We are Looking for a Cafe Lead!
About the role
The Café Leader will be responsible for overseeing our kitchen and café provision, focusing primarily on our Wednesday lunchtime café sessions. This includes cooking a balanced, nutritious and fully-vegetarian three-course meal each week, ensuring food is prepared in accordance with good food hygiene and safety practices, and that the areas are cleaned down thoroughly after the session. Other key responsibilities include overseeing the food safety management system, stock control & rotation, administrative tasks, and providing support and guidance for volunteers within the kitchen and café areas.
We are looking for someone passionate and ambitious, with previous experience working within a kitchen environment and a motivation for providing a high-quality service to those we support. Our kitchen and café aim to be as sustainable as possible, so much of our food stock comes from donations and through low-cost food surplus redistribution via FareShare. The ideal candidate will need to be creative and flexible to make the most out of the food deliveries we receive, ensuring food waste is limited and the food prepared is balanced, nutritious and delicious.
Key Responsibilities
Service Delivery – Café Service
Responsible for the overall management of our kitchen and café.
Menu planning and preparation of a variety of plant-based and vegetarian dishes.
Stock control and rotation, with a high level of awareness around sustainability and food-waste reduction.
Supporting with the purchasing of food and other necessary materials and equipment.
Oversight of the food safety management system, including adherence to regular cleaning schedules and necessary administrative tasks.
Cleaning of all equipment and kitchen surfaces.
Adherence to all relevant health and safety policies and procedures.
Liaising with our Allotment Lead/Group to utilise fresh produce and plan future growing priorities.
Liaising with Volunteer Coordinator to organise volunteer support where necessary.
Providing support and guidance for volunteers operating within the kitchen and café
Attending staff meetings and training as required.
Undertake any other duties and responsibilities of an equivalent level as the need arises.
Safeguarding
Be aware of organisational safeguarding processes and undertake any associated training as required.
Report any safeguarding concerns or incidents to the Designated Safeguarding Lead in an efficient and timely manner.
Operational Support
Support the team in delivering a holistic service to our members, understanding that we are stronger together.
Experience
Essential
1 year experience working within kitchens or food-based environments.
Planning and preparation of a wide range of balanced and nutritious meals
Understanding of food safety management systems, or similar food safety/hygiene documentation
Food hygiene & safety, including cleaning of equipment and surfaces as necessary
Desirable
Working within charities or similar organisations.
Working in community settings with people with a range of mental health needs.
Working within busy kitchens (e.g. commercial, schools, care homes, etc)
Managing budgets
Leading or managing others (staff/volunteers)
Knowledge and Qualifications
Essential
Food Hygiene & Safety, including an in-depth understanding of allergen control and cleaning procedures
Health & Safety in kitchen environments
Ability to maintain and update personal knowledge and skills relevant to the role.
Desirable
Relevant qualification in Mental Health or Food/Nutrition
Knowledge of mental health support services, or an understanding of the challenges faced by those with a range of mental health needs. Knowledge of safeguarding.
Personal Attributes
Essential
Effective multi-tasking and prioritisation.
Dealing with complex and challenging issues in a calm and positive way.
Building and maintain positive with a variety of individuals.
Organised, proactive, and able to work off own initiative.
Self-motivated
Creative, flexible, and adaptable.
Excellent communication skills.
Desirable
Strategic thinker with ability to see things differently.
Able to develop relationships with external organisations or stakeholders.
Application Process
Please send a CV, cover letter and completed application form to [email protected]. The application form and full job description can be found here: Cafe Lead Job Description
The closing date for applications is 31/07/2026.
For enquiries or for an informal discussion about the role, please contact us by emailing [email protected] or by calling 0161 696 0751 and asking to speak to one of the centre managers.
We are looking for a Trustee Treasurer
Volunteer Trustee Treasurer Recruitment
Could your financial expertise help transform lives?
The Creative Living Centre is a welcoming and creative mental health charity supporting people across Manchester to improve their wellbeing, build resilience, and feel less alone.
