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Could you provide the strategic financial, governance and operational leadership that helps Shine thrive?
Shine is seeking an exceptional Director of Finance, Governance & Operations to join our Senior Leadership Team and help shape the future of our national charity.
Working with the Chief Executive and Board of Trustees, you will provide strategic leadership across finance, governance and operations for Shine and its trading subsidiary, ensuring the charity remains financially sustainable, well governed and operationally resilient.
You will be a fully qualified accountant (CCAB-recognised or CIMA) who combines strategic thinking with practical delivery. You will lead financial strategy and planning and provide oversight of governance, organisational risk, people processes, operational infrastructure, information security and business continuity.
You will be supported by specialist staff and external advisers, so you do not need to be the technical specialist in every function.
You will be an excellent communicator and relationship builder, committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and Shine’s aims.
The role is full-time and based at Shine’s Peterborough office. The package includes a £60,000 FTE salary, 30 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays and discretionary paid leave between Christmas and New Year, a 6% employer pension contribution, and the chance to make a lasting difference to people affected by spina bifida and hydrocephalus.
Shine is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the people we support. Candidates must provide evidence of their identity and eligibility to work in the UK.
Shine is a Disability Confident employer and guarantees an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria.
If you would like to discuss the role with our Chief Executive, Kate Steele, please get in touch to arrange a convenient time for a call.
To apply please submit your CV and supporting statement, which should outline your interest and explain how you meet the role criteria.
*Please note applications without a supporting statement will not be accepted*
We understand that you may wish to use AI tools to help you with some aspects of your application, but we do expect tailored applications which are personalised to your experiences and not generic applications which are completely AI generated. We encourage candidates to be transparent about AI usage in their applications.
Providing specialist advice and support for spina bifida and hydrocephalus



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Swansea Women’s Aid is seeking an inspiring, courageous and values-led Chief Executive Officer to lead our specialist women-only domestic abuse charity following the retirement of our current Chief Executive Lynne Sanders MBE after more than 40 years of outstanding service.
Working closely with a well-established Board of Trustees, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across the charity. You will:
- Provide clear, strategic and compassionate leadership.
- Work with Trustees to shape and deliver the charity’s future direction.
- Ensure strong governance, safeguarding, financial sustainability and compliance.
- Represent Swansea Women’s Aid as a credible and influential voice for women and children affected by abuse.
- Identify opportunities for service development, partnership working, fundraising and long-term sustainability.
About you
You will bring significant senior leadership experience together with:
- Strong financial and organisational management skills.
- Understanding of income generation, commissioning and accountability
- Experience of leading people and supporting positive organisational culture.
- The ability to build trusted relationships and effective partnerships.
- A genuine commitment to ending violence against women and children.
Knowledge and experience of the VAWDASV sector, charity governance, commissioning, fundraising and service development would be highly desirable.
You may not have followed a traditional route into senior charity leadership. We are interested in the skills, experience, values and perspective you can bring to Swansea Women’s Aid and its future.
Equality and inclusion
Swansea Women’s Aid welcomes applications from women with the skills, values and lived or professional understanding needed to lead a specialist service.
This post is open to women only. Swansea Women’s Aid considers that being a woman is an occupational requirement for this post under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Finance Director, Ark UK Programmes
About The Role
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We are looking for a strategic finance professional to join the senior leadership team of Ark UK Programmes and support the sustainable growth and development of our traded programmes. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with strong commercial experience who is passionate about our mission and motivated by how different funding models and blended finance can enable us to create social impact at scale.
Within this role you will work closely with the Group Finance team, which is responsible for all the group financial processing and reporting, and supported by a group financial controller. We are looking for someone who will bring a firm understanding of the drivers of income and expenditure to support effective decision making across our programmes, ensuring that financial sustainability and mission impact are considered together and influence every part of the organisational strategy. The Finance Director will own all the financial modelling underpinning this, managing forecasting and budgeting, and providing rapid and reliable assessments of the financial impact of business decisions.
This role requires a curious and commercially minded approach, using a strong grasp of the economics of our ventures to identify risks and opportunities and deepen organisational understanding of key metrics such as subscription renewals. Working closely with the Group Finance team, the Finance Director will ensure management reports provide an accurate view of performance and will oversee spend and income risks, ensuring corrective action is taken where needed. The role will also work closely with the Managing Director to develop new ventures, ensuring their underlying economics are sound.
Reporting directly into the Managing Director of Ark UK Programmes, this role will also have dotted line reporting into the Group CFO who oversees all Ark’s financial activity, to ensure consistency and management of risk throughout the Ark Group.
The Finance Director will report into Managing Director, Ark UK Programmes. This role is currently operating hybrid working in our West London Office on a permanent basis working full time.
1st round interviews will be taking place in person on Wednesday 21st October 2026 with 2nd round interviews taking place in person w/c 2nd November 2026.
