Business strategy and governance officer jobs

Development Manager for Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust Consultants Ltd

Full time 35 hours per week (part-time considered) | £39,010 - £44,303 | Initial 18 month fixed contract with the aim that this will become a permanent role if successful | Mix of office and home working

Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT) is seeking a driven and entrepreneurial professional to lead and grow our charity’s trading arm, YDMTCL. This is a newly created and exciting opportunity for someone with strong business development and leadership skills to build on the success of our Landscape Design team, while also originating and leading your own projects to strengthen commercial performance and impact.

About the role 

YDMTCL currently delivers landscape design services through a team of two Landscape Architects, working across urban, rural and community regeneration projects. The team combines strong technical expertise with creative design skills to deliver high quality green infrastructure and green space solutions.

The company currently has an annual turnover of under £100,000 and a clear ambition to double this over the next two to three years. The postholder will play a key role in driving this growth and will be expected to make significant progress towards this target during the 18 month contract period. All profits generated by YDMTCL are gifted back to the charity, directly supporting its charitable objectives.

This role will be primarily focused on the trading company, with approximately 90% of time dedicated to YDMTCL and up to 10% supporting the wider charity. You will originate and lead your own projects, creating vital new income streams for the organisation. Your work will focus on integrating ecology and landscape design to deliver innovative, high quality projects that contribute meaningfully to nature recovery. 

We believe the role will be a highly rewarding one, and a real opportunity for someone to shape, lead and take ownership of YDMTCL, while working for a fantastic organisation and benefiting this wonderful area and its communities.

About you 

We are seeking an experienced professional with a strong track record of working in multidisciplinary environments to lead and grow YDMTCL. You will bring proven business development and leadership skills to support and expand our Landscape Design team, building on its existing success and increasing commercial performance.

Commercially astute, you will demonstrate a strong history of income generation and business growth, ideally within conservation, land management, landscape design and/or ecology. You will lead the development of vital new income streams, building and delivering an active pipeline of revenue generating projects aligned with the charity’s aims.

About Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust 

YDMT is a charity doing big things to help to protect and enhance People, Landscape and Wildlife in the Yorkshire Dales.  

For 29 years we have delivered diverse and inspirational projects, helping to plant 1.6 million trees and securing the future of more than 850 hectares of wildflower hay meadows, creating habitats for our wildlife and combatting climate change. We are passionate about inspiring disadvantaged groups and future generations to care for this special area. Our new three-year strategy is centred around building partnerships that increase the scale and pace of nature recovery.

Chief Executive Officer

British Liver Trust (transitioning to Liver UK)
Location: Hybrid (UK based, with monthly travel to Winchester)
Salary: circa £90,000, dependent on experience

Lead the next chapter for liver health in the UK

This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected and financially stable health charity at a pivotal moment of transformation.

Following a successful merger, the organisation is preparing to launch as Liver UK, bringing together services, information and advocacy across all ages. With a clear, trustee-approved strategy for 2026–2032 already in place, the next Chief Executive will focus on delivery, growth and national influence.

A strong platform and a planned transition

This role comes at a natural and positive point within a planned leadership transition.

Our current Chief Executive has provided long-standing, successful leadership and is excited to deliver the final phase of the rebrand before handing over. The incoming CEO will inherit a well-led organisation with strong governance, a clear strategic direction, and real momentum.

About the role

As Chief Executive, you will lead delivery of an established strategy, ensuring the organisation continues to grow its reach, impact and income.

You will work closely with an engaged and supportive Board of Trustees to maintain high standards of governance, regulatory compliance and risk management, while strengthening the charity’s voice in national policy and public affairs.

This is a role that balances external influence with internal leadership, ensuring both impact and organisational resilience.

Key responsibilities

• Deliver a trustee-approved long-term strategy, refining priorities as needed
• Ensure robust governance, legal and regulatory compliance
• Lead policy, public affairs and national influencing activity
• Maintain financial sustainability and drive income growth
• Lead and develop a high-performing Senior Management Team
• Oversee delivery of high-quality services and information

About you

You are a credible and values-driven leader with senior experience in the charity, health or related sectors.

You will bring:

• Proven senior leadership experience at Director or CEO level
• Strong understanding of governance, finance and regulatory compliance
• Experience influencing policy and working with senior stakeholders
• A track record of delivering organisational growth and impact
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• You will be confident working with a Board of Trustees, able to build strong relationships, provide clear advice, and operate effectively in a governance-led environment.

