Job Title Job Holder Responsible to: Responsible for: Hours: Salary Band: Main Duties: JOB DESCRIPTION Head of Innovation TBC Chief Operating Officer/Deputy CEO TBC 35 hour per week £34,000 - £46,500 1. Lead Innovation within the Foundation of Light. 2. Translate Strategy into Operational Delivery. 3. Manage Service-Level Budgets and Outcomes 4. Ensure Compliance within the Function. 1. Lead Innovation within the Foundation of Light Drive a culture of innovation and continuous improvement across all departments to ensure the Foundation remains forward-thinking and impactful. Identify opportunities for new initiatives, partnerships, and methods that strengthen outcomes for the people we support. Key Responsibilities include: • Act as the internal adviser to the CEO and Exec team on innovation. • Translate the Foundation’s strategic objectives into a robust framework with aligned KPIs, outcome measures, and evaluation tools. • Use analytics and data to inform strategic planning, monitor trends, and support evidence-based decision making • Work with the Heads of Marcoms and Impact and Insights to lead the evolution of digital and systems to streamline processes and improve staff experience. • Champion and embed innovation across all areas of the Foundation’s work, • fostering a culture of experimentation. Initiate and lead the development of pilot/incubator projects, prototypes, and test- and-learn approaches. • Collaborate with staff, partners, and beneficiaries to co-design innovative solutions. • Establish internal systems to capture and share new ideas across teams. • Establish a shared culture of evidence-based practice and continuous learning across the organisation. • Represent the Foundation externally on matters related to innovation, including liaising with funders, academic institutions, and partners. • Monitor external trends, technologies, and practices to identify opportunities for adoption or adaptation. • Explore the development of a digital Beacon with our professional volunteers. 2. Translate Strategy into Operational Delivery Ensure that innovative ideas are strategically aligned and translated into practical, sustainable solutions. Bridge the gap between long-term goals and day-to-day implementation, fostering collaboration across teams. Key Responsibilities include: • Translate the Foundation’s strategic priorities into clear innovation workstreams and delivery plans. • Work with programme leads to integrate innovation activity into their operational planning including AI. • Work with colleagues to identify and digitalise service delivery (learning, apps, engagement platforms) • Develop tools, processes, and frameworks to guide consistent delivery of innovation projects. Identify dependencies, risks, and resource needs to support smooth delivery. • • Facilitate cross-team collaboration to ensure integrated and aligned execution. Identify PR opportunities and case studies relating to the FOL’s innovation • • Undertake market research and customer/participant surveys • Identify opportunities for innovation, growth and continuous improvement across departments. • Working with the Head of Impact and Insights use community insights, feedback, and data to inform programme development and continuous improvement. • Help train staff in new approaches. 3. Manage Budgets and Outcomes Oversee innovation budgets and ensure resources are allocated effectively to deliver measurable outcomes. Key Responsibilities include: • Manage the budget, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently to meet organisational needs. • Ensure timely, and accurate reporting to funders, trustees, and other agencies. • Track and report on organisational KPIs, strategic outcomes, and social return on investment (SROI). • Access income generation by providing innovative ideas and compelling business cases for funding bids and tenders. • Ensure databases are updated on a regular basis with correct information 4. Ensure Compliance within the Function Maintain robust processes to ensure all innovation activity is compliant with internal policies and external regulations. Protect the integrity of the Foundation’s work while encouraging calculated risk-taking and learning. Key Responsibilities include: • Ensure monitoring and evaluation systems such as scorecards and traffic lights are up to date. • Update the Data Protection and ICT Manual. • Ensure all departmental activity complies with Foundation policies and relevant legislation, including safeguarding, GDPR, health and safety, and equality and diversity. • Ensure employees have completed mandatory training and records are uploaded to PeopleHR • Maintain accurate records and support reporting to regulators, funders, and Trustees as required. • Support internal audits, evaluations and inspections, responding promptly and effectively to recommendations. Other Duties: You will be required to undertake other duties from time to time as required. Any potential permanent changes to your role will be discussed, and agreement reached prior to being undertaken. You will be notified of any permanent change in writing. In addition to your normal duties, you may be required to undertake additional or other duties as necessary to meet the needs of the Foundation of Light. Staff are required to work with volunteers in a way of mutual respect and commitment to organisational goals