Training and practice officer jobs in watford, hertfordshire

We are seeking an inspiring and strategic leader to drive the growth of our philanthropy programme as we deliver our most ambitious strategy yet including a new £200m Global Cancer Appeal for a major development in Chelsea. You’ll lead and motivate a high-performing team, while also managing a personal portfolio and securing large value gifts. This is a unique opportunity to make a real difference for people affected by cancer, working alongside passionate colleagues and dedicated supporters.

What you’ll be doing

• Lead the Philanthropy strategy and drive growth across all high‑value income streams
• Identify, cultivate and solicit major supporters to secure high value donations aligned to agreed targets, including the £200m Global Cancer Appeal.
• Recruit and work with Appeal Board members, senior volunteers and trustees to progress prospects and secure transformational gifts.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including senior clinical leaders, to shape compelling fundraising priorities and packages.
• Work with the Head of Philanthropy & Special Events and the Head of Trusts, Stewardship and Philanthropy Communications to lead, motivate and inspire our high-performing teams
• Contribute to charity‑wide leadership, governance and risk management; deputise for the Associate Director as appropriate.

About you

You bring a well‑established, highly successful career in high‑value philanthropy, with:

• A proven record of securing seven‑figure and above gifts, and developed expertise in high‑value acquisition and relationship management.
• Experience in identifying, recruiting and managing senior volunteers, and working credibly with donors, board members, VIPs and ambassadors.
• Strategic leadership of senior fundraisers and teams, driving performance, culture and process change.
• Significant budget accountability (c.£1m+), high numeracy and the ability to interpret financial reports and KPIs.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills; confident handling complex, sensitive and confidential information.
• Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, embedding inclusive practice across fundraising.

What we offer:

• Hybrid working between home and Chelsea with occasional travel to Sutton.
• Flexible working around our core hours of 10am to 4pm
• 27 days annual leave rising with length of service
• Up to 6% employer contributions subject to matched contribution from you (increasing with length of service)
• Training, support and development opportunities
• Access to the blue light discount scheme and other discounts opportunities
• Access to subsidised staff restaurants, on-site yoga and wellbeing classes, staff choir and much more
• Range of wellbeing initiatives including access to an employee assistance programme designed to save money and improve your physical, financial and mental health and wellbeing, access to free online GP appointments and free eye tests and contribution towards any glasses required for work purposes

Inclusion Matters

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds and walks of life.

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, we’d love to hear from you.

The Freedom Fund

The Freedom Fund is a global non-profit dedicated to ending modern slavery. Since 2014, we’ve invested over $100 million into frontline organisations and coalitions, helping to shift power to local actors and create lasting systems change. Our new strategy doubles down on this commitment, investing in anti-slavery movements, fostering collaboration, and working as a trusted partner to the incredible people and organisations driving this work forward. 
 
Safeguarding Manager
This is a key role in the Freedom Fund’s Safeguarding Manager will work closely with colleagues to lead efforts to build internal capacity and embed strong, inclusive safeguarding practices throughout our work. You’ll coordinate a network of safeguarding focal points and champions across teams and geographies, helping ensure safeguarding is an active, everyday part of our organizational culture.

Interview process: 2 stage interview process: week commencing 5th January 2026
Please see the job description for all details.

Job Purpose:

1. To lead the development and delivery of WIP’s housing programme in South London and Manchester, ensuring high quality, trauma responsive services.
2. Develop effective pathways with local housing teams and providers, including through co-design with women with lived experience, developing training and resources to improve the knowledge and understanding on women impacted by the CJS. 
3. Provide effective leadership to direct reports, fostering a positive, supportive and collaborative team culture.
4. Work collaboratively with the external affairs team to provide programme insights to influence policy and systems change to prevent criminalisation of women due to homelessness and housing insecurity.

Make a real difference in the lives of asylum seekers and newly recognised refugees! Join New Citizens’ Gateway as an Outreach Project Manager and lead the delivery of vital frontline support to people residing in temporary accommodation across five hotels in Barnet. You will oversee a dedicated outreach team working to reduce isolation, improve wellbeing, and empower individuals seeking asylum.

We offer a supportive working environment with excellent benefits including:

• 6% employer pension contribution
• 35 days annual leave (including bank holidays)
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities

New Citizens’ Gateway (NCG) is an independent, registered charity working to reduce health inequalities, combat social exclusion and poverty, and support the integration and independence of refugees and asylum seekers.

