Chair of the board of trustees jobs

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.

Are you a caring and compassionate individual who is also administratively gifted and highly organised?

Do you enjoy working with people at the same time as working to ensure there is good order and that important projects are seen through?

Would you be excited to help take a 340-year-old organisation forward into its next chapter, caring for a community of residents and a beautiful grade II* listed building?

Might you be the next Clerk and Head of Operations of the Sir William Powell Almshouses we are looking for?

All of the information you should need can be found by accessing the Job Pack. If you would like an informal conversation about the post, the Chair of Trustees, the Rev’d Peter Dobson, would be delighted to speak to you, an appointment can be made by emailing the Chair of Trustees.

The Sir William Powell Almshouses, founded in 1680, and moving to their present location in 1868, have, for all these years, provided affordable accommodation and a residential community for twelve women. The appointed candidate would have care not only for our residents and building, but also, alongside a committed Board of Trustees, the governance and financial well-being of the charity.

The new Clerk and Head of Operations will arrive at an exciting time when new opportunities are being explored as to how we realise the full potential of our assets and what this might mean for the future of the almshouses.

Completed applications, including the details of two referees, should be emailed to the Chair of Trustees by 12noon on the closing date, Tuesday 25th August. Interviews will take place in person in Fulham on Wednesday 2nd September.

Role Purpose 

The Chief Executive Officer will provide strategic, operational and values-led leadership for Home-Start Norfolk, ensuring the charity delivers its mission, supports its families effectively and remains financially sustainable. Working closely with the Board of Trustees, the CEO will lead the organisation’s strategy, people, services, partnerships, governance, income generation and volunteer strategy, while acting as an ambassador for the charity and its work. 

Key Responsibilities 

Strategic Leadership 

• Lead the development and delivery of the charity’s strategic plan in partnership with the Board of Trustees. 

• Translate the charity’s vision, mission and values into clear priorities, measurable objectives and effective operational plans. 

• Identify opportunities for growth, innovation, collaboration and improved impact. 

• Ensure services and activities remain responsive to beneficiary needs and changing external circumstances. 

Governance, Compliance and Risk 

• Support the Board of Trustees to fulfil its governance responsibilities through clear reporting, sound advice and timely information. 

• Ensure the charity complies with charity law, company law where applicable, employment law, fundraising regulation, data protection requirements, safeguarding duties and all relevant regulatory obligations. 

• Maintain a robust approach to risk management, internal controls, policies and procedures. 

• Promote transparency, accountability and ethical decision-making across the organisation. 

Financial Leadership and Income Generation 

• Provide overall leadership for financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and long-term sustainability. 

• Work with trustees and senior colleagues to ensure resources are used effectively and in line with charitable objectives. 

• Lead the development of a diverse and resilient income strategy, including grants, trusts and foundations, individual giving, corporate partnerships, contracts and other appropriate income streams. 

• Maintain strong relationships with funders, commissioners, donors and supporters, ensuring excellent stewardship and reporting. 

Service Delivery, Quality and Impact 

• Ensure the charity delivers high-quality, safe and effective services that achieve positive outcomes for families. 

• Embed continuous improvement, evidence-based practice and meaningful beneficiary involvement. 

• Oversee monitoring, evaluation and impact reporting to demonstrate the value and effectiveness of the charity’s work. 

• Champion safeguarding, inclusion, accessibility and dignity in all areas of service delivery. 

• Comply with Home-Start UK’s Quality Audit Policies and Process, to ensure the charity maintains a high standard of quality assurance. 

People, Culture and Organisational Development 

• Lead, support and develop the senior leadership team and staff, creating a positive, inclusive and high-performing culture. 

• Ensure the charity has the right structures, systems, skills and capacity to deliver its strategy. 

• Promote wellbeing, learning, accountability and collaboration across the organisation. 

• Ensure effective HR, performance management and recruitment practices are in place. 

Volunteer Leadership 

• Provide strategic leadership for the development and delivery of the charity’s volunteer strategy, ensuring it supports organisational priorities and beneficiary needs. 

• Oversee effective volunteer recruitment, induction, training, supervision, support, retention and recognition. 

