Support officer jobs

We are seeking a Fundraising Officer to be a valued member of parkrun’s Global Commercial & Fundraising Team. 

One of the key organisational priorities at parkrun is to develop its charitable fundraising reach. Whilst fundraising is relatively new to parkrun, it is our fastest growing income stream and critical to us continuing to deliver parkrun to more communities across the world . The successful candidate will play a crucial role in expanding some of our existing activities like individual giving, 3rd party events & corporate fundraising. They will also be responsible for supporting new activity as we look to expand and diversify our activity in areas like legacies and major gifts.

We offer great flexible working conditions and a range of employee benefits including a contributory pension plan, 25 days paid leave (plus Bank Holidays) and a commitment to develop your skills and provide training.

Actors’ Trust supports professional actors and stage managers in times of need, and our bold new Acting for Impact strategy seeks to increase the charity’s reach and impact within the performing arts community.

The Finance & Office Executive will play a key role in ensuring the financial health and effective administration of the charity. Working closely with the CEO and Head of Finance & Operations, the postholder will provide financial assistance, manage the office, and undertake the administrative functions required to support the smooth running of the charity.

This role is perfect for someone who enjoys working with numbers, systems and people. You’ll play a key role in supporting and delivering the charity’s financial and operational strategy and enabling the Trustees to fulfil their legal and fiduciary obligations. You will ensure that our finance processes and office run smoothly, including diary management, and that key governance and HR processes and procedures comply with law and with our policies.

We are looking for an energetic and motivated self-starter keen to take on a new challenge within a fast growing organisation, to join us and support our team. You will have an appetite for detail and a focus on standards. Additionally, you will be a problem solver, team player, able to quickly adapt, (and to ask for help when you need it) and you’ll have the self-belief and capacity to develop trusted relationships with stakeholders at every level. 

See the attached Job Description for more details.

How to Apply

• Please apply with an up-to-date CV including a daytime phone and email contact, and a brief covering letter telling us why you’re a good fit for this role.
• The closing date and time for applications is 9am, 9th January 2026.
• Interviews will be held on Thursday 15th January 2026

Devon in Sight (The Devon County Association for the Blind) was established in 1925 and has a long and proud history of serving people who are blind and partially sighted and their families in Devon.

Our aim is to support people on their sight loss journey by focusing on our four key service areas of Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG), Independent Living, Health & Wellbeing, and Influencing Change (Making Devon a better place for people affected by sight loss to live and work).

The Role:

As our long-standing Chief Executive Officer prepares for retirement, we are seeking an experienced senior manager to take over the leadership of this dynamic and innovative charity.

The Chief Executive Officer will be based at the charity’s head office in Splatford, Exeter. You will be responsible to the Board of Trustees and will represent, promote and support the charity, whilst ensuring the smooth running of all aspects of operations and future growth.

You will need to work flexibly and strategically to assist the organisation to achieve its strategic priorities, develop and grow. We are looking for someone who is a confident and empathetic manager with previous experience gained within a charity setting.

You will be a natural and inspiring communicator, equally confident in networking with our stakeholders, talking to the people we support and writing compelling content. In addition, you will be computer literate and financially astute, able to work with a Board of Trustees, attend their meetings and provide them with timely and accurate information.

Job Type: Permanent, Full-time (37 hours per week).

Location: Unit 3, Splatford Barton, Kennford, Exeter EX6 7XY

Salary: £46,500.

Other Benefits:

• Annual Leave entitlement is 25 days per annum plus statutory bank holidays. Additional leave days are awarded after 2, 5 and 10 years’ service.
• Some flexible, remote working can be negotiated.
• A pension scheme that includes a 3% employer contribution with the option of joining our Salary Sacrifice Scheme to increase this.
• A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• A nominated free car parking space at our current premises.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategy & Governance: Developing and implementing the charity’s vision, mission, values and strategic priorities in partnership with the Trustees.
• Operational Leadership: Overseeing service delivery, maintaining our Matrix Standard Accreditation, monitoring services we provide to ensure they are always to a high standard.
• Financial & Fundraising: Managing budgets, maintaining compliance, and leading fundraising strategies (Individual Trusts & Grants, Legacies, Community and Corporate Fundraising and  Legacy management).
• Compliance & Risk: Ensuring the charity strictly adheres to statutory, legal (GDPR, Charities Act, Companies Act), and safeguarding requirements.
• Partnerships & Advocacy: Acting as the "voice of blind and partially sighted people in Devon", building relationships with key stakeholders across the Health & Social Care and Third Sector.
• People Management: HR, recruitment, managing and supporting staff and volunteers.

