Chair of trustees jobs

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Salary: £45,068 to £51,242 (Negotiable)

37 hours per week – Flexible throughout the week, including some evenings and weekends

We are seeking to appoint a Chief Executive Officer with a proven commitment to survivor-led practice, outstanding organisational leadership capability, and relevant therapeutic competence, to provide strategic and inspirational leadership for the organisation’s future.

Leeds Survivor Led Crisis Service (LSLCS) exists to provide compassionate, person-centred, trauma-informed crisis support to people across Leeds and West Yorkshire.  Founded in 1999 by individuals with lived experience of mental health crisis, the organisation has grown to deliver a range of services for adults, children and young people while remaining rooted in survivor leadership and empowerment. LSLCS has a long history of innovation and excellence; receiving multiple national awards.

The CEO holds overarching responsibility for the current service provisions, with the support of operational directors and service managers.  LSLCS challenges and shapes current practices; aligned with the needs of those accessing crisis services, with a strong emphasis on gaining and reviewing service user and team feedback to inform decision-making.  The CEO must be able to review feedback openly, regularly and with genuine curiosity in shaping the future of the organisation.

The CEO provides strategic leadership to ensure that LSLCS continues to deliver high-quality, values-led crisis services.  Working closely with the Board of Trustees, the CEO ensures the organisation operates in alignment with its survivor-led ethos, trauma-informed principles, and person-centred philosophy.  The post-holder champions the mission of LSLCS, strengthens its culture, and maintains the organisation’s reputation as a trusted and innovative provider of crisis support.

The CEO must ensure that the organisation’s governance is compliant with Charity Commission requirements, contractual obligations and all other relevant legislation and guidance, and works closely with the Operations Director (Central Services) to ensure the organisation’s financial sustainability and the appropriate, responsible use of its resources.

Severn Arts is an ambitious, evolving arts charity and one of the national Music Hubs for Herefordshire and Worcestershire. We are looking for people who want to ensure the creative sector flourishes, and that the value of the arts is recognised as a contributor to society, and to creating confident, empowered communities. 

In our new Chief Executive, we seek a leader with the experience and ambition to build on the momentum we have, to strengthen organisational resilience, grow audiences and foster relationships with partners and stakeholders. The successful candidate will work with the Senior Leadership Team as we embark on a new 3-year Business Plan cycle to design and implement innovative and creative strategies that align with our strategic aims.

The new Chief Executive will be instrumental in advocating for the work we do, growing the business, and promoting the opportunities Severn Arts brings to children and young people and the wider community of Worcestershire.

Severn Arts has been through significant transformational change since its inception and has accomplished a great deal through diversifying into large-scale project delivery, community engagement and music projects aimed at providing access for all to high-quality experiences that are sustainable and life-affirming. We are in year two of a new three-year business plan period and the potential to grow our offer and increase our impact is great. Joining at this time in our history would enable the right candidate to have significant influence in taking the charity forward.

Main purpose of the role: To provide leadership to the organisation working with the Senior Leadership Team to develop, deliver and evaluate our agreed strategic business plan; promote growth and sustainability, and foster a positive, inspiring work environment that empowers our teams to deliver our vision and goals.

• Lead the charity’s vision, values and strategic direction working closely with Trustees to ensure a resilient, ambitious organisation that connects communities through creative endeavour and engagement.
• Support the Chair of Trustees to ensure that the Board and sub committees are equipped and informed, enabling effective and appropriate governance.
• Drive the successful development of income generation through successful fundraising and partnership development to ensure Severn Arts' sustainability.
• Work with and support the Director of Operations and Resources to develop and implement an informed financial plan and be accountable for the annual budget.
• Build and maintain key relationships with stakeholders locally, regionally, and nationally and be an ambassador and spokesperson for the organisation.
• Work and negotiate with strategic funding partners to ensure that outcomes and KPIs are aligned and delivered for the benefit of our audiences and users and for the long-term sustainability of Severn Arts.
• Provide leadership across the organisation and ensure Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access is embedded into all aspects of our work, team, and offer.
• Ensure a joined up, supportive working environment that sets out clear values, encourages creativity and contributions from everyone and enables the staff team, volunteers and our Board to flourish and thrive.
• Overall responsibility for adherence to all company policies and working practices.

