Charity chief officer jobs

Do you want to work for a dynamic, creative, fast-paced charity?

At Action Together we see the amazing things people achieve when they work together to make the lives of others better. If you share our values: believe it’s possible, strengthen others, and be true, we’d love you to consider joining our team.

Finance Director

The ideal candidate

We seek a finance leader driven by values, with extensive experience directing finance operations and delivering top-tier financial planning, reporting, and governance. This role requires strong technical accounting abilities, exceptional communication skills, and the talent to explain complex concepts to diverse audiences.

You should be a collaborative, inclusive leader who excels at developing team members, managing risks, negotiating effectively, and guiding the organisation through periods of change. Most importantly, you must be committed to Action Together’s mission of social justice, equity, and community empowerment.

The role

The Finance Director will play a pivotal role in ensuring Action Together remains financially robust, sustainable, and compliant as a charity and employer. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will partner closely with the CEO and Board to shape a resilient business model, strengthen financial governance, and provide strategic direction that supports our mission and values.

You will lead and develop a high performing finance function, oversee annual budgeting and long‑term financial planning, and ensure high‑quality financial insight is available to the CEO, SLT and Board. The Finance Director has responsibility for the production of monthly accounts package, annual audit and statutory accounts, risk management, payroll assurance, investment strategy, and organisational compliance with Companies House, the Charity Commission, and all financial governance requirements.

You will play an integral role in supporting strong governance, working closely with the Treasurer and Board to provide clear, timely, and insightful financial performance updates, forecasts, and risk assessments.

You will also work with the Treasurer to shape investment strategy, strengthen financial controls, and uphold governance across all statutory, regulatory, and organisational requirements

Equality , Diversity and Inclusion

At Action Together we value diversity, promote equity and challenge discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We are committed to ensuring that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race.

In order to ensure that our workforce reflects our communities across all levels of seniority, Action Together is offering a guaranteed interview to any candidate who meets the essential criteria listed in the person specification and who is also:

• A disabled person and/or
• A member of a community experiencing racial inequality

Action Together is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people and vulnerable adults with whom we work. We expect all of our employees to demonstrate this commitment.

Right to work

We do not hold a Sponsor License and are unable to accept applications which require sponsorship to work in the UK

Please note, the successful candidates will be required to undertake a basic Disclosure and barring Service (DBS) check. A positive Disclosure of Offences will not automatically bar an applicant from being appointed and suitable applicants will not be refused employment because of offences that are not relevant.

Sahir has been on an incredible journey over the past four years. We have grown, strengthened our services and deepened our roots in the communities we serve. We are proud of what has been achieved and excited about what comes next.

Our CEO is stepping on to their next chapter, and we are taking the time to recruit the right permanent leader for what comes next at Sahir. In the meantime, we are looking for an Interim Chief Executive to help keep things steady, support the team and maintain the momentum we have built.

We are looking for someone who leads with empathy and compassion, works in partnership and brings the confidence and drive to support the organisation through a period of change.

About Us

Sahir is the oldest continuously operating LGBTQ+ charity in the Liverpool City Region. We are dedicated to fostering a brighter, healthier future for our communities.

We provide practical and emotional support, camaraderie and connection to:

· LGBTQ+ people

· People living with or affected by HIV

We actively confront injustice, combat discrimination and address inequalities. Through advocacy, partnerships and service delivery, we work to create a fairer and more equitable society for the people we serve. Our work is insight led and co-developed with our communities.

About the Role

This is a key interim leadership role focused on stability, continuity and care for Sahir during a period of transition.

The Interim Chief Executive will work closely with the Board, staff and partners to ensure Sahir continues to deliver safe, effective and person-centred services, maintains strong relationships and remains financially and operationally secure.

The role is not about changing direction. It is about protecting what has been built, supporting the team and helping Sahir move confidently towards the appointment of its next permanent CEO.

