Senior research officer jobs in edinburgh
We’re looking for a creative and passionate person to lead on our policy and communications work for this maternity cover. This role offers a great opportunity to play a key role in improving impact across the charity and the lives of those affected
The Migraine Trust is the only UK migraine charity providing information and support, campaigning for awareness and change, and funding and promoting research.
One in seven people in the UK live with migraine, and this complex and debilitating neurological disorder significantly affects their lives. We have been leading and bringing the migraine community together to change this since 1965.
Every year we support millions of people through our website and support services on all aspects of migraine and for help in managing it at work, in education, and in accessing healthcare. We campaign for increased awareness and understanding of migraine, and national policy change to improve the lives of people who get it. We have funded over 140 medical research projects and hold an international symposium every two years to bring together the world’s leading experts on migraine.
The role
People living with migraine are at the heart of our organisation, while our research highlights the urgent need to reduce the inequity we see for those living with the condition. You will ensure their voices are heard by decision makers and the public and get closer to our vison of ‘a world where migraine doesn’t stop anyone from living the life they want’.
You should be able to deliver high-impact communication campaigns, and have a real interest in policy. A skilled communicator yourself, you will be able to manage a broad role with the ability to build and nurture relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. Overall, you’ll bring a desire to create positive change.
You’ll work closely with the CEO and be a key member of The Migraine Trust’s Senior Management team, leading our strategic direction on communications activity alongside targeted public and political campaigns.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead the delivery of the organisation’s 2026 policy and communications plans and coordinate the development of plans and budgets for 2027
- Oversee development and delivery of the charity’s policy and public affairs strategy, ensuring a strong evidence base and meaningful involvement of people living with migraine
- Manage work our public affairs agency to deliver targeted influencing projects to improve migraine care, workplace support, and parliamentary engagement
- Shape policy recommendations and develop strategies to engage key stakeholders including parliamentarians, policymakers, clinicians, employers and partner organisations
- Monitor the external policy environment identifying risks, opportunities and emerging issues relevant to migraine
- Work with the team to develop and execute creative and impactful communications campaigns to raise the profile of the charity and tackle misunderstanding around migraine
- Ensure content across all channels – including media, digital, social and publications - is on brand and reflects our values and core messaging
- Ensure our online presence meets the needs of our stakeholders, and is fit-for-purpose for current and future organisational needs
- Oversee production of relevant reports, marketing materials and key publications working with freelance agencies and designers as required
- Work closely with Fundraising colleagues to identify and develop opportunities that support organisational growth
- Ensure all those living with migraine and their voices are central to our policy, campaigning and communications work
- Act as a spokesperson when necessary, representing the charity externally
The above is provided for guidance and is not an exhaustive list of all accountabilities that the post holder may have over time.
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- A creative and experienced communications leader
- Wide experience working in the field of communications (in house or agency) and able to demonstrate knowledge of a broad range of communications activities
- Demonstrable experience of developing media strategies and managing media relations to achieve results
- Ability to deliver policy and public affairs strategies that create change
- A strategic thinker able to develop new ideas and turn these into action
- A strong leader and manager
- Excellent written and spoken communication skills and the ability to communicate, engage and build relationships with a wide range of audiences across the organisation and externally
- Calm under pressure with sound judgment
- Confidence to represent The Migraine Trust externally including public speaking as necessary
- Ability to manage a diverse workload and work under pressure.
Desirable
- Experience working within a health, disability, or long-term conditions context
- Experience of the voluntary sector and/or lived experience engagement
- Knowledge of digital transformation or digital communications best practice
The Migraine Trust is an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all suitably experienced persons regardless of their race, socioeconomic backgrounds, gender, disability status, ethnicity, religion/faith, sexual orientation, or age.
How to apply
For the full role description, and to apply, please visit our website. Interviews will be week commencing 5th January. If you would like an informal discussion to find out more about the role before submitting an application, or have any other queries, we encourage you to get in touch.
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!
SCIE Vision
We are committed to building a society which enables people who draw on social care to live fulfilling lives.
At the SCIE, we are driven by our values:
· Progressive – always learning and developing.
· Inclusive – working together for equality, diversity, and fairness.
· Credible – evidence-based, robust, and reliable.
· Transparent – open and honest.
· Committed - focused on making a difference to people’s lives.
The role:
A great opportunity for you to join our small friendly team and make a real difference to people’s lives by:
· keeping our finances running smoothly
· supporting smarter decision-making
· help power the work that changes lives.
