Employment specialist project lead volunteer roles in Uxbridge, greater london

Job Title: Programme Manager                                                                

Reports To: Programme Director

Location: Hybrid

Employment Type: Full - Time
 

About the Project – “Solta o Jogo”
“Solta o Jogo” is an exciting cultural competition and community festival celebrating Brazilian traditions through Capoeira, music, dance, and acrobatics. Hosted at Kingston University Townhouse, this event offers free taster classes, performances, and a vibrant Brazilian arts & products fair—engaging local communities and encouraging cross-cultural learning.

We are looking for a Programme Manager to oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of the event. This hybrid volunteering role requires a commitment of 12 hours per week for 6 months. It is best suited for someone based near Kingston, as travel expenses will be reimbursed. This is a great opportunity to lead a high-profile community initiative that has previously been praised by local councillors, Kingston University, and the Brazilian Consulate in London.

Position Overview:
The Programme Manager oversees the strategic delivery of a multi-project programme focused on enhancing employability and skills development for target populations. This role ensures alignment with organisational and community goals, driving initiatives that reduce skills gaps, improve workforce readiness, and foster partnerships with employers and training providers. Reporting to the Programme Director, the Programme Manager manages a team of project specialists and coordinators, ensuring seamless execution of programme activities and measurable impact.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Programme Leadership:

   • Lead the end-to-end employability and skills development programme delivery, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.

   • Mentor and manage project specialists and coordinators, assigning tasks tied to programme milestones such as training workshops, employer partnerships, and participant assessments.

2. Stakeholder Collaboration:

   • Build and maintain relationships with employers, educational institutions, government agencies, and community organisations to align programme outcomes with labour market needs.

   • Act as the primary point of contact for external partners, ensuring their requirements (e.g., hiring criteria, certification standards) are integrated into programme design.

3. Programme Design & Delivery:

   • Oversee the development of training curricula, mentorship initiatives, and job placement strategies tailored to diverse participant groups (e.g., youth, career changers).

   • Monitor participant progress and employment outcomes, using data to refine programme effectiveness.

4. Risk & Compliance Management:

   • Identify barriers to participant success (e.g., accessibility, resource gaps) and escalate systemic challenges to the Programme Manager with actionable solutions.

1. Reporting & Communication:

   • Track and report on key metrics such as participant engagement, skill acquisition rates, and post-programme employment status.

   • Prepare updates for senior leadership and stakeholders to demonstrate programme impact.

2. Process Improvement:

   • Implement feedback loops with participants and partners to continuously enhance programme quality.

   • Promote best practices in adult education, vocational training, and equity-focused initiatives.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Education, Social Work, Human Resources, or a related field.

• Experience:

  • 3–5 years managing employability, workforce development, or adult education programmes.

  • Proven experience leading teams and collaborating with cross-sector stakeholders.

• Skills:

  • Strong understanding of labour market trends and barriers to employment.

  • Ability to design inclusive, participant-centric programmes.

  • Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, CRM systems) and project management software.

  • Exceptional communication skills for engaging diverse audiences.

• Certifications: Certifications in programme management (e.g., PgMP), career coaching, or adult education are advantageous.

Help us transform the global tourism industry! We are a pioneering travel social enterprise seeking a Partnerships & Outreach Specialist to empower underrepresented voices and secure global ethical alliances.

About Us
We are innovators, not just traditional philanthropists. We believe true equality is achieved through financial empowerment and independent ownership. Yule Travel Group CIC operates a unique dual-impact framework: our flagship global tourism initiative, and our Inclusive Empowerment Hub.

Crucially, 100% of our organisation's retained surplus is legally asset-locked to fund global sustainable development, such as our flagship 'Made From The Mekong' project.

The Role Working closely with our Head of Marketing, you will be the driving force behind our partnership network. This role is highly dynamic, spanning three key impact channels:

1. Inclusive Ambassador Outreach: Crafting outreach campaigns to champion and recruit underrepresented voices (including disabled individuals, LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, and widows). You will pitch our 'Ethical Empowerment Framework,' highlighting our financial protection and our commitment to helping participants achieve true financial independence and ownership.
    

2. Global Ethical Alliances: Helping to expand our network of over 200 global partners by identifying and pitching to organisations to secure equitable trade agreements that align with our social mission.
    