What We Are Looking For

We are seeking a senior leader who brings:

· Significant leadership experience in the voluntary, community, health, social care or equalities sector.

· Experience working with a Board of Trustees and supporting good governance.

· Strong financial oversight and organisational management experience.

· A calm, steady and values led leadership style.

· The ability to lead people well through transition and uncertainty.

· Strong relationship building skills and a partnership approach.

· Knowledge of issues affecting LGBTQ+ communities, people living with HIV and people seeking asylum is highly desirable.

What It Is Like to Work at Sahir

We want people to enjoy working at Sahir and to feel supported, valued and able to thrive. As a health and wellbeing charity, we place strong emphasis on staff wellbeing, reflective practice and work life balance.

We offer a friendly, inclusive and supportive working environment built on trust, openness and shared purpose.

Equality, Inclusion and Accessibility

Sahir is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age.

Lived experience is valued at Sahir, but it is not a requirement. We are interested in people who share our values and want to contribute positively to our communities.

You do not need to meet every requirement listed to apply. If you feel aligned with our values and excited by the role, we encourage you to apply.

We are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process.

Z2K has a clear 2025–2030 strategy and a strong reputation for principled, evidence‑led campaigning rooted in frontline experience. The external environment is volatile: rising poverty, political contestation around welfare and housing, and tightening funding conditions.

After a long‑standing Chief Executive stepped down in late 2025, the organisation has been led by an Interim Chief Executive. The permanent appointment is therefore a moment of consolidation and renewal. The next Chief Executive will provide long‑term stability, sharpen strategic focus and define the organisation’s next phase.

Z2K faces structural pressures common to many charities of this scale: rising costs, reliance on grant funding, growing demand and increasing scrutiny. The Chief Executive must do two things at once:

• Increase measurable impact of our advice services and advocacy work on inadequate incomes and high costs.

• Build a financially resilient, well‑run organisation capable of sustaining that impact.

This is not a figurehead role. It requires leadership with grip, political judgement and commercial realism.

Join a charity rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission and play a central role in our senior leadership team.
This is a rare opportunity to use your finance and people leadership expertise to help shape the future of a well-established, values-driven organisation.

Shared Lives South West delivers long-term and short break care and support across Devon, Cornwall and Somerset, enabling people to live fulfilling lives within family homes and communities. We are proud of the quality of our work and the positive, relational culture we have built as an organisation, and we are ambitious about what comes next.

As Deputy Chief Executive, you will join our senior leadership team in a pivotal organisation-wide role leading finance, people and core business functions. Working closely with the Chief Executive and Leadership Team, you will help strengthen financial stewardship, support a thriving and sustainable people culture, and ensure the organisation remains resilient, well-governed and effective.

This is a broad and influential leadership role offering both strategic responsibility and meaningful organisational impact. You will contribute to long-term planning and decision-making, provide leadership depth and continuity, and deputise for the Chief Executive when required.

We are looking for an experienced senior leader with strong organisational finance expertise and a good understanding of people leadership and workforce practice. You may come from the charity, public or wider values-led sector, and you will bring a collaborative, grounded leadership style alongside professional rigour.

For the right candidate, this role offers the opportunity to make a significant contribution to an already high-performing organisation while continuing to grow your own leadership portfolio in a supportive and purpose-driven environment.

For full details and to apply please see Applicant Pack attached. 

Other organisations may refer to roles like this as Deputy CEO, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Finance Director, Director of Finance and Operations, or Executive Director of Corporate Services.

Our vision is of a society where everyone has the opportunity to live a rewarding and fulfilled life.

Are you our next Chief Executive?

• Are you passionate about addressing issues around poverty and inequality?
• Do you have the experience and skills needed to lead this innovative place-based funder?
• Are you a creative thinker who thrives on working collaboratively and collegiately?

If so, then you might be the right person to lead Cripplegate Foundation and Islington Giving.

