Assistant to chief executive jobs

About the role:

This maternity cover role offers the opportunity to work in close partnership with the Chief Executive, supporting effective leadership and strong governance at Single Homeless Project. As Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive, you’ll be right where leadership, governance and momentum meet, helping SHP stay focused, responsive and ambitious. You’ll support the organisation to make confident decisions and keep moving forward with purpose, often by ensuring the right conversations happen at the right time and with the right information in the room.

You’ll work closely with the Chief Executive, Executive Management Team and Board of Trustees, bringing clarity and structure to complex priorities. Day to day, this means preparing leaders for meetings, coordinating senior leadership and Board activity, managing the flow of papers, actions and follow-up, and ensuring governance processes run smoothly and transparently. From supporting strategic discussions to keeping track of commitments and decisions, your contribution will shape how the organisation operates and how ideas turn into action. It’s a role that rewards sound judgement, discretion and the confidence to anticipate what’s needed before it’s asked for.

If you’re organised, calm under pressure and motivated by impact, this is an opportunity to make a real difference from behind the scenes. You’ll join a values-led charity that doesn’t stand still, offering meaningful experience at the heart of a mission-driven organisation and the chance to play a vital part in driving lasting change.

This is a hybrid role, typically based in our King’s Cross office two days per week, with flexibility to work from home in line with business needs.

About you:

• You’re highly organised and thoughtful in how you work, with the ability to bring structure and clarity to complex or fast-moving priorities.
• You exercise sound judgement and discretion, and are comfortable handling sensitive information with care, professionalism and confidence.
• You enjoy working closely with senior leaders and Trustees, supporting effective decision-making and strong governance without needing to be in the spotlight.
• You’re proactive and perceptive, able to anticipate what’s needed, follow things through and keep momentum going.
• You’re motivated by purpose and impact, and take pride in enabling others to do their best work within a values-led organisation.

About us:

We’re London’s leading homelessness charity – and we get things done.

In a city where hundreds are forced into homelessness every day, our work has never been more needed or more challenging. And we’re not shying away. We’re rolling up our sleeves to make change and helping over 10,000 Londoners every year. We prevent homelessness, provide safe places to live and give people the opportunity to rebuild their lives and transform their futures. And we never give up. 

We’re here for Londoners wherever they are on their journey. We start with trust, building relationships that help people feel safe, supported, and ready to move forward. Every day, we put people first in everything we do, challenging injustice and barriers that keep people from the safety, stability and opportunity they deserve. We stand alongside people as they rebuild and shape a future that feels their own. 

Joining Single Homeless Project means joining a team that’s bold, compassionate and determined to do better for the people we support and for each other. You’ll work alongside colleagues with lived experience, in a space that’s trans-inclusive, disability-friendly, and actively striving to be anti-oppressive and equitable. 

We’re not perfect, but we’re real. We listen. We learn. And we push forward, together. Because this isn’t just a job. It’s a chance to lead with empathy, spark change, and help build a London where no one is left behind.

Important info:

Closing date: Sunday 25th January at midnight

Interview date: Week commencing 2nd February at SHP Head Office in Kings Cross

This post will require a basic DBS check to be processed (by SHP) for the successful applicant. 

Please note applications are reviewed for AI use in application questions. Applications requiring sponsorship or with insufficient right to work will not be accepted or progressed.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a small, passionate team at a pivotal moment in our growth. As our Executive Assistant, you will provide vital administrative and coordination support to the CEO, Executive Chair, and Director of Research and Grants. You will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth running of our operations, supporting international engagements, and helping us deliver on our mission.

Workspace and Executive Assistant

When registering to this job board you will be redirected to the online application form. Please ensure that this is completed in full in order that your application can be reviewed.

Workspace and Executive Assistant 

Bristol

£29,235 per annum (pro rata for part time)

Ref: 112REC

Full time 37.5 hours per week – we are happy to talk flexible working

Base: Hybrid working with a minimum of 3 days a week expected at the Bristol City Centre Workspace

Contract: Permanent

ABOUT THE ROLE

Team: Planning, Governance and Assurance Directorate

As the Workspace Executive Assistant, you will enjoy a varied role based in the charity’s city centre head office. You will lead on delivering a welcoming and efficient front of house service for colleagues and visitors. 