How to Apply

If you are a supportive and proactive leader, passionate about making a real difference to the lives of people affected by sight loss across Devon, we want to hear from you!

For a full application pack, including job description, application letter and application forms, please visit our website. 

Interviews will be held on the 15th and 16th January 2026, in person, at our head office in Kennford, Exeter. 

About the Project

The National Lottery funded Meddwl Ymlaen Mind Our Future project is led by The Venture on behalf of the North East Wales partnership. The aim is to empower young people aged 11 to 24 to shape mental health services across Wrexham and Flintshire. Young people will co develop and influence policy, processes and services that affect their mental wellbeing.

Overview of the Role

The Senior Youth Engagement Officer will lead the youth engagement and co production elements of the project. A key part of the role is to lead and facilitate the Young Leaders Advisory Board (YLAB), made up of 11 to 24 year olds who guide the direction of the project. The post holder will support their leadership development, confidence and decision making.

The role also includes developing a strategy to recruit and engage more young people, delivering a calendar of youth led events, and ensuring young voices shape all aspects of the project. The officer will represent Mind Our Future in meetings with stakeholders and support young people recruited into paid roles within the project.

Main Duties

• Lead and facilitate the YLAB, plan and chair meetings, and support members to take an active leadership role.
• Recruit and engage a diverse group of young people to join the YLAB and ensure the group reflects the communities of Wrexham and Flintshire.
• Provide mentoring, coaching and personal development opportunities for young people involved.
• Co design project activities with young people, ensuring their voices guide decisions, planning and evaluation.
• Organise workshops, events and activities and ensure all logistics are managed effectively.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders and communicate project updates.
• Recruit and support young people in paid roles within the project, including training, mentoring and ongoing support.
• Act as the designated safeguarding lead for the project including implementing safeguarding procedures, providing guidance, and liaising with authorities when required.
• Contribute to overall project success through planning, evaluation and collaborative teamwork.
• Maintain high standards of professionalism, confidentiality and equality across all work.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential
• Minimum Level 3 qualification in Youth Work
• Clean UK driving licence
• Level 3 safeguarding children in Wales qualification
• Significant experience in a Safeguarding Lead or equivalent role

Desirable
• Diploma or degree in mental health, particularly relating to children and young people
• Health and Safety training

Skills and Abilities

Essential
• Strong communication skills in English
• Experience working with young people and young adults
• Empathy and ability to connect with young people
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent planning and organisational skills
• Good IT skills including digital communication and online working
• Ability to produce quality reports and presentations
• Ability to engage effectively with stakeholders and motivate young people
• Ability to work collaboratively and create a positive environment
• Ability to travel throughout Wrexham, Flintshire and occasionally across Wales
• Ability to meet deadlines and targets

Desirable
• Welsh language skills
• Ability to adapt communication styles for different needs (for example Makaton)

Experience and Knowledge

Essential
• Significant safeguarding experience
• Knowledge of youth work and youth development
• Understanding of monitoring and evaluation in a youth work setting
• Awareness of youth sub cultures and social media
• Experience of youth participation or consultation
• Understanding of professional boundaries
• Experience implementing Health and Safety and Equalities processes
• Knowledge of Youth Work in Wales: Principles and Purposes and related frameworks
• Knowledge of Data Protection and GDPR
• Understanding of the importance of Welsh language and culture

Desirable
• Experience of co production
• Experience working with diverse groups of young people
• Experience working with varied abilities
• Partnership working experience
• Project management experience or transferable skills

Personal Qualities

Essential
• Trustworthiness
• Commitment to professional development
• Commitment to equality and challenging discrimination
• Integrity, discretion and strong personal drive
• Ability to problem solve and work under pressure
• Compassion and patience
• Strong interpersonal and listening skills
• Genuine care for supporting others
• Fun, engaging and adventurous attitude

Other Requirements

• Ability to carry equipment between locations
• Frequent evening and weekend work will be required
• Enhanced DBS check required

Chief Executive Officer - FoodCycle
Location: Vauxhall, London (flexible working; regular travel to Projects and for meeting with key stakeholders required)
Salary: circa £75,000
Contract: Permanent, full-time (35–37.5 hours per week)

Are you ready to lead FoodCycle through a period of consolidation and sustainable growth, protecting its volunteer-led, guest-centred model while building reliable income streams and scaling proven pilots?

