Service support officer jobs

Battersea is entering an exciting phase of innovation and transformation as we continue into the second year of our new five-year strategy. Our fundraising team bridges the journey of the animals in our care with the wider public, demonstrating how their contributions enable us to support every dog and cat.

We currently have a permanent opportunity for someone to join us as a Direct Marketing Officer - Regular Giving (Lottery & Lead Generation).

As part of this role, you will manage and deliver a series of high standard direct marketing campaigns across our Regular Giving programme. You will be recruiting, retaining and upgrading regular donors to generate agreed income through a variety of direct marketing methods such as direct dialogue, DRTV, digital, and direct mail. You’ll also be encouraging regular monthly gifts or support via one of our main products such as general Regular Giving and Sponsorship, our Lottery, Value Exchange programme and other methods of committed giving as they arise.

What we can offer you:
In return for your commitment to our cause and to recognise the value of our employees, Battersea offers a range of benefits to support the wellbeing of our employees. These include:

• 28 days of annual leave (plus 8 days paid public holidays) per year.
• Discounted gym memberships and cycle to work schemes.
• Employee Assistance Programme and access to Wellbeing Resources.
• Generous pension contributions - up to 10% employer contribution.
• Free healthcare cash plan, where you can claim for a range of treatment including dental, optical, physiotherapy, chiropody and acupuncture every year.
• Annual interest-free season ticket loans.

We are also committed to providing learning and development to our employees. During your time with us, we provide support for your professional and career development, including access to digital and in-person training programmes, leadership and management training, mentoring and much more.

Our hybrid working model:
We operate a 50% onsite hybrid working model, with our office-based staff splitting their time between site based and home working. This enables our office-based staff to balance the benefits of home working with onsite collaboration and maintaining a connection to our cause.

Diversity and inclusion:
We are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive experience for all staff, volunteers and trustees and those hoping to join us. We operate an anonymised shortlisting process and actively seek to ensure our process is fair and equitable for all.

We understand the value of diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences to help us deliver even more for our dogs and cats, and we welcome applicants from all sections of the community.

As a Disability Confident Committed Employer we will ask about any adjustments you may need at application and/or interview stage, and if you are offered a role with us, we’ll talk to you about any workplace adjustments you may need to help you perform at your best.

More about us:
At Battersea, we aim to never turn away a dog or cat in need of help. We give each one lots of love, expert care and get to know their characters and quirks so we can find them a new home that’s just right for them. Join us and help us be here for every dog and cat, wherever they are, for as long as they need us.

Acceptable use of AI:
At Battersea, we value expertise. We recognise each candidate that applies to us will have a range of expertise they can offer us, so we want to hear about this in your own words. We understand the support that generative artificial intelligence (AI) software can offer but it can also lead to numerous applications presenting as generic and impersonal. This makes it difficult to gain understanding of your unique experience.

To best showcase yourself, we encourage you to write your responses without the assistance of AI. If you require the use of AI software to aid in completing your application, we ask you use the generative responses as a prompt for writing your answers and avoid copying and pasting. You must also ensure the information presented in your application accurately reflects your experience.

Closing date: 11th January 2026
All applications must be submitted before the closing date advertised. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received.

Interview date(s): w/c 19th January 2026

For full details on the role, please download the recruitment pack.

Do you want your work to influence Parliament, shape public debate and make a tangible difference to people’s lives?

We are looking for a driven, curious and politically savvy External Affairs Officer to join an excellent team that delivers for our members every day. This role offers a genuine opportunity to help build and strengthen our parliamentary engagement and wider external affairs activity at a pivotal time for social care.

You will join a supportive, intelligent and ambitious team that values evidence, collaboration and impact. We invest in our people, encourage professional development and give you real responsibility and exposure from day one. Your work will help shape national conversations and support a sector that matters.

About us

We are the UK’s membership body for over 2,200 homecare providers. Together, we work to ensure society values and invests in homecare so people can live well at home and flourish in their communities. We support our members with practical tools, trusted insight and strong representation, and we speak with authority to government, Parliament, the media and the wider public.

About the role

As External Affairs Officer, you will sit at the heart of our communications and parliamentary work. You will work closely with colleagues and members to raise awareness of the value of homecare and advance the interests of the sector.

You will help grow our profile in Parliament and the media, support campaigns, and strengthen relationships with MPs, journalists and stakeholders. You will also play a key role in translating member experience into compelling external messages and ensuring members feel heard, supported and represented.

