Skills and employment manager jobs

Abbey Community Centre is a vibrant, long-established community charity at the heart of Kilburn, North West London. Every day, we bring people together, reduce isolation and improve health and wellbeing through inclusive activities, services and community support.

We are now looking for an experienced Centre Operations Manager to play a key senior role in ensuring our busy community hub runs safely, smoothly and effectively for the thousands of people who use it each year.

About Abbey Community Centre

Abbey Community Centre works with people of all ages and backgrounds, with a particular focus on older residents and low-income families with young children. We deliver a wide range of activities, services and support including children’s stay-and-play sessions and drop-ins, fitness and wellbeing activities, befriending schemes, digital inclusion support, community meals, warm space provision, food support, volunteering opportunities and specialist outreach.

Alongside this community delivery, we manage a busy public building and a programme of room hire that helps generate income to sustain our work. With a small staff team, over 100 volunteers and many partner organisations, our operations need to be reliable, well-coordinated and people-centred.

The role and its impact

As Centre Operations Manager, you will be the organisation’s senior operational lead on the ground. Working closely with the CEO, you will hold delegated authority for the day-to-day running of the Centre — ensuring the building, people and systems all work together to support high-quality community activity.

This is a hands-on leadership role combining practical problem-solving with people management. You will line manage and help develop operational staff, oversee facilities and contractors, lead on health and safety and operational compliance, support volunteering, and ensure organisational systems and processes function reliably.

Your work will directly enable staff, volunteers and partners to deliver activities and services safely and confidently, and will help ensure Abbey remains a welcoming, accessible and well-run space for the local community.

What you’ll be working on

In this role, you will:

• Oversee daily building operations, maintenance and contractor management

• Lead on health & safety and related compliance, including risk assessments and training

• Line manage & develop operational staff and support a positive, consistent working culture

• Ensure operational policies and procedures are applied effectively in practice

• Support and coordinate volunteering within the centre

• Manage operational budgets and contracts within agreed limits

• Act as a senior member of the management team, deputising for the CEO on agreed matters

Key details

• Location: Abbey Community Centre, Kilburn (NW6 4BJ, London Borough of Camden)

• Hours: 24–28 hours per week (fixed hours agreed at appointment), worked over a minimum of four weekdays

• Core hours: 11.00am–4.00pm (flexibility outside these hours by agreement)

• Contract: Permanent, part-time

• Salary: £40,000–£42,000 per annum, pro rata (depending on experience)

• Annual leave: 30 days pro-rata, rising to 35 days after 5 years’ service (plus bank holidays, pro-rata)

• Pension: NEST pension scheme (if eligible)

• Some evening and occasional weekend working is required

This role could be right for you if…

You are an experienced operational manager who enjoys combining leadership with practical delivery, thrives in a public-facing environment, and wants your work to make a visible difference to a local community. You don’t need to tick every box — we’re interested in your experience, judgement, approach and motivation.

Abbey Community Centre is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and we welcome applications from candidates from a wide range of backgrounds. Reasonable adjustments will be offered throughout the recruitment process.

At Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital (BWC) Charity, we believe there’s always more we can do for our women and sick kids. It’s our mission to raise the vital funds needed to make a real difference to all who use our hospitals and to make our hospital feel just like home. 

The Acquisition & Retention Manager will lead and manage the multichannel donor acquisition portfolio/program within the Individual Giving function at Birmingham Women’s and Children's Hospital Charity.The Charity has been growing its supporter base over recent years and has an ambition to create a step change in our approach and significantly grow our 'Individual Giving' donors and supporters. 

Principle Responsibilities  

The Acquisition & Retention Manager will be responsible for creating and delivering a multi-channel acquisition Retention strategy that fully supports the goals and objectives of the wider Charity strategy.The post holder will develop, manage and grow the existing acquisition program via a range of Digital and Face to Face campaigns utilising third party agencies for Private Site, Door to Door and, telemarketing activities, as well as management of our own onsite Face to Face acquisition team.

The postholder will have substantial experience of working within or managing a successful fundraising acquisition team, with excellent working knowledge of sector practises and channels to ensure best use of budget, ensure a competitive cost per acquisition (CPA), while increasing loyalty, engagement and lifetime value (LTV) among existing supporters.

Please see our job information pack attached for further details on this role.