Our UK-wide office spaces are centrally managed, and you will play a key role in this team - providing proactive administrative and operational support to ensure the smooth running of several workspaces. You will also provide Executive Assistant support to the Executive Director of Resources.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Oversee and maintain the planned preventative maintenance schedule for allocated workspaces, ensuring timely completion of any identified remedial actions.
• Responsible for reviewing and updating risk assessments for allocated workspaces.
• Coordinate day-to-day operations across multiple UK workspaces to ensure they run smoothly and safely
• Provide high-quality Executive Assistant support to the Executive Director of Resources, including diary and meeting management.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys variety, takes a proactive approach and thrives on engaging multiple stakeholders to solve problems collaboratively. 

ABOUT YOU

We’re looking for someone who has experience and understanding in the areas listed below. You don’t need to meet every requirement — if you feel you’d be a good fit, we encourage you to apply.

• Experienced in office management, customer service, and providing Executive Assistant support.
• Knowledge of office-based Health & Safety.
• Excellent administrative and organisational skills, along with strong IT literacy.
• Good communication skills with the ability to manage strong, collaborative relationships with senior colleagues.

WHAT WE OFFER

We want you to feel supported, valued, and empowered in your role. That’s why we offer flexible working, a positive team environment, and benefits designed to support your wellbeing, finances, and family life.

Wellbeing Support

• 28 days’ leave per annum plus bank holidays for full-time employees
• Option to buy an extra week of annual leave (pro-rata for part-time employees)
• Paid volunteer days to support causes you care about
• Free, confidential support service available 24/7
• Access to cycle-to-work schemes through Green Commute Initiative and Cycle Scheme

Financial Benefits

• Group Personal Pension scheme with a 6% or 7% of basic salary contribution being matched by Walk Wheel Cycle Trust
• Bike, computer and season ticket loans
• Discount benefits
• Death in Service benefit – 3 x annual Salary 

Family Friendly Policies

• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Flexible Working practices (full time hours are 37.5 per week, Monday - Friday) 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Application deadline: 23:59, 12 January 2026   
• Interviews will be held at the Bristol Workspace on Monday 26 January. If you are unable to attend in-person, please contact us for alternative arrangements. To apply, please complete our online application form.
• We are committed to being a truly inclusive employer. We welcome applications from everyone from all parts of the community.
• Adjustments are available throughout the application process.

We are committed to being a truly inclusive employer. We welcome applications from everyone from all parts of the community.

Adjustments are available throughout the application process.

Our Values

• We are always learning
• Championing equity
• Taking ownership
• Delivering Together

Be part of The Vegan Society’s journey as we begin delivering our new three-year strategic plan to drive meaningful change.

We are seeking an experienced Executive Assistant to provide high-level administrative support to the Chief Executive Officer. This role is central to ensuring the CEO’s time and priorities are managed effectively and that communication with internal and external stakeholders is clear and timely.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the CEO’s diary, travel arrangements, and correspondence.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and briefing materials for meetings, events and other public engagement activities.
• Provide administrative and minute-taking support for Board and committee meetings.
• Support the CEO with strategic projects as required.
• Handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Proven experience supporting at CEO or Director level.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.
• Competence in Microsoft 365 and familiarity with online meeting/event platforms.
• Professional, proactive, and adaptable approach.

Desirable: Experience in a not-for-profit or mission-driven organisation and knowledge of governance frameworks.

Benefits

• Flexible working hours.
• Ethical pension scheme (5–7% employer contribution).
• Health cashback scheme & Employee Assistance Programme.
• 25 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays and Christmas closure days.
• Death in service benefit.
• Climate perks (additional paid time off for sustainable travel).
• Animal companion compassionate leave.

How to Apply

If you are interested, please send your CV along with a personal statement (no longer than two sides of A4) demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the person specification.

Closing date for applications: Friday 30th January 2026.

Interviews will be held: Wednesday 11th/Thursday 12th February 2026.

Apply now and help shape the future of The Vegan Society.

Full-time 35 hours per week. 2 year's fixed term

For the right candidate we are open to flexible working terms. Hybrid working is available, office based in Gloucester

Salary Band 5 (£30,961 – 33,682) per annum depending on experience

We are looking for a highly organised, experienced and exceptional administrator to work as a trusted partner to The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Church Development Agency (CDA). The CDA is a national organisation dedicated to supporting the Church in serving its communities through the delivery of affordable housing and community development projects, established in response to the Church of England’s “Coming Home” report.  