You will be motivated by improving health outcomes and confident leading an organisation with both national influence and strong operational delivery.

Why join us?

• A clear, trustee-approved strategy ready for delivery
• Strong governance, financial stability and organisational foundations
• A positive and well-managed leadership transition
• The opportunity to shape a newly unified, UK-wide charity
• A chance to make a meaningful difference in an under-recognised area of health
• A strong, engaged and motivated Board

A competitive salary will be offered, reflecting the experience, skills and leadership qualities of the successful candidate.

Programmes, Governance and Income Generation Manager 

Lambeth Links (Registered charity 1193637) 

Role: Programmes, Governance and Income Generation Manager 

Hours: Part-time, 4 days / 30 hours per week. We will consider flexible working. 

Annual Salary: £31,000 to £33,000 pro rata per year depending on experience.

Location: North Lambeth, London SE1. Hybrid working with at least one day a week in the office and regular work across the borough.

Working hours: Some evening and weekend work will be required, for example to attend community events, meetings and Pride related activity. 

Right to work: Applicants must have the existing right to work in the UK, as we are unable to provide visa sponsorship. 

About Lambeth Links 

Lambeth Links are recruiting a Programmes, Governance and Income Generation Manager to support our charity’s meaningful work across Lambeth.

Lambeth Links is a small charity with a big ambition: to be a central point of rallying, communication and advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ Community who live, work and socialise in Lambeth – the largest borough in London. The organisation aims to strengthen the links between individuals and groups while also highlighting the many issues that continue to adversely affect the community. 

Lambeth has a deep and rich history of LGBTQIA+ activism. From being home to founding members of the Gay Liberation Front (GLF) to hosting Europe’s first Euro Pride in Brixton in 1992, the borough has long been the beating heart of the LGBTQIA+ Community. Lambeth Links exists to continue that legacy of championing collective voice and driving forward change. 

This role is funded by The National Lottery Community Fund’s Reaching Communities award.  

About the Role 

As Programmes, Governance and Income Generation Manager, you will turn strategy into funded programmes, secure income from government and public bodies, and ensure delivery meets both community needs and funder objectives.

The ideal candidate will have: 

• Significant experience of managing programmes or multiple projects end-to-end, including planning, commissioning, timeline and delivery management, and evaluation. 

• Experience of delivering bids and managing budgets across a variety of income generation streams, such as grants and fundraising, partnerships, stakeholder engagement, or donation drives.

• Experience of building and maintaining partnerships with local and national statutory organisations (Government Councils, NHS), commissioning bodies, grassroots and community organisations, and relevant trusts and foundations. 

• Experience of organisational development or change, for example improving systems, structures, culture or ways of working in a small organisation. 

• Understanding of the issues faced by LGBTQIA+ people, including those who are Black or from other communities of colour, disabled people and people with insecure immigration status, and a commitment to intersectional practice. 

How to Apply 

If you wish to apply for this position, please supply the following by 11.59pm on Thursday, 28th May: 

• A detailed CV, setting out your career history, with responsibilities and achievements.

• A cover letter (maximum two sides of A4) highlighting your suitability for the role by addressing the following: 

1. Your understanding of the issues facing the LGBTQ+ community, particularly within Lambeth. 

1. Your experience securing and managing diverse income streams and budgets end-to-end. 

1. Examples of managing high-impact programmes from planning through to evaluation. 

1. Evidence of building strong partnerships with public sector bodies, businesses, and community organisations. 

• Details of two professional referees together with a brief statement of their relationship to you and over what period of time they have known you. Referees will not be contacted without your prior consent. 

Age UK Solihull is looking for a proactive and relationship‑driven Partnerships Officer to help grow our income and impact across the Solihull borough through corporate partnerships and high‑value giving. You’ll identify and cultivate relationships with businesses and supporters, negotiate mutually beneficial partnerships, and deliver excellent stewardship, securing significant support that helps improve later life for older people.

This is a varied and outward‑facing role, ideal for someone confident engaging senior decision‑makers, building long‑term partnerships and representing the charity within the local business community. With flexible hours, hybrid working and the chance to see the direct impact of your work, this role offers a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference.

You’ll be comfortable working independently, managing a pipeline of prospects and representing Age UK Solihull at meetings and networking events. In return, we offer flexible working (up to 30 hours per week), hybrid working, and the opportunity to play a key role in strengthening our local presence and impact.​

We look forward to hearing from you!