About Cripplegate Foundation and Islington Giving

Established over 500 years ago, Cripplegate Foundation has become a pioneering, place-based grantmaking foundation with a reputation for innovation and making a difference. It created Islington Giving, which was the first scheme of its kind, to work with residents and a coalition of funders, businesses and voluntary organisations to create better solutions to the challenges of poverty and inequality. We make grants of over £2 million a year and we have become a major influencer in the grant-giving sector, achieving significant progress, such as:

• Raising over £12 million since 2010.
• Partnering with Islington Council to promote community development and support residents
• Developing innovative and participatory grant programmes
• Pushing forward with ambitious Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) goals

It’s an exciting (and challenging) time to join us!

Given the challenges in Islington (and beyond), the next few years promise to be pivotal in shaping our future and there are many opportunities for the new Chief Executive to make a difference, including:

• Leading on considerations around the changing political landscape
• Working creatively and innovatively to explore the strategy for the coming years
• Building on our programme of Social Impact Investing and ethical Investing
• Leading a passionate, professional and committed team

About the role and person 

The new Chief Executive could be someone with senior management experience who is ready to lead an organisation for the first time, or they may already have experience of being a Chief Executive.

Whatever your background you will need to demonstrate, amongst other things:

• Experience of leading and managing in a collaborative and collegiate style
• Skill at creating and delivering cross-sector partnerships
• An entrepreneurial style and a record of income generation
• A deep understanding of the issues arising in inner city areas, gained through lived and/or professional experience
• A pioneering, creative and innovative style and a commitment to DEI

If you feel you fit the role and are motivated by our work then we’d be excited to hear from you. Please find out more by looking at the Candidate Information Pack. 

Do you want to work for a dynamic, creative, fast-paced charity?

At Action Together we see the amazing things people achieve when they work together to make the lives of others better. If you share our values: believe it’s possible, strengthen others, and be true, we’d love you to consider joining our team.

Operations Director

The ideal candidate

We are looking for a values‑driven operational leader with significant experience in senior operations, systems, or transformation roles. You will bring strong technical capability in designing and embedding systems and processes, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to produce high‑quality management information for senior leaders and Boards.

You will be an influential communicator who can lead through change, build strong relationships across the organisation, and support others to work in consistent, effective, and collaborative ways. With a strong grasp of governance, risk, compliance, and organisational assurance, you will balance strategic vision with hands‑on delivery. Above all, you will share Action Together’s commitment to social justice, equity, and strengthening people, places, and partnerships

The role

The Operations Director will lead the development, optimisation, and continuous improvement of Action Together’s systems, processes, and organisational infrastructure. Working as part of the Senior Leadership Team, you will co-design, develop, and maintain internal systems and processes that enhance operational delivery and organisational efficiency, ensuring they are fully embedded into day-to-day use with clear ownership, guidance, and effective performance monitoring.

You will oversee core central functions including HR, Communications and Impact, Data Protection and Information Management, and Health & Safety. You will play a key role in internal digital transformation, policy development, risk management, and organisational compliance. You will produce high‑quality management information that supports strategic decision‑making, work closely with Locality Directors to standardise and enhance delivery models. In addition, with reference to our constitution and Scheme of Delegation you will be responsible for supporting governance at Board meetings, and the AGM.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Action Together we value diversity, promote equity and challenge discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We are committed to ensuring that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race.

In order to ensure that our workforce reflects our communities across all levels of seniority, Action Together is offering a guaranteed interview to any candidate who meets the essential criteria listed in the person specification and who is also:

• A disabled person and/or
• A member of a community experiencing racial inequality

Action Together is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people and vulnerable adults with whom we work. We expect all of our employees to demonstrate this commitment.

Right to work

We do not hold a Sponsor License and are unable to accept applications which require sponsorship to work in the UK

Please note, the successful candidates will be required to undertake a basic Disclosure and barring Service (DBS) check. A positive Disclosure of Offences will not automatically bar an applicant from being appointed and suitable applicants will not be refused employment because of offences that are not relevant.

