44 Chair of the board of trustees jobs

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

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:

1. Lead the planning and coordination of Board and Committee cycles, including forward planning, agendas, papers, and meeting schedules.
2. Ensure Board and Committee papers are high-quality, timely, and aligned with governance standards.
3. Oversee Board and Committee minute-taking, action tracking, and follow-up to ensure effective implementation of decisions.
4. Develop high-quality, insight-driven performance reports for the CEO, Leadership Team and Board.
5. Provide analysis, trends, and actionable recommendations to support leadership decision-making.
6. 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:

1. Degree or equivalent experience in business, management, public administration, or related field.
2. Significant experience in supporting Trustees and Leadership in organisational governance.
3. Significant experience in performance management and organisational reporting.
4. Experience coordinating complex organisational initiatives or projects.
5. Ability to summarise complex information and present clear, actionable recommendations
6. 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.

Lewisham Parochial & Almshouse Charities is looking for a Clerk to the Trustees: an experienced, independent-minded governance professional to support our board on governance, finance and administration.

We are a small group of four historic charities, amalgamated by Charity Commission scheme in 1990 but with roots reaching back over 400 years in the ancient parish of Lewisham. We run the Lloyd Court almshouse in Ladywell, providing independent housing for older residents, and award small grants across the parish. Our staff team is small — a House Manager and a Premises Manager on site — supported by a board of volunteer trustees.

What you'll do:

• clerk the board and its committees, including agendas, papers, minutes and follow-up;
• maintain the three-year budget and prepare the annual accounts for audit and filing with the Charity Commission;
• keep statutory and operational records, policies and compliance in good order;
• advise trustees on charity law, regulation and good practice;
• and work with the House Manager so trustees stay sighted on day-to-day operations.

What you'll need:

• demonstrable experience of clerking, company secretarial or equivalent governance support to a charity board;
• sound knowledge of charity governance and Charity Commission requirements;
• financial acumen across budgets, management accounts and annual accounts;
• excellent minute taking and clear written English

Experience in the almshouse sector, social housing or sheltered accommodation is desirable, as is familiarity with the Almshouse Association's Standards of Almshouse Management.

This is a contract for services rather than an employed post. You would be engaged as a self-employed individual or through your own company, responsible for your own tax, National Insurance and professional indemnity insurance.

 Project Manager 

JOB DESCRIPTION

Salary

£39,152 - £39,862 (NJC SCP 28-29, pro-rated for part time). Pay rise pending.

(actual salary, £31,320 - £31,890 pe

Hours

30 hours per week, with potential to increase in line with the needs of the organisation.

Location

BYH, Stapleford, Nottinghamshire

Responsible to

Chair of the Board of Trustees

About Broxtowe Youth Homelessness

Broxtowe Youth Homelessness (BYH) is a small, well-established charity supporting young people aged 16–25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. Our practical, person-centred approach helps young people move towards greater stability, independence and opportunity.

With four years of funding secured from The National Lottery Community Fund, BYH is entering an exciting period of development, including a rebrand and transition to an incorporated charity. Our new Director will play a key role in leading us through this change, strengthening partnerships, developing new opportunities and helping shape the future of a small charity with real potential to grow its impact.

Strategic Leadership and Organisational Development

• Provide effective leadership and direction for BYH, working closely with the Board of Trustees to develop and deliver its vision, strategy and development plans.
• Identify opportunities for the charity to grow its impact, develop new services and respond to emerging local need.
• Ensure BYH remains a responsive, sustainable and well-managed organisation.
• Support the Board of Trustees with clear, timely information and advice to enable effective decision-making.

People and Culture

• Lead, motivate and develop a committed staff and volunteer team.
• Foster a positive, inclusive and supportive culture in which people feel valued and able to do their best work.
• Manage recruitment, induction, supervision, appraisals and professional development.
• Ensure staffing and resources are effectively deployed to meet organisational priorities.

Service Quality and Safeguarding

• Oversee the effective delivery and development of BYH's services, ensuring they are high quality, accessible, responsive and person-centred.
• Ensure the voice, experience and needs of young people inform service development and improvement.
• Lead on quality assurance, monitoring and evaluation, using evidence, outcomes and feedback to demonstrate impact and improve services.
• Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring robust safeguarding practice, policies and procedures are effectively implemented across the organisation.