This post is subject to a criminal record check under the arrangements established by the Disclosure and Barring Service.

One of London’s historic “Magnificent Seven” cemeteries, the Cemetery Park is now a Local Nature Reserve and a vital green space in the heart of the East End — where biodiversity, heritage and community come together.

Founded in 1990, the Friends are an award-winning charity dedicated to protecting and caring for this unique site. Now, we are looking for a values-driven, collaborative leader to help strengthen our organisation for the future.

About the role

This is a senior leadership position within a collaborative charity structure. You will:

– Work closely with the Board of Trustees on strategy and governance

– Lead on finance, fundraising and organisational sustainability

– Support and develop staff and volunteers

– Represent the charity externally

– Work in close partnership with our longstanding Cemetery Park Manager

Importantly, this is not a corporate CEO role. It is an opportunity to lead within a community-rooted, place-based charity where humility, partnership and emotional intelligence matter as much as strategy.

We’re looking for someone who:

•  Has senior experience in a charity or values-led organisation
•  Understands governance and financial sustainability
•  Can build trust with staff, volunteers and stakeholders
•  Is excited by heritage, conservation and community

As a small charity, this role balances strategic thinking with hands-on involvement.

Brainkind exists to ensure that life after brain injury can be a life well lived.

As the UK’s largest not-for-profit provider of specialist brain injury rehabilitation and neurological services, we support more than 750 people each year across our network of hospitals, assessment and rehabilitation centres, and community services in England, Scotland and Wales. With 86% of our services rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’, and a unique integrated pathway from hospital to community, Brainkind is the national leader in specialist brain injury rehabilitation.

We are now seeking an exceptional Chief Executive Officer to lead Brainkind into its next phase. This is a pivotal moment for the organisation: an opportunity to strengthen financial resilience, sharpen operational alignment, and build on our strong foundations to deliver even greater impact for the people we support.

 Reporting to the Chair and Board of Trustees, the Chief Executive Officer will have full accountability for organisational performance, strategy, and culture. You will lead and develop a committed and experienced Executive Team, ensure the continued delivery of high-quality, person-centred services, and build trusted relationships with commissioners, partners, regulators, and stakeholders across the health and care system.

This role requires a proven executive leader with experience operating at scale within health, social care, or a similarly complex regulated environment. You will bring a strong track record of delivering organisational performance, financial stewardship, and leading organisations through periods of change, growth, or transformation.

Above all, you will be a visible, values-driven leader, able to combine strategic clarity, operational discipline, and commercial judgement with a deep personal commitment to improving the lives of people with brain injuries.

This is an opportunity to lead one of the UK’s most important specialist charities at a time of both challenge and opportunity, and to make a lasting difference to the lives of those we serve. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape the future of specialist brain injury rehabilitation in the UK and lead an organisation with deep expertise, committed staff, and a clear sense of purpose. 

We’re looking for an experienced and proactive Board Secretary to support our Chair, CEO and Board of Trustees.  In this key role, you’ll ensure the smooth running of all Board and committee activity, uphold high governance standards, and act as a trusted adviser on regulatory, statutory and best-practice requirements.

What you’ll do:

• Lead and maintain high‑quality governance processes across the organisation
• Coordinate Board and committee meetings, agendas, papers and minutes
• Oversee key governance documents, registers and annual reviews
• Support trustee recruitment, induction and development·
• Work closely with senior leaders to ensure consistent, best‑practice governance

What you’ll bring:

• Chartered Governance Institute qualification (or equivalent)
• Educated to degree level, a qualification in psychology would be an advantage
• At least 5 years’ experience working directly with a Board of Trustees
• Strong understanding of Charity Commission requirements and governance best practice
• Excellent communication, organisation and prioritisation skills
• Ability to build strong relationships and manage competing demands

If you’re an experienced forward-thinking governance professional who can confidently take the lead at senior level, we’d love to hear from you.