Key Responsibilities:
Key Requirements:
- The financial performance of Ark UK Programmes, highlighting risks and issues to the Managing Director to ensure effective commercial decisions are promptly made
- Developing the strategic plans for Ark UK Programmes including forecasting and budgeting
- Developing a fully auditable, flexible financial model able to provide rapid and reliable answers about the impact of different decisions on the financial performance
- Working with the Managing Director and product strategy team on developing new ventures, conducting robust financial analysis to support decision making and fundraising applications
- Working with the Group Finance Business Partner responsible for Ark UK Programmes to obtain relevant and accurate monthly Management Accounts in a format that supports sound financial management
- Present Management Accounts to the Ark UK Programmes senior leadership team
- Responsible for compiling and presenting the quarterly report to the AC+ Programme Board
- Work with the Group FD, FC and group finance team in making sure financial processes are efficient, processing is accurate, and that we make the most of the use of available technology
- Work with the Managing Director of Ark UK Programmes to develop a fully auditable flexible financial model able to be interrogated to provide financial insights into the impact of different decisions on the financial performance and long-term sustainability of the ventures, and to use this to advise on proposed changes such as pricing, contractual terms and programme structures
- As part of the senior leadership team, contribute to organisational direction and priorities that maximise long-term impact, ensuring financial sustainability is central to decision making
- Right to work in the UK
- Professional Accounting Qualification, with a preference towards CIMA
- Educated to degree level or equivalent
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a senior finance role in complex organisations or start ups
- Understanding the importance of strong financial modelling and experience building and interrogating models
- Strong commercial management and project experience, including financial management experience in organisations that depend on trading income in highly competitive markets
- Strong numerical and analytical skills including confidence in analysing large data sets and presenting important findings clearly
- Experience operating at a leadership level, with the ability to work independently and to structure and lead complex projects
- Strong relationship skills with enthusiasm for working in an entrepreneurial environment
- Confident and highly credible with colleagues and stakeholders at all levels
- Able to juggle multiple priorities and enjoy an environment which is constantly changing
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Benefits
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- Our flexible working model offers the best of both worlds, balancing in person collaboration, either in our state of the art West London office or through visits to our schools, with the flexibility of remote working
- In addition to flexible working arrangements, employees can request to work fully remotely for up to 10 working days a year, whether this be in the UK or abroad
- Our flexitime policy allows you to work your hours around our core hours of 10.00 - 16.00, helping you prioritise your work-life balance and personal commitments
- 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays, rising with each year of service up to 30 days after 3-years’ service. This entitlement is pro rata for part time employees. This entitlement excludes bank holidays
- Full office closure between Christmas and New Year
- As an Ark employee, you will have the opportunity to be part of the TPT (The Pension Trust) scheme, our workplace pension scheme where we make an 11% contribution; you are not required to contribute towards this scheme unless you choose to
- Access to high-quality professional learning throughout your career, offering both face-to-face sessions and a bespoke online learning platform
- Access to Ark Rewards scheme offering savings from over 3,000 major retailers, interest-free loans available for season tickets or a bike, gym discounts offering up to 40% off your local gym and free eye tests
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About Us
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Ark Curriculum Plus is a not-for-profit education venture set up by the Ark Multi Academy Trust to improve subject outcomes. We’ve now been going for over ten years, using what we learn in Ark to support over 1,000 schools nationally. Our mission is to empower teachers to give every young person, regardless of their background, the subject knowledge and skills that will allow them to succeed.
We now have subject excellence programmes in English, Maths, Science and Geography, at primary and secondary. A team of subject experts work with partner schools to empower teachers to achieve subject excellence using an ambitious curriculum combined with CPD, teaching and assessment resources.
Our programmes, including Mathematics Mastery and English Mastery, have been shown to have measurable impact in evaluations by the EEF, FFT and The Brilliant Club.
Diversity and inclusion:
We aim to build a diverse and inclusive organisation where everyone – staff and students – can do their best work and achieve their full potential. We want to reflect and represent diverse perspectives across our organisation because we know that doing so will make us stronger and more effective. To know more about Ark’s diversity and inclusion commitments, please click on this link.
Safeguarding statement:
Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. In order to meet this responsibility, its academies follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants.Ark requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check. You are required, before appointment, to disclose any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Non-disclosure may lead to termination of employment. However, disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar you from employment - this will depend upon the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred. To read more about Ark’s safer recruitment process, please click this link.
Please note we will be reviewing applications on an on-going basis and this role may close earlier than advertised depending on the level of response. We strongly encourage to submit your application at your earliest convenience.
Ark works to make sure that all children, regardless of their background, have access to a great education and real choices in life.
