Social research jobs

We are looking for a Head of IT to lead all aspects of IT and Data Services across Battersea’s three sites ensuring our services meet the needs of the charity and enable us to deliver our charitable objectives. They will be responsible for the design, development and implementation of a high quality, timely and appropriate IT and Data Services offer to key stakeholders across the charity.

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 forall.

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: 15th March 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 March 2026 (to be confirmed)

For more information about the role, please download our Recruitment pack from our Careers website.

Alexandra Palace is partnering exclusively with Robertson Bell in their search for a permanent Financial Controller. Alexandra Palace is one of London’s most iconic destinations. For over 150 years, it has stood as a beacon of creativity, community and culture - home to world-first innovations, unforgettable entertainment and open access to green space across 196 acres of parkland in North London.

The Financial Controller is a key role within the Finance team, supporting the Finance Director to deliver a high-quality, efficient and forward-thinking finance function across a uniquely diverse, highly commercial and operationally complex organisation.

The role:

• Support the Finance Director in delivering a robust and effective finance function, providing technical expertise and operational leadership across the organisation.
• Lead the preparation of statutory financial statements and play a central role in managing the annual audit process, liaising with external auditors and stakeholders.
• Drive the implementation of a new accounting system, improving processes, reporting capability and financial insight across the organisation.
• Oversee balance sheet reconciliations, financial controls and process improvements to ensure accuracy, transparency and strong governance.
• Lead on payroll financial control and reporting, ensuring data integrity and robust processes.
• Prepare and monitor cash flow forecasts across multiple entities, identifying risks and supporting decision-making.
• Provide financial leadership on capital projects, supporting accounting and financial oversight of major developments on site.
• Ensure timely and accurate completion of VAT and other statutory returns.
• Support the development of the finance team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration and strong financial awareness across the organisation.

The organisation:

Today, Alexandra Park and Palace Charitable Trust is the custodian of this extraordinary site. As a charity, they are committed to safeguarding its heritage while continually evolving their offer to meet the needs of today’s audiences and communities. More than 4 million people visit each year to enjoy a dynamic mix of live events, festivals, exhibitions, learning and engagement programmes and community initiatives.

Operating with a blended income model - combining commercial income, public funding and philanthropic support the organisation offers a complex, engaging environment where finance plays a crucial role in enabling sustainable growth and delivering public value.

Essential criteria:

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with significant relevant experience
• Demonstrable experience in a Financial Controller or similar role within a complex organisation
• Experience preparing statutory accounts within the charity / not-for-profit sector
• Experience managing external audits and working closely with auditors
• Strong financial control and balance sheet management experience
• Experience leading or supporting finance system implementation or process improvement
• Proven line management experience and ability to develop teams
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain financial information to non-finance stakeholders

This role will be based at Alexandra Palace with regular on-site presence required to support collaboration across the organisation.

The closing date for applications is 12th March, with first stage interviews scheduled for 19th–20th March and second stage interviews 26^th-27th March.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis ahead of the closing date, so please submit your CV to Robertson Bell, the exclusive recruitment partner, to be considered.

Robertson Bell is delighted to be exclusively partnering with Ibstock Place School in the search for a Head of Finance. Ibstock Place is a leading independent co-educational school known for its strong academic performance, inclusive ethos, and commitment to providing an outstanding educational environment.

With significant investment in facilities and a continued focus on operational excellence, the School is seeking a commercially minded finance leader to play a key role in supporting its long-term financial sustainability and strategic ambitions.

The Head of Finance is a senior leadership position, reporting to the Bursar and working closely with Governors and budget holders across the School. You will provide strategic and operational oversight of the finance function, ensuring robust financial management, high-quality reporting, and effective governance.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead and manage the finance team, including performance management, development, and succession planning.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes, ensuring alignment with the School’s strategic priorities.
• Produce timely, insightful management information with clear narrative to support decision-making.
• Lead the preparation of statutory returns and annual accounts, ensuring compliance with all regulatory and reporting requirements.
• Manage the year-end process and act as the primary contact for external auditors.
• Maintain strong cash flow oversight and prepare accurate cash forecasts.
• Ensure effective financial controls, policies, and procedures are in place and continuously improved.
• Oversee the financial systems environment, ensuring it remains fit for purpose and fully utilised.
• Support and guide budget holders, promoting financial accountability across the School.
• Deputise for the Bursar on financial matters as required.