This key role within the CDA requires a thinker who can anticipate needs, manage priorities, and support The CEO in his leadership function and ensuring effective governance. The Executive Assistant (EA) will play a pivotal role in enabling the CEO to oversee a diverse portfolio of approximately 50 affordable housing projects. Most of the work is funded by the Oak Foundation, with a focus on achieving long-term sustainability.

The ideal candidate will have:

· Demonstrable experience of working as a high-level EA support to a CEO/Senior leader or equivalent

· Excellent time management and the ability to balance numerous priorities and deadlines

· A high degree of confidentiality and flexibility

Crucially, you will love to organise and drive forward actions while building meaningful relationships and enabling social impact.  If you are looking for a stimulating role where no day is the same, this could be the perfect job for you.

Closing date is 10 am on Monday 12th January 2026

Interviews in Gloucester on Thursday 22nd January 2026

This role supports Kate Varah, as Executive Assistant to the Executive Director and Co-Chief Executive (EAED), providing proactive, discreet, senior-level support within a busy office and theatre environment.

The EAED will support Kate in delivering their role efficiently and effectively, focusing on significant and complex diary management to ensure smart and strategic prioritisation. They will source and / or draft correspondence, research notes, speeches and briefings as needed; develop, implement, and maintain systems as necessary; arrange local, national and international travel; co-ordinate the sector-wide leadership network that the NT provides administration support to; support a collaborative and values-driven working atmosphere within a dynamic environment.

As an engaged and diplomatic communicator, they would act as first point of contact for all matters relating to the ED, working in partnership with colleagues in the Directors’ Office, Senior Leadership Team, and more widely across the organisation, as well as with artists and external parties. The EAED would be trusted to support or lead on projects as required, and act as an effective bridge for all relevant communications to ensure Executive awareness and involvement as necessary.

The successful candidates will have the following:  

• Experience in an assistant role within an Executive-level environment (corporate or charity sector)
• Exceptional written and administrative skills, with a focus complex and strategic diary management
• Excellent communication (in all mediums), interpersonal, and organisational skills, including building and maintaining key relationships in a senior space
• Proven experience in safeguarding sensitive and confidential information accordingly, with a core understanding of prioritisation
• Experience in minuting and report drafting

If that sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you!

The closing date for the receipt of a completed application is Monday 19th January 2026 at 12 noon

Lumos works to realise every child’s right to a safe and loving family by transforming care systems around the world. As we enter an exciting new phase of global growth and organisational transformation, we are seeking an exceptional Executive Assistant to the CEO to join our CEO’s Office.

This is a pivotal role providing high-quality executive, organisational and governance support to the Chief Executive Officer and the Head of CEO’s Office. You will help ensure the smooth running of the CEO’s Office, manage complexity with confidence, and enable senior leaders to focus on strategy, governance and delivery.

We’re looking for someone who is highly organised, calm under pressure, and comfortable working at pace with senior leaders, trustees and international teams. You’ll bring strong communication skills, excellent judgement, and experience providing senior-level executive support, ideally in a complex or international environment.

In return, we offer the opportunity to work at the heart of a values-driven global organisation, with flexible hybrid working, excellent benefits, and the chance to contribute directly to transformational change for children worldwide.

Applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK.

Closing date: Sunday 18 January

Lumos is committed to safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion, and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.

Role details are based on the attached job description.

Role Description

The purpose of the Executive Assistant role is to provide administrative, organisational and coordination support to the Executive Team, ensuring their time and attention are aligned with organisational priorities, goals, and objectives. The role covers executive coordination, governance administration and project support.  The Executive Assistant enables effective decision making across the Leadership Team, supports the smooth delivery of priorities, and contributes to the execution of long-term strategic goals.

The Executive Team comprises the Chief Executive, Operations Director and Business Development Director.  They work together as part of the Leadership Team, comprising key leaders from across the charity.

Excellent attention to detail is crucial, as is the ability to operate with discretion and flexibility. A high standard of written and verbal communication is essential. The role requires collaboration across Finance, HR, Trustees, and external stakeholders, and an understanding of effective charity governance would be desirable.

This role requires a high level of emotional intelligence, sound judgement, and the ability to build trusted relationships across all levels of the organisation. Success in this role depends on a proactive mindset, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to remain calm and resourceful under pressure. The Executive Assistant must be highly dependable, detail-oriented, and capable of managing sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.