If you’re detail-driven, organised and ready to make your skills matter, we’d love to have you on our team.
What we are looking for:
· actively studying for your AAT or already qualified, with a solid grasp of financial processes and the confidence to work accurately at pace.
· previous experience of working within a Finance Team
· someone who loves getting the details right and takes pride in keeping finances running like clockwork
· strong numeracy, great organisational skills, and a proactive, can-do attitude
· a problem-solver who enjoys improving systems, collaborating with colleagues, and making a real impact through your work.
What we offer in return.
We offer excellent staff benefits including a competitive salary and homeworking allowance. We provide an employer pension contribution above the statutory minimum, an award-winning employee assistance programme, and an attractive holiday package which rises with length of service.
If you would like to access the application form in a different format or if would like any assistance that might help improve your experience while completing the application, please contact us.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Location: Home Based with regular national travel
Since 1962 the National Autistic Society has been campaigning to transform lives, change attitudes and create a society that works for autistic people. In National Programmes we champion the rights and interests of autistic people and their families, making sure national policy and legislation to reflect their needs. We provide autism training and best practice services and want all autistic people to have access to services and support that fully meet their needs. We provide diagnostic services, training, accreditation, consultancy and conferences, designed to support all professionals and organisations.
The Supporter Fundraising team is responsible for managing and growing all supporter-led fundraising activity, including third-party challenge events, community fundraising, and our own portfolio of fundraising events. Together, our work generates over £1 million in income each year—vital funds that help the National Autistic Society achieve its mission: a society that works for autistic people.
Visit our website to find out more about who we are and what we do:
Who we are looking for:
We are seeking a proactive and creative Senior Events Fundraising Officer to join our dynamic team on a permanent basis.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about events fundraising and eager to take ownership of a diverse portfolio. You’ll play a key role in developing new fundraising events, supporting and inspiring colleagues, and delivering excellent supporter experiences that maximise income and impact.
The role will involve:
- Leading on a portfolio of owned and third-party fundraising events, including feasibility research, planning, marketing, participant recruitment, logistics, budgeting, and evaluation.
- Taking a lead role in the development of new fundraising events in collaboration with the Innovation Team, from research and proposals through to approval, delivery and evaluation.
- Providing first-class supporter care, ensuring participants feel valued and engaged, and that income and expenditure targets are met or exceeded.
- Working closely with marketing, press and PR colleagues to create and implement event promotion and communications plans, across both traditional and digital channels.
- Line managing and supporting Events Officers where appropriate, and deputising for the Events Fundraising Manager when required.
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and event providers to ensure effective delivery and the best possible experience for supporters.
- Overseeing volunteer recruitment and stewardship plans to increase engagement and retention.
The successful candidate will bring:
- Experience of planning and delivering fundraising events, with proven ability to meet financial targets.
- Strong relationship-building skills, with confidence in working with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
- A creative, innovative mindset and a passion for developing new fundraising opportunities.
- A commitment to delivering outstanding supporter care and improving supporter journeys.
This is a full-time, permanent role, for 35 hours per week. The salary for this position is £32,577 per year.
To view the full job description please click
What we can offer you:
- Auto-enrolled Pension Scheme
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Excellent induction, training and development programme including training about autism and opportunities to attend our conferences
- Online staff discount scheme for a range of benefits such as cycle to work scheme, season ticket loan & shopping discounts for places such as Asda, Tesco, Sainsburys, Halfords, Nike, Apple and loads more!
- Healthcare Cash Plan
- Life Assurance at 2 x base salary
- A portfolio of fantastic new salary sacrifices benefits and other flexible benefits private health, dental insurance, car salary sacrifice scheme, activity pass, holiday trading, enhanced pension & salary deduct loans (eligibility criteria may apply)
- Access to a 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme & counselling programme
- Free access to the Headspace App – a global leader in mindfulness and you can enrol up to three friends or family for free!
- Eligibility for a Blue Light Card
Where you will be working:
City Road, London / Homeworking / Hybrid
(Up to 20% national travel, including some evenings and weekends, as required.)
About our application process:
When providing a supporting statement, please refer to the job description and person specification and include any information that shows your suitability for the role.
For more information about this job, please contact Jonathan Littledale – Events Fundraising Manager ( ########### )
We do reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
For some roles, successful applicants will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding checks which will include additional references and criminal background checks.
Applications for this job are sought from anyone who is suitably qualified and experienced for the role but particularly welcome from those with a diagnosis of autism.