This role suits someone who enjoys joining the dots, spots opportunities quickly and wants to build a career in external affairs, public affairs or communications within a respected, mission-driven organisation.

What you will do

• Track parliamentary activity and political developments, summarising key issues for colleagues and members
• Support parliamentary engagement, including drafting briefings, communications and Parliamentary Questions
• Build and maintain relationships with MPs, parliamentary staff and external stakeholders
• Monitor media coverage and help shape proactive and reactive media opportunities
• Draft clear, engaging content for press releases, member communications and external channels
• Plan and deliver social media activity that strengthens reach, engagement and influence
• Work closely with members to capture case studies, insights and lived experience
• Contribute to blogs, publications, events and conferences, including party conferences
• Support the team with coordination, reporting and continuous improvement

About you

You are bright, motivated and organised, with a strong interest in politics, policy and communications. You enjoy writing, relationship-building and working at pace. You take initiative, think critically and care about delivering high-quality work.

You will bring:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to tailor messages to different audiences
• Experience in public affairs, media, communications or campaigning, or a closely related field
• An understanding of UK parliamentary processes and political engagement
• Confidence using social media to inform, engage and influence
• Strong planning skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities
• An interest in social care, health or public services, or a desire to build expertise in this area

Why join us

If you want a role where your ideas count and your work makes a difference, we would love to hear from you.

How to apply

To apply, please submit your CV and a 2-page covering letter outlining how you meet the person specification.

The Homecare Association is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and encourage applications from all qualified candidates.

For the full role profile, and person specification, please go to our website and the 'About Us' page.

Closing date for applications

Monday 26 January 2026 at 11.59pm. We reserve the right to close applications early.

Please note that we are not accepting speculative approaches or CVs from recruitment agencies or third-party recruiters.

Interviews

First stage interviews will be w/c Monday 2 February 2026.

These will be held in person, at our office in London. The closest train station is Waterloo.

Are you a good all-rounder in fundraising, including a background in Foundations and Trusts? Can you inspire and motivate donors and fundraisers?

If so, then join an ambitious organisation with a determination to transform the future for the 220,000 people in the UK living with axial spondyloarthritis.  

We are a small team, looking for a second Fundraising Officer to work alongside our existing Fundraising Officer to deliver activity across all our income streams, supported by a Fundraising Board. We’re aiming to grow income from individual giving, Trusts and Foundations, community and individual fundraising, trading and further build our community of legacy pledgers. 2026 is our 50th Anniversary, a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our achievements and grow our income.

Our dedicated team at NASS is passionate about transforming lives for people with axial SpA. We truly value our people, who do meaningful work that directly impacts the lives of people living with axial SpA. You'll be supported to succeed and genuinely appreciated for your contributions. We pride ourselves on our collegiate spirit and willingness to support each other in all aspects of our work.  We operate a hybrid model of working, with some staff working remotely for most of the time, so applicants need to be comfortable with working in this way.

The Benefits

· Salary up to £30,000 - £32,000 p.a.

· Employer pension contribution of 10%

· 25 days annual leave plus 3 days leave between Christmas and New Year, plus Bank Holidays

· Time off in Lieu scheme

· Death in Service benefit to loved ones

If this sounds like you, then please get in touch. We would love to hear from you.

To apply, please submit: 

• Your CV
• A two-page cover letter explaining your interest in the role – the letter must describe how your skills and experience meet the person specification.

Application Deadline: 10 am on 6th January 2026.

Interviews:  15th January at our office in Hammersmith.

For further information, and to submit your application, contact Dale Webb

Commitment to equality, diversity & inclusion: NASS is proud to welcome everyone. We aim for a truly inclusive culture with talented, diverse teams that represent a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We celebrate difference and individuality and encourage everyone to join us and be their whole selves always. We particularly encourage applications from individuals with lived experience of axial SpA and from underrepresented groups in the charity sector.

As the leading specialist mental health charity for women who have experienced domestic abuse, Woman’s Trust’s mission is to help survivors to overcome the devastating mental health impact of domestic abuse.

We are seeking a Counselling Support Group Administrator to join our service delivery team. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced professional who is looking to make a real impact on women and children’s lives.

