Acting ceo jobs

The Stag operates through a low-risk hall-hire business model. It is not allowed to promote its own shows – it provides the professional facilities for others to hire space and put on shows.

Reporting to the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, the CEO leads a small, professional and dedicated team (currently 20 employees (17.8 FTE)) boosted with part-time casuals in the box office plus a team of volunteers at events. The CEO will ensure the charity fulfils its mission and achieves its charitable objectives whilst maintaining the strong financial sustainability it now enjoys.

The role requires the CEO to a be a BIIAB personal licence holder and to act as Designated Premises Supervisor as well as being the Company Secretary. More details from The Stag's website.

Salary: £32,000 - £34,000 per year

Contract Type: Fixed term for 24 months, with possible scope to extend subject to budget considerations

Location: UK (minimum 2 days per week in the London office)

Work Pattern: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week with the opportunity for flexible working hours

Reporting To: Chief of Staff (Executive Office), with regular contact with the CEO

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit an anonymised CV and covering letter (please remove any identifying details such as name, address, photos) by midnight on 3rd March via the .

Your covering letter should outline:

Your motivations for applying to this role and what about our mission resonates with you.
Experience (professional, voluntary or lived) that makes you a great fit for this role in line with our values and the criteria outlined in this job description.
How this role fits into your career plans.

INTERVIEW STAGES

Interviews are expected to take place over two stages as follows:

First panel interview: Monday 16th March (30 minute pre-interview task followed by 45 minute panel interview)
Final interview: Tuesday 24th March (45 minute panel interview)

Requirements

ABOUT THE ROLE

We’re looking for a proactive, thoughtful and highly organised individual to play a central role in the smooth running of Mission 44. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of the organisation - closely supporting the Chief Executive Officer, coordinating key meetings and communications, supporting effective governance and decision-making processes, and helping ensure that our strategic priorities move forward. You’ll also often act as a first point of contact for Mission 44, so we’re looking for someone who is collaborative, professional and confident in engaging with a wide range of people. 

This role offers significant responsibility, visibility, and variety, and is ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment and is excited by the chance to grow, learn, and make a meaningful contribution to Mission 44’s mission. If you enjoy enabling others to do their best work, have strong judgement, and can stay calm and solutions-focused in a fast-moving environment, we’d love to hear from you.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
EXECUTIVE SUPPORT TO THE CEO (70%)

Provide high-quality, proactive executive support to the CEO, ensuring they are able to operate effectively and efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
Manage the CEO’s complex and evolving diary, including scheduling internal and external meetings, prioritising requests, anticipating conflicts, and ensuring time is protected for strategic priorities.
Coordinate all CEO travel and logistics, including itineraries, briefings, and expense processing, ensuring a seamless and well-prepared experience.
Act as a trusted first point of contact for the CEO, handling enquiries with discretion and professionalism and ensuring timely, high-quality communication with internal and external stakeholders.

GOVERNANCE AND SENIOR LEADERSHIP COORDINATION (15%)

Support the effective functioning of Mission 44’s Board and governance cycle, working closely with the Chief of Staff to coordinate Board and Committee meetings throughout the year.
Manage end-to-end logistics for Board and Committee meetings, including scheduling, circulation of papers, and maintaining a forward planner for the governance calendar.
Support the preparation and circulation of high-quality Board materials, ensuring papers are accurate, timely, and clearly presented.

DELIVERY, CULTURE AND ORGANISATIONAL IMPACT  (15%)

Play a hands-on role in delivering the smooth and effective operation of the Executive Office, coordinating meetings and supporting priorities to be executed to a high standard and on time.
Track actions and decisions arising from Board, SLT, and Executive Office meetings, following up with owners to support delivery and accountability across the organisation.
Contribute to the delivery of key organisational moments, such as team and SLT away days and Board meetings, supporting planning, logistics, and on-the-day execution.
Actively contribute to a positive, values-led culture by modelling professionalism, collaboration, and a delivery-focused mindset within the Executive Office and beyond.