3. Social Enterprise Distribution (Made From The Mekong): Assisting our ground teams in Southeast Asia with B2B outreach, pitching our locally produced, upcycled river-plastic goods to ethical hotels and cruise providers to support the local circular economy.
    

Why Join Us? We respect that our volunteers are high-level professionals. By joining Yule Travel Group CIC, you gain:
 

• Strategic Autonomy: You won’t be handed a list of mundane tasks. You will be given a blank canvas to build and lead a high-impact partnership strategy across domestic and international markets.
   

• Double the Impact: Your work changes lives at home and abroad. You will empower UK individuals to achieve financial independence, while securing the contracts that fund education and environmental cleanup in Southeast Asia.
   

• Innovation-First Experience: Gain hands-on experience in a digital-first social enterprise utilizing cutting-edge tools.
   

• Ultimate Flexibility: We operate a 100% remote, asynchronous workspace. You complete your hours on your own schedule, from anywhere in the UK.
   

• A Prestige Portfolio Piece: Helping build the global partnership arm of a pioneering social enterprise is a uniquely powerful case study for any professional portfolio.

Chair of Trustees role:

You will be chairing the Board of Trustees, ensuring that we have minimum representation required for decisions to be made, keeping the board aligned in decision-making, ensuring all minutes are recorded and that all decisions by trustees are made with the appropriate context provided.

This is a great opportunity to develop further governance skills and experience, and help steer an important charity in the right direction.

Trustees meetings are usually held every six weeks, plus there is an AGM, away days, and any sub-committee meetings that trustees may be involved in. Most meetings will remain virtual but there will from time to time be a need to attend key meetings and events in Nottingham. The time commitment is approximately 4hours per month, but there may be occasions when more time is required for a short period.

Who are we looking for?

• Previous chairing experience
• Relevant experience in any of the following financial management, HR, charities, fundraising, social prescribing, NHS, health inequalities (including deaf community), local authorities, marketing, business development, governance, strategy or legal
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
• Good, independent judgement
• The ability to challenge and ask questions
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership

NB: We are looking for both a Chair of Trustees and additional Trustees (particularly those with a finance background, but other functions are also welcome). If you are interested in a Trustee role instead of the Chair role, please mention this in your covering letter when applying. 

Both the Chair and Trustee positions are unremunerated, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

About Self Help UK

Self Help UK is a leading peer support organisation with over 40 years of experience in developing and delivering peer-led services. Our mission is to empower individuals and communities by embedding peer support principles into health and wellbeing initiatives. We have created a range of innovative programmes that help people living with cancer and other long-term health conditions to navigate challenges and take control of their health and wellbeing.

We work in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support on projects that make a real difference. These include national and local initiatives for the Deaf community, volunteer-led support for anyone affected by cancer, and prehabilitation services for those facing complex treatment. In 2026, we will collaborate with our Integrated Care System to improve health literacy and increase cancer screening uptake among underserved communities in Nottingham. Looking ahead, we are exploring a new direction to position Self Help UK as a holistic, person-centred support provider, embedding peer support and volunteer-led activity at the heart of everything we do. Our vision is to challenge health inequalities and enable people to feel confident, informed, and supported in shaping their own health journey.

A selection of causes covered by Self Help UK

• Peer support
• Long-term health conditions
• Cancer diagnoses and prevention
• Voluntary sector support
• Health inequalities (including the deaf community)
• Under-served communities

Thames Reach is a leading London-based charity with a particular focus on rough sleeping, and helping people who are, have been, or are at risk of rough sleeping to find decent homes, build supportive relationships and lead fulfilling lives. The charity provides innovative services aimed at preventing rough sleeping, intervening where people are sleeping rough, and helping people to recover from the impact of life on the streets. As well as street outreach work, our services include tenancy support, emergency shelters, day services, hostels and accommodation, and help with health and employment. We work across London and the South East.

Thames Reach is a strong organisation that is growing in response to need. Our services are rooted in our understanding of the issues surrounding street homelessness, and we use this understanding to influence decision making at a local, regional, and national level. We have an excellent reputation for effective service delivery, working with people who may have very high levels of need, and using our experience of delivering services to develop and improve our approach. The majority of our services are delivered to local and regional authorities on a contract basis and we understand that our continued effectiveness requires us to sustain and develop our financial viability; and to retain and grow our excellent employees and volunteers.