Are you an experienced senior manager with a passion for community led regeneration? If so, this is an exceptionally exciting opportunity for a creative, business minded leader to help bring to life the strategic vision for Market House in Penzance and make a significant impact on revitalising Penzance town centre.
About Us
Market House was brought into community ownership in 2022 when it was acquired by The Penzance Regeneration Company CIC ‘PZRC’ to secure its future and play an active part in a revitalised town centre. With capital funding from the Government’s Town Deal Fund, this grade 1 listed building is now being transformed by PZRC to create a street food hall and restaurant.
The vision is to bring Market House back to life as a financially sustainable asset for the town, driving increased footfall and strengthening the food, visitor and evening economies. The street food hall will offer opportunities for innovative local food entrepreneurs to rent a street food kitchen pod, develop and grow their businesses; and the restaurant a place where local young people can gain exceptional levels of hospitality skills.
The Market House will be operated by a wholly owned subsidiary of PZRC, Market House Penzance CIC.
The role
With the Market House construction project due to complete in spring 2027 and the launch planned for the summer, we are looking for our business leader to join us early in the new year 2027 and work with, and report to, the PZRC Chief Operating Officer to get the Market House launch ready.
Longer term, the purpose of this role is primarily to spearhead and support successful delivery of the street food hall. The Market House Business Lead will oversee the operational delivery of the street food hall and in particular work to optimise town centre impact, drive revenue generation and secure targets for financial performance.
Key responsibilities
- Develop and manage implementation of operational business plans for the street food hall to secure delivery in line with PZRC’s strategic goals;
- Secure and manage street food kitchen pod operators. Support their delivery and ensure adherence to the terms and conditions of their occupancy agreements
- Manage and work closely with the Market House bar manager to secure delivery of a commercially successful drinks operation which works as an integral part of the overall Market House offer and supports the success of other elements of the business
- Create and implement an Events and Activities strategy and delivery plan which will entail developing partnerships and working closely with local stakeholders including Penzance BID, Penzance Town Council, and other local events organisations and stakeholders to contribute to securing:
o A cohesive and collaborative approach to town centre events and activities;
o Market House playing a focal role in driving increased local and visitor footfall in the town centre; and
o Market House offering an exciting and attractive draw to local people, local and regional visitors and tourists
- Create and implement a Marketing and Communications strategy and delivery plan to support awareness and engagement across target audiences and successful operational delivery;
- Monitoring and oversight of policies, procedures and regulatory aspects of the business; and
- Monitor delivery vs the operational business plan and financial targets
Personal qualities, experience and skills
- Outgoing, energetic and creative
- A minimum of 5 years senior manager/leadership experience, ideally in hospitality, leisure or retail and with experience of and/or a keen interest and understanding of working with the community;
- A strategic thinker combined with hands on operational capability;
- Financially literate, able to produce financial projections and monitor performance;
- Experience of stakeholder engagement and developing strategic and delivery partnerships;
- Strong analytical and communication skills;
- Strong people management skills; and
- Commitment to the community, social and regeneration aims of PZRC.
Join us in bringing this landmark building back to life as part of a revitalised town centre. If you’re ready to make a real difference in a unique, rewarding and exciting environment we’d love to hear from you.
How to Apply
Please apply with your CV and a cover letter – maximum 2 sides A4 – that sets out your suitability for the role by midnight on 5th October 2026.
- We will only accept applications submitted by email
- No agency responses will be accepted
- This is an on-site role with no opportunity for remote working
Key dates
Closing date Midnight, 5th October 2026
Interviews Week commencing 19th October 2026
We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. Even if you don’t meet every requirement but have relevant experience, we’d love to hear from you.
We are committed to your journey as a candidate and will provide any necessary support throughout the application process. If you require assistance in completing your application, or need the process to be adjusted, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
At 2makeit our vision is to be part of a criminal justice sector in which creativity plays a vital role in reducing the risk of reoffending.
Our mission is to help rehabilitate those with lived experience of the criminal justice sector via mentoring coupled with creative expression through programmes in music, art and writing.
We currently work in 5 prisons - support begins with activities to establish trust and confidence. We aim to develop a trusting relationship with participants to raise their self-esteem and confidence to prepare for release and continued through-the-gate support. In the community we deliver programmes in 5 locations in partnership with the NHS, HM Prison and Probation Service and other charities to improve the life chances for some of the most excluded and vulnerable individuals in society.
As CEO you’ll lead an organisation with a plan for growth: developing new projects in prisons and in the community alongside opportunities to showcase the work of the charity and its beneficiaries.
Position: CEO
Responsible to: Board of Trustees through the Chair of the Board
Location: Remote; SE England
Salary: £45,000–£50,000 per annum
Annual leave: 28 days (not including bank holidays)
Job Purpose
Working closely with the Chair of the Board of Trustees, the Chief Executive will:
- Provide leadership and direction to the organisation in the development and achievement of its vision, mission and values
- Take overall responsibility for implementing the agreed strategies and achieving the business plans of the organisation, by effectively managing and developing the resources available to the organisation
- Represent the organisation externally by building and maintaining strategic relationships with senior prison and probation managers, partners, networks, and other charities.