Candidate Profile

We are seeking a proactive, collaborative, and technically strong finance professional who can operate both strategically and hands-on.

Essential experience and attributes:

• A recognised professional accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Proven experience in a senior finance leadership or management role.
• Strong track record of budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Experience working with Boards, Governors, or senior stakeholders.
• Excellent understanding of financial controls, compliance, and best practice.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop teams effectively.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to present complex financial information clearly.

Desirable:

• Experience within education, charity, or not-for-profit environments.

Why Join Ibstock Place School?

• Opportunity to play a pivotal role in a respected and well-established independent school.
• Broad and varied remit with genuine influence across the organisation.
• Collaborative leadership team and strong organisational values.
• Chance to contribute to the continued development of facilities, services, and financial strategy.

Location & Working Pattern

The role is based on site at the School in Roehampton, South West London, with on-site presence expected to support close collaboration with stakeholders.

In their search for a new Head of Financial Planning and Analysis on a permanent basis, The National Archives are partnering with Roberson Bell.

The Organisation

The National Archives is home to 1,000 years of our nation's histories, from Domesday to Downing Street tweets, our vast collection of archival treasures is as varied as it is inspiring. 

Our mission is to collect and preserve the public record, to connect citizens with their history through unrivalled collections and to partner with archives everywhere. In 2038 we will celebrate the bicentenary of the founding of the Public Record Office, and our 2038 vision is for The National Archives to be the living digital archive of the state. 

With a highly motivated and engaged staff of around 650 based in a beautiful setting in Kew, The National Archives is a surprising and inspirational mixture of talents, from their world-leading experts in history, digital, technology, and conservation to their impressive operational teams delivering public services and providing leadership for the archives sector.  To find out more visit:

The role

Operating within the Finance and Performance Directorate, as Head of Financial Planning and Analysis, you will lead the Finance Business Partner and Senior Management Accounts team. You will develop the financial planning and analysis capabilities of the team that will better support financial decision making across the organisation and effective risk management.  You will lead on The National Archives' financial planning through Spending Reviews and Fiscal Events; ensuring these are reflected and managed internally through budgets, efficiencies and multi-year business planning.

Other responsibilities include:

• Leading the Finance Business Partner and Senior Management Accounts team, providing clear direction, coaching, and support to ensure high-quality professional finance support and advice is provided to the organisation and development of team members.
• Deputising for the Finance Director as required and help lead the Finance and Performance team through periods of change.
• Leading The National Archives' financial planning at single-year and multi-year levels Spending Reviews and other fiscal events.
• Overseeing the annual business planning process to ensure an effective process that allocates budgets and defines key business priorities, and building financial modelling capabilities to support senior managers.
• Delivering timely and accurate management accounts and re-forecasts, presenting key insights and recommendations to the Executive Team, Board, and Committees.
• Acting as a Finance Business Partner, supporting Directorates and budget holders to ensure financial responsibilities are understood, business cases are robust, and governance processes are followed.
• Building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including Directors, Heads of Department, and HM Treasury, ensuring finance is trusted and influences decision-making.
• Promoting and realising the benefits of our ERP system across Directorates and the wider finance function.

Full details of the job role available in the candidate pack

The successful candidate will

• Be qualified with CCAB, CIMA or equivalent with significant financial experience over an extended period of time, including experience in a relevant strategic financial role.
• Have significant experience of leading and motivating a team of finance professionals to deliver against their personal and team objectives and promote excellence.
• Will be an initiative-taking and an effective organiser, which will allow you to work fluidly in a demanding environment, remaining flexible at all times.
• Have the ability to influence and make impact at senior levels and across the organisation through excellent interpersonal and communication skills including building and maintaining networks and relationships.
• Have an excellent personal presentation and written communication skills, including the ability to put complex financial issues into plain language for non-specialist audiences and build this capability within the team.
• Adopt a collaborative approach to problem solving and the ability to consider a number of options and scenarios in order to achieve effective outcomes.
• Have strong analytical skills to identify and interpret trends and improve financial forecast data.
• Be able to lead, promote and embed the use and value