Acting ceo jobs
How's your job search on our site?
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.
Do you believe in the power of communities to shape change?
OCVA is seeking a values-driven Chief Executive to inspire, connect and champion Oxfordshire’s community and voluntary sector.
This is an opportunity to lead a respected local infrastructure organisation at the heart of Oxfordshire’s voluntary and community sector. As Chief Executive of OCVA, you will work alongside a committed Board and a small, passionate team to support charities and community groups, promote and champion volunteering, influence local systems, and ensure the sector’s voice is heard.
You will balance strategic leadership with strong relationships. This includes working closely with local councils, funders and partners, while staying grounded in the realities faced by community organisations.
We are looking for someone who shares our values, understands the voluntary and community sector, and is motivated by making a meaningful difference. The role is as much about listening, collaboration and trust as it is about income, sustainability and delivery. If our mission resonates and you bring curiosity, integrity and a commitment to inclusive leadership to all that you do then we would love to hear from you.
Please ensure that your CV is up to date and accurate, including accounting for any career breaks and gaps.
In your cover letter please refer to the job description and make sure you address all the points in the person specification, explaining how your experience demonstrates your suitability for the role.
Please give examples of your experience under the 3 following key areas:
Management Capabilities & Team Building
Setting Strategy / Strategic Thinking
Financial Management / Operational Control
If you have a disability or access issues, please let us know if there are any reasonable adjustments we can make to assist you in your application or with our recruitment process.
Enabling a diverse voluntary and community sector to flourish in Oxfordshire.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
This is a rare opportunity to lead one of Yorkshire’s most respected community foundations and help shape the future of giving across Calderdale.
For over 35 years, Community Foundation for Calderdale (CFFC) has connected people who care with causes that matter. We believe local generosity has the power to transform lives, strengthen communities and create opportunities for everyone to thrive.
As an independent charitable funder, we work with individuals, families, businesses and organisations to invest in local charities and community groups tackling some of Calderdale’s biggest challenges. Every year, we distribute more than £2 million in grants to support people and places across the borough. At the same time, we are building our permanent endowment, creating a lasting legacy that will continue supporting local communities for generations to come.
This is what makes CFFC unique. We do not just make a difference today. We create a legacy that will benefit Calderdale in perpetuity.
Following many years of successful leadership from our current Chief Executive Officer, we are seeking an exceptional leader to build on this strong foundation and lead CFFC into its next chapter.
About the role
Reporting to the Board of Trustees, you will provide strategic and operational leadership, ensuring CFFC continues to grow its impact, strengthen partnerships and inspire philanthropy across Calderdale.
You will lead and develop a committed staff team, work closely with Trustees, build trusted relationships with donors, businesses, professional advisers, charities and public sector partners, and ensure the organisation remains financially sustainable, well-governed and ambitious for the future.
You will also act as CFFC’s public ambassador, representing the organisation across Calderdale and beyond, while championing the importance of local giving and community investment.
About you
We are looking for an inspiring and collaborative leader with significant senior leadership experience and the ability to build confidence and credibility with a wide range of stakeholders.
You will demonstrate:
Proven strategic leadership and organisational management experience.
Experience of developing successful partnerships, fundraising, income generation or business development.
Strong financial and governance awareness.
Excellent relationship-building, communication and influencing skills.
Experience of leading and developing high-performing teams.
A genuine commitment to community impact and the values of the voluntary sector.
You may come from a community foundation, charitable trust, grant-making organisation, charity, public sector, social enterprise or a commercial organisation with a strong social purpose.
What we offer
Salary in excess of £60,000, dependent on experience.
Permanent, full-time position.
Flexible and hybrid working, with a regular presence required in Calderdale.
20 days annual leave plus bank holidays, additional Easter Tuesday leave and office closure over the Christmas period, rising to 25 days after five years’ service.
Employer pension contribution, with details available in the candidate information pack.
The opportunity to lead a respected local foundation with a strong legacy, deep local relationships and ambitious plans for the future.
Closing date: 31 July 2026
First round interviews: Week commencing 17 August 2026
Second round interviews: Week commencing 24 August 2026
CFFC is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are happy to discuss any adjustments candidates may need during the recruitment process.
If you are an ambitious leader who wants to build on a strong legacy, inspire local philanthropy and help create lasting change for communities across Calderdale, we would love to hear from you.
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.
This is an exciting opportunity for a new Chief Executive Officer to lead our well-respected rare disease patient organisation through the next phase of growth and impact, in particular focussing on financial sustainability and influencing health policy for these rare diseases.These sit alongside the other grass-roots duties of a small charity CEO, including working with our Medical Advisory Team to develop new and maintain existing patient education resources, and overseeing our support services including volunteers and a professional psychological counselling service. Reporting to and working with the Board of Trustees, the CEO will be responsible for delivering our 2027-2030 Strategic Plan, ensuring robust governance, and driving forward our mission to improve the lives of people affected by rare diseases.The CEO manages the part-time Executive Administrator and works with up to 30 current volunteers (patients, carers, and health professionals) to deliver services with impact.This role includes occasional weekend work, as well as approximately 15 days travel (national and international) per year to represent and advocate for the charities’ beneficiaries.