The post holder will be the lead senior executive with overall responsibility for the operation of the organisation.
How to apply: Click the CharityJob Apply button below. You’ll be asked to submit a CV and answer a few short screening questions about your relevant skills and motivation. In your letter of application please show how your experience and skills match the requirements of the role in the full job description and the essential criteria listed in the person specification.
Interviews will take place on Thursday 29th October in Central London.
Closing date: 16th October 2026
N/A
2makeit helps rehabilitate those with lived experience of the criminal justice sector by using creativity to inspire more positive lives.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Inspiring people and communities to age and live well in later life
Age UK Cornwall & The Isles of Scilly is seeking an exceptional Chief Executive to lead one of Cornwall’s most respected charities into its next chapter.
For more than 50 years, we have worked alongside older people across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, helping people to remain independent, connected and able to enjoy later life with dignity, purpose and confidence.
Today, we support more than 150,000 people each year through services spanning information and advice, transport, hospital and home support, community wellbeing, social connection and initiatives delivered in partnership with health, care and voluntary sector organisations.
Following the planned retirement of our Chief Executive in March 2027, we are looking for an inspiring, collaborative and values-led leader to build on strong foundations and help shape our future.
The opportunity
Our next Chief Executive will inherit a financially stable organisation with an excellent reputation, committed colleagues and volunteers, strong governance and significant reach across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
But this is also a role with considerable opportunity ahead.
Cornwall has an ageing population and the environment in which health, care and voluntary organisations operate continues to change. We want Age UK Cornwall & The Isles of Scilly to be at the forefront of that change - not simply responding to need, but helping to shape how people experience later life across our communities.
You will work with our Board, colleagues, volunteers and partners to develop our strategy, strengthen and diversify our income, continue to evolve our services and increase our influence across the wider health and care system.
You will also build strong relationships across the Age UK network, ensuring that Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly contributes to and benefits from national learning, policy, collaboration and opportunities.
The leader we are seeking
We are looking for a leader who combines strategic vision with the credibility to guide a complex, service‑delivery organisation.
You will empower people to thrive, build leadership capacity and unite colleagues, volunteers and partners behind a shared purpose. You will be comfortable operating beyond organisational boundaries and developing influential relationships across health and social care, local government, commissioners, funders, businesses, communities and the wider voluntary sector.
Commercial awareness and financial acumen will be essential. You will understand what it takes to lead a sustainable organisation, diversify income and demonstrate the impact and value of our work.
Above all, you will share our belief that later life should be a time of opportunity, and that older people should have independence, choice and a meaningful voice in the decisions that affect them.
This is more than an opportunity to lead a successful charity. It is an opportunity to influence how Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly supports its ageing population and to lead an organisation with the reach, relationships and ambition to make a lasting difference.
How to Apply
Download full details in the attached brief.
For a confidential conversation about the opportunity, please contact Anna Jay, Managing Director of Public Leaders Appointments
To apply, please submit your CV together with a covering letter outlining your motivation for applying and how your skills, knowledge and experience equip you for the role.
Please note that applications without a cover letter will not be considered.
Age UK Cornwall & The Isles of Scilly is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from candidates from all backgrounds and communities.
Closing date: Midday, 20 October 2026
Interviews, Stakeholder and Team Panels: 5 / 6 November 2026, Newquay
To apply, please submit your CV together with a covering letter outlining your motivation for applying and how your skills, knowledge and experience equip you for the role.
Please note that applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Applications should quote AGEUK.
Age UK Cornwall & The Isles of Scilly is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from candidates from all backgrounds and communities.
Closing date: Midday, 20 October 2026
Interviews, Stakeholder and Team Panels: 5 / 6 November 2026, Newquay
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
In July 2026, following almost two and a half years of work and nearly two decades as a Faculty, we became the College of Intensive Care Medicine: an independent charity with our own Board of Trustees, governance and voice. Reaching this point has been a significant achievement. Now comes the next chapter: building an organisation that is genuinely independent, financially sustainable and equipped to lead the specialty for the future.
This role sits at the heart of that transformation.
Organisationally, we are creating a College from what was previously a faculty function – establishing our own culture, values, policies, systems and operating model while managing a careful and constructive separation from the Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCoA), our long-standing host and continuing close partner.
Financially, we begin with an established income base, derived predominantly from subscriptions and examinations. The Executive Director will lead the development of a more diverse and resilient financial model, strengthening income and ensuring long-term sustainability without compromising our charitable purpose, governance or commitment to members.
