Deputy Manager - Operations in Westminster

Home-Start Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea, and Hammersmith & Fulham (HSWKCHF) is a highly regarded local charity, committed to giving children the best possible start in life. We’re looking for a kind, capable and proactive individual to join our dynamic and supportive team as Co-Deputy Manager (Operations & Fundraising). This is a 12-month role (with potential for extension, subject to funding), offering a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact while developing your career in the not-for-profit sector.

As Co-Deputy Manager, you’ll play a key role in shaping and sustaining our services. You’ll lead on operational delivery, contribute to strategic planning, and take the lead on fundraising and communications. Your writing skills will be essential in crafting compelling funding bids and reports, and your organisational flair will help us run smoothly and effectively.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Is highly organised, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Has experience in fundraising, including developing and implementing strategies.
• Can write clear, persuasive reports and grant applications.
• Is flexible, collaborative, and committed to our mission.

What We Offer:

• A genuinely rewarding and positive work environment.
• A supportive team that values your ideas and encourages personal and professional growth.
• Flexible working arrangements, including at least one day of homeworking after probation.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities.

Purpose of the Job:

• To deputise for the Scheme Manager in her/his absence providing leadership and management across the full range of activity as required.
• Take responsibility for HR procedures, including those relating to recruitment of staff, staff contracts, and manage staff related issues including supervision and mentoring of staff.
• To support the strategic development of Home-Start WKCHF, as directed by the Scheme Manager.
• To support the Scheme Manager with business development.
• To lead on funding strategy planning, implementation and activities, to raise funds from diverse sources for Home-Start WKCHF’s work, ensuring the financial sustainability and strategic development of the organisation.
• To oversee all administrative activities that facilitate the smooth running of the office.
• To ensure the effective day to day management of the scheme in accordance with the Home-Start Memorandum and Articles of Association, Standards and Methods of Practice, The Home-Start Agreement and Home-Start Quality Assurance Standards.
• To ensure that Home-Start WKCHF maintains high standards of practice in supporting families within the ethos of Home-Start.
• To ensure inclusion and diversity in all aspects of Home-Start WKCHF's work.

Main Responsibilities:

• Maintaining an overview of Home-Start Westminster in order to deputise as required in the absence of the Scheme Manager.
• Establishing effective working relationships with staff members, volunteers, families and with colleagues from partner agencies.
• Keeping the Scheme Manager informed of matters that may need his/her intervention.
• Taking a lead role in funding strategy to ensure the financial stability and strategic development of HSWKCHF.
• Applying for funding and tenders under the direction of the Scheme Manager and supporting the Scheme Manager.
• Work with the whole team to collate qualitative and quantitative evidence of the impact of HSWKCHF’s work and report this to funders and supporters.
• Supporting community, events and corporate fundraising activity.
• Supporting the exploration and analysis of income generating activity.
• Maintaining an oversight of key priorities in Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea, Hammersmith & Fulham and identifying where Home-Start WKCHF can contribute.
• Supporting the positioning of Home-Start WKCHF as a key provider of a range of early help and family support services.
• Taking lead responsibility for HR procedures, including those relating to recruitment of staff, staff contracts, and providing support with any staffing related issues including supervision and mentoring of staff.
• Supporting Scheme Manager with regards to Health and Safety, including ensuring that lone working arrangements are adhered to, that the office environment remains compliant with Health and Safety legal requirements.
• Supporting the Board of Trustees and Scheme Manager to ensure that all Home-Start policies and procedures are implemented and reviewed.
• Reviewing overall performance with the Scheme Manager and senior staff team.
• Ensuring Home-Start Westminster is compliant with General Data Protection Regulations.
• Managing the scheme budget and financial resources under the direction of the manager to ensure the smooth running and financial stability of the organisation, including taking responsibility for banking and budget reports.
• Working with the Scheme Manager and Senior Management Team to maintain, monitor, evaluate and have an overview of all Home-Start Westminster’s services and projects, and identifying gaps in service provision.
• Providing support and direction for staff as required.
• Ensuring support to families in all services is of a high standard.
• Leading on wider volunteer strategy to ensure Home-Start WKCHF recruits and maintains an effective team of volunteers.
• Ensuring the scheme has effective policies and procedures for all aspects of working with volunteers including their recruitment, selection, preparation and support and supervision.
• Liaising with statutory partners and partners from across the voluntary sector under the guidance of the Scheme Manager.
• Networking appropriately within the community.
• Contributing to local policy and planning forums as appropriate.
• Deputising for the Scheme Manager at relevant meetings as appropriate.
• Attending contract meetings as appropriate, as directed by the Scheme Manager.
• Supporting the development of partnerships across Westminster Kensington & Chelsea, Hammersmith & Fulham, including with other Home-Starts and with other voluntary sector partners.
• Promoting Home-Start Westminster and its profile, ethos and practice.
• Contributing to the development of Home-Start locally, regionally and nationally.

The post holder may be required to undertake any other duties that fall within the nature of the role and responsibilities of the post as detailed above. HSWKCHF supports flexible working and funding for this position is for 4 or 5 days per week.