Business Director - Executive Search - Board & Leadership Practice

Charity People | Hybrid (London Bridge + home)
Salary: circa £67,500 + bonus + benefits

Charity People is the UK's leading recruitment consultancy for charities and mission driven organisations. Our Board & Leadership Practice supports organisations to appoint inclusive, high impact leaders at moments of transition and growth.

We are seeking a Business Director to lead board and CEO search assignments while building senior client relationships and shaping the growth of our practice.

About the role

• Lead high profile executive and CEO search assignments
• Act as a trusted adviser to Chairs, CEOs and trustees
• Win and grow retained senior level work
• Contribute to strategy, thought leadership and market positioning
• Coach colleagues and role model inclusive, values led practice

About you

• Experienced in executive search, senior appointments or advisory work
• Strong track record with senior stakeholders
• Commercially astute, with experience winning retained work
• Credible, thoughtful and highly collaborative
• Committed to equity, diversity and inclusion

Why join us?

• Employee owned, values led B Corp
• Flexible and hybrid working
• Strong bonus and benefits package
• Commitment to learning, wellbeing and inclusion

How to Apply

To find out more and to see a copy of our Job Description, please send your latest CV through to us by clicking “Apply”. 

Closing date: 9am, 1 June 2026
First interviews (online): w/c 8 & 15 June
Second interviews (in person): w/c 22 June

We are committed to building a more representative workforce and encourage applications from disabled people, individuals from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, and LGBTQ+ communities. As part of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee to interview all applicants with a disability (as defined in the Equality Act 2010) who meet the minimum requirements for the role.

CHA is recruiting an experienced and values-driven Chief Operating Officer to lead our central operations and support the delivery of high-quality housing and care services.

As COO, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across residential and sheltered services along with the finance, estates, HR, and other central services—driving performance, ensuring compliance, and enabling sustainable growth. You will work closely with the CEO and Board while leading a diverse team of senior leaders.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading delivery of organisational strategy and continuous improvement
• Managing central teams and driving high performance
• Overseeing financial planning, budgeting, and resource management
• Ensuring compliance, risk management, and governance
• Leading estates strategy, capital projects, and IT/digital development

About you:

• Proven senior leadership experience (housing, social care, or related sectors)
• Strong financial, operational, and people management skills
• Inspiring leader with a collaborative and solution-focused approach

Additional requirement:
Due to our Christian ethos and heritage, there is an occupational requirement for the post holder to have a personal Christian faith.

Retail Development Officer
Harrogate, with regular travel across Yorkshire.

We offer hybrid working.

About Us

Yorkshire is one of the regions hardest hit by cancer. Together, we can change this.

Yorkshire Cancer Research is a charity dedicated to funding research so that you and those you love live longer healthier lives, free of cancer.

Thanks to supporters, the charity funds vital cancer research and pioneers innovative new services for people with cancer. These life-giving medical breakthroughs are helping more people survive cancer – in Yorkshire, and beyond.

As an inclusive employer, our aim is to ensure our workforce reflects the rich diversity of our region. We believe a diverse workforce is vital to us taking action to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer more effectively in Yorkshire. We offer equal opportunities regardless of race, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnerships.

The Benefits

We offer all employees a wide range of benefits including an enhanced contributory pension scheme, 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays (increasing to 30 days after 5 years’ service), flexible working arrangements, private medical insurance, enhanced maternity leave, career progression, learning and development, wellbeing initiatives, offices within walking distance of Hornbeam Park train station, free onsite parking and a whole lot more.

We’ve got a strong set of values that inform everything we do and we’re looking for people who are aligned with these. As our Retail Development Officer, you will put people in Yorkshire at the heart of everything you do, unite with colleagues and other organisations in this cause, and dare to think big and bold to make positive solutions happen.

The Role

Reporting to the Retail Development Manager, the Retail Development Officer will support with the continued growth and development of our retail network.

The role holder will actively support the Retail Development Manager to build, deliver, and implement a pipeline of new sites development in retail, including shops, cafes and superstores, Yorkshire Cancer Research Centres, and other retail related projects.

You will have responsibility of supporting the Retail Development Manager with market analysis and feasibility studies of potential new sites, contributing to the development of business cases, projects plans and delivery of these plans as well as contributing to compliance and ongoing maintenance and required improvements within the retail real estate. There will also be an opportunity for the role holder to inform future decision making through the delivery of business insight, KPI data and other metric reports relating to income.