About Woman's Trust

The charity, established almost thirty years ago to meet the gap in specialist mental health services, is led by and for women and aims to ensure that women affected by domestic abuse can live a life free from further harm and abuse. Our approach is trauma-informed and person-centred, empowering survivors on their journey to recovery from the trauma. We are committed to a positive, inclusive and equitable environment for our staff, service users and volunteers.

Alongside delivering our existing 1-1 counselling, self-development workshops and therapeutic support groups for women who have experienced domestic abuse, we are focused on developing our innovative mental health services for young women and girls, delivering new peer-led support groups and providing therapeutic groups to children and their mothers. We are also committed to developing further awareness-raising workshops and training for professionals, building on our research and policy to improve systems nationally.

About you and how to apply

As a skilled and compassionate Counselling Support Group Administrator, aligned with our feminist ethos and the needs of our service users, you will provide high-quality administrative support to the delivery of counselling and support group services for women affected by domestic abuse. You will bring experience in service administration within a sensitive or trauma-informed setting, with the ability to manage referrals, coordinate sessions, maintain accurate records, and support counsellors and volunteers through effective scheduling and communication.

You will play a key role in supporting the smooth running of services, including monitoring attendance and outcomes, maintaining safeguarding and confidentiality standards, and ensuring compliance with organisational and funder requirements. You will also contribute to service improvement by supporting reporting, data collection, and administrative processes that enable the ongoing development and effectiveness of counselling and support group provision.

If you are looking for a new job opportunity whilst making a real impact on women and children’s lives, we want to hear from you!

To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter of no more than 2 pages outlining your experience, skills, and knowledge, relevant to this post.

Closing date for applications: To be considered on a rolling basis.

Interviews: To be held on a rolling basis.

This post is open to female applicants only, in line with the Equality Act 100 pursuant to Schedule, 9 Part 1 applies. We particularly welcome applications from women from black and minoritised, and disability communities.

Asylum Justice is the only charity in Wales - and one of very few in the UK - providing free legal advice and representation to people seeking asylum, refugees, and other migrants who are excluded from legal aid. Every day, we help people navigate a hostile system, challenge injustice, and secure safety for themselves and their families.

Demand for our services is higher than ever. In the past year alone, our caseload increased by nearly 50%, and we've taken on more complex, urgent cases - including supporting unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and people at immediate risk of destitution or deportation.

We’re now looking for a Funding Officer to join our small, committed team and help secure the resources we need to sustain and grow our work. This is a chance to make a tangible difference - not just in helping us meet income targets, but in strengthening access to justice for some of the most marginalised people in Wales.

The role is hybrid working (Cardiff office and remote working) but fully remote working may also be considered. We are open to compressed hours or part-time working (minimum 28 hours) for the right candidate. We also welcome applications from people interested in a job share arrangement.

About the role

This is a hands-on, varied role that combines fundraising, relationship management, and impact storytelling. You’ll work closely with our Legal Director and wider team to:

• Research and identify funding opportunities from trusts, foundations, and statutory sources
• Write compelling funding bids and reports that reflect our impact and values
• Maintain excellent relationships with funders and support project coordination with delivery partners
• Coordinate grant reporting and keep accurate records of income, spend, and deadlines
• Support internal monitoring and evaluation to strengthen our evidence base
• Help develop our approach to individual giving, fundraising events, and donor communications

We’re looking for someone who shares our commitment to justice and anti-racism, and who brings strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a collaborative approach.

Who we’re looking for

We don’t expect you to know everything from day one - we’re open to candidates with transferable skills from across the charity, campaigning, or community sectors. You might have experience as a fundraiser, grant writer, project officer, or in a policy/impact role where writing and relationship-building are key.

What matters most is that you're passionate about what we do, committed to equity and inclusion, and eager to learn and contribute.

What we offer

• A supportive, mission-driven team working in solidarity with people seeking asylum
• Flexibility around working days, location, and hours
• An organisational culture that prioritises wellbeing and psychological safety
• The chance to shape an ambitious and growing organisation at a pivotal time

We value diversity and promote equality of opportunity. We encourage and welcome applications from suitably skilled candidates from all backgrounds to support a diverse workforce, including individuals with lived experience of homelessness. 

Are you passionate about making a difference in people’s lives, providing person-led, holistic, trauma-informed support to people on their journey out of homelessness? Do you have perseverance, and a commitment to never give up hope in people?