We are now looking for a Treasurer Trustee to join our Board and help guide the financial health and future direction of our organisation.
We’d love to hear from:
Qualified accountants, or
Finance professionals, or
Anyone with strong financial management experience
This role goes beyond balancing the books — it’s about helping ensure we can continue delivering vital services to our community, now and into the future.
As Treasurer, you’ll:
Provide oversight of our finances
Help shape our long-term sustainability
Contribute to strategic decision-making at Board level
In return, you’ll be part of a supportive, passionate team committed to making a genuine difference in people’s lives.
Use your skills for something bigger. Be part of something that truly matters.
Volunteer Treasurer (Trustee)
Organisation: Creative Living Centre
Location: Manchester (or remote with occasional meetings)
Role Type: Volunteer Trustee Role
Time Commitment: Approx. 10–15 hours per month
About the Creative Living Centre
The Creative Living Centre is a mental health charity dedicated to supporting individuals to improve wellbeing, build resilience, and reduce isolation through creative and peer-led approaches. We are committed to making a positive impact in our community.
Role Purpose
The Treasurer plays a vital role on the Board of Trustees, providing financial oversight and strategic guidance to ensure the charity remains financially sustainable, compliant, and well-governed.
This role is ideally suited to a qualified accountant or someone with strong financial management experience who is passionate about supporting a community-focused mental health charity.
Key Responsibilities
Governance & Strategy
Serve as an active member of the Board of Trustees
Contribute to the strategic direction and sustainability of the charity
Ensure the organisation complies with financial regulations and charity law
Financial Oversight
Monitor the financial health of the organisation
Review and present financial reports at board meetings
Ensure appropriate financial controls and procedures are in place
Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes
Reporting & Compliance
Ensure the preparation and submission of annual accounts and returns (e.g. Charity Commission)
Liaise with independent examiners or auditors as required
Ensure compliance with relevant financial legislation and best practice
Operational Support
Work with staff (or volunteers) responsible for day-to-day finance
Provide advice on financial implications of projects and funding bids
Support funding strategy with financial insight
Person Specification
Essential
Experience in accounting, finance, or financial management
Ability to interpret financial information and communicate it clearly to non-financial colleagues
Understanding of financial governance and risk management
Commitment to the charity’s mission and values
Willingness to actively engage and contribute at Board level
Desirable
Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent)
Experience working with charities or the voluntary sector
Knowledge of charity finance, reporting requirements, and regulations
What We’re Looking For
We are seeking someone who is:
Strategic and detail-oriented
Collaborative and supportive
Passionate about mental health and community wellbeing
Able to provide constructive challenge and oversight
What You’ll Gain
Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on local mental health support
Experience contributing to governance and leadership at Board level
Working with a committed and passionate team
Professional development in the charity sector
Terms of Appointment
This is a voluntary, unpaid position
Reasonable expenses may be reimbursed
Trustees are typically appointed for an initial term (e.g. 3 years)
How to Apply
Please send an expression of interest and CV to [email protected] outlining your relevant experience and motivation for joining the Creative Living Centre.
Could your financial expertise help transform lives?
The Creative Living Centre is a welcoming and creative mental health charity supporting people across Manchester to improve their wellbeing, build resilience, and feel less alone.
We are now looking for a Treasurer Trustee to join our Board and help guide the financial health and future direction of our organisation.
We’d love to hear from:
Qualified accountants, or
Finance professionals, or
Anyone with strong financial management experience
This role goes beyond balancing the books — it’s about helping ensure we can continue delivering vital services to our community, now and into the future.
As Treasurer, you’ll:
Provide oversight of our finances
Help shape our long-term sustainability
Contribute to strategic decision-making at Board level
In return, you’ll be part of a supportive, passionate team committed to making a genuine difference in people’s lives.
Use your skills for something bigger. Be part of something that truly matters.