Specifically, you will:

Ensure Retail Development effectively manages risk through clear prioritisation and consistent role modelling of best practices:

· Work collaboratively with the Retail Area Manager, with regards to monitoring compliance with retail policies and procedures, as well as Health & Safety standards.

· Act as a visible leader in relation to all health and safety responsibilities, taking reasonable care for your own safety and the safety of others. Adhere to all Health & Safety requirements, processes and procedures.

· Support and role model a strong safety-first approach in all retail development activities and projects.

· Work closely with the Facilities Manager to ensure new shops are in good condition and compliance documents are in place before being handed over to operate under business-as-usual activities.

Drive strong team performance across retail by consistently delivering high-quality work, demonstrating reliability, and actively collaborating across teams and external partners:

· Support, where possible, the recruitment process for new shop managers and volunteers and ensure this is complete in time for each new shop opening.

· Maintain and monitor detailed project plans for refurbishments, openings and improvement projects, ensuring suppliers, tradespeople and internal stakeholders are engaged and informed of key dates.

· Deputise for the Retail Development Manager, support and maintain relationships with property agents, shopfitters, tradespeople and third parties, in their absence.

· Assist as a contact for discussions with relevant internal and external stakeholders regarding new locations.

Support the positive representation of the Yorkshire Cancer Research brand by modelling key behaviours and helping deliver welcoming, innovative spaces that position the organisation as a brand leader:

· Undertake regular shop visits/shop floor inspections as directed by the Retail Development Manager; directing and supporting the team to deliver creative and inspiring layouts, space planning and use of point of sale to ensure that each shop maximises its sales potential.

· Empower teams through training and demonstrating the high standards expected of visual presentation of the shops in representing the brand image of Yorkshire Cancer Research.

· Be a trusted point of reference who understands expected standards, can clearly communicate them, and champions their importance in representing Yorkshire Cancer Research.

Support the delivery of commercially viable shops and related spaces by working within budget constraints and aligning with approved business cases and project plans:

· Support the Retail Development Manager in exploring and identifying the best locations for new shop openings, including market analysis, feasibility study, site visits, and site presentation.

· Assist in developing business cases for each new shop, ensuring they are financially viable and key decisions are documented.

· Support the development of project plans for shop openings, closures, and refits by ensuring suppliers, tradespeople and internal stakeholders are engaged and informed of key dates.

· Continuously improve systems and processes that support effective project delivery, ensuring accurate documentation, reporting and compliance.

· Work alongside the Retail Development Manager to identify new suppliers, ensuring they are suitable, competent, and aligned to our values.

· Support the Retail Development Manager in developing and testing new income streams, processes, and systems before moving to business-as-usual activities.

· Support the Retail Development Manager, Retail Area Managers, Head of Retail Property & Estates, and team in regularly reviewing our current retail estate, identifying maintenance and other improvements required.

Other duties:

· Support the development and execution of the ten-year Retail business strategy.

· Deliver key business insight to drive improvements through analysis.

· Provide regular KPI and metric reports on income to inform future decision-making and planning.

· Undertake additional duties outside the key job duties within the team and across the charity, as the charity may reasonably require.

About You

To be considered for this role, you will need:

· To ideally be educated to A Level or equivalent, or able to demonstrate experience in a similar role at a similar level.

· Have evidence of continued professional development relevant to the role's purpose and level.

· Experience in support of the delivery of multi-stakeholder projects.

· To have excellent business acumen and an in-depth understanding of market trends

· To have experience of working cross-functionally, both within an organisation and externally.

· To have experience in planning and implementing store openings.

· To have experience in using project management software such as Airtable and Sketchup.

· To be highly organised with good time management skills and the ability to prioritise own workload to meet deadlines.

· To have convincing and persuasive written, oral and presentation skills with the ability to present ideas and issues, clearly, and coherently to a wide range of audiences.

· To have excellent IT skills with confident use of Microsoft Office packages including Word, Advanced Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

· Project Management experience is desirable, including experience in keeping accurate documentation supporting project management.

· To have proven experience in developing retail processes for shops is desirable.

· Merchandising and/or retail display experience is desirable

· It is advantageous to hold a Project Management Qualification: IE APM, PRINCE2

Application

Before applying, please visit our Careers Page to view the full role profile and find out more about working for Yorkshire Cancer Research.