For our people, we need to build our own workforce and operating model while supporting colleagues through a genuine change in employer and organisational identity. This will require clarity, empathy and strong leadership – alongside an unwavering focus on maintaining the services that almost 5,000 members rely on.
THE ROLE
We are therefore looking for an Executive Director who has successfully led organisations through significant transformation; who understands how to build financial sustainability and diversify income; and who can bring people with them through complex and meaningful change.
You will bring the strategic and financial credibility to earn the confidence of our Trustees and partners at the RCoA, alongside the emotional intelligence and collaborative leadership needed to unite staff, members and the wider clinical community behind the College’s future.
This is a rare opportunity to shape a new professional College at the moment of its creation: establishing its identity, culture and operating model while building the foundations for long-term independence and impact.
TIMELINE
Closing date: Monday 19th October 2026
Preliminary interviews: w/c Monday 2nd and 9th November 2026
Final Panel interviews: w/c Monday 7th December 2026
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Executive Director will provide strategic, operational and financial leadership for East London Dance, working in close partnership with the Creative Director & CEO to deliver the organisation’s vision and business plan, strengthening its position as an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation. The role leads people, culture, finance, governance, risk, operations, fundraising and stakeholder engagement, ensuring the organisation remains financially sustainable, well-governed and equipped to deliver high-quality artistic and community programmes.
As a senior ambassador, the Executive Director builds strong relationships with funders, partners, trustees and stakeholders, while fostering an inclusive, collaborative and values-led culture. The role creates the conditions for a thriving team, turning creative ambition into organisational reality and supporting East London Dance’s long-term success.
We’re looking for someone who can help turn our ambition into a sustainable, thriving future – building the relationships and the funding that will carry us forward, and doing it alongside a team that already cares deeply about the organisation.
If you’re someone who loves building things, who knows how to bring people and money together, and who wants to help shape what east London’s cultural life looks like for years to come – we’d love to hear from you.
Job requirements:
Must bring substantial senior leadership experience, ideally Director, Deputy CEO or equivalent level, with evidence of strategic planning, organisational growth and performance management. Must have a proven track record in fundraising, business development and income generation, including securing funding, managing funder relationships and identifying new commercial or partnership opportunities; experience leading high-performing teams, managing change and strengthening organisational culture; strong financial acumen, including understanding budgets, balance sheets and financial decision-making; knowledge of charity governance, safeguarding, health and safety, data protection and risk management frameworks; experience working with Boards of Trustees. Must demonstrate commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, be confident using Microsoft Suite, and have knowledge of ACE funding and reporting requirements.
Job Responsibilities:
Provides strategic, operational and financial leadership with Creative Director & CEO. The role translates the Business Plan into action, leads staff, freelancers and consultants, and develops an inclusive, high-performing culture. Key responsibilities include workforce planning, recruitment, HR compliance, performance management and staff wellbeing. The role oversees organisational systems, administration, IT and the operation of Talent House, including health and safety, compliance, venue hire and stakeholder relationships. They co-lead budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, cash flow monitoring and audit processes, while driving fundraising and income generation across grants, trusts, partnerships, sponsorship and earned income. The role also leads governance, risk management and business continuity planning, supports the Board of Trustees, develops strategic partnerships, represents the organisation externally and strengthens its profile, impact and long-term sustainability.
Apply via the East London Dance Website by Thursday 8 October, 12 Noon
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Harris Hill is delighted to be working with Citizens Advice St Albans District (CASTAD) to recruit its new Chief Executive Officer.
CASTAD provides free, confidential, impartial and independent advice to help people overcome their problems. We campaign on the issues that matter to them when their voices need to be heard.
We want to see a world where no one suffers through ignorance of their rights and responsibilities, or an inability to pursue them; and where the underlying causes of people’s problems have been eliminated.
As Chief Executive, you will:
- Deliver high-quality client services to approximately 9,000 users per annum.
- Ensure financial resources are in place to run the service.
- Work with the Trustee Board to define and lead the future strategy and sustainability of CASTAD.
- Execute the agreed strategy by ensuring a detailed and measurable Business Plan is in place, regularly tracked, and reported on.
If you are inspired and excited by what CASTAD does, we’d love to hear from you.
Job title: Chief Executive Officer
Salary: circa £50,000 - £55,000 p.a.
Contract: Permanent / Full-time
Location: Citizens Advice St Albans and District, The Civic Centre, St Peters Street, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 3JE. (Flexible working will be considered.)
How to apply: Please review the Recruitment Pack for further information about CASTAD, the CEO position and for details on how to apply.
Closing date for applications: 9am Monday 19 October 2026
Both CASTAD 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.