We offer a friendly, values led working culture with an excellent benefits package that includes:

• Agile & flexible working
• Generous leave entitlement
• Occupational pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme / free eye care vouchers / Winter flu vaccinations
• Tailored learning & development
• Employee Assistance Programme counselling
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Discounts scheme with national organisation

Whilst the job can be predominantly home-based, applicants must live within a commutable distance from London, as in-person attendance will be necessary on occasions.

How to apply

The closing date for applications is 23:30 on 20 March 2026.  Shortlisted candidates will be contacted on 15 April. Interviews will be held in person in London on 27 and 28 April.

To apply, please send your CV and a supporting statement detailing how you meet the criteria in the job profile. Due to the seniority of the role, applications without a supporting statement will not be considered.

Previous applicants need not apply. 

The British Psychological Society is committed to a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, irrespective of your background or circumstances. We are only able to accept applications that can demonstrate a right to work in the UK; we are unable to sponsor people requiring a work visa.

Due to the large number of applications we receive, it is not possible to update you on the progress of the application until after the closing date.  If you have not heard from us within three weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.

Chief Executive Officer

Paul’s Place
Yate, South Gloucestershire (Hybrid – minimum 3 days onsite)
£65,000 | Full-time (35 hours per week) | Permanent

After 30 years of impact — and with a new purpose-built Hub — Paul’s Place is ready for its next chapter.

Following the retirement of our CEO, we are seeking an exceptional charity CEO to guide us into an ambitious future — expanding services, strengthening partnerships and ensuring more disabled adults can live life to the full.

About Paul’s Place

Paul’s Place is a respected South West charity supporting physically disabled adults to connect with others, build confidence and participate fully in society.

From our fully accessible Hub in Yate, we deliver:

• A specialist Day Opportunity Service
• Evening and social programmes
• Short breaks
• Vocational skills training
• Step Ahead transition support
• Inclusive sports activities

We are financially secure, with strong reserves and a diverse funding base. Our new Hub — developed in collaboration with our members — positions us strongly for thoughtful, sustainable growth.

Disabled people are at the heart of everything we do. We are disability-led, needs-led and committed to achieving excellence.

The Opportunity

As Chief Executive Officer, you will provide both strategic and operational leadership to a well-established, values-driven organisation.

The Chief Executive Officer will work closely with the Board of Trustees to deliver our strategy and shape the next phase of development, while ensuring robust governance, strong financial management and continued income growth.

The Chief Executive Officer will lead and develop a committed Senior Leadership Team, build influential relationships with commissioners and partners, and raise the profile of Paul’s Place locally and nationally.

This is a visible role requiring someone equally comfortable in the boardroom and engaging directly with members.

Who We’re Looking For

We are seeking an experienced charity leader with:

• CEO leadership experience within the voluntary sector
• A strong track record in income generation and contract negotiation
• Experience of working constructively with Trustees to deliver strategy
• Strong financial oversight experience
• Knowledge of governance, safeguarding and regulatory compliance
• Experience leading organisational growth
• Understanding of health and social care commissioning

A genuine commitment to disability inclusion and empowering disabled adults is essential.

Further Information

For full details of the role, responsibilities, person specification and our strategic priorities, please download the Recruitment Pack.

The pack provides comprehensive information about Paul’s Place, our services, financial position, governance structure and ambitions for the future.

We strongly encourage candidates to review it before applying.

Terms

Salary: £65,000
Location: Paul’s Place Hub, Shire Way, Yate, Bristol BS37 8YS
Hybrid working (minimum three days onsite)
28 days annual leave + bank holidays
5% matched pension contribution

Closing date for applications: Thursday 2nd April 2026
Shortlisting: Wednesday 8th April 2026
Interviews: Week commencing Monday 13th April 2026
(Interviews are likely to take place on Thursday 16th April 2026
at Paul’s Place Hub)
#Chief Executive officer #CEO #Strategy

The UK Health Alliance on Climate Change (UKHACC) is a registered charity that brings together the UK’s leading health organisations, representing more than one million health professionals, to advocate for responses to climate change that protect and promote health. Through coordinated, collective action, the Alliance communicates the relationship between health and climate change to government, the public and other health professionals.