To apply please submit a CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role via Charity Job or our website before 20 May 2026. Please read our privacy notice before applying. Please note this is a two stage interview process and first interviews will be conducted on Teams, second interviews will be held in person at our Head Offices in Harrogate on 26 May 2026.

Yorkshire Cancer Research is a responsible and flexible employer.  We welcome any discussion for flexible working at the interview/offer stage where we will consider an individual’s circumstances against the needs of the charity.

We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates from all backgrounds. If we can make any reasonable adjustments to support your application, please contact us via our website. 

Salary: £39,000–£42,000 per annum (£65,000–£70,000 FTE equivalent) 

Contract: Permanent – Part time, 3 days a week 

Location: London or Birmingham 

Working pattern: Hybrid. Cross-region travel up to twice a month for in-person SMT meetings. 

Envision is at an exciting moment. Our programmes are working, our partnerships are growing, and our team cares deeply about getting it right. What we need now is someone to help us build the infrastructure to match our ambition – reaching and impacting more young people from less-advantaged backgrounds across London, Birmingham and Bristol. 

As our Chief Operating Officer, you will join our Senior Management Team and take clear ownership of Envision's finance, compliance, HR governance, and operational efficiency. This is a newly defined role – created to give the function the senior leadership it needs and to free the CEO to focus on external leadership, fundraising, and strategy. 

You will join an SMT of four, working alongside the Director of Programmes and Impact and the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships, led by the CEO. It is a collegiate team that operates with a high degree of mutual trust and collective ownership – and we are looking for someone who is as comfortable in a strategic conversation about Envision's future as they are reviewing a set of management accounts. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Play an active role in SMT – contributing operational and financial insight to organisational planning, strategy development, and decision-making alongside the CEO and senior leadership team. 

• Lead finance oversight and board reporting: overseeing monthly and quarterly management accounts, leading the annual budget-setting process, owning the audit cycle, and preparing papers for the Finance, Audit and Risk Governance (FARG) Committee. 

• Own HR policy and governance: maintaining Envision's HR framework, handling complex employee relations matters, and overseeing the full employee lifecycle with execution led by the Business Admin and Finance Officer. 

• Line manage the Finance Manager and Business Admin and Finance Officer, providing clear direction and developing a high-performing team. 

• Lead operational improvement: conducting a review of processes and systems, building a live improvement register, and implementing agreed changes through to completion – not just to proposal. 

• Explore and pilot AI and automation tools for high-friction tasks. Genuine curiosity and willingness to experiment matters more than technical expertise. 

• Hold compliance and risk governance oversight – GDPR, Health and Safety, regulatory filings – ensuring a clear calendar of requirements is owned and met. 

Essential Experience, Knowledge and Competencies 

• Qualified or part-qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent), or demonstrable equivalent finance expertise. 

• Proven experience in a senior operational leadership role with finance oversight responsibility. 

• Experience of audit management and board-level financial reporting. 

• Track record of leading and developing small teams. 

• Working knowledge of GDPR and charity compliance obligations. 

• Demonstrable ability to operate at a strategic and governance level 

• Experience leading operational process or systems improvement, from diagnosis through to implementation. 

• Active interest in AI and automation tools, with a practical approach to exploring and applying them. 

• Commitment to Envision's vision, mission and values and ability to work well in, and contribute to, our organisational culture. 

Envision actively encourages applications from those from Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds, as they are currently under-represented in our organisation. We seek to ensure we achieve diversity in our workforce and that all applicants and employees receive equal and fair treatment, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability or nationality. Envision graduates will be guaranteed a first-round interview. 

Please note: we are unable to support visa applications and therefore applicants must have the right to work in the UK. 

To apply, please apply through CharityJob.

Closing date for applications- Wednesday 10 June (midnight) 

Round 1 interviews (online) : Thursday 18 June 

Round 2 interviews (in person- London): Thursday 25 June 

We will only be contacting candidates who have been shortlisted for interview. The safety and wellbeing of the young people we work with is paramount at Envision. Successful candidates will be subject to a full Enhanced DBS check and reference checks. All new staff must attend safeguarding training during their induction period. 

Kaleidoscope Health and Care is looking for a chief executive to lead our consultancy business into its next decade.

