Senior research officer jobs in edinburgh

Are you looking for a fully remote, purpose-led and meaningful leadership role, one where you will be dismantling the motherhood penalty for thousands?
 

Pregnant Than Screwed  work sits at the intersection of providing information and support, research, raising awareness, and advocating and campaigning for change – always with a bold, unapologetic commitment to justice for mothers and parents.

Their impact over the last 10 years speaks for itself with 20,000 supported through their one-to-one advice line, successfully influenced key changes in UK law, including the Day-one right to request flexible working, and extended redundancy protection for pregnant women and new mums. Over 150 mentions in Parliament, Thousands of pieces of media coverage, including front-page features in The Times, The Guardian, and The Daily Mail and over 400,000 followers across social media, building a powerful digital movement

Culture and Inclusion

As Head of Development, you will work with an amazing CEO, an individual who has empathy, knowledge and savviness to lead the charity through its next level of growth. She is a progressive and inclusive leader, bold and brave in her actions, knowing that words do not bring about change, only actions. A kind yet fearless leader who will offer freedom, flexibility and personal and career growth. This is a unique opportunity to work with an incredible CEO and shape the future of working mums in the UK forever.

The lived experiences we’d love you to have

Our client is not a “box ticker” instead they are a progressive and inclusive employer, one where they value your lived experiences and skills just as much and can see behind any gaps you might have on your CV.

Our client has already built a strong foundation with our fundraising efforts – particularly through trusts and foundations – but we’re just getting started. They need a determined, creative, and strategic fundraiser to not only continue to grow this vital income stream but also to develop and scale our individual giving program, including high-net-worth donors, membership opportunities, and fundraising events.

As Head of Development, you’ll oversee our fundraising efforts across key areas:

1. Trusts and Foundations: Continue to build on our existing success by nurturing relationships with funders, submitting compelling funding applications, and ensuring robust reporting and stewardship.
2. Individual Giving: Develop and execute a strategy to grow this income stream, including high-net-worth donor programmes, membership opportunities, and community engagement fundraising.
3. Corporate Giving: Establish and grow partnerships with value-aligned businesses, creating mutually beneficial relationships that generate income, amplify our mission, and align with our campaigning values.

This is a unique opportunity to join a growing organisation and make a significant impact by developing innovative, creative approaches to fundraising while ensuring our existing work continues to thrive.

In return for your passion, commitment and hard work, you will receive some of the most competitive benefits across the sector, whilst knowing that every day you are changing the lives of parents, families and the workplace. Your passion for gender equity will be shape the lens through which you storytelling and campaign tirelessly for the good of the millions of women who continue to lose their jobs, get passed over for promotion and face a penalty for being a mum.

Here are just some of the benefits they offer:

· Flexible working is embedded in our culture with employees working different hours, and days of the week.

· 34 days annual leave, including statutory bank holidays. This is pro-rata for part-time staff.

· Paid leave between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

· 2 paid ‘’Wellbeing Days’’. These are days that can be booked off with no notice and no questions asked.

· 5 days paid leave to care for dependents.

· Participation in a comprehensive workplace pension scheme with contributions from the organisation of 4%

· Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay.

· 4 days of training per year. 

· Work from home onboarding and office set up.

Next steps

We would love you to apply, which is a simple and transparent process, with a screening and interview stage with Scoutess Consultancy (we are the recruitment partner for this role) and a one stage interview with our client w/c 21st July (interview 23rd June). Please note the advert will close on Sunday 13th July at midday, however, you may be contacted earlier if shortlisted.

Reports to: Director of Strategy

Staff responsibilities: Line manage four staff; Senior Social Media Officer, Communications Officer, Communications Assistant, Media Officer 

Hours of work: 37.5 hours, full time. The role is contracted until 31 March 2026, due to government funding.

Please note, candidates must be based in the UK.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead the promotion of Bikeability, the Government’s national cycle training programme, as a key member of the management team.

The Head of Marketing and Communications is responsible for the creation, development and delivery of marketing and communications activity with both internal and external audiences, including the Bikeability industry, schools, parents, the general public, media, and key stakeholders.