ESSENTIAL 

Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with the highest levels of integrity, judgement, and discretion.
Proactive, solutions-focused approach, with the confidence to anticipate needs, spot issues, and take initiative.
Proven experience of maintaining high-quality output whilst working in a fast-paced environment.
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage professionally and confidently with senior leaders, trustees, partners, and external stakeholders, sometimes on behalf of the CEO.
Strong attention to detail, with a commitment to delivering work to a consistently high standard.
Ability to model all of Mission 44’s values in your ways of working.
Passionate about supporting and empowering young people from a diverse range of backgrounds to flourish and succeed.

DESIRABLE 

Proven experience providing high-quality executive support in a fast-paced, high-trust environment.

Experience supporting Board and Committee processes, including meeting coordination, minute-taking, and action tracking.
Familiarity with governance requirements and best practice in a charity or non-profit context.
Experience supporting a CEO, senior executive, or Board in a charity, foundation, or mission-led organisation.
Experience working in a small or growing organisation, with the flexibility to adapt as priorities evolve.
Experience using Google Workspace and CRM tools.

Benefits

Enjoy 28 days annual leave, plus a day for your birthday
Use our cycle-to-work scheme and free gym access
Save for retirement with our generous pension package
We finish every Friday at noon in August
Optional health insurance and acccess to an EAP
Professional development budget of £1k
Unlimited volunteering leave, as agreed with your manager
Wellbeing allowance to spend in whatever way works for you
Competitive parental leave package

Harris Hill is delighted to be working with The Camelia Botnar Foundation to recruit its new Chief Executive Officer.

The Foundation was created to support young adults aged between 16 and 21 who are disadvantaged or in problematic situations. The Foundation provides residential training and work experience, helping young people to learn a skilled trade, embark on a useful career path and successfully make their own way in life.

As Chief Executive, you will:

· Provide strategic leadership of the Foundation.

· Have oversight of the charity’s financial position, including budget setting and regular management accounts.

· Grow and diversify income to strengthen financial resilience.

· Develop strategic partnerships and act as the public face of the organisation.

If you are inspired and excited by what The Camelia Botnar Foundation does, we’d love to hear from you.

Job title: Chief Executive Officer

Salary: £90,000 plus annual bonus (pro-rated for part time applicants).

Contract: Permanent / full-time or part-time (minimum of three days a week).

Location: Maplehurst Road, Cowfold, West Sussex RH13 8DQ.

How to apply:

Please review the Recruitment Pack for further information about The Camelia Botnar Foundation, the CEO position and for details on how to apply.

Closing date for applications: 9am Monday 9th February 2026

Both The Camelia Botnar Foundation 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.

The Chief Executive provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Sheila McKechnie Foundation, ensuring the organisation delivers meaningful impact, remains financially sustainable, and continues to be a respected voice in social change and activism.

Leading a small, committed team, the Chief Executive will set the strategic direction, secure and steward funding, and ensure effective delivery of programmes and services. They will work closely with the Board of Trustees, act as an ambassador for the Foundation, and foster strong relationships with partners, funders, and stakeholders.

This is a hands-on role suited to a versatile leader with a passion for social change and building communities, who thrives in a small charity environment.

Please note this is a UK-based role and applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

The CEO will play a pivotal leadership role in ensuring the continued success and sustainability of Clwyd Special Riding Centre. This is a wide-ranging role combining strategic leadership with hands-on people management.

The postholder will oversee the daily running of the Centre while also working closely with Trustees to deliver long-term development plans. The role demands strong financial and organisational management, excellent people skills, and the ability to balance compassion with pragmatism.

The CEO will act as a key ambassador for the Centre, building relationships with supporters, stakeholders, and the wider community to secure funding and grow the charity’s impact.  The CEO will create the strategic plans for the next 5 years and work with the Trustees, Stakeholders and Staff to implement the plan.

