Board trustees jobs

Head of Finance

Location: Hybrid, a mixture of remote working and office-based at Solar House, 3rd Floor, 1-9 Romford Rd, London, E15 4LJ.   
Hours: 3 or 4 days a week, negotiable

Salary:  Up to £62,500 (pro rata) 

Closing date of advert: 20 July 2026

Interview Dates:  TBC

Our mission at School-Home Support is simple. We get children and young people back in school, ready to learn, whatever it takes. Every role in our organisation helps make that happen.

We are looking for a Head of Finance to act as our financial conscience and strategic navigator. 

As the Head of Finance, you will provide strategic financial leadership while ensuring our day-to-day operations are exceptionally robust.  You will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer, line-manage a Senior Finance Manager, as well as working closely with our Board of Trustees.

In this role, you will be expected to serve as the organisation's financial conscience, ensuring absolute transparency, integrity, and strict adherence to UK fundraising regulations. Looking ahead, you will also play a key role in analysing commercial opportunities to drive new business growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Stewardship: Manage general ledgers, reserves, budgeting, and long-term financial modelling.
• Governance & Trustees: Work closely with the Board, Finance Committee, and Remuneration Committee.
• Compliance & Legal: Ensure complete adherence to HMRC, Charity Commission, and Charities SORP requirements.
• Risk Management: Maintain and update the Risk Register to protect charity assets.
• New Business & Commercial Growth: Provide costings and commercial modelling for new tenders and products.
• Team Leadership: Oversee the internal finance team and third-party payroll providers.
• About You
• Qualifications: You are a fully qualified CCAB or CIMA accountant with extensive post-qualification experience.
• Sector Knowledge: You have a proven track record in a senior charity finance role managing statutory accounts over full year cycles.
• Regulatory Expertise: You fully understand UK fundraising regulations, charity governance, and company law.
• Commercial Mindset: You can confidently support non-finance departments with commercial analysis to secure new contracts.
• Systems Experience: Experience with Sage and Salesforce is highly desirable 

What We Offer
We really value modern workplace flexibility. This permanent role is offered as a 3 or 4 days per week part-time position, with a hybrid working pattern split between remote work and our office in Stratford, London.

We actively support staff wellbeing and champion a safe, diverse culture where everyone can be themselves. Here is what we offer our team:

• Employee Assistance Programme, providing confidential support for you and your family
• Life assurance for added financial security
• Pension scheme
• A structured induction and ongoing professional development
• A supportive and collaborative team environment where your experience and ideas are valued
• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives of children, young people and families

Applications are reviewed continually, and we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date, so early applications are strongly encouraged. 

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community. 

School-Home Support takes the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children very seriously, and is committed to ensuring that our safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice. Our safeguarding policy recognises that the welfare and interests of children are paramount in all circumstances.

All roles at SHS are subject to a DBS check at the level appropriate to the role.

This is a rare opportunity to lead one of Yorkshire’s most respected community foundations and help shape the future of giving across Calderdale.

For over 35 years, Community Foundation for Calderdale (CFFC) has connected people who care with causes that matter. We believe local generosity has the power to transform lives, strengthen communities and create opportunities for everyone to thrive.

As an independent charitable funder, we work with individuals, families, businesses and organisations to invest in local charities and community groups tackling some of Calderdale’s biggest challenges. Every year, we distribute more than £2 million in grants to support people and places across the borough. At the same time, we are building our permanent endowment, creating a lasting legacy that will continue supporting local communities for generations to come.

This is what makes CFFC unique. We do not just make a difference today. We create a legacy that will benefit Calderdale in perpetuity.

Following many years of successful leadership from our current Chief Executive Officer, we are seeking an exceptional leader to build on this strong foundation and lead CFFC into its next chapter.

About the role

Reporting to the Board of Trustees, you will provide strategic and operational leadership, ensuring CFFC continues to grow its impact, strengthen partnerships and inspire philanthropy across Calderdale.

You will lead and develop a committed staff team, work closely with Trustees, build trusted relationships with donors, businesses, professional advisers, charities and public sector partners, and ensure the organisation remains financially sustainable, well-governed and ambitious for the future.