Introduction to Action Duchenne:

Action Duchenne supports, empower and equip every Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy community in their journey from diagnosis and beyond.

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a muscle wasting condition for which there is no cure, but we journey alongside communities to empower them and provide information for them to make informed decisions. Action Duchenne has a team of passionate, supportive staff who are keen to do more for families living with Duchenne, and has a number of staff with direct lived experience.

At Action Duchenne, values are more than words—they shape how we work and interact every day. For this role, we are looking for a team member who can reflect our values:

• Supportive – Actively assist colleagues and stakeholders, fostering a culture of collaboration and reliability.
• Empathetic – Approach challenges with understanding, considering the impact on people internally and externally.
• Respectful – Ensure all communications and decisions uphold dignity and fairness, especially when handling sensitive matters.
• Community Focused – Make decisions that strengthen our community, ensuring all activity supports inclusive engagement and shared purpose.
• Inclusive – Promote accessibility and equity, ensuring everyone feels valued and heard.

Main Purpose of the Role:

To ensure the charity operates within a robust governance framework and maintains high standards of compliance, risk management, and operational efficiency. This role will lead on policy development, governance reporting, administration progression and process improvement to support strategic objectives and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Governance and Compliance
  • Maintain and update governance policies and registers, and development of Standard Operating Procedures.
  • Act as the primary liaison for Board governance matters, including preparing Board papers, ensuring timely reporting and minuting.
  • Monitor compliance with charity law, GDPR, and other regulatory requirements.
  • Coordinate annual policy reviews and ensure staff adherence.

• Risk and Audit
  • Maintain and update the organisational risk register for quarterly Board review.
  • Support internal audits and external compliance checks.
  • Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies.

• Operational Efficiency
  • Review and streamline operational processes to improve efficiency, including IT and telephony, authorisations, filing and recruitment.
  • Support budget monitoring and reporting in collaboration with Finance.
  • Oversee contract management and supplier compliance.

• Reporting and Data
  • Prepare governance and operational reports for the CEO and Board.
  • Ensure accurate documentation and record-keeping for governance purposes.
  • Be the organisation’s Data Protection Officer.
  • Minute team meetings.

NB This is not an exhaustive list, the role holder will be asked to carry out additional tasks as required for the Team’s successful service delivery. Such tasks will always be reasonable and broadly in line with current knowledge levels and skill sets.

Please find the job description below. You can apply on our website, and the deadline for applications is 9am on Monday 16th March 2026.

About MAAC

Midlands Air Ambulance Charity (MAAC) funds and delivers a pre-hospital emergency helicopter-led service across the Midlands region (serving six counties). As well as being a charity, we are an independent health care provider that is rated outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).  Our mission is to deliver exceptional pre-hospital care and lifesaving interventions through our helicopter-led emergency medical services. With more than 80,000 missions since 1991, we are among the busiest air ambulance services in the UK.