The object of the CIO is to relieve people who suffer from Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (M.E.N.) of all types, their families, friends and carers



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Link to Change is an award-winning charity dedicated to protecting children and young people from exploitation, abuse and harm. We work alongside children, families, professionals and communities to create safer futures and stronger outcomes.
Now entering an exciting new phase of growth across Bedfordshire and surrounding areas, we are seeking an exceptional Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation into its next chapter.
Link to Change has a strong reputation as a trusted specialist in tackling child sexual exploitation, criminal exploitation, online harms and abuse affecting children and young people. Our work has influenced policy and practice, supported thousands of children and families, and amplified the voices of young people with lived experience.
We are ambitious about the future. We want to reach more children, strengthen our influence, grow our services, and continue driving meaningful change within safeguarding systems and communities.
As Chief Executive Officer, you will provide strategic and operational leadership to the charity, ensuring we remain financially sustainable, well governed and focused on achieving the greatest possible impact for children and young people. Working closely with our Board of Trustees, staff team and partners, you will lead organisational development, strengthen relationships across sectors, champion safeguarding excellence and help shape the future direction of the organisation.
This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected, award-winning charity with a passionate team, a strong reputation and a clear sense of purpose.
We are looking for a values-driven leader who can inspire others, build strong partnerships, navigate complexity and lead with confidence and compassion. You will share our commitment to safeguarding, trauma-informed practice and ensuring that the voices of children and young people remain at the heart of everything we do.
If you are passionate about improving outcomes for vulnerable children and young people and want to lead an organisation that is making a genuine difference every day, we would love to hear from you.
Join Link to Change and help create a future where every child and young person is safe, heard and free from exploitation.
Please ensure to follow the guidance within the application pack on how to apply.
To make an application, please submit:
1. Up to date CV (no more than 3 pages).
2. A supporting statement (no more than two sides) that sets out why you think this role is the right move for you and how you meet the knowledge and experience criteria. Please also state any dates that you would be unavailable for interview if shortlisted.
3. Please advise us of any dates in August and September when you would be unable to attend an interview, if successfully shortlisted.
Everyone deserves a life free from Exploitation.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced charity operations and finance professional to join as our inaugural Head of Operations and Finance. As we continue to grow our impact, we are seeking an exceptional Head of Operations and Finance to work closely with the Chief Executive and Executive Chair to help strengthen our operations and oversee our finances.
This is a pivotal leadership position combining strategic thinking with hands-on operational delivery. You will, support our Chief Executive and Executive Chair todevelop and implement organisational strategy while ensuring our people,systems, governance and finances support the effective delivery of our mission.You will join a close-knit team that punches above its weight, with real influence on policy affecting millions of babies worldwide.
If you're an experienced charity operations and finance professional looking for your next big challenge, we'd love to hear from you.
We are determined that every baby should experience the best start in life.
Chief Executive - King George and Queen's Hospitals Charity (KGQHC)
Location: Hybrid, with strong on-site presence
Salary: £80,000 - £100,000
Type: Full-time
About King George and Queen's Hospitals Charity
King George and Queen's Hospitals Charity plays a vital role in supporting patients, staff and communities across Barking & Dagenham, Havering and Redbridge. The charity funds projects that go beyond NHS provision - investing in equipment, innovation, environments, research and staff wellbeing to enhance patient care and experience.
Now operating as an independent organisation, the charity is entering a pivotal phase - with the opportunity to build on strong foundations, deepen community connections and significantly expand its impact. This is an opportunity to shape a growing NHS charity at a defining moment in its journey - building a confident, sustainable organisation that will improve health outcomes and experiences for thousands of people every year.
What You Can Look Forward To
As Chief Executive, you will lead the charity through its next phase of development - balancing immediate delivery with long-term strategic ambition.
You will:
- Shape Strategy and Build for the Future
- Strengthen Fundraising and Income Generation
- Lead and Develop a High-Performing Team
- Enhance Grant-Making and Impact
- Build Trusted Partnerships and Profile
- Strengthen Governance and Operations
Why This Role Matters
- Your work will have a direct and visible impact on patient care and community health
- You will build an organisation that is values-led, inclusive and sustainable
- You will operate at the heart of a complex and rewarding NHS environment
- Your leadership will leave a lasting legacy across local communities and healthcare services
About You
We are looking for a values-driven leader who combines strategic vision with a hands-on, practical approach.