You will also act as CFFC’s public ambassador, representing the organisation across Calderdale and beyond, while championing the importance of local giving and community investment.

About you

We are looking for an inspiring and collaborative leader with significant senior leadership experience and the ability to build confidence and credibility with a wide range of stakeholders.

You will demonstrate:

Proven strategic leadership and organisational management experience.

Experience of developing successful partnerships, fundraising, income generation or business development.

Strong financial and governance awareness.

Excellent relationship-building, communication and influencing skills.

Experience of leading and developing high-performing teams.

A genuine commitment to community impact and the values of the voluntary sector.

You may come from a community foundation, charitable trust, grant-making organisation, charity, public sector, social enterprise or a commercial organisation with a strong social purpose.

What we offer

Salary in excess of £60,000, dependent on experience.

Permanent, full-time position.

Flexible and hybrid working, with a regular presence required in Calderdale.

20 days annual leave plus bank holidays, additional Easter Tuesday leave and office closure over the Christmas period, rising to 25 days after five years’ service.

Employer pension contribution, with details available in the candidate information pack.

The opportunity to lead a respected local foundation with a strong legacy, deep local relationships and ambitious plans for the future.

Closing date: 31 July 2026

First round interviews: Week commencing 17 August 2026

Second round interviews: Week commencing 24 August 2026

CFFC is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are happy to discuss any adjustments candidates may need during the recruitment process.

If you are an ambitious leader who wants to build on a strong legacy, inspire local philanthropy and help create lasting change for communities across Calderdale, we would love to hear from you.

Role purpose

The Head of Finance is a key member of the Charity’s senior management team, working closely with the chief executive, directors, and trustees. The head of finance will lead the day-to-day financial operations of the Charity, including budgeting, reporting, audit, payroll, and pensions. Managing the finance manager and management accountant, the Head of Finance will ensure the effective running of the finance department and smooth day-to-day processes. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, you will be a key advisor on strategic financial decisions, balancing meticulous operational control with strategic planning.

As the Head of Finance, you will:

• Proactively contribute to the development and delivery of the Charity’s strategy through developing long-term financial planning to underpin our objectives.
• Act as senior finance business partner to the senior leadership team, supporting strategic and operational decision-making.
• Lead on the annual audit and production of statutory accounts, ensuring effective management of the audit process.
• Support the rest of the Charity team to become financially informed and comfortable understanding financial performance, control, and accountability.

Main responsibilities

Financial controls, reporting, and operational finance

• Lead the finance function of the Charity, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant financial management and reporting.
• Ensure that appropriately robust internal financial and operational controls are in place.
• Ensure that our unrestricted and restricted funds and accounting records are maintained in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements and best practice.
• Ensure timely and accurate monthly management accounts and other reports are produced by the finance team and distributed to members of the senior management team, encouraging ownership of departmental budgets.
• Manage and oversee accounts receivable and payable, ensuring strong cash management.
• Ensure all banking facilities, financial systems, and internal processes function to a high standard and enable the Charity to carry out its transactional and operational financial functions.
• Lead financial risk identification and mitigation, working closely with the chief executive and leadership team, and reporting to the board of trustees.

Financial administration and governance

• Manage the production of statutory accounts in line with the Charity SORP and lead the annual external audit process.
• Oversee our tax affairs, including PAYE, national insurance, corporation tax, VAT, and gift aid.
• Responsible for our payroll and pensions functions.
• Maintain and continuously improve financial policies, procedures, and controls, working closely with the fundraising and operations teams to ensure organisational efficiency.
• Identify and escalate financial risks to the chief executive and board
• Line manage and support the management accountant and finance manager, ensuring professional development and high-quality output.