The Opportunity

As MAAC prepares for the planned departure of its current postholder, the organisation is seeking an exceptional Director of Finance to join the Executive Team. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, the Finance Director is a key member of the Charity’s Leadership Team, providing strategic financial direction across the Group (the parent charity and its trading subsidiary). This role ensures the organisation remains financially resilient, well‑governed, and strongly positioned to deliver its mission for the long term – through working collaboratively with the Chief Executive, Leadership Team and Board members.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Play a key role as part of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), contributing to organisational strategy and fostering strong cross‑department collaboration.  Work collaboratively with the Chief Executive and SLT to develop and maintain the three-year strategic plan, ensuring financial projections, assumptions, and scenario planning are based on accurate data and sound forecasting.
• Provide strategic financial leadership that supports long‑term sustainability, future growth, and the delivery of critical services.
• Build strong, transparent, and trusting relationships with Board members by delivering clear, relevant financial reporting and assurance (supporting Board members to carry out their governance responsibilities effectively).  Manage the Audit and Risk Committee’s activities in conjunction with the Committee Chair
• Lead a high‑quality financial management function for the Charity and its subsidiary, ensuring full compliance with regulatory requirements, governance requirements and accounting standards.
• Manage the full year-end audit cycle, ensuring schedules, reconciliations, and working papers are prepared to a high standard and delivered within agreed timescales.
• Oversee the timely preparation of monthly Group Management Accounts, ensuring high-quality financial reporting is supported by meaningful commentary, variance analysis, trend interpretation, and insights that enable informed strategic decision-making by the SLT and Trustees. 
• Manage the relationship with the Charity’s external investment portfolio fund manager and independent investment advisors - ensuring the Charity receives high-quality professional advice on investment strategy, shareholdings, and cash allocation, and that all recommendations align with organisational objectives, ethical considerations, and risk appetite.

About You

You will be a professionally qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA or equivalent) with substantial senior‑level experience and the credibility to operate confidently at Board level. Most importantly, you will embody strong values, show high emotional intelligence, and be genuinely motivated to contribute to MAAC’s mission. Charity sector experience is essential -  with a thorough understanding of what it takes to promote financial best practice, control spend and assist with income generation in sizable Not-for-Profit environments. Critically, you will lead through expert technical skillsets and collaborative working —shaping direction, offering robust assurance, and operating as a trusted strategic partner to senior colleagues and Trustees/ Directors.

Reward & Benefits

• Salary of £90,000 - £95,000 p.a. dependant on experience
• Part time working a consideration (4 days per week; days of the week as per organisational need).
• Flexible working (with the option to work from home 1–2 days per week post probation, subject to organisational need).
• 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• Pension scheme (after 3 months) – matched up to 6%
• Paycare Health Cash Plan
• Gym on-site (free access)
• Death in service benefit x 2 salary
• Access to range of charity discount cards

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact our retained recruitment partner Paul Robinson at RM Recruit Ltd

Strong relationships change lives.

At Relationship Works, we support individuals, couples and families to build healthier, happier relationships and better emotional wellbeing — strengthening communities in the process. As part of the TLC Group, we deliver safe, ethical and high-quality counselling services rooted in compassion and professionalism.

We’re entering an exciting phase of growth and development and are now looking for an Executive Director to lead day-to-day delivery and strengthen our operational foundations.

The Role

This is a senior operational leadership role with meaningful scope and support from the wider TLC Group infrastructure.

You will:

• Lead the day-to-day running of Relationship Works
• Ensure high-quality, safe and ethical clinical practice
• Support the delivery of agreed growth and development plans
• Strengthen financial oversight and manage budgets responsibly
• Improve systems, processes and the client journey
• Support marketing and partnership activity alongside TLC colleagues
• Develop and support a skilled, diverse counselling workforce

You’ll work closely with TLC Group colleagues who lead on strategy, marketing and wider organisational development — giving you the support and structure to focus on excellent service delivery and sustainable operations.

About You

We’re looking for a values-led, people-focused leader with sound judgement and strong operational experience.

You’ll bring:

• Experience of leading teams and managing services
• Financial awareness and confidence working within budgets
• A collaborative leadership style that develops and motivates others
• Emotional intelligence and clear communication
• A commitment to inclusion, safeguarding and high ethical standards

Experience within counselling, health, social care or the charity sector would be advantageous.

The Offer

• Salary: £40,504 – £47,957
• 37 hours per week
• Hybrid working, with time spent at TLC Group offices (various locations across England)
• The opportunity to lead a respected local service with strong group-level support

If you’re motivated by delivering excellent services, supporting talented people and making a tangible difference in your community, we’d love to hear from you.