• Ensure volunteers are valued, well-supported, appropriately deployed and able to contribute safely and confidently to the charity’s work. 

• Develop a sustainable volunteer workforce plan, identifying current and future volunteer capacity, skills and support requirements. 

• Promote a positive volunteering culture that reflects the charity’s values and strengthens engagement, inclusion and community connection. 

External Relations, Partnerships and Advocacy 

• Act as the public face and senior ambassador for the charity, representing it with credibility and confidence. 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with beneficiaries, partners, funders, commissioners, local communities, statutory bodies and sector networks. 

• Raise the charity’s profile and influence through effective communications, thought leadership and advocacy. 

• Promote collaboration and partnership working to extend reach, improve outcomes and strengthen sustainability. 

About Us

For over 21 years, The Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre has offered free, holistic support to anyone in our community affected by cancer through complementary therapies, talking therapies, art, and our supportive community.

In 2025 alone, we had 1,911 individual visits and 1,021 therapy sessions - entirely through the dedication of our volunteer team. We are currently renovating our new centre, and we want to use it to reach further into our community than ever before. This is the first paid role in our history.

About the Role

As our first Executive Director, you will be the single point of accountability between our Board of Trustees and the day-to-day operation of the Centre - working alongside our (voluntary) Centre Manager and (voluntary) Volunteer Manager to support their roles, not duplicate them. You'll lead our strategy delivery, guide the charity's move into its new home, and oversee a service redesign informed by a fresh programme of visitor, volunteer and community research.

About You

You already know how to do this job - you've held a senior, accountable position in a charity or comparable organisation and can bring that experience from day one. You're confident reporting to a board of trustees, comfortable getting things done, and able to win the trust of a highly experienced, long-standing volunteer team through competence and credibility, not authority alone.

Key Activity Areas

• Financial management – budgeting, financial controls, and reporting to the Board and Treasurer

• Governance & best practice – supporting trustees to discharge their statutory duties; maintaining the policy suite and risk register

• HR & people leadership – supporting our entire volunteer and therapist team; communication is key to our volunteers

• Fundraising – write and lead on a fundraising strategy, implement new funding streams and be the ‘face of Pickering’ – local networking will be essential

• Change management – leading the transition to our new centre and evolving service model with care and consultation

• Compliance – safeguarding, health and safety, GDPR, and other regulatory requirements

Qualifications - Desirable

All the below are not necessary qualifications but would assist with this role:

• CIPD qualification, or equivalent hands-on HR experience

• A recognised governance qualification (e.g. Chartered Governance Institute) or completion of a charity leadership programme or similar

• Financial management experience – a qualification would be useful but not essential

• Safeguarding lead training

Experience and Competencies — Essential

• Senior leadership experience with genuine authority and accountability in a charity or comparable mission-led organisation

• A track record of reporting to and working with a board of trustees or non-executive directors

• A track record of leading organisational change, with evidence it was genuinely adopted

• Sound financial literacy - budgets, management accounts, financial controls, dealing with auditors

• Working knowledge of safeguarding, risk management and regulatory compliance

• Excellent written and verbal communication, including board-level reporting as well as the ability to speak in public

• Experience making a leadership role pay for itself, through income generation, cost savings, or both

• A genuine, demonstrable commitment to Pickering's mission

Experience and Competencies — Desirable

• Fundraising experience across grants, trusts, community fundraising and corporate partnerships

• Experience within the cancer support, wider healthcare, or hospice sector

• Lived experience of cancer, personally or through supporting someone close to you

• Experience leading a refresh of a brand or a rebrand, service redesign, or physical relocation of services

• Familiarity with Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding local community

Safeguarding

This role involves working with adults who may be vulnerable by virtue of serious illness. The successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory reference checks before appointment, and will act as, or oversee, the charity's designated safeguarding lead.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Pickering is committed to equal opportunity for all and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. A copy of our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policy is available on request.

How to Apply

Please apply by Sunday 6 September 2026. Interviews are expected to take place w/c 14 September 2026.