Person specification

Knowledge and experience

We are looking for candidates with demonstrable strategic financial leadership spanning organisational planning, budgeting, risk, and reporting. You will have:

• You must be a fully qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA, OR CIMA)
• Excellent knowledge of charity financial management, SORP, and audit is essential.
• Experience of effective budget setting and implementing controls and processes to manage and monitoring budgets
• Firm understanding of risk management
• Experience of improving policies and processes in comparable organisations
• Success in delivering increased cost effectiveness
• Evidence of building financial impact and performance metrics and reporting
• Understanding of the requirements of legislation, Charity Commission and professional body guidance on a being a well-run and financially accountable Charity
• Considerable experience of management and development of staff

Skills, abilities, and behaviours

• A strategic thinker with the ability to see the bigger picture and make decisions in line with the charity’s needs as part of a team
• Strong change management skills with experience of managing teams through change
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to interpret and communicate financial information to a non-specialist audience
• Strong organisational development skills, able to identify and act on opportunities to drive performance in business
• Experience of the charity or not-for-profit environment (this could be gained as a trustee) preferably with some understanding of charity funding and investment management
• Collaborative working style with excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Resilient with a flexible, creative and solutions-focused approach to problem-solving

This is an exciting opportunity for a new Chief Executive Officer to lead our well-respected rare disease patient organisation through the next phase of growth and impact, in particular focussing on financial sustainability and influencing health policy for these rare diseases.These sit alongside the other grass-roots duties of a small charity CEO, including working with our Medical Advisory Team to develop new and maintain existing patient education resources, and overseeing our support services including volunteers and a professional psychological counselling service. Reporting to and working with the Board of Trustees, the CEO will be responsible for delivering our 2027-2030 Strategic Plan, ensuring robust governance, and driving forward our mission to improve the lives of people affected by rare diseases.The CEO manages the part-time Executive Administrator and works with up to 30 current volunteers (patients, carers, and health professionals) to deliver services with impact.This role includes occasional weekend work, as well as approximately 15 days travel (national and international) per year to represent and advocate for the charities’ beneficiaries. 

Help us make sure no one living with nystagmus ever feels alone. We're looking for a Chief Executive who can turn a trusted, growing charity into a fundraising and communications powerhouse.

The Nystagmus Network is a small charity with an excellent reputation. For forty years, we've been the voice people turn to when they need it most. Whether that's a parent whose child has just been diagnosed, an adult navigating a new condition, or a clinician looking for a research partner with expertise in patient involvement. We've built that trust one relationship at a time, and now we're ready to grow it into something bigger.

We need a Chief Executive who sees fundraising at the heart of the charity, and as storytelling with a purpose. If you thrive on walking into a room with a funder and leaving with a partnership, you're the person for us. Securing significant income through trust and statutory bids sits at the heart of this role, and so does the expertise in demonstrating impact. Sharp, compelling reporting that shows funders and supporters exactly what their money makes possible.

We're looking for someone who can shape a communications and brand presence that matches the strength of our reputation, someone with experience in setting direction for external-facing content, comfortable working with fractional expertise to keep our voice consistent and professional, and just as comfortable being the face of that voice themselves. You'll be equally at home talking research priorities with an ophthalmologist as you are meeting a family with an unexpected diagnosis.

This is a hands-on role in a lean, ambitious organisation. You'll hold real responsibility for strategy, governance and our external profile, working closely with a supportive Board of Trustees, but you'll also be close enough to the work to take ownership of the insight and data that prove it's working. We want to hear from you if the idea of taking real ownership of all aspects of running a charity appeals to you, if you are a self starter with the skills to manage a wide range of projects and ideas.

You do not need to have been a Chief Executive before. What you do need is real sector experience, credibility with funders and trustees, and the drive to turn ambition into a deliverable plan. We particularly welcome applications from people with personal experience of nystagmus or other eye conditions.

If you can bring both the strategic weight and the storytelling instinct this next chapter needs, we would love to hear from you.

Part-time · 3 days per week · 12-month fixed-term contract · £44,000-48,000 per annum, depending on experience (pro rata) · Remote, with periodic in-person meetings

Do you believe in the power of communities to shape change?
OCVA is seeking a values-driven Chief Executive to inspire, connect and champion Oxfordshire’s community and voluntary sector.

This is an opportunity to lead a respected local infrastructure organisation at the heart of Oxfordshire’s voluntary and community sector. As Chief Executive of OCVA, you will work alongside a committed Board and a small, passionate team to support charities and community groups, promote and champion volunteering, influence local systems, and ensure the sector’s voice is heard.

You will balance strategic leadership with strong relationships. This includes working closely with local councils, funders and partners, while staying grounded in the realities faced by community organisations. 

