiple routes.

Knowledge (Essential)

• Strong working knowledge of adult and child safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance, and recognised safeguarding frameworks, with the ability to apply them proportionately in practice.
• Up-to-date knowledge of children’s and adult social care systems.
• Understanding of trauma-informed, strengths-based practice in work with adults, children, and families.
• Awareness of how racism, inequality, and structural disadvantage can increase risk and shape safeguarding experiences, particularly for Black and minoritised communities.
• Understanding of organisational safeguarding governance, including accountability, assurance, escalation, and risk management.
• Knowledge of safeguarding responsibilities within the voluntary and community sector, including Charity Commission expectations, trustee duties, and regulatory requirements

Skills and abilities (Essential)

• Strong professional judgement, with confidence in making and defending complex safeguarding decisions.
• Calm, credible, and reflective approach in ambiguous or high-pressure situations.
• Ability to support and challenge colleagues constructively through reflective discussion, learning, and coaching rather than directive management.
• Clear, compassionate, and adaptable communicator, able to translate safeguarding complexity for diverse audiences, including operational and service delivery teams.
• Highly organised, able to manage multiple safeguarding priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively across wide-ranging professional teams and external partners.
• Values-led, with a demonstrable commitment to equity, inclusion, anti-racist practice, and culturally responsive safeguarding.

Qualifications (Essential)

• Relevant professional qualification (e.g. social work, health, or related field), or equivalent professional experience.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development in safeguarding children and adults.
• Permission to work in the UK.

Attributes and general characteristics (Essential)

• Commitment to the values, aims, and objectives of Kinship.
• Respectful, empathetic approach to working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Flexible and willing to travel across England as required.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Desirable

• Lived experience of kinship care.
• Experience using Salesforce, Asana, Notion, and/or general AI tools for case management, project management, or documentation.
• Experience in innovation and continuous improvement within safeguarding practice or organisational culture.

How to apply:
Please apply for the role of Designated Safeguarding Manager by sending a tailored CV and responding to these 5 questions below in the online application process. Please read the guidance notes in the job pack. 

Closing date is 9am on Mon 2 March, with a first interview (30 mins online) that week and a second interview in person on Tues 10 March 2026. 

For all questions, please provide a maximum of 250 words per answer.

1.Alignment with Kinship: Why do you want to work for Kinship, and why does this Safeguarding Manager (Designated Safeguarding Lead) role matter to you at this point in your career?  Please refer to Kinship’s work and services in your answer, and explain what specifically about this role you are drawn to. 

2.Trauma informed practice: Describe a specific example where you have led or overseen a safeguarding concern using a trauma-informed approach.

3. Contextual safeguarding and professional curiosity: Tell us about a time you applied contextual safeguarding or professional curiosity to a situation where the initial concern did not tell the full story. What did you notice, what questions did you ask, and how did this change the safeguarding response? 

4. Reflective practice and supporting others: Give an example of how you have supported others to improve safeguarding decision-making through reflective practice (for example group reflection or one-to-one discussion). What was the issue and what changed? 

5. Equity, racism and safeguarding: Describe a situation where race, ethnicity or structural inequality affected safeguarding risk or decision-making. How did you recognise this and what did you do to ensure a fair and proportionate response? 

What we offer you:

• Flexible working - we understand how important it is to balance family and work life.
• ​30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays (1 April to 31 March) pro rata (3 to be taken at Christmas shutdown)
• Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 confidential advice line and counselling)
• Charity Worker Discounts.