This is an exciting opportunity to transition the organisation into a sustainable, self-funded and agile organisation able to meet the needs of their traditional participant and those members of the community who could benefit from equine activities.

Harris Hill is delighted to be working with Camphill Devon to recruit its new Chief Executive Officer.

Camphill Devon is a long-established charity providing supported living, residential care and meaningful community for adults with learning disabilities. Set within a unique rural environment featuring multiple residential houses and a 100-acre working farm, Camphill Devon offers a blend of care, independence, therapeutic activity and community living.

The charity provides a vibrant and wholesome environment where people can enjoy the freedom of their rural surroundings, access craft, land and community activities, and play a part in the running of where they live. We are committed to providing the necessary support and facilities through which everyone can choose to live their life, their way.

As Chief Executive, you will:

• Provide strategic, operational and cultural leadership for Camphill Devon, ensuring high-quality, person-centred care, strong governance, financial sustainability and organisational resilience.
• Drive forward organisational improvement, prepare for regulatory scrutiny, and embed a culture of empowerment and accountability across the charity.

If you are inspired and excited by what Camphill Devon does, we’d love to hear from you.

Job title: Chief Executive Officer

Salary: circa £80,000 p.a.

Contract: Permanent / Full-time

Location: Hapstead Village, Camphill Devon Community, Buckfastleigh, Devon, TQ11 0JN

How to apply:

Please review the Recruitment Pack for further information about Camphill Devon, the CEO position and for details on how to apply.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Friday 13th February 2026

Both Camphill Devon 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.

Mslexia, the UK’s best-loved writing magazine for women, is seeking a Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation into an exciting new phase of growth and impact.

Founded in 1999, Mslexia is a national publishing and outreach charity dedicated to addressing gender inequality in literature. We support over 50,000 women writers through our magazine, books, competitions, courses, events and online community. Financially independent for more than 20 years, we now want to build on our success, strengthen our sustainability and extend our reach.

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of a respected, values-driven organisation with a strong brand, loyal audience and passionate team.

About the role

As CEO, you will provide strategic, operational and inspirational leadership for Mslexia, working closely with the Board of Trustees and leading a team of talented staff.

You will be responsible for:

• Setting and delivering organisational strategy with the Board.
• Leading and supporting the staff team, fostering a positive, inclusive and high-performing culture.
• Overseeing financial management, budgeting and long-term sustainability.
• Developing and diversifying income streams, including commercial activity, partnerships and fundraising.
• Acting as the public face of Mslexia, championing its mission locally, regionally and nationally.
• Strengthening governance, systems, policies and risk management.
• Building partnerships and promoting the Mslexia brand and influence.

We are looking for an inspiring, values-driven leader with the vision, credibility and skills to lead a purpose-led organisation.

You will bring:

• Senior leadership experience in the charity, public, commercial or related sector.
• Strong financial literacy and experience managing multiple income streams.
• A track record of leading and motivating teams.
• Experience working with a Board or similar governance structure.
• Strategic thinking skills, with the ability to turn vision into action.
• Excellent communication, influencing and relationship-building skills.
• A strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Desirable:

• Experience in the arts, culture or creative industries.
• Experience of hybrid earned / grant-funded income models.
• Events or publishing-related experience.

Why join Mslexia?

• Lead a nationally respected charity with a clear social mission.
• Work with a skilled, passionate and supportive team.
• Shape the future of women’s writing and gender equality in literature.
• Flexible working and family-friendly policies.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• City-centre Newcastle location.

How to apply

Mslexia is working with Jobs with Purpose to recruit to this role. You can access a detailed candidate pack below, including a job description and person specification.

To apply, please forward a detailed CV and a supporting statement (maximum three sides) explaining how you meet the requirements of the person specification and any other information relevant to the role to David Robinson at Jobs with Purpose.

For a confidential discussion about the role, email David with your availability and brief details regarding your experience and interest in the position.