We are looking for someone who shares our values, understands the voluntary and community sector, and is motivated by making a meaningful difference. The role is as much about listening, collaboration and trust as it is about income, sustainability and delivery. If our mission resonates and you bring curiosity, integrity and a commitment to inclusive leadership to all that you do then we would love to hear from you.

For over 30 years, RASASC has provided specialist, trauma-informed support to survivors of rape, sexual violence and childhood sexual abuse across Cheshire and Merseyside. 

As Managing Director, you will provide strategic and operational leadership, working closely with our Board of Trustees, staff team, funders, commissioners and partners to ensure RASASC continues to deliver high-quality, survivor-centred services while building a sustainable future.

The opportunity:

• Shape and deliver RASASC’s strategy, growth plans and future direction
• Lead and inspire a committed team, creating a culture of excellence, collaboration and learning
• Ensure strong governance, financial sustainability and organisational resilience
• Develop relationships with funders, commissioners, partners and stakeholders
• Champion survivor voices and influence the wider sexual violence support sector
• Drive innovation, service improvement and long-term impact

We are looking for an experienced senior leader who can demonstrate:

• Strategic leadership experience within the charity, public, voluntary or social purpose sector
• A strong track record of managing budgets, resources and organisational performance
• Experience working with Boards, Trustees or Non-Executive Directors
• Success in securing funding through grants, contracts, tenders or partnerships
• The ability to lead people, manage change and build effective relationships
• A commitment to equality, inclusion, safeguarding and survivor-centred practice

This is a rare opportunity to lead a respected organisation with a powerful mission — ensuring survivors of sexual violence receive the support, advocacy and voice they deserve.If you are an ambitious, compassionate and strategic leader who wants to create lasting change, we would love to hear from you.

As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will help shape the strategic direction and future growth of TCVS, working closely with the Chief Executive, Board of Trustees and senior colleagues to deliver our organisational ambitions.

You will:

• Provide strategic leadership across all corporate services, including HR, Finance, IT, Facilities, Health & Safety, Compliance, Administration and Organisational Systems.
• Ensure operational systems, policies and processes are efficient, compliant, scalable and support organisational excellence.
• Lead organisational development, workforce planning and continuous improvement, fostering a high-performing, inclusive and values-led culture.
• Oversee governance, risk management, business continuity and regulatory compliance, supporting the Board to deliver effective governance.
• Monitor organisational performance, ensuring delivery against strategic priorities and organisational objectives.
• Drive digital transformation and innovation, embedding technology and systems that improve efficiency, data quality and organisational learning.
• Support the long-term financial sustainability of TCVS by developing earned income opportunities, partnerships and trading activities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with trustees, partners, funders, tenants and key stakeholders, representing TCVS across Thurrock and South West Essex.
• Contribute to organisational resilience, growth and future expansion through effective leadership, planning and decision-making.
• Deputise for the Chief Executive as required and provide leadership across the organisation.

You will also champion equality, diversity and inclusion, promote staff wellbeing and professional development, participate in the on-call rota, and undertake other responsibilities appropriate to this senior leadership role.

This role will play a pivotal role in supporting Galop to achieve its mission to support LGBT+ victims and survivors of abuse and violence in the UK. You will work alongside another Executive Assistant to provide administrative and project support to the Co-CEOs, as well as supporting the Chair of the Board, Trustees, and Senior Leadership Team as needed. You will work closely with Galop’s Co-CEOs and the wider senior team to ensure the efficient and effective running of the executive office. You will proactively manage both internal and external demands, as well as supporting the Co-CEOs with some of their key projects, such as implementation of the strategy, high-level fundraising and culture development. 

This is a remote role, with the ideal candidate being available in person in central London on an ad hoc basis. This position is part-time and we are open for this role to be undertaken in either 3 or 4 days per week, and can show flexibility with working hours.

Your duties will include: 

Executive Support & Office Management 

• Support the Co-CEOs in all aspects of their roles, including strategic inbox and diary management, workload management, coordinating and minuting meetings, ensuring they are fully briefed, and tracking action points for the Co-CEOs and Senior Leadership Team.  
• Act as an effective gatekeeper to the Co-CEOs.  
• Ensure electronic files and systems are kept up to date and effective.  
• Undertake general administrative duties for the Executive Office as required.  
• Support the wider Senior Leadership Team as required.  
• Undertake any other reasonable duties as required.  