Finance, Funding and Sustainability

• Work with the Finance Officer, Treasurer and Board of Trustees to maintain strong financial management and effective financial controls.
• Contribute to organisational budgeting, financial planning and long-term sustainability.
• Lead on identifying and pursuing appropriate funding opportunities, including grants, partnerships and commissioned services.
• Develop high-quality funding applications and ensure successful projects are effectively managed and reported.

Partnerships, Influence and Profile

• Develop and strengthen effective multi-agency partnerships with statutory, voluntary and community sector organisations.
• Act as an ambassador of BYH at local, regional and national meetings, networks and forums.
• Chair and coordinate the South Nottinghamshire Interagency Forum.
• Raise the profile of BYH and promote its work, achievements and impact.

Governance, Compliance and Risk

• Work collaboratively with the Board of Trustees to ensure effective governance, risk management and accountability.
• Ensure BYH's policies, procedures and practices are regularly reviewed and comply with relevant legislation and good practice.
• Maintain BYH's status as a recognised AIM Qualifications Centre.
• Ensure appropriate health, safety and regulatory arrangements are in place across the organisation.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

• Champion equality, diversity and inclusion across BYH.
• Ensure our services and working environment are welcoming, accessible and respectful to all.
• Promote a culture that recognises the dignity, strengths and potential of every young person.

For full details of the role and responsibilities, please refer to the attached Job Description.

Absolute Support Leading Light (ASLL) is looking for an inspiring, values-led Chief Executive to lead the charity through its next stage of development. This is a significant opportunity for an experienced leader to work closely with the Board of Trustees, senior leadership team, staff, commissioners, families and the people we support to sustain and grow high-quality outreach and supported living services for people with learning disabilities and autism.

ASLL is a small local charity based in Richmond-upon-Thames supporting people with learning disabilities and autism. Founded in 2006 and registered as a charity in 2019, Absolute Support has built a solid reputation as a caring provider with a warm and supportive home setting for the people we support. Through our two community-based, supported living homes and via a small outreach service, we work to enable 11 young adults to live happy and meaningful lives.

You will lead a skilled and committed staff team within a welcoming and collaborative culture whilst being supported by the active and experienced board of trustees. The successful candidate will provide strategic direction, strengthen governance and quality assurance, oversee compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements, and act as the organisation's lead spokesperson.

Job title: Chief Executive Officer.

Location: Office-based at ASLL's Teddington office, with regular travel to the locally based client sites.

Working hours: 24 hours (3 days per week).

Salary: £60,000 FTE (£36,000 based on 24 hours per week).

Regulatory role: CQC Nominated Individual (designate) for ASLL's regulated activity, pending CQC registration.

How to apply:

Please review the Recruitment Pack for further information about ASLL, the CEO position and for details on how to apply.

Closing date for applications: 9am Monday 5 October 2026

Both ASLL 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.

Work with us and help make a difference!

Salary: £45-50,000 FTE, dependent on experience
Hours: 15 hours (2 days per week)
Contract: Permanent

Help us make homelessness rare, brief and non-recurring.

Harrogate Homeless Project (HHP) is a leading local charity supporting people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity across the Harrogate district. We are seeking an experienced and motivated Financial Controller to join our senior team and play a pivotal role in ensuring the financial sustainability and growth of our organisation.

This is an exciting opportunity for a finance professional who wants to use their skills to make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable people whilst helping shape the future of a respected and ambitious charity.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, the Financial Controller will oversee all financial and accounting activities across the organisation. Working closely with our Finance Officer, management team, Treasurer and Board of Trustees, you will ensure robust financial management, compliance with charity accounting standards, and provide strategic financial insight to support organisational decision-making.