Closing date: Monday 9 February 2026, 12 noon
Interviews: Week commencing 16 February 2026

Mslexia is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Job Advert

Chief Executive Officer

28 hours a week

Full time salary £48,587 to £51,627 (Actual pro rata salary £36,769 to £39,069)

Are you an inspirational strategic leader who is passionate about supporting and empowering women to achieve a better quality of life through prevention, intervention, recovery and empowerment? This is an exciting opportunity to lead one of the most established Women Centres in our 41st year of supporting women and their children across Calderdale, Kirklees and Bradford.

In the role you will:

•Provide strategic leadership, build effective partnerships and grow sustainable income.

•Implement Women Centre’s vision and strategy in partnership with the Board of  

Trustees and senior management team.

•Lead and manage the charity, acting as ambassador and spokesperson.

•Grow opportunities and strengthen reputation as a leading voice for women and girls.

•Keep women and girls’ voices central to all work and decisions.

•Build and lead the senior management team for impactful, safe and effective

service delivery.

The postholder will be based in our Halifax Office, but will be expected to work across Calderdale, Kirklees and Bradford.

For more information about WomenCentre and to download an application pack with full details about the role please visit Vacancies | WomenCentre Calderdale and Kirklees

Closing date for applications Mon 9 Feb 2026 9am 

Shortlisting: Wed 11 Feb 2026 and interview notification to candidates: Thu 12 Feb 2026.

Interviews: Wed 18 and Thu 19 Feb 2026 – this is a 2-day interview process at our Huddersfield Office.

This post is open to women only – Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1 applies

Company number: 06084795 Charity number: 1118366

Harris Hill is delighted to be working with Building Inclusive Assistance (BIA) to recruit its new Chief Executive Officer.

BIA is a newly established and soon-to-be registered mental health charity created to commemorate Sabihah’s mental health journey. Our purpose is to provide a safe, discreet, and culturally sensitive space for young Muslim females to openly discuss and receive support for their mental health.

We exist to address a critical gap in services by offering first-line mental health intervention for Muslim females aged 18–25, while educating families and communities to challenge stigma and promote understanding. Initially focused on the North West of England, BIA has strong ambitions to grow its reach and impact nationally.

We are seeking an inspirational and visionary Chief Executive Officer to lead BIA at a pivotal stage of its development. As BIA’s first CEO, you will work closely with the founding Trustees to turn a powerful vision into a sustainable, high-impact charity.

As Chief Executive, you will:

· Develop and implement BIA’s long-term strategy, ensuring alignment with its mission, values, and growth ambitions.

· Establish BIA as a credible, trusted, and impactful mental health charity.

· Recruit, lead, and inspire a team of staff and volunteers.

· Have a demonstrable commitment to the charity’s Islamic ethos and values.

Job Title: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Salary: £60,000 – £70,000 per annum

Location: Manchester / North West (Hybrid – 3 days office, 2 days home)

Contract: Full-time

How to apply:

If you would like to receive more information about the position and how to apply, please send a CV in confidence to Nick Shanks via the apply button.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Friday 27th February 2026.

BIA is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. However, this CEO post is restricted to women applicants due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

Harris Hill is delighted to be working with Liverpool Zoe’s Place (LZP) to recruit its first Chief Executive Officer.

Zoe's Place was founded in Liverpool in 1995 as the first hospice in the UK specifically providing for the needs of babies and younger children. Liverpool Zoe’s Place (LZP) was established in December 2024 and took over full responsibility for the management of the hospice on May 1st 2025. In late 2024 the people of Liverpool, the North West, and even further afield helped us to raise more than £7,000,000 to secure the future of our hospice, and to build a state-of-the-art new facility in West Derby.

Our team of specialist nurses and healthcare assistants are supported by a wide range of other healthcare professionals to provide respite care, therapies and bereavement care to babies and children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, and their families.

As Chief Executive, you will:

· Bring inspirational leadership to the LZP.

· Manage, plan and implement LZP’s strategy.

· Ensure the Hospice provides and promotes excellent clinical care.

If you are inspired and excited by what Liverpool Zoe’s Place does, we’d love to hear from you.