Governance & Board Administration 

• Work closely with the Co-CEOs and Board on the organisation's governance requirements, including compiling Board and Sub-Committee papers, maintaining minutes, and managing governance documentation.  
• Coordinate Board and Sub-Committee meetings, including preparing agendas, information packs, Co-CEO reports, and taking accurate minutes.  

Strategic Planning, Projects & Performance 

• Create and maintain systems to monitor operational work against strategic objectives, ensuring regular reporting of organisational KPIs and departmental operational plans.  
• Undertake research and project management related to the Co-CEOs' programmes and activities, producing briefings, summaries, and leading projects where required.  

Stakeholder Engagement & Communications 

• Serve as a key point of contact for the Co-CEOs and Senior Leadership Team, managing internal and external enquiries professionally and liaising with corporate, political, media, non-governmental, and other stakeholders.
• Represent the Co-CEOs internally and externally as required.  

Professional Standards 

• Always maintain the highest levels of confidentiality. 
• And any other duty as required.

Please download the job description attached for further information about the role. 

Closing date is Wednesday 15 July, 10am.

This is an exciting opportunity for a values-led and dynamic leader to become CEO of Rochdale and District Mind and guide us in our mission to make a positive impact on the mental health and well-being of our communities.

About us

Rochdale and District Mind is an independent mental health charity that supports people facing mental health and wellbeing challenges. A part of the national Mind Federation and the Mind in Greater Manchester partnership, our goal is to ensure that individuals do not face mental health issues alone and can live free from stigma and discrimination.

About the role

This role offers an excellent opportunity for an empathetic leader to shape our strategy and cultivate a culture of continuous learning, inclusion, and support, fostering a spirit of celebration for achievements across all teams.

Your leadership will both shape our strategic vision and deliver our operational plans, ensuring robust governance and championing diversity and inclusivity. You will also spearhead the efficient, effective, and safe management of our organisation, in line with our mission, strategy and values.

Committed to mental health advocacy, you will elevate our impact for service users through meaningful co-production of services and by your ability to build effective relationships with partners and commissioners.

Collaborating closely with our dedicated Board of Trustees and experienced Senior Leadership team, you will oversee resource management, finances, and operations, upholding the highest standards throughout and ensuring our growth and long term sustainability.

About you

• Experienced as a CEO/senior leader in a similar sized (or larger) voluntary organisation or an organisation delivering services into the sector or working closely with the voluntary sector.
• Passionate about our mission of ensuring that people do not face mental health and emotional wellbeing issues alone and are free from stigma and discrimination.
• Demonstrable experience as a values-led, resilient and people-centred leader.
• Experience of supporting teams through change.
• Strong financial acumen, able to develop and monitor/evaluate financial plans, budgets management accounts etc.
• Experience of building a culture that promotes continuous learning, inclusion, collaboration, and accountability.
• Proven track record of successful business development/fundraising.
• Able to balance strategic oversight with operational grip.
• Experience of the demands of governance and compliance, including working with Boards of Trustees/NEDs.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills.

Understanding of challenges affecting the voluntary sector.

Benefits:

• Auto-enrolment Pension scheme with 3% contribution from the organisation
• Opportunities for hybrid working after an initial embedding period
• Training and development opportunities
• Our commitment to providing wellbeing opportunities in support of staff, including an Employee Assistance Programme

How to apply

Eastside People is supporting Rochdale and District Mind in the recruitment for this role. Please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter. You are welcome to send your cover letter in writing, or as a video or audio clip, alongside your CV.

Please respond to the following areas in your cover letter:

• Your familiarity with mental health and wellbeing challenges and how this resonates for you
• Your experience/knowledge in relation to the Person Specification.

Please note that we will focus on your demonstrable experience and potential in the areas listed under the Person Specification and do not expect candidates to have experience in all responsibilities outlined in the Job Description.

We would discourage you from deselecting yourself if you are in doubt about meeting all the criteria.