You will take ownership of financial reporting, budgeting, cashflow forecasting, year-end accounts and audit preparation, while also helping to identify opportunities to strengthen financial performance and improve systems and processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day financial management of the charity.
• Prepare timely and accurate management accounts and financial reports.
• Ensure compliance with charity accounting regulations and SORP requirements.
• Lead the annual budgeting process, forecasting and financial planning.
• Manage cashflow and support organisational risk management.
• Prepare year-end accounts and coordinate audit requirements.
• Monitor and report on grant income, restricted funds and project budgets.
• Provide financial advice and guidance to senior management and trustees.
• Manage and support the Finance Officer through effective supervision and development.
• Oversee payroll processes and key financial systems.
• Manage finance-related contracts, including accounting software, payroll and business subscriptions.
• Support fundraising activities by providing financial information for grant applications and funding reports.
• Work collaboratively across departments to support organisational objectives.

About You

We are looking for someone who combines strong technical financial expertise with excellent communication skills and a genuine commitment to the values of the voluntary sector.

Why Join Harrogate Homeless Project?

At HHP, you’ll be part of a dedicated team committed to transforming lives and creating positive change within our community. We offer the opportunity to make a real impact, influence strategic decision-making and contribute to the growth and sustainability of a well-established local charity.

If you are a finance professional looking for a rewarding role where your expertise can directly support people facing homelessness, we’d love to hear from you.

Benefits Include

• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays) plus birthday leave.
• Healthcare package.
• Travel benefits.
• Workplace pension scheme.
• The opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of women experiencing homelessness.

About Us

Harrogate Homeless Project provides people experiencing homelessness with a safe place to stay and the support they need to build confidence and move towards independent living.

We work with partners to give people facing disadvantage hope of a different future and empower people to change their lives through support, accommodation and opportunity.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a brief covering letter to Richard Cooper or call for an informal conversation about the role.

Closing Date: 4 October 2026

We will assess applications as they are received and interview suitable candidates on a rolling basis. Therefore, we reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the stated closing date if a suitable candidate is appointed. Early applications are encouraged.

Harrogate Homeless Project is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

This is a rare and rewarding opportunity to lead a well-established and highly respected charity, dedicated to improving the lives of adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse, sexual violence and rape.

S.H.E. UK is seeking an exceptional, community-focused leader with a strong track record in fundraising, relationship building and organisational development. At an exciting point in our journey, we are looking for a CEO who can strengthen and sustain our foundations, inspire support across our communities, diversify income streams, and translate our ambitious new strategy into meaningful action.

You will bring proven experience of securing sustainable funding from a range of sources, including grants, donors, community supporters and strategic partnerships. Equally important is your ability to lead with compassion, champion survivor-centred services, and build trust with a wide range of stakeholders.

As Chief Executive Officer, you will provide strategic, operational and financial leadership, ensuring the charity remains resilient, impactful and well governed. Working closely with the Board of Trustees, you will maintain the highest standards of safeguarding, governance and service delivery, while creating the conditions for long-term sustainability.

This is an exciting opportunity for an inspiring and compassionate leader to build on our achievements, bring our strategy to life, and help shape the next chapter of S.H.E. UK's development. This is a hybrid role, with a minimum of three days per week working in person from our Mansfield base.

If you are passionate about creating lasting change, have a proven track record of leadership, and are committed to improving the lives of survivors, we would love to hear from you.

Branch Manager
RSPCA Finchley, Golders Green, Hendon & District Branch

Salary: £32,000–£35,000 per annum (depending on experience)
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week
Location: Hybrid, with regular travel across the branch area including East Finchley and North Finchley shops

About the role

At the RSPCA Finchley Branch, we are seeking a practical and organised Branch Manager to support the delivery and development of our local animal welfare services and the oversight of our retail operations through the line management of Shop Managers.

This is a strategic role with a hands-on focus on operational delivery, responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations across animal welfare, retail operations through the line management of Shop Managers and volunteer activity. Working closely with Trustees, the postholder will help ensure that services are delivered effectively, safely and in line with our charitable objectives, with a clear focus on achieving positive outcomes for animals and the community.

The role is hybrid, combining remote working with regular travel across the branch area, including visits to our charity shops in East Finchley and North Finchley, as well as occasional in-person meetings and operational activity where needed to deliver the Branch outcomes in line with the agreed objectives and priorities.