Operations Manager 

Organisation: Religions for Peace United Kingdom (RfPUK)

Salary: £38,000 – £42,000 

Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week). Core working hours are 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday. Home-based employees are expected to be available and responsive during these hours.

Contract: Fixed-term (12 months) 

Location: Home-based / hybrid (occasional travel)

Reporting to: Chair of the Board of Trustees

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to take operational and administrative responsibility for a small, ambitious charity. You will run governance, compliance, contract management, finance liaison, data protection, safeguarding, HR, grant administration, and media and digital maintenance. You will work directly with the Chair.

This is a KEY gatekeeper role for someone who can steady the executive arm in response to the Board's strategic direction, concentrating on rigorous enforcement and maintenance.

Key responsibilities

• Board administration (agendas, minutes, documents, filings, trustee records)

• Contract and grant administration (drafting, tracking, compliance)

• Finance liaison (working with finance service provider, accountant, treasurer)

• Compliance (GDPR, safeguarding, risk register, Charity Commission filings and all charity related issues)

• HR and resource management

• Website and social media coordination

Essential criteria

• 4+ years in a leadership or senior operations role within a charity or not-for-profit

• Experience as a board secretary or company secretary

• Experience drafting contracts and managing compliance protocol

• Knowledge of CIO governance and Charity Commission requirements

• Diciplined and methodical apporach towards established processes

• Excellent attention to detail and written English

Desirable but not essential

• Experience in the interfaith or multi-religious sector

• CGI qualification (or working towards)

Infrastructure Requirements (BYOD)

RfPUK operates a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) framework where paid staff provide their own personal computer hardware to access our systems. All work is web-based via Google Workspace for Charities and does not require high-specification hardware. The charity provides all system user licenses and funds required antivirus software for work devices, but does not provide or fund personal hardware or domestic utility bills.

What we offer

• Real ownership of a charity's operations

• Direct reporting to the Chair – simple management structure

• Salary £38,000–£42,000

• 25 days annual leave plus public holidays

• Our workplace pension scheme is in line with statutory requirements, with employer contributions (3%).

• Home-based working with a structured core hours framework (9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday)

How to apply

Please send your CV and a cover letter (maximum two pages) 

Closing date: 20 August 2026

Interview Date: 24 August 2026

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Safeguarding statement: RfPUK is committed to safeguarding. 

Equal opportunities: RfPUK is an equal opportunities employer.

_______

[End of Advert]

Cloudesley is recruiting a new permanent, part-time Finance Manager (2.5 days per week). This varied role includes regular financial management tasks, reporting, budget setting, liasion with property and investment managers and lawyers, as well as policy development and advising Trustees on strategic issues.

About Cloudesley

Cloudesley is an independent charitable trust that makes grants to people, organisations and churches in Islington of c. £ 2million per year. Our grants budget is split equally between our Health and Church Grants programmes.

In June 2025, Cloudesley’s total assets were £57 million and the annual gross income was £1.5 million. Currently, around half of Cloudesley's endowment is held in financial market investments managed by Cazenove, and the other half is in c. 90 residential properties on the Cloudesley Estate in Islington. To fund its work, the charity uses income and a prudent element of capital gains generated from both the investments and properties.

This is an interesting time to be joining Cloudesley as it continues to manage its finances to ensure it can support both current and future needs in Islington, implements its property strategy, and helps to respond to the multiple challenges facing people, organisations and churches in Islington.

Finance Manager role

This wide-ranging role includes:

• Administration of regular financial transactions, including relating to grants and the charity's property assets
• Preparation and monitoring of annual budget
• Production of management accounts and a variety of financial, investment and property reports
• Preparation of draft annual accounts and work with the auditor
• Working with the charity's investment and property managers
• Working with a range of external advisers and lawyers on property matters
• Developing and advising on financial and endowment strategies

Staffing, governance and history

Cloudesley has a small team of four permanent staff. Staff work on a hybrid basis, with part of each week spent at the charity's office in King's Cross.

The charity has up to 15 Trustees at any one time, and a single corporate Trustee, Richard Cloudesley Trustee Limited. The Board of Trustees meets three times a year, and the Finance and Endowment Committee and Grants Committee meet quarterly. 