What we offer: 

• Flexible and hybrid working to support work-life balance 

• Generous annual leave entitlement with additional leave for long service  

• Enhanced sick pay 

• Enhanced Maternity Pay 

• Employee Assistance Program and Lifestyle Savings

• Free flu jabs 

• Cycle to work scheme 

• Charity events throughout the year 

• Employer enhanced auto-enrolment pension scheme with 8% employer contribution 

• Ongoing commitment to education and professional development 

The Charity is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.  

Successful candidates will have access to vulnerable beneficiaries therefore the role is subject to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance.  

If you think you have the qualities we are looking for and the desire to contribute, please download the Job Vacancy Pack and then send us a CV and covering letter explaining how you meet the criteria for the role and making clear why you would like to be considered for it. 

PLEASE NOTE: Within our organisation, this role is titled Acquisition and Retention Lead. This reflects our internal structure and does not change the scope or responsibilities described in this advert.

We're looking for someone with experience of verging or similar church support work. Good social skills are essential as is the ability to work as part of a team as well as on your own initiative.  The ability to work closely with and relate well to all Cathedral staff, ministry team, congregation, volunteers, visitors, and members of the general public will also be required. 

The two Assistant Vergers and Precinct Officers carry out a wide range of duties under the direction of the Head Verger and Precinct Manager.  Work includes: the careful setting up and delivery of all liturgical matters; ensuring a welcoming, clean, and safe environment for all working in, visiting, or using the Cathedral and Cathedral House and precinct and ensuring the day-to-day smooth running of the Cathedral for all.

Essential experience and skills

• A flexible attitude and willingness to take on a range of duties including practical ‘hands- on’ work.
• Attention to detail and an ability to assess priorities including when under pressure.
• Understanding of liturgy or willingness to learn.
• Ability to be a good team player and work collaboratively with Ministry Team and Lay Staff.
• Good administrative and IT skills.
• Good communication and social skills.
• Good understanding of the importance of managing security and health and safety.
• Have an open and welcoming attitude to all including volunteers and members of the general public.
• A trained First Aider (or willing to be trained upon appointment to an appropriate level).
• Willing to learn new skills and undertake training.
• Willing to work alone.
• Ability to work flexibly over seven days and evenings including holiday periods.
• Experience of caretaking duties.

Desirable experience

• At least one year’s experience as a church or cathedral verger or in a similar role.
• Experience of working in an environment where paid and voluntary staff work side by side.
• Experience of delivering events.

Personal qualities

• Excellent interpersonal skills, in particular warmth, tact, diplomacy, discretion, and imagination.
• In sympathy with the ethos and aims of the Cathedral as a Christian organisation.
• Be a communicant member of the Church of England.
• Highly collaborative.
• Ability to lift and carry furniture, climb stairs, walk, and stand unaided for significant periods of time and work at height as an occupational requirement
• Ability to work with senior level colleagues and with the general public.
• Committed to equal opportunities and inclusivity
• Committed to upholding the highest standards of safeguarding practice.

Benefits of working at Portsmouth Cathedral:

Generous leave allowance of 25 days (pro rata for part-time posts) plus all public holidays and two 'given' days after Christmas/New Year.

Employer pension contributions of 7.5%, employee contribution 1.0%

Cash health plan

Safeguarding. The Cathedral takes the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults very seriously, and practices Safer Recruitment for all roles (both paid and voluntary), enhanced DBS for specific roles, and face-to-face or online training as required.   An enhanced DBS is required for this role.

Portsmouth Cathedral is an Equal Opportunities Employer and a member of Inclusive Church.

Closing date for applications: 11.00pm 15th February 

Interviews will be held w/c 2nd March

High Trees is seeking a Youth Employment Support Service Coordinator for our Build Your Future programme. Build Your Future is a targeted youth employment project supporting young people aged 16–24 who are not in education, employment or training (NEET). The project provides holistic, person-centred support combining outreach and engagement, pastoral support, employability skills development and progression into education, training or work.

The project is primarily delivered in-house by High Trees, working in partnership with other local delivery partners. Build Your Future focuses on young people facing multiple barriers, including care-experienced young people, migrants and refugees, young people with SEND, and those experiencing social or economic exclusion.

The Build Your Future Project Coordinator plays a central role in ensuring the effective day-to-day delivery of the project. Working closely with High Trees delivery teams and partner organisations, the postholder will coordinate outreach and engagement activity, support the provision of high-quality pastoral support for young people, and ensure strong project coordination, monitoring and reporting.