The closing date for applications is noon on Monday July 27 2026, and our candidate assessment schedule is anticipated as follows:

• Eastside People longlisting interviews will be held throughout the advertising phase up to and immediately after the above closing date – online
• First Interviews with Rochdale and District Mind will be held on Friday August 7 or August 14 in-person at their offices
• Final interviews with the Board are planned for Friday August 14 or, week commencing August 24 2026 - online

We would like to encourage candidates to apply early for the role where possible.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. If you have a disability or require reasonable adjustments during the application/interview process, please contact us so we can support you appropriately.

REF-229 627

Salary: circa £60k, pro rata for part time

Sobus is seeking an experienced Transformation Lead to guide a strategic review and organisational transformation programme during a pivotal period of change. Working directly with the Board of Trustees, you will assess future options, develop a sustainable operating model, strengthen partnerships, and create a clear roadmap for the organisation's future.

We're looking for someone with:

• Significant senior leadership and change management experience
• A proven track record of organisational transformation
• Strong strategic, financial and stakeholder management skills
• Experience developing sustainable business and operating models
• The ability to lead confidently through change and and uncertainty

Important Contract Information

This is a specific, time-limited transformation role with defined deliverables. While a short extension may be considered if required, there is no expectation that the successful candidate will remain employed by Sobus beyond the end of the contract. The role is being recruited to deliver a transformation programme, not to fill a permanent position.

To apply, please send your CV and covering letter setting out how you meet the person specifications for this role our CEO, Sue Spiller.

Sobus welcomes applications from all backgrounds and is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion

About Us

Are you looking for a job where you can make a difference to a local community? Chinnor Village Centre aims to be the welcoming hub of the village and local area, bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds by providing a place to meet and services aimed at ending social isolation. 

About The Role

The Centre Manager will oversee the day to day running of centre, making sure we have a safe and welcoming environment. Working with Trustees, you will play a key part in bringing about change at the Centre to ensure its future sustainability and place at the heart of the Chinnor and surrounding villages. This includes seeking out and securing funding opportunities to increase income and providing leadership to our small staff team. Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do and the Centre Manager will need to promote the Centre as a great place to volunteer. 

Key responsibilites:

• Ensuring appropriate policies and protocols are in place.
• Overseeing a programme of works for the refurbishment and updating of the Centre.
• Line manage our 7 staff.
• Produce financial reports and plans, working with our Treasurer and Bookkeeper.
• Identify and lead the application process for grants and funding.
• Provide governance and admin support to the Board of Trustees.

The post is offered at £35,000 to £38,000 fte per year (actual up to £30,400 for 30 hours per week). Other benefits include 25 days holiday per year pro rata and a workplace pension scheme. The postholder will need to be on site for the majority of time. 

The Centre Manager role is a varied one, with no day the same. If you enjoy working with people and are able to ensure the busines aspects of our charity run efficeintly then we would love to hear from you. 

We're looking for a Strategic Operations Manager to lead RSPCA Warrington, Halton and St Helens, taking full day-to-day responsibility for the branch and reporting directly to our board of trustees.

This is an exciting time to join us, as we take steps to secure the future of our branch. 

Our current team is small but dedicated, with an established Management Team who oversee our kennel and cattery facility, a foster network and rehoming programme, a dedicated staff animal care team and volunteer programme, and income generation.

This work can be emotionally demanding, both for the team and for anyone leading it, and we're looking for someone who can support people through that while keeping the branch moving towards its goals.

We want to hear from people who are ready to take on full operational responsibility for a charity at an important point in its development, and who can bring both the financial and people skills to help us get there.

The full role profile is attached to this listing, with a complete breakdown of responsibilities and the person specification. In summary, we're looking for someone with:

• A track record of leading and managing teams through change, with experience of income generation, budget management and financial reporting
• Line management experience, including performance review and development, and the confidence to handle difficult conversations with care and consistency
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust quickly, ideally backed by experience in animal welfare, the charity sector, a federated charity structure, and/or reporting to a board of trustees
• An empathetic, decisive and commercially minded approach to leadership, with the resilience to support a team through emotionally demanding work

We welcome applications from candidates looking to take a step up in their career, where the right attitude and clear potential are evident.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV along with a cover letter setting out the skills, experience and behaviours that make you a strong fit for this role, and answer a short set of eligibility questions as part of your application.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview which will include a short presentation based on a brief provided in advance.
We anticipate interviews will take place WC 31st August and/or WC 7th September 2026. Please indicate in your application if you do not have availability during these weeks. 