We are seeking a dynamic, motivated, and professional Director with excellent policy, project management, and interpersonal skills, experience in strategic communications and change.  The right candidate ideally also has experience in advocacy, and a track record of building consensus and leading campaigns.  .

The Director will be responsible for the Alliance’s overall strategy, oversight of the communications, policy and public affairs programmes, projects, and engagement with Alliance members and key external stakeholders. They will work closely with the Chair and trustees and develop good working relationships with senior leaders and public affairs and communications teams from the membership organisations that make up the Alliance. As the sole employee, the Director needs the professional capacity to coordinate strategic and operational delivery across all areas of the charity and ability to manage multiple stakeholder relationships. They will develop and lead a strategic focus to increase income generation and build a small team of staff to enable the organisation to continue to grow.

*** IMPORTANT: HDF will only consider applicants with the existing right to reside and work in the UK. ***

Background

Human Dignity Foundation (HDF) is a private, philanthropic foundation which was established to enable children to live with dignity. In recent years, we have focussed on funding organisations who help protect and safeguard children from sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA). HDF is a spend down foundation which expects to complete the funding of its international partner projects by the end of 2033.

In 2023, HDF updated its strategy to drive the expansion of our portfolio of projects and maximise the foundation’s future impact – to support more children affected by or at risk of CSEA. To support this strategy, HDF is in the process of setting a UK registered charity, which is expected to be operational by end of Q1 2026.

Job Purpose

The Finance and Operations Manager will oversee and support the operations of the UK charity, working closely with the HDF team based in Dublin, to ensure its smooth running and compliance with UK laws and charity regulations.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

The Finance and Operations Manager role will be dynamic and diverse given the small nature of HDF’s team. The role will be expected to build on the processes, policies and tools already in existence within HDF Switzerland and adapt them to the UK context. Core responsibilities of this role will include:

Finance

•  Process and record payments and other transactions in the accounting system;
• Maintain financial records and prepare monthly management accounts, reconciliations, etc. for review by the Director of Finance and Operations;
• Support payroll processes and liaise with external providers;
• Manage required filings with HMRC as required (expected to be minimal);
• Prepare annual financial statements and coordinate/ support the annual audit/ financial verification of the charity;
• Prepare the annual budget and produce quarterly cashflow forecasts, ensuring timely drawdowns of funds from HDF Switzerland as needed.

Operations & Administration

• Produce and oversee the submission of reports and/or required filings to the Charities Commission and ensure broader compliance with its requirements;
• Produce reports and filings to Companies House as needed, and coordinate with the Company Secretary for their timely submission;
• Maintain the charity’s risk register to ensure risks are appropriately understood and mitigated;
• Produce and update internal policies, procedures and tools (templates to be provided where available);
• Set up and oversee the UK pension scheme, life assurance/ health insurance schemes as required with the relevant providers;
• Support the planning and delivery of meetings of the Board of Trustees and other internal and external meetings as needed;
• Organise travel arrangements for UK based staff(s) and Trustees as needed;
• In time the role may take over Company Secretary duties from our external provider;
• Conduct procurement, liaise with suppliers and manage their contracts as needed;
• Conduct other administrative tasks to support the running of the charity as needed, including but not limited to IT and HR;
• Support the charity’s Executive Chair of Trustees with tasks as may be reasonably required.

Grant Administration

• Support the development and amendment of grant agreements with partners as needed;
• Track and reconcile grant payments against agreements and perform required follow up with grantees as needed;
• Update and maintain HDF’s grant management information and filing system to ensure HDF’s records are accurate and up to date.

Person Specification

Experience

• 5 years’ experience in finance, accounting, office management
• Minimum 2 years’ experience working for a charity/NGO sector

Qualifications and skills

• Part-qualified ACA/ ACCA/ CIMA, or other bookkeeping/ accounting qualification
• Accurate worker with strong numerical skills
• Excellent written, verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• Computer literate – strong Excel, Word skills
• Proficient use of accounting software (e.g. Xero, Sage)
• Good organisational skills, ability to prioritise and meet deadlines
• Ability to work independently and on own initiative

Qualities

• Flexible
• Self-starter and pro-active
• Team player who enjoys working in small team environments