This role will suit someone who is highly organised, collaborative and passionate about supporting young people facing multiple barriers into education, training and employment.

The role requires a balance of coordination, communication and relationship-building skills. You will work closely with colleagues across Employment & Careers and Children, Young People & Families teams, as well as with delivery partners, to ensure Build Your Future is delivered to a high standard.

The post holder will also play an important role in monitoring and evaluation, maintaining accurate records and supporting reporting requirements linked to external funding.

Battersea has entered an exciting phase of innovation and transformation as we embark on the second year of our new five-year strategy. With increased investment in income generation, we are strengthening our team to drive the growth necessary to achieve our organisational goals. We are a now recruiting a Philanthropy Manager to support this growth. This role sits within the Philanthropy, Partnerships & Commercial (PPC) team, made up of Philanthropy & Trusts, Corporate Partnerships & Commercial, Special Events & Stewardship, and Fundraising Operations.

The focus of the Philanthropy & Trusts team is to build a solid base of support through excellent stewardship of existing trusts and major donors alongside cultivation of new prospects, reached through prospect research and the networks of senior volunteers.

The key purpose of the Philanthropy Manager position is to meet both financial and strategic KPIs in order ensure the long-term health of the Philanthropy pipeline. They will do this by personally managing a portfolio of key individual relationships as well as line-managing the Philanthropy Officer to deliver against their targets. This role, together with Battersea’s other Philanthropy Managers, will also work closely with senior leadership, senior volunteers and other individuals to open up networks and introduce new major donors to Battersea.

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 membership 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. Greyscale copies of the recruitment pack are also available on request.

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: 10th February 2026
Interview Date(s): Interviews will be taking place on a rolling basis. Early applications are encouraged, as the role will be closed once filled.

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.

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

We’re recruiting a Training Lead (Employment Law)

Salary range: £38,000 - £40,000 FTE (per year, depending on accreditation and experience)

Hours: Full time (37.5 hours per week) or part-time, with flexibility for an exceptional candidate

Contract: Fixed term for 12 months (2-month probation)

Location: London hybrid (with possibility of remote for an exceptional candidate)

The Work Rights Centre is looking for a motivated employment law expert to  lead  our growing training programme, and support the wider development of the charity.

Over the last few years our legal teams have delivered a number of successful training and capacity building programmes to other advice charities and local authorities - from short teaser sessions, to in-depth programmes that walked attendees through the core pillars of employment law over the course of several weeks.

We are now looking for an experienced trainer to join the charity, drive the development and delivery of our new exciting training programme, and support the ongoing growth of the charity.

This is an ideal opportunity for a candidate with a strong sense of justice, who values impact, and the autonomy of working in a diverse and agile team. We can accommodate part-time, flexible and remote work, and offer 28 days of annual leave in addition to a winter holiday break.

The role

This critical new role is an opportunity to build on our existing portfolio of workshops to develop a whole new line of work for the charity, working closely with the Deputy CEO and the Employment and Immigration legal teams. We are looking for a passionate self-starter, with strong legal expertise in employment, and experience of developing and delivering high-impact and engaging training sessions. 

About you

We seek an employment law expert who has a passion for training and an entrepreneurial spirit. We are looking for:

● Qualified solicitor or barrister, eligible to practise in England and Wales.

● Experience in developing training or professional development materials

● Experience in delivering compelling and accessible legal training or workshops (internal or external)

● Excellent written and verbal communication skills

● Knowledge of, and empathy with, the backgrounds and experiences of migrants and other vulnerable workers.

Please download the job description for full responsibilities and complete person specifications.

How to apply

Please send your CV and Cover Letter by the end of Sunday, March 1st  and don’t hesitate to reach out with any queries about this opportunity.

Be part of a small, high-impact charity transforming the futures of women with convictions.  

Working Chance is the UK’s only employment charity exclusively supporting women with criminal convictions. We help women build confidence, develop skills, and secure employment, education or training, and we work with employers and policymakers to remove the barriers they face. 

We’re entering an exciting period of growth, with a new three-year strategy currently in development. To help us reach more women and strengthen our influence, we are expanding our fundraising team and creating a brand-new role to ensure we maintain a strong financial foundation. 

Fundraising & Partnerships Manager 

This is an excellent opportunity for a talented fundraiser who wants autonomy, variety, and the chance to shape fundraising for a mission-driven organisation. You’ll join a friendly, supportive team and play a key part in driving our income growth. 