Our Supported Accommodation and Emergency Accommodation Service is funded to provide support to those with multiple and complex needs who are experiencing, or at risk of experiencing homelessness, located in close proximity within Gateshead:

• Two supported housing sites; one 8 bed, one 6 bed, both staffed 24 hours.

• Six self-contained properties forming the emergency accommodation element of the service.

We are seeking a Night Support Worker for the Supported Accommodation element of this service.

Our properties are places of safety, Psychologically Informed Environments (PIE), from which we work with individuals. We aim to provide accommodation and support that helps people find self-worth and the belief that they deserve a better future, before moving them on safely and successfully, therefore reducing homelessness and the on-going risk of homelessness. 

To join us you will need to demonstrate an understanding of the complexity of needs related to homelessness, especially mental ill-health, alcohol and substance misuse and offending. You will be able to lone work effectively, working calmly under pressure, with excellent inter-personal skills, including de-escalation and the ability to effectively and professionally communicate. You will be able to use your initiative, and work flexibly in a demanding environment, and be able to manage the safety, security and support of people living in the service overnight.

In return, you will benefit from a supportive, creative environment and have the opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills. We are a growing charity, and we believe staff are the foundation stone to the success of the charity and so we do everything we can to make sure they feel valued, supported, engaged and developed. 

Oasis Community Housing is a Christian response to homelessness and disadvantage, providing housing, support and other specialised services. Our vision is for everyone to be part of a community where they are included, belong and have what they need to reach their God-given potential. As part of our strategy for growth and development, we are embarking on an ambitious journey to develop our culture of co-production. We want to share power and responsibility with those accessing our services in meaningful, safe and accessible ways, and to create an environment where everyone can contribute. 

We welcome applicants from all faiths or none, but it is important that all employees understand and sympathise with the Christian ethos of Oasis Community Housing.

A unique opportunity to join the team at Basis Yorkshire as a Navigation and Support Worker for women who sex work and who are sexually exploited who are vulnerably housed. 

You will provide appropriate emotional and practical 1-to-1 support to women involved in sex work and those who are sexually exploited, who often experience stigma and face barriers to accessing services. You will be enabling people to access support and navigate services, particularly hose directly related to housing  directly and indirectly.  You will be working in partnership with other agencies and making appropriate referrals for people to access other services to support their wider needs. 

We are seeking a Community Development Officer to lead a major in-progress project improving recognition, support, and care for people with smell and taste disorders at a local level across England. 

This three-year, volunteer-led programme, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund has achieved significant success in its first eighteen months. We are now recruiting a new postholder to take this strong foundation forward through the next phase of delivery. 

Over the past eighteen months, we have recruited and established a thriving network of volunteers and local groups across England. This momentum is expected to continue. The Community Development Officer will work closely with existing volunteers and groups, primarily remotely, while also attending in-person events and meetings in different parts of England as needed. 

The postholder will lead the ongoing recruitment, training, and support of volunteer groups, working with them to identify opportunities for local outreach and engagement. Together, you will ensure that more people affected by smell and taste disorders access the information, support, and recognition they need, while continuing to raise awareness of these often-unrecognised sensory impairments. 

Our volunteer groups bring together people with lived experience alongside experts from the food, beverage and fragrance sectors, and other relevant fields. 

We are looking for a motivated, forward-thinking individual with experience in leading and inspiring others. You will bring energy, creativity, and excellent communication skills to drive the project forward and help build an innovative, sustainable programme of volunteer-led activity, supporting our volunteers to influence change within their communities. 

You will empower volunteers to play an active role in transforming public understanding of how essential smell and taste are to our lives, whether they are running peer support groups, organising local events, delivering talks in community settings, or representing the charity at information days. 

You will join a small, friendly and ambitious team committed to your professional development as the charity continues to grow. 

If you are passionate about making a difference, enjoy working with people, and want to contribute to a pioneering and collaborative organisation that values and empowers its community, we would love to hear from you. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. 

We are looking for enthusiastic, passionate and driven people to join our growing fundraising team.

Our Sunflower Appeal launched in June 2025 and aims to raise £5million by 2029 to open a new cancer centre at the Princess Royal Hospital, Telford. This will double chemotherapy capacity in the region, as well as adding outpatient clinics and diagnostic facilities for the first time in Telford. This is our biggest appeal to date, and we need to make sure that our fundraising team is robust and able to rise to this challenge.