In this role, you will

You will be responsible for the effective delivery of animal welfare outcomes across the branch, ensuring animals are safely supported from intake through to rehoming, while also supporting the RSPCA Inspectorate. Alongside this, you will oversee day-to-day branch operations, including managing a small team of staff and volunteers, overseeing the performance of the branch’s retail activity through the line management of Shop Managers to contribute to sustainable income.

Working with the Chair and the relevant Trustee portfolio lead, including the Treasurer, to ensure financial oversight, governance and compliance and to deliver the agreed objectives, and working with veterinary partners, staff and volunteers, other RSPCA branches as well as other charities, you will ensure that services are delivered consistently, responsibly and in line with the branch’s priorities.

About you

You will be comfortable working in a role that combines strategic and operational responsibilities, and able to organise your workload effectively. You will have experience of coordinating services or operations and managing both staff and volunteers, achieving results through effective line management, and bring a genuine passion for animal welfare and a commitment to achieving positive outcomes through well-organised and consistent delivery. You will also have a calm and practical approach, with the ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with staff, volunteers and the local community, and a strong commitment to delivering meaningful and lasting outcomes for animals.

What we offer

This is an opportunity to play a key role in supporting animal welfare in the local community, with the ability to make a direct and meaningful impact through the delivery and development of branch activities.

The position offers a salary of £32,000 – £35,000 per annum (depending on experience)

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
Flexible working hours, to be agreed in line with the needs of the role
Supportive working environment with close engagement with Trustees

Additional information

Regular travel across the branch area and beyond is required, and occasional evening or weekend work may be necessary.
A full, clean driving licence is essential for this role.

How to apply

Please submit your CV and a covering letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining your reasons for applying and how you meet the essential criteria set out in the job description.

This is a unique opportunity to lead fundraising for a charity at the cusp of substantial growth, with an exceptional track record of recent fundraising success, an engaged base of supporters and significant untapped potential across multiple channels.

Overview
As Director of Fundraising and Development for Plum Village UK, you will provide strategic leadership of the charity’s fundraising at this critical juncture. Building on the successful campaigns that brought our new Being Peace Practice Centre into being, you will lead the development of a sustainable, diversified fundraising operation across donor stewardship, trusts and foundations, regular giving, legacies, and partnerships, to deepen relationships of trust and gratitude with our supporters.

This role is ideal for a fundraising leader, whether from a career fundraising background or another field, who brings strategic capability alongside deep alignment with the Plum Village tradition, where fundraising itself becomes a form of engaged practice in service of mindfulness and community transformation.

Fundraising in the Plum Village tradition is fundamentally relational. It is not a matter of extracting income from a base of supporters, but of deepening the relationships of trust, gratitude and shared purpose with those who make our work possible, in ways that embody the values of the tradition. Done well, fundraising is itself a form of engaged practice. The Director will be expected to lead the function in this spirit.

The role comes with a high level of strategic ownership. An initial fundraising strategy has been developed and shared with trustees, providing a framework of priority channels, governance arrangements and resourcing for the next phase. The new Director will inherit this as a starting frame, and will then be empowered and expected to develop, refine and bring forward a fundraising strategy on their own authority, working closely with the Lead Trustee for Fundraising and presenting proposals to the board as appropriate. The role also carries operational ownership of the fundraising mechanics, including the choice and management of supporting systems, databases and tools.
 

Key Responsibilities

Strategic leadership of fundraising

• Lead PVUK's fundraising strategy, developing and refining the strategic direction, and presenting proposals to the Board for approval and resourcing.

• Set, monitor, and report on fundraising targets across all income channels, in agreement with the Lead Trustee for Fundraising and the Board.

• Provide regular substantive updates on fundraising at quarterly board meetings, working with the Lead Trustee on the preparation of board-level reporting.

• Bring forward analysis and proposals to support the Board in setting wider strategic priorities, including realistic income potential by channel and the investment required to secure it.

• Identify and manage risk in the fundraising portfolio, including channel concentration, donor over-reliance, and the sustainability of resourcing.