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Outreach Project Manager to lead our outreach service. This role is responsible for managing outreach staff, coordinating support across multiple hotel sites, ensuring compliance with safeguarding and quality standards, and providing specialist guidance to the team on complex client issues.

The successful candidate will have at least two years’ project management experience and direct experience supporting refugees and asylum seekers, with strong communication and organisational skills. Ability to speak a community language is desirable.

New Citizens’ Gateway is committed to equality, diversity, and creating a workplace that values lived experience. We welcome applications from people of refugee background and others with direct experience of the issues our clients face.

Closing date: 04/01/2026Interview date: 08/01/2026 (please keep this date free)

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

IRC UK
IRC UK is part of the IRC global network, which has its global headquarters in New York. Our team in the UK works to raise profile, deliver policy and practice change, and increase funding to help restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Since 2021, IRC UK has also provided integration services directly to refugees in England as part of the Resettlement Asylum and Integration (RAI) department.
In Europe, the IRC also has offices in Berlin, Bonn, Brussels, Geneva and Stockholm. 

The Purpose of the Role

The purpose of the Programme Finance Officer role is to provide financial and administrative support to ensure effective financial management of programmes and projects implemented in the UK. The postholder supports the Programme Finance Manager with budgeting, expenditure monitoring, and financial reporting, as well as performing key transactional tasks such as reviewing and processing invoices, verifying supporting documentation, preparing payment requests, and reconciling project accounts.

The postholder ensures financial accuracy, compliance with donor and organisational policies, and contributes to the timely delivery of high-quality programme financial information.

Scope and Authority 

•  Acts under the supervision of the Programme Finance Manager and in accordance with organisational financial policies and procedures.

•  Authorised to review and verify programme-related financial documents (e.g. invoices, expense claims, timesheets) for accuracy and compliance prior to submission for approval.

•  May prepare and process payment requests, journal entries, and financial reconciliations, subject to approval by the Programme Finance Manager.

•  Authorised to communicate with internal departments on financial matters within assigned programmes.

•  May represent the finance unit in meetings when delegated by the Programme Finance Manager.

Responsibility for Resources:

Financial Resources

Responsible for accurately processing and monitoring programme financial transactions, including reviewing invoices, expense claims, partner financial reports, and payment requests in line with approved budgets and financial policies. Supports the Programme Finance Manager in ensuring effective use of programme funds and adherence to donor and organisational financial requirements.

Information and Data

Responsible for maintaining accurate, up-to-date financial records, databases, and supporting documentation for all programme activities. Ensures confidentiality and integrity of financial data and compliance with data protection policies.

Human Resources

Responsible for providing financial guidance, training, and support to programme staff and implementing partners but has no direct line management responsibilities.

Key Working Relationships

o  Programme Finance Manager – direct supervisor; receives guidance and provides regular updates on financial matters.

o  Programme Managers – collaborates on budget monitoring, expenditure tracking, and financial reporting.

o  Programme Team – provides support on expense claims, invoices, client expenses, timesheets, chart of accounts and other responsible tasks.

o  Finance Team – works closely on transaction processing, reconciliations, and compliance with organisational financial procedures.

Key Accountabilities

Budgeting and Monitoring (45%)

•  Assist in the preparation of budgets 
•  Processing budgets and reforecasts into the finance system 
•  Prepare monthly Budget vs Actual reports for programme managers to identify under or overspending

Financial Management and Reporting  (25%)

•  Ensure accurate recording, monitoring, and reporting of programme finances by maintaining up-to-date and true financial records 
•  Month-end reconciliations to ensure accuracy within the accounts. 
•  Journal processing 
•  Support the Programme Finance Manager in producing timely and compliant financial reports for both internal and donor requirements.

Transactional Processes, Compliance and Training (20%)

•  To be a finance super-user to support colleagues in areas such as finance system queries, invoice processing, coding and staff expenses
•  Create step-by-step guidance notes 
•  Lead on finance-related staff training to promote compliance with organisational policies and donor regulations. 

General Administrative support (10%)

•  Tracking & disseminating client supplies and managing inventory for vouchers, SIM cards, laptops etc. 
•  Setting up new clients and Community Advisory Board members on Integra with supply chain and processing client reimbursements 
•  Supporting orders of programme supplies such as client and service provider handbook orders

Person Specification

Skills, Knowledge and Qualifications:

•  Accounting knowledge**
•  Excellent written and verbal communication skills**
•  Ability to use own initiative
•  Strong analytical skills and creative problem-solving skills
•  Advanced Microsoft Excel skills**
•  Excellent attention to detail; data driven
•  Ability to work both independently and with diverse teams in diverse locations**

Experience:

•  Minimum two years’ experience as a Finance Officer, specifically supporting programmes**
•  Experience in assisting with the completion of budgeting, reforecasting and reporting**
•  Experience in processing journals**
•  Experience working on complex excel spreadsheets**
•  Experience in collating and analysing data from systems**

This is a fantastic opportunity to build and grow Molly Rose Foundation's lived engagement and youth programmes, and to push for a safer online world driven by the needs and perspectives of lived experience.