Skills and Experience
- Significant senior leadership experience (CEO, Director or equivalent) in a charity, public service or similarly complex environment
- A track record of leading organisations through growth, transition or transformation
- Strong understanding of fundraising and income generation strategy
- Experience of working with Boards and governance structures
- Credibility in stakeholder management and external representation
- Financial and operational acumen, with the ability to build effective systems and infrastructure
Personal Attributes
- Strategic, thoughtful and future-focused
- Empathetic, resilient and emotionally intelligent
- Collaborative and inclusive in leadership style
- Comfortable operating at both strategic and operational levels
- A strong communicator with credibility across diverse audiences
- Passionate about improving health outcomes and community wellbeing
Recruitment Timeline
To ensure equitable access to information and uphold KGQHC's commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, the charity will be hosting a Q&A webinar in place of individual informal calls with the Chair/Outgoing CEO. We encourage all interested candidates to submit questions in advance, which will be addressed during the session. Please register your interest in attending this webinar on Thursday 16th July 2026 6.30-7.30pm and we will send you a link.
Application Deadline: 5pm Monday 22nd July 2026
First Interviews: w/c 17th August 2026
Final Interviews: w/c 24th August 2026
How to Apply
Charity People Ltd is acting as a recruitment agency advisor to KGQHC on this appointment. Interested candidates are invited to submit a CV to Senior Appointments at Charity Peopl and request a candidate pack in the first instance.
For an informal conversation about the role or if you have further questions prior to applying, please contact Fabrice Yala at Charity People
We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so we can help make the application process work for you.
Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.
Location: Remote
Salary: £29,000 - £32,000 pro rata depending on experience (£17,400 - £19,200)
Hours of work: 3 days (21 hours) per week
Contract type: Fixed, 12-month Maternity Cover
Why work for Kids Matter?
- Generous annual leave – 25 days (plus bank holidays) per year pro rata, with time off between Christmas and New Year's additional to this allowance.
- Remote working contribution – receive £26/month pro rata towards the costs of working from home and/or using a co-working space.
- Access to coaching sessions, training opportunities and our Employee Assistance Programme (a confidential support service for staff).
- Flexible working across weekdays to suit your schedule.
About us
Kids Matter is one of the UK’s fastest growing children’s charities. Our vision is to see every child in need raised in a strong family. Our mission is to reduce the impact of poverty on children through community-based parenting programmes.
Research shows that group-based early intervention parenting groups are the most effective way to support children in need. We train peer facilitators in local churches - the largest voluntary body in the country - to run our affordable, accessible and highly effective parenting programmes, written by Clinical Psychologists. They come alongside parents and carers, building long-lasting community in addition to encouraging confidence and learning positive parenting skills.
We value difference and diversity, and we want our workplace to be built on shared values of equality and mutual trust, with team members representing the wide range of backgrounds and experiences that exist within the UK. We therefore actively encourage applications from people of diverse backgrounds and varied experiences, particularly those who are African, Afro-Caribbean, Asian or part of other minority ethnic communities, who have lived experience of the impact of low-income/low-support circumstances, and who are living with a disability or identify as being neurodivergent.
About the role
The Executive Assistant to the CEO role involves:
- Coordinating and maintaining the CEO's diary including organising all appointments, meetings and travel arrangements.
- Identifying, anticipating and preparing CEO information requirements for meetings, appointments and presentations, following up on internal and external requests for information.
- Managing all administration processes relating to the SLT.
- Supporting the CEO and the Fundraising Team with major donor management, including keeping contacts and actions updated, researching prospective donors, communicating with existing donors, coordinating thank you cards and gifts, and tracking secured donations.
About you
Do you have strong attention to detail and accuracy? Can you use initiative and be proactive? Are you a Christian with an active faith in Jesus? Do you have a passion for Kids Matter’s vision of seeing every child in need raised in a strong family?
Then we would love to hear from you!
How to apply
You can apply for the Executive Assistant to the CEO (maternity cover) position by clicking ‘Apply via Website’ and completing a copy of our online application form.
The deadline for applications is Tuesday 28th July. All successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified by email.
We also ask for all applicants to submit an Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form, which will be sent to you to complete following the submission of your application. This form will be used for anonymous analysis to ensure our overall recruitment procedures are fair and transparent. It will never be viewed or used as part of the selection process. It is optional to submit this form.
If you would like any application/interview support or you need any reasonable adjustments throughout the application process, or if you would like an informal phone call to ask questions or discuss the role, please contact Katie Washington (HR & Systems Manager).
Please see the job pack for more details on the role and application process.
We exist to reduce the impact of poverty on children in need across the UK.


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
This is an exciting opportunity for a values-led and dynamic leader to become CEO of Rochdale and District Mind and guide us in our mission to make a positive impact on the mental health and well-being of our communities.
About us
Rochdale and District Mind is an independent mental health charity that supports people facing mental health and wellbeing challenges. A part of the national Mind Federation and the Mind in Greater Manchester partnership, our goal is to ensure that individuals do not face mental health issues alone and can live free from stigma and discrimination.
About the role
This role offers an excellent opportunity for an empathetic leader to shape our strategy and cultivate a culture of continuous learning, inclusion, and support, fostering a spirit of celebration for achievements across all teams.
Your leadership will both shape our strategic vision and deliver our operational plans, ensuring robust governance and championing diversity and inclusivity. You will also spearhead the efficient, effective, and safe management of our organisation, in line with our mission, strategy and values.