Donor stewardship and relationship development

• Lead the stewardship of PVUK’s existing donors, lenders, and supporters with the depth of care that this base deserves, recognising it as the most precious resource of the fundraising function.

• Cultivate and deepen relationships with major donors, including through personal contact, site visits, and tailored communication of impact.

• Work with the Chair of Trustees, the Centre Director, and other senior figures on key relationships that require their involvement.

• Steward the friendly lender base throughout the lifetime of their loans, maintaining trust and keeping them informed of the charity’s progress.

• Build and maintain a culture of gratitude and recognition that appropriately honours the contributions of all supporters.

Income channel development

• Lead delivery and growth across PVUK’s priority fundraising channels: donor stewardship, trust and foundation fundraising, regular giving, legacies and Gifts in Wills, and partnerships with values-aligned organisations and networks.

• Develop trust and foundation fundraising as a substantial new income stream, including scoping aligned funders, building peer-to-peer introductions, constructing tailored funding propositions, and overseeing high-quality application writing and reporting.

• Design and grow a regular giving programme that converts members, retreatants and supporters into ongoing monthly donors.

• Develop a structured legacy and Gifts in Wills programme that normalises legacy giving across PVUK’s communications and supports those who wish to leave a Gift in their Will.

• Develop partnerships with values-aligned organisations and networks where these support both income generation and the wider reach of PVUK’s work, in close consultation with monastics and trustees.

Operations, systems and budget ownership

• Own the operational mechanics of fundraising for PVUK, including the choice, configuration and ongoing management of databases, donor management systems, online giving platforms, and integration with communications tools.

• Manage the fundraising budget, including a discretionary supplementary budget for consultancy, training, materials creation, contracted support and light administrative resource, deployed at the Director’s judgement to develop the function effectively.

• Maintain accurate, GDPR-compliant supporter records and ensure sound data practices throughout the fundraising operation.

• Provide accurate financial reporting on fundraising performance, working with PVUK’s finance function and external accountants as required.

• Make the case for additional resourcing where evidence of need supports it, including the possible recruitment of a Fundraising Officer in due course.

Communications and storytelling

• Lead the development of compelling fundraising narratives that authentically convey the work of PVUK and the Being Peace Centre to multiple audiences, including major donors, institutional funders, individual supporters and the wider public.

• Work closely with the PVUK Communications team on the integration of fundraising communications with the wider communications strategy.

• Commission and oversee the production of fundraising materials, including written content, graphic design, video and digital assets, drawing on contracted specialists where appropriate.

• Ensure that all fundraising messaging about the Being Peace Practice Centre is agreed with the Centre Director before publication.

Working partnerships across PVUK

• Work in close partnership with the Centre Director on all matters relating to Being Peace, with agreed ways of working on messaging, external representation, and any programming commitments made to funders.

• Work with the Lead Trustee for Fundraising as primary day-to-day point of contact at board level, supporting the Lead Trustee to hold strategic oversight of fundraising on behalf of the Board.

• Work with colleagues across PVUK’s communications, dharma programming, sangha-building and partnership functions, with these working relationships developing naturally in the first months of the role.

• Draw on external advisors and specialists as needed for support and assurance, both in technical fundraising disciplines and in sector-specific knowledge.

• Engage volunteer capacity from within the community where this can valuably supplement the fundraising operation.

Over the past decade, Escapeline has become a recognised leader in the prevention of child criminal and sexual exploitation across the South West. Through awareness raising, education, direct intervention, family support, professional training and strong partnership working, we have empowered thousands of children, young people, families and professionals to better understand, identify and respond to the risks of exploitation.

Our work has never been more important. As the nature of exploitation continues to evolve, so too must our response. We are therefore seeking an exceptional Chief Executive who can provide visionary leadership, inspire confidence among stakeholders, strengthen strategic partnerships and ensure Escapeline continues to be at the forefront of protecting vulnerable children and young people.

Building on our strong foundations, we see significant opportunities to expand our reach and deepen our impact, particularly across Dorset and Wiltshire, where support for the charity remains strong and continues to grow. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape the next chapter of our development, broadening our influence, diversifying income streams, enhancing our services and securing long-term sustainability.