Working at the intersect of tech accountability, online safety and suicide prevention, Molly Rose Foundation was founded following the death of 14-year old Molly Russell.

Today we’re committed to building and amplifying the voices of those with lived experiences of online harm – and to challenging government, regulators and tech firms to listen to and act decisively on what they have to say.

MRF is grounded in youth and lived experience, and we will always ensure the lessons of Molly's death act as a catalyst for positive change. You’ll help us maintain and grow our networks to build and amplify the voices of youth, bereaved parents and young people directly impacted by harms, and have a track record in working in partnership across the sector.

As Lived Engagement and Youth Manager you'll build strong internal and external relationships and ensure lived experience and youth runs through everything we do.

You'll manage day-to-day relationships with youth and lived experience advocates and have a strong focus on safeguarding and trauma-informed practice.

This is a rare opportunity to build a lived experience programme that really counts. We’re looking for an exceptional individual who’s motivated by the chance to really make a difference. Your work will help to ensure that tomorrow’s young people live long and stay strong.

MRF is committed to flexible working and we know that a diverse team makes us stronger. While we are recruiting for a full-time position, we will actively consider part-time and flexible working requests.

Please submit your CV and a cover letter, no more than two sides each, to apply for this role. Please refrain from overly relying on AI in your application. 

Make a Real Difference to Local Families

Home-Start Barnet, Brent and Harrow is a dynamic local charity supporting families with young children through challenging times. Our volunteers and staff offer emotional and practical support to help parents build confidence, strengthen relationships and give their children the best start in life.

We’re looking for a Family Engagement Coordinator to join our School Readiness project in Grahame Park, Barnet. You’ll be part of a friendly team at Home-Start Barnet, working closely with colleagues and partners at Barnet Mencap to support families who are just starting their journey with the education system.

In this role, you’ll help us reach families who may be facing extra challenges or need more personalised support. You’ll spend time building strong, trusting relationships with local primary schools and become a familiar, welcoming presence within their school communities. Your work will help ensure that parents feel informed, supported and ready to help their children thrive as they start school.

The common thread throughout the project is the engagement of families and the parent volunteers, who widen the supportive “community” around the families, and connect the school to the home, and the partners to each other. Approximately 70% of this role will be based in local schools in Grahame Park.

As our Family Engagement Coordinator, you will:

• Build strong relationships with primary schools in Grahame Park, in Barnet.
• Promote Home-Start’s services through school and community events.
• Support communication between schools, families and partner agencies.
• Share updates through newsletters, WhatsApp, email and community channels.
• Signpost families to local services and activities that support wellbeing.
• Receive referrals and assess family needs.
• Deliver school-readiness workshops and parenting groups.
• Liaise with schools, health and community services

About You

We’re looking for someone compassionate, proactive and highly organised, with a genuine passion for supporting families.

You will have:

• Experience working or volunteering in schools, nurseries, family support or similar settings.
• Parenting experience or experience caring for young children.
• Understanding of early years development and primary school systems.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Knowledge of safeguarding responsibilities.
• The ability to engage with families facing complex challenges.
• Experience of delivering workshops or groups.
• Understanding of neurodiversity and SEND support.
• Knowledge of legislation relating to children and families.

What We Offer

• A supportive and collaborative team environment
• Opportunities for training and professional development
• A role where you can directly improve the lives of children and families
• Term-time only working arrangements can be considered

Note: This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 due to the nature of our work.

This is an exciting role in a unique organisation.  Our vision is to provide an outstanding experience for all UCL students and to be one of the best students’ unions in the UK and the world.  We aim to build a vibrant and empowered student community with real influence in UCL and beyond, that enables students to enjoy their time at university; pursue their interests and passions; see the world in new ways; and develop the skills and experience to change the world for the better.

We are a registered charity employing over 150 career staff and 300 student staff, delivering a wide range of services and representative functions for UCL students. We have the widest portfolio of services of any student organisation in the country, managing UCL’s extracurricular programmes for sport, music, drama, dance, media, volunteering, academic societies and intercultural engagement; providing a wide range of fantastic social spaces; leading on student democracy and representation across UCL; and offering excellent student support services.