Job title: Chief Executive Officer

Salary: £75,000 - £80,000 p.a.

Contract: Permanent / Full-time

Location: Zoe's Place, Yew Tree Lane, West Derby, Liverpool, L12 9HH

How to apply:

Please review the Recruitment Pack for further information about Liverpool Zoe’s Place, the CEO position and for details on how to apply.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Friday 13th February 2026

Both Liverpool Zoe’s Place 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.

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced leader to join our organisation as Chief Executive Officer to play a pivotal role in delivering the strategic aims of the organisation and making a lasting impact on the community we support.
 
Position: Chief Executive Officer
Salary: £55,000 - £57,000 dependent on experience
Hours: 35 hours per week
Location hybrid: Nottingham City office base (Dryden Enterprise Centre) and community-based across the City, with flexible home working options.
 
Are you a dynamic and experienced leader passionate about strengthening the voluntary and community sector? Nottingham Community and Voluntary Service (NCVS) is seeking a visionary Chief Executive Officer to lead our dedicated team and drive our mission forward.
 
Established in 1875, our fundamental aim is to enhance the quality of life for people in Nottingham by bolstering the voluntary and community sector.
 
NCVS provides crucial support in three key areas:
• Volunteering: We strive to improve the quality and diversity of volunteering opportunities throughout the city.
• Voluntary Sector Development: We strengthen the capacity of the voluntary sector through promoting best practices, offering funding advice, and providing essential training.
• Voices: We champion the voluntary sector on critical issues, ensuring its access to and influence upon key decision-makers.
 
About the role
 
As Chief Executive Officer, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for NCVS, working closely with the Board of Trustees to deliver the organisation’s vision, ensure long-term sustainability and maximise our impact across the city.
 
You will lead a committed team, oversee the development of our programmes and services, and act as NCVS’ principal ambassador – building strong relationships with partners, funders and networks locally, regionally and nationally. A key part of the role will be securing income, championing the VCSE sector, and ensuring NCVS continues to respond effectively to the changing needs of communities and organisations in Nottingham.
 
This is a broad, influential role suited to a leader who is equally comfortable setting strategy, representing the organisation at senior levels, and rolling up their sleeves when needed.
 
What you’ll be responsible for
 
• Providing clear strategic leadership and direction for NCVS, translating vision into delivery
• Ensuring the organisation’s long-term financial stability through income generation, grants and partnerships
• Leading and developing the senior team, fostering a collaborative, values-led culture
• Working with Trustees to maintain strong governance, performance management and accountability
• Representing NCVS externally and strengthening our profile with funders, partners and decision-makers
• Championing the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector through advocacy, collaboration and engagement
• Overseeing budgets, resources and organisational infrastructure to support effective delivery
 
What we’re looking for
 
You will be an experienced senior leader, ideally from the voluntary or community sector, with a strong understanding of how local infrastructure organisations support communities and volunteering in Nottingham/Nottinghamshire.
 
You’ll bring a track record of developing strategy, securing funding and building effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. You’ll be confident influencing at senior levels, while remaining approachable, hands-on and values driven.
 
You’ll also bring:
• Strong financial and organisational management capability
• Experience leading, coaching and motivating teams
• Insight into the policy, funding and partnership landscape affecting the VCSE sector
• A collaborative, solutions-focused mindset with the confidence to lead change
• Flexibility to work across Nottingham and occasionally outside standard office hours. The Chief Executive Officer is expected to attend in-person meetings in and around Nottingham 1 to 3 days a week, on average.
 
Why join NCVS?
 
This is a rare opportunity to lead a respected, long-established organisation at the heart of Nottingham’s voluntary and community sector. You’ll have the chance to shape strategy, influence decision-making, and make a tangible difference to communities across the city.
 
Application Process: Closing date: 8am Monday 16th February. Interviews will be held 11th and 12th March.
 
By clicking on the link to apply for this role you will be able to read the job description and person specification in full and view our CEO recruitment video.
 