About School of Hard Knocks
School of Hard Knocks (SOHK) is one of the UK’s leading education charities, working in 29 secondary schools across England, Scotland, and Wales. Using rugby as a key delivery tool, we support young people who are struggling to engage in early secondary education - often because of anxiety, low confidence, disrupted home lives, or behavioural challenges rooted in trauma. For many of the children we support, life has already brought more hardship than most adults experience in a lifetime. Our purpose is clear: to help young people facing complex challenges break the cycle and move towards a safer, stronger, more hopeful future.
The SOHK Schools Programme is a two-year intervention working with cohorts of around 20 pupils from Year 7 through to Year 9. Pupils are selected by the school and are typically among the hardest to reach young people. Each week, we deliver half a day of rugby training and classroom sessions built around our 3Cs framework, covering topics such as growth mindset, goal setting, and decision-making, alongside monthly one-to-one sessions with every pupil. The programme’s impact is evaluated by SOHK staff, teachers, parents, and the pupils themselves.
90% of our participants report feeling more confident and more engaged with school after taking part, with long-term effects on attendance, attainment, and life outcomes. Find out more about our Schools Programme.
Since 2023, SOHK has been proud to partner with Impetus, a charity that invests in and supports organisations helping young people from disadvantaged backgrounds succeed. This partnership combines investment with strategic and organisational development support, helping to strengthen our impact and set SOHK up for sustainable growth.
We are proud to be delivering long-term programmes that meaningfully reach hundreds of young people each year - but the societal need is vast. Our ambitious four-year strategic plan targets growth, aiming to bring our impactful programme to hundreds more young people each year.
“Despite the usual challenges that every education or sport for development charity faces, School of Hard Knocks really is unique. It is not so much what we deliver at a programme level (which is of course brilliant) but who we are as a team. If you are a values-led leader and love the idea of ‘team’, then School of Hard Knocks is the place for you.”
- Ken Cowen, Founder and outgoing CEO
The Role
The CEO is the public face and leader of SOHK, responsible for the overall strategic direction, vision, and management of the charity - ensuring SOHK meets its mission and strategic objectives while maintaining strong relationships with Trustees, staff, supporters, and the wider SOHK community. We’re looking for a mission-driven charity leader and effective fundraiser, capable of building a sustainable growth model.
Strategy and Direction
● Be the face and voice of the charity - its principal ambassador
● Lead the development and periodic review of SOHK’s strategy with the Trustees and Senior Management Team
● Translate the 2026-30 strategy into organisational priorities, plans, and goals
● Ensure safeguarding, wellbeing, and the lived experience of young people remain central to every decision and growth plan
Programme Delivery, Quality and Impact
● Hold a high bar for programme quality and outcomes for young people
● Line-manage and support the Director of Programmes, working with delivery teams and partners to build a world-class, evidence-based intervention
● Ensure SOHK can evidence the impact of its programmes, with insights feeding back into constant improvement
Income Generation, Fundraising and External Relations
● Lead income generation across trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, individual giving, and challenges and events
● Line-manage and support the Head of Fundraising in executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy
● Hold senior relationships with funders and partners, building SOHK’s brand, reputation, and profile
Leading People, Culture and Operations
● Build and lead a high-performing Senior Management Team
● Foster a positive, inclusive, high-performing culture aligned with SOHK’s values
● Line-manage and support the Director of Finance & Operations, ensuring operational excellence
Governance and the Board
● Act as the primary link between the organisation and the Trustees
● Attend all Trustee meetings (held quarterly) and provide timely, accurate reporting
● Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and Charity Commission requirements
About You
Essential
● Proven senior leadership experience in the charity, education, youth, or social impact sector - whether as CEO or as part of an executive team - including working directly with a Board of Trustees
● Demonstrated success in building or significantly growing an organisation, programme, or initiative
● A collaborative and values-led leadership style, with the ability to inspire trust, hold people to account, and build high-performing teams
● Strong track record of income generation, including securing significant funding from trusts, foundations, corporates, or major donors
● Experience of financial oversight, budgeting, and organisational planning at a senior level
● Strategic thinker, able to translate vision into clear plans and delivery
● Strong relationship-builder and communicator, confident with a wide range of stakeholders
Desirable
● Previous charity CEO experience - a bonus, but not essential; we know brilliant candidates come from a wide range of backgrounds
● Direct classroom, youth work, or education leadership experience
● Knowledge of the UK education system and youth policy landscape
● Experience of scaling a multi-site delivery organisation and working with local authorities
Personal Attributes
● Deep commitment to improving outcomes for young people, especially those facing disadvantage
● Resilient and persistent, able to work under pressure and navigate setbacks
● Collaborative, open, and reflective leader who seeks feedback and learns from it
Terms of Appointment
Contract type
Full-time, permanent
Location
Greater London, with offices in Edinburgh & Cardiff
Salary
£85,000 – £90,000 per year + £5,000 PRP
Reports to
Chair of the Board of Trustees
Direct reports
Director of Programmes; Head of Fundraising; Director of Finance & Operations
Travel
Regular UK travel, primarily to Edinburgh and Cardiff. Occasional evenings for stakeholder engagement and fundraising events
Trustee meetings
Quarterly, in London, in the evening, plus ad hoc subcommittees
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced charity operations and finance professional to join as our inaugural Operations and Finance Manager. As we continue to grow our impact, we are seeking an exceptional Operations and Finance Manager to work closely with the Chief Executive and Executive Chair to help strengthen our operations and oversee our finances. This is a role combining strategic thinking with hands-on operational delivery. You will, support our Chief Executive and Executive Chair to develop and implement organisational strategy while ensuring our people, systems, governance and finances support the effective delivery of our mission. You will join a close-knit team that punches above its weight, with real influence on policy affecting millions of babies worldwide. If you're an experienced charity operations and finance professional looking for your next challenge, we'd love to hear from you.