Volunteer Treasurer (Trustee)
Organisation: Creative Living Centre
Location: Manchester (or remote with occasional meetings)
Role Type: Volunteer Trustee Role
Time Commitment: Approx. 10–15 hours per month
About the Creative Living Centre
The Creative Living Centre is a mental health charity dedicated to supporting individuals to improve wellbeing, build resilience, and reduce isolation through creative and peer-led approaches. We are committed to making a positive impact in our community.
Role Purpose
The Treasurer plays a vital role on the Board of Trustees, providing financial oversight and strategic guidance to ensure the charity remains financially sustainable, compliant, and well-governed.
This role is ideally suited to a qualified accountant or someone with strong financial management experience who is passionate about supporting a community-focused mental health charity.
Key Responsibilities
Governance & Strategy
Serve as an active member of the Board of Trustees
Contribute to the strategic direction and sustainability of the charity
Ensure the organisation complies with financial regulations and charity law
Financial Oversight
Monitor the financial health of the organisation
Review and present financial reports at board meetings
Ensure appropriate financial controls and procedures are in place
Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes
Reporting & Compliance
Ensure the preparation and submission of annual accounts and returns (e.g. Charity Commission)
Liaise with independent examiners or auditors as required
Ensure compliance with relevant financial legislation and best practice
Operational Support
Work with staff (or volunteers) responsible for day-to-day finance
Provide advice on financial implications of projects and funding bids
Support funding strategy with financial insight
Person Specification
Essential
Experience in accounting, finance, or financial management
Ability to interpret financial information and communicate it clearly to non-financial colleagues
Understanding of financial governance and risk management
Commitment to the charity’s mission and values
Willingness to actively engage and contribute at Board level
Desirable
Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent)
Experience working with charities or the voluntary sector
Knowledge of charity finance, reporting requirements, and regulations
What We’re Looking For
We are seeking someone who is:
Strategic and detail-oriented
Collaborative and supportive
Passionate about mental health and community wellbeing
Able to provide constructive challenge and oversight
What You’ll Gain
Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on local mental health support
Experience contributing to governance and leadership at Board level
Working with a committed and passionate team
Professional development in the charity sector
Terms of Appointment
This is a voluntary, unpaid position
Reasonable expenses may be reimbursed
Trustees are typically appointed for an initial term (e.g. 3 years)
How to Apply
Please send an expression of interest and CV to [email protected] outlining your relevant experience and motivation for joining the Creative Living Centre.
Trustee roles Available
Join us to continue improving mental health – become a Creative Living Centre Trustee
The Creative Living Centre (‘CLC’) is looking to add to its Board of Trustees to deliver the charity’s dual core objectives:
- To promote the preservation of mental health and to assist in relieving persons suffering from emotional or mental distress requiring advice or treatment; and
- To promote the education of the public in mental health issues.
Who are the Creative Living Centre?
We are a forward-thinking mental health charity based in Prestwich, Greater Manchester, making a big difference to our members/service users. We are now recruiting for additional Trustees to join the Board. We’ve been around for more than 27 years, and we offer a wide range of services, including:
- Therapeutic activities including one-to-one emotional support, counselling, and complementary therapies.
- Workshops and courses on wellbeing such as challenging negative thoughts, healthy eating, motivation, stress management and confidence building.
- Peer mentoring providing goal-based support from people with lived experience.
- Creative activities such as arts, crafts, creative writing and singing.
- Physical exercise and wellbeing classes, including gardening, bike riding, boxercise and chair based exercise.
- Social events including warm hubs, breakfast club, the sunshine café or a free meal on Saturdays.
CLC Trustees
Our Trustee recruitment goal is to find good people who have an interest in mental health services and who would like to contribute to the development & continued success of the CLC.
We are looking for people who may be considering taking their first step in a Trustee role or may have been involved with trusteeships previously. In either case, we’ll provide you with the support and training you need to carry out the role. Please note, this is a volunteer role and is unpaid.
To find out more about the opportunity and what it involves, download our Trustee Recruitment Pack
For further information or an informal chat please email [email protected]
To apply please complete the Application Form in the Trustee Recruitment Pack and email to [email protected]