The charity dates back to 1517, when Tudor yeoman and Islington resident Richard Cloudesley wrote his will and left two 'Stony Fields' to Trustees. 

About the Foundation

STEPS Rehabilitation Foundation is a charitable foundation based in Sheffield, providing grants to people aged 16 and over following life-changing injuries and illnesses, enabling access to essential equipment, adaptations and support.

The Foundation supports individuals living within the designated grant area shown above.

Our Values

Compassion, empowerment and integrity are at the heart of our Foundation. We are dedicated to helping individuals rebuild their lives after life-changing injuries, who have no other funding options available to them.

Role Overview

The Chief Executive Officer will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Foundation and will report directly to the Chair and the Board of Trustees. The CEO will lead on planning and delivering fundraising, events, marketing, grant processes and future team development.

Marketing, graphic design and financial management support are available from within the STEPS team.

This is a remote working role, though applicants must be a commutable distance from Sheffield and happy to travel in and around the designated grant area when required.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and drive a compelling fundraising and income generation strategy, including exploring novel and commercial routes where appropriate.
• Be the public face and voice of the charity, ensuring messaging is on brand at all times, and securing appropriate media and other opportunities for publicity and raising awareness.
• Work with and listen to individuals and families who are beneficiaries of the Foundation, communicating their needs with clarity and credibility to funders and potential funders and donors.
• Establish a donor stewardship journey and ensure practice follows to meet donor needs.
• Develop and deliver fundraising methods, including but not limited to events, grants, legacies, regular giving and other appropriate methods of fundraising.
• Develop and deliver a social media and marketing plan.
• Develop and propose budgets, presenting to the Board for approval.
• Ensure any grants received are properly reported on and accounted for.
• Ensure data is collected in a way that is legally compliant and allows for impact reporting to funders and wider audiences.
• Work with the Trustees to ensure the Foundation is operating according to its Articles of Association and can demonstrate legal and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure the code of governance is embedded in all practice and seek to be compliant with the Fundraising Regulator.

Person Specification

Essential

• Able to work independently and show strong autonomy and accountability.
• Is a self-starter and can work independently.
• Fundraising experience.
• Marketing and social media skills, to include content creation and delivery for digital platforms.
• Budget setting and management experience.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• A strong track record of revenue generation, fundraising and building sustainable income.
• Strategic leadership, with the ability to contribute to strategic planning.
• Confidence in representing the Foundation externally.
• Experience of public speaking and partnership building.
• Able to work flexibly to meet the needs of the Foundation, with regular travel and in-person presence at events and meetings across the designated grant area, and from time to time further afield in the UK.

Desirable

• Evidence of leadership experience in the charity sector, ideally within a senior fundraising capacity.
• Experience of, directly or indirectly, working within the medico-legal sector.
• Event experience.

The Opportunity

This is a CEO role with scope to shape the next five years. You will work with a committed Board of Trustees and have the opportunity to develop a team. If you are motivated by growth, visibility and making a meaningful difference to the lives of those affected by life-changing injury or illness, you will find this a wonderful opportunity.

Role available for immediate start, depending on the successful candidate's notice period.

STEPS Rehabilitation Foundation is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background.

Do you believe communities should have a stronger voice in shaping services and opportunities? 💜🩵🩷

Compass Wellbeing CIC is looking for a new Non-Executive Director to join our Board and help ensure community voice, lived experience and partnership working continue to shape our strategy and decisions.

We are a small social enterprise (and subsidiary of East London NHS Foundation Trust) that helps communities thrive by bringing people, organisations and opportunities together, from earlier access to support, to employment and skills, to partnerships that make a real difference locally.

This NED role has a particular focus on strengthening our relationships with voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) organisations.

📍 London (hybrid) | 🕐 c. 1 day/month | 💷 £250/day + expenses | Closing 3 September 2026, 10:00

You don't need previous Board experience. Community leadership, VCFSE sector experience or lived experience relevant to the communities we serve all count. What matters is a genuine commitment to social justice and inclusion, and the confidence to be a constructive, challenging voice in the room.
 

