Support service manager jobs in chard, dorset

Interim Head of Finance & Operations

Career Ready is a social mobility charity that believes that every young person deserves the opportunity to enjoy a rewarding future.

We were founded in 2002 by leading business figures with a mission: to boost social mobility by empowering young people and giving their talents a platform from which to flourish. Since then, we’ve grown in England and Scotland to support young people in areas of need.

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced, qualified Finance professional to lead our Finance & Operations function.

About the Role

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer the Interim Head of Finance & Operations leads on and assumes day to day responsibility for providing high quality, strategic financial management for Career Ready.

You will lead on business operations to ensure the ongoing effective functioning of the charity and drive sustainable growth.

The Interim Head of Finance and Operations plays a key role in leading greater organisational efficiency and simplifying processes and will continue the delivery of a project plan reflecting the 2025-30 strategy.

You will play a critical role in driving the increased quality of Career Ready’s offer to our stakeholders in line with our strategy, vision and values.

Member of our SMT, comprising of the CEO, Director for Scotland, Director of Programme and Partnerships and Heads of functions.

This is an interim role to cover a period of maternity leave.

Main responsibilities and accountabilities

· Lead, direct and manage the finance and operations functions, overseeing two direct reports, ensuring they deliver a high-quality service to all internal and external stakeholders and are seen as adding value, in enabling Career Ready to achieve its vision and strategic objectives through its people. 

· Continue the delivery of a project plan reflecting the 2025-30 strategy, ensuring that activities happen at pace, are deadline-driven and achieve a high level of impact.

· Assume overall responsibility for the financial management of Career Ready, working with the SMT to ensure high quality and effective use of charitable funds.

· Input into and review the financial elements of funding applications and ensure that fund accounting processes align with funders’ requirements for project reporting.

· Produce financial reports for various stakeholders, as well as leading on financial modelling.

· Have oversight of all financial and accountancy matters including month end reports, management accounts, cash flow management, compliance, tax liability, presentation of management information and KPIs. Ensure that the CEO and Trustees are provided with accurate, timely information and analysis. 

· Oversee and coordinate the fully managed payroll services with the external bureau for all Career Ready employees and for some internship students (Jun to Aug during the Summer)

· Administration of the Staff Opt-In Pension Scheme, including onboarding new staff (Royal London)

· Act as a role model in our ‘one team’ culture. Lead in the development of efficient working practices across the charity, creating momentum and supporting motivation within the charity. 

· Lead risk management strategies and internal control procedures to minimise the risk of loss, or damage to, Career Ready’s assets. 

· Prepare and submit annual operational budgets and annual accounts to the CEO for review and approval.

· Draft and deliver papers for Trustees and Finance and Fundraising Committee (F&FC) meetings. 

· Attend Board and F&FC meetings to present papers and answer questions related to areas of expertise. 

· Provide day to day line management of the Senior Finance Officers and support their ongoing growth and development.

· Management of organisational governance and compliance activities, including policy management.

· Oversee and manage the organisation’s risk management register and process, with input from SMT.

· Oversee reviews and renewals of all insurance policies that affect the organisation.

· Lead on the compliance of statutory and charity regulatory reporting, giving guidance to colleagues where required.

· Ensure any changes to processes and procedures across the function are clearly documented.

Person Specification

Essential skills and experience

•  Belief and commitment to Career Ready’s mission and values
• Qualified (ACA/ACCA/CIMA/AAT) accountant with at least 5 years’ experience in financial management including budgeting, preferably in the charity sector.
• Significant experience in producing management and financial accounts
• Skilled in financial reporting and producing VAT returns
• Preparing for and ensuring a successful year-end audit, and demonstrable knowledge of UK Charities SORP and other reporting standards
• Experience in budgeting to support strategic decision making.
• Financial dexterity and strong analytical skills.
• Strong IT skills, including advanced MS Excel skills and extensive of using an accounting software, preferably Xero
• Excellent organisational and prioritising skills and ability to work independently and with autonomy
• Strong starter finisher with ability to lead and drive projects
• Knowledge of charity governance and compliance requirements
• Ability to build excellent relationships and have effective engagement with stakeholders
• Good communication skills and ability to communicate financial concepts to non-finance staff
• Attention to detail
• Ability to present financial information to various audiences
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and sensitivity of financial information
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to cope with competing demands to deadlines
• Honest and dependable

Desirable skills and experience

• Experience of leading a team, strong team building skills
• Line management experience
• Experience of using MS Planner or other project management tools
• Genuine interest in the work done by the Charity
• Experience of using a CRM (Salesforce)
• Degree in financial management or accounting

Full details are provided in the candidate pack

Salary and Benefits

Salary: £52,000 to £54,000 FTE (salary will be pro-rata for part time hours)

28-35 hours per week.  Career Ready is committed to supporting condensed/flexible working patterns.

Permanent and remote.  Travel to London required on an occasional basis

You will be rewarded with the following benefits:

· 6% contribution to personal pension plan, subject to 3% employee contribution.