Responsibilities

Executive Coordination

• Manage calendars, inboxes, travel and meeting preparation for Executive Team
• Coordinate agendas and logistics for internal and external meetings
• Liaise with stakeholders, clients and partners to ensure smooth engagement

Governance Support

• Own the established governance timetable, board meeting scheduling, and trustee communications
• Draft and distribute board packs, take minutes, and track actions
• Support governance processes in collaboration with the Operations Director
• Support trustee onboarding, training, and engagement
• Ensure timely completion of Charity Commission and Companies House submissions
• Leverage AI tools and platforms to enhance business processes

Strategic communications

• Communicate with external stakeholders on behalf of the Executive Team
• Coordinate staff events and meetings
• Work with marketing and communities & projects teams for conferences and external events

Project support

• Support ongoing transformation projects in collaboration with Head of Business Functions
• Support recruitment and onboarding for senior roles led by the Head of Business Operations
• Support strategic planning and performance tracking led by the Operations Director and Business Development Director
• Support handover and re-onboarding of Executive Assistant on her return April 2027

Role Requirements

Required:

• Minimum of four years’ experience in a similar role.
• Experience supporting senior leaders in a fast paced and changing environment, taking initiative and managing competing deadlines calmly and flexibly.
• Confident communicating with the executive and leadership team, trustees and external partners in a professional and timely way.
• Able to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and good judgment.
• Confident coordinating meetings, preparing papers and taking accurate minutes.
• Ability to research, digest, analyse and present material clearly and concisely.
• Ability to identify and apply AI-driven tools to enhance business activities and using AI to streamline workflows and personalise business engagement.
• Comfortable stepping into an established role quickly and maintaining continuity during the maternity leave period.

Desirable:

• Experience in charity governance
• Experience in project support/management

Employees are also expected to be flexible in undertaking the duties and responsibilities attached to their post and may be asked to perform other duties that are consistent with the grade, responsibilities, and typical scope of the role. Any additional tasks should remain appropriate to the nature of the post and not extend into unrelated functions or specialisms.

All employees are expected to work in accordance with the organisation’s values and behavioural standards, which include being supportive, transparent, respectful, kind, honest, and collaborative. This means fostering a culture of empathy, openness, integrity, and teamwork in all interactions, and contributing positively to the organisation’s mission and strategic objectives.

We are committed to flexible working and are open to requests for different working patterns. This includes part time arrangements and four day working week requests, which we will always consider as part of the recruitment process.

To apply for this role, please share your CV with a one-page cover letter setting out why this role appeals to you and how your skills and experiences meet the key skills points in the job description.

Interviews expected to take place on week commencing the 2nd of February 2026.

This great opportunity has arisen to join our External Affairs team supporting our Director of External Affairs and the External Affairs Directorate, as well as supporting the Chief Executive Officer and Director of Finance + Corporate Services.

Asthma + Lung UK is the only charity in the UK fighting for everyone with a lung condition, aiming for a world where everyone can breathe with healthy lungs. We fund cutting-edge research, and provide advice and support for the 12 million people who will get a lung condition during their lifetime. We also campaign for clean air and for better NHS diagnosis and treatment.

Reporting to the Director of External Affairs, your role is crucial in ensuring the directorate runs efficiently and effectively.  You will be responsible for acting as the first point of contact for the Director of External Affairs, supporting the work of the External Affairs directorate, and will also provide support to the Chief Executive and Director of Finance + Corporate Services. The role involves liaising with internal and external contacts, managing diaries, administering meetings, responding to queries, collating information, and ensuring that a positive image of the charity is maintained so that key relationships can be fostered.

We are looking for candidates with exceptional organisational skills with the ability to plan, prioritise and deliver on a number of tasks and projects concurrently. You will interact with colleagues at all levels across the organisation and will have good interpersonal and negotiation skills to be able to build and maintain effective working relationships. In return, we are offering a great opportunity to work in a friendly and collegiate charity where you can develop your skills and play a part in driving improvements to the lives of the millions of people living with a lung condition in the UK.

As well as a competitive salary, you’ll enjoy a range of benefits including 30 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), membership of a health cash plan, employee assistance programme, cycle-to-work scheme, interest-free annual season Travelcard loan and pension scheme.