Committed to mental health advocacy, you will elevate our impact for service users through meaningful co-production of services and by your ability to build effective relationships with partners and commissioners.
Collaborating closely with our dedicated Board of Trustees and experienced Senior Leadership team, you will oversee resource management, finances, and operations, upholding the highest standards throughout and ensuring our growth and long term sustainability.
About you
- Experienced as a CEO/senior leader in a similar sized (or larger) voluntary organisation or an organisation delivering services into the sector or working closely with the voluntary sector.
- Passionate about our mission of ensuring that people do not face mental health and emotional wellbeing issues alone and are free from stigma and discrimination.
- Demonstrable experience as a values-led, resilient and people-centred leader.
- Experience of supporting teams through change.
- Strong financial acumen, able to develop and monitor/evaluate financial plans, budgets management accounts etc.
- Experience of building a culture that promotes continuous learning, inclusion, collaboration, and accountability.
- Proven track record of successful business development/fundraising.
- Able to balance strategic oversight with operational grip.
- Experience of the demands of governance and compliance, including working with Boards of Trustees/NEDs.
- Excellent communication and influencing skills.
Understanding of challenges affecting the voluntary sector.
Benefits:
- Auto-enrolment Pension scheme with 3% contribution from the organisation
- Opportunities for hybrid working after an initial embedding period
- Training and development opportunities
- Our commitment to providing wellbeing opportunities in support of staff, including an Employee Assistance Programme
How to apply
Eastside People is supporting Rochdale and District Mind in the recruitment for this role. Please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter. You are welcome to send your cover letter in writing, or as a video or audio clip, alongside your CV.
Please respond to the following areas in your cover letter:
- Your familiarity with mental health and wellbeing challenges and how this resonates for you
- Your experience/knowledge in relation to the Person Specification.
Please note that we will focus on your demonstrable experience and potential in the areas listed under the Person Specification and do not expect candidates to have experience in all responsibilities outlined in the Job Description.
We would discourage you from deselecting yourself if you are in doubt about meeting all the criteria.
The closing date for applications is noon on Monday July 27 2026, and our candidate assessment schedule is anticipated as follows:
- Eastside People longlisting interviews will be held throughout the advertising phase up to and immediately after the above closing date – online
- First Interviews with Rochdale and District Mind will be held on Friday August 7 or August 14 in-person at their offices
- Final interviews with the Board are planned for Friday August 14 or, week commencing August 24 2026 - online
We would like to encourage candidates to apply early for the role where possible.
We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. If you have a disability or require reasonable adjustments during the application/interview process, please contact us so we can support you appropriately.
REF-229 627
We exist to ensure that people do not face mental health issues alone and can lead their lives free from stigma and discrimination.
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.
Rainforest Trust UK
Rainforest Trust UK (RTUK) (Charity No. 1169111) is a high-impact conservation charity dedicated to protecting the world’s most threatened tropical forests.
This is a pivotal moment for global conservation and for our organisation. As one of the most effective rainforest conservation charities globally, Rainforest Trust has helped protect over 60 million acres of tropical rainforest across more than 67 countries, delivering permanent protection for some of the world’s most threatened ecosystems.
Rainforest Trust UK is one of the charity’s fastest-growing affiliates, now generating £2m+ annually and supporting a global organisation with $55m+ in revenue with significant ambition for further growth and impact.
The role
We are seeking a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the next phase of our strategic plan driving growth in income, strengthening the organisational capability, and positioning the UK as a leading philanthropic engine within the global organisation.
The CEO will provide overall leadership of Rainforest Trust UK, with a primary focus on fundraising, external engagement, and partnering.
This is a hands-on leadership role, requiring both strategic clarity and operational execution. The CEO will lead a small team, work closely with the Board of Trustees, while partnering with the global CEO and senior leadership based in the USA.
Key responsibilities
Strategy and organisational leadership
- Lead the delivery of the 2026–2030 strategy, aligning UK priorities with global objectives
- Translate strategy into clear plans, targets, and performance metrics
- Drive organisational focus on outcomes, impact, and growth
Fundraising and external leadership
- Act as a senior ambassador for the organisation in the UK and internationally
- Build Rainforest Trust UK’s visibility and influence within philanthropic networks
- Personally cultivate and manage a portfolio of high-value donor relationships
Financial Stewardship
- Oversee financial planning, budgeting, and performance including annual audit
- Ensure strong financial controls and effective use of resources
- Support the growth of sustainable income to maximise conservation impact
Governance and Board engagement
- Ensure compliance with UK charity regulation and best practice
- Provide clear, rigorous reporting on performance, risk, and finances
- Work in close partnership with the Board to support effective governance and decision-making
Global partnerships and collaboration
- Build strong, effective relationships with global Rainforest Trust leadership
- Align UK fundraising with global conservation priorities
- Act as a key interface between UK donors and global programmes
Leadership and culture
- Lead and develop a small, high-performing team
- Create a culture of accountability, clarity, and delivery
- Ensure effective organisational structure and use of resources
Purpose & Alignment
- Deep commitment to environmental conservation and climate impact
- Motivated by the opportunity to deliver measurable, lasting global outcomes
- Alignment with Rainforest Trust’s values of effectiveness, integrity, and partnership
Why Join Rainforest Trust UK
This is a rare opportunity to lead an organisation where:
- Impact is clear, measurable, and permanent
- There is significant opportunity to scale income and influence
- You can play a direct role in protecting some of the world’s most critical ecosystems
At a time when the protection of tropical forests is more urgent than ever, this role offers the chance to combine purpose with performance delivering meaningful impact at global scale.