We’re looking for people to support our amazing community of fundraisers and donors in the following areas:

- Corporate- we work with business from around our region, building long-term charity partnerships, engaging them in supporting events, and involving their teams in volunteering opportunities. One of our new team members will help us build on our programme of corporate engagement, looking across the region to identify and engage new supporters, as well as working closely with our existing friends in the business community. This role can be based at either our Shrewsbury or Telford office.

- Community- Community fundraising is at the heart of our charity, and we are constantly amazed by the commitment and creativity of our supporters across the region. We are looking for another member of our team to support community fundraising and make sure our community have a brilliant experience with us. This role will have a specific focus on building our support in Telford & Wrekin and will be based primarily in our Telford office.

Our Fundraisers need to be able to build successful relationships and will be motivated to make a real difference to their local community through their fundraising efforts. They will be confident, engaging and able to communicate our message to a wide range of people. They will be resourceful and able to identify opportunities, getting people involved in a way that suits them, and adds real value to our cause.

We are looking for the equivalent of two full time people to fill these roles. This could be one person working in each area, but we will consider part time and job shares opportunities for the right candidates.

We will be running a single recruitment process to fill all roles, to ensure we get the best mix of skills in the team. To apply, please indicate your preference for either Corporate or Community work in your covering letter or let us know if you are interested in both areas.

Please note that these roles require significant travel to visit our supporters, so a driving licence and access to a vehicle is essential.

Chief Executive Officer – The Abbey Centre
Location: The Abbey Centre, Westminster, London (site-based role, flexible working available)
Salary: £90,000 – £95,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent (Full-time, 37.5 hours/week; regular evening attendance for events as required)

Could you lead a much-loved community hub through its next chapter of stability, growth and civic impact?

About The Abbey Centre

Our charity has served the community of south Westminster since 1948 and has occupied The Abbey Centre building, a converted Victorian public bath house a stone’s throw from Westminster Abbey, since 1991. We are a site-based community hub and social enterprise, combining community services, training and outreach with venue hire, an on-site café and catering to generate income that supports our charitable work.

We work across employability, health and wellbeing, volunteering and practical support for vulnerable residents; the Centre welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds, and sees over 1,000 visits each week. Our strong partnerships with Westminster City Council, statutory bodies and corporate donors underpin commissioned activity and solidify our position as a trusted local delivery partner.

This is an opportunity for a visionary but hands-on leader to preserve the Centre’s warm, inclusive culture and outstanding reputation while further professionalising systems, developing our income, and shaping a multi-year strategy that secures the building and grows impact.

As our next Chief Executive Officer, you will:

• Strategy & Impact: lead a collaborative listening phase and then develop and deliver a 3–5 year strategy and rolling business plan that defines the Centre’s core offer and impact targets.

• Governance & Finance: own the annual budget and medium-term financial modelling, deliver full-cost recovery across activity lines and present timely, accurate management information to trustees.

• Operational Leadership: ensure continuity of community services, venue trading and café operations and strengthen operational systems including safeguarding, H&S and business continuity.

• Income Generation: drive commercial performance of venue hire, events and catering, professionalise fundraising (major donors, legacies, corporate partnerships) and lead bids for multi-year statutory contracts.

• Community & Partnerships: sustain and deepen strategic relationships with Westminster City Council, commissioners, local partners and corporate supporters to secure commissioned work and philanthropic income.

• Estate Stewardship: manage day-to-day stewardship of the Centre’s significant ageing building, overseeing maintenance, lease/compliance obligations and contractor relationships.

• People & Culture: build a cohesive senior team, embed clear role accountabilities, performance management and development, and protect the Centre’s welcoming culture while managing change.

• Brand & Profile: act as a visible ambassador locally and with funders to raise the Centre’s profile and champion its social value.

Who you are:

• A seasoned senior leader with proven experience in a small/medium charity, community organisation or social enterprise that combines front-line delivery with significant premises/estate responsibility.

• Demonstrable track record of leading strategic development and delivering organisational growth while balancing hands-on operational leadership.

• Strong commercial and earned-income expertise, with experience of running successful commercial – ideally site-based - operations.

• Confident in winning and managing statutory contracts and multi-year grant programmes; credible with local authorities, commissioners and corporate partners.

• Financially literate with direct budget and cash-flow accountability and experience of full-cost recovery modelling.

• A collaborative, visible and warm ambassador who builds trust quickly, communicates clearly and can present concise management information to trustees.