About the role 

This is a hands-on, relationship-focused fundraising role with lots of scope for creativity and development. Working closely with our Fundraising Lead and Fundraising Officer, you will lead on: 

Lead on growing and diversifying our funder base. 

• Research and build a strong pipeline of trusts, foundations, corporates, and major donors. 

• Write compelling bids, cases for support and partnership proposals. 

• Ensure high-quality reporting and stewardship to retain and uplift support.

Develop emerging income streams. 

• Support individual giving (including appeals, campaigns, and supporter journeys) 

• Develop and test community fundraising and challenge event activities. 

• Identify opportunities for fundraising partnerships with employers we work with in our service delivery. 

Be a trusted partner internally. 

• Work closely with service delivery, communications, and policy colleagues to understand our impact and translate it into powerful fundraising stories. 

• Keep on top of financial information and budgets. 

• Use our Salesforce CRM to maintain accurate, organised records. 

If you love variety, relationship building and turning impact into inspiring fundraising narrative, you’ll thrive here. 

What you’ll bring 

We’re looking for someone who can combine strong fundraising know-how with warmth, professionalism, and a passion for our mission.

You’ll need: 

• Solid experience in one or more fundraising areas (trusts, corporates, major donors, individual giving, or community) 

• Strong writing skills and a track record of persuasive, successful proposals 

• Confidence in building relationships with funders and partners 

• Good financial awareness and organisational skills 

• A collaborative approach and genuine empathy for the women we support. 

Experience in criminal justice, employability or gender equality sectors is helpful but not essential. 

Our onboarding commitment 

We know that joining a new organisation is a big step, so we offer a robust, supportive induction to help you feel settled and confident. 
This includes: 

• A structured onboarding plan through your settling in (probation) period 

• Mandatory training plus role-specific support 

• Introductions to colleagues across fundraising, service delivery, communications, and policy 

• Guided time to understand our impact, our women’s stories, and our wider strategy. 

Why join Working Chance? 

We are a supportive, inclusive organisation with a strong focus on wellbeing, flexibility, and personal development. Our team is passionate, kind and committed, and our impact is powerful and measurable. 

You’ll enjoy: 

• Hybrid working for London staff; fully remote for those outside London. 

• Up to £2,000 office allowance for two days a week (pro rata for one 1 day) 

• 25 days’ annual leave + 3 Christmas days + your birthday off 

• Four wellbeing days 

• Generous pension (5–6% employer contribution) 

• Access to a Learning & Development Fund (up to £5,000) 

• Enhanced sick pay and family leave. 

• Friendly team culture, regular awaydays and all-staff events 

We also strongly encourage applications from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system. 

Key details 

• Closing date: Monday 23 February 2026, 9am 

• Interviews: Monday 9 March 2026

• Apply via: CharityJob. 

The Young Roots Casework Service aims to improve the life chances of young refugees and asylum seekers and to support them to reach their potential by accessing their rights and entitlements. 

This is an opportunity for an experienced manager to head up the organisation's Casework team. It will be a chance to provide advice and guidance, safeguarding oversight, line management and supervise other Caseworkers across the organisation. 

The role will support the oversight and delivery of our weekly Advice and Support Hub in both Brent and Croydon (Wednesday 5pm-8m and Thursday 4.30pm-8pm).The role will suit a dynamic, supportive, and enthusiastic manager with a deep understanding of the challenges young refugees and asylum seekers face in London.   

Hybrid working with minimum 40% in-person attendance at one of our London offices (2 days per week for full-time staff, pro rata for part-time), with occasional travel to our other offices. To be agreed with line manager - 1 x Evening per week at an activity on either a Wednesday or Thursday (day to be confirmed, so availability for either scenario is required). Occasional on call evening safeguarding cover may be required.

Senior Fundraising Manager (Major Giving)

Salary£49,321.55 per annum

LocationLondon/Hybrid

Weekly Hours35

The Vacancy

Job Title: Senior Fundraising Manager (Major Giving)

Location: London/Hybrid

Salary: £49,321.55 per annum

Weekly Hours: 35

Reference: YMC1095733

We seek a strategic and relationship-driven Philanthropy fundraising professional with a passion for making a difference to young people’s lives. If you thrive on securing transformational gifts and building meaningful connections with high-value donors,  then YMCA England & Wales has an incredible opportunity for you to shape and lead our Major Giving programme as our new Senior Fundraising Manager (Major Giving).