The Charity Governance Secretariat Manager is a full-time hybrid role based in Letchworth, with the flexibility to work from home for part of the week. The role involves managing governance processes for charity clients, including coordinating board and committee meetings, preparing agendas and papers, maintaining accurate records and minutes, and tracking actions to completion. The manager will ensure compliance with charity regulations and best practice, oversee key governance documents and policies, and support trustees and senior leaders with timely information and guidance. Day-to-day responsibilities include liaising with stakeholders, organizing meeting logistics for both digital and physical events, maintaining governance calendars, and supporting the continuous improvement of governance procedures. The role also requires close collaboration with internal teams to align governance activities with overall event delivery and client expectations.

Qualifications

• Experience in charity governance or company secretariat functions, including organizing board and committee meetings, preparing papers, and recording minutes.
• Strong administrative and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines, maintain accurate records, and coordinate complex schedules.
• Knowledge of charity law, governance frameworks, and regulatory requirements (e.g., Charity Commission guidance), or a willingness to develop this expertise.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with attention to detail and the ability to produce clear, concise, and accurate documentation.
• Proficiency with digital tools and platforms used for meetings and events (e.g., videoconferencing tools, document management systems, office productivity software).
• Ability to build effective relationships with trustees, senior leaders, and external stakeholders, demonstrating discretion and professionalism.
• Experience in or exposure to healthcare, medical meetings, or non-profit sectors is beneficial.
• Relevant professional qualification or degree in a related field (e.g., governance, law, business, public administration) is desirable but not essential.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a respected and well-established charity with deep roots in the communities we serve. Jigsaw4u has a strong reputation and dedicated staff and volunteers.

As CEO, you will provide strategic, operational and cultural leadership, working closely with the Board of Trustees, staff, volunteers and partners to ensure the delivery of high-quality services.  You will drive our strategic priorities, strengthen financial sustainability, build effective partnerships and foster an inclusive, high-performance culture.

We are seeking a values-driven leader who can inspire confidence, champion collaboration and innovation and deliver meaningful outcomes for children, young people and families.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated Chief Executive to assume overall responsibility for the management of HMC. The purpose of this senior leadership role is to lead the organisation in fulfilling its purpose of supporting migrants in Hackney and the wider London community, ensuring they can access their rights and overcome injustices in the immigration and social welfare system.

York Travellers Trust (YTT) is seeking an inspiring, values-led Chief Executive to
lead our organisation through its next stage of development.

We work alongside the vibrant and resourceful Gypsy and Traveller communities of York and the surrounding area. We challenge discrimination and inequality, increase opportunities and life chances, and build bridges that promote understanding and community cohesion.

As Chief Executive, you will provide strategic leadership and hold overall responsibility for YTT’s performance, financial sustainability, governance, safeguarding and organisational development.

Working closely with our Board, staff and community members, you will:

 shape and deliver YTT’s strategic direction;
 strengthen our financial sustainability and develop new income opportunities;
 ensure our services remain effective, safe and responsive;
 build influential relationships with communities, funders, partners and
policymakers;
 champion the rights, needs and aspirations of Gypsy and Traveller
communities; and
 embed sociocratic and democratic ways of working so that community voices
genuinely shape our decisions.

We are looking for an experienced senior leader with a strong commitment to equality, social justice and community empowerment. You will have experience of leading in a charity, community organisation, public service or another values-led environment.

You will understand the strengths, needs and systemic barriers experienced by Gypsy and Traveller communities, gained through direct work with these communities or substantial experience alongside other marginalised groups.
You will combine strategic thinking with a collaborative, authentic and hands-on leadership style. You will also bring experience of managing people, working with a Board, overseeing finances, securing income and representing an organisation externally.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a trusted community organisation at an important point in its development. If you share our ambition for an inclusive, community-led and sustainable future, we would be delighted to hear from you.

The job description sets out the skills and experience we are looking for, but we know
that the right person may not tick every box. If you are passionate about our mission and bring significant relevant experience and the capacity to develop into the role, we would love to hear from you.

We are open to applications from people wishing to job share or looking for less than full-time hours; if this applies then let us know in your application.

