Acting ceo jobs
Devon in Sight (The Devon County Association for the Blind) was established in 1925 and has a long and proud history of serving people who are blind and partially sighted and their families in Devon.
Our aim is to support people on their sight loss journey by focusing on our four key service areas of Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG), Independent Living, Health & Wellbeing, and Influencing Change (Making Devon a better place for people affected by sight loss to live and work).
The Role:
As our long-standing Chief Executive Officer prepares for retirement, we are seeking an experienced senior manager to take over the leadership of this dynamic and innovative charity.
The Chief Executive Officer will be based at the charity’s head office in Splatford, Exeter. You will be responsible to the Board of Trustees and will represent, promote and support the charity, whilst ensuring the smooth running of all aspects of operations and future growth.
You will need to work flexibly and strategically to assist the organisation to achieve its strategic priorities, develop and grow. We are looking for someone who is a confident and empathetic manager with previous experience gained within a charity setting.
You will be a natural and inspiring communicator, equally confident in networking with our stakeholders, talking to the people we support and writing compelling content. In addition, you will be computer literate and financially astute, able to work with a Board of Trustees, attend their meetings and provide them with timely and accurate information.
Job Type: Permanent, Full-time (37 hours per week).
Location: Unit 3, Splatford Barton, Kennford, Exeter EX6 7XY
Salary: £46,500.
Other Benefits:
- Annual Leave entitlement is 25 days per annum plus statutory bank holidays. Additional leave days are awarded after 2, 5 and 10 years’ service.
- Some flexible, remote working can be negotiated.
- A pension scheme that includes a 3% employer contribution with the option of joining our Salary Sacrifice Scheme to increase this.
- A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- A nominated free car parking space at our current premises.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategy & Governance: Developing and implementing the charity’s vision, mission, values and strategic priorities in partnership with the Trustees.
- Operational Leadership: Overseeing service delivery, maintaining our Matrix Standard Accreditation, monitoring services we provide to ensure they are always to a high standard.
- Financial & Fundraising: Managing budgets, maintaining compliance, and leading fundraising strategies (Individual Trusts & Grants, Legacies, Community and Corporate Fundraising and Legacy management).
- Compliance & Risk: Ensuring the charity strictly adheres to statutory, legal (GDPR, Charities Act, Companies Act), and safeguarding requirements.
- Partnerships & Advocacy: Acting as the "voice of blind and partially sighted people in Devon", building relationships with key stakeholders across the Health & Social Care and Third Sector.
- People Management: HR, recruitment, managing and supporting staff and volunteers.
How to Apply
If you are a supportive and proactive leader, passionate about making a real difference to the lives of people affected by sight loss across Devon, we want to hear from you!
For a full application pack, including job description, application letter and application forms, please visit our website.
Interviews will be held on the 15th and 16th January 2026, in person, at our head office in Kennford, Exeter.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actors’ Trust supports professional actors and stage managers in times of need, and our bold new Acting for Impact strategy seeks to increase the charity’s reach and impact within the performing arts community.
The Finance & Office Executive will play a key role in ensuring the financial health and effective administration of the charity. Working closely with the CEO and Head of Finance & Operations, the postholder will provide financial assistance, manage the office, and undertake the administrative functions required to support the smooth running of the charity.
This role is perfect for someone who enjoys working with numbers, systems and people. You’ll play a key role in supporting and delivering the charity’s financial and operational strategy and enabling the Trustees to fulfil their legal and fiduciary obligations. You will ensure that our finance processes and office run smoothly, including diary management, and that key governance and HR processes and procedures comply with law and with our policies.
We are looking for an energetic and motivated self-starter keen to take on a new challenge within a fast growing organisation, to join us and support our team. You will have an appetite for detail and a focus on standards. Additionally, you will be a problem solver, team player, able to quickly adapt, (and to ask for help when you need it) and you’ll have the self-belief and capacity to develop trusted relationships with stakeholders at every level.
See the attached Job Description for more details.
How to Apply
- Please apply with an up-to-date CV including a daytime phone and email contact, and a brief covering letter telling us why you’re a good fit for this role.
- The closing date and time for applications is 9am, 9th January 2026.
- Interviews will be held on Thursday 15th January 2026
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
If you’re a purpose‑driven CEO with a deep passion for animal welfare, this is your opportunity to steer a trusted charity as it transforms for a sustainable future.