It's an exciting time to join our growing organisation as we lead the delivery of UCL’s groundbreaking new Student Life Strategy. This is enabling us to build more programmes to improve students’ mental and physical wellbeing, promote genuine equity for all, build students’ skills and confidence, develop their international connections and intercultural skills, and make a real contribution to our local community.

We support hybrid working. Excellent benefits including defined benefit pension scheme and generous holiday entitlement. We are proud of high levels of staff engagement and pride ourselves on being a great place to work. We will consider applications to work on a flexible and job share basis wherever possible. This role is based at our Bloomsbury campus with work across various football facilities across London.

The role is a full time and permanent contract. This role is based at our Bloomsbury campus with flexibility to work from home on a 40/60 basis (40% working from the office).

Events are a central part of student life at UCL – enabling students to find and form communities, experience new things, and make the most of life in London. Each year, the Students’ Union and its clubs and societies, deliver more than 6,000 events ranging from workshops to debates, exercise classes to socials. The Events Coordinator will support the delivery of a high quality programme of events, support teams across the Students’ Union to develop and deliver events, and work collaboratively to develop a culture of excellent event management.

Do you have experience in developing project plans that bring ideas to life? Do you excel at coordinating a wide range of stakeholders to deliver standout events and projects? If so, we’d love to hear from you.

Our ideal candidate will have experience supporting large scale events, strong project management skills and enjoy working across a diverse range of events that directly impact the student experience. 
 

Switchback is built on the transformational power of trusted relationships – and that applies to our supporters and partners too. As we get ready to launch our next strategic plan, we’re looking for a new Head of Development to help us grow an even stronger supporter base across the full fundraising landscape, ranging from philanthropy to corporate partnerships, to trusts and foundations.

We are an ambitious team who want to make a huge difference, both to the lives of the young men we support and to society through transforming the justice system.

As Head of Development and a member of the Leadership Team, you will play a key role in shaping and leading a new and ambitious Development Strategy to secure the resources we need to grow our frontline and influencing impact. You’ll lead on supporting and galvanizing our small but mighty Development Team to grow their skills and Switchback’s income. You’ll oversee our development systems and processes, maintaining our trajectory of growth to ensure we remain sustainable in future years. And you’ll understand how to interpret and use our robust data and compelling Trainee journeys to make a compelling case for support to the full range of existing and potential supporters.

We’ve grown our income from £1m in 2022 to £1.5m in 2025 and know that further growth requires a clear development strategy which engages supporters in our vision for transforming more lives through better resettlement policy and practice.

This is an exciting role for a first-time leader - you will be fully supported by an experienced CEO and a collaborative Leadership Team, with a focus on your professional development. You’ll be joining at an exciting time of growth and building on a strong fundraising track record.
Our ambitious new strategic plan aims to support more Londoners than ever by 2030 and build the evidence for transforming national resettlement policy, with a staff team of 30 dedicated individuals aiming to push forward that vision. We are a hands-on, collaborative team, so you’ll need to enjoy getting stuck in with everything from bid writing to pitching to building our pipeline of prospective supporters.

We are seeking someone with a strong track record in building long-term funding relationships, who can apply that skill across the whole fundraising landscape, including with both institutions (corporates, trusts and foundations, and statutory grants) and individuals (high net worth philanthropists and individual regular donors).

You’ll be a confident bid writer who can guide your team in producing high quality applications and funder reports. You’ll be happy to absorb and build on Switchback’s style and continuously promote our gold standard of stewardship, which bolsters Switchback’s funder base.

Joining Switchback means you will also work closely with all members of our dedicated team, giving you a unique perspective that will support your work in demonstrating to funders how and why their support matters, and how supporting Switchback will help them meet their own charitable aims.

If you are an experienced, successful and creative fundraiser with a track record in building long-term relationships and who shares our values and vision, we would love to hear from you.

The postholders will work with the Area Engagement and Partnership Managers to identify, communicate and engage with the range of voluntary sector organisations working with individuals and their families within the CJS ensuring Clinks provides effective support to help voluntary organisations better meet their aims. To enable Clinks to share information about the sector with HMPPS and other stakeholders. 

They will also work closely with the National Influencing and Networks Team.

It is essential for the postholder to be based within, and have strong knowledge of the geographical area they will be covering.

Please visit our websiter for more information about our area based work.

Please note: Clinks would welcome the opportunity to discuss potential secondments from locally or regionally based voluntary organisations. 