Hello, we're Kaleidoscope. We are a consultancy of a different kind. We bring people together to create change that works, and over the past decade, we've helped hundreds of organisations do harder things than they thought possible. Our founder is moving on this summer and we’re looking for the person to lead our next chapter - someone who understands that how you build matters as much as what you build. We're employee-owned, and committed to being the kind of organisation we help others become. That's not a tagline. It shapes how we work every day.

A bit about the role

This is not a caretaker role. Over the past decade we’ve built something truly special: a kind, commercially serious, employee-owned consultancy that does exceptional work in health and care. 

This role combines strategic leadership of the organisation with hands-on responsibility for its commercial sustainability, culture, and external relationships. You'll work alongside a talented, committed team, in a self-managing organisation to build our consultancy business aligned to our purpose and values as an organisation.

The salary is £95,882 to £106,010. Our preference is for full-time, but we will consider part-time at 30+ hours / week.

A bit about you

You'll know health, care and the public sector. Not just as a sector to work in, but one you care about. You'll be comfortable with the commercial realities of running a consultancy - P&L, resource allocation, business development. And you'll have the kind of presence and credibility that makes clients want to work with you and colleagues want to follow you.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly encourage applications from people who are underrepresented in senior health and care leadership.

The application deadline is 8am on Friday, 12 June 2026.

Get in touch with us…

If you need any reasonable adjustments for the application process or have any specific questions.

There's a full candidate pack available, and an Ask Me Anything session at midday (12.00pm BST) on Thursday 21 May, open to anyone considering applying.

English Heritage are seeking an outstanding Chief Executive Officer to lead the charity, which cares for over a million objects and hundreds of historic sites in every part of England. We care for the bridges and bronzes, gardens and gargoyles, stone circles and secret bunkers and everything in between. We are the only charity in the world which looks after a National Collection from our own earned income.

Our mission focuses on creating inspiring visitor experiences, preserving historic sites and collections for future generations and connecting people to places.

We have a world-class portfolio of heritage assets, diversified funding and a successful operating model and are supported by our hardworking employees, the generosity of our volunteers, a loyal membership of 1.2 million people, as well as donors and supporters.

The Board of Trustees, chaired by Tony Hales CBE, is seeking candidates for the role of Chief Executive Officer to join English Heritage and lead the organisation into its next chapter. 

You will work with the Board and senior leadership team to ensure English Heritage delivers on its charitable objectives, including conservation, public benefit and financial security.

You will bring a strong track record of leading large, complex organisations operating across multiple sites and engaging diverse stakeholders. You will be able to demonstrate how you develop incisive strategies and then translate them into successful delivery. A collaborative team player, you lead with integrity and inclusivity, balancing the sensitivity required for managing conservation sites with the drive needed to attract income. An understanding of the value volunteers bring would be advantageous.

If you think you have the vision, skills and experience to take on such a fantastic opportunity, we’d love to hear from you. Please select the Apply button shown to be taken to our website, where you can submit your application.

What does it take to lead the national voice for special schools at a time of real change?

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – National Association of Special Schools (NASS)

National – home-based, with regular travel across England and Wales, particularly London

£90,000–£110,000 per annum

Full-time, permanent.

About NASS 

The National Association of Special Schools (NASS) is the membership association for special schools in England and Wales. We bring together independent special schools, non-maintained special schools, special academies, maintained special schools and multi-academy trusts with specialist provision.

We exist to inform, support and represent our members, helping specialist schools improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND and secure the place of specialist provision within the wider education system. NASS is known for being accessible, responsive and personal, combining national influence with practical support that members value as timely, human and trustworthy.

This is a pivotal moment for the organisation. In February this year, the Department for Education published a major white paper on SEND reform which will require NASS to both influence national policy on behalf of our members and children and young people, as well as support them to navigate the changes. Our new CEO will need to review our strategy while building on our strong platform and momentum to further deepen our influence and strengthen our internal capacity.