You will head up a team of talented communication experts, as part of the Strategy team, ensuring the delivery of all communications activity, including marketing campaigns, social media, press relations, industry engagement, and communications support to our public affairs strategy.

You will have excellent experience of delivering outstanding marketing and communications campaigns to increase brand awareness and drive service demand. You will have a collaborative approach and enjoy working as part of a team.  You will report to the Director of Strategy and be actively engaged in advising the executive team and trustees. 

Responsibilities:  

Lead the Promotions and Communications team to: 

• Develop and deliver The Bikeability Trust’s marketing, communications and media activities, including campaigns and project communications

• Manage relevant contracts with external agencies, including website management and graphic design

• Deliver the Bikeability social media programme to key audiences including parents, schools, internal Bikeability industry, and general public for wider awareness 

• Deliver communications support for Bikeability industry through a programme of regular communications 

• Work collaboratively with teams across the organisation to deliver effective project communication deliverables 

• Effectively manage team budget 

• Use media monitoring and brand tracking to evaluate impact and manage brand reputation

• Ensure evaluation and impact of communications work is collated and learning shared.

Enhance and improve strategic stakeholders’ engagement, including joint campaigns, cross-promotion and/or specific project activity to: 

• Ensure the Department for Transport and Active Travel England are fully engaged in any communications activity, working with them to amplify messaging 

• Work with cycling and active travel organisations on joint campaigns and promotions 

• Suport our Fundraising team to generate engagement and income from individual donors and corporate partners 

• Work with our agency partner to provide communications support to public affairs strategy 

• Ensure equality, diversity and inclusion are considered, and the Bikeability industry voice is at the centre, in all research projects and programmes. 

Provide communications leadership across The Bikeability Trust: 

• Champion and advocate the brand, supporting and motivating teams across the organisation to adopt our tone of voice and messaging 

• Track communications performance management and make recommendations for improvement 

• Deputise for the Director of Strategy in reporting to Board and attending Board meetings. 

Essential Skills and Experience 

• Minimum of 2 years leadership experience in communications, PR or marketing, including management of a small team.

• Experience of communications and marketing, including promotional campaigns 

• Experience of website management 

• Strong leadership and collaborative working style 

• Self-motivated with positive mindset 

• Excellent communication and analytical skills 

Desirable Skills and Experience: 

• Experience working in charity or non-profit sector 

• Experience working in cycling industry 

• Experience working with local and national government 

About The Bikeability Trust 

The Bikeability Trust’s purpose is to ensure that all cycle training is delivered to a gold standard, inspiring everyone to cycle with competence and confidence.   

We are:  

• Expert: The Trust has successfully administered the Bikeability programme on behalf of government since 2018, delivering high-quality delivery guides and instructor training, and our workforce has thousands of years combined experience teaching people to cycle.  

• Inspiring: Every rider completes our training feeling able, confident and motivated to cycle safely on the roads for short journeys. Transforming the traditional image of cycling to an everyday, everyone activity.    

• Quality focussed: Our instructors deliver high-quality, consistent and standardised cycle training. We aim to ensure that every rider achieves the same outcomes to the same standard, taking into account their individual capabilities, including special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).  

• Inclusive: We take action to reduce barriers to participation, support underrepresented groups and ensure that anyone who wishes to access Bikeability cycle training is able to do so, and cycling is seen as an activity for all.   

• Efficient: Our delivery programme offers value for money and is delivered in an economic, proportional and efficient way.  

• Influential: We share our evidence of the impact of cycle training across a variety of sectors (transport, education, environment, health, leisure, etc) and work collaboratively with stakeholders, partners and commercial organisations to achieve our vision and influence behaviour change.

Executive Assistant

Location: Remote (UK), with approximately monthly travel to Stroud

Contract type: 12 months, with aim to make permanent

Salary: £31,000- £35,000 pro rata, depending on experience (plus benefits)

Working pattern: Full time or part time (minimum 4 days/week (0.8 FTE)

Closing date: 6 July 2025

Commencement date: Negotiable, preferably week commencing 18 August 2025

How to apply: Submit your CV and a short covering letter via CharityJob 

Introduction

Iswe is a social impact foundation dedicated to finding ways to put people at the heart of social and political decision-making to solve some of society’s greatest challenges. We are looking for a dedicated and experienced Executive Assistant to play a pivotal role supporting our CEO and leadership team. 