While preventing the exploitation of children will always remain our core purpose, we are equally committed to supporting the wider impact that exploitation has on families. Our specialist helpline and parent support community provide a vital source of guidance, understanding and hope for families who often feel isolated and overlooked by traditional support services. We are determined to strengthen and expand this provision, ensuring that no family faces these challenges alone.

We are looking for a leader who combines strategic vision with emotional intelligence, commercial awareness with compassion, and ambition with an unwavering commitment to our values. You will lead a dedicated team, work alongside an engaged and supportive Board of Trustees, and build on a reputation that has been earned through years of trusted and impactful work.

Most importantly, you will have the opportunity to make a lasting difference to the lives of children, young people and families at a time when that difference is urgently needed.

If you are inspired by our mission and share our ambition to create safer futures for children and young people, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Job titleChief Executive

ContractPermanent / Full time (35 hours a week)

Location London / hybrid (regular London presence)

Salary£95,000 - £100,000

Benefits Up to 6.5% matched pension, total contributions of 13%.
28 days annual leave per year plus public holidays.
Enhanced sick leave cover of up to 5 years.
Death in service benefit of 2x annual salary.
Employee Assistance scheme.
Working from home allowance.
Annual wellbeing allowance.

Reports to Chair and Board of Trustees

Direct reportsDirector of Finance and Operations
Director of Evidence and Improvement
Policy and Communications Manager
People and Business Partner

Background information

About us:

National Voices is the leading coalition of health and social care charities in England. We have more than 200 members covering a diverse range of health conditions and communities, connecting us with the experiences of millions of people. We work together to strengthen the voice of patients, people with Lived Experience, unpaid carers, their families and the voluntary organisations that work for them.

Our mission:

We advocate for a more equitable and person-centred health and care, shaped by the people who use and need it the most.

We do this by:

- Understanding and advocating for what matters to people, especially those living with health conditions and groups who experience inequalities

- Finding common cause across communities and conditions by working with member charities and those they support

- Connecting and convening charities, decisions makers and citizens to work together to change health and care for good.

Our five-year strategy:

In September 2024 we published a new five-year strategy that was co-produced with our staff, our member charities, our Lived Experience Partners and our key stakeholders. This set out three clear goals:

- End unequal access
By addressing the barriers experienced by those facing the worst outcomes, we will find solutions that improve care for all.

- Transfer power to people and communities
As a leader in co-production, we will help communities to work with system leaders at national and neighbourhood level to make big decisions together. This will maximise the skills and capabilities of patients, ensuring care is truly person-centred.

- Shift the measures of success
By campaigning for better patient experience and outcomes metrics, we can ensure that what matters to people becomes the key measure of success for the NHS.

In the first two years of the strategy we have already made big strides. For example, our work encouraging the Government to focus on “getting the basics right” has seen major policy initiatives designed to fix access to primary care and the 8am rush. Similarly, our work on the experience of waiting for elective care has seen the introduction of the first ever set of minimum standards for waiting.

Our work on the 10 Year Plan, and on the Quality Strategy, has also seen both patient experience and outcome measures given much greater prominence in how the NHS judges success and National Voices has now been commissioned by NHS England to help design the future of patient feedback mechanisms.

We have also successfully campaigned for funding formulas to be revised to enable the NHS to directly address the inverse care law and tackle the impact of health inequalities head on.

But there are challenges ahead, not least the role patients and communities play directly in co-producing improvement. With ICBs under huge financial pressures, and so much change in the health and care system, we need to make sure every piece of work we deliver is of the highest quality and adds real value. This is the only way to help others across the sector understand the value that people with Lived Experience offer to problem solving processes and creating better and more inclusive solutions.

PLEASE SEE RECRUITMENT PACK FOR FULL DETAILS AND APPLICATION GUIDANCE

We are seeking an experienced leader to support and the assist the Board of Trustees to carry out the objectives and fulfil the mission of Roshni Ghar.