We have just over 400 employees and around 150volunteers, and our organisational turnover is around £28 million per annum.

We have an effective and long-standing non-executive Board with a wealth of relevant experience in both the public and commercial sectors. They provide valuable support to the Executive team, as well as attending around five Board meetings every year, sitting on one of the three Board sub-committees (Finance, Audit and Fundraising; Services; Governance and People) that meet around four times a year. Board members are also asked to participate in an annual away day, usually in the autumn, with separate preparatory visits to our services.

We are now looking for up to three new members. As well as interest in and commitment to ending street homelessness as a board member and the ability and interest in providing strategic oversight for the organisation, we are hoping to recruit members with specific skills in the following areas:

People/ Human Resources

Candidates with current understanding of the recruitment, management, retention and development of staff (and volunteers) in an organisation of Thames Reach’s size.

Lived experience

Candidates with lived experience of street homelessness and/or service use (for example substance misuse or mental health services), and an understanding of how this lived experience can improve and develop services.

Finance/accounting

Candidates with knowledge of financial management in medium large complex organisations, particularly those with knowledge of Charity Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) requirements.

Communications

Candidates with current knowledge of approaches to internal and external organisational communication, with understanding of both conventional and new media. 

Thames Reach is committed to achieving a diversity that reflects the communities we serve. We value, respect, and celebrate diversity. We welcome and encourage applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their history of homelessness, sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, or religious belief. We particularly welcome applicants who may have experience of homelessness and/or of using services that support people with complex support needs.

Thames Reach Housing is the registered provider subsidiary of Thames Reach Charity, a leading London-based charity with a particular focus on rough sleeping, and helping people who are, have been, or are at risk of rough sleeping to find decent homes, build supportive relationships and lead fulfilling lives. The charity provides innovative services aimed at preventing rough sleeping, intervening where people are sleeping rough, and helping people to recover from the impact of life on the streets. As well as street outreach work, services include tenancy support, emergency shelters, day services, hostels and accommodation, and help with health and employment. We work across London and South East England.

Thames Reach Housing completed the process of registration with the Regulator of Social Housing in February 2023 and has taken ownership of one of the hostels managed by Thames Reach Charity. Becoming a registered provider offers the opportunity to consider the transfer of other hostels and supported housing schemes where this is the best way to secure their future; as well as possible ownership of new hostel and supported housing developments where revenue funding is available.

The Thames Reach group (Thames Reach Charity and Thames Reach Housing) is a strong organisation that is growing in response to need. Our services are rooted in our understanding of the issues surrounding street homelessness, and we use this understanding to influence decision making at a local, regional, and national level. We have an excellent reputation for effective service delivery, working with people who may have very high levels of need, and using our experience of delivering services to develop and improve our approach. The majority of our services are delivered to local and regional authorities on a contract basis and we understand that our continued effectiveness requires us to sustain and develop our financial viability; and to retain and grow our excellent employees and volunteers.

The group has just over 400 employees and around 150 volunteers, and our turnover is around £28 million per year. The employees at the hostel which is owned by Thames Reach Housing are employed by Thames Reach Charity under a local authority contract. Thames Reach Housing therefore does not have any direct employees and its key function as the owning registered provider is to ensure the delivery of high-quality accommodation that supports the work carried out by Thames Reach Charity.

Thames Reach Housing has an effective and experienced non-executive board. They are supported by group sub-committees shared with Thames Reach Charity with a focus on the specific areas of Governance and People, Finance, Audit and Fundraising, and our Services. The Board meets around four times a year and participates in an annual group awayday in the autumn. There are currently three board members; one Thames Reach Housing Board member is shared with the Thames Reach Charity Board, and acts as the link between the Finance, Audit and Fundraising and Governance and People sub-committees. The Chair and other Board member are independents, not forming part of the Thames Reach Charity Board structure.

We are now looking for a new independent member, with an interest in and commitment to ending street homelessness and the ability and interest in providing strategic oversight for Thames Reach Housing.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone who may be considering becoming a Board member for the first time and we want to prioritise interest in homelessness and understanding of how housing associations operate above existing governance experience. We are able to provide governance support and training to new Board members and you would be joining a board with considerable governance experience aligned with a competent Thames Reach Charity senior team to support you in your role.

Thames Reach is committed to achieving a diversity that reflects the communities we serve. We value, respect, and celebrate diversity. We welcome and encourage applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their history of homelessness, sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, or religious belief. We particularly welcome applicants who may have experience of homelessness and/or of using services that support people with complex support needs.

About Quilombo UK

Quilombo UK is a social justice organisation dedicated to inspiring individuals to "See, Think, Behave and Speak Differently" about equality, diversity, and inclusion. We create engaging experiences—ranging from our Beyond Bias training to our "Voices for All" podcasts—that raise awareness and empower unheard voices within our diverse communities.

The Marketing department is a cornerstone of our Professional Development Programme (PDP) and Enhanced Professional Development Programme (ePDP). As Head of Marketing, you will lead the integrated Public Relations and Graphic Design teams to create the visual identities, professional portfolios, and public-facing narratives that enable our participants to showcase their talents effectively. By producing high-standard creative work and securing media visibility that documents their professional journey, you directly provide the "proof of impact" required to bridge employment gaps and help career changers and newcomers to the UK overcome discrimination in the job market.

Head of Department (Marketing)

The Opportunity

This position offers a significant career step-up, providing experience in managing integrated creative operations, brand strategy, and public relations within a social justice framework. In this Head of Department capacity, you will gain the leadership credentials and strategic oversight necessary to advance your professional trajectory while ensuring the visual and narrative identity of our mission is powerful, consistent, and impactful.

Role Purpose

The Head of Marketing sits between Directors and Managers, turning high-level creative and communication objectives into clear, deliverable department plans. You will own the direction, structure, and delivery control of both the Graphic Design and PR functions to ensure pace, reliability, and professional excellence across all internal and external outputs.

Key Responsibilities

• Integrated Strategic Planning: Turning Director objectives (e.g., PDP marketing packs, QMC branding, podcast promotion) into practical departmental plans with synchronized design and PR timelines.

• Manager Leadership: Coaching Graphic Design and PR Managers to run projects effectively, ensuring 100% work visibility in MeisterTask.

• Brand & Narrative Consistency: Ensuring that visual assets and written communications (press releases, social media, articles) are perfectly aligned with Quilombo UK’s tone and brand standards.

• Assurance & Rework Control: Reducing rework by improving initial brief clarity and ensuring time is built into plans for thorough creative and editorial review.

• Director Reporting: Providing weekly reports on marketing milestones, media engagement, WIP status, and risks, offering clear recommendations for strategic choices.

• Culture & Standards: Ensuring the department aligns with Quilombo UK’s communication standards and professional values.

Additional Professional Benefits

• Career Development: A full CV and profile review conducted by our Talent Acquisition and Learning & Development teams.

• Operational Support: Access to the services of the Legal, HR, Research, and Production teams for up to 10 hours per month for professional or departmental support.

• Proactive Recruitment: Use of the Talent Acquisition team to actively search out new roles and opportunities via industry portals and LinkedIn.

Financial Incentives: Profit Sharing & Commission

• Project Commission: To recognise the transition toward paid work, a commission structure is in place for any paid work carried out.

• Head of Department Share: The HoD receives a 15% share of the commission for work carried out. This percentage is shared between all individuals at the HoD level working on a specific task.

• Business Development Bonus: If work is brought in by the HoD (rather than a Quilombo UK director), the HoD will receive an additional 10% commission on top of their standard share.

• Payment Terms: Commission is paid upon project completion and after payment is received from the client.

Requirements

Essential

• Proven experience in marketing management, graphic design, or public relations.

• A portfolio of illustrations, graphics, and/or PR campaigns (press releases, social media strategy) / CV.

• Familiarity with design software (Adobe Suite, Canva) and PR/Social Media technologies.

• Flexibility and openness to work on a variety of tasks spanning visual and written communication.

• Focused, organised, and able to prioritise and execute tasks independently.

• To show professionalism at all levels and in all environments.

• Strong team player with the ability to lead multiple specialist functions.

• A keen eye for aesthetics, detail, and narrative tone.