Margaret Green Animal Rescue is embarking on an exciting phase of strategic revitalisation. As a leading animal welfare charity with a proud history since 1965, we are seeking a visionary and dynamic Chief Executive Officer to lead us into our next chapter. This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our charity and ensuring the animals in our care receive the very best support.
As Chief Executive of Margaret Green Animal Rescue, you’ll lead a proud organisation delivering rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming, and providing lifetime care for animals with complex needs across Dorset and Devon since 1965. You’ll harness the charity’s tangible local footprint across three rescue centres and a network of retail shops to elevate outcomes, scale supporter engagement, and embed operational excellence.
You’ll be the catalyst for significant strategic change—partnering closely with the Board of Trustees to set bold transformational objectives and KPIs. You’ll transform our operating model to meet current and future needs, oversee a data and IT modernisation programme to strengthen insight, efficiency and compliance (from donor management and welfare tracking to retail operations), steward budgets and risk with rigour, and act as the charity’s primary spokesperson to media, partners and the wider community.
The role is full‑time, based at Head Office in Church Knowle, Dorset, with regular travel across centres and shops, and offers a competitive package including 30 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays. We welcome experienced CEOs and senior leaders who bring strategic planning, change delivery and inclusive leadership.
The Role
As CEO, you will provide inspirational leadership and strategic direction, working closely with the Board of Trustees to deliver our mission and vision. You will be responsible for:
- Leading the development and implementation of a revitalised strategic plan, ensuring alignment with our values and ambitions
- Driving operational excellence across all areas, including animal welfare, fundraising, retail, and administration
- Championing a ‘One Charity’ culture, embedding consistent ethics and best practices across all teams and locations
- Acting as the primary spokesperson, enhancing our profile and engagement with supporters, partners, and the wider community
- Overseeing financial stewardship, risk management, and the effective use of data and technology to support organisational goals
- Ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation and charity governance requirements
About You
We are looking for an exceptional leader who is passionate about animal welfare and ethical leadership. The ideal candidate will have:
- Proven senior leadership experience, ideally within the charity, animal welfare, or related sectors
- Demonstrable experience in strategic planning, organisational development, and change management
- Strong financial acumen and experience in budget management and income generation
- Experience in data and IT management, including digital transformation
- Excellent communication, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement skills
- A commitment to the highest standards of animal welfare
Experience in retail operations, fundraising, and working with Boards of Trustees is desirable.
What We Offer
- Full-time role (37.5 hours per week) with flexibility for additional hours as required
- Competitive salary (£65-80k depending on experience) and benefits, including 30 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), business expenses, and mobile phone provision
- The chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of animals and the communities we serve
Join us at this pivotal moment and help shape the future of Margaret Green Animal Rescue. If you are ready to lead with vision, compassion, and drive, we would love to hear from you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
As Managing Director, you will provide strategic direction for the charity, employing a collaborative leadership style to ensure that the achievement of the charity’s vision and objectives is supported by an engaged and culturally healthy staff team.
You will ensure the projects are run in-line with our policies, legal requirements, and budgets, with an overarching understanding of the charity’s finances and fundraising.
You will also be a figurehead for the organisation, effectively networking, partnering and influencing across sectors.
Lastly, but most importantly, you will be passionate about the transformative power of connection across division, and how the projects we create serve this core purpose.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Chief Executive Officer
Salary: £49, 282 - £54,495 per annum
Location: Gorse Hill Studios, Trafford, Manchester (Some remote working will be considered)
Contract Type: Full time, permanent
About Gorse Hill Studios
Gorse Hill Studios is a dynamic and ambitious youth and community arts charity. At the heart of our organisation is a belief that all young people deserve to feel valued, supported and inspired. We work with young people to build confidence, creativity and community connections, ensuring they have the opportunities and encouragement they need to thrive.
We believe that creativity can transform lives, and we are committed to placing young people at the centre of everything we do. Their voices, ideas and experiences help shape our programmes, partnerships and strategic direction.
We are entering an exciting phase of growth and development. Our team currently includes 20 core staff and a wider network of volunteers and creative practitioners, delivering a diverse portfolio of youth arts sessions, community engagement projects, creative wellbeing initiatives and partnership-led activity with local schools and organisations. The CEO will play a pivotal role in leading this portfolio, strengthening our impact, championing youth voice and ensuring young people continue to shape our future direction as we move into the next chapter of our development.