Candidate profile
We are seeking a credible, externally focused leader with:
- A strong track record in fundraising, particularly major donors and high-value relationships
- The ability to operate with credibility, influence, and judgement at senior levels
- Experience leading organisations or teams through growth and change
- Experience working with Boards and an understanding of UK charity governance
Above all, candidates will bring a clear alignment to the mission and is motivated by the opportunity to deliver measurable, lasting conservation impact at global scale.
Rainforest Trust UK is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to creating a fair and accessible recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please let us know.
Please submit a CV and a brief covering statement outlining your interest through Charity Job by 19th July.
Rainforest Trust saves endangered wildlife and protects our planet by creating rainforest reserves for the benefit of species, people and the planet.



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.
This is an exciting opportunity for a new leader to guide the organisation through its next phase of development, building from a position of strength. The organisation is in the first year of a clear and ambitious three-year strategy, with a strong core team of staff and a healthy financial position.
The outgoing Executive Director was previously also the organisation’s Advocacy Director, and continued to deliver both functions within one role. For this reason the Board of Trustees is advertising the position in two configurations. Applicants are welcome to express an interest in either:
• Option A — Part-time Executive Director. A 0.6 FTE part-time post which is a leadership and management role only, and does not include delivering the advocacy activities of the organisation. These will be undertaken by a separate part-time Advocacy Director, who carries the advocacy responsibilities covered by the associated Advocacy Director job description.
• Option B — Full-time Executive Director. A single full-time post in which the successful candidate takes on both the part-time Executive Director role and the responsibilities of the part-time Advocacy Director role being advertised concurrently. The successful candidate must meet the person specification requirements of BOTH roles.
Ensuring every life lost to armed violence is recorded, identified, and acknowledged.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Hours: Full-time
Reports to: Chair; Board of Directors
Location: Hackney
Salary: £50,000-60,000 depending on experience.
Pension: HSoF participates in the National Employment Savings Trust (NEST) pension scheme and contributes 3%.
Benefits: 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, free onsite lunches .
Probation period: Six months.
About Hackney School of Food
Hackney School of Food is an award-winning food education hub based in the grounds of Mandeville Primary School in Clapton, East London. Through our teaching kitchen and educational garden, we help children, families and communities build the skills, confidence and knowledge to grow, cook and eat good food.
Each year, we welcome more than 10,000 visits to our kitchen and garden, delivering curriculum programmes for schools alongside community cooking courses, gardening projects, holiday clubs, corporate volunteering and public events. Since becoming a Community Interest Company (CIC) in 2023, we have expanded our facilities, strengthened our governance and built a strong reputation as a leader in food education.
We're now looking for an exceptional Managing Director to build on these strong foundations and lead Hackney School of Food through its next phase of growth and impact.
About the role
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Managing Director (MD) will provide both strategic and operational leadership, ensuring the organisation delivers its mission while remaining financially resilient, well-governed and responsive to the needs of the communities it serves.
The Managing Director is responsible for all aspects of the organisation, including strategy, income generation, finance, governance, partnerships, programme delivery and people leadership. Working closely with a small, committed team and an engaged Board, they will build on strong foundations to grow Hackney School of Food's impact, reach and long-term sustainability.
This is a varied, hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys balancing big-picture thinking with practical delivery. One day you may be developing a new partnership, meeting a prospective funder or working with the Board on future strategy; the next you could be supporting the team, welcoming visitors to the garden or solving day-to-day operational challenges.
Key priorities
In your first 12 months you will:
-
Build on Hackney School of Food's strong foundations to deliver the next phase of our strategy and growth.
-
Increase and diversify income through fundraising, partnerships and commercial opportunities to strengthen long-term sustainability.
-
Lead, support and develop a small, ambitious team, fostering a positive and inclusive culture where people can thrive.
-
Strengthen relationships with funders, partners and local businesses, helping Hackney School of Food deepen its impact.
-
Work closely with the Board to embed strong governance, organisational systems and long-term planning for the future.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
-
Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for Hackney School of Food, ensuring delivery of its mission, vision and long-term objectives.
-
Lead the development and implementation of Hackney School of Food's annual business plan and organisational priorities.
-
Work with the Board to evolve organisational strategy, identify opportunities, manage risks and support sustainable growth.
-
Monitor, report on and respond to organisational performance against agreed objectives and impact measures.
-
Champion Hackney School of Food externally, strengthening its profile and influence.