About FoodCycle
FoodCycle is a national charity running volunteer-powered community dining projects that combine rescued surplus food, spare kitchen space and local volunteers to deliver free, hot, sociable three-course meals. Our work sits at the intersection of food-waste reduction, food-poverty relief and loneliness prevention. Nationally scaled but locally delivered, FoodCycle has grown rapidly, enjoys strong volunteer goodwill and is developing promising trading and schools pilots to strengthen sustainability.

As our next CEO you will:

• Shape strategy & impact - co-create and implement a clear 3–5 year strategy and a focused 12-month operational plan with measurable milestones.

• Stabilise leadership & culture - provide visible, warm and practical leadership across Projects; develop the senior team and protect volunteer trust.

• Secure financial sustainability - own the income strategy, diversify revenue across trusts, individual giving, corporate partnerships and trading, and present credible cashflow plans to the board.

• Build commercial & trading capacity - drive Manor House and other trading pilots towards viable, repeatable income models.

• Safeguard quality & risk - ensure robust safeguarding, food-safety and operational thresholds for opening new Projects.

• Raise profile & partnerships - act as FoodCycle’s principal ambassador to corporates, funders, local authorities and policy audiences.

Who you are

• A senior leader with experience stabilising and growing people-facing, delivery-focused organisations.

• Proven at generating income from multiple streams, with commercial fluency to develop simple trading models and convert corporate engagement into lasting partnerships.

• Financially literate - comfortable owning budgets, forecasting and discussing risk with trustees.

• Excellent at people and change management - able to build and motivate small national teams and large volunteer cohorts.

• Data-driven, curious and pragmatic - tests pilots, embeds what works and sets clear go/no-go criteria for scale.

• Values-driven and visible - passionate about food justice, guest dignity and volunteer leadership.

• Right to work in the UK and satisfactory DBS checks required.

Why FoodCycle?

• Lead a nationally recognised, volunteer-led movement tackling food waste, food poverty and social isolation.

• Play a pivotal role growing promising trading and schools pilots to create sustainable income.

• Work with an engaged Chair and committed board, and a small, passionate national team.

• Be part of a friendly, non-hierarchical culture where leaders are visible in Projects.

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 at 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 19th 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.

The role: This is a rewarding role where every day brings the opportunity to make a positive difference to people's lives. We regularly receive testimonials from service users describing the life-changing impact of receiving support from our caseworkers in the National Road Victim Service.

Working location: mostly remote work with some travel required. Based in Surrey or Hampshire you will deliver a face-to-face service to clients in their own home or safe meeting place across the Surrey and Hampshire area as well as providing support by Teams, phone, email or other means to suit the service user. We take a person-centred approach so the amount of travel will vary depending on your caseload at the time. You’re in control of your own diary. 

Why this role is important: Every 20 minutes, someone is killed or seriously injured on UK roads. For families affected, the emotional and practical challenges are immense. As a Caseworker, you will provide trauma-informed care to individuals and families suffering from the sudden bereavement or life-altering injury of a loved one. Working mostly remotely, with some home visits to service users, you’ll offer vital emotional and practical support—including helping them access therapeutic resources, financial assistance, and guidance through the complexities of medical and legal processes. 

About Brake: Brake is a renowned and respected road safety charity with a 30-year history dedicated to supporting people affected by road crashes and advocating for safer streets. 

You'll join a closely knit team of fellow caseworkers, each using their individual experience and skills to provide person-centred support to victims. This provides a ready-made peer group who share best practice and knowledge and support each other so, in turn, they can best support road victims. There's no sugar coating it, this isn't an easy role, it requires a special type of person with strong resilience, but the reward is a strong sense of purpose, every day. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so we have strong support systems in place to support our caseworker's wellbeing, including clinical supervision. 

What we offer:

· A generous 35 days of annual leave (including bank holidays and 3-day end of year shutdown) 

· Birthday day off 

· Flexible working (choose a working pattern to suit you between the hours of 8am-6pm Mon-Fri) 

· Enhanced sick pay and compassionate leave 

· Death in service benefit 

· Pension 

· Employee Assistance Programme 

· Clinical supervision and excellent support 

· A rewarding role with purpose 

· Be part of a skilled, friendly team with an engaged Board of Trustees 

· Opportunity to attend prestigious events such as the Brake annual reception and awards (if you want to) 

Who we're looking for 

Full training will be provided under the guidance of our dedicated Training Officer. Our induction program has been developed to equip caseworkers with the skills they need to provide high quality support to road victims and covers topics such as being trauma-informed, safeguarding and risk management. We're open to candidates from all sorts of backgrounds, as long as you're a compassionate, self-starter with a background in providing high-quality emotional support and advocacy. Your experience in roles within the NHS, any health and social care, road safety, counselling, lived experience or any type of casework could make you an ideal candidate. 