Common values

• Accountability to HDF’s Board and partners
• Innovative, entrepreneurial, and dynamic in our approach
• Openness to admitting our mistakes and learning from them
• Excellence in all that we do
• Passion for our work and mission

Terms & Conditions

• Part-time 3 days a week
• Between £40,000 - £50,000 per annum pro-rata, salary is commensurate with experience
• 25 days of annual leave pro-rata
• Remote, travel to London, Dublin and within Europe may be required
• Pension, provision of health cash plan or equivalent, life assurance, bike scheme

To provide inspirational and effective leadership, ensuring the charity delivers its mission and strategic objectives while maintaining strong relationships with the Board of Trustees, staff, volunteers, beneficiaries, and funders. 

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Lead the development and implementation of the charity's vision, mission, and long-term strategy in partnership with the Board.
• Governance & Compliance: Work closely with the Chair and Trustees to ensure full compliance with Charity Law, the Charity Commission, and all relevant legislation (e.g., safeguarding, data protection).
• Fundraising & Financial Management: Oversee the charity's financial planning, manage budgets, and lead on developing and delivering a diversified fundraising strategy to ensure long-term sustainability and growth. This includes writing grant applications and identifying new income streams.
• Operational Management: Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring efficient and effective service delivery and managing risk.
• Team Leadership: Lead, motivate, and manage a team of staff and volunteers, fostering a positive and inclusive organisational culture.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy: Act as the primary ambassador for the charity, building strong relationships with local authorities, funders, community partners, and the media. 

Person Specification

Essential Experience & Skills

• Proven experience in a senior leadership or management role, ideally within the charity/non-profit sector.
• Demonstrable success in income generation, including grants and fundraising.
• Strong financial acumen and experience in budget management and reporting.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and networking skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Experience of working closely with or reporting to a Board of Trustees.
• Strong understanding of governance, safeguarding, and regulatory requirements in the UK charity sector.
• Ability to be a decisive, adaptable, and inspiring leader, comfortable with a hands-on role in a small organisation. 

Desirable Attributes

• A qualification in business administration, non-profit management, or a relevant field.
• Knowledge of the specific issues or services the charity provides.
• Experience in social enterprise development or digital transformation
• Existing vetting and safeguarding clearances

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applicants who support our mission of inclusivity.

All applicants must have a right to work in the UK.

We are seeking a forward‑thinking leader with a track record in changing organisations that have a good and loyal team in place with a commitment to our mission and values, and the imagination to explore new ways of meeting local needs. A track record of fundraising in the charity sector is needed. Whether you come with a background from the advice sector, the wider charity world, or another relevant field, if you have the vision and drive to steer CAEW into the future, we would love to hear from you.

If you'd like to find out more about The Elephant Group, the work that we do, and this exciting new role, join us on 12th March at our live webinar (link in application pack). 

We’re on a mission to create fairer access to top universities and to transform how young people learn. As our Development and Delivery Lead, you will play a pivotal, leading role in shaping, delivering and growing our Meta Method programme and associated provisions.

This role is ideal for an experienced, confident educator, school support staff member, or outreach professional who thrives in front of large audiences and is ready to take ownership of high-impact delivery. You will lead the delivery of content both in person and (occasionally) online, working directly with schools, students and partners, and acting as a visible and credible ambassador for the organisation.

Alongside delivery, you will work closely with the CEO and Head of Development & Operations to develop, refine and evolve programme content, ensuring it remains engaging, pedagogically robust and responsive to the needs of schools and students. You will bring creativity, judgement and initiative, contributing to programme innovation and the organisation’s wider growth.

As a pivotal member of the Development and Operations team, you will take lead responsibility for the coordination and delivery of Meta Method and additional programmes, ensuring schools are well supported and delivery runs smoothly. You will also play an important role in growing demand for our work, leading conversations around additional programme sales, partnerships and future opportunities.

This is a unique opportunity for someone who wants to combine excellent delivery skills with strategic influence, and who is motivated by seeing their work translate directly into improved outcomes for young people. For the right person, the role offers real autonomy, visibility, and the chance to shape the future direction of an ambitious and values-driven organisation.

This is initially a 12-month contract, however we anticipate that the post will become permanent subject to adequate growth and funding. 