About YMCA England & Wales

YMCA England & Wales supports 83 local YMCAs, advocating for vulnerable young people by providing essential building blocks for a better life—like a safe home, guidance, friendship, and employment skills. We are committed to ensuring fairness and opportunity for all, and through our collective voice, we influence national policy and media to improve the lives of young people across the country.

Fundraising at YMCA England & Wales has three pillars:

• Fundraising for distribution through initiatives such as our RoomSponsor programme and national partnerships
• Fundraise to support YMCAs and fund our policy, campaign and research work, which changes the lives of young people
• Help YMCAs fundraise themselves by providing assets, propositions, and advice for local fundraisers.

The Role

As Senior Fundraising Manager (Major Giving), you will lead the development and implementation of an ambitious new Major Giving strategy to secure and maximise funds from high-net-worth individuals. Your focus will be on nurturing relationships with existing donors while identifying and engaging new prospects, driving initiatives including Giving Circles and Development Boards.

You will work closely with senior leadership, Trustees, and key stakeholders to craft compelling cases for support, aligning with YMCA’s ambitious new housing strategy and broader organisational goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and grow a portfolio of major donors, developing tailored engagement strategies to inspire long-term support.
• Plan and execute donor stewardship activities, including bespoke events, face-to-face meetings, and personalised communications.
• Work with senior leadership and Trustees to build strong relationships with philanthropists and high-value supporters.
• Develop and deliver compelling proposals, impact reports, and updates to donors.
• Identify and research prospective major donors, developing strategies to engage them effectively.
• Implement YMCA’s ambitious Major Giving Strategy which projects an ever more important focus for this area.
• Oversee the Major Giving income and expenditure budget, providing accurate forecasts and performance reports.
• Collaborate with colleagues across fundraising teams to align strategies and maximise income opportunities.
• Ensure robust data management within the CRM database, adhering to GDPR and best practices.
• Work cross-functionally to develop new fundraising products and giving opportunities, ensuring high-value philanthropy is embedded across the organisation.

About You

We are looking for a highly motivated, strategic, and personable fundraising professional with a proven track record of securing major gifts. You will be confident in building relationships with high-net-worth individuals and passionate about delivering exceptional donor experiences.

You will have:

• Significant experience in major donor fundraising, with a track record of securing five- and six-figure gifts.
• Excellent relationship management skills, with the ability to engage and influence high-value supporters.
• Strong strategic thinking and planning skills, with experience in developing and implementing fundraising strategies.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to create compelling cases for support.
• Budget management and forecasting experience, with a focus on data-driven decision-making.
• Experience working with senior stakeholders, including Trustees and senior leadership teams.
• Knowledge of philanthropy trends, donor motivations, and fundraising best practices.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of an ambitious and growing fundraising team, with the opportunity to shape and lead YMCA’s major donor programme.
• Work for a charity that makes a real difference in the lives of young people and communities across England & Wales.
• Enjoy a collaborative and supportive work environment, where your contributions are valued and celebrated.
• Competitive salary and benefits package, with opportunities for professional development.

If you are passionate about philanthropy and have the skills and experience to drive major donor fundraising at YMCA England & Wales, we would love to hear from you!

To apply: please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role

Our recruitment process is anonymised and candidates' names are hidden. We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds. Safer recruitment is important to us and the successful applicant will be asked to provide two references. They will also be required to complete a safeguarding self-declaration, safeguarding training and undertake a DBS check.

For 140 years, the Forces Employment Charity has proudly supported Service leavers, veterans, and their families in building successful civilian careers.

We provide veterans with life-long, life-changing support, jobs, and training opportunities, regardless of circumstances, rank, length of service, or reason for leaving.

​

Brief role description:

​

The NST Client Advisor plays a key role in delivering the support centre function for the programme. Working closely with the Nova Support Team (NST), the Advisor provides initial advice, guidance, and assistance to Veterans who are at risk of contact with the Justice System or are involved in the Justice System.​

​

​Some of your principal responsibilities will include receiving and triaging referrals for veterans who are at risk of, or involved in, the justice system, making timely first contact and completing initial registrations, and providing accurate advice and guidance while maintaining detailed records on the case management system.

​

As a NST Client Advisor, you will need experience in guiding and supporting individuals, strong communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders while remaining highly organised and IT confident.