and objectives. This includes staff who do not directly supervise volunteers but may engage with them within the organisation. Behaviour and Professional Expectations: • Contribute actively as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, supporting cross- organisational collaboration and cultural leadership • Keep up to date with relevant and changes in government policies and strategies • Maintain working practices in line with Foundation of Light Equality and Diversity, Health and Safety and Safeguarding policies; self-awareness of own responsibility in these areas • Embed EDI and safeguarding in all aspects of work • Assist in data collection and analysis providing accurate management information systems for data led decisions • Ensure regulatory and legislative requirements are met at all times • Conduct should reflect the Staff Behaviour Policy (Code of Conduct); uphold Foundation core values (as shown below) at all times • Maintain the highest level of professionalism and confidentiality. • Attend working groups and CPD session as required • Build strong internal relationships and work in collaboration with colleagues to achieve the end goal • Ensure positive organisational messages and culture are maintained • Contribute to good housekeeping across all Foundation sites and equipment • Follow the laid down policies and procedures at all times Work within the established administrative and financial systems to ensure smooth running and quality of projects Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement: All individuals will be treated equally and fairly in the application of this procedure. All reasonable requests to accommodate requirements in terms of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation will be made. Safeguarding Statement We expect all staff, volunteers and partners to share our commitment to maintaining a culture of vigilance, and believe that all staff, volunteers and partners have a responsibility to report any concerns about the welfare of any child, young person or adult at risk. Foundation of Light Values: Innovative, Passionate, Excellence, Collaborative, Integrity, Agile. PERSONAL SPECIFICATION Requirement Skills and Abilities: Essential (E) or Desirable (D) How Assessed (CV, Interview, Observation) Strong strategic and creative thinking skills with the ability to identify, develop, and scale new ideas. Excellent problem-solving and design-thinking skills, with a focus on user-led innovation. Ability to lead cross-functional teams through ideation, prototyping, and implementation. Skilled in identifying trends, funding opportunities, and sector developments to inform innovation. Capable of managing change and embedding a culture of continuous improvement. Excellent and engagement skills, presenting ideas at all levels. Strong planning, research, and evaluation skills to support impact development measurement. stakeholder influencing and communication including agile and Personal Attributes: Curious, creative, and forward-thinking with a passion for social change. Resilient and adaptable in the face of ambiguity or complexity. Empathetic and open-minded, with a strong commitment to co-creation and inclusion. Entrepreneurial and proactive, with the ability to take initiative and build momentum. Collaborative and team-oriented with excellent relationship-building skills. Reflective and commitment to learning and development improvement-driven, with a Knowledge and Understanding: Understanding of innovation frameworks such as design thinking, systems thinking or lean start-up. Awareness of social challenges in education, health, sport, and community development, and how innovation can respond to them. Knowledge of impact measurement and theory of change models. Familiarity with innovation ecosystems including funders, accelerators, and collaborative networks. Understanding of change management principles and how to embed innovation within organisational culture. Awareness of relevant legislation and ethical considerations around data, safeguarding, and community engagement. E E E E E E E E E E E E E E D D D E E CV/APPLICATION CV/APPLICATION CV/APPLICATION CV/APPLICATION CV/APPLICATION I CV/APPLICATION I I I CV/APPLICATION CV/APPLICATION I I I I I I CV/APPLICATION Experience: Demonstrable experience in leading innovation, service design, or transformation projects within the charity, public, education or social enterprise sectors. Proven track record of designing and implementing new initiatives, partnerships or products that deliver measurable social impact. Experience in user-centred design or co- production with service users, communities or young people. Experience managing pilot programmes and learning loops (test–learn–refine–scale). Experience in securing or contributing to funding bids, including innovation funds and strategic partnerships. Experience in developing or utilising digital tools, systems, or platforms to support innovation. Qualifications (or equivalent): Degree-level education or equivalent experience in innovation, agile project management, service design, social impact, or related fields Enhanced DBS check (or willingness to obtain) Evidence of continuing professional development E E E D E E E E E CV/APPLICATION CV/APPLICATION CV/APPLICATION CV/APPLICATION CV/APPLICATION CV/APPLICATION CV/APPLICATION CV/APPLICATION CV/APPLICATION