Financial sustainability and income generation
-
Oversee organisational budgeting, financial planning, forecasting and cashflow management, working closely with the Treasurer and accountant.
-
Lead income generation across the organisation, including trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, sponsorship and earned income.
-
Build and maintain strong relationships with funders, sponsors and strategic partners.
-
Ensure all funding commitments are met, including grant reporting, monitoring and evaluation requirements.
-
Identify new opportunities to diversify income and strengthen long-term financial sustainability.
Partnerships & External Relations
-
Act as the main point of contact for HSoF’s key partners, LEAP Federation and Chefs in Schools to ensure the partnerships are effective and positive.
-
Build and maintain strong relationships with other key stakeholders, including local authorities, funders and sponsors.
-
Represent Hackney School of Food at meetings, events, and public forums.
-
Champion the value of food education and contribute to wider local and national conversations.
-
Ensure programmes remain responsive to community needs through ongoing engagement and consultation.
Governance and public benefit
-
Ensure the organisation operates in line with its CIC objectives and delivers clear public benefit.
-
Support the Board of Directors to fulfil its governance responsibilities through high-quality reporting, planning and decision-making.
-
Prepare Board papers, reports and agendas, ensuring timely and accurate information is available to support effective governance.
-
Oversee and report on organisational performance to the Board of Directors quarterly.
-
Act as the primary link between the Board and the operational team.
-
Maintain effective governance, delegated authority and accountability frameworks.
-
Support the Board in meeting all statutory and regulatory obligations relating to the CIC.
People, Culture and safeguarding
-
Provide leadership to a small core team (currently c.4 employees), directly managing staff and fostering a positive, inclusive culture.
-
Provide oversight and support for a wider network of approx. 15 freelance contractors to ensure consistently high-quality delivery.
-
Lead recruitment, induction, performance management and professional development in line with safer recruitment and equality principles.
-
Ensure effective organisational structures, clear roles, and performance accountability.
-
Oversee HR processes including appraisals, performance management, and professional development.
-
Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead, embedding safeguarding throughout the organisation maintaining compliance with all relevant requirements.
-
Develop organisational systems, policies and practices that support an inclusive, high-performing workplace.
Risk Management & Compliance
-
Maintain and regularly review the organisational Risk Register and report key risks and mitigations to the Board.
-
Oversee organisational policies, procedures and continuous improvement, ensuring policies and legal requirements are up to date, clearly communicated and embedded across the organisation.
-
Ensure compliance with employment law, health and safety, safeguarding, GDPR and other relevant legislation.
Personal specification
Essential experience
-
Senior leadership experience with responsibility for organisational performance and accountability.
-
Experience securing income through fundraising, partnerships and/or commercial activity.
-
Experience of financial leadership, including budget setting, forecasting and cashflow oversight.
-
Experience working closely with a Board, Trustees or governing body to translate strategic vision into operational delivery.
-
Experience building and managing successful partnerships with funders, businesses and community stakeholders.
-
Experience in managing and motivating a team, creating a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
-
Experience of governance, compliance and organisational risk management.
-
Experience of safeguarding within an education, youth or community context.
-
Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands, make sound decisions and remain resilient in a resource-constrained environment.
Essential skills and attributes
-
Passion for Hackney School of Food's mission and the role of food education in improving health, wellbeing and community connection.
-
Strategic thinker who is equally comfortable with hands-on operational leadership.
-
Entrepreneurial, resourceful and committed to building long-term financial sustainability and identifying growth opportunities.
-
Ability to lead a team through change with sensitivity, clarity and kindness.
-
Strong communicator with excellent relationship-building skills.
-
Confident decision-maker with a high level of personal accountability.
-
Committed to equity, inclusion and community-led practice.
Desirable
-
Experience working within a Community Interest Company (CIC), social enterprise or charity.
-
Knowledge of Hackney, its communities and local stakeholder landscape.
-
Experience of working in food education, community food, gardening, environmental education or a related field.
-
Experience reviewing and managing contracts, service agreements or other legal documentation.
An inclusive workplace
We know that diverse teams make stronger organisations and are committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to fair and inclusive recruitment and will consider all qualified applicants regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.
We particularly encourage applications from people who are under-represented in our sector and in leadership roles, including people from the global majority and those whose lived experience brings valuable perspectives from the communities we serve. We also welcome applications from people who live in Hackney or East London.
How to apply
The deadline to apply is Monday 20 July at 9am. Please apply by filling out this application form.
You'll find the link to the application form on our Recruitment Pack which provides more information.
Stage 1: A one-hour online interview with the Senior Team and Board (24 July)
Stage 2: On-site interview at Hackney School of Food (30 July), including a short presentation.
We may also invite the preferred candidate to an informal meeting with the wider team and Board before making a final appointment.
The successful applicant will need to pass an enhanced DBS check and provide two suitable references.
We may close the application window earlier if we are inundated with applications, so please don't wait to apply.
If you have any questions about the role or your suitability, please feel free to get in touch with us. You will find a Recruitment pack and email address to contact via our website.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Wimbledon Guild is a community charity offering practical help and support, so that no one in the London Borough of Merton has to face life’s challenges alone.