About Clinks  

Clinks supports, promotes and represents the voluntary sector working with people in the criminal justice system and their families. 

Our vision is of a vibrant, independent and resilient voluntary sector that enables people to transform their lives. 

Job purpose

To identify, communicate and engage with the range of voluntary sector organisations working with individuals and their families within the CJS across a geographical area ensuring Clinks provides effective support to help voluntary organisations better meet their aims. To enable Clinks to share information about the sector with HMPPS and other stakeholders

Job summary

These roles will increase awareness and understanding of the criminal justice voluntary sector operating within East of England and the South Central & South West. The post holder will undertake an initial analysis project to identify place-based voluntary sector organisations and the range of and types of services and support provided to people in contact with the criminal justice system and their families. They will identify place-based needs and lead on the collation and sharing of information across the Clinks team and with stakeholders, to highlight the challenges and opportunities. The post holder will need to build new, and nurture existing relationships, with key partners and a range of agencies across sectors.

The post will work within the Area Engagement & Partnerships Directorate and with other Clinks’ staff to identify new members and engagement opportunities, deliver events and training, and provide opportunities to support the capacity and capability needs of the voluntary sector, with a focus on place-based small and specialist organisations working in the CJS.

The post will deliver activity to meet funder requirements, aims and objectives.

Reports to: Area Engagement and Partnerships Manager

Responsible for: N/A 
 

1. Duties and key responsibilities

Area Engagement and Impact 

• Identify and increase awareness of voluntary sector organisations based in the East of England and the South Central & South West, the range of and types of services and support provided to people in contact with the criminal justice system and their families, where they deliver and how they are funded. 

• Understand the work of local and regional voluntary sector infrastructure organisations in a the East of England or South Central /South West to strengthen the support offered by Clinks and increase partnership working and collaboration. 

• Work alongside the National Influencing & Networks team to use this intelligence to influence key decision making at a local and national level.

• Gather intelligence from the sector to identify and understand the needs of place-based organisations and share feedback with HMPPS and other key stakeholders to develop operational processes and influence future commissioning opportunities. 

• Provide support to voluntary sector organisations, keeping the sector informed and up to date and capturing the support provided and its impact. 

• Respond to requests from voluntary sector organisations in need of support and signpost or consider what assistance Clinks (and others) can provide. 

• Work alongside the Area Insights and Impact Officer to capture the needs of the sector and influence and inform future activity. 

• Provide regular area specific communications to organisations utilising Clinks communication channels to share good practice, resources and publications.

• Produce regular blogs, case studies and social media activity to showcase the work of place-based voluntary sector organisations.

• Develop and build upon existing place-based networks to support collaboration and co-ordination between the voluntary, statutory, and private sectors in the criminal justice system. 

• Provide information to help statutory partners and key stakeholders to understand the voluntary sector, its structures and how to work with it. 

External Relationships

• Identify and explore opportunities to develop relationships with area-specific agencies working within criminal justice including Probation, Prisons and local statutory agencies to increase knowledge of locally based voluntary sector services and establish, and embed Clinks’ support 

• Provide representation at various meetings, both internally and externally with partners and stakeholders.

• Work collaboratively to ensure effective information flow across directorates and to and from the sector and stakeholders 

• Develop relationships with regional and local infrastructure organisations to widen Clinks reach and identify joint working opportunities. 

2. General responsibilities

• Represent and be an ambassador for Clinks 

• Work to support the mission, ethos, and values of Clinks 

• Be flexible and carry out other associated duties as may arise, develop, or be assigned in line with the broad remit of the position 

• Support and promote diversity and equality of opportunity in the workplace 

• Work collaboratively with others in all aspects of our work 

This job description does not form part of your contract of employment and can be amended from time to time as the needs of the organisation require.

Person specification 

Experience, Skills and Abilities  

• Significant experience of working or volunteering in the voluntary sector in the East of England 

• Relationship building and management with a range of stakeholders and networks. 

• Good attention to detail and ability to maintain effective records, utilising a range of different methods. 

• Ability to think strategically about the voluntary criminal justice sector, and to analyse and respond to change. 

• Ability to prioritise, multi-task and work under pressure, juggling a busy and varied workload.

• Excellent IT and digital skills, including use of Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, Teams and Zoom. 

• Adaptability and flexibility in being able to deal with new situations quickly and efficiently.

• Good interpersonal and communication skills, both written and spoken, and ability to communicate with a range of stakeholders, at all levels of seniority.

• Convening meetings, arranging and chairing events both in-person and online. 