About the Role
As CEO, you will provide strategic, compassionate and visionary leadership, ensuring Gorse Hill Studios delivers its mission to empower and inspire young people. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, you will hold overall responsibility for the organisation’s performance, culture, operations and long-term sustainability. This role calls for someone who demonstrates strong strategic insight with the ability to influence and inspire others, using emotional intelligence and collaborative leadership to build positive internal and external relationships.
A fundamental part of this role is your commitment to embedding young people’s voice in decision making. You will champion their perspectives, ensuring programme development, strategy and organisational culture reflect the needs and aspirations of the young people we serve.
You will also be an ambassador for the charity, building trusted relationships with young people, partners, funders and the wider community. This role requires a leader who is values led, resilient and passionate about supporting young people through the arts and creative engagement.
Roles and Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Governance
- Lead on the development and delivery of the charity’s long-term strategy, with young people meaningfully involved
- Ensure compliance with all statutory, regulatory and governance requirements, including Charity Commission expectations and safeguarding duties
- Provide clear, timely reporting to the Board
- Support the Board to operate effectively
Financial Management and Income Generation
- Oversee budgeting, financial planning and responsible management of all funds
- Lead a diverse income generation strategy
- Identify sustainable opportunities for organisational growth
Operational Management and Programme Delivery
- Oversee day to day operations and ensure systems are effective
- Ensure programmes are high quality, inclusive and reflective of young people’s needs and feedback
- Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead, or ensure robust safeguarding practices across the organisation
People Leadership and Culture
- Inspire, support and lead a dedicated staff and volunteer team
- Champion a positive, inclusive and collaborative working culture
- Oversee recruitment, wellbeing and performance management
External Relations and Advocacy
- Act as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for Gorse Hill Studios
- Build strong relationships with partners, funders and stakeholders
- Advocate for and with young people locally and nationally
- Represent the charity confidently at events and in the media
Skills and Experience
Essential:
- Senior leadership experience in the charity, youth, arts or wider non-profit sector
- Strong financial management skills
- Proven success in fundraising or income generation
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement
- Knowledge of safeguarding practices in youth settings
- Experience leading teams and developing positive organisational cultures
- Strategic leadership experience
Desirable
- Experience in the youth arts or creative community sector
- Understanding of the Trafford community landscape
Values and Commitment
We are committed to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals who share these values and are passionate about empowering young people.
An enhanced DBS check will be required.
Application Details
To apply, please submit your CV and covering letter.
Closing date: 19 January
Interview date: 23 January at Gorse Hill Studios
Interviews will include a stakeholder panel and a formal interview.
REF-225 658
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Chief Executive Officer
Salary: c.£75 - 80,000 per annum
Hours: Full time 35 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Location: The role is, of necessity, office based, although flexibility for home working is expected where appropriate. Evening and weekend work will be required to attend networking and other events.
At Sussex community Foundation we are approaching our 20th anniversary. As we celebrate this milestone, we are looking for an ambitious and dynamic chief executive to lead us into the next 20 years, enabling us to make Sussex a fairer and more equal place.
At Sussex Community Foundation we bring inspirational people together to create the change Sussex needs. In our first 20 years we have built a reputation across the county as an authoritative voice in local philanthropy, attracting and retaining new Fundholders to the Foundation.
As a leading grant maker in the county, our reputation within the voluntary sector is incredibly important to us. We want to ensure that our future Chief Executive builds on these trusted relationships.
We have an experienced and influential Board who will support you in your role, backed up by an enthusiastic and committed team of experts in both fundraising and grant making.
We look forward to receiving your application.
Mark Spofforth OBE FCA - Chair of Trustees
Closing date: Monday 5 January 2026 - noon
We are using the Charity Job anonymous recruitment process - please ensure that you apply through the portal.
Please log into your CharityJob candidate account to access and download the Persons Specification and to submit your application.
**No Agencies please**
#Chief Executive Officer #CEO #Executive #Leadership
To champion and enable all who want to make a positive contribution to our local area through effective philanthropy and community action.



Social Development Direct is a mission-driven, international development consultancy with a global reputation for excellence in gender equality and social inclusion. As a social enterprise subsidiary of Plan International UK, we combine commercial agility with a deep commitment to social change.
We are seeking a Managing Director who will lead the next phase of SDDirect’s development, advancing the organisation’s influence and impact.
The Managing Director will report into the CEO of Plan International UK and the SDDirect Board, and will provide inspirational leadership to SDDirect’s talented and motivated executive and staff, ensuring the organisation continues to deliver excellent technical quality alongside sustainable commercial performance.