Essential Requirements: 

• A full, clean UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle (travel expenses are reimbursed) 

• Resident in the Surrey or Hapshire area. 

• Experience delivering frontline support, preferably involving sudden bereavement or heightened vulnerabilities. 

· Strong advocacy and research skills to liaise with multiple organisations on behalf of service users. 

• Competency in I.T skills to work remotely. 

Desirable Experience: 

Comprehensive understanding of the processes involved in the criminal justice system and coronial process 

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion: Brake is passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that values diversity. We’re committed to supporting employees to achieve a good work/life balance and flexible around caring commitments. We welcome your application whatever your background or situation. We particularly welcome applications from those who are part of the global majority, the LGBTQIA+ community or disabled. We are proud to be a disability confident employer. We don’t want you to ‘fit’ our culture, we want you to enrich it. So, if you have a passion for making a difference and share in our vision for a world where no one is killed on our roads, we would love to hear from you. 

Apply now: If you're up for a new challenge and have the skills, apply now by sending your CV and cover letter. We'd like to get to know the real you through your application, not an AI version. If you do use AI to write your cover letter, please check it and make sure it reflects who you are. We encourage cover letters in alternative formats such as videos or presentations.  

Not for traffic offenders: Due to the nature of our work we can't accept applications from traffic offenders. Candidates will be asked to disclose whether they have any unspent points on their licence at screening/interview. 

An enhanced DBS check is required due to the sensitive nature of our service. 

Questions? If you would like to discuss the role further, please get in touch, we'd love to chat. 

About SPANA

SPANA (The Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad) is the global charity for the working animals of the world. Since our foundation in 1923, we have worked where they work, to support the welfare of working animals, including horses, donkeys, mules, oxen, dogs and camels.

About this role

SPANA is investing in its Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) function. We have established an independent MEAL team within the Global Programmes Directorate (GPD), led by a Head of Data Insights and MEAL. The MEAL team plays a critical role in ensuring that SPANA’s programmes are effective, responsive and continuously progressing to improve the welfare of working animals globally. The MEAL team works closely with SPANA partners based in different countries and with SPANA colleagues across departments.

Reporting to the MEAL Manager, the Data Management Officer is a key role in SPANA’s MEAL team. The role oversees the full data cycle, including supporting partners with consistent data collection, improving data quality assurance, maintaining data systems, setting standards, co-ordinating consolidation of programme data and producing clear analysis and visualisation. The role contributes directly to better use of evidence in programme design, learning and accountability across the organisation.

Contract, location and salary

This is a full-time (34.5 hour per week), permanent role based in the UK. SPANA works on a hybrid basis, and staff come into our office in London for approximately 1-2 days per month (or more if preferred). 

The salary for this role is c.£35k per annum, subject to skills and experience. SPANA provides employee benefits including a generous company pensions scheme and healthcare cashplan with Medicash. 

Full details and how to apply

Please review the job description for full details including a person specification and information on how to apply.

The deadline for applications is 23:59 GMT on 04 January 2026. 

Candidates must have the right to work in the UK.

In2research Alumni Officer

Job Description 

Reports to: Head of Programmes 

Part Time (0.6) - £27,675 per annum FTE (9 month fixed-term contract)

In2research is a high impact and evidence informed social mobility programme for socioeconomically disadvantaged people to access and progress in postgraduate study. Our mission is to drive sector change across institutions towards an inclusive research culture. We strongly believe that it is not enough to guide underrepresented people into postgraduate study, but to ensure that the culture they are entering is inclusive and a place where they can thrive. Over a year, we support participants to gain vital access to both knowledge and opportunities including a paid 8-week research placement and subject specific mentoring. 

As the In2research Alumni Officer, you will deliver a programme of continued support for the In2research participants increasing their ability to apply and be admitted to postgraduate research degrees and opportunities, as well as supporting our mission to foster an increased sense of belonging within the research community for individuals from minority groups. The post holder will have strong knowledge and understanding of the barriers facing young people from low socioeconomic and minority backgrounds accessing postgraduate research degrees and research opportunities.