Job Title: Chief Executive
Contract: Permanent, 35 hours per week
Salary: £42,000 per annum
Location: Office based, Keighley BD21 2JH
Responsible to: Roshni Ghar Board of Trustees via the Chair of Trustees 
Language: Requirement for this position, is the ability to speak Urdu, Punjabi or Bangla.
Disclosure: The successful applicant will be required to have an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (Working with Vulnerable Adults and children)
Exemption: This post is restricted to women only as a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010. (Due to the nature and sensitivity of the client group, it is an occupational requirement that the post holder be a woman. This is in accordance with Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010.).

About Us

Roshni Ghar provides a culturally appropriate service to support the mental health needs of ethnic minority women in the Airedale area of Bradford Metropolitan District.

We utilise a service user informed approach that promotes recovery and well-being through participation, inclusion, and choice.

We help to tackle inequalities and promote equality and diversity in partner organisations.

We strive to continuously adapt and improve services to ensure they continue to meet the needs of the community served.

Our core services

We provide culturally and spiritually sensitive support for ethnic minority women experiencing mental and emotional distress, empowering them to engage more responsively with mainstream and other relevant services where they may experience barriers.

We do this through 1 to 1 key working, group work, including peer group support, promoting a better understanding of mental distress and mental health promotion and illness prevention, signposting and working with other services to promote the equality and diversity agenda.

We support and enable an active service user voice not only in developing our own services, but also in service development for other health and social care organisations.

We encourage social inclusion and promote access to educational and vocational opportunities.

We also provide a safe space for women to explore issues relevant to their mental health and well-being.

Key objectives of the post

The new CEO will enthusiastically support and assist the Board of Trustees in carrying out the objectives and fulfilling the Mission Statement of Roshni Ghar, work within and promote the service user led ethos of Roshni Ghar.

They will maintain and develop high-quality services which aim to reduce the emotional and mental distress experienced by ethnic minority women and exceed the current funding levels in order to expand the organisation. They will continue and further develop the commitment to ensure that Roshni Ghar provides a range of culturally appropriate activities and services and continue and further develop the strong track record of community engagement and the strong emphasis on partnership working.

Key areas of responsibility

• To have overall responsibility for operational, service and performance management issues.
• To provide support and help assist in the development of all members of Roshni Ghar.
• To be responsible for ensuring an excellent level of communication between all stake holders of Roshni Ghar.
• To be responsible for modelling and encouraging an attitude of trust, support and respect towards and between all parties involved in the organisation.
• To take overall responsibility for developing, implementing and reviewing policies and to ensure that all policies relating to induction and training are adhered to.
• To work alongside the Board of Trustees to continuously improve quality standards and the reputation of Roshni Ghar.
• To work closely with the Company Secretary and Chairperson to ensure that all actions are taken in accordance with the Articles of Association and applicable charity and company law.
• To participate in regular supervision and line manage a number of staff, students and volunteers

The CEO will work closely alongside all internal stakeholders of Roshni Ghar to plan, implement and evaluate the organisation’s Business Plan, as well as alongside the Board of Trustees to seek out, develop and evaluate new business opportunities. They will seek out and acquire new fundraising opportunities and, equally, to promote our services citywide.

This role will also improve and develop effective relationships with partner organisations, establish and develop profitable relationships and partnerships with funders, community mental health teams, and the wider voluntary sector and actively endorse and positively promote Roshni Ghar across all aspects of the media.

Management responsibilities will include ensuring financial sustainability and growth of the organisation and ensuring that Roshni Ghar continues to meet the high standards set by Funders. The CEO will be responsible for all activities relating to human resources and work alongside the Board of Trustees to develop and implement all organisational policies and procedures. They will also actively ensure that all feedback procedures and communications are operating effectively and perform any other tasks as identified by the Trustees, and commensurate with the grade of this position.

The successful candidate will have a relevant professional qualification, proven experience in leadership and developmental management in one or more organisations, experience of managing Budgets, Risk, Quality and safety as well as experience of leading outcomes-based management processes. They will be able to speak Urdu, Punjabi or Bangla , will have worked in a mental health setting with ethnic minority women and will be familiar with changing statutory care funding requirements and the social, medical and public health models of mental health.