Thank you for considering NCVS as your next professional home and we look forward to receiving your application.
 
You may also have experience in the following: Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Executive, Chief Executive – Charity / Non-Profit, Charity Chief Executive, Non-Executive Director / Chief Executive, Director of a Charity / Voluntary Organisation, Managing Director – Charity / Third Sector, Executive Director – Non-Profit, Voluntary Sector Chief Executive, VCSE Chief Executive, Third Sector Chief Executive, Director of Voluntary Services, Head of Charity / Head of Non-Profit, Social Impact Chief Executive, Community Services Chief Executive, etc
 
REF-226 014

Seeking an enthusiastic, dynamic, dedicated yet compassionate leader to drive the charity forward with a fresh strategy, new ideas and a bold vision. As CEO you will provide visionary, strategic, and operational leadership to the Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Association, ensuring we fulfil our mission and grow sustainably. You will act as a key ambassador, building partnerships and maintaining our reputation for excellence ensuring we move forward with impact sharing the strength and passion that we have continued to experience for almost 70 years.

Key Responsibilities (see breakdown within attached job specification)

• Strategic leadership
• Operational Management
• External Engagement
• Governance and Board Relations
• Team Leadership
   

What we do
IA offers peer-to-peer support to those with, or about to have, either an ileostomy or an internal pouch. We also help fund research into bowel disease and other conditions leading to the removal of the colon, as well as providing relevant information to interested parties using a range of channels.

Our strapline, “Because we know, we care”, sums up our whole ethos. Individuals can join either their local IA member organisation, or the IA national charity, and in either case, gain access to a range of services and support, including our flagship quarterly Journal, local and national meetings and information events, and other services such as our One2One peer support and Support Through Therapy services.

What you offer

Essential
• Proven senior leadership experience, ideally as a CEO or Director in the charity or social enterprise sector
• Demonstrable experience of strategic planning and implementation
• Excellent communication skills with ability to engage effectively with stakeholders, professionals and volunteers both internally and publicly
• Work empathetically with vulnerable adults employing working knowledge of safeguarding
• Financial management and budget oversight
• Demonstrable experience of implementing and monitoring services based on financial benefit and social benefit
• Track record of income generation and fundraising
• Demonstrable experience of operating within a governance and regulatory framework
• Experience of developing, managing and supporting high performing teams with a strong growth mindset
• Builds effective relationships with a strong network instilling confidence and trust
• Experience of leading a team delivering effectively against objectives

Skills and Qualities
• Visionary and values-led leadership
• Ethical decision-maker
• Strong, confident and decisive performing well under pressure
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Resilience, adaptability, empathy and emotional intelligence
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

What we offer
Contract: Part time 60% FTE – flexible over 3-5 days, permanent role.
Location: Remote (with regular travel to National Office (Rochford, Essex) and other UK locations, as required)
Salary: £80,000 - £85,000 equivalent FT (pro-rata 60%), commensurate with experience plus benefits

Please see further information about us, what you will offer and who we are looking for within the attached role profile.

Chief Executive - Help & Care
Location: Home-based within easy reach of Dorset (regular travel across the region)
Salary: circa £85,000 per annum
Contract: permanent, either full-time basis (37 hours per week) or part-time (30 hours per week). We are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements for part-time hours, including how these are worked across the working week.

Are you an innovative leader who will put communities and social justice at the heart of transforming how health and social care is delivered in Dorset and the south of England?

Help & Care has been supporting communities across Dorset and the south coast since 1985. We deliver person-centred services that promote dignity, independence and connection - from dementia coordination and health coaching to our award-winning Roots gardening programme and social prescribing partnerships. Working with over 25 partners across health, housing and the voluntary sector, we co-produce services that make a real difference to older people, those with long-term conditions, carers and people at risk of isolation.