We are a dynamic charity focused on delivering a wide range of excellent services to people in Merton. We work to:
- Reduce social isolation and loneliness
- Help people who are experiencing difficulties
- Enable older people to be active and healthy
We support older people to stay independent, offer Talking Therapies to improve mental health, and offer grant funding to tackle poverty. We collaborate closely with the London Borough of Merton, the NHS and a wide range of local charities and businesses and play a key role in Merton’s voluntary sector.
Our skilled, professional and committed team of 55 staff and 270 volunteers work hard to create a welcoming and inclusive community environment and we receive excellent client feedback.
The Role
We are looking for a Chief Executive to provide effective leadership and management of Wimbledon Guild and its team to ensure strategic development and the long-term sustainability of the organisation.
Our current Chief Executive will be leaving in December 2026, after 14 years leading Wimbledon Guild. We are in a strong position, with an excellent reputation and ambitious plans for returning to our refurbished building in January 2027.
Our new CEO will be joining us at a time of unprecedented demand for our services, with funding sources under ever increasing pressure.
Chief Executive Officer
Wimbledon Guild
Salary: circa £100,000 per annum
Location: Central Wimbledon
About You
We are seeking an inspirational leader and strategic thinker with a passion for social impact, who possesses:
- Strategic Leadership and Vision: Significant senior leadership experience within the voluntary, public, charity or community sectors, with a proven ability of developing new opportunities and entrepreneurial activity within an organisation.
- Operational & Financial Expertise: Strong financial competence, including income generation as well as budget management and forecasting.
- Governance Experience: A track record of working effectively with and reporting to a Board or governing body to ensure strong governance, transparency and comply with all relevant legal regulatory and Charity Act requirements.
- Staff Leadership: To maintain a supportive, positive and committed performance culture, and ensure effective recruitment, development, performance management and wellbeing of staff.
How to Apply
If you have any queries or wish to have an informal discussion about the opportunity, please contact our retained advisors at Prospectus, Omar Begg or Erica Ritchie via email with a copy of your CV.
Recruitment Timetable
- DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: 12th July
- INTERVIEWS WITH PROSPECTUS: 20th – 31st July
- INTERVIEWS WITH WIMBLEDON GUILD: Week Commencing 10th August
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
For over 30 years, RASASC has provided specialist, trauma-informed support to survivors of rape, sexual violence and childhood sexual abuse across Cheshire and Merseyside.
As Managing Director, you will provide strategic and operational leadership, working closely with our Board of Trustees, staff team, funders, commissioners and partners to ensure RASASC continues to deliver high-quality, survivor-centred services while building a sustainable future.
The opportunity:
- Shape and deliver RASASC’s strategy, growth plans and future direction
- Lead and inspire a committed team, creating a culture of excellence, collaboration and learning
- Ensure strong governance, financial sustainability and organisational resilience
- Develop relationships with funders, commissioners, partners and stakeholders
- Champion survivor voices and influence the wider sexual violence support sector
- Drive innovation, service improvement and long-term impact
We are looking for an experienced senior leader who can demonstrate:
- Strategic leadership experience within the charity, public, voluntary or social purpose sector
- A strong track record of managing budgets, resources and organisational performance
- Experience working with Boards, Trustees or Non-Executive Directors
- Success in securing funding through grants, contracts, tenders or partnerships
- The ability to lead people, manage change and build effective relationships
- A commitment to equality, inclusion, safeguarding and survivor-centred practice
This is a rare opportunity to lead a respected organisation with a powerful mission — ensuring survivors of sexual violence receive the support, advocacy and voice they deserve.If you are an ambitious, compassionate and strategic leader who wants to create lasting change, we would love to hear from you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Everyone deserves good mental health.
The Mental Health Foundation is the UK's leading charity focused on the prevention of poor mental health. For more than 75 years, we have combined research, policy, campaigning and public engagement to challenge the causes of poor mental health and drive lasting change.
Today, mental health outcomes across the UK are worsening, particularly for children and young people. While services remain focused on responding to crisis, we believe prevention must become the foundation of the UK's approach to mental health. Our new five-year strategy, ‘A Call to Act: Fighting for Prevention in Mental Health’ sets out an ambitious vision to achieve that change.
Why we are recruiting
After eight successful years, our current Chief Executive will be stepping down, creating an exciting opportunity for a new leader to guide the Foundation through its next phase of growth and impact.
The organisation enters this transition from a position of strength: a clear and ambitious strategy, a talented and committed team of around 70 staff across the UK, strong finances, a respected national profile, a supportive Board and committed Chair.
The opportunity
As Chief Executive, you will be the chief ambassador of the Foundation. You will lead the delivery of our new strategy, strengthen our influence with governments, policymakers and partners, and ensure we continue to grow our impact and income.