As our next Chief Executive, you will:

• Strategy & Impact: Lead NASS through a period of policy and structural change, ensuring the organisation remains clear on purpose, responsive to members and influential in the SEND landscape.
• Governance & Finance: Work closely with the Board of Trustees to provide strong governance, prudent financial stewardship, robust risk management and clear strategic oversight.
• Operational Leadership: Provide confident leadership to a small, remote team, strengthening collaboration, accountability, resilience and a positive, high-trust culture.
• Income Generation: Oversee budgeting, planning and reporting while developing thoughtful opportunities to diversify income through membership, partnerships, events and related activity.
• Community & Partnerships: Build and sustain trusted relationships with government, parliament, regulators, sector bodies and member schools, ensuring NASS remains relevant and well connected.
• Member Services: Protect and enhance the practical offer to members, from briefings and special interest groups to conferences, webinars, training and peer-to-peer learning.
• Brand & Profile: Act as a credible public ambassador for NASS, helping to modernise communications and broaden the organisation’s voice beyond a founder-shaped model.
• Future Growth: Shape a distributed leadership profile and support a more varied, accessible and engaging approach to membership, advocacy and communications.
• A seasoned senior leader with experience in a charity, membership body, education or public sector setting, and a clear track record of leading through change.
• A strong strategic thinker, able to absorb complex information quickly and translate it into clear, practical direction.
• A confident communicator with the gravitas to represent NASS with members, staff, trustees, MPs, peers, media and national partners.
• A politically astute relationship-builder, comfortable navigating a complex and fast-moving external environment.
• Experienced in governance, with a sound understanding of working with boards or trustees and supporting effective decision-making.
• Numerate and commercially minded, with experience of budgets, financial planning, income generation or partnership development.
• Credible, approachable and resilient, with the emotional intelligence to lead well in a high-profile, remote and sometimes uncertain context.
• Direct SEND experience would be a significant advantage, alongside understanding of specialist education or similarly complex stakeholder environments.

Why NASS?

• This is a chance to lead a respected, member-led organisation with a strong national reputation and a clear public purpose.
• You will help shape the future of specialist education at a time when SEND reform is high on the agenda.
• NASS has a loyal, experienced and collegiate remote staff team, supported by an active Board of Trustees.
• The organisation offers a genuinely influential platform, with strong connections across the sector and with government.

Application

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

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 8th June 2026

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

The Sentencing Academy, established in 2019, has made significant strides in advocating for effective sentencing practices and enhancing the understanding of sentencing among professionals and the public. We are now looking for a visionary leader to join us as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This pivotal role will oversee the strategic direction of the charity, strengthening future sustainability and marking a new chapter in its mission to promote evidenced-based approaches to sentencing to help reduce re-offending, provide justice to victims and improve public confidence.

About the Role

This key position offers the chance to shape and develop the future of the Sentencing Academy and its commitment to enhancing sentencing practices and research in England and Wales. It is a leadership opportunity that involves executing a strategic plan that supports the charity's longevity. It is a role that not only focuses on organisational growth and influence but also emphasises the importance of operational compliance, financial health, and fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders and partners. The budget for 2026/27 is fully funded but there is a need to significantly widen the organisation’s funding base to ensure its sustainability beyond the current financial year.

About You

We are seeking a passionate, and experienced leader with a proven track record in the non-profit sector to join our team as CEO. You will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with an interest in sentencing and the wider criminal justice system. Your background will include strategic planning, governance, and financial management, with a strong ability to secure funding through grants and partnerships.

You will inspire and lead a diverse team, with expertise to build and maintain strong relationships, and represent our organisation in public forums and the media. As a forward-thinking leader you will demonstrate strong analytical problem-solving skills, and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure.

What We Offer

The post is offered on a 0.5 to 0.8 FTE basis (18.75 to 30 hours per week) on a permanent basis. An attractive package is offered alongside flexible hybrid working arrangements. The Sentencing Academy is currently a remote organisation although attendance at regular meetings in London will be essential. The salary for this post is £70,000 pro rata.

Transport for All has a strong reputation for leading the debate and advocating for change to improve the journeys made by disabled people. This role presents an opportunity for a strong leader with the commitment, enthusiasm and expertise to build on our success.

Our Chief Executive will be responsible for continuing to delivering the remainder of our 5-year strategy, whilst horizon-scanning to work with the team and wider DPO community to engage in the opportunities and changes ahead. We’re a small team and this is a wide-ranging role which includes:

• Representing the voice of the 16 million+ people in the disabled community by influencing policy and infrastructure decision-makers through our campaigns.

• Overseeing a highly regarded policy and public affairs function with associated communications and stakeholder engagement, maintaining our high profile and reputation with national and local governments.

• Ensuring the charity’s funding is robust and sustainable, looking at how we can diversify our income and direct it towards what matters through continuing to deliver our strategy and planning for our future.

• Overall responsibility for our successful training, research and consultancy business, building partnerships and further growth. This includes the National Accessible Transport Survey.