· Annual leave: 27 days per annum plus bank/public holidays (pro rata for part time). The charity is also closed between Christmas and New Year. Career Ready also allows flexible use of some Bank & Public Holidays

· Cycle to Work Scheme

· Access to both our Reward Gateway Portal and an Employee Assistance Programme.

· Flexible working

· Work from home allowance and paid travel expenses.

We regret that Career Ready is unable to offer visa sponsorship and candidates must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the UK. In accordance with our commitment to safeguarding, offers of employment are subject to completion of a DBS check. 

Timetable

Applications close at 9am on Monday 21 July 2025 

Please note that the closing date may be brought forward if we receive strong applications.

This is an interim role to cover a period of maternity leave, with a provisional start date of late September for a handover period.

About The Role
We have an exciting opportunity to join our talented team as a Dementia Adviser. You will have the rewarding experience of providing information, guidance and support to people affected by dementia in West Somerset.
You will;

- Primarily work across the West Somerset area, with the ability to cover other areas of somerset as required.
- Assist people with dementia and their carers in identifying their needs, providing information and guidance to help maintain their independence, improving their sense of well-being, and putting them in more control of their lives.
- Build relationships with a range of local contacts, networking with health and care professionals, and providing dementia support. 
- Develop networks and pathways with partner organisations who work in the field of dementia, ensuring seamless and consistent support and empowering individuals affected by dementia to make informed choices.
- Provide support face-to-face, by telephone and online and keeping detailed and confidential records.

About you
We are looking for a highly motivated individual with an understanding of dementia, and the needs of those living with and those caring for people with the condition. We are looking for someone who is approachable and knowledgeable to join our experienced and passionate team.
Our Dementia Adviser’s provide person centred support for those living with dementia; in their home, face to face, over the telephone and virtually; to give people the tools, knowledge and strategies to live well and make informed decisions about their future. As a community-based worker, you will be required to attend a range of meetings, appointments and venues as well as working from home.  
Interviews will take place the week commencing 4th August

You will;

- Be empathetic and non-judgmental in your approach with a commitment to equal opportunity.
- It is desirable that you have knowledge and experience of Adult and Child Safeguarding, Information Governance policies and procedures and statutory laws such as the Mental Capacity Act
- Have good communication skills to meet the diverse needs of our community and represent their needs to statutory and other voluntary agencies.
- Have a sound knowledge of IT systems to record data, write reports and communicate by email. 
- Understand client confidentiality and how this is applied when representing client needs.
- Preferably had some experience of working with a wide variety of relevant agencies. 
- Have the ability and means to be able to travel independently around Somerset.  

About Alzheimer's Society - who are we and what’s our mission?  

Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer. One in three people born in the UK today will develop dementia in their lifetime.  

At Alzheimer’s Society, we’re the UK’s leading dementia charity and the only one to tackle all aspects of dementia by giving help and hope to people living with dementia today and in the future. We give vital support to people facing the most frightening times of their lives, while also funding groundbreaking research and campaigning to make dementia the priority it should be.  

Together with our supporters, we’re working towards a world where dementia no longer devastates lives. 

Our values make sure that our focus is clear for the challenges and opportunities ahead and remind us of what we all stand for.  

Our commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging  

We need to ensure the voices around our table better reflect and understand the communities we exist to serve. We strongly encourage individuals to apply who have a disability, impairment or health condition or individuals who identify as part of a minority ethnic background, as these groups are currently under-represented at Alzheimer's Society.     

Our hiring process 

We want you to bring your whole self to the process. Applications are anonymised until interview stage, and we’re happy to support any adjustments. Share your feedback via our candidate survey when applying to help us improve. We may close early if we receive high interest (with 48 hours’ notice). Some roles may require a DBS check as part of our safer recruitment commitment. Thinking about using AI during the recruitment process? we know this can be helpful in many ways but remember to include your personal and authentic self too. Your voice and experience are what really set you apart. 

Giving back to you  

At Alzheimer’s Society, we value our people and take a total reward approach to pay and benefits. You’ll enjoy a generous double-matched pension scheme, 27 days’ annual leave (plus bank holidays and wellbeing days), and access to a free Bupa Cash Plan, 24/7 EAP, Thrive mental wellbeing support, and virtual GP services. Our Society Plus platform offers exclusive discounts, wellbeing resources, and recognition schemes, while our flexible working, family-friendly policies, and life assurance provide peace of mind and work/life balance. We also offer a free Will-writing service and long service awards to recognise your ongoing commitment.

These unique and rewarding freelance audit opportunities would suit experienced experienced audit professionals that are flexible, love diverse travel experiences, supporting worthwhile causes and inspiring people. AfID is recruiting on behalf of a leading specialist in international NGO grant audit services for development donors such as the UN and the World Bank. Assignments would suit experienced qualified audit professionals with grant audit / management experience, ideally in a not-for-profit/ international development context

Role overview.