This role offers a unique opportunity for a dynamic, values-led and engaging leader, with drive, resilience and commercial acumen.A high level of commercial awareness combined with a social justice technical background, and a proven track record of successfully leading and managing a commercial enterprise, consultancy or similar organisation or unit in the international development sector, is highly preferable for this position.
For more information about the company, role and responsibilities, please find the full job description and person specification below.
How to Apply: Please click 'Redirect to recruiter' for details on how to apply for this position.
If you would like a confidential discussion about the role, please get in touch with Sue Griffiths, Managing Director, to arrange this. Contact details can be found in the job description.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Woman’s Trust is a leading, specialist mental health charity supporting women and children affected by domestic abuse. As we approach our 30th anniversary in 2026, we stand at a powerful moment of growth and transformation. Each year, our trauma-informed, women-led services provide life-changing counselling, therapeutic support and advocacy to women and children across London. Our ambition is to scale this work to reach many more nationally. With a dedicated team of 45 staff, a strong financial foundation and annual income of £1.3m and a deeply committed Board of Trustees, we are poised to shape an ambitious new strategy for the years ahead.
We are now seeking an inspirational Chief Executive Officer to lead Woman’s Trust into this next chapter. This is a rare opportunity to guide a respected organisation whose work is not only transformative but often life-saving. The CEO will steer our strategic and operational development, strengthen and expand partnerships, grow sustainable income, and champion our voice across policy, public campaigns and mental health advocacy. Alongside a dedicated and collaborative team and Board, you will play a vital role in delivering and developing innovative services—supporting women and children, survivors navigating the justice system, and peer-led support groups—ensuring we remain responsive to the needs and experiences of those we serve.
We are seeking an inspirational and experienced people leader who combines strategic thinking with the ambition needed to position Woman’s Trust for growth. Confident in representing your organisation at a policy and advocacy level, you will act as a powerful ambassador for survivors’ mental health, influencing systems, shaping debate and strengthening our public voice. With strong financial and governance insight and the ability to build trusted, values-driven relationships across sectors, you will model a growth mindset and a commitment to continuous improvement. Above all, you will uphold our feminist, inclusive and survivor-centred values, nurturing an empowering and equitable culture for our staff, volunteers, partners, and—most importantly—the women and children we serve.
To read more about the opportunity and our work, including how to apply, please download the full appointment brief.
If you have the passion, clarity and commitment to champion the mental health and wellbeing of women and children survivors—and the leadership to guide Woman’s Trust into a bold new era—we would be delighted to hear from you.
Closing Date: 21 December 2025
People Beyond Profit Screening Conversations: 22 December - 6 January 2026
Woman’s Trust Panel Interviews:
· First Stage (online): 13 & 14 January 2026
· Second Stage (in-person): 22 January 2026
Please note:
This post is open to female applicants only as this is deemed a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010.
Harris Hill is delighted to be working with Hospice of the Good Shepherd to recruit its new Chief Executive Officer.
Hospice of the Good Shepherd provides care and support free of charge to the people of Chester, West Cheshire and Deeside who are affected by life limiting illnesses, and we ensure everyone we support has the best possible quality of life. We help our patients to live as well as possible and to make every moment count.
As Chief Executive, you will:
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Bring inspirational leadership and drive to the Hospice.
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Give direction, maintain financial stability and develop the operational management of the Hospice.
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Have a passion for end-of-life care, with the energy and talent to motivate our highly committed teams as we forge a path to a future where we tailor our services ever more closely to the needs and wants of our local communities.
If you are inspired and excited by what Hospice of the Good Shepherd does, we’d love to hear from you.
Job title: Chief Executive Officer
Salary: £84,500 - £89,000 p.a. FTE
Contract: Permanent / Full-time (37.5 hours p/w) or Part-time (30 hours p/w)
Location: Hospice of the Good Shepherd, Gordon Lane, Backford, Chester. CH2 4DG
How to apply:
Please review the Recruitment Pack for further information about Hospice of the Good Shepherd, the CEO position and for details on how to apply.
Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 5th January 2026
Both Hospice of the Good Shepherd and Harris Hill operate an equal opportunity policy and commit to treating all of our candidates and jobseekers fairly. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.
TRC Sexual Abuse & Rape Support Greater Manchester is seeking a committed and experienced professional to join our team as Services & Operations Manager.