Part-time options considered at 28 hours a week and above

Interviews: Expected week commencing 19 January 2026

Prospectus is pleased to be partnering with our client to find an Executive & Governance Assistant. The charity is a leading occupational benevolent organisation which supports individuals and their families who are working or retired and are in real need. The organisation provides independent advice, guidance, case management, and grant giving for people encountering a wide range of concerns including financial, health, housing, and wellbeing issues. 

The Executive & Governance Assistant will support the CEO, COO and Exec team, and also provide support for the Board of Trustees. The role responsibilities will include diary management, scheduling, inbox triage, making travel arrangements, meeting preparation and event planning. You will also be a key support in regard to Board meetings, circulating agendas, minute taking, and collating and distributing  papers to strict deadlines.

The role will see you being a main administrative  contact for the organisation with external stakeholders, such as with bank partners, other benevolent funds, and charitable partners, and you will respond on behalf of the CEO  in respect of administrative matters.

The EA & Governance position also encompasses governance officer responsibility, maintaining statutory and governance records, including the Register of Interests, and all Trustee Charity Commission and Companies House filing requirements.

The ideal candidate will be people orientated, experienced in working with Boards and Board committees, able to balance priorities and to communicate effectively and confidentially with all stakeholders, internal and external.  A full time, hybrid and permanent position, the role generally requires 2 days per week in the London office. The successful candidate would ideally be able to be on site for additional days where required for extra meetings etc.

At Prospectus we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome all candidates to apply, regardless of age, sex/gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy/maternity. If you have any disability and require reasonable adjustment/s to any part of the process then please contact Catherine at Prospectus.

At Prospectus we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. Please in the first instance share an up-to-date CV with us and should your experience be suitable, we will look to arrange for a call and/or meeting to brief you on the role. You will then have all the information you need to finalise your formal application. We are looking forward to connecting with you soon.

About Wikimedia UK

Wikimedia UK is the national platform for open knowledge, bringing together practical and policy expertise about Wikipedia and the other Wikimedia projects. Delivering impact of over 1 billion views each year and engaging thousands of people through advocacy, education, outreach and partnerships, Wikimedia UK demystifies and drives engagement in open access to information.

Role Overview

This is a new and exciting role that will be critical to the organisation’s leadership and governance. The Executive & Governance Assistant will provide high-level support to the Chief Executive and ensure the smooth running of Wikimedia UK’s governance processes, including board meetings, subcommittees and the Annual General Meeting.

You’ll play a key role in supporting effective decision-making and stakeholder engagement, working closely with trustees, senior staff, and external partners. This position is ideally suited to someone with substantial experience supporting senior executives - who is highly organised, discreet, and confident managing complex schedules and governance processes.

Key Responsibilities

Governance Support

• Support the CEO and Head of Finance & Operations to ensure effective governance and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

• Schedule board and subcommittee meetings in line with the annual business cycle.

• Coordinate board and subcommittee meeting logistics, including video calls, calendar invites, and in-person arrangements.

• Book travel and accommodation for trustees as needed.

• Collate, prepare, and distribute meeting papers efficiently and accurately.

• Produce and circulate clear, concise, and timely meeting minutes.

• Lead the planning and delivery of the Annual General Meeting, working closely with staff and trustees.

Membership Administration

• Manage all aspects of Wikimedia UK’s membership programme.

• Process new member applications promptly and accurately.

• Maintain up-to-date membership records in the charity’s CRM (training provided).

• Develop and oversee systems for managing renewals and membership engagement.

• Coordinate membership communications and contribute to campaigns to grow and retain members.

Executive Support

• Provide comprehensive administrative and organisational support to the CEO.

• Manage the CEO’s calendar, prioritising effectively and scheduling meetings with internal and external stakeholders.

• Coordinate travel and accommodation for national and international commitments.

• Support expense claims and credit card reconciliations.

• Conduct desk research, prepare correspondence, and assist with presentation materials as required.

• Handle sensitive and confidential matters with the utmost discretion and professionalism.

Person Specification

Essential Experience and Competencies

• Substantial experience of providing high-level administrative support to a Chief Executive, Director, or senior leader, gained within the not for profit sector.

• Proven experience of charity or public sector governance, including supporting the preparation and distribution of board papers, providing logistical support for meetings, and producing accurate, well written minutes.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a keen eye for detail and accuracy.

• Highly organised, with strong time management and the ability to prioritise effectively.

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a small team.