We are looking for a person with an understanding of working with a values-driven team of people, in the charity or not-for-profit sector.

The person appointed will have an appreciation of the aims and values of the Sustain alliance and be excited by supporting our organisation in effective ways of working, whilst freeing up senior leaders and spokespeople to undertake influencing, communication, partnership development and fundraising activities.

The Operations and People Manager will help Sustain function effectively as an organisation and be a great place to work. This is a senior, trusted role working closely with the Chief Executive, Senior Leadership Team (SLT), Senior Management Team (SMT), line managers and Trustees to strengthen our people, operational and governance systems.

The post-holder will lead practical improvements in HR, people processes, line management standards, staff development, onboarding, offboarding, organisational culture and compliance. They will combine sound judgement, strong systems thinking and a people-centred approach, helping Sustain keep processes clear, proportionate and well-managed, while supporting colleagues to focus on effective delivery.

The mission of the Sustain alliance is to catalyse systemic change in the UK’s food and farming system – securing a healthy, fair, and sustainable future for all people, nature and a stable climate. Working in collaboration with our alliance members and others, we run a range of advocacy work, projects and campaigns to achieve permanent changes in policy and practice; and to engage more people, organisations and communities in being food system change-makers.

As with all senior roles at Sustain, the person appointed to this role will work mainly at the Sustain office in London during their probationary period, and thereafter at least half of working hours at our office, whilst benefiting from the flexibility offered to all colleagues. This is part of senior role-modelling of the creativity, support, engagement and well-being benefits that in-person working cultivates between colleagues. This will be managed in coordination with other senior colleagues to enable good in-person coverage and connectivity across the week and across common holiday periods.

Role and responsibilities
•Strengthen Sustain’s people, HR, operational and governance systems so that the charity works effectively, fairly and well.
•Help Sustain be a great place to work, with clear standards, supportive line management, good staff development and a positive, inclusive culture.
•Lead on high standards and practical improvements in recruitment; induction; probation; appraisals; people and HR processes; line management skills, knowledge and tools; staff consultation; and organisational policies and practices.
•Support senior leaders, line managers and Trustees with clear advice, reliable processes, good records and proportionate and effective risk management.
•Develop and maintain systems that are simple, useful and appropriate for Sustain’s size, values, resources and legal responsibilities
 

Tasks and responsibilities:

Organisational operations and systems
•Lead on managing and developing the charity’s operational activities.
•Ensure that senior management actions that support operational effectiveness are managed and carried out in a timely way, via an accessible and accountable process.
•Lead and/or participate in a range of internal groups that support operational effectiveness.
•Support the Chief Executive, Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and other relevant staff with governance matters, including:
oReporting to the Council of Trustees on operational and people matters;
oPerformance of the ‘Company Secretary’ role on behalf of Trustees;
oTrustee recruitment, induction and management of necessary information and processes;
oAppropriate compliance with the Charity Governance Code.
•Working with the Chief Executive and Chair of the Council of Trustees, help prepare and coordinate the agendas and the running of the quarterly board meeting and occasional (at least annual) staff and Trustees strategy day, as well as the Sustain AGM, Annual Report and Trustee elections (annual), as one of the key links in communication with and between Sustain’s Council of Trustees.
•Lead on development and implementation of one or more relevant chapter of Sustain’s Organisation Development Plan (ODP).

•Support the planning and running of events, working with Sustain team leads, partners, venues and contributors.
•Work with the Head of Finance, Head of Digital and Design and external suppliers to help ensure office, IT and operational arrangements are appropriate and support effective working.
 