Based across our sites in Trafford, you will provide clinical and operational oversight of TRC’s service areas (counselling, ISVA, helpline & digital, and Pathfinder) and provide direct day-to-day service management. You will also lead on safeguarding, act as a line of support between the services and the CEO, and coordinate TRC's client-facing centre.
This is an exciting opportunity to support our trauma-informed services for survivors of rape and sexual violence.
We are a feminist charity providing essential support for survivors of sexual abuse and rape in Greater Manchester.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are seeking a Deputy Chief Executive Officer to support the current Chief Executive Officer and strengthen the senior leadership of our charity. Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Managers and Trustees, you will play a key role in driving our long term strategic goals and ensuring our values remain at the heart of everything we do.
Are you...
- A passionate, dedicated leader?
- Committed to our ethos, values and mission?
- Skilled in mentoring, supporting and empowering others?
- Looking for a leadership role within the charity sector?
- Ready to take on a new and rewarding challenge?
You will provide strong effective leadership to service managers and operational teams, ensuring decisions are made responsibly within available financial and organisational resources. This role is central to maintaining high quality services and supporting the continued success and sustainability of Health for All.
The ideal candidate will bring...
- Significant senior level management experience
- Proven people management experience
- A collaborative, adaptable and inclusive leadership style
- Excellent communication and relationship building skills
- The ability to develop partnerships that enhance our work and impact
There is scope for this role to evolve over time into the Chief Executive position, offering an exciting development opportunity for the right candidate.
The main purpose of the role:
- To act as a Deputy to the Chief Executive Officer
- To lead the operational management team, mentor, support and empower managers to achieve objectives.
- To play a key role as a member of the senior leadership team.
- To identify and inspire process improvements, collaborating with team members to implement good practice.
- To develop and represent the charity in building strategic relationships.
Hours and contract period:
Full time, 35 hours per week, normally Monday to Friday but flexibility is required given the seniority of the post. There may be some need to work outside normal office hours and may include some weekend work. This post is offered on a permanent contract with a 6 month probationary period. This post will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service
check and satisfactory references.
Location:
Based at Tenants Hall Enterprise Centre in Middleton, Leeds, the role involves regular travel to other Health for All centres and locations. It is desirable that the successful applicant is a car driver with access to a suitable vehicle. Mileage and travel costs will be reimbursed through expenses. Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK.
Benefits:
- 31 Days annual leave plus bank holidays
- 5% Employers Pension Contribution
- Free Parking at Health for All centres
- Mindful Employer Plus employee assistance programme
Reports to:
Chief Executive Officer.
Responsible for:
Operational Service Managers (6 Managers)
Application closing date: Friday 19th December 2025
First Interviews: Early January 2026
To apply please download the application pack from our website and complete an application form, please note we do not accept CV's.
We’re looking for an organised and person centred leader who can join our leadership team to support the quality, growth and sustainability of Stomping Grounds North East CIO.
The Deputy CEO will support the CEO by planning, overseeing, monitoring, reporting and taking appropriate action to deliver the service, business and financial strategies ofStomping Grounds North East CIO, with a focus on developing people, business and safeguarding and ensuring management capability across the organisation. It is key that the successful candidate can work at least some of the school holidays.
Reports to: CEO
Hours of work :35 hours per week (1 FTE)
Remuneration: TBD
Main responsibilities
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To ensure projects and delivery adheres to the Company’s vision, mission and values.
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To oversee the development and implementation of new projects and sessions to meet the Company’s aims and objectives. Specifically, to ensure that:
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Appropriate risk assessments are undertaken and documented in line with Stomping Grounds Risk Assessment procedure
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Appropriate communications to and involvement of communities, parents and schools are delivered effectively
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High quality Forest School provision is delivered, in line with the Stomping Grounds NE vision
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To proactively manage the financial performance of projects and the business overall, including overseeing the planning and delivery of fundraising and donations
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To oversee, monitor and report on all aspects of business governance including health and safety, safeguarding and employee wellbeing.
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To work with line managers to develop their managerial capabilities and performance, with a focus on team development. As part of this, to ensure that:
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Regular meetings of the team leaders are organised to share information on business performance, plans and issues and to create action plans as appropriate
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Appropriate observations are conducted, documented and shared
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PDRs are completed in line with company policy
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To ensure training is up to date and relevant
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To ensure that company policies are up to date and relevant and are reviewed as required
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To be proactive and maintain requirements for governing bodies, associations and memberships
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To develop and support the implementation of effective evaluation and impact monitoring processes, including annual reporting of the impact of Stomping Grounds work.