Overview
The Talent Set are delighted to partner with the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) on a fantastic Senior Philanthropy and Partnerships Manager role. This pivotal position will work to accelerate their corporate and individual major gifts programme. Taking a thoughtful, supporter-first approach, you’ll secure six-figure gifts that drive real change for people as they become parents across the UK. 

You’ll join at an exciting moment, as the charity enters its 70th Anniversary year!

Working closely with our Chair of Trustees, Chief Executive and Head of Fundraising & Partnerships, you’ll help unlock new networks and opportunities. You’ll be the key link between internal and external conversations — taking ideas from first spark, through a brilliant ask, and into smooth delivery — while also helping to build the infrastructure that makes high-value fundraising work at scale (KPIs, reporting and supporter management). 

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategies to cultivate and maintain relationships with donors, partners, and stakeholders.
• Identify new funding opportunities and partnership prospects to expand the organisation’s reach.
• Lead engagement activities, including events and campaigns, to increase visibility and support.
• Collaborate across teams to develop compelling proposals, reports, and presentations.
• Monitor, evaluate, and report on partnership outcomes to inform future strategies.
• Represent the organisation at external events and forums, strengthening its presence in the sector.

Person Specification

• Demonstrates excellent relationship-building and communication skills.
• Organised with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively.
• Has a proactive approach to identifying opportunities and solutions.
• Strong understanding of philanthropy and nonprofit funding landscapes.
• Adaptable and culturally sensitive, with a commitment to inclusive practices.
• Possesses strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
• Experience in fundraising, stakeholder engagement, or partnership management is desirable.

What’s on Offer
Salary: 45,000
Location: Remote, with regular travel to corporate and major donor meetings

How to Apply
To apply, please submit your CV demonstrating your suitability for this role by clicking the 'apply now' button (please do not apply via email). We aim to get back to all successful candidates within 48 working hours.
Commitment to Diversity

The Talent Set are committed to diverse and inclusive recruitment practices, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability, or age. We actively encourage applications from a wide range of backgrounds and are always happy to make reasonable adjustments to ensure a fair recruitment process.

Edward's Trust is seeking a values-led Chief Executive to build on recent stabilisation and lead the charity into its next phase of sustainable impact.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a respected bereavement charity supporting parents, children and young people across the West Midlands.

Edward's Trust provides specialist counselling and holistic wellbeing support to families experiencing profound and often complex grief. Our work is rooted in compassion, integrity and a deep respect for the individuality of every person we support.

We are now looking for a Chief Executive who can combine emotional intelligence with strategic clarity and hands-on leadership. Working closely with a committed Board and skilled staff team, the successful candidate will guide the organisation confidently through a challenging funding landscape while protecting the quality and integrity of our services.

This is a senior, visible role with real autonomy and influence. Key priorities include strengthening income resilience, leading income generation activity, nurturing partnerships, and embedding a shared strategic direction across the organisation. The role requires a leader who is comfortable holding complexity and uncertainty, and who understands the responsibility of working within emotionally demanding services.

We welcome applications from experienced leaders within the charity, health or social care sectors, as well as those ready to step into a Chief Executive role. Flexible and part-time working arrangements are welcomed, including 0.8 FTE.

Full details, including the role profile, priorities and how to apply are available in the recruitment pack.

Chief Executive Officer (Part-time, 3 days/week)

Veterans With Dogs (VWD) is seeking a dynamic and compassionate Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead our charity into its next chapter. This rare and exciting opportunity offers the chance to guide a small, high-impact team at a pivotal stage in the charity’s growth.

Location: Exeter (hybrid with regular office presence required)
Salary: £45,000–£55,000 pro-rata (equivalent to £27,000 - £33,000 for 3 days/week) + 3% pension contribution
Contract: Initial 1 year role with opportunity to extend

Hours: 21 hours / 3 days per week

Holiday: 28 days per annum (FTE), plus bank holidays
Reports to: Chair of Trustees
Direct reports: 4

About Veterans With Dogs

Veterans With Dogs is a UK charity that transforms the lives of Armed Forces veterans living with mental health challenges. Through the provision of highly trained assistance dogs and trauma-informed support, we help restore purpose, independence, and dignity to those who have served.