The National Autistic Society is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and adults who use our services and as such expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding checks.
We are an equal opportunities employer
Bring the ocean’s story to life
At the Marine Conservation Society, we’re working for a cleaner, better-protected, healthier ocean. To achieve this, we are required to build and sustain strong, high-value and long-term partnerships that align with our strategic mission and goals.
We’re looking for a confident and ambitious Senior Corporate Development Manager to lead the cultivation and stewardship of high-value, strategic relationships with corporate funders. This is a pivotal role focused on new business acquisition, driving forward our corporate fundraising strategy and unlocking transformational income to support marine conservation.
You will play a key role in growing our current corporate income of £1millon, with a strong emphasis on securing multi-year partnerships and cultivating opportunities for future growth. If you’re a strategic thinker with a proven track record in securing six and seven-figure corporate gifts, and you thrive in a fast-paced, purpose-driven environment, we’d love to hear from you.
What you’ll do
Lead on the development and delivery of a new business strategy to secure long-term, high-value corporate partnerships.
Identify and research prospective partners, develop tailored proposals, and lead pitch presentations.
Line manage and mentor the Corporate Partnerships Officer, supporting their professional development and performance.
Collaborate closely with Corporate Partnership Managers to ensure seamless transition from account acquisition to stewardship.
Represent the organisation externally, building relationships with senior stakeholders across sectors.
Monitor and report on new business pipeline, KPIs, and income targets.
Why join us?
- You'll be part of a passionate, friendly and forward-thinking team.
- Your work will directly help obtain the required corporate funding to achieve our overall aims and objectives.
- We’re flexible, inclusive and committed to learning and growing together.
- We believe in evidence, action and people-powered change.
We’ve also got other ways to value your contribution:
- Annual leave starting at 25 days a year, plus Bank Holidays, and increasing with service (we also close between Christmas and New Year as extra time off)
- 8% employer contributions to our stakeholder pension scheme
- Sick pay at full-pay for 8 weeks, then 8 weeks at half-pay (after probation ends)
- Great work life balance through flexible and in many cases, remote working
- Support for your health and wellbeing with a programme of activities plus an employee assistance programme for you and the people who live with you
- A paid day for you to volunteer to support another charity of your choice
We tackle the ocean emergency by working with communities, businesses and governments.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Purpose of the post
The Finance Officer plays a crucial role within HDR UK as one of the key points of contact and financial support for the Institute. The role is responsible for managing the financial transactional processes and providing crucial cross-organisational support and troubleshooting via the Finance inbox. The Finance Officer supports with the management of the Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable functions, from supplier set up through to payment run processing. The role also plays a key part in the running of our finance system, Microsoft Dynamics 365, and our expense system, Continia Expense Management. The Finance Officer is the key point of contact between HDR UK and our external Payroll providers, supporting with timely and accurate preparation and review of the monthly payroll process. The successful candidate will be working across the entire organisation, including contact with senior stakeholders on the central team, and with our external partners.
This is an exciting role which offers career development opportunities in finance management (the incumbent Finance Officer is moving up to a Finance Business Partner position). The successful candidate will be working across the entire organisation, including contact with senior stakeholders on the central team, and with our external partners.
Main responsibilities
- Responsible for the finance inbox, first point of contact for finance queries and ensuring appropriate filing of all relevant documentation
- Managing purchase ledger
- Preparing and processing weekly payment runs
- Managing the employee expense process and the public engagement expense process
- Preparing monthly bank and balance sheet reconciliations
- Ensuring all transactions are accurately recorded in the accounting system
- Working with the Finance Business Partners to ensure all postings are correctly coded
- Finance system management – general administration and management of the finance and expenses system
- Troubleshooting of finance system and expense system queries and issues
- Performing administrative tasks related to customer and vendor setup
- Performing administrative tasks relating to credit card expenditure
- Assisting with preparation for annual audits and year end statutory accounts
- Assisting with monthly payroll checks
- Continuous improvement of processes and procedures
- Updating the finance manual as and when changes are made to processes
Skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively and confidently with people at all levels.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to handle sensitive issues positively and confidentially
- Ability to work accurately with attention to detail
- Excellent relationship building and networking skills
- Excellent problem-solving skills and confident in decision making
- Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment and to work in an agile, flexible and pragmatic way
- Proficient with Excel, Word, Adobe, and Outlook.
- A good understanding of accounting principles, such as double-entry accounting
- A strong desire to learn on-the-job and engage in career development. This role presents an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual to gain finance competencies.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About the role
You will be home based and will need to travel in the UK, Eire, Europe and further afield as the role develops.