​

​Ideally, you will also have an understanding of the justice system, experience using Salesforce or similar CRM systems and a resilient and adaptable approach.

​

​Please note this role requires an Enhanced DBS check and Police Vetting (NVVP 2).

​

​Interested? Want to know more about the Charity? check out our Website.

​

Eager to know more the role? Have a look at the Job Description NST Client Advisor - Job Description.pdf

​

What’s in it for you? Check out our Benefits.

​

Have we convinced you to apply? If so, submit your CV and Covering Letter by closing date, Friday 20 February 2026.

​

Please note: Applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert; therefore, we may at any time bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as possible. If you are an internal applicant, please ensure you have made The People Team aware before applying.

We are committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff by fostering an inclusive, supportive environment where everyone, including those with disabilities, can thrive, develop, and achieve their full potential. We actively encourage applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and ensure reasonable adjustments are made to support candidates with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.

​

We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process.

​

​

Longer working lives and ongoing economic transitions are reshaping careers: how we start them, and how we move through them. But too many people remain paid in low-paid, low-quality work – with damaging consequences for them personally, and our economy as a whole. We’re seeking a senior, policy-oriented research leader to help us and our partners generate insights that enable more people to move into and progress through better work.

You’ll have a proven track record in scoping and securing funding for research and influencing activity, with significant autonomy to lead your own programme at L&W. You’ll be supported by committed researchers and managers whom you will coach, lead, and develop—alongside a peer group of Deputy Directors working across other key pillars. We welcome quantitative expertise, but most important are the skills to design and deliver high-quality, impactful research programmes.

You’ll join an organisation with a national reputation for driving policy change—and a friendly, highly capable, delivery-focused team. 

Location: Hybrid working: 40-60% in an L&W office. Our offices for this role are currently in Leicester and London, but if you are based elsewhere, please contact us to talk about how the role could work for you.

Team:Research and Development

Salary:£64,450 -£77,880 per annum (pro rata), dependent on experience and location

Duration:Permanent

Working hours:0.8 to 1 FTE, with flexible working supported (e.g. condensed hours, flexible start and finish times)

Main Purpose

The Deputy Director, Policy and Research (Better Work and Progression) will have overall ownership of the ‘Better Work’ pillar of our strategic plan at L&W: overseeing all projects and activity in this area and generating new work (including developing project ideas and securing funding).

While there is significant scope to shape the ongoing programme of research and impact work, we anticipate that key areas of focus in this area going forward will be: understanding & better supporting career change; understanding and improving policy to increase employer investment in skills; high quality and fair access apprenticeships and technical education; understanding how to better support progression from low pay.

They will be a senior leader for the organization – helping to continuously shape our strategy and the plans we are implementing to deliver it.

Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership and management

• Intellectual leadership of the Better Work pillar: developing and owning policy positions, messages, theory of change and research priorities, and supporting the wider team to feed into and understand them
• Line management of senior and mid-level staff
• Act as a senior leader at L&W – including taking on specific organization-level responsibilities where appropriate

Income

• Write and/or co-ordinate responses to reactive research and evaluation tenders in the areas of employment, better work and progression
• Develop pro-active proposals that will drive change in your area, and respond to the interests of funders and partners
• Build relationships with current and potential funders and research partners

Impact

• Act as an external expert on the issues of better work and progression: writing press quotes, articles and blogs;speaking on platforms
• Building relationships with practitioners, policymakers and partners to improve our insights, and get our recommendations implemented
• Develop appropriate means of tracking impact towards our better work goals, and monitor against them. 

Delivery

• Deputy Director/Project Director-level oversight of projects being delivered in your and related areas: supporting project team to shape research plans, deliver sharp insights and manage funder relationships
• Quality Assurance of research proposals and outputs
• Use your research skills and experience to support the wider development of the Learning and Work team

Person Specification

Experience

Experience of developing, overseeing and delivering programmes of policy-relevant research at a high level - Essential

Experience of business development in a policy/research context: developing ideas, writing bids and building relationships with funders- Essential

Experience of building senior-level relationships with external stakeholders for impact and influence -Essential

Track record of delivering national and/or local policy change - Essential

Experience of senior organisational leadership as part of a team - Desirable 

Experience of responding to tenders- Desirable 

Skills

Advanced research skills (qualitative of quantitative) -Essential

Quantitative skills: experience of using key national research and administrative data sets to generate insights into the labour market -Desirable 

Clear and direct written communication style - Essential

Knowledge

Knowledge of, and commitment to, L&W’s charitable aims and purpose.- Essential

Demonstrable knowledge of employment and/or skills policy in the UK - Essential

Demonstrable knowledge in the specific areas of Better Work and/or progression -Desirable 

Learning and Work Institute works across the UK. Our work in Wales is led by a Cardiff based team, but all staff are required to follow the guidance set out in our Welsh language scheme when working in Wales.

