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Chief Executive Officer

Help shape the next chapter of community action in Uttlesford

Salary: £40,000–£45,000 per annum pro rata over four days a week, depending on experience

Contract: Initially 12 months, fixed term, with extension subject to funding

Location: Saffron Walden, with at least two days a week office based

Direct reports: Leading a team of seven

Reporting to: Chair and Board of Trustees

About the opportunity

Can you turn strong community relationships into a sustainable future for our area's leading community health charity?

UCAN is seeking a strategic, compassionate and resourceful Chief Executive to lead a significant transformation.

At the heart of our next chapter is our volunteering hub: connecting people who want to help with local organisations and residents who need their time, skills and support.

We coordinate 500 registered active volunteers and deliver several thousand volunteer hours every year. UCAN works with volunteers, community organisations and public-service partners to improve wellbeing, reduce isolation and help people access practical support.

The challenge and opportunity

UCAN has supported communities across Uttlesford for more than 20 years, from tackling loneliness and supporting people living with dementia to hospital discharge services, volunteering and community activities.

Following a period of rapid growth, changes in project funding and commissioning have required the charity to reduce its activities and rethink its operating model.

We need a leader who can make difficult choices, secure income and establish a sustainable future.

You will work with an experienced and committed Board of Trustees, a small staff team and volunteers, building on established relationships with local councils, health partners and community organisations.

What you will lead

• Agree and deliver a focused transformation plan, with realistic priorities, budgets and clear decisions about what UCAN can sustain.
• Secure core and project funding through grants, fundraising, employer relationships and commissioned partnerships that cover the full cost of delivery.
• Develop the volunteering hub, improving recruitment, matching, support and recognition, including access to skilled and occasional volunteering.
• Build productive partnerships around community health, hospital discharge, wellbeing and rural isolation.
• Lead and support staff and volunteers through change, maintaining safeguarding, service quality and sound financial management.
• Demonstrate impact clearly to residents, partners, funders and trustees through an annual report, stakeholder meeting and AGM.

Who we're looking for

You will bring experience of:

• Leading organisational change and transformation.
• Securing funding and building productive partnerships.
• Financial management, funding proposals and negotiating sustainable agreements.
• Providing clear, compassionate and supportive leadership.
• Combining strategic decision-making with hands-on delivery.

You may come from a charity, community organisation, health or public-service setting, or another relevant background.

During the first year, success will mean a clearer and affordable operating model, stronger volunteer support, a credible funding pipeline and funded partnerships that strengthen UCAN's core purpose.

If you want to build on the achievements of a valued local charity and turn local willingness into lasting community capacity, we would like to hear from you.

Closing date: Friday 13 November, 2026

Interviews: w/c 16 November with opportunity to meet employees and partners

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and will offer reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.