You will need some storage space available for Charity materials.
If you are self-driven, motivated, and want to help others achieve something amazing in support of Histiocytosis UK, we would love to hear from you.
You are likely to be in a similar role at another charity or have the right experience and transferable skills from another sector. You’ll be confident, enthusiastic, and an exceptional influencer with great customer care and communication skills.
There will be ample opportunity to shape the role, lead on specific projects and put your ideas into action.
The role will be mainly remote working so your experience and motivation will be key in this role so that we can achieve tangible results.
Who we need?
You will be an excellent communicator, face to face, online, phone or email. You know the importance of listening, and you are the sort of person that brings focus and calm to difficult situations. Prioritising your workload is second nature. Perhaps most importantly of all, you’re energised and driven by a passion for learning and making life better for those with a long term and/or serious illness.
A degree is not essential, but a communication and fundraising skills qualification is desirable. It is important that you have a high standard of writing, and that you are on good terms with your computer, particularly MS office, email and maybe even Mailchimp, Zoom, Sage Accounting, Spreadsheets etc.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About the Foundation
We’re an independent charitable foundation funded by Lloyds Banking Group. We work in partnership with small and local charities, people and communities, changing lives and working towards a more just and compassionate society.
This is an exciting time to join Lloyds Bank Foundation. We are coming to the end of our strategy period and under the leadership of a new CEO, we are developing and rolling out our new strategy, brand and values. We believe this will enable us to turbocharge our work, allowing us to have an even bigger impact to create social change and cohesion and ensuring people in England and Wales are in a good place.
About the Programme
The Foundation has been awarded a £2.1m grant by the National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF) to deliver a pilot as part of its Grant Holder Support programme. This pilot, Investing in the Power of Civil Society (IIPCS), will support up to 640 charities across the Northwest, Southwest of England and Yorkshire and Humber.
Delivered in partnership with eight organisations — IVAR, Groundwork UK and local trusts, CAST, The School for Social Entrepreneurs, NCVO, Voice4Change England, the AVOCADO Foundation and Access (advisory) — the pilot will offer diagnostic-led, tailored and relational support to help organisations strengthen their work.
Support will focus on resilience, environmental impact, readiness for AI and digital technology, enabling participating charities to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world. With a strong emphasis on equity and access, the pilot is designed to ensure organisations of all sizes and backgrounds can benefit.
We will be using a test-and-learn approach — trying out new ways of supporting charities, learning from what works and what doesn’t, and using those insights to improve future programmes. This approach will help shape NLCF’s future support for both grant holders and grant seekers, strengthen the Foundation and partners’ own development practice, and contribute to wider learning across the sector.
About the Role
As Programme Lead, you’ll have overall responsibility for the successful delivery of this ambitious and collaborative pilot. You’ll lead a multi-partner consortium, oversee a £2.1m budget, and ensure that up to 640 charities receive high-quality, equitable support.
You’ll manage delivery, governance, performance, and learning, while championing a test-and-learn approach that generates insights for the Foundation, the National Lottery Community Fund, and the wider sector. You’ll also lead a small team and play an active role in the Foundation’s leadership group.
This is a strategic and hands-on role for someone who thrives in complexity, values collaboration, and is passionate about strengthening small and local charities.
The Benefits
- Salary of £56,501 per annum (FTE)
- There is flexibility as to where this role is based; however, regular travel to London and across England will be required, with some overnight stays
- A further list of benefits can be found here on the Lloyds Bank Foundation website.
About You
You are an experienced programme leader with a strong track record of delivering complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives in the charity, social or funding sectors. You bring a deep understanding of the voluntary sector, particularly the needs of small and community-led organisations.
You are confident managing partnerships, budgets, and governance structures, and skilled at translating strategy into delivery.
You are a collaborative leader who can inspire and support a team, while championing equity, learning, and continuous improvement.
To be considered for this role, you will need:
- Proven experience leading complex programmes or partnerships with accountability for delivery, budget, risk, and reporting.
- A strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in programme design and delivery.
- Experience managing multi-stakeholder partnerships and collaborative delivery models.
- A solid understanding of how to support and develop small and community-led organisations.
- Excellent people leadership and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Confidence in representing programmes externally and influencing funders or decision-makers.
Experience with test-and-learn approaches, diagnostic tools, or equity-led programme design would be an advantage.
We are hoping for an immediate start for the position or as soon as possible thereafter.