Founded in 2012, our work addresses a vital gap for veterans living with PTSD, anxiety, depression, and complex trauma. Through our award-winning PALS™ (Partner Animal Life Skills) programme, we help veterans re-engage with life, with the support of a trusted companion by their side.

Following a period of governance transition and renewal, we are entering a new and exciting phase. We are strengthening leadership, systems, and strategy to ensure long-term sustainability and greater reach. As we begin this next chapter, we are seeking an experienced, values-driven CEO to lead us confidently into this next phase.

The Role

The CEO will provide strategic direction, operational oversight, and cultural leadership for Veterans With Dogs. Working closely with the Board of Trustees, the CEO will oversee the delivery of the charity’s mission, ensure operational excellence, develop our long-term strategy, and foster a values-led and high-performing team.

This is a hands-on, multi-dimensional leadership role, ideal for a calm, pragmatic, and inspiring individual with experience of organisational stabilisation, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable growth. You will be a visible leader at our base in Exeter, while building strong relationships across the veteran, assistance dog, and wider charity sectors.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

· Lead the development and delivery of an interim plan and longer-term organisational strategy

· Translate strategic goals into clear operational priorities and plans

· Foster a compassionate, inclusive, and mission-aligned organisational culture

· Act as a credible and inspiring ambassador for Veterans With Dogs with stakeholders, funders, partners, and the public

• Guide the charity through stabilisation and values-led, sustainable growth

Governance & Compliance

· Ensure compliance with all relevant charity law, regulation, and best practice

· Work in partnership with the Board of Trustees, supporting effective governance and reporting

· Implement and embed improvements in HR, finance, safeguarding, IT, and operational systems

• Lead on organisational risk management, ensuring policies and procedures are in place and regularly reviewed

Operations & Programme Delivery

· Oversee day-to-day operations to ensure safe, ethical, and effective service delivery

· Ensure safeguarding standards are upheld for both veterans and dogs

· Drive continuous improvement in programme quality, delivery, and impact measurement

• Ensure operational systems and data processes are robust, compliant, and fit for purpose

People & Culture

· Lead, support, and nurture a small, dedicated staff team and wider network of volunteers

· Promote staff wellbeing, clear communication, and professional development

• Work with trustees to assess future staffing needs and build leadership capacity

Finance & Sustainability

· Work with trustees and advisors to ensure sound financial management and reporting

· Contribute to financial planning, budgeting, and development of a sustainable reserves policy

• Help diversify income streams, supporting fundraising efforts, corporate partnerships, and individual giving

Fundraising & External Relations

· Build and maintain relationships with funders, donors, corporate partners, and sector allies

· Collaborate with the fundraising trustee to develop new funding opportunities

· Represent the charity externally with credibility, transparency, and professionalism

• Strengthen partnerships with ADUK, ADI, Cobseo, and other key membership bodies

Person Specification

Essential

· Senior leadership experience within a charity, social enterprise, or values-led organisation

· Strong knowledge of charity governance, regulation, and trustee relationships

· Experience leading teams through organisational change or stabilisation

· Financial literacy with experience of budgeting, reporting, and planning

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills across diverse stakeholders

• A calm, values-based, and ethical leadership approach

Desirable

· Experience in health, mental health, veterans’ services, or trauma-informed work

· Experience working with boards during periods of strategic or leadership transition

· Fundraising and/or income generation experience

· Understanding of safeguarding best practice (for people and/or animals)

• Lived experience of the military or charity sectors (not essential)

Our Commitment

Veterans With Dogs is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We actively welcome applicants from all backgrounds and strive to create a supportive, respectful, and empowering workplace. We recognise the value of lived experience and are committed to continuous learning as an organisation.

How to Apply

Apply with your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your interest and suitability.

If you would like a confidential conversation before applying, we would be happy to speak with you.

Closing date to apply: Friday 13 March 2026

· First interviews (online): week commencing 16 March 2026

· Second interviews (in our Exeter office): week commencing 23 March 2026 TBC

NO RECRUITERS AT THIS STAGE PLEASE