We know that building a team representative of wider society fosters creativity and innovation. We welcome people of all backgrounds, identities and experiences and are committed to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly welcome applications from candidates who are disabled, Black, Asian or from other minority ethnic backgrounds, who identify within the LGBTQIA+ community, or identify as from a lower or disadvantaged socioeconomic background as these groups are currently under-represented on our staff team.

Role Purpose

The Executive Assistant is an important role within our organisation, working closely with the CEO and leadership team. This is a dynamic, fast-paced position at the heart of a globally significant initiative. The successful candidate will be a key partner to the CEO, helping translate vision into action and ensuring high-level stakeholders receive timely, professional and thoughtful communication. 

We’re seeking an experienced Executive Assistant who is flexible in approach, adaptable to changing priorities, and shares a belief in our vision.

If you believe in the wisdom of everyday people, are values-driven, self-reflective, creative, curious, agile, flexible and enthusiastic, if you want to do work that learns and grows from all the richness each of us brings – where we welcome learning from a diverse array of life experiences, cultures, and backgrounds, if you can bring positivity and accountability to your work, if you strive for brilliance, challenges excite you and if you would speak with authenticity and dedication about our work, we want to hear from you!

Main duties

• Proactively manage the CEO’s diary, inbox and meeting schedule to ensure strategic alignment and use of time

• Draft, edit and manage correspondence, briefing notes, and presentations on behalf of the CEO and leadership team

• Coordinate and support internal and external meetings, including logistics, agenda preparation, taking accurate minutes and tracking decisions and actions that arise

• Support the CEO to track progress on key priorities, ensuring deadlines are met and decisions are followed up

• Provide administrative and organisational support for events, travel and itineraries (UK and international) and other logistics

• Manage the CEO’s social media accounts as directed, posting content and responding to key contacts

• Financial Administration - gather and provide financial information to Finance co-ordinator, gather and co-ordinate receipts etc

• Maintain relationships with senior stakeholders, partners and board members with professionalism and tact

• Assist the CEO and leadership team with additional administration/ organisational tasks at their discretion 

• Assisting with research of projects, e.g. potential partner research 

Essential skills and experience

• A minimum of five years of experience providing high-level administrative support in a busy organisation

• Proficient in workplace software including Google Workspace, Zoom, Slack, Trello and able to learn to navigate new systems quickly 

• Experience of upwardly managing senior leaders with limited time and high responsibility 

• Experience managing external communications with senior stakeholders 

• Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate records and produce coherent reports and minutes 

• A proactive, self-starting attitude with the ability to anticipate needs and adapt to changing priorities 

• Excellent time management skills: the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines is key

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence

• Confidence to constructively challenge when necessary, including speaking openly about conflicting viewpoints or workload balance

• Discretion in handling confidential or sensitive information

• Self-reflective, open to feedback and committed to personal growth

• Enthusiasm for Iswe’s mission and dedication to its continued success

Desirable skills and experience

• A relevant tertiary qualification is advantageous but not essential for example Certified Administrative Professional (CAP), Exec PA Diploma, Certified Executive Assistant Professional (CEAP) etc 

• Experience of working within the charity or non-profit sector

• Experience of working in a startup environment

Salary, Benefits and Conditions

We are a supportive and purpose-driven team. We offer:

• Flexible working arrangements 

• Generous holiday allowance (35 days plus bank holidays, pro rata)

• Opportunities for professional growth and development

• A supportive, inclusive working culture built on trust and mutual respect

• Opportunities to contribute to globally significant work
   

About Iswe

We believe that many of the crises we face today - health, climate, the cost of living etc - are symptoms of failing governance structures, and that putting people in the driving seat of decision-making will transform our futures for the better. Our current strategy focuses on innovations around citizens’ assemblies (and similar deliberative processes), public services and the relationship between politicians and the communities they serve.