The post holder will be someone who thrives working with young people and is passionate about supporting them progress to postgraduate research opportunities as well as supporting to achieve the In2research vision of creating a more diverse culture in academia.

In2scienceUK is a remote-based organisation, that requires occasional travel across the UK for events, internal & external meetings and staff co-working days.

Your specific duties will include:

•  Delivering a high quality programme experience to support In2research alumni, aligned with learning objectives, beneficiary insights, our theory of change and resource.

• Develop and deliver engaging alumni communications e.g. newsletters, email updates, linkedin group posts, to keep In2research alumni informed of relevant news, opportunities and events.

• Maintain and develop new relationships with relevant partners to secure deliver online and in-person workshops and events aligned to In2research alumni progression milestones. e.g. "What is a viva and how to prepare for one" & PhD retreats.

• Work with our delivery partners to provide students application support e.g. application clinics.

• Support the delivery of one off in person events, e.g. the In2scienceUK celebration event.

• Maintaining up to date alumni records, in accordance with data protection, as well as working closely with the Data, Impact and Evaluation Manager to evaluate and report on In2research participant progression.

• Support with the collection and creation of case studies and alumni stories to promote alumni achievements and strengthen the community.

• Support the planning and delivery of organisational in-person events e.g. celebration days/conferences.

• Work closely with the In2research programme, fundraising teams and wider organisation to ensure funder requirements are met, and activities communicated.

• Support the wider In2research team with the current programme, and development of future aspects of the programme, where relevant.

As duties and responsibilities change, the job description will be reviewed and amended in consultation with the post holder. The post holder will carry out any other duties that are within the scope, spirit and purpose of the job as requested by the line manager. All staff must undertake all mandatory training, checks and compliance as instructed by the organisation.

Essential: 

• Prior experience managing alumni communities.

• Prior experience of working with students transitioning from higher education to postgraduate research degrees and detailed understanding of PGR pathways.

• A clear understanding of the social and economic barriers that prevent individuals from progressing into postgraduate research opportunities.

• Excellent organisational skills, able to multitask and manage a varied workload while paying attention to the details.

• Experience developing and maintaining strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders at various levels.

• Experience designing and delivering events, both online and in-person, such as workshops and networking events.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong presentation skills and an ability to adapt to a range of audiences.

• Flexible and adaptable, with an ability to pick up new tasks quickly, showing resilience when faced with challenges.

• Knowledge, understanding or experience of programme or project evaluation. 

• Working collaboratively and supporting fostering a collegiate workplace environment.

• Upholds the values of our code of conduct and is respectful to all.

• Competent user of Google Suite, Canva, email marketing software.

Desirable: 

• Prior knowledge or experience of GDPR and safeguarding.

• Experience of using task/project management software and databases.

• Experience delivering programmes and/or projects within the education and academic sector.

Benefits: 

At In2scienceUK we practise what we preach by giving all staff opportunities to progress in their careers. You will have the opportunity to develop your career with guidance from your line manager to get you to the next level from day one. 

Although we take our career development seriously we also value work life balance. You will have the opportunity to work flexibly from home, balancing your caring responsibilities, volunteer commitments, hobbies and anything else that makes you happy. 

In2scienceUK offers a Pension Salary Sacrifice Scheme along with other staff benefits. These include financial and wellbeing support through our employee assistance programme (EAP) and 100’s of retail and high street discounts.

You will have 28 days of annual leave per annum (pro rated to 0.6 FTE equivalent), plus bank holidays. 

Commitment to Safeguarding: 

In2scienceUK is committed to our responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults as outlined in Working Together to Safeguard Children. We are committed to recruiting candidates who share this commitment to safeguarding, and therefore we apply robust recruitment and selection procedures to ensure that the people selected are right for the job, and that all candidates are appropriately screened prior to appointment. 

The following pre-employment checks will be undertaken as applicable:

• References 

• DBS check and/or Overseas criminal records check where applicable

• Self-Disclosure 

• Identity check 

• Right to work in the UK 

• Evidence of qualifications applicable to the role 

• Confirmation of registration with applicable registered body where applicable 

Many of our roles involve working with children and we will therefore take up references prior to your appointment. You should provide details of referees including your current and previous employers, covering the last 5 years. Your current or previous employer will be asked about disciplinary offences relating to children, if the role involved working with children, including any in which the penalty is time expired. We will also ask if you have been the subject of any child protection concerns and if so, the outcome of any enquiry or disciplinary procedure.