NEON is a not- for profit Organtision 

Our Mission is to remove structural barriers within the arts and creative industries by creating equitable access to training, space, professional experience and paid work.

We centre children, young people and emerging creatives from underrepresented and underprivileged communities, ensuring talent is supported not only creatively, but economically and professionally.

We are seeking to expand our team capacity to deliver transformational growth across our creative programming. The Business Development Manager will  transition NEON from project-based delivery to sustainable, recurring programmes while scaling our impact within the creative industries and local community.

Job Description

You will work closely with both our external cross-sector funders, clients and internal delivery partners and teams to provide a service that exceeds expectations by  monitoring progress and continually adapting and improving effectiveness to meet changing needs

The postholder will:

• Expand income generation through studio hires, memberships, events, and trading

• Securing sponsorships, multi-year funding, and philanthropic donations

• Develop contracts and partnerships with schools, local authorities, and corporate entities

• Strengthening impact reporting and financial reporting and management

• Supporting the Founder and Artistic Director to build a resilient business model across our sites in Vauxhall from 2026. 

Role Profile - Essential Experience and Skills 

• 5 years plus demonstrable experience of income generation  and management, delivering on time and within budget 

• Demonstrable experience of budget management - strong financial literacy, commercial awareness and analytical 

• You enjoy working in an entrepreneurial and creative, start-up environment - understanding that this may mean doing what is needed to get the outcome, even if not within one’s own role

• You have resilience to change course and adapt priorities as needed by the business

• You are as comfortable working independently as you are as part of a team

• You enjoy working with a small team and contributing to the broader ambition of the whole organisation and being an ambassador for our work

• Willing to be based in our studio in Vauxhall

• Substantial experience of relationship building and collaborative partnership with people from all sectors and backgrounds - especially at senior management/executive level e.g. stakeholders, funders and delivery partners

• Demonstrable track record of managing and monitoring performance to meet objectives and delivery of targets 

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to articulate and present ideas clearly, coherently and persuasively in the written format as well as verbally 

• Ability to think, act and communicate strategically and creatively

• Ability to be self-servicing including proficient use of Microsoft IT and Google Suite package

Desirable

• Knowledge and/or experience of the arts and creative industries, in a startup or with creative entrepreneurs is desirable though not essential. We would still like to hear from you if you have experience leading and delivering high-profile projects and are committed to making a difference.

• You are passionate about the arts and creative sectors, wanting to use your abilities to nurture the talents of others and increase diversity within these sectors

At Battersea, we’re here for every dog and cat and our people are the key to delivering this mission. We’re now looking for an experienced CIPP-qualified Payroll Manager to lead our small payroll team and support our colleagues by ensuring a seamless, reliable and accurate payroll service for our circa 700-strong workforce. The role will oversee the relationship with and work in close collaboration with our outsourced payroll provider service, and act as Battersea’s payroll subject matter expert, providing clear, supportive guidance to colleagues, managers and HR and Finance colleagues.

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 membership 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. If you would like to talk more about this, please contact us. Greyscale copies of the recruitment pack are also available on request.

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: 20th February 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 23rd February 2026

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

At Outside the Box we make a real difference, positively changing the lives of the people with learning disabilities/autism. To build on our success, we are now looking for someone special to lead our ‘day’ services (OTB Choices).

OTB Choices provides a dynamic portfolio of education, skills, creative and work experience opportunities, from cooking, art and craft to printing, computing, music and customer service, and much more. We are at an exciting stage in our delivery and development and are seeking an exceptional person to lead and manage our services, ensuring consistently high quality provision that really does make a difference.

You will play a pivotal role in our work, proactively leading a diverse team and multi-site operations to achieve targets and outcomes. You will be solution-focused, have the strength, vision and evidenced track record of an experienced manager and shared passion for enabling and empowering people with learning disabilities and/or autism to have their best lives.