Our team has decades of experience in democratic innovation. Projects include Global Assembly for COP26, Good Help and The Future Armenian. Iswe is a fast-growing foundation, dedicated to empowering citizens to play a leading role in the decision-making that affects their lives. 

Our work is founded on strong values, including openness, transparency and humility. We believe that when ‘I’ (an individual) becomes ‘we’ (part of the collective), the results are transformational. We are actively working to build a healthy culture, rooted in care and characterised by being self-organising and self-reflective. We are committed to addressing the dynamics of oppression in ourselves and our work.

About Chapter One

Chapter One is a dynamic, growing charity with a vision of a world in which all children have the literacy skills needed to thrive. Our mission is to close the reading gap by providing children with one-to-one support at the time they need it most. 

Our unique Online Reading Volunteer programme currently supports around 3,000 children a year. It pairs disadvantaged, struggling five to eight-year old (KS1) readers with reading support volunteers who come from over 140 local and national businesses. The volunteer ask is very focused: readers commit 30 minutes a week to read with a child using a bespoke digital platform for an entire academic year. The results are transformative, boosting children's reading confidence and ability. 

For more information about our programmes please visit our website. Please also take some time to visit our social media channels and watch our videos.
 

About the Role

The Human Resources (HR) & Administrative Assistant will provide support to the CEO, Line Managers and the wider team with a range of HR related and administrative tasks. They will work remotely and will need to have access to a reliable internet connection. They will report to the CEO.

This role is ideal for someone who wishes to pursue a career in HR, and Chapter One is willing to support the postholder to gain external qualifications. This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check, and the post-holder must be permanently based in the UK at the time of applying and for the duration of their employment. 

All Chapter One employees are required to attend quarterly in-person staff meetings held in various locations across the UK (all expenses covered); participation is mandatory.

Main duties will include:

HR Administration and Data Management

• Maintain accurate and up to date HR records on Chapter One systems

• Be the in-house expert on Breathe, Chapter One’s HR system

• Lead on data entry and HR system (Breathe HR) management, including generating relevant reports to support staff management and key decision making

• Monitor and track training and DBS records ensuring timely renewals in line with Chapter One’s policies

• Assist with documenting and maintaining HR process and workflows

• Ensure employee documents are stored correctly and confidentially

Organisational Policies and HR Procedures

• Working with the CEO and the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to create, update and disseminate relevant Charity policies and/or updates to the staff handbook

• Prepare standard HR letters and documents (contracts, change letters)

• Lead on the liaison with and promotion of the organisations Employee Assistance Programme (Health Assured EAP)

• Create process guides for staff in collaboration with Line Managers and the CEO

• Act as a first point of support for HR-related queries from managers, escalating to the CEO when needed

• Liaise with Chapter One’s external HR advice provider when additional expertise is required

• Proactively identify opportunities to streamline and improve HR administrative processes and procedures

Recruitment, Onboarding and Offboarding

• Support managers through the entirety of the recruitment process for staff and trustees - including, but not limited to, advertising vacancies, organising applications, arranging interviews, monitoring interview tasks, coordinating assessments, collecting candidate documents, requesting references

• Managing the onboarding process for all new staff, including, but not limited to, holding HR induction meetings, coordinating new starter paperwork, setting probation review dates and training

• Work with Line Managers to organise induction plans, schedule introductory meetings, and ensure new starters are fully supported during their initial weeks

• Coordinate the offboarding process for departing staff, including exit interviews, return of equipment, and removal from systems

General HR Support

• Organise and schedule staff meetings and organisation-wide training sessions

• Coordinate wellbeing and employee engagement activities, including, but not limited to annual surveys, staff away days, seasonal events

• Plan and coordinate in-person meeting logistics, including venue booking, accommodation, equipment and refreshments, ensuring all arrangements are inclusive and appropriately tailored to staff needs

• Work with the SLT to be a champion of Chapter One’s values, and a custodian of its supportive work culture

• Communicate instructions and other messages to Line Managers and staff clearly and promptly on behalf of the CEO 

• Support with preparation for audits or compliance checks e.g. Right to Work, DBS