The balance of the role is approximately 2.5dpw HR and 1.5dpw Governance Support. Applications for a 2.5 days per week Head of HR role will also be considered. Please indicate which role you are applying for when you make your application. 

 Liberty is an independent campaigning organisation. It challenges injustice, defends freedom, and campaigns to make sure everyone in the UK is treated fairly. 

Liberty is a small organisation, which punches above its weight, delivering its work through a team of around 35 employees.   We are looking for a Head of HR and Governance Support who brings strong leadership and management skills, hands-on day-to-day delivery to support high-performing teams, and who has strong organisational skills and experience working at a senior level to be able to effectively support the Liberty board, and the board of Liberty's sister charity, The Civil Liberties Trust. 

You will line manager and work closely with the HR Officer to provide responsive, problem solving and supportive HR service to managers across the organisation and to work alongside, support and advise the Senior Leadership Team to develop and deliver a strong HR strategy embedding best practice and continuing to build a positive, inclusive and high- performing culture strongly aligned with Liberty's values.

You will also work closely with the Senior Leadership Team, the Board and the Finance and Governance Officer to ensure that both boards have the operational and implementation support they need to function effectively, including supporting the upcoming governance review. 

 We are looking for someone who enjoys working at both a strategic and operational level, who enjoys implementing effective systems, and embraces the opportunities and challenges of embedding values-led, anti-oppressive principles within a progressive organisation.

The successful candidate is likely to be qualified or QBE in HR, and have a good grasp of HR employment law, have experience of taking an organisation through transformational change and enjoy working with managers to get the best out of their teams. 

For further information click the apply button.

Smart Works is looking to appoint an experienced Finance Officer to join our finance team of six at a time of significant growth for the charity.

The successful candidate primarily will be responsible for the day-to-day transactional processing on Xero, coordinating payment runs and managing all the finance related administrative tasks for Smart Works Charity and all our regional centres.

The Finance Officer will work closely with our two Finance Managers and the Director of Finance to ensure there is appropriate financial management across the charity.

Apply via our online portal by Wednesday 17th December.

Chief Executive Officer

Salary: £49, 282 - £54,495 per annum

Location: Gorse Hill Studios, Trafford, Manchester (Some remote working will be considered)

Contract Type: Full time, permanent

About Gorse Hill Studios

Gorse Hill Studios is a dynamic and ambitious youth and community arts charity. At the heart of our organisation is a belief that all young people deserve to feel valued, supported and inspired. We work with young people to build confidence, creativity and community connections, ensuring they have the opportunities and encouragement they need to thrive.

We believe that creativity can transform lives, and we are committed to placing young people at the centre of everything we do. Their voices, ideas and experiences help shape our programmes, partnerships and strategic direction.

We are entering an exciting phase of growth and development. Our team currently includes 20 core staff and a wider network of volunteers and creative practitioners, delivering a diverse portfolio of youth arts sessions, community engagement projects, creative wellbeing initiatives and partnership-led activity with local schools and organisations. The CEO will play a pivotal role in leading this portfolio, strengthening our impact, championing youth voice and ensuring young people continue to shape our future direction as we move into the next chapter of our development.

About the Role

As CEO, you will provide strategic, compassionate and visionary leadership, ensuring Gorse Hill Studios delivers its mission to empower and inspire young people. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, you will hold overall responsibility for the organisation’s performance, culture, operations and long-term sustainability. This role calls for someone who demonstrates strong strategic insight with the ability to influence and inspire others, using emotional intelligence and collaborative leadership to build positive internal and external relationships.

A fundamental part of this role is your commitment to embedding young people’s voice in decision making. You will champion their perspectives, ensuring programme development, strategy and organisational culture reflect the needs and aspirations of the young people we serve.

You will also be an ambassador for the charity, building trusted relationships with young people, partners, funders and the wider community. This role requires a leader who is values led, resilient and passionate about supporting young people through the arts and creative engagement.