Application Deadline: 13 March 2026
Interviews expected in Bristol on 20 and 23 March 2026

The Trustees of John Wesley’s New Room seek an Executive Director to lead the organisation into the next exciting phase of its development. This role will suit someone who is a generalist, comfortable turning their hand to a variety of tasks and is equally happy contributing at a board meeting or engaging with visitors in the chapel. Most importantly, we are looking for someone with excellent leadership and interpersonal skills who can lead the staff and volunteers with confidence, cultivate a positive working culture, develop relationships with a variety of stakeholders and provide strategic leadership for the next phase of John Wesley’s New Room.

Our small staff team has undergone significant change in the past year to align with the future needs of the organisation. The Trustees expect this to continue in support of the newly refreshed strategy which will see a greater role for JWNR nationally and internationally, as well as playing an increasing role in the new Broadmead community following the anticipated redevelopment works in the local area, from retail to a more mixed residential and leisure offering. Having finalised a vision, we are looking for someone to lead the organisation through this change, laying a solid foundation on a practical and cultural level to then build upon for the future, creating more links with local communities as well as the wider Methodist church.

John Wesley’s New Room is the oldest Methodist building in the world (Grade I listed) and is a small but busy place where no two days are the same. Offering a chapel, museum and cafe by day, we also have meetings rooms and event spaces for hire, and welcome visitors both local and international on a regular basis. An important piece of Bristol’s history, the New Room is where Methodism started and the museum and collection tell the story of John Wesley. In addition, we manage a second museum Charles Wesley’s House, a short walk from the main site, which is mainly used for tour groups.

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 - ECT Charity

Location: London (Greenford / Ealing) with regular travel to Dorset and partner sites; minimum three days per week in office
Salary: circa £80,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent, full-time

Are you ready to consolidate financial stability, rebuild income and lead the next phase of sustainable growth at the sector leading community transport organisation that delivers tangible impact across London and Dorset?

About ECT Charity

ECT Charity is a leading specialist community transport organisation enabling mobility and social inclusion across London and Dorset. We deliver essential door-to-door transport and influence sector policy with partners such as TfL and the GLA, including through the use of our pioneering CT Social Value Toolkit. Facing reduced statutory income, operations changes, lease negotiations and contract retendering, we need to stabilise cashflow and protect services. Significant opportunities include leveraging our network and resources to develop our training and consultancy, build strategic partnerships to generate earned income, and using Dorset as a demonstrator site to pilot sustainable, mission-aligned commercial models.

Role priorities (first 12–18 months)

• Deliver a sustainable financial model and restore reserves.

• Redesign operations for the new scale.

• Leverage our networks and resources to develop commercial opportunities (partnerships, training, consultancy).

• Rebuild business development capability and secure partnership income.

Who you are

• Senior leader with experience of multi-site operations or similar scale.

• Strong partnership, commercialisation and Board reporting skills.

• Proven track record of strong financial management, contract negotiation and estate management.

• Commitment to inclusive leadership; willing to be office-based (min three days/week) and travel; driving licence preferred.

• Desirable: Experience in community transport, social enterprise or productisation/licensing.

Why ECT?

• Lead a sector-recognised charity with a strong social value toolkit and immediate partnership routes.

• Combine financial rigour with mission-aligned commercial innovation.

• Shape ECT’s stabilisation and long-term sustainability.

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

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 23rd March 2026.

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

Are you a visionary leader who can help shape the next stage of our work to protect, create and restore Scotland’s woodlands?

We are looking for our next Chief Executive, someone who can lead the charity into an exciting period of growth and change.

FWS is a Scottish charity working to create a Scotland where trees and native woodlands are thriving for our wildlife, communities and climate.  Our mission is to protect, create and restore these vital habitats through knowledge, partnership and practical action.

Founded in 2012 to support innovative thinking for trees and native woodlands, we have grown into an organisation delivering practical action at scale. Today, our work stretches from city spaces to wild places — supporting farmers and landowners to create or restore native woodlands, strengthening local nurseries, building sector skills, and bringing trees into everyday landscapes across Scotland.