• Excellent IT skills, including confident use of digital tools and software for scheduling, document management, and communication.

Desirable Experience and Knowledge

• Experience of supporting leaders in managing stakeholder relationships

• Knowledge of Google Workspace (particularly Gmail, Docs, Sheets, and Slides)

• Familiarity with CRM systems and/or charity membership management.

• Familiarity with the open knowledge movement

Personal Attributes

• Discreet, diplomatic, and professional at all times.

• Calm and confident when managing multiple priorities.

• A proactive and solutions-focused approach to work.

Alignment with Wikimedia UK’s open knowledge mission and its values of equity, inclusivity, collaboration, creativity, and boldness.

Lead with compassion. Inspire through purpose. Shape the future of Hospiscare.

Hospiscare has been at the heart of our community for over 40 years, providing outstanding specialist end-of-life care and support to people and their families across Exeter, Mid and East Devon. As we look to the future, we are seeking an exceptional Chief Executive Officer to lead our charity with vision, empathy and strategic strength.

The opportunity

This is a pivotal leadership role — guiding a much-loved local charity through a period of challenge but also opportunity. You’ll work closely with a dedicated Board of Trustees and an experienced Leadership Teams to shape and deliver our strategic goals, ensuring Hospiscare remains resilient, sustainable, and true to our founding values of care, compassion, and dignity.

You’ll be the public face and voice of Hospiscare — inspiring confidence among our staff, volunteers, supporters, healthcare partners, and the wider community. Your leadership will ensure we continue to deliver the highest standards of specialist palliative care while innovating to meet the changing needs of our patients and our community.

About you

You are an accomplished and compassionate leader, able to inspire and unite people around a shared purpose. With substantial senior leadership experience — ideally gained in the charity or health and social care sectors — you bring a track record of shaping strategy, managing complex budgets, and achieving sustainable results.

You’ll understand the challenges facing healthcare and charitable organisations and bring creative, collaborative solutions. You are confident working with a Board, comfortable in the public eye, and driven by a genuine commitment to making a difference to people’s lives at the most profound of times.

Key strengths you’ll bring

• Strategic vision and proven experience leading organisational change and growth
• Strong understanding of governance, finance, and regulatory environments
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills — connecting easily and authentically with people from all walks of life
• A leadership style that combines compassion, clarity, and courage
• A deep alignment with Hospiscare’s mission and values

Why join Hospiscare?

At Hospiscare, you’ll find a community of extraordinary people — staff and volunteers dedicated to providing the very best care and support when it matters most. This is more than a leadership role; it’s an opportunity to make a lasting impact on a vital local charity and the lives of countless people in Devon.

We are working with Charity Recruitment Consultant, Jackie Dawkins of Shine Charity Recruitment,who is supporting our search.  For further details about Hospiscare, please read the Recruitment Pack 

Key Dates:

• Closing Date – 26th January 2026 at 5pm
• First Interview with Jackie Dawkins (via Zoom) – 2nd/3rd February 2026
• Shortlisted candidates informal meeting with Chair – 23rd February 2026
• Interview and Assessment Day at Hospiscare – 24th February 2026

Chief Executive Officer – The Abbey Centre
Location: The Abbey Centre, Westminster, London (site-based role, flexible working available)
Salary: £90,000 – £95,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent (Full-time, 37.5 hours/week; regular evening attendance for events as required)

Could you lead a much-loved community hub through its next chapter of stability, growth and civic impact?

About The Abbey Centre

Our charity has served the community of south Westminster since 1948 and has occupied The Abbey Centre building, a converted Victorian public bath house a stone’s throw from Westminster Abbey, since 1991. We are a site-based community hub and social enterprise, combining community services, training and outreach with venue hire, an on-site café and catering to generate income that supports our charitable work.

We work across employability, health and wellbeing, volunteering and practical support for vulnerable residents; the Centre welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds, and sees over 1,000 visits each week. Our strong partnerships with Westminster City Council, statutory bodies and corporate donors underpin commissioned activity and solidify our position as a trusted local delivery partner.

This is an opportunity for a visionary but hands-on leader to preserve the Centre’s warm, inclusive culture and outstanding reputation while further professionalising systems, developing our income, and shaping a multi-year strategy that secures the building and grows impact.

