We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Deputy Chief Executive to join our Senior Leadership Team. This pivotal role will work closely with our Chief Executive to ensure our internal governance, planning, and systems are robust and future-ready.
About CAN (Community Action Network):
CAN is a respected local infrastructure charity proudly holding the NAVCA Quality Award. We are a membership-led organisation committed to strengthening Dorset’s voluntary and community sector. Our mission is to serve and champion local charities and community groups, helping to build strong, healthy, diverse, and thriving communities.
We hold two national quality assurance awards and our work is underpinned by NAVCA’s four functions of a Local Infrastructure Charity:
- Leadership and advocacy
- Partnerships and collaboration
- Capacity building
- Volunteering
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight across the organisation.
- Drive performance by setting clear expectations and evaluating outcomes.
- Contribute to the delivery of our strategic plan, Action With Heart, aligning with our vision, mission, and values.
- Act as a key ambassador and representative for CAN, deputising for the Chief Executive as required.
- Collaborate with the Senior Leadership Team to identify and secure new income streams, strengthening our financial sustainability
About You:
You are an experienced leader with a passion for the voluntary and community sector. You bring:
- Proven experience in strategic planning, governance, and performance management.
- Strong financial acumen and a track record of income generation.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- A collaborative and values-driven approach to leadership.
Why Join Us?
At CAN, you’ll be part of a dynamic team making a real difference in Dorset. We offer a supportive and flexible working environment, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to shape the future of a vital local charity.
We offer a competitive salary and great benefits, including contributory pension scheme, 25 days holiday (pro-rata) plus all bank holidays, season train ticket loan, flexible working and much more.
For an informal discussion, please contact Karen Loftus CEO
Available documents on our website
- Strategic Plan 2025 – 2026
- CAN our values
- Deputy Chief Executive Job description and person specification
- Application form
How to apply
Please download and complete our CAN application form from our website and return it to via email by 5:00pm, Monday 18th August.
It is not our policy to accept CV’s. If you have any problems completing your application, please call or email (details on our website).
Closing date: 18th August 2025 (5pm)
Interviews: On Teams 28th August 2025
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Action for Refugees in Lewisham (AFRIL) is seeking our next Executive Director to lead our small, dynamic charity. You will be joining an impactful local organisation at a crucial time in our development. Since 2021 we have grown significantly and sustainably, developing new services based on client needs. You will be leading a highly competent and passionate team who are community minded and experts in their fields.
The Executive Director has overall responsibility for the day-to-day management of the charity, including finance and fundraising, as well as supporting the development and delivery of services. They will work with four experienced project leads to deliver and develop our core services: Casework and Advocacy Service, Rainbow Club Supplementary School, Destitution Service and Food Bank, and our Allotment of Refuge, as well as our Policy and external influencing work led by our Deputy Director for Casework and Policy.
We are seeking to appoint an exceptional candidate who can balance the demands of strategic leadership with the operational execution and development of our services and policy work. We are seeking someone with a high level of operational skill and accountability in operational management and governance. You will be responsible for the central services of the charity including finance, fundraising, legal, HR and communications. We are looking for a thoughtful leader who is passionate about staff and volunteer support. You should have experience and understanding of small charities and the external context within which we operate.
About us:
Founded in 2004, AFRIL supports refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants to lift themselves out of poverty, assert their rights, and rebuild their lives in the heart of our community. We provide both crisis support to meet immediate need, and longer-term, flexible programmes to tackle the underlying issues that result in poverty. We engage in policy and legal interventions to affect change. Our work is grounded in the values of professionalism, inclusivity, and solidarity, and our approach to service delivery is one of co-production and empowerment. We work with partners locally and nationally to deliver high quality services and advocacy.
Our Services:
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Casework and Advocacy – AQS and IAA accredited advice, casework and legal interventions in housing and homelessness, complex welfare rights, community care, asylum support, immigration, access to education and employment, healthcare and related matters.
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Destitution Project - supporting families to overcome extreme food poverty through regular food vouchers, fresh culturally appropriate food, toiletries, and essential household items plus small grants and a free café.
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Rainbow Club Saturday School - improving educational attainment, wellbeing, confidence and self-esteem, and raising the aspirations of disadvantaged primary age children.
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Allotment of Refuge - a welcoming and integrated community of food growers improving the health, wellbeing and healthy food access of children and adults seeking sanctuary in Lewisham.
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Immigration Project in partnership with Southwark Law Centre - free legal advice and representation to support families to regularise their UK immigration status in the UK.
In addition, we hold a monthly Members Forum, and use the evidence from our frontline work together with the testimony of our members to influence improved policy and practice.
AFRIL is currently in a good position, with the several long-term grants and statutory funding secured, and good relationships with community and individual donors. The Executive Director position represents an exciting opportunity to work with a passionate and highly competent team and the wider community to bring about real, positive change for vulnerable migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees in South East London.
AFRIL is an equal opportunities employer. We are a diverse staff team and particularly encourage applications from BAME candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates and those with lived experience of asylum/irregular migration. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support our staff to flourish.
We are proud to be a member of the Experts by Experience Employment Network which aims to increase representation of people with lived experience in the charitable sector. Please feel free to use their information and resources which may help in preparing your job application.
Please read full Job Description and Person Specification. Applications will only be accepted through CharityJob - please submit a CV and cover letter (no more than 2 sides of A4) detailing how you meet the person specification.
Registered Charity
11 - 20
We support asylum seekers, refugees and vulnerable migrants to lift themselves out of poverty and rebuild their lives in the heart of our community.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.