The organisation has grown rapidly over the past three years, and now operates as a team of seven delivering national programmes across Scotland.

About the role

This is a rare opportunity to shape a small, ambitious and high‑performing charity at a time of growth and increasing national influence.

As Chief Executive, you will report to and work closely with our Board of Trustees, providing strategic leadership and acting as the organisation’s senior representative. You will:

• Lead the delivery of our strategic plan and future direction
• Strengthen partnerships across the woodland, environmental, community and land‑use sectors
• Oversee programme delivery and organisational performance
• Support, motivate and develop our small and committed team of seven, working across programmes, fundraising and communications
• Represent Future Woodlands Scotland at senior levels across Scotland

You will bring strategic clarity, a collaborative leadership style, and the ability to build strong, trusted relationships across sectors and with funders.

Location

This role is Scotland-based, working from home with travel across Scotland to meetings. Our current team is spread across Dumfries & Galloway, Lothian, Central Scotland and Aberdeenshire.

Contract and salary

• 8% employer pension contribution
• Permanent, part‑time (3 days per week)
• £65,000–£75,000 FTE, depending on experience
• 25 days annual leave + 10 public holidays (pro rata)
• Additional annual leave increasing with length of service, up to a maximum of 10 additional days.

How to apply

Before applying, please read the Candidate Pack for full details of the role, responsibilities and the application process. You can find it on our website. 

Invitations are invited from suitably qualified people and applications should consist of a CV and covering letter. The covering letter should explain how you meet the essential skills set out in the Candidate Pack and what you would bring to Future Woodlands Scotland.

If you would like an informal chat about the role, please contact Shireen Chambers to arrange a call (details in Candidate Pack).

Key dates:

• Application deadline: Midday, Monday 16 March 2026
• Interviews: Monday, 30 March 2026, in Edinburgh in person

About Variety

There are 1.8m children living with disabilities in the UK with 600,000 children living in poverty. Variety exists to improve their lives. We believe every child has a right to live their best life and reach their full potential, whoever they are. We fund and deliver life-changing programmes that enhance their quality of life and give children and young people across the UK a better future. Over the past 75 years we have supported over one million children by funding almost 6,000 Sunshine Coaches, almost the same number of wheelchairs, and giving thousands of grants to individual children, schools, youth clubs and other organisations for specialist equipment. In addition, each year thousands of children take part in day trips, special events and educational activities as part of our Variety Great Days Out programme, and every single day we are improving more young lives. We do it with practical, tangible help, that makes a real and immediate difference.

Role purpose

Variety, the Children’s Charity is looking for a Head of People and Culture to lead and deliver all aspects of the charity’s people strategy. Part of the Operations Team, this is an exciting role combining strategic leadership with hands-on operational HR management. The postholder will be experienced in driving forward new strategies, ensuring Variety has robust, compliant and people centered practices in place. This role will support a positive, inclusive, and high-performing culture which is aligned to Variety’s mission and values.

This is a new role at Variety during an exciting time as we develop and launch a new three-year strategy later this year and invest in our people and culture. The staff team at Variety has grown over the last year, reflecting the charity’s ambitious strategy to double charitable expenditure over the next three years. We are at an exciting point to recruit an experienced HR professional to continue our growth, developing our people while strengthening our collaborative culture, champion wellbeing, and leading Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

The Head of People and Culture will work with the CEO and Senior Management Team and contribute to strategic decisions at Variety. There is a separate support service which is outsourced for complex or specialist HR matters if required. Variety is a small, dedicated team of 30 staff, and this role reports to the CEO with a close working relationship with the Director of Finance and Operations.

Key responsibilities
Strategy and Performance
Building organisational capacity is one of the pillars of our three-year strategy which is in development. Variety is investing in recruitment, and retention of a high-performing workforce with harmonised contracts and policies.