So, if you’re looking to make a meaningful impact as a Programme lead, please apply via the button shown.
- The deadline for applications is Sunday 7th December at 23:30
- Interviews with shortlisted candidates will be held online on Friday 19th December.
We support small, local and specialist charities across England and Wales.


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About you
Do you want to use your skills to make it possible for people with myeloma to live longer and better lives?
Myeloma UK is looking for a motivated and experienced Special Events professional to join our Philanthropy team.
Special events play a vital role in engaging our supporters, inspiring their support, and raising vital income for the charity. Throughout 2026 we have a range of events planned, including private dinners, receptions and large fundraisers in London and Edinburgh.
Special Events is an area of growth for the charity, and this is an exciting opportunity to work alongside our major donor team and senior volunteers and supporters to develop and deliver an engaging fundraising events programme.
Experience in Special Events is essential, ideally in a charity environment. The successful candidate will have excellent event management skills, experience of working with senior stakeholders, and the ability to deliver creative and engaging events to inspire donor support.
About the role
Myeloma UK is embarking on an ambitious five-year income generation strategy, which aims to double our income by 2030.
The post holder will lead the planning and delivery of a programme of high-quality events. You will work with colleagues from across the charity to develop programmes that will engage our audiences and communicate the impact we deliver as a charity. You will have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work with a range of stakeholders.
About us
Myeloma UK is the only UK charity focused on the incurable blood cancer, myeloma and its related conditions. We provide support and influence access to treatments, while researching a cure. Thanks to life-extending treatments and support, today many people affected by myeloma are able to live longer and to live well. Together, we support, so no one faces myeloma alone.
We are committed to bringing together the best and brightest people to help us ensure that every person affected by myeloma has an empowered present and a hopeful future.
Our ultimate goal is to find a cure and make myeloma history. Until then, our mission is to help every person living with myeloma, live well, for as long as possible. We are committed to diagnosing myeloma earlier, discovering and sharing knowledge, transforming the patient experience and influencing positive change.
Our culture
Wellbeing and staff engagement are at the heart of our culture. We offer employees a range of benefits including a pension salary exchange scheme, flexitime, flexible working which includes both home and hub-based office working, health plan, employee assistance plan and holiday purchase scheme. We are committed to providing learning and development opportunities for all our employees
How to apply
If you think you would be a great fit for this role, get in touch and tell us more about yourself by sending the following:
1. A cover letter telling us more about you and what you think makes you a good fit for this role
2. A CV that sets out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements
Applications close on 9am 10 December 2025 and interviews will be held 17 and 18 November 2025.
Myeloma UK is an equal opportunities employer and always welcomes applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of:
· sex
· race
· disability
· age
· sexual orientation
· gender reassignment
· religion or belief
· marital status
· or pregnancy and maternity
Please note, you will be asked to provide evidence of your eligibility to work in the UK prior to interview selection.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are looking for someone who:
- Demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust with key stakeholders
- Has experience of supporting the wellbeing of caring professionals, ideally with those in Christian ministry
- Is familiar with the Anglican diocesan structures and culture
- Is a strategic thinker with experience in partnership development
- Shares our vision to see flouishing clergy
This newly created role within St Luke's is supported by a generous grant from the Henry Smith Foundation to develop our wellbeing programmes over the next three years. The Associate Director will engage with dioceses and individual clergy as they explore and embed our wellbeing programmes.
The post holder will represent St Luke's and our Christian ethos within senior diocesan teams and help shape and deliver our strategic vision for flourishing clergy. This role will support the advancing clergy reflection programme and support dioceses, other networks and communities and Theological Educational Institutions in establishing wellbeing practices.
The role is home based with travel around the UK as required. There will be a requirement to be in London at least once a month for team meetings.
This role carries an occupational requirement for the postholder to be a practicing Christian, in accordance with Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010. The role involves representing and upholding the Christian ethos of St Luke’s in both internal leadership and external engagement.
Please see job pack for more information.
A leading charity in clergy wellbeing and mental health
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Contract: 1.0 FTE (37.5 hours per week), permanent with 6-month probation period
Salary: £56,650-70,000 per annum, depending on experience
Location: Remote working, with option to use co-working space
Start Date: As soon as possible
Reports to: Executive Director
Please note: You must have the right to work in the UK.
How to Apply
Closing Date: 10 December 2025 (23:59 GMT)
To apply, please submit the following:
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Cover letter (maximum 2 pages)
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CV
Due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date, your application has not been successful on this occasion.