Complete international grant expenditure audits for a diverse range of projects (grant recipients) funded by international donor institutions ranging from emergency aid, to long term development in areas such as agriculture, health or infrastructure or technical research. Assignments are 1-3 weeks in length and based across the European mainland and the developing world. These are offered on an assignment by assignment basis, one to two months in advance.

Contractors can be based outside the UK 

Requirements

• Qualified ACA / ACCA or equivalent – 5+ years post qualified experience
• Grant management and audit and reporting experience with international institutions. Preference given to individuals that have worked on UN or EC grant assurance assignments
• Diplomacy and cultural sensitivity while working with a hugely diverse range of clients and beneficiaries
• A real interest in international development and associated funding structures
• Ideally professional/ fluency in a second language such as Spanish, German, French, Portugese
• Excellent communication, report writing and presentation skills in English.
• Resilience and adaptability

​ Personal attributes:

• At least 5-10+ years of relevant audit experience
• Ability to work under pressure; Strong planning, organisational and time management skills
• Sound technical and analytical skills, report writing and presentation skills

Passionate about international travel and development and willing to work in international locations. Individual must be prepared to travel to challenging locations when it is deemed safe to do so. Individuals must also be able to demonstrate effective past working practices when working remotely with a range of clients. 

North West Air Ambulance is a hugely reputable and remarkable charity, which provides enhanced pre-hospital care needed to make a lifesaving difference. They quite simply bring the hospital to the patient, regardless of their location across the North West!

 “There’s no doubt the North West Air Ambulance Charity saved my life. Without the care they provided so quickly at the scene, before airlifting me to the Royal Preston Hospital, it’s unlikely I would have survived.” (patient)

Do you want to Join a lifesaving crew and form part of the passionate, driven and talented Income and Engagement team that raise funds to keep this life saving service running?

The Role

This is a fantastic opportunity to deliver the community fundraising strategy in the South Lancashire region. You will report into the Senior Regional Fundraiser and focus on building strong relationships with existing supporters, as well as recruiting new support to maximise fundraising activities and income.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a local fundraising plan to maximise income generation across the designated geographic area.
• Ensure all activities are delivered within budget, achieving agreed ROI and making sure  they are in line with the organisation’s values and ethos.
• Support the wider team to achieve income budgets and agreed objectives in line with the overall fundraising strategy.
• Research, identify and develop long term partnerships with appropriate groups and associations, individuals and volunteers at a local level, offering excellent donor stewardship

The Person

We are ideally looking for someone who has experience in a Community Fundraising role with previous knowledge of working to targets. However, NWAA are flexible and will consider applicants with the relevant transferable skills.

Most importantly you should have excellent written and verbal communication skills, be able to build long lasting relationships, and have the ability to engage with a wide range of audiences. In addition experience in developing and delivering plans, managing budgets and financial forecasting would be advantageous as well as working with databases.  

The team at NWAA are motivated, with an ambitious can-do attitude. If you think you can make a difference and be part of the inspirational team that drives the future growth at NWAA, we would love to hear from you!

Please note that this role will require a full UK driving license, and access to your own vehicle. 

Why NWAA?

NWAA is a widely recognised charity that has a huge impact on saving lives. Now is an especially important time, as the charity celebrates its 25th anniversary and moves forward with its future 5-year strategic plan. This role offers the opportunity to build a career within the charity. There will be huge scope to learn and grow as part of an incredibly supportive, collaborative and fun team.

On top of this, the charity’s benefits include:

• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Can buy up to an additional 5 days annual leave (once passed probation)
• Extra days holiday up to an additional 3 days based on length of service (must qualify by April for leave provision)
• 6% Employer Contribution to pension – Royal London is the provider
• Sick pay
• Cash Back Scheme which includes cash back for dental treatment and a range of medical treatments as well as staff discounts with a range of retailers
• Life Assurance
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• On-site parking
• Site Induction and yearly staff conference
• Medicash and Perk at Work also come through Medicash
• Blue Light Card

If this sounds like the type of environment that would suit you for the next phase of your career, then get in touch! The role is permanent and full-time (although flexible working patterns will be considered) and offers the opportunity to work flexibly from the charity's offices based in Knowsley and Barton, as well as across the region, and from home.

If you think you could be the right person to fulfil the exciting responsibilities of this role, apply here, or get in contact with Charlie or Leanne at Charity Horizons for more information, 

Please note: If you would like to submit an application or express your interest in an alternative format such as audio or video upload or require any adaptations for your initial engagement with us, please contact either Charlie or Leanne who will be happy to advise on this.

Please also be aware that we use anonymous recruitment methods when submitting shortlists for all our roles and we only work with organisations that are happy to engage with us in this way.

Charity Horizons is an equal opportunities employer and as such actively promotes equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from all suitable candidates irrespective of age, disability, hidden disability, race or national origin, religion or belief, gender, gender expression, political view, sexual orientation, medical condition and pregnancy.