• Ability to support and coordinate a complex network of organisations including representing diverse views, and promoting their work and issues. 

• A collaborative approach to working with colleagues but also able to work alone. 

• Highly organised with good project and time management skills. 

Knowledge  

• Role of the voluntary sector in addressing social exclusion. 

• The criminal justice context and related policy. 

• Understanding the role of national and local infrastructure organisations 

• An understanding of East of England geographical area 

Personal attributes and other requirements  

• Able to travel extensively across the East of England with occasional travel across England and Wales. 

• Able to work evenings and weekends and stay away from home overnight where necessary. 

• Work well as part of a small team and independently, with a flexible approach to work. 

• Commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities. An ability to apply awareness of diversity issues to all areas of work.  

• Commitment to the values and ethos of supporting people in the criminal justice system. 

Community Fundraiser - London​

Are you ready to take on a new challenge with a leading charity making a real difference in brain tumour research? ​

Brain Tumour Research is seeking an experienced and motivated fundraiser to join our team. As a key part of our fundraising efforts in our high-performing East region, you will have the opportunity to drive income generation through a variety of initiatives, including challenge events, fundraising groups, and corporate partnerships such as charity of the year. You will also be responsible for driving initiatives to increase our profile and supporter base within London.​

Key Responsibilities: ​​​

• Generate income across a range of community fundraising initiatives and events, with the opportunity to lead on key projects 
• Steward supporters to help drive the charity’s fundraising activities and growth 
• ​Work with the fundraising team to develop and maintain strong relationships with fundraisers, donors, partners, and key stakeholders ​
• Contribute towards the growth and success of fundraising efforts, ensuring a sustainable income stream for the vital ongoing funding of brain tumour research ​​

Requirements: ​​

• At least one year of fundraising experience, with a proven track record in income generation 
• Strong experience in supporter stewardship  
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage and inspire supporters and partners alike ​
• Passion for Brain Tumour Research and its mission to fund research and ultimately find a cure 

​

If you are looking for a fulfilling and impactful role and have the level of experience and skill we are looking for, we welcome your application.​​

​For this role, the successful candidate must live in the London area.​​

​We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.

​

We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process.  Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.

Closing Date: 04th January 2026

​

We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.

​

This is an exceptional opportunity to join Belong’s Senior Leadership Team as Director of Policy & Research, a role that sits at the heart of our mission to shape national conversations on cohesion and integration. You will lead Belong’s policy development, research strategy, and national partnerships, ensuring our work is grounded in robust evidence and lived experience. This position offers the chance to influence systemic change, amplify Belong’s voice with policymakers and opinion formers, and ensure our insights drive real-world impact.

As Director of Policy & Research, you will:

• Lead the development of Belong’s policy and research agenda, aligning it with organisational strategy and national priorities.
• Produce high-quality policy outputs, including reports, briefings, consultation responses, and thought leadership pieces.
• Oversee the design and delivery of research projects, including commissioning and partnership work, ensuring rigor and inclusivity.
• Translate research findings into actionable policy recommendations and advocacy strategies.
• Foster strong collaboration between the Policy & Research team and Programme Delivery team, ensuring insights inform both policy and practice.
• Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians, journalists, and opinion formers.
• Represent Belong externally at high-level meetings, events, and in the media, amplifying our impact and reach.
• Develop strategic messaging and narratives that position Belong as a thought leader in social cohesion.
• Support campaigns and public engagement initiatives that promote Belong’s policy goals.
• Contribute to organisational development, strategic planning, and income generation through proposal development and funder engagement.
• Line manage policy and research staff, providing leadership, support, and professional development.

This is a senior leadership role for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and wants to drive systemic change at scale.

About You
We are seeking a strategic and insightful leader with:

• Proven experience in policy development and research leadership.
• Experience working in or with government, think tanks, or advocacy organisations.
• Strong understanding of social policy and influencing processes.
• Knowledge of cohesion, integration, and community relations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including media engagement and public speaking.
• Ability to translate complex research into accessible policy messages.
• Familiarity with participatory and applied research methods.
• Strong strategic thinking and planning abilities.
• Relevant qualification in public policy, social research, or a related field.
• Experience managing teams and budgets, and supporting income generation through fundraising and proposal development.

Personal Qualities

• Passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK.
• Strategic and visionary thinker.
• Collaborative and inclusive leader.
• Politically astute and intellectually curious.
• Practical, focused, and reliable.
• Committed to personal and professional development.