Why The Abbey Centre?

• A powerful mission: deliver practical services, companionship and opportunity for south Westminster residents in a civic, high-impact setting.

• A prominent, historic central Westminster location and a cherished community building offering scope for strategic estate planning and growth.

• A warm, loyal staff team and an engaged board navigating a positive leadership transition.

• A social enterprise model where successful trading directly funds frontline services and creates a platform for entrepreneurial leadership.

• The opportunity to shape a multi-year strategy that secures the long-term future of the charity and grows its impact in the community.

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

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 12th January 2026

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

Help support traumatised refugees by creating a community where healing is possible: Part-time, flexible and remote working with travel to Bristol, Bath and South West area as required (currently about 6 times a year).

Join Trauma Foundation South West, a small, welcoming charity providing long-term psychotherapy to traumatised refugees and professional training and supervision to those supporting traumatised people across the South West and nationally.

We are looking for a Communications and Administration Officer (2 days/ 14 hours per week) to play a key role in strengthening our digital presence, supporting our training, supervision and therapy services, and keeping our operations running smoothly.

In this role, you will:

• Create and schedule social media content, newsletters, and website updates that reflect our values and engage supporters.

• Assist with simple design work for training materials, presentations, and our annual Impact Report.

• Provide essential administrative support for our training, supervision, and therapy programmes, including responding to enquiries, coordinating small events, and maintaining accurate records.

• Support onboarding of new staff and maintain key data to help us deliver safe, effective services.

This is a varied and meaningful role, ideal for someone returning to work, seeking flexible hours, or wanting to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Working closely with the Directors of Operations and Services, you will thrive in a collaborative, supportive environment that values your initiative, skills, and ideas.

Why you will love working with us

• Be part of a small, warm team with a culture of collaboration, compassion and courage.

• Opportunities to shape how our communications and operations develop as the organisation grows

• Flexible remote working, with up to 6 in-person days/year in the Bristol/Bath area

• Access to specialist trauma training and a professional development

• 28 days holiday (pro rata) plus bank holidays

Key dates:

• Public information Session: Thursday 18th December at 5pm. Book here if you want to find out more about the role before applying : https://traumafoundationsouthwest.as.me/RecruitmentInformationSession
• Application deadline: Tuesday 6th January 2026 at 11:30pm.
• Interviews: Tuesday 13th January 2026
• Outcomes issued by: Friday 9th January 2026 (non-shortlisted candidates) and Friday 16th January 2026 (shortlisted candidates)

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

We want everyone to be able to participate fully in our recruitment process. If you have a disability or need any adjustments at any stage, just let us know and we will put the right support in place.

We particularly welcome applications from:

• Experts by Experience (people with lived experience relevant to our work)
• People from the Global Majority
• Individuals from all marginalised groups, communities, and backgrounds
• Applicants returning to work or balancing caring responsibilities.  

This is a flexible role within a supportive team, with opportunities to take on additional projects if you have skills to bring. You don’t need to meet every requirement to be considered, so if you’re unsure whether you’re the right fit, we’d still love to hear from you.

Purpose of the job

This role is responsible for the design of UK Youth’s support to young people, youth organisations and youth workers. This could include structured youth work programmes, funding and grants+ programmes, professional development programmes, and campaigns.

You will lead and oversee end-to-end design processes, ensuring that UK Youth develops fully packaged offers that respond to the evidence base and people’s needs, drive forward our strategy and achieve incredible impact. You will work across UK Youth teams, with external design partners, and meaningfully involving young people and the professionals who support them in the design process.

You will be experienced in developing high quality funding propositions (proactively and in response to new business opportunities). You will be confident in taking a human-centred design approach to tackle some of the youth sector’s knottiest problems.  You will design solutions to important problems, ensuring that they are feasible, equitable, impactful and scalable.

In 2026, our priority topics for youth work programmes and network development are: mental health and wellbeing, employability, social cohesion and community safety.

 As a leader, you will work closely with research, evaluation, policy, service delivery, network development, and fundraising teams. You will help to improve the skills and confidence of colleagues across UK Youth to apply design methods in their own work and collaborate effectively with the Design team.

Why work at UK Youth?

UK Youth wants all young people to be equipped to thrive and empowered to contribute at every stage of their lives. Youth work can be life changing (and even life saving.) In 2026, we will be launching our new strategy, positioning UK Youth to unlock youth work so that every young person in the UK can benefit. We work with others to ensure that the youth sector is strengthened and that provision is youth-led, evidence-informed, and delivers high-quality outcomes.