• Provide HR support to staff working groups e.g. Wellbeing or Learning and Development

• Attend external HR webinars (eg with DOHR or Breathe) and disseminate information to the CEO & Line Managers as required

• Stay informed of relevant employment law updates, notifying the CEO of possible changes needed to policies or procedures

• Support general organisational administration as needed, such as scheduling key meetings, maintaining registers or documentation, or assisting with regulatory filings

• Assist the CEO & Line Managers with additional HR and administrative/organisational tasks, assigned at the discretion of the CEO

We are looking for applicants with the following essential qualities:

• Educated to A-level standard or equivalent

• A genuine interest in Chapter One, with a passion for the work we do

• Experience in a similar HR role 

• Proficient in use of Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets and Google Workspace

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships with colleagues at all levels

• Thoughtful, compassionate and inclusive approach to interpersonal relationships

• Self-motivated and proactive, with a problem-solving mindset

• Goal-oriented team-player who also thrives working independently

• Meticulous eye for detail, who takes pride in holding themself to the highest standards in all aspects of their work

• Professional, discreet and able to handle confidential information

• Working knowledge of HR functions

The best applicants will also have the following desirable qualities:

• Experience of working in the charity/non-profit sector

• A desire to develop a career in HR

• A qualification in HR, e.g. CIPD Level 3, or working towards one

Interview Dates:

1st round interviews - Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd July
2nd round interviews - Monday 28th July

Chapter One is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value and celebrate diversity in backgrounds and experience and are deliberate about the kind of teams we are building. Literacy is a universal concern, and we need people from all backgrounds to maximise our innovation, creativity and impact. We especially welcome applications from individuals who have experienced disadvantage and/or from those who are of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities who are currently underrepresented in the organisation. 

Chapter One is committed to safeguarding children and young people. All postholders are subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service disclosure. Copies of our Safeguarding Policy and Safer Recruitment Policy are available on request

At Children’s University Trust, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive through learning beyond the classroom. We’re a small, passionate team with bold ambitions to expand our impact – and we’re looking for an equally ambitious Business Development and Community Partnership Manager to lead the way.

This is more than just a development role. It's about building sustainable growth strategies, forging powerful partnerships, and shaping a future where opportunity is no longer defined by postcode or circumstance.

As our Business Development and Community Partnership Manager, you will take the lead in shaping and implementing visionary, data-driven growth strategies across three vital areas:

• Place-based memberships with schools, universities, councils’ departments, and third sector organisations.
• Individual “at home” subscriptions for children in areas without direct Children’s University provision or those who do not engage with traditional education.
• Strategic business partnerships with corporates and SMEs, securing vital funding and in-kind support.

You’ll be a key figure in our next phase of growth — identifying new opportunities, building meaningful relationships, and helping us scale our reach across the UK.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive new business activity and revenue growth across all three strategic areas.
• Build a strong, inclusive pipeline of potential members, partners, and funders.
• Manage and nurture relationships from first contact through to long-term collaboration.
• Use data and insight to shape decision-making and report progress to the board.
• Be a passionate ambassador for Children’s University at events, conferences, and online.

We’re Looking for Someone Who:

• Has a proven track record in income generation, partnerships or sales – all sector’s welcome!
• Is passionate about improving the lives of children and young people.
• Is a strategic thinker with the energy of a new business developer.
• Has the confidence to influence senior stakeholders and the empathy to build trust.
• Brings a creative, collaborative, and resilient mindset.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, flexible, remote-first environment.

Why Join Us?

• A unique chance to shape a growing national charity’s development strategy.
• A collaborative, driven team that values innovation and purpose.
• Flexible working, with one day a week in Manchester.
• An opportunity to truly change lives through education and opportunity.

If you’re excited by the chance to lead sustainable growth with purpose, and you want your work to matter, we want to hear from you.

Apply today and be part of a team creating a brighter future for children across the UK.

Role: Freelance Bookkeeper / Accountant

Location: Student Minds, Leeds - remote working contract. Some in person work may be required approximately 2 to 3 times per year.

