About us

The Paul Hamlyn Foundation is an independent grant-making foundation set up by Paul Hamlyn, the publisher and philanthropist. It aims to maximise opportunities for individuals and communities to realise their potential and experience and enjoy a better quality of life. 

The Foundation supports charitable activity in the areas of arts, education and learning, and social justice across the UK. It also supports local charities in India that help the poorest communities get access to basic services.

Our vision is for a just society in which everyone, especially young people, can realise their full potential and enjoy fulfilling and creative lives.

Our mission is to be an effective and independent funder, using all our resources to create opportunities and support social change. We partner with inspiring organisations and individuals to make sure that people facing disadvantage are at the heart of leading change and designing solutions to overcome inequality.

We are committed to being an anti-racist organisation. This commitment drives how we work, who we work with and how we make decisions. You can read more about our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) here.

We have five funding priorities where we wish to see change. You can read more about our work based in the UK here.

•       Investing in young people

•       Migration and integration

•       Arts access and participation

•       Education and learning through the arts

•       Nurturing ideas and people

Our values are important to us and we work to and carry them though all of our activity.

About the role

The Shared Ground Fund was created in 2015 to help ensure those who migrate to the UK can get the support they need to settle and thrive, and that communities experiencing immigration become stronger and more connected. Since 2015, we have awarded over £25 million and supported 160+ organisations.

Our work is guided by our Theory of Change, which outlines the aspirations of our Fund, our analysis of how positive change might happen, our role in facilitating that change, and the types of work we are keen to support.

We especially encourage applications from candidates with experience of systemic oppression and/or of immigration to the UK.

Shared Ground Residential

Building on our commitment to exchange knowledge, nourish strong relationships and contribute to a healthy, durable, and effective migration sector and movement, since 2017 we have delivered five annual Shared Ground Residentials.

The aim of our residential is to provide grantees and funders with an opportunity to take a step back from our day-to-day work, learn, engage with new perspectives, and reflect in a safe and inclusive space. The programme usually offers a mix of panels, workshops, wellbeing, and cultural activities.

Building on the lessons from previous residentials, you will work closely with our team, learning partners, grantees and other funders to develop a programme that supports the sector to make connections, engage in constructive discussions, and have space for rest and reflection. You will lead on the planning and delivery of this three-day event, liaising with speakers, workshop leaders, the venue, catering, and bringing in the team and external support when needed.

Reporting to the Head of Programme, this is a newly created role designed to support the Migration Team to shape, coordinate and deliver the sixth Shared Ground Residential in spring 2024.

You will:

• Provide day to day leadership on the design, planning, coordination, and delivery of the sixth Shared Ground Residential in spring 2024, working closely with the Head of Programme – Migration

• Review feedback and independent evaluation of previous residentials to identify strengths, challenges, and suggestions to help shape the next residential

• Work closely with our team, learning partners, grantees and other funders to develop a programme that supports the sector to make connections, engage in constructive discussions, and have space for rest and reflection

• Ensure trust, care and wellbeing are at the centre of the residential, identifying best practice, researching, and contracting external support when needed

• Lead on the logistics of the event, including identifying, contracting, and liaising with suitable venue, catering, speakers, workshops leaders, wellbeing facilitators, cultural performers, and other relevant suppliers, managing the invite and attendance list

• Ensure relevant accessibility requirements are accounted for in planning and delivering the event

• Lead on communication with grantees, sharing information about the residential, handling queries and providing support, as needed

• Manage the development of the residential’s dedicated website, drafting, and editing content, and liaising with others to ensure all relevant information is included and up to date

• Work with our learning partners to design the feedback form and post-event evaluation

• Oversee the event’s budget, handling invoices and supporting PHF’s finance team to process relevant payments, providing financial reports to the Head of Programme – Migration and the team

• Contribute to the development of our new Theory of Change and strategy by sharing insights and advice on the continued role of the residential and other convening opportunities within the Shared Ground Fund

Person specification

We recognise that this person specification is extensive, and you may feel you do not meet all the criteria. We are open to making adjustments to the role and how it is delivered to enable those from a broad range of backgrounds and lived experiences to apply.

If you are interested, please apply even if you do not meet all criteria.

 Skills, knowledge, and experience

• Excellent project management skills, with ability to manage multiple and competing deadlines

• Understanding of how to embed diversity, equity and inclusion principles into event planning, coordination, and delivery

• Ability to analyse and synthesise complex information, effectively drawing conclusions and recommendations

• Ability to work effectively with a range of stakeholders, including grantees, learning partners, staff, consultants, contractors, and other funders

•  Strong IT skills, including Word processing, use of spreadsheets, use of databases to process information, electronic communications, managing and coordinating online meetings

•  Ability to manage budgets accurately and effectively

 Behaviours and ways of working

• Alignment with the values and aims of the Paul Hamlyn Foundation

• Organised, resourceful, and proactive, with a problem-solving disposition

• Good written and oral communication skills

• Collaborative and flexible approach to team working

•  Strong commitment to learning and improvement

 Desirable

• Knowledge of the UK’s migrant justice movement, including established migrant sector organisations, grassroots groups and individuals working in this space

• Understanding of power and how it plays out, and impact on individuals and communities that experience intersectional oppression and marginalisation

• Experience organising or managing events

• Experience managing contracts with external consultant

The Foundation is based in light and recently refurbished offices near Kings Cross in London. We offer fantastic benefits including 25 days annual leave, 10% pension contributions and enhanced maternity and paternity policies and complimentary lunch when in the office.

Interviews are expected to be held on Friday 12th May.