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
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Competitive salary with room for growth
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30 days annual leave (pro rata), plus bank holidays and closure days over the December festive period
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Employer pension contributions of 5% (above the national minimum)
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Flexible working arrangements, with set days (Wednesdays required) but flexibility on hours
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Remote working with option to use co-working space
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1-2 all-staff in-person team away day per year, as well as other in-person working opportunities
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Opportunities for professional growth and development
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Excellent team culture built on respect, openness, and inclusion
The Role
BASIC is seeking a hands-on Financial Controller to lead our finance function during a period of sustained growth. The Financial Controller will work across Programme teams ensuring strong financial management and reporting to funding partners, maintain strong financial controls, ensure compliance with charity finance regulations, and provide accurate financial reporting to our Directors and Board of Trustees.
The Financial Controller will oversee the small finance team, including line management of a Finance Assistant and management of an external bookkeeper consultant. This team will be responsible for the majority of financial accounting, processing payroll, and accurate bookkeeping, for which the Financial Controller will be ultimately accountable.
The role includes managing restricted and unrestricted funds in accordance with funder requirements and programme needs, preparing statutory accounts for external audit, and overseeing payroll processing. This role reports directly to the Executive Director to prepare annual budgets and financial strategy, and works closely with the Board's Financial Development Committee to present its implementation.
The ideal candidate will be a qualified accountant with strong technical accounting skills, experience in charity finance, and a proven track record of effective financial management of a growing organisation. You should be comfortable both managing a small team and working hands-on when needed, building collaborative relationships across the organisation. You will need to be a multitasker with the ability to work at pace, and be willing to develop the finance function and best practices to enable the organisation to grow further.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Accounting and Reporting
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Oversee the maintenance of accurate financial records and bookkeeping in accordance with charity accounting standards (SORP)
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Prepare monthly management accounts including variance reporting and rolling forecasts
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Prepare annual statutory accounts and manage the annual independent audit process in its entirety
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Manage restricted and unrestricted funds in accordance with funder requirements
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Provide accurate and timely financial reporting to the Board of Trustees, Executive Director, and funding partners
Financial Operations
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Oversee day-to-day finance operations including payment processing, staff expenses, and cost allocation (including staff costs)
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Oversee monthly payroll using QuickBooks (led by Finance Assistant)
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Manage treasury functions including bank and cash management
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Oversee procurement of key assets such as IT equipment
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Cashflow management
Grant and Budget Management
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Support budget development for funding bids and proposals
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Monitor spend against grants and projects, working towards full cost recovery
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Prepare financial reports for donors and funding partners
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Lead annual budget-setting and forecasting processes in collaboration with the Board and Executive Director
Financial Systems and Controls
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Develop and maintain robust financial systems, processes, and controls
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Continuously improve finance processes and identify efficiencies
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Advise on financial governance and best practice
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Manage financial risks and opportunities (e.g., insurance, foreign exchange)
Team Management and Stakeholder Relations
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Line manage the Finance Assistant and oversee external bookkeeper consultant
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Build collaborative relationships across the organisation
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Manage relationships with key external stakeholders including banks, international transfer services, and audit partners
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Work closely with the Board's Financial Development Committee and BASIC's Treasurer
Please note: This list is not exhaustive. Other tasks may be required as they arise.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria:
- Qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent) or part-qualified with significant relevant experience
- Proven experience in a mid-level to senior finance role, with responsibility for financial accounting and reporting
- Experience managing restricted and unrestricted funds
- Experience preparing statutory accounts and managing audit processes
- Experience in a growing organisation, implementing and improving financial systems and controls
- Strong technical accounting skills and understanding of financial controls
- Excellent numeracy and attention to detail
- Proficiency with accounting software (experience with QuickBooks highly desirable)
- Strong Excel/spreadsheet skills
- Excellent communication skills, able to explain financial information to non-finance colleagues
- Highly organised with ability to manage multiple priorities and work to deadlines
- Proactive and solutions-oriented, with ability to work both independently and collaboratively
- Comfortable working hands-on when needed while also providing strategic oversight
- Ability to work at pace in a fast-growing organisation
- Commitment to BASIC's mission and values
Desirable Criteria:
- Experience in charity finance and understanding of charity accounting standards (SORP)
- Experience line managing finance staff
- Experience in an international organisation or with international funding
- Understanding of charity governance and regulatory requirements
Working to safeguard humanity and Earth’s ecosystem from nuclear risks and interconnected security threats
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.