• Championing our award-winning support services for disabled people.

• Leading our expert teams through a period of growth and consolidation, embedding a strong organisational culture and matching our structure and systems to our upcoming challenges and increasing size.

You will report to and be supported by a well-functioning and committed Board of Trustees who are professionals with experience of working in the charity and transport sectors, as well as finance, legal and government backgrounds.

Chair (Non-Executive) – Board of Directors

South West Wildlife Fundraising Ltd (‘SWWFL’)

Remuneration: £12,500 per annum (plus expenses)
Location: Home-based, with some travel across the South West
Time commitment: Approximately 4 days per month

Do you care about the work of the Wildlife Trusts and want to make a real difference to the future of our treasured wildlife?

About the role

SWWFL, a wholly-owned trading subsidiary of 8 regional Wildlife Trusts, is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to take on the role of Non-Executive Chair of the Board. This is a pivotal leadership position, providing direction to the Board of Directors, supporting the Chief Executive Officer, and strengthening relationships with our owning Wildlife Trusts and partnerships with client Trusts.

You will also serve as a Company Director of SWWFL, sharing responsibility for the oversight, stewardship, and long-term success of the organisation.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a purpose-driven organisation supporting the work of The Wildlife Trusts across the extended South West.

Key responsibilities

As Chair, you will:

· Lead the Board of Directors, ensuring effective governance, decision-making and accountability

· Work closely with the CEO, providing both support and constructive challenge

· Ensure strong strategic alignment between SWWFL and its owning Wildlife Trusts and client Wildlife Trusts

· Oversee financial performance, risk management and regulatory compliance

· Chair Board meetings and ensure effective participation from all Directors

· Act as an ambassador for SWWFL with external stakeholders and partner Wildlife Trusts

· Lead the annual appraisal and development of the CEO

Governance and Director responsibilities

In addition to Chair duties, the postholder will fulfil the responsibilities of a SWWFL Company Director, including:

· Acting in accordance with the SWWFL Memorandum & Articles of Association and Members’ Agreement

· Exercising independent judgement, care and diligence

· Ensuring robust governance, financial oversight and risk management

· Supporting long-term sustainable success of the business

Terms of appointment

· The Chair is appointed by majority vote of the Board

· Term: normally 3 years, may be renewed, with annual performance review by the Board and owning Trusts

· The Chair role is remunerated, via a contracting agreement, in recognition of additional responsibilities

· The person appointed must, therefore, have appropriate and genuine self-employed status (or equivalent) to receive payment

· Where a Trustee of an owning Wildlife Trust is appointed, they cannot receive remuneration in line with SWWFL governance arrangements

· All Directors (including the Chair in their Director capacity) are subject to SWWFL governance requirements

About you

We are looking for someone who brings:

Experience

· Significant Board-level experience

· Proven experience of chairing meetings

· Senior strategic leadership experience (ideally in a commercial environment)

· Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building experience

Skills & knowledge

· Strong understanding of governance and regulatory requirements

· High level of financial literacy

· Commercial awareness

· Experience in risk management and organisational oversight

Personal qualities

· Strategic, decisive and emotionally intelligent

· Collaborative and diplomatic, with strong interpersonal skills

· Confident in an ambassadorial role

· Committed to the mission of The Wildlife Trusts

Time commitment

The Chair is expected to commit around 4 days per month, including:

· Regular meetings with the CEO and Finance Manager

· 6 Board and Stakeholder meetings annually

· 4 Finance & Remuneration Committee meetings

· Meetings with auditors and owning Trust CEOs

Some travel across the South West will be required, although many meetings are held remotely.

Eligibility

The Chair does not need to be an employee of an owning Wildlife Trust. However, they do need to be a member of their local Wildlife Trust, and they will operate within a Board that includes Directors who are drawn from the owning Trusts:

Avon, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Hampshire & Isle of Wight, Somerset, Wiltshire, and Worcestershire Wildlife Trusts.

Why join us?

This is a unique opportunity to play a key leadership role in a values-driven organisation, helping to support vital conservation work across the South West and beyond.

How to apply

An application pack and form can be downloaded from the SWWFL website. A copy of your CV, plus the application form detailing your skills and experience relevant to this role, must be included in your application.

The deadline for applications is 7th June 2026.

Interviews will take place on 30th June 2026 at Avon Wildlife Trust, Bristol.