As our new Chief Executive, you will collaborate with a dedicated Board and a strong, highly motivated team focusing on the following key areas of responsibility:

• Strategic leadership: Define an ambitious, values-led strategy and deliver it, securing long-term impact alongside sustainable financial growth.
• Values leadership: Place Help & Care’s values - social justice, innovation, personal and collaborative - at the heart of decision-making and model them through visible leadership.
• Growth & income diversification: Lead business development to diversify income streams, winning commissioned contracts and developing social-enterprise opportunities to reduce reliance on public commissioning.
• Partnerships & advocacy: Strengthen and sustain senior-level relationships across the NHS, local authorities, commissioners and the voluntary sector; represent Help & Care across systems, media and stakeholder networks.
• Service quality & impact: Embed rigorous monitoring and evaluation so outcome evidence drives commissioning decisions, improves financial performance and enhances the organisation’s reputation.

• People leadership: Inspire, retain and develop a high-performing, compassionate leadership team and workforce, focused on talent development, wellbeing and accountability.
• Governance & financial stewardship: Provide the Board with timely, high-quality reporting, oversee financial recovery or sustainability plans as required, and ensure robust risk, compliance and governance arrangements.

Who you are:

• An experienced CEO or senior director from complex, multi-service health, social care or community organisations, with experience of developing and delivering multi-agency contracts.
• Proven track record of securing commissioned contracts, leading tendering and contract oversight, and developing income diversification, including social-enterprise opportunities.
• Comfortable driving strategic transformation and financial sustainability, with demonstrable expertise in strategic financial management.
• A values-led, collaborative and visible leader with high emotional intelligence and resilience, committed to social justice, person-centred practice and co-production; an effective public representative and mentor.

Why Help & Care?

• Lead a highly respected regional provider with an outstanding track record of co-production and innovation.
• Shape an organisation poised for growth and greater regional influence.
• Hybrid, home-based working, regular travel across Dorset, and the chance to safeguard vital services for local communities.

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 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 23rd February 2026. Interviews and assessments on 3rd, 4th and 5th March.

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.

Who we are –

Home-Start Portsmouth is a local family support charity based in Portsmouth, providing outreach services, free Stay & Play groups and working within the Portsmouth Family hubs as part of the Best Start in Life offer in the city. Portsmouth is one of the most deprived cities in the country, and many of the families we support are living with many adversities.

We are a volunteer led service providing parents and carers with the support and guidance they need to ensure the best possible outcomes for their children and their family. We empower families to thrive by providing child-centered family support and in 2025 we supported 1000 unique families across our 12 projects with the support from our 110 volunteers.

Our impact is measured and significant for the families we support and as a result, children will experience improved wellbeing and development. Our focus is to build a compassionate community of support for families, parents and children – because childhood can’t wait.

Our next chapter -

We are at a pivotal moment in the journey of Home-Start Portsmouth. After 25 years of exceptional service, our current CEO is stepping down, marking the end of an era and the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the charity. Over the past few years, we have grown to more than three times our original size, expanding our reach, services, and impact across the community.

Rising levels of need, increasing pressure on family services, and evolving external factors mean that demand for our support is growing. To meet these challenges, we are committed not only to sustaining our growth, but to strengthening it in a purposeful, strategic way by exploring new delivery models, new funding streams, and new partnerships that will secure the future of the organisation.

The new CEO will shape and inspire this next phase of development, whilst embodying the values and ethos of the charity.  They will drive our future sustainability, develop strong external partnerships, and increase our influence locally ensuring that the charity remains resilient, relevant, and impactful.

Why this role matters -

Changing children’s futures is at the heart of everything we do. Families today are facing unprecedented pressures. Home-Start Portsmouth exists to stand alongside these families by providing practical, emotional, and relational support at the earliest possible stage, helping parents build confidence, resilience, and stability so children can thrive.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a transforming charity with extraordinary potential. The CEO will play a defining role in shaping the next era of Home-Start Portsmouth, ensuring that our mission is not only protected, but reinforced. The role directly influences the lives of children and families where the decisions made, the culture shaped, and the partnerships built by the CEO will determine how many families we can reach, how well we can support them, and how lasting that change will be. This is leadership with purpose where strategy, compassion, and impact come together to create lasting change.