 UK Youth plays a unique role in addressing the lack of investment in the youth sector, the lack of cross-sector understanding in how youth work makes a difference, and the limited opportunities to embed effective solutions. These factors lead to mass inequality of access to youth services for young people. Come and be part of this change in a driven and supportive team that puts evidence at the heart of our work.

Role Responsibilities

• Designing Solutions

• Developing new business and funding propositions

• Embedding Human Centred Design

• Building a strong external network to support the Design team’s work

• Operations

Experience we're after

• Significant experience of leading and overseeing the development of new business propositions and proposals to time-limited funding opportunities

• Significant experience of designing interventions (digital and/or physical) for young people and/or those who support them 

• Experience using human-centred-design methods and mindsets; managing projects across the end-to-end design process

• Proven track record of inspiring and motivating diverse teams and improving collaborative ways of working across teams and departments

• Experience of developing high quality programme content and curricula for young people, youth workers and/or outdoor learning instructors (desirable)

• Experience of commissioning and managing external design freelancers and consultants (desirable)

• Experience of designing and/or delivering professional development programmes (desirable)

What we can offer you

We offer a competitive range of benefits, good work/life balance, excellent learning and development opportunities and vibrant organisational culture:

• Flexible/Agile Working

• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time employees)

• Funded training provided in; Safeguarding, GDPR, Information and Cyber Security & Equality & Diversity

• Other training available in support of your personal and professional development

• Pension scheme (currently UK Youth match employee contributions up to 5%)

• Membership of our life insurance scheme which would pay-out up to 4 times your salary

• Employee Assistance Programme to support employees both professionally and personally

• 20% discount off bookings at Avon Tyrrell, our New Forest Outdoor Centre, including camping, lodges and outdoor activities.

• IT equipment provided for the duration of contract

• CycleScheme and TechScheme

How to apply

If you would like to be considered for this fantastic opportunity, please complete an application via our completely anonymised recruitment system provided by Applied which looks to create a fair and unbiased application process for all. Scroll to the top of the page and start your application.

Closing date: Sunday 4th January 2026 at 23:59pm

Provisional Interview Dates: 12th and 13th January 2026

As this role involves working in a regulated environment with young people, any offer will be conditional to satisfactory background checks, which include criminal record check and employment reference.

Inclusive Boards is delighted to be supporting Lambeth Links in their search for their CEO.

Lambeth Links is a small charity with a big ambition: to be a central point of rallying, communication and advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ Community who live, work and socialise in Lambeth – the largest borough in London. The organisation aims to strengthen the links between individuals and groups while also highlighting the many issues that continue to adversely affect the community.

Lambeth has a deep and rich history of LGBTQIA+ activism. From being home to founding members of the Gay Liberation Front (GLF) to hosting Europe’s first EuroPride in Brixton in 1992, the borough has long been the beating heart of the LGBTQIA+ Community. Lambeth Links exists to continue that legacy of championing collective voice and driving forward change.

As CEO, you will lead the operational and strategic running of the charity, make sure that the organisation runs well every day and that it has the people, systems and income to grow.

The ideal candidate will have :

• Significant experience of leading at senior level in a charity, social enterprise, public or community organisation. This might be as a Chief Officer, Director or Head of a significant function with clear accountability for people, budgets and organisational performance.
• Experience of working directly with or supporting a Board of Trustees or similar governing body, including preparing papers, giving honest advice and implementing decisions.
• Experience of organisational development or change, for example improving systems, structures, culture or ways of working in a small organisation.
• Understanding of the issues faced by LGBTQIA+ people, including those who are Black or from other communities of colour, disabled people and people with insecure immigration status, and a commitment to intersectional practice.

​​​​How to Apply

If you wish to apply for this position, please supply the following by 11.59pm on 18/01/2026:

• A detailed CV, setting out your career history, with responsibilities and achievements. 
• A cover letter (maximum two sides of A4) highlighting your suitability for the role. Please explain how you meet the essential criteria and give one or two examples that show how you have already operated at, or very close to, Chief Officer level. For example, leading an organisation or major function, managing whole organisation budgets or income plans, or steering a Board or governing body through a key decision. 
• Details of two professional referees together with a brief statement of their relationship to you and over what period of time they have known you. Referees will not be contacted without your prior consent.