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To attend meetings of the Board of Trustees and report progress against the business plan
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To carry out other duties compatible with the role purpose as reasonably required or as directed by the CEO.
Person Specification
Essential
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Proven exceptional leadership skills
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Experience of leading and developing a diverse staff team
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Excellent communication skills
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Excellent organisational skills
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Extensive project management experience
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Excellent understanding of neurodivergence
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Excellent business management skills
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Flexibility to work during school holidays
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Ability to travel to our multi region sites including but not restricted to: Prudhoe, Haltwhistle, Chopwell, Leadgate, Benwell and Gateshead Riverside Park
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Commitment to Stomping Grounds Mission and Values
Desirable
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Experience with Ofsted
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Experience of working in the charity sector
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Experience of working with children and young people, particularly those with neurodivergence and/or who are not currently thriving in mainstream schools
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Experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead
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Experience of leading teams through change and growth
We abide by Safer Recruitment guidelines and therefore we only accept application forms.
https://www.stomping-grounds.org/about-us/mission-and-values
Chief Executive Officer – The Abbey Centre
Location: The Abbey Centre, Westminster, London (site-based role, flexible working available)
Salary: £90,000 – £95,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent (Full-time, 37.5 hours/week; regular evening attendance for events as required)
Could you lead a much-loved community hub through its next chapter of stability, growth and civic impact?
About The Abbey Centre
Our charity has served the community of south Westminster since 1948 and has occupied The Abbey Centre building, a converted Victorian public bath house a stone’s throw from Westminster Abbey, since 1991. We are a site-based community hub and social enterprise, combining community services, training and outreach with venue hire, an on-site café and catering to generate income that supports our charitable work.
We work across employability, health and wellbeing, volunteering and practical support for vulnerable residents; the Centre welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds, and sees over 1,000 visits each week. Our strong partnerships with Westminster City Council, statutory bodies and corporate donors underpin commissioned activity and solidify our position as a trusted local delivery partner.
This is an opportunity for a visionary but hands-on leader to preserve the Centre’s warm, inclusive culture and outstanding reputation while further professionalising systems, developing our income, and shaping a multi-year strategy that secures the building and grows impact.
As our next Chief Executive Officer, you will:
• Strategy & Impact: lead a collaborative listening phase and then develop and deliver a 3–5 year strategy and rolling business plan that defines the Centre’s core offer and impact targets.
• Governance & Finance: own the annual budget and medium-term financial modelling, deliver full-cost recovery across activity lines and present timely, accurate management information to trustees.
• Operational Leadership: ensure continuity of community services, venue trading and café operations and strengthen operational systems including safeguarding, H&S and business continuity.
• Income Generation: drive commercial performance of venue hire, events and catering, professionalise fundraising (major donors, legacies, corporate partnerships) and lead bids for multi-year statutory contracts.
• Community & Partnerships: sustain and deepen strategic relationships with Westminster City Council, commissioners, local partners and corporate supporters to secure commissioned work and philanthropic income.
• Estate Stewardship: manage day-to-day stewardship of the Centre’s significant ageing building, overseeing maintenance, lease/compliance obligations and contractor relationships.
• People & Culture: build a cohesive senior team, embed clear role accountabilities, performance management and development, and protect the Centre’s welcoming culture while managing change.
• Brand & Profile: act as a visible ambassador locally and with funders to raise the Centre’s profile and champion its social value.
Who you are:
• A seasoned senior leader with proven experience in a small/medium charity, community organisation or social enterprise that combines front-line delivery with significant premises/estate responsibility.
• Demonstrable track record of leading strategic development and delivering organisational growth while balancing hands-on operational leadership.
• Strong commercial and earned-income expertise, with experience of running successful commercial – ideally site-based - operations.
• Confident in winning and managing statutory contracts and multi-year grant programmes; credible with local authorities, commissioners and corporate partners.
• Financially literate with direct budget and cash-flow accountability and experience of full-cost recovery modelling.
• A collaborative, visible and warm ambassador who builds trust quickly, communicates clearly and can present concise management information to trustees.
Why The Abbey Centre?
• A powerful mission: deliver practical services, companionship and opportunity for south Westminster residents in a civic, high-impact setting.
• A prominent, historic central Westminster location and a cherished community building offering scope for strategic estate planning and growth.