We review applications as they come in and reserve the right to appoint before the closing date.
We are determined that every baby should experience the best start in life.
The Head of Operations will provide strategic leadership and oversight of HEY Smile Foundation’s governance arrangements, organisational systems and infrastructure, human resources and culture, and buildings and facilities. The role will ensure Smile has the people, processes, controls and resources to deliver its purpose reliably and respond confidently to future opportunities. Working closely with the CEO and senior leadership team, the postholder will translate organisational strategy into a clear operational plan, strengthen accountability and lead improvements across the charity. They will provide the CEO and trustees with timely information, assurance and practical recommendations on operational performance, capacity and risk.
This is a senior leadership role combining strategic oversight with the ability to secure delivery through colleagues, managers and specialist providers. The postholder will establish clear responsibilities, standards and reporting, intervening directly where necessary and building capacity so that routine delivery does not depend on the CEO.
Closing date : Saturday 30th October
Application sift : Monday 2nd November
In person Interviews: Tuesday 10th November
Please submit your up to date CV and a cover letter outlining why your suited for the role and how you meet the essential criteria.
Application without a CV & cover letter will automatically be rejected.
Smile Foundation is a Yorkshire-based infrastructure charity working to strengthen charities and communities.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Gendered Intelligence is seeking an exceptional leader to serve as its next Chief Executive. This is a rare opportunity to lead a nationally respected, trans-led organisation with real influence on policy, professional practice and the lives of trans, non-binary and gender exploring people across the UK.
The next Chief Executive will inherit strong foundations: an experienced and committed team of just under 40 people, a distinctive and trusted public profile, and a range of services that reach communities, professionals and institutions across the country. With income of around £1.5–2m, the next Chief Executive will lead the organisation through its next phase of development at a time when that leadership matters enormously.
The role offers the chance to shape strategic direction, open new partnerships and income streams, and contribute to national conversations on trans equality and human rights, while working alongside people who are deeply committed to the mission and to each other.
We are looking for someone who combines strategic clarity with operational grounding, who leads with calm and consistency, and who understands both the privilege and the responsibility of this role. We will be honest with candidates about what the role involves, and we expect the same in return.
Full details of the role can be found on our website and in the attached recruitment pack.
Who we are:
Muslim Aid is a UK faith-based international development organisation that provides support to communities around the world affected by disasters, conflict, or endemic poverty without regard to their social, religious, or ethnic background.
Established in 1985, Muslim Aid has facilitated the engagement of the British Muslim and non-Muslim community in support of its work in a variety of ways. Over the years, its humanitarian work has included responses to major crises around the world including famine in East Africa, earthquakes and flooding in Pakistan and Bangladesh as well as conflicts in Syria and Yemen.
We place strong emphasis on long-term development projects that build the capacity of local people to help themselves. In addition to our 5 country offices worldwide, we also work with multiple partner offices focusing on sustainable development programmes and providing humanitarian relief during times of crisis.
Summary of the role:
The Governance & Performance Manager ensures effective organisational governance, performance oversight, and alignment between strategy and delivery.
The postholder is responsible for leading the coordination of governance processes, Board and Committee cycles, organisational performance frameworks, strategic project management and executive reporting. The role ensures that organisational priorities are translated into clear plans, supported by strong metrics and KPIs, tracked effectively, and reported with accuracy, insight, and consistency.
Working closely with the CEO and Leadership Team, the role strengthens accountability, and enables data-driven decision-making through high-quality performance reporting and analysis.
A key focus of the role is to develop and embed an integrated business planning and performance management framework, ensuring alignment between departmental KPIs, strategic objectives, and organisational outcomes.
The Governance and Performance Manager owns design, judgement, quality assurance and insight, whereas the Governance and Performance Officer owns coordination, tracking, records, follow-up and administrative support.
About the Role:
- Lead the planning and coordination of Board and Committee cycles, including forward planning, agendas, papers, and meeting schedules.