To find out more and received the Candidate Information Pack, request support when applying, or have an informal confidential discussion before applying, please get in touch with Inclusive Boards.

Benefits: 39 days annual leave (including bank holidays), company pension

Lead. Inspire. Serve. Transform Lives.

Are you a Christian leader with a heart for young people and a passion for community transformation?

Do you believe in the God-given value and potential of every person?

Are you ready to guide one of the country’s oldest and most trusted Christian youth movements into its next chapter?

YMCA North Staffordshire is seeking an exceptional Christian Chief Executive Officer to lead our mission, embody our values, and continue shaping a movement that is transforming the lives of thousands of young people and families.

With a proud 160-year history and an award-winning campus at the heart of Stoke-on-Trent, this is a rare opportunity to lead a charity that is deeply rooted in Christian faith, committed to radical inclusion, and driven by a vision where all young people can belong, contribute and thrive.

Our Christian Vision and Values

YMCA North Staffordshire is an inclusive Christian movement.

Our mission flows directly from our faith and is grounded in four core values:

PROTECT

We provide sanctuary and safety, ensuring every young person feels seen, valued, and respected.

HOPE

We see young people not through the lens of their past, but their God-given potential.

PERSEVERE

We walk with young people through challenges, setbacks, and breakthroughs.

TRUST

We act with integrity, accountability, and belief in the dignity of every human being.

Because these values are Christian in origin and practice, and because the CEO is the guardian of our mission, this role has a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) for the postholder to be a practising Christian.

 About the Role

Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the CEO will lead an organisation of 130 staff, a £5m+ budget, and a £35m estate, helping strengthen community through youth development, education, housing, healthy living, and social responsibility.

The next CEO will:

• Provide strategic leadership to deliver the 2026–2029 Business Plan
• Champion youth voice and empowerment in all areas of work
• Sustain and grow financial strength, partnerships, and social enterprise
• Uphold and deepen our Christian identity, ensuring values-led practice
• Drive innovation, digital transformation, and organisational development
• Represent YMCA NS locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally
• Be a visible advocate for young people in Stoke-on-Trent
• Strengthen our “village” culture: welcoming, relational, rooted in Ubuntu and Asset-Based Community Development principles (ABCD).

Purpose of the Role

To lead YMCA North Staffordshire in fulfilling its Christian mission, as described in the Associations charitable objectives 

We develop young people; they develop their world.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic leadership in alignment with Board governance
• Upholding Christian ethos, values, and culture across the organisation
• Financial stewardship, compliance, and sustainability
• Community development and partnership building
• Youth advocacy and empowerment
• Oversight of housing, programmes, and impact measurement
• Staff leadership, pastoral care, and organisational culture
• External representation and communications

 Person Specification – Summary

Knowledge

• Housing, youth services, and community development
• Charity law, governance, safeguarding
• Understanding of Christian ministry, mission, and values
• Organisational development and change leadership

Experience

• Senior leadership in values-led or Christian settings
• Track record of strategic development and organisational growth
• Experience working with young people, housing, or community sectors
• Experience nurturing Christian ethos across a diverse organisation

Skills & Abilities

• Inspirational leadership and people development
• Strategic planning and delivery
• Excellent communicator and ambassador
• Partnership building and stakeholder engagement
• Ability to articulate and embody Christian faith
• Deep commitment to Christian values and the Aims & Purposes of the YMCA

 The Leader We Are Looking For

The landscape for young people is changing — and so must we.

We need a CEO who is:

• Faith-filled and prayerful
• Values-driven and courageous
• Relational, compassionate, and community-minded
• A champion of excellence, innovation, and good governance
• Grounded in Christian mission and committed to radical inclusion
• Able to inspire hope, build trust, and persevere through challenge

As George Williams, YMCA’s founder, said:

“You are not alone, and you can be more.”

Our next CEO must believe this not only for themselves — but for every young person we serve.

How to apply

An application pack can be found at the YMCA North Staffordshire website. This role is subject to enhanced DBS and reference checks.

Key Recruitment Dates

• Closing Date: 18th January 2026
• Interviews: Week commencing 9th February 2026

We are a safe recruitment Organisation and an Equal Opportunities Employer, we run the disability confident guaranteed interview scheme.

We are an organisation with Christian values, committed to Equality and Diversity in the Workplace. YMCA is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults.