Welfare benefits specialist jobs

Job purpose

The Clinical Lead will play a pivotal role in leading and developing Action for ME’s Healthcare Services with the Operations Director, ensuring the highest standards of clinical care for individuals affected by Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME). The postholder will be responsible for clinical oversight, service development, and leadership, working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to enhance outcomes for children and adults with ME and will be the CQC Registered Manager for the service.

At present, the Healthcare Services is a small team with two doctors (GPs) and two physios. Our counsellors are overseen by a Counselling Lead Supervisor and our multi-faith Chaplains are supported by our Lead Chaplain.

We are keen to develop and expand our services, building on the small amount of spot purchasing from local commissioning boards and exploring a diagnosing and prescribing offer. We are also keen to explore the potential of increasing the range of disciplines offered within the team. You will play a key role in driving the strategy for our Healthcare Services with the Director of Operations.

Key responsibilities

• Provide clinical support and expertise to Action for ME's Healthcare Services, ensuring evidence-based, person-centred care.

• Act as Registered Manager for CQC (Care Quality Commission) purposes and ensure that the service meets all required standards.

• Lead the development and implementation of clinical policies, protocols, and best practices in line with national guidelines and regulatory requirements.

• Supervise and support healthcare professionals within the service, offering guidance, mentorship, and training.

• Designated safeguarding officer for Healthcare Services.

• Collaborate with external stakeholders, including NHS services, researchers, and others, to enhance healthcare provision for people with ME.

• Ensure the service complies with regulatory and safeguarding standards, including CQC requirements where applicable.

• Monitor and evaluate service delivery, using data-driven insights to improve clinical outcomes and patient experience.

• Provide expert advice on complex cases, supporting staff with clinical decision-making.

• Represent Action for M.E. at external forums, conferences, and policy discussions.

Person specification

• A registered healthcare professional (e.g., doctor, nurse, physiotherapist, or occupational therapist) with active professional registration (GMC, NMC, HCPC or equivalent) OR an experienced commissioner of healthcare services with experience of quality assurance, safeguarding and compliance.

• Extensive clinical experience in chronic illness management OR sound understanding of clinical practice, ideally with expertise in ME or related conditions and a clear understanding of the challenges faced by people with ME.

• An understanding of Care Quality Commission regulatory requirements.

• Proven leadership experience in a healthcare setting, including team management and service development.

• Strong understanding of evidence-based practice and clinical governance.

• A sound understanding and experience of safeguarding children/young people and vulnerable adults.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with patients, carers, and healthcare professionals.

• Experience in training and mentoring healthcare professionals.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary environment.

• Commitment to patient-centred care and advocacy for people with ME.

• Knowledge of NHS structures and commissioning processes.

• An understanding of working within the third sector or charitable organisations.

Job purpose

This is an exciting time to join Action for ME. With developments in research and policy alongside delivering services which are in high demand, you will enjoy working in a fast-paced and continually changing environment. You will be responsible for overseeing operational programme design and delivery, reporting of progress, and measuring the impact of all Action for ME work to improve the lives of people affected by ME. Better meeting their needs today while taking action to secure change for tomorrow. You will also assist the Chief Executive in implementing the organisational strategy, and by adapting and evolving delivery models on the ground. As you will have operational management and oversight for our Healthcare Services and hold the Designated Safeguarding Lead role for the organisation, you will bring considerable services-related experience at a management and leadership level. The Chief Executive will focus predominately on external matters and therefore you must have experience of managing an organisation to achieve high quality programmes with evidenced impact and motivated teams. You will act for the Chief Executive on topics, as agreed, and deputise during their absence.

Key duties

1. Leadership

• Ensure that children and adults with ME are at the heart of everything we do through meaningful engagement and participation to influence all aspects of our work.
• Deputise for the CEO and represent and promote the Charity at national meetings and events.
• Deputise for the CEO during periods of absence, and in relation to specific matters, issues or elements of operation as delegated from time to time by the CEO, ensuring a consistency of approach and decisions aligned with the organisation’s objectives.
• With the CEO and HR Business Partner, lead on implementing the People and Culture Strategy and ensuring our Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging plan is achieved.
• To provide support, leadership and coaching to the Management Team to ensure the smooth running of the organisation and development of the Charity.
• Contribute to the development of the overall strategy for Action for ME, ensuring that the best use is made of available resources within agreed priorities. Ensure that agreed strategy is delivered to target and in line with agreed budgets.
• Work closely with the Chief Executive and Trustees to ensure effective reporting to the Board and sub-committees.

2. Operations & management

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the Charity ensuring high quality service provision that meets all best practice, legal and regulatory frameworks and internal policies and procedures.
• Hold overall management responsibility for our Healthcare Services including the role of the CQC Nominated Individual, ensuring all regulatory requirements and compliance are met.
• Manage the staff and volunteer team, including holding regular meetings and ensure the efficient running of the office ensuring a culture that supports, inspires and motivates the team while ensuring required standards and quality are met at all times through effective performance management.
• Act as the organisational Designated Safeguarding Lead (children and vulnerable adults), working closely with the Designated Safeguarding Officers, colleagues and the Safeguarding Lead Trustee; facilitate the annual safeguarding audit (led by the Lead Trustee) and ensuring safeguarding standards across the organisation are maintained.
• Contribute to the learning and development of key personnel including coaching support (either directly or through the identification of external coaches) to enhance performance.
• Establish (where not already in place) and maintain a clear performance outcome-focused management system driving positive change and improvement across all teams.
• Ensure that policies and procedures are effectively implemented and kept up-to-date to enable the effective management of operations and support growth.
• Take the lead role for data protection, health and safety, compliance and risk management across the organisation and act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

3. Finance & income generation

• Hold financial leadership responsibility, working closely with the Finance Manager and the Fundraising Director to ensure sustainability for our work.
• Ensure effective financial management with procedures in place which are kept up-to-date and implemented accordingly.
• Provide support and engagement, where appropriate, to actively grow our income.

4. Working with others

• Lead, nurture and develop relationships with key stakeholder groups and partner organisations, both locally and nationally, supporting Action for M.’s place as the ‘go to’ organisation for people affected by ME
• Lead on new business ideas and pilot projects in line with the strategic objectives; with colleagues, develop the business case, identify and manage risks, lead implementation across teams, evaluate success and learning and make recommendations for future development.

5. Other key accountabilities

• Be proactive in keeping up to date with developments affecting operations and maintain and improve personal competence through continuous professional development.
• Take direction on projects and priorities from the CEO, which may vary from time to time.
• To ensure best value in all service delivery.

Person specification

Experience and Knowledge

• Proven experience in an operations, leadership, or senior management role, ideally within the charity service delivery or healthcare sector, with the ability to develop and implement strategic plans that drive organisational growth and reporting that demonstrates impact delivered. If you come from outside a support services background, you must demonstrate sound understanding of the regulatory and best practice requirements related to delivering support and/or healthcare services.
• An understanding of ME and associated/overlapping illnesses, the impact on people affected by it or a commitment and ability to understand the illness and lead services to meet the needs of children and adults with ME
• Experience managing multi-disciplinary teams, including remote workers, and fostering a supportive workplace culture where change is a constant.
• Safeguarding understanding at a management/decision-making level.
• Proven experience of building and nurturing strong relationships internally and externally at all levels.
• A sound understanding of outcome-focused, effective performance management, quality assurance and risk management.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, financial planning, and resource management in the voluntary sector.

Skills and Behaviours

• Experience of governance, risk management, and compliance, including within regulated services, ideally within a charity and/or service delivery setting.
• Proven ability to think strategically, balance competing demands, use initiative to solve problems and actively seek innovative approaches to problem solving and delivering results.
• Strong interpersonal skills including motivational, negotiating influencing and networking skills which build strong internal and external relationships.
• An ability to understand, analyse and make effective use of data across all of our work.
• A proven ability to coach and motivate staff and to build and lead teams reflecting organisational culture and values, a respectful, constructive and energetic style.
• Proven, strong MS Office skills that supports writing, email, internet and database use.
• Demonstrable ability to work within our organisational values

Interview: The first round of panel interview scheduled to take place in Bristol on the 24th of June 2025.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Fundraising and Communications Executive is a new role and will play a pivotal part in advancing our communications and fundraising strategies. As OTR continues to grow, this position will be instrumental in expanding our online presence and ensuring we connect with a broad audience, including young people, families, professionals, and supporters of our mission. It’s an ideal opportunity for someone who is both creative and analytical, skilled in producing compelling content and using data to amplify digital impact. This role would suit someone who can take initiative, think proactively, and confidently manage projects independently – qualities that are especially important in our small, dedicated team.

You’ll work on a wide range of projects, creating engaging content that aligns with OTR’s brand and values across our website, social media, and email campaigns. This includes developing multimedia content (including graphics, videos and blogs) to promote our work and highlight our impact in the local community.

From a fundraising perspective, you will help drive our fundraising activities and ensure efficient administration using the newly acquired ‘Donorfy’ database. This includes leading on the stewardship of donors and community fundraisers, managing our fundraising CRM database, and working on small and medium-sized trust and grant applications. You’ll also support digital campaigns and new initiatives, to encourage sustained support for our work. You’ll directly help to secure the financial support needed to expand OTR’s services and reach more beneficiaries. In addition, you’ll analyse the performance of our digital channels – interpreting website analytics, social media metrics, and email campaign results – to provide recommendations that enhance our communications strategies and ensure ongoing impact.

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a supportive and passionate team. If you’re a skilled communicator driven by purpose, enjoy creating compelling digital content, building strong relationships with donors, and using data to inform creative strategies, this could be the role for you.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Fundraising and Communications Executive

Location: Hybrid or office-based – OTR has two offices, both based in Leigh Park. PO9 3SU and PO9 5BG.

Reports to: Head of Fundraising

Contract type: Permanent

Hours: Part-time (up to 22.5 hours a week, with hours and working pattern negotiable)

Salary: £15,795 - £16,380 per annum (FTE £25,974 - £26,936)

JOB PURPOSE

The Fundraising and Communications Executive will play a key role in implementing OTR’s fundraising and communications strategies. The role involves planning, creating, curating and managing high-quality digital content across our website, social media platforms and email marketing campaigns. Furthermore, you will support key areas of our fundraising strategy, including trust and grant applications, horizon scanning and ensuring excellent fundraising administration across all areas of activity.

This position is instrumental in supporting the Head of Fundraising in developing and strengthening OTR’s income streams and increasing awareness of OTR’s services through effective communications. 

Specific role duties

Supporting the fundraising strategy

• Lead on OTR’s donor and community fundraiser stewardship through excellent communication and effective relationship management.

• Lead on the implementation of fundraising communications across channels.

• Responsible for small to medium size trust and grant applications, including horizon scanning

• Support the stewardship of small and medium-sized trusts and foundations including scoping, applications, reporting and funder management.

• Create engaging content and campaigns to drive income generation.

• Help build the small pool of regular donors.

 

Website and CRM maintenance

• Work with OTR’s Head of Fundraising, the Administration Manager and web developer to maintain, update and enhance the OTR website.

• Monitor website performance, user engagement and SEO trends, suggesting and

implementing improvements to enhance user experience and visibility.

• Lead on ensuring our CRM (Donorfy) is utilised effectively to record, monitor and report on fundraising activity and income.

Social media

• Working with the Head of Fundraising, CEO and Volunteer Coordinator and Business Support Officer, contribute to OTR’s social media presence by creating and scheduling engaging, accessible, and informative content that resonates with our audience and supports OTR’s mission.

• Monitor social media platforms to ensure timely and appropriate responses to comments and messages.

• Identify new opportunities to grow OTR’s social media reach, building awareness of our services, fundraising and outreach work.

• Regularly report on social media performance, using insights to inform future content and strategy.

• Utilise paid ads to support fundraising and training.

Email marketing

• Support the planning, creation, and delivery of OTR’s, soon to be launched, email marketing campaigns, including newsletters, fundraising initiatives and service information and signposting.

• Ensure all email communications are engaging, well-structured, and in line with OTR’s brand and tone of voice.

• Assist in the promotion of key OTR events, such as the Big Charity Bash and annual Great South Run and other special events.

• Manage and grow OTR’s email marketing lists, ensuring they are up to date and GDPR compliant.