Why Join Us?
At Belong, you’ll be part of a dynamic, values-driven team united by a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and connected society. We offer:

• 30 days’ annual leave
• Hybrid working (typically 3 days in the office)
• Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies
• 3% pension contribution
• Opportunities for professional development and growth

Join us and help shape national policy and research that builds stronger, kinder, and more connected communities across the UK.

Salary: £65,000–£70,000
Location: UK-wide (regular travel across England and Wales)
Contract: Permanent, Full-time

About Belong
Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is the UK’s leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to building a more united and less divided society. Established in 2019, we work across sectors to strengthen trust, belonging, and resilience in communities. Through research, policy influence, and place-based programmes, we connect people, places, and organisations to share learning and drive systemic change. Our growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society, and businesses. Belong is collaborative, evidence-led, and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Our office is based in Manchester and we offer hybrid working for those able to travel there. However, this role is open UK-wide and can be worked remotely, with regular travel across England and Wales required.

Want to work in a vibrant, dynamic and youth driven organisation that is protecting children’s health by transforming the food system?

Be part of the creative, agile and growing team empowering Bite Back’s exceptional teenage activists. As our Director of Finance and Operations you will make a real difference to our mission to help make the food system healthier and fairer.

As a key member of the Leadership Team, the Director of Finance & Operations provides strategic and operational leadership across finance, people, digital, operations and governance. They ensure the charity is financially sustainable, well-run, compliant and values-driven, so that our resources, systems and culture are aligned with our mission.

They will be accountable for the following areas:

Strategic leadership & organisational development

• Act as a strategic partner to the CEO and Leadership Team, shaping organisational strategy and translating it into robust financial, people and operational plans.

• Lead the annual organisational planning cycle, ensuring objectives, budgets and KPIs are aligned to the strategy and are realistic, affordable and measurable.

• Champion a culture of accountability, inclusion, learning and collaboration across the charity, role-modelling our values in leadership and decision making.

• Provide clear, insight-driven analysis and recommendations to support major strategic decisions (e.g. growth, new programmes, partnerships, investments, cost management).

• Lead and develop the Finance & Operations team (Finance, Fundraising, HR, IT/systems, operations) building a high-performing, service-oriented function that supports colleagues to deliver impact.

Financial strategy, planning & stewardship

• Develop and keep under review the charity’s financial strategy, ensuring long-term sustainability, appropriate reserves and effective use of resources.

• Lead and coordinate the annual budget and medium-term financial planning process, working closely with budget holders to create robust, activity-based budgets.

• With the support of the Senior Finance Manager, provide timely, accurate and insightful financial reporting to the CEO, Leadership Team and Board, including management accounts, restricted funds reporting, cashflow and forecasts.

• Maintain robust financial controls, policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, accounting standards and Charity Commission / Companies House requirements.

• Lead the relationship with external auditors and oversee the annual audit process, ensuring high-quality statutory accounts and a culture of continuous improvement in financial controls.

• Oversee financial aspects of funding bids, contracts and grant reporting, including costing models, financial due diligence and project / restricted fund monitoring.

People, culture & HR

• Champion Bite Back’s values - Fresh, Resilient, Respectful, Energetic, and Real - in all your work.

• Provide strategic oversight of HR, working closely with the HR & People Manager on people strategy, workforce planning, recruitment, employee relations and HR operations.

• Champion a positive, inclusive and psychologically safe workplace culture. Lead on embedding diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) across the organisation, shaping recruitment, policies, culture and practices so that staff from all backgrounds feel welcomed, represented, supported and able to flourish.

• Lead the organisation-wide objective-setting and performance management framework, ensuring clear expectations, regular feedback and fair, constructive review processes.

• Oversee learning and development approaches so that staff and managers have the skills, tools and support to perform at their best and develop their careers.

• Ensure all people-related policies and procedures (including safeguarding where appropriate), are up-to-date, legally compliant, values-aligned and consistently implemented.

• Oversee pensions, insurance, payroll and benefits ensuring these are well-managed, compliant and provide value for money.

Digital, data, IT & systems

• Work alongside the Digicomms team to support the organisation’s digital and technology strategy, ensuring systems and tools are fit for purpose and future-focused.

• Ensure the charity’s CRM (Salesforce) is effectively governed, embedded and used across the organisation, with clear ownership, training and data standards.

• Oversee data protection and information security, ensuring GDPR compliance, robust data governance and adherence to frameworks such as Cyber Essentials where relevant.

• Manage relationships with IT and systems suppliers, ensuring contracts are well-specified, performance is monitored and services deliver value for money.