This role will:

• Develop and implement a People and Culture Strategy aligned with Variety’s new three-year organisational strategy
• Lead workforce planning and organisational development
• Implement and oversee a clear and consistent performance managementframework
• Mange safe and inclusive recruitment processes
• Lead the annual appraisal process and support probation reviews for new staff
• Provide regular reporting to the CEO for Trustee meetings on people metrics and any risks to the people strategy
• Manage the outsourced HR provider to Variety

HR operations and recruitment

• Oversee and directly manage recruitment, onboarding, probation, performance management and exit processes at Variety
• Develop and support the investment in recruitment and retention of high-performing team members
• Manage the onboarding process for new staff, sending offer letters, taking up references and inductions, ensuring a good start at Variety
• Manage employee relations cases (if they arise)
• Maintain and update the staff handbook, HR policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with UK employment law
• Introduce and manage an improved HR portal which will improve Variety’s HR function
• Manage the HR budget and the annual salary review process with the Director of Finance
• Support managers and staff in all aspects of people management
• Oversee payroll and benefits management (if applicable)
• Ensure staff have updated contracts and keep HR policies up to date
• Support managers in people management
• Advise the CEO and Senior Management Team on people-related risks
• Maintain accurate HR records in accordance with GDPR
• Carry out DBS checks for staff and volunteers

Culture and wellbeing

• Work with the Senior Management Team on cultural development and values-led behaviours across Variety
• Lead the People Strategy at Variety to foster a positive working environment, where people feel engaged, supported and happy at work
• Lead on Variety’s learning and development programme for all staff
• Promote a culture of feedback and continuous improvement

Person specification
Essential

• CIPD Level 7 qualified (or equivalent experience)
• Significant experience in a senior HR/People role, ideally within the charity or not-for-profit sector
• Strong working knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice
• Experience managing employee relations cases independently
• Experience advising Senior Management Teams and Trustee boards
• Ability to operate strategically while delivering operational HR hands-on
• High level of discretion and confidentiality

Desirable

• Experience working as a standalone HR lead
• Experience working in a small or medium-sized organisations
• Knowledge of safeguarding requirements for the charity sector
• Experience implementing HR systems and improving processes

Key competencies

• Resilient and confident decision-maker
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Values-driven and inclusive leadership style
• Comfortable working autonomously

Role scope and considerations
As this is a standalone, part-time position please consider:

• Clear prioritisation will be essential
• Operational HR tasks (e.g. contracts, letters, policy updates) sit within the role
• External HR advisers will be used for legal matters
• Administrative efficiency (templates, HR systems, automation) will be important to manage workload
• The role may include line management in the future

Benefits

• Enhanced Pension (7% contribution from Variety with 2% employee contribution)
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays. In addition, after one year's continuous service, an extra two days’ annual holiday for every complete year of service will be added, up to a maximum of five days' extra holiday (pro rata will apply for part-time).
• Three additional days between Christmas and New Year given as discretionary leave
• Membership to a health and well-being cash plan scheme
• Life Assurance scheme offering 4 x salary
• Company Sick Pay

Please note that this role may require travel within the UK, requires a DBS check and proof of eligibility to work in the UK.

Variety, the Children's Charity is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

Inclusion is one of our key values. It is our ambition to recruit great people from diverse communities. We welcome and encourage applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment/identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy/maternity and or marriage/civil partnership status, race, religion or belief. Please let us know if you have any access requirements which we might need to consider in relation to the selection process.

How to apply

Please submit your CV with a cover letter explaining why you’d make a great candidate for this role and how you meet the job description. In your cover letter please include a people system or HR platform you have implemented that improved operational efficiency and employee experience. What was your approach and what impact did it have.

Applications will close at midnight on Sunday, 15 March 2026 with first round interviews w/c 23 March 2026.

Please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements or need any adjustments for the interview.