Working closely with the Board, a highly capable Senior Leadership Team, supporters and partners, you will champion prevention as the solution to the UK's mental health crisis, helping to shape policy, public understanding and systemic change across our priority areas:
· Championing prevention: so that we can prevent mental health problems before they take root, tackling the causes instead of waiting to treat the symptoms.
· Online worlds: so that people are protected from harm and are more mentally healthy in their online activity.
· Bullying and discrimination: so that children and young people are protected from the life-long harms these can lead to.
· Working lives: so that young people can thrive in mentally-healthy workplaces that support their wellbeing.
This is an opportunity to lead one of the UK's most respected charities and improve the lives of millions of people.
Who we are looking for
We are seeking an inspiring, values-driven leader with the credibility, ambition and vision to take the Foundation forward.
You will bring:
- Significant senior leadership experience as a CEO, Executive Director or similar SLT role
- A proven track record of leading organisational growth, impact and fundraising success
- Outstanding communication and strategic partnership-building skills
- Experience of engaging and influencing senior stakeholders, policymakers, funders and the media, to effect change
- Strong strategic, financial and organisational leadership capability
- A collaborative leadership style that empowers and develops others
- A commitment to equity, inclusion and the Foundation's values
Knowledge of mental health, public health, prevention, related research, or campaigning would be highly advantageous, though we welcome applications from candidates with transferable leadership experience and relevant insights from closely adjacent or intersecting sectors.
Join us
This is a rare opportunity to lead a nationally respected organisation at a pivotal moment for mental health in the UK. If you are passionate about creating long-term social change and have the leadership skills to inspire people, influence systems and deliver impact at scale, we would love to hear from you.
To read more about the organisation and role, please download the full appointment brief.
Together, we can build a future where everyone can live with the good mental health they deserve.
Closing date: 16 August 2026
People Beyond Profit Conversations: 20-31 August 2026
Mental Health Foundation Interviews:
- First Stage: 7 September 2026 (in-Person)
- Second Stage: 14 September 2026 (In-Person)
Our vision is good mental health for all.
Director / Chief Executive – CPRE Sussex
Location: Sussex-based or genuinely Sussex-commutable, with flexible / hybrid working and regular travel across the county
Salary: £60,000 – £70,000 FTE, pro rata
Contract: Permanent, 3–4 days per week
A rare chance to shape the future of Sussex’s countryside.
About CPRE Sussex
CPRE Sussex is the countryside charity for Sussex. An independent county charity and part of the wider CPRE network, we have a respected county-wide voice and strong local roots, alongside the support of national CPRE.
Our work brings together planning influence, campaigning, membership, volunteering, events and practical countryside projects. From responding to major developments and local plans to building public support through communications and community activity, CPRE Sussex plays a visible role in shaping the future of place across the county.
This is a significant moment for the organisation. Following a period of change, new staff capacity and recent investment, CPRE Sussex is building on growing confidence, a stable financial platform and renewed momentum. The next Director / Chief Executive will help translate that foundation into greater influence, stronger cohesion and more sustained impact.
As our next Director / Chief Executive, you will:
• Strategy & Impact: Work with trustees to turn CPRE Sussex’s mission into clear priorities, practical plans and measurable outcomes.
• Governance & Finance: Provide confident oversight of governance, compliance and reporting, while ensuring resources are directed to the greatest effect.
• Operational Leadership: Lead a small, part-time and distributed team with clarity, pace and good judgement.
• Income Generation: Strengthen membership, supporter engagement and fundraising to build a more resilient, diversified income base.
• Community & Partnerships: Build trusted relationships with communities, partners, local authorities, public bodies, elected representatives and volunteers.
• Brand & Profile: Act as a visible and credible public voice for CPRE Sussex on planning, countryside and environmental issues, and position us as the leading countryside charity for Sussex.
• People & Culture: Maintain alignment and focused, constructive working relationships across trustees, staff, volunteers and external supporters.
• Change & Development: Help shape the next phase of organisational development following a period of transition and growth.
Who you are
• A seasoned senior leader with strong commitment to CPRE Sussex’s mission and purpose.
• A credible external representative, comfortable engaging with media, decision makers, partners and supporters.
• Experienced in leading people, projects or organisations through change and transition.
• A thoughtful communicator with sound judgement, diplomacy and strong interpersonal skills.
• Confident working with boards or trustees and supporting robust governance.
• Commercially aware, with an instinct for membership, supporter development and financial sustainability.
• Organised, practical and able to direct finite resources to where they will have greatest impact.
• Experience of campaigning, planning, environmental or public policy work would be highly desirable, alongside strong digital confidence and/or charity fundraising exposure.
Why CPRE Sussex?
• You will be joining a respected Sussex charity with genuine relevance to planning, land use and countryside protection.
• There is strong momentum to build on, including a stable membership base, recent public profile growth and visible practical projects.
• The organisation has substantial reserves and recent investment in capacity, providing a strong platform for the next phase.
• You will work with a committed board, engaged staff and active volunteers who care deeply about the charity’s future.
• This is a rare opportunity to shape both an organisation and the wider countryside debate across Sussex.
Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 13th July 2026
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 at 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.
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.