People, HR and employment processes
•Lead development and implementation of HR processes, practical actions and transactions, using external HR and/or legal advisors for authoritative support and advice where needed.
•Lead on full lifecycle support for Sustain staff including:
oEffective and inclusive recruitment, onboarding and offboarding – implementing Sustain’s commitment to recruitment for diversity – working with SMT, finance and admin leads;
oCreating, grading, reviewing and updating job descriptions, working with line managers and the senior leadership team;
oManaging employment contract variances; funding precarity; end-of-contract and risk-of-redundancy processes, working with senior managers, line managers, affected employees and HR/legal advisors;
oCreating or supporting a range of opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds and identities to get involved.
•Act as first point of contact for HR queries, taking ownership of policies and process, culture and employee relations; informed by HR advice, consultation and annual staff survey, including overseeing an action plan to embed areas of good practice, and to pursue improvements in an accountable way.
•Regular review of job descriptions, grades, progression and staff benefits within Sustain to ensure we remain competitive within the sector.
•Provide or commission sector benchmarking data, analysis and recommendations to inform decision-making, using a methodology agreed with Trustee oversight, on matters such financial and non-financial staff benefits.
•Maintain and improve the Staff Handbook, Recruitment Handbook, and related policies, guidance, advice and other support.

Line management standards, learning and staff development
•Lead the development and implementation of clear, practical standards for line management at Sustain, working with SLT, SMT, the Line Managers Forum and external advisers where appropriate.

•Develop and oversee implementation of key processes such as annual appraisals, annual planning and objective-setting, and a suitable performance management process.
•Help ensure objective-setting, personal development and progression conversations are undertaken routinely, and that these and performance management are handled consistently, fairly and in line with Sustain’s values and legal responsibilities.
•Support line managers to run effective 1-to-1s, probation reviews, appraisals, workload conversations, development conversations, and difficult conversations where needed.
•Ensure suitable and sufficient ongoing learning opportunities and training for the staff team and the Line Managers group, driving the charity’s approach to consistent standards, personal development and career progression.
•Maintain and improve the Line Managers Handbook and related tools, templates and guidance.
Culture, EDI, staff voice and union liaison
•Manage and develop Sustain as a great place to work, with a working culture and practices that support effective delivery, as well as health, wellbeing and personal development.
•Serve as an active member of the Diversity Group, to implement and innovate on equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism, and to gather data to measure and report on impact and progress.
•Working with the CEO, provide a route for requests and suggestions from the Health and Wellbeing Group to be properly considered and actioned as appropriate.
•Develop and support ways for staff voices to be heard and influence policies, practices and organisational culture, and for staff to be able to raise ideas and concerns confidently and see actions taken as a result.
•Support structured staff consultation and union liaison processes, helping ensure they are well-organised, transparent, well-documented and conducted in line with Sustain's policies and recognition arrangements.

Governance, compliance and risk management
•Develop and update key resources, contributing to useful reference sets such as the Staff Handbook, Recruitment Handbook and Line Managers Handbook, including overseeing production, maintenance and updating of all policies, procedures and guidance relevant to operations and people.
•Ensure Sustain complies with all employment, health and safety, data protection, charity legislation and statutory guidance including filing at Companies House and maintaining organisational records with the Charity Commission, and managing the risk register and internal policies tracker.

•Ensure adherence to health, safety, diversity and safeguarding procedures in the office, in hybrid working and for events and activities; undertaking comprehensive risk assessments for events and activities; and ensuring appropriate risk mitigation, staff communication and updates to guidance.
Other
•Potential for this role to line-manage one or more member of staff, volunteer, paid intern and/or external consultant, offering 1-to-1 support for objective-setting, work delivery, coaching and pastoral matters.
•Any other reasonable tasks and duties, agreed with the Chief Executive, consistent with the nature and level of the role.

Person specification / What we’re looking for:

Qualifications and requirements
•Significant experience operating at a senior level in a people, HR, operations or an organisation development role, including responsibility for organisational systems and staff management. [E]
•Experience of working in a charity, not-for-profit, campaigning, membership, alliance or other values-led organisation. [D]
•Demonstrable commitment to the operations and people role through a relevant qualification, training or other continuing professional development (CPD). [D]
 