• A warm, loyal staff team and an engaged board navigating a positive leadership transition.
• A social enterprise model where successful trading directly funds frontline services and creates a platform for entrepreneurial leadership.
• The opportunity to shape a multi-year strategy that secures the long-term future of the charity and grows its impact in the community.
For full details of the role including how to apply, please download the full appointment brief. For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny Hills at Harris Hill via the apply button with times to speak and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile which will be treated with the strictest confidence.
Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 12th January 2026
As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.
We're looking for an Education & Volunteering Manager to join our central office team and support our mission to deliver expert-led arts and educational events as well as cultural and heritage projects through our membership and local societies.
You'll support the Deputy Chief Executive Officer in building and maintaining The Art Society’s Directory of Lecturers, along with planning and running the annual Directory Day. You’ll also provide general support for the four Heads of Volunteering and their teams (Arts Volunteering, Heritage Volunteers, Trails of Discovery and Church Recording).
Jointly with the Society & Membership Lead, you will manage the administration of the grants programme and the annual arts competition, along with supporting the wider team in responding to enquiries, calls and emails and other duties to assist in the smooth running of The Arts Society.
What you'll be doing (key responsibilities)
- Supporting the recruitment and accreditation of lecturers along with management of the Directory of Lecturers
- Providing general support and advice on education-related queries
- Updating lecturer-related records on our CRM along with web pages and resources related to the Directory of Lecturers and educational activities
- Acting as the first point of contact for queries related to volunteering
- Providing general support, advice, tools and resources for the Heads of Volunteering and their teams
- General communications and administrative support for the department
What you'll bring (skills & experience)
- Experience of database management (desirable)
- Experience of working with volunteers (desirable)
- Excellent planning and organisational skills
- Good people skills, ability to negotiate
- Ability to self-manage/self-motivate
- Ability to prioritise activities
- Ability to develop creative solutions to complex problems
- Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are supporting an impactful national charity, helping marginalised young people to make and monetise music.
At a time of reduced public funding, mental health challenges, climate change, and the growth of AI, we believe their mission has never been more urgent. Music builds confidence, creativity and community and it can transform how young people understand themselves and their place in the world.
This is a rare and exciting opportunity for a strategic, inclusive leader who shares this belief to join the UK’s largest and leading young people’s music charity. We are searching for a Chief Executive who will boldly campaign for the charity’s mission, inspire colleagues, and play a key strategic role in shaping their next chapter.
Chief Executive
Salary: £100,000 - £110,000 + benefits
Location: London, Southwark office- Hybrid working
We’re seeking a senior leader with a proven track record in securing major partnerships, grants, or donations, ideally from a charity, foundation, or similar organisation. You’ll have experience across the creative, youth, education, or cultural sectors, with expertise in funding strategy, impact measurement, and working confidently with government. A key priority will be accelerating income growth by building strong, strategic relationships with funders, policymakers, and philanthropists.
Key responsibilities include:
· Lead and evolve the charity’s strategy, ensuring it reflects the organisation’s vision and values.
· Act as principal ambassador, advocating their mission with authority and authenticity.
· Model inclusive, values-driven leadership, promoting equity, wellbeing, creativity, and youth participation.
· Oversee long-term financial planning and budgeting with the COO and board.
· Drive digital transformation through strategic adoption of digital tools and technologies.
As Chief Executive, you’ll be an effective spokesperson, progressive thinker, and committed advocate for grassroots youth music, able to connect with people from all backgrounds. If you bring energy, belief in young people, and a passion for music, we’d love to hear from you.
How to Apply
To apply for the role, please upload your CV together with a supporting statement (of no more than 1000 words) onto the Prospectus website.
Please ensure that you have included a telephone number, as well as any dates when you will not be available or might have difficulty with the recruitment timetable.
If you would like to have an informal conversation about the role, please contact us for more information.
At Prospectus we believe passionately that a truly inclusive workplace leads to increased social impact. We are committed to supporting our clients build more inclusive teams. To understand how we are performing, we ask that you kindly complete the brief equal opportunities questionnaire when you submit your application via our website. Please be assured that your responses are kept confidential, separate from your candidate record, are not part of any application you make, and that the consultants never see individual responses to the questionnaire.
Recruitment Timetable
Deadline for applications: Sunday 4th January (midnight) 2026
Interviews with Prospectus: 12-23 January
Interviews with the charity: 2-13 February