• Lead the design and continuous improvement of cross-organisational systems and processes to reduce duplication, improve user experience and increase efficiency.

Operations, facilities & supplier management

• Oversee the effective management of the charity’s co-working space in Fivefields and any hybrid / remote working arrangements, ensuring they are safe, inclusive and support collaborative working.

• Plan for future workspace needs in line with organisational growth, culture and budget.

• Lead procurement and supplier management, together with the Operations & Contracts Manager, for key operational services, ensuring contracts are well-managed and aligned with our ethical, environmental and sustainability commitments.

• Ensure robust health and safety arrangements are in place and implemented across all activities, including appropriate policies, risk assessments and training.

• Oversee business continuity planning and disaster recovery arrangements so that critical operations can continue in the event of disruption.

Governance, risk & compliance

• Act as Company Secretary and secretary to the Board, ensuring effective governance processes and high-quality information flows between the executive and trustees.

• Ensure timely and accurate compliance with Charity Commission, Companies House and any other regulatory or funder requirements, including statutory filings and returns.

• Lead the development, maintenance and regular review of the organisational risk register, ensuring an appropriate appetite for risk and clear mitigation actions.

• Provide assurance to the Board and its committees on the effectiveness of internal controls and compliance frameworks across finance, HR, data protection, health & safety and other key areas.

• Coordinate the review, approval, communication and implementation of organisational policies, ensuring staff are inducted, trained and clear on their responsibilities.

• Support the Chair and CEO in planning Board and committee agendas, ensuring trustees are well-supported to discharge their duties and have appropriate information to make decisions.

This is an extraordinary opportunity to join Belong’s Senior Leadership Team as Director of Programmes, a pivotal role at the heart of our mission. You will lead the design, delivery, and impact of Belong’s programmes across England and Wales, ensuring they are strategic, inclusive, and evidence-based. Working closely with the CEO and senior colleagues, you will shape programme strategy, oversee complex portfolios, and drive systemic change that strengthens social cohesion nationwide.

As Director of Programmes, you will:

• Lead strategic development and delivery of Belong’s place-based programmes, ensuring alignment with our mission and values.
• Oversee programme design, implementation, evaluation, and learning to guarantee quality and measurable impact.
• Line manage a talented team of Programme Leads and Coordinators, fostering a culture of collaboration and empowerment.
• Apply systems thinking to understand the interconnected nature of community, policy, and service ecosystems.
• Build and maintain high-level partnerships with funders, commissioners, local authorities, and community organisations.
• Represent Belong at national forums, events, and networks, championing our work and influence.
• Identify and pursue new opportunities for programme development and funding, supporting organisational growth.

This is a senior leadership position that combines strategic vision with hands-on delivery. You will play a key role in shaping Belong’s future and ensuring our programmes make a lasting difference to communities across the UK.

About You
We are seeking a visionary and experienced leader with:

• Proven experience in leading complex programme portfolios and delivering impactful initiatives.
• Strong strategic thinking and planning abilities, with a track record of shaping programme strategy.
• Excellent leadership and line management skills, with the ability to inspire and develop teams.
• Experience managing diverse stakeholders, from senior decision-makers to community partners.
• Familiarity with systems change and participatory approaches.
• Understanding of social cohesion, integration, and related social policy issues.
• Strong communication and influencing skills, able to translate complex ideas into accessible messages.
• Highly organised, diplomatic, and politically astute, with experience in income generation and bid development.

Desirable: Experience in areas such as Prevent, PCVE, community tensions, hate crime, or tackling misinformation.

Personal qualities matter too: we’re looking for someone passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK, collaborative and inclusive in their leadership style, and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Why Join Us?
At Belong, you’ll be part of a dynamic, values-driven team united by a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and connected society. We offer:

• 30 days’ annual leave
• Hybrid working (typically 3 days in the office)
• Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies
• Opportunities for professional development and growth

Salary: £65,000–£70,000
Location: UK-wide (regular travel across England and Wales)
Contract: Permanent, Full-time
Closing Date: 12 January 2026

About Belong
Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is the UK’s leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to building a more united and less divided society. We work with communities, local authorities, and national partners to strengthen trust, belonging, and resilience. Through innovative place-based programmes, research, policy influence, and thought leadership, we help create stronger, kinder, and more connected communities. Our growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society, and businesses, and we are proud to champion collaboration, diversity, and evidence-led approaches.

*Our office is based in Manchester and we offer hybrid working for those able to travel there. However, this role is open UK-wide and can be worked remotely, with regular travel across England and Wales required.*