Experience
•Significant experience leading organisational, people or operational improvement and advising senior decision-makers. [E]
•Developing skills and learning plans, and commissioning and/or delivering learning opportunities including training, workshops, facilitation and/or coaching. [E]
•Managing employment contracts to improve employee information and job security, especially where funding is short-term and project-based, with insights into good practice. [D]
•Delivering training and/or guidance to improve people-related functions to be delivered by line managers. [D]
•Working in a unionised organisation. [D]
Skills, abilities and attitudes
•Confidence and experience to take a leadership role on operational and people matters, working with the Chief Executive, Trustees and senior managers. [E]
•Strong problem-solving skills, and negotiation skills and the ability and confidence to provide insightful and constructive proposals and advice. [E]
•Excellent project management skills. [E]
•Aptitude for managing financial information and budgets. [D]
•Ability to communicate clearly and sensitively in writing and verbally, including on complex, confidential or contentious matters. [E]
•Proficiency with computer software and records management. [E]

Knowledge
•Knowledge and experience of end-to-end management of staff team members and their development: recruitment, induction and probation; learning experiences, skills and training; personal and career development; performance management; support for health and wellbeing; and HR processes. [E]
•Sound knowledge of UK HR and employment rules and statutory guidance, and their implementation in good practice. [E]
•Knowledge of IT, online and practical systems for improving processes and efficiency. [D]
 

Attitudes and personal qualities
•Highly organised and self-motivated, with the ability to work flexibly, independently and meet deadlines; whilst having the judgment to know when and who to consult before proceeding. [E]
•High integrity, with a professional, diplomatic, values-led, solutions-focused and collaborative approach to working with individuals and a wider team. [E]
•Commitment and ability to work at our office in East London regularly. [E]
•Demonstrable commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and racial justice. [E]
•Commitment to the mission and values of Sustain, and an interest in healthy and sustainable food and farming. [D]

Application closing date: Monday 14 September at 5pm (BST)

First stage interviews will take place (via Zoom) on: Wednesday 23 September 2026

Second stage interviews to take place in-person (London office) on: Wednesday 30 September 2026

Early applications are encouraged.

For any queries, please contact our recruitment team.

Head of Finance

Salary£80,000.00 per annum

LocationLondon/Hybrid (with 1 to 2 days a week in the office)

Weekly Hours35

The Vacancy

Job Title: Head of Finance

Location: London/Hybrid (with 1 to 2 days a week in the office)

Salary: £80,000.00 per annum

Weekly Hours: 35

Reference: YMC1228366

About Us

Founded in 1844, YMCA is a global movement and the world's largest youth-focused charity.  In England and Wales, YMCAs are based in over 700 communities across 168 local authorities supporting young people and communities to reach their potential. The turnover of YMCA in 2025-26 was £386m. YMCA England & Wales is a £23 million organisation of more than 400 colleagues, supporting a Federation of 80 local YMCAs to deliver vital services which positively impact young lives across the country. As we grow our income and impact, we are seeking an established and inspirational Head of Finance to take on one of the most pivotal roles in our organisation.

The Opportunity

This is a senior leadership appointment, reporting to the Director of Resources and leading a Finance team of around nine, including the payroll function. You will act as our lead on all matters of finance, liaising with our Federation members where necessary, providing expert support to our Income Generation Directorate (Fundraising and Retail) and other internal Directorates, embedding financial insight into revenue-generation strategy and working in close collaborative partnership with senior colleagues both within those teams but also across the Federation. Beyond this, you will oversee statutory reporting, investments, VAT and taxation compliance, and provide expert counsel to our Board of Trustees and Finance and Audit Committee.

Why You

Perhaps you have already established an excellent track record within a charity with significant fundraising and retail operations and are ready for the scale and influence this role commands. Or perhaps this is your first move into a charity; you are a seasoned accountant whose clients have included charitable organisations, and you now plan to apply that expertise where it matters most. Either way, this is a genuine opportunity to shape the financial future of a movement with over 180 years of heritage as we continue to embed strong financial practices whilst delivering our strategic ambition

What We're Looking For

You will be a fully qualified accountant (ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA) with senior management experience leading finance in an organisation of comparable scale, ideally with charity reporting and SORP knowledge. Strong business partnering skills, gravitas with trustees and committees, and genuine collaborative leadership are essential to succeed in this crucial role.

Our recruitment process is anonymised and candidates' names are hidden. We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds. Safer recruitment is important to us and the successful applicant will be asked to provide two references. They will also be required to complete a safeguarding self-declaration, safeguarding training and undertake a DBS check