• Track and analyse the performance of email campaigns, providing reports and insights to the Head of Fundraising.

Content creation

• Create engaging, accessible, and informative content for OTR’s digital channels, including the website, social media and email marketing.

• Develop multimedia content (for example, videos and graphics) to enhance OTR’s

communication methods and increase engagement.

• Contribute to blogs, news articles and case studies that highlight OTR’s work, impact and achievements in the sector.

Brand and tone of voice

• Ensure that all digital content aligns with OTR’s brand, tone of voice and style,

maintaining a cohesive and recognisable identity across all platforms.

• Promote OTR as the leading place to turn to for support, ensuring that our content

reflects our professionalism, reputation and expertise.

Analytics and reporting

• Use analytics tools to track the performance of OTR’s digital communications, including website traffic, email engagement and social media reach.

• Provide regular reports on digital performance to the Head of Fundraising, including insights and recommendations for improvement.

• Provide regular reports from the CRM and other online fundraising platforms to the

Head of Fundraising.

Promote

• Promote OTR as an exceptional and specialist charity.

Equality and diversity

• Promote good equality practice and play a key role in ensuring equality of opportunity in the workplace.

• Observe all relevant law relating to equality of opportunities.

• Encourage a working atmosphere where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Any other duties

• The post-holder will work collaboratively with all OTR trustees, staff and volunteers to provide a seamless service.

• Any other duties commensurate with the post.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

 

Knowledge, training and qualifications

Essential

• Understanding of charitable organisations.

• Understanding of principles of communications, marketing and fundraising.

Desirable

• Understanding of issues facing families in Havant and South East Hampshire.

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working in a communications or marketing role.

• Experience in planning, creating, and managing digital content across websites, social media, and email marketing.

• Experience in developing and managing content using online platforms including JustGiving, Mailchimp and Canva.

• Experience of managing a diverse workload in a busy environment.

Desirable

• Experience in utilising a CRM database to improve administrative systems.

• Experience in creating multimedia content, such as graphics and videos, to enhance digital communications.

• Experience in supporting fundraising initiatives, including donor stewardship and relationship management.

• Proficiency in using analytics tools (e.g. Google Analytics and social media insights) to monitor and report on digital communication performance.

• Experience in upholding and applying brand guidelines in various forms of content.

• Experience in communicating expert information/advice to wider audiences.

Skills

Essential

• Strong writing and editing skills with a focus on creating engaging, accessible, and audience specific content.

• Exceptional customer service skills with proven ability to respond appropriately and effectively to enquiries on the phone, on social media, and by email.

• Strong time and project management skills.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to build effective relationships and to be impactful with people of varying levels and experience.

• A flexible, pro-active approach to work including the ability to work to deadlines, plan, prioritise and manage own workload.

• Strong interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work autonomously and demonstrate initiative.

• A team player committed to working collaboratively to achieve results.

• Ability to use Microsoft Office Packages including SharePoint, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and the internet.

• Ability to learn and better utilise IT systems.

• Ability to deal with sensitive information with discretion and to always maintain confidentiality.

 

Safeguarding

Our organisation implements safeguarding protocols in all aspects of service delivery and operations; we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults. All successful applicants will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check with the relevant barred checks in line with the role.

 

Other requirements

• A commitment to treating your colleagues fairly, consistently and with respect (Essential)

• An interest in and understanding of OTR’s mission and strategy (Essential)

• Resilient, creative, determined and hard working (Essential)

WHAT WE OFFER YOU

We will provide a laptop, and other necessary IT equipment to facilitate hybrid and home working.

As an employee, you will receive the following benefit package:

• Generous annual leave entitlement including bank holidays

• Flexible start and finish times between core hours of 8am and 6pm

• Flexible hours to take time off for medical appointments and caring responsibilities

• Hybrid working

• 3% employer pension contribution if eligible

• Paid sick leave

To apply

Please submit a full CV (accounting for all gaps in employment - for Safer Recruitment).and a covering letter detailing all of the below:

• why you believe you are right for this role.
• why you wish to work at OTR.
• detailing your experience in all ‘essential’ criteria of the person specification

Registered charity number 1064275

Limited company 3333729

Funded by the National Lottery Community Fund