As our next Chief Executive Officer, you will:

• Strategy & Impact: lead a collaborative listening phase and then develop and deliver a 3–5 year strategy and rolling business plan that defines the Centre’s core offer and impact targets.

• Governance & Finance: own the annual budget and medium-term financial modelling, deliver full-cost recovery across activity lines and present timely, accurate management information to trustees.

• Operational Leadership: ensure continuity of community services, venue trading and café operations and strengthen operational systems including safeguarding, H&S and business continuity.

• Income Generation: drive commercial performance of venue hire, events and catering, professionalise fundraising (major donors, legacies, corporate partnerships) and lead bids for multi-year statutory contracts.

• Community & Partnerships: sustain and deepen strategic relationships with Westminster City Council, commissioners, local partners and corporate supporters to secure commissioned work and philanthropic income.

• Estate Stewardship: manage day-to-day stewardship of the Centre’s significant ageing building, overseeing maintenance, lease/compliance obligations and contractor relationships.

• People & Culture: build a cohesive senior team, embed clear role accountabilities, performance management and development, and protect the Centre’s welcoming culture while managing change.

• Brand & Profile: act as a visible ambassador locally and with funders to raise the Centre’s profile and champion its social value.

Who you are:

• A seasoned senior leader with proven experience in a small/medium charity, community organisation or social enterprise that combines front-line delivery with significant premises/estate responsibility.

• Demonstrable track record of leading strategic development and delivering organisational growth while balancing hands-on operational leadership.

• Strong commercial and earned-income expertise, with experience of running successful commercial – ideally site-based - operations.

• Confident in winning and managing statutory contracts and multi-year grant programmes; credible with local authorities, commissioners and corporate partners.

• Financially literate with direct budget and cash-flow accountability and experience of full-cost recovery modelling.

• A collaborative, visible and warm ambassador who builds trust quickly, communicates clearly and can present concise management information to trustees.

Why The Abbey Centre?

• A powerful mission: deliver practical services, companionship and opportunity for south Westminster residents in a civic, high-impact setting.

• A prominent, historic central Westminster location and a cherished community building offering scope for strategic estate planning and growth.

• A warm, loyal staff team and an engaged board navigating a positive leadership transition.

• A social enterprise model where successful trading directly funds frontline services and creates a platform for entrepreneurial leadership.

• The opportunity to shape a multi-year strategy that secures the long-term future of the charity and grows its impact in the community.

For full details of the role including how to apply, please download the full appointment brief. For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny Hills at Harris Hill via the apply button with times to speak and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile which will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 12th January 2026

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

Working arrangements: We are committed to a hybrid working model that means most staff work flexibly, spending a minimum of 6 days a month in the office. However, the nature of this role will require the post holder to be present in the office at least 4 days per week, with some flexibility based on the annual cycle of activity. Standard working hours between 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Our client is recruiting a Senior Executive Assistant – executive office.

Purpose and scope

Key responsibilities

• Provide first class direct and responsive support to the CEO, president and chair of the board of trustees including efficient co-ordination and management of the diary, mail, meetings, travel, accommodation, preparation of agendas, collating information, organisation, and recording meetings as required.
• External-facing activity
  • assess enquiries directed to the president, CEO and chair of the board of trustees, triaging these in terms of importance, risk and determining any necessary delegation to senior officers and/or executive directors
  • when appropriate, communicate in writing, by email, over the phone and in person with senior stakeholders
  • develop and maintain key relationships with counterparts in other medical royal colleges and the wider healthcare network, including membership of networking groups, in order to support key CEO and presidential stakeholder relationships.
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• Internal-facing activity
  • manage the activity of the executive office
  • work with senior levels of our clients governance including the PRCP, CEO, senior officers, college officers and executive leadership to ensure effective communication and flow of work and to promote collaborative working across all areas of the college to maintain quality in the delivery organisational objectives
  • work closely with internal colleagues to coordinate, plan and deliver major corporate events.

About you

You are a motivated and enthusiastic individual with significant experience of providing first class executive support to senior position-holders within a similar organisation. You will be comfortable working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, capable of establishing strong working relationships with individuals working in any part of the organisation and confident making evidence-based decisions whilst respecting the boundaries of your role.

You will have the opportunity to be involved in some of the most interesting work of the college.

For more information about the role and our client, please view the role description attachment at the bottom of this page. 

Closing date: 11th January 2026

Shortlist date: 12th January 2026

Interview date: 19th January 2026