What We Offer

• Excellent remuneration package
• Full uniform and job-related equipment
• 28 days annual leave
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Full time or four days per week considered
• Up to one day per week working from home
• A supportive and engaged board with clear delegation and decision-making parameters
• A talented and committed team ready for strong leadership
• Genuine scope to shape the direction of the organisation at a pivotal moment
• A meaningful mission with real impact across Warrington, Halton and St Helens

Who We Are

The Race Equality Foundation is a national charity working to tackle systemic racism and create the conditions for everyone to live healthy, secure and fulfilling lives and we are looking to appoint a Head of Operations. 

We combine evidence, co-production and practical action to address the root causes of racial inequality. Our work focuses not only on identifying inequality, but on challenging the structural racism, discrimination and unequal distribution of power that drive them. We work alongside communities, practitioners, policymakers and institutions to develop evidence-informed solutions that improve services, strengthen communities and promote racial justice.

Today, our work spans health and care, employment, housing and community wellbeing. Through partnerships, research, training and policy influence, we continue to demonstrate what meaningful anti-racist systems change can look like in practice. 

We are based in London but have a national remit.

Job description

We are entering a period of organisational growth and staff restructure, and the Head of Operations will be a new post at REF. The postholder will be ready to get stuck in, helping us to identify and address operational challenges before they become problems and reduce unnecessary demands on managers and senior leaders. We are looking for an effective communicator to ensure that people, systems, and resources support the Foundation's mission and enable staff to do their best work. We are not looking for someone who believes every challenge requires a new process. We are looking for someone who can exercise sound judgement, introduce structure where it adds value and help create the conditions in which staff and managers can focus on delivering impact. 

The postholder will be expected to bring a strong commitment to anti-racism, equity and inclusion in the way they approach organisational development and operational leadership. 

See Job Description document for full details of the role and responsibilties.

Person Specification 

Essential 

• Several years' experience in a senior operational, organisational development or business management role in a charity or voluntary sector organisation. 

• Proven track record of driving operational improvements, such as overseeing or changing workflow systems, maintaining good governance and compliance policies, or implementing strong CRM systems. 

• Proven track record of managing HR procedures, demonstrating strong interpersonal and communication skills, and effective people management including maintaining working relationships with colleagues at all levels. 

• Strong ability to balance strategic thinking with operational delivery. 

• Strong understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion and the ability to apply these principles in practice. 

• Experience of working in an environment that requires flexibility, sound judgement and the ability to manage competing priorities. 

• Experience of managing external suppliers, advisers or contractors. 

Desirable 

• Experience of working in a time and resource limited small or start up organisation. 

• Experience of working with boards, trustees or governance structures. 

• Experience of working in an organisation committed to equality, anti-racism or social justice.

• Knowledge of organisational development or change management approaches. 

Pay and Conditions of Service

This post is permanent and full-time.

The annual full-time salary for this role is between £47,911 and £53,890, inclusive of London Weighting. 

There is a probationary period of six months for this post. 

Full-time staff are entitled to 25 days holiday leave per annum with additional days for long service. The timing of holidays must fit in with the needs of the Foundation and must be agreed in advance. In addition to annual holidays there is paid time off for national holidays. 

The post will be based in the London office at Unit 17 Deane House Studios, 27 Greenwood Place, London NW5 1LB. Staff currently work two to three days a week in the office. 

The normal working week is 35 hours for full-time posts, seven hours per day, Monday to Friday. Standard office hours are 9.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m.

Application Process

Applications will only be accepted via the portal on our website. We will require the submission of an application form and a supporting statement. The supporting statement should be 2-3 pages max, 12 point font. We will not accept applications via CV. Candidates invited to interview will be asked to prepare a presentation, details will be shared in advance.

Please note that we are only able to appoint people who are eligible to work in the UK.