Barking and Dagenham Giving

What is Barking and Dagenham Giving?

Barking and Dagenham Giving (BD Giving) is a place-based charity founded in 2019, operating in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. The charity's mission is to give local people more opportunities in decision-making about funding — pioneering participatory funding and investment models that put communities in control of resources that affect their lives.

BD Giving is part of a growing movement of place-based giving organisations across the UK, but stands out for its deep commitment to participatory approaches. The charity holds 4 Day Week Foundation Gold accreditation, demonstrating that even mission-driven organisations can operate effectively with reduced working hours.

Where will I work?

BD Giving is headquartered at Barking Town Hall, 1 Town Hall Square, Barking, IG11 7LU, in the heart of the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. The Town Hall location places the charity at the civic centre of the community it serves, with excellent transport links via Barking station (District, Hammersmith & City, and c2c lines).

The charity operates a hybrid working model, allowing the team to balance time at the Town Hall offices with remote working. Given the community-facing nature of the work, some on-site and community presence is expected.

What is the team like?

With approximately 15 employees, BD Giving is a small, passionate team driven by a shared commitment to community empowerment and social justice. The team includes programme managers, community engagement specialists, funding coordinators, and operational staff. The culture is collaborative, community-centred, and values-driven, reflecting the participatory principles the charity champions.

Working at BD Giving means being part of a team that genuinely puts local people at the heart of funding decisions, creating real impact in one of London's most diverse boroughs.

Work-Life Balance

BD Giving operates a 4-day working week at 32 hours per week with full pay. The charity holds 4 Day Week Foundation Gold accreditation, confirming its genuine commitment to reduced working hours. Staff also benefit from 26.5 days annual leave, flexible working arrangements, and a hybrid working model.

The adoption of a 4-day week by a charity is particularly notable, demonstrating that reduced working hours are achievable even in the non-profit sector where resources are often tight. BD Giving has shown that investing in staff wellbeing through reduced hours leads to better outcomes for both the team and the communities they serve.

Perks and Benefits

• 4-day working week at full pay (32 hours)
• 4 Day Week Foundation Gold accredited
• 26.5 days annual leave
• Ethical pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Flexible working arrangements
• Hybrid working model
• Professional development opportunities
• Community-centred, values-driven workplace