Roles and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Governance

• Lead on the development and delivery of the charity’s long-term strategy, with young people meaningfully involved
• Ensure compliance with all statutory, regulatory and governance requirements, including Charity Commission expectations and safeguarding duties
• Provide clear, timely reporting to the Board
• Support the Board to operate effectively

Financial Management and Income Generation

• Oversee budgeting, financial planning and responsible management of all funds
• Lead a diverse income generation strategy
• Identify sustainable opportunities for organisational growth

Operational Management and Programme Delivery

• Oversee day to day operations and ensure systems are effective
• Ensure programmes are high quality, inclusive and reflective of young people’s needs and feedback
• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead, or ensure robust safeguarding practices across the organisation

People Leadership and Culture

• Inspire, support and lead a dedicated staff and volunteer team
• Champion a positive, inclusive and collaborative working culture
• Oversee recruitment, wellbeing and performance management

External Relations and Advocacy

• Act as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for Gorse Hill Studios
• Build strong relationships with partners, funders and stakeholders
• Advocate for and with young people locally and nationally
• Represent the charity confidently at events and in the media

Skills and Experience

Essential:

• Senior leadership experience in the charity, youth, arts or wider non-profit sector
• Strong financial management skills
• Proven success in fundraising or income generation
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement
• Knowledge of safeguarding practices in youth settings
• Experience leading teams and developing positive organisational cultures
• Strategic leadership experience

Desirable

• Experience in the youth arts or creative community sector
• Understanding of the Trafford community landscape

Values and Commitment

We are committed to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals who share these values and are passionate about empowering young people.

An enhanced DBS check will be required.

Application Details

To apply, please submit your CV and covering letter.

Closing date: 19 January

Interview date: 23 January at Gorse Hill Studios

Interviews will include a stakeholder panel and a formal interview.

REF-225 658

Designed by families, for families, The Ark was opened in September 2019 by the Mayor of London. The grounds offer wheelchair accessible outdoor experiences, including a Woodland Walk through a 7-acre nature reserve, a hydrotherapy pool and overnight suites for families to be close to their loved ones. At The Ark we are able to provide Specialist Care and Nursing for babies, children and young people, supporting their full clinical, emotional, social and practical needs. We have created a space where children who are seriously unwell are accepted as they are, safe to play, explore, express themselves and build confidence.

Rated as ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission, the charity has had a sustained period of growth over the last two years and we are looking for high quality employees to come and be a part of that success.

Our expert staff and trained volunteers provide clinical, emotional and practical support for families across North and Central London and Herts Valley. We carefully adapt our support for every child and offer it wherever it is required - whether in their home, their community or at our state-of-the-art children’s hospice building, The Ark, in Barnet.

JOB DESCRIPTION 

Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice helps babies, children and young people who are seriously unwell, and their families, make the most of every day. The charity aspires to become a centre of clinical excellence for children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions.

We’ve been on a major upward trajectory in recent years, with more children being supported, more major hospitals being partnered with and more supporters donating. We’ve transformed from being an enthusiastic start-up delivering care in the community, to a serious player delivering major impact both in the community and at our state-of-the-art hospice building, The Ark, opened in 2019.

Philanthropy, which covers Grants, Trusts & Foundations and Major Donor fundraising streams, is pivotal to Noah’s Ark, typically accounting for around 50% of the charity’s voluntary income. This is an area of real expertise for Noah’s Ark, with much scope for further refining. The successful candidate will therefore enjoy opportunities to manage and add to an exciting portfolio and gain further training and support, working as part of a high-performing and super supportive team, ready for its next exciting growth phase.

The Philanthropy Officer will work closely with and report to the Grants, Trusts & Foundations Manager and Head of Philanthropy to develop the Trust and Major Donor pipelines, along with instrumental cross-team work on applications and reporting processes for other income streams. Whilst we work towards developing a more diverse funding model and navigate changes to the external Trust and HNWI environments, sustaining and growing income from both of these income steams will remain vital.

The post-holder will be key in taking the Trust and Major Donor programmes to the next level, securing new grants, building relationships, increasing multi-year gifts and improving both quality and volume of applications. They will also support the Grants, Trusts & Foundations Manager, and the wider team, to the same end with their respective portfolios.

ABOUT YOU

You will be a highly organised, dedicated and reliable individual ready to play a significant role in income generation. An exceptional and eloquent communicator, excellent at managing your time and a natural relationship builder. You will have a collaborative mindset, and be willing to engage with colleagues across the fundraising team and wider charity to create the greatest outcomes for the children and families we support.

At this stage in your career, we would not necessarily expect you to have direct experience of fundraising from Trusts or Major Donors. We encourage you to apply if you consider yourself to have an emphatically strong transferrable skills and experience and believe you could thrive in a nurturing environment.

Please refer to the job description for further information on this role. 

Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice is an equal opportunity employer and particularly welcomes applications from groups who are currently under-represented in our staff.