- Ensure Board and Committee papers are high-quality, timely, and aligned with governance standards.
- Oversee Board and Committee minute-taking, action tracking, and follow-up to ensure effective implementation of decisions.
- Develop high-quality, insight-driven performance reports for the CEO, Leadership Team and Board.
- Provide analysis, trends, and actionable recommendations to support leadership decision-making.
- Lead the planning, coordination and development of the organisation’s annual report, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities, performance data and organisational achievements as well as the timelines of external auditors, trustees and statutory requirements.
About You:
You must currently hold the right to work in the UK. Muslim Aid is not offering sponsorship for this role.
This role operates on a hybrid working basis, with a requirement to work from the office for two/three days per week, and additional days where required to meet organisational needs.
To be successful in this role, you will need:
- Degree or equivalent experience in business, management, public administration, or related field.
- Significant experience in supporting Trustees and Leadership in organisational governance.
- Significant experience in performance management and organisational reporting.
- Experience coordinating complex organisational initiatives or projects.
- Ability to summarise complex information and present clear, actionable recommendations
- Ability to manage competing priorities and work under pressure.
Why you should apply:
Join Muslim Aid as our Governance & Performance Manager and play a key role in strengthening governance, driving organisational performance, and supporting strategic decision-making. Working closely with the CEO and Leadership Team, you'll help translate strategy into measurable outcomes, lead governance and performance reporting, and embed effective planning frameworks across the organisation. We’d love to hear from you if you're passionate about governance, performance improvement, and making a meaningful impact through strong organisational leadership.
Benefits you will enjoy working for us:
- 25 days’ annual leave + 4 Privilege days
- Hybrid working - 2/3 days per week in the office
- Paid time off for medical appointments
- 2 hours lunch break on Fridays
- Time off in Lieu (TOIL)
- Pension Scheme
How to apply:
To apply please submit your cover letter (no more than 1 page) and CV.
Pre-employment Checks:
Due to the nature of our work with children and vulnerable communities, Muslim Aid operates rigorous safeguarding and Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) procedures in our recruitment process. We are committed to the prevention of sexual abuse and exploitation and adopt a zero-tolerance approach to SEA. As a result, any employment with Muslim Aid is subject to the following checks prior to your start date:
- Satisfactory professional references, including safeguarding-specific enquiries.
- A Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and/or an International Criminal Record Check where applicable.
- A review of right-to-work documentation for the country in which the role is based.
We will do everything possible to ensure that only those who are suitable to work with children and vulnerable people are recruited to work for us.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, or age.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applications will be accepted until the closing date. However, Muslim Aid reserves the right to initiate interviews and the selection process on a rolling basis with the aim of identifying an appropriate candidate as quickly as possible.
Active Essex Foundation is a successful and growing charity dedicated to creating the conditions for young people and communities across Essex to thrive. Our work focuses on three core areas: improving young people’s mental health, reducing vulnerabilities to youth crime and exploitation, and strengthening communities through trusted relationships and positive engagement.
A defining feature of our approach is our network of more than 100 Locally Trusted Organisations (LTOs) across Essex. These community-based organisations are at the heart of our delivery model, providing trusted relationships, local insight and direct support within the communities they serve. Working closely with our LTO network enables us to reach those who may be least likely to engage with traditional services and ensure support is tailored to local needs.
Through partnerships with our LTOs, we deliver programmes that use physical activity, mentoring and community support to build resilience, improve wellbeing and reduce inequalities. This role will play a key part in developing and strengthening these relationships, helping our LTO network to maximise its impact and deliver positive outcomes for young people and communities across Essex.
Everything we do is shaped by the real experiences of the people we serve, ensuring our interventions are meaningful, accessible and rooted in what communities tell us they need.
Active Essex Foundation works to improve life chances for young people and communities across Essex by focusing on three core areas: mental health, youth crime prevention, and strengthening communities. Through our programme structure, we co-design community-led initiatives that use physical activity and positive engagement as tools to build resilience, improve wellbeing and reduce inequalities.
The Sport for Development Officer will play a key role in supporting the delivery and growth of these programmes. Working closely with our programme leads, locally trusted organisations (LTOs), and community stakeholders, the postholder will help strengthen organisational capability, and ensure high-quality delivery across our mental health, youth crime prevention and community strengthening work. The role will also contribute to the leadership of workstreams aligned with our strategic Outcomes, supporting the Foundation’s mission.
The ideal candidate will bring strong relationship-building skills and experience of working collaboratively with a diverse range of stakeholders. They should demonstrate a track record of delivering impactful projects or initiatives at local or county level, applying a systems approach to complex community issues, and using strengths-based methods to build resilience and capacity within local organisations.
The post holder will work with AEF staff across the business to deliver the duties and responsibilities set out below.
On a mission to highlight the transformative power of physical activity and sport!