Essential skills and abilities for this position include resilience, high level interpersonal and relationship building, communication and presentation skills, financial scrutiny, people management skills, interpersonal and relationship building skills alongside data analysis, reporting and data use.

The CEO will be committed to service-user involvement in the design, delivery and review of services, an inclusive approach which welcomes and relates to people from many different backgrounds, have a positive attitude towards those with mental health difficulties and able to respect and value people unconditionally and an optimistic and motivational for people with mental health difficulties.

The closing date for this position is 23:59 on Tuesday 6th October.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our online portal to complete your application for this position.

No agencies please.

Lead a charity changing lives through confidence, opportunity and inclusion

Could you lead a respected charity through an important period of change while continuing to create opportunities for autistic people and people with learning disabilities to thrive?
About Talkback
Talkback is an ambitious autism and learning disability charity supporting people of all ages to build confidence, develop skills, access employment, create meaningful relationships and live fulfilling lives. Every year, our programmes help autistic people and people with learning disabilities overcome barriers, discover their potential and achieve outcomes that matter to them.

We are proud of our person-centred approach, our committed staff team and the positive difference we make across Buckinghamshire and surrounding areas.

Following a change in leadership, we are seeking an experienced Interim CEO to provide stability, maintain momentum and help prepare the organisation for its next permanent leader.

Interim CEO role at Talkback

The Interim Chief Executive Officer will lead Talkback through an important phase in our development. This is an opportunity for an experienced, values-driven leader to make a lasting impact by supporting our people, strengthening our organisation and helping shape the foundations for our next chapter.

Working closely with the Board, leadership team and staff, you will provide confident leadership, maintain strong organisational performance and help position Talkback for long-term success. You will strengthen stakeholder relationships, oversee financial sustainability and support the organisation through an important period of change.

This role would suit an experienced senior leader who combines strategic thinking with practical delivery and who can quickly build trust with trustees, staff, funders, commissioners and partners.

We are looking for someone who has:
 

• Significant senior leadership experience within the charity, public or social impact sectors.
• Experience of leading organisations through periods of transition, change or organisational development.
• A track record of strengthening organisational performance, culture and sustainability.
• An ability to build trust quickly, listen well and bring people with you through change.

Most importantly, you will believe in Talkback's mission and share our commitment to inclusion, opportunity and empowering people to reach their full potential.
Why join Talkback?
This is an opportunity to lead a well-established charity with:

• A strong reputation and a clear social purpose.
• The opportunity to make a tangible difference to the lives of autistic people and people with learning disabilities.
• A skilled and committed team of around 70 colleagues.
• Strong relationships with commissioners, partners and local communities.
• The chance to help shape the organisation's future at a pivotal moment.

As Interim CEO, you will have the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the lives of autistic people and people with learning disabilities while helping shape the future direction of a highly respected organisation.

Safeguarding

Talkback is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

The successful candidate will be subject to appropriate pre-employment checks, including references and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

How to apply

Please make sure you read our Candidate Information Pack before applying. It contains important details about the role and our organisation.

Don’t think you quite meet all the specifications? Please don’t count yourself out. We’d still love to learn more about your interest in joining Talkback.

Eastside People is supporting Talkback in the recruitment for this role. Please apply by submitting a CV and a cover letter both in Word doc. format.

Please use the cover letter (max 2 pages) as an opportunity to add to the information you have shared in your CV and ensure that you cover the following:

• Why are you interested in the interim Chief Executive Officer role at Talkback?
• What recent experience do you have which is relevant for the role?
• Your availability, notice period and any information you would like us to take into account during the recruitment process.

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

The closing date for applications is Monday 14 September, with online shortlisting interviews with Eastside People taking place throughout the advertising period and the week after. Interviews with Talkback will take place on the 21st or 22nd September. The role is due to start at the beginning of October.

Eastside People is fully committed to equality of opportunity and diversity. We work closely with our clients to recruit inclusively and widen representation in leadership roles.

Finally

We recognise that AI can be a helpful tool, but please use it with care and ensure your application is accurate, personal, and genuinely reflects you. We do not use AI in our sifting or selection process - a human reviews every application!

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