Our diversity council is working hard to construct positive changes within our organisation. We are a disabilty confident employer and part of our commitment is to interview all applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for a job vacancy and consider them on their abilities.

1) Governance & Strategic Leadership

· Ensure full compliance with constitutional, regulatory, and legal obligations, upholding the Nolan Principles and Charity Commission guidance.

· Work in partnership with the Board to advise on, draft, and recommend long‑term strategy; provide evidence‑based insights to support regular review of vision, mission, and values.

· Embed co‑design and beneficiary voice at the heart of strategic planning through inclusive and accessible engagement with communities, partners, and staff.

2) Financial Management & Sustainability

· Maintain accountability for budgets, internal controls, and equitable resource allocation, providing timely and accessible management information.

· Ensure compliance with funder requirements (e.g., Sport England) and manage conflicts of interest transparently.

· Lead income generation across a diverse funding portfolio—including private, statutory, local authority, philanthropic and international/European sources—building values‑aligned partnerships.

3) Core Strategy Delivery & Impact

· Lead delivery of the organisation’s 5‑Year Strategy with measurable equity outcomes, reasonable adjustments, and accessible communications.

· Strengthen community engagement and grassroots participation programmes that foster belonging, inclusive access, and (where relevant) targeted diversionary activity.

· Expand leadership pathways through, for example, the LeaderBoard Academy, promoting lived experience, inclusive recruitment, and leadership development.

· Lead, refine and grow Sporting Equals’ Charter offer as a core mechanism for sector support, knowledge transfer and systemic leadership on race equity.

4) External Affairs & Communications

· Build respectful, reciprocal relationships with stakeholders across the UK, amplifying community evidence and beneficiary voice.

· Represent the organisation confidently in the media and at events, modelling inclusive language, behaviours, and values.

5) Risk, Compliance & People

· Actively manage the Risk Register, identifying and mitigating risks including governance failure, discrimination, and safeguarding, with clear escalation routes and accountability mechanisms, including safe recruitment and ongoing staff/volunteer training.

· Lead, support, and develop the Senior Management Team; set fair objectives, conduct appraisals, and champion wellbeing and professional development.

Playskill is a Hertfordshire based charity supporting pre-school children with physical disabilities & delays and their families. Across two sites in Watford and Hemel Hempstead, our work helps to build family resilience in the pivotal early years of a child’s life. Our specialist early intervention work delivering multi-disciplinary therapeutic play sessions, parent training/modelling, family social respite events and family support provides holistic family centred work aiming to build foundational skills for life

The Family Support Lead will coordinate our Family Support service across all locations providing holistic support to families of children with a physical disability/delay living in Hertfordshire, always keeping close adherence to best Safeguarding practice and procedures.

The role involves working with the Head of Family Service and Operations and Head of Development to develop the Support Worker team to deliver high quality family support. This may mean supporting families in group settings, family centres or in the home and holding caseloads with a holistic view in how to best meet need. Working closely with local stakeholders (including but not limited to schools, family hubs, social care, health and other voluntary sector organisations), the wider Playskill team and families, this role will deliver family-centred practice, ensuring positive outcomes for families.

We are looking for someone who has an understanding of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and the challenges to navigate education, welfare and health systems. They will need to understand the needs of families and be able to work collaboratively.

The role will be responsible for the integration of our Support Worker team and family support services, ensuring best practice and identifying training needs as they arise.

You must be well organised and able to demonstrate the ability to develop strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. As a self-starter, you will be able to use your own initiative, can problem solve and prioritise, with good planning and organisational skills. You will be expected to manage your weekly diary ensuring you are offering timely, quality support across our sites and within the community. You will be expected to have a positive, resilient attitude, be able to work under pressure, meet deadlines and be flexible and adaptable.

All employees will be expected to make a commitment to Playskill’s core values of Respect, Compassion, Collaboration, Whole Family and Support.

What we can offer you

• Wellbeing support

• Supportive colleagues

• Pension

Diversity statement: 

Playskill is an equal opportunities employer and has a high number of team with caring responsibilities and is keen to encourage applicants from a diverse number of backgrounds.

Safeguarding statement:

Playskill is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of all children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment. Playskill has a full safeguarding policy and expects all staff to undergo safeguarding training.   

Closing Date:  5pm, Wednesday 17th December 2025

Interview date: Tuesday 6th January 2026

Interview location: Hemel Hempstead

Reg Charity no 1198233 (formerly 1122745). Funded by The National Lottery Community Fund.in