• Excellent communication skills.

• Degree in Marketing, Design, Communications, or a related field is a plus.

• This is a 100% remote-only position.

Desirable

• Committed to working with the community with a passion for helping others less fortunate.

Selection Process

• Informal interview.

• Requirement of two professional references.

This Role Brings People Together to Fund Change

At Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil C.I.C., our events are more than fundraising, they are experiences that build community, raise awareness and mobilise support. The Fundraising Events Coordinator ensures that every event, from small community gatherings to large-scale campaigns, is organised, compelling, and aligned with C.I.C values. You will manage planning, logistics, partnerships, and execution, creating spaces where donors, volunteers, and community members can connect, engage, and contribute.

This is not a casual party-planning role, it is strategic, operational, and central to our movement-building work.

About the role:

To plan, organise, and deliver fundraising events and community initiatives that engage supporters, generate income, and strengthen relationships while ensuring alignment with C.I.C values, safeguarding, and operational standards.

Experience Qualification and Requirements

Essential / Highly Valued Experience

• Strong Experience planning, coordinating, and delivering events, campaigns, or community initiatives.
• Familiarity with fundraising or donor-focused events.
• Budgeting and financial tracking for events.
• Experience coordinating volunteers or small teams.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines, logistics, and stakeholders.
• Competence in using spreadsheets, event management tools, or CRM systems.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for engaging donors, volunteers, and partners.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, GDPR, and health & safety considerations for events.
• Ability to evaluate event success and provide actionable recommendations.
• Experience producing promotional or campaign content in collaboration with communications teams.

Desirable / Can Be Developed

• Experience with digital or hybrid event platforms.
• Understanding of donor engagement strategies and campaign alignment.
• Experience working in volunteer-led or grassroots organisations.
• Familiarity with sponsorship acquisition and management.
• Skills in post-event reporting and data analysis for donor retention.

Qualifications

• Formal qualifications not required, but desirable 
• Equivalent, essential professional experience in events, fundraising, or project coordination is highly mandatory.

Main Responsibilities/ Key Duties

• Plan, coordinate, and execute fundraising events, campaigns, and community initiatives, both in-person and virtual.
• Develop event concepts and strategies aligned with the C.I.C’s mission, fundraising goals, and target audiences.
• Manage all event logistics, including venues, suppliers, volunteers, schedules, and budgets.
• Collaborate with the Fundraising Director to ensure events support broader fundraising strategies and income targets.
• Work with Content and Donor Communication Specialists to create promotional materials, event invitations, and campaign messaging.
• Coordinate with the Finance Liaison Officer and Data and Donor Relations Officer to track sponsorships, ticket sales, donations, and in-kind contributions.
• Ensure all events comply with safeguarding, health and safety, GDPR, and C.I.C policies.
• Recruit, brief, and manage volunteers supporting events, providing guidance and supervision as needed.
• Oversee post-event follow-up, including donor acknowledgement, surveys, and reporting to leadership.
• Monitor and evaluate event performance, providing recommendations for improvement and lessons learned for future activities.
• Maintain clear records of event budgets, attendance, outcomes, and feedback.
• Support community engagement and participation, ensuring events are inclusive, accessible, and reflective of C.I.C values.
• Act as the point of contact for external partners, sponsors, and stakeholders involved in events.
• Contribute to long-term planning for recurring or annual fundraising initiatives.

This role is not suitable if you:

• Prefer low-responsibility volunteer work
• Avoid hands-on or logistical challenges
• Are seeking immediate paid employment
• Are uncomfortable managing sensitive, trauma-informed, or high-profile events

Important to Be Clear:

• This is a volunteer role during the C.I.C’s build phase
• It carries real responsibility for planning and delivering impactful events
• Paid roles will emerge as funding and sustainability allow

Formal qualifications are not required, but desirable.
Essential equivalent experience mandatory.

Next Steps:

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to:

• A values-led conversation
• A practical discussion about event planning, coordination, and execution

If you believe that well-organised, purposeful events can change communities, and that experiences inspire action, this role is for you.

A Final Word
Events bring people together.
Safety keeps them coming back.

If you know that:
Inclusive spaces protect dignity. Planning is part of safeguarding. Care creates community.