Role Purpose  

To provide inspirational, and strategic leadership to Home-Start Portsmouth (HSP), ensuring the charity delivers on its mission that no parent is unsupported in raising children and giving them the best start in life. The CEO is accountable for organisational performance, culture, sustainability, safeguarding, and impact, working in close partnership with the Board of Trustees. 

Location: Home-Start Portsmouth 

Reports to: Board of Trustees

Hours: 32-37 hours pw (over 4-5 days) 

Salary: £57, 000

Main Responsibilities 

1. Strategic & Executive Leadership 

• Lead the development, delivery and review of HSP’s vision, strategy and long-term business plan in partnership with the Board. 

• Translate strategic priorities into measurable operational plans and outcomes 

• Anticipate changes in policy, funding and the wider operating environment 

• Champion innovation, continuous improvement and effective use of technology 

2. Organisational Leadership & Culture 

• Build, lead and inspire a high-performing Senior Leadership Team 

• Shape a values-led, inclusive and accountable organisational culture 

• Oversee performance management, succession planning and leadership development 

• Act as a visible, approachable leader and role model across the organisation 

3. Service Delivery & Impact 

• Hold overall accountability for safe, high-quality and cost-effective services 

• Ensure services are responsive, evidence-led, and meet the needs of families and children 

• Oversee delivery against contracts, KPIs, budgets and timelines 

• Ensure robust impact measurement and reporting to funders, partners, and trustees 

4. Governance, Safeguarding & Risk 

• Work closely with the Chair and Board to maintain the highest standards of governance 

• Lead a strong safeguarding culture and ensure full regulatory compliance 

• Identify, manage, and escalate organisational risks appropriately 

• Ensure policies, controls, and assurance frameworks are robust and current 

5. Financial Leadership & Sustainability 

• Secure and diversify income through bids, partnerships, and fundraising 

• Set and manage budgets, ensuring strong financial control and value for money 

• Provide clear, timely financial and performance reporting to the Board 

• Ensure the long-term financial sustainability of HSP 

6. External Relations & Influence 

• Act as the public face and lead spokesperson for HSP 

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with funders, commissioners, partners, and supporters 

• Lead key partnerships and commissioning relationships 

• Strengthen HSP’s reputation, profile, and influence locally and nationally 

7. Authority & Accountability 

• Full executive accountability for organisational performance and delivery 

• Authority to make operational decisions within agreed strategy, budgets, and policies 

• Responsibility to escalate significant risks, safeguarding, HR, and governance matters to the Board 

The post holder may be required to undertake any other duties that fall within the nature of the role and responsibilities of the post as detailed above. 

Person Specification 

Experience & Knowledge

• Experience leading organisations at CEO or senior level; able to translate vision into measurable plans and respond to change. 

• Strong understanding of charity governance and safeguarding 

• Experience of financial management and income generation 

• Knowledge of services for children and families (Desirable) 

Abilities and Skills 

• Strategic leadership and sound judgement 

• Ability to lead, motivate and develop senior teams 

• Build and run a motivated and effective team 

• Manage performance, direct reports, set objectives, monitor, feedback, appraise 

• Network across sites, manage communications and standards 

• Coach and develop others 

• Excellent communication and influencing skills 

• Strong stakeholder and partnership management skills 

Attitude 

• Leads with integrity, transparency, and authenticity 

• Values-led and committed to equality, diversity, inclusion, and safeguarding 

•  Inspires trust, confidence, and high performance in others 

• Resilient and adaptable, able to lead calmly through change and uncertainty 

• Approachable, visible, and engaged with staff, volunteers, and partners 

• Courageous in decision-making and willing to challenge constructively 

• Balanced and fair, applying consistent judgement while remaining flexible 

• Passion to help families and children

Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment 

Home-Start Portsmouth is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and families and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake safer recruitment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and any other checks relevant to the role.