Hours: 15 - 20 hours per week; flexible working Mon - Fri, to suit your availability

Fee: £20 per hour, inclusive of VAT if applicable (open to discussion – please include your rates in your application)

Contract: 6 to 12 months, reviewable

Start Date: July 2025, exact start date to be agreed

About Us

Student Minds is the UK’s student mental health charity. We have a clear vision: No student should be held back by their mental health. We empower students to build their own mental health toolkit to support themselves and their peers through university life and beyond. We challenge the higher education sector, health sector, and government to make student mental health a priority. 

We are looking for a detail-oriented and reliable bookkeeper or accountant to join our friendly team, help manage our financial records efficiently and support day-to-day financial administration.

The Opportunity

We’re looking for a friendly and reliable freelance bookkeeper or accountant to join our extended team and help keep our finances running smoothly. You’ll play a key behind-the-scenes role, working with the Senior Finance Manager to support our charity’s sustainability and activities. Student Minds is a medium sized charity (turnover approx £1m and 27 staff) and we need to make every penny work to support our student communities.

This role would suit someone who enjoys working with purpose-led organisations, and who values flexibility, collaborative working and community impact.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate financial records and ledgers.

• Process accounts payable and receivable.

• Support the invoicing process.

• Reconcile bank accounts, control accounts and company payment cards.

• Reconcile income reports.

• Prepare draft monthly management accounts.

• Prepare financial reports.

• Manage routine credit control.

• Manage the central finance email inbox.

• Ensure financial data integrity and confidentiality.

What We’re Looking For - Minimum Criteria

• Proven experience (at least 2 years) as a bookkeeper or in a similar role, ideally with charities or community organisations

• Proficiency and experience in Xero accounting software.

• AAT Level 3 qualification or equivalent.

• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.

• Knowledge of financial regulations and tax procedures.

• Proficient with Microsoft Office packages, with advanced knowledge of Excel

• Grade C and above / Grade 5 and above in GCSE Maths or equivalent.

• Excellent communication skills.

We can only accept applicants who are residents of the UK with a valid right to work.

What You'll Gain

• A flexible freelance role with real community impact

• The chance to work alongside a values-driven team

• An opportunity to support a long-standing charity doing meaningful work supporting positive wellbeing and mental health

How to Apply

If this sounds like a good fit, we’d love to hear from you! Please send us an email (detailed on our BreatheHR site, and in our recruitment pack) outlining:

• your experience and qualifications, telling us how you meet the role requirements

• your freelance rate 

• include your CV

• if you wish to be considered under our priority interview scheme.

Priority Interview Scheme

We recognise that candidates from ethnically-diverse backgrounds may face additional barriers throughout their careers and when applying for charity roles. We are committed to taking positive action to expand the diversity of our staff team by offering a prioritised interview scheme for candidates from ethnically-marginalised backgrounds.

If you meet the minimum criteria for this role and are from an ethnically-diverse background, you'll be prioritised for an interview under our Priority Interview Scheme.

Closing date for applications: Sunday 6th July, 23.59; interviews during mid July, by arrangement.

Student Minds is committed to building an inclusive team and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life.

The Cleft Lip and Palate Association (CLAPA) is the national charity for people affected by cleft lip and palate in the United Kingdom. 

We are looking for a Digital Communications Coordinator to cover maternity leave and to support our busy Communications team.

The Digital Communications Coordinator is a key role within CLAPA, responsible for implementing our digital communications strategy to engage and inspire the UK cleft community. This role moves beyond content creation to take ownership of CLAPA’s digital communications across social and email platforms, ensuring online communications are strategic and data-driven. Working closely with colleagues across the organisation, this role supports the planning, delivery, and monitoring of campaigns that inform, support, and connect the cleft community in the UK. 

This is a hands-on role suited to someone with a good understanding of digital communications and a passion for community engagement. The Coordinator will manage day-to-day digital content, respond to online enquiries, and support internal teams with their communications needs. They will also play an important part in maintaining CLAPA’s brand and voice across all channels, ensuring our communications are accessible, on-brand, and effective. 

NB - We reserve the right to close applications early if we receive a high volume of strong candidates.