Chief executive jobs

Do you want to build a world where everyone feels part of a community?

Do you believe in the power of volunteering at the heart of community empowerment?

If you answered yes to all of the above, this could be the role for you!

We are looking for a community and volunteering manager who believes in the power of people coming together to support one another.

What we do 

Time & Talents is a lively, busy community centre in the heart of Rotherhithe, London SE16.  Set in a leafy heritage building, and ‘T&T2’, our second venue in Surrey Quays Shopping Centre, we offer something for everyone. With a history of 139 years of supporting people of all ages in Rotherhithe and Bermondsey, we bring people together for mutual support, fun and friendship, with a wide range of services and activities for older people and other adults, along with children and families’ programmes and a range of volunteering projects.

The Role

In this role you will:

• Lead the development, delivery and continuous improvement of Time & Talents’ Community Programme and volunteering offer, ensuring activities are inclusive, responsive to local need and underpinned by strong safeguarding, participation and partnership working.
•  Develop meaningful volunteering pathways, including corporate volunteering, embed community voice in programme design and evaluation, and contribute to organisational sustainability through effective budgeting, reporting and fundraising support. 

About you

You are an experienced community professional who believes in the power of people coming together to support one another. You bring a mix of strategic thinking and practical delivery, with experience developing community programmes and supporting volunteers to thrive. You are organised, collaborative and confident managing staff, volunteers and partnerships.

You are comfortable working in a busy, community-led environment, balancing day-to-day delivery with longer-term development. Most importantly, you share our commitment to inclusion, participation and community voice, and are excited about helping Time & Talents grow its impact as we begin delivering our new organisational strategy.

About us 

We are an energetic, experienced, and passionate team of 15, with a strong sense of shared purpose and a lively sense of humour. You’ll have the chance to make a big contribution to a growing, ambitious and innovative organisation which has doubled its reach and impact in recent years.

This role is 22.5 hours per week, with flexibility for regular evening and occasional weekend working. 

Time & Talents is wholly committed to inclusion and diversity, and to building a culture and environment where everyone is appreciated for the unique person that they are. We actively encourage applications from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences. 

If you would like an informal chat about the job, please email helenkeenan @ timeandtalents. org. uk with your phone number and a suitable time for us to call. 

The closing date is 23rd March; interviews will be held on 8th April.

TO APPLY: All applications to be submitted online via CharityJob. Send a CV and a cover letter of no more than two sides of A4, explaining why you want the job and how your experience relates to the job description and person specification. 

IMPORTANT: We’ll use cover letters to assess applications alongside CVs. Cover Letter should outline how you meet the job requirements, Specifically:

Community Leadership
Tell us about a community programme or initiative you have developed or led.
What was the need, what did you do, and what difference did it make for the people involved?
2. Volunteering Strategy
What do you think makes a great volunteering programme, and how would you strengthen and grow volunteering at Time & Talents?
3. Partnership & Collaboration
Describe a time you built a partnership that improved a community project or activity.
What role did you play and what was the result?
4. Values & Motivation
Why does this role at Time & Talents interest you, and what excites you about working with the Rotherhithe community? 

Role Overview

This is an exciting opportunity to shape Shine’s strategic direction while managing the operational delivery of our services for children, young people, and families aged 0–25. Building on the success of our Little Stars/Ser Bach programme for members aged 0–12 and the development and extension of the FIRE (Friendship, Independence, Resilience, Empowerment) programme for those aged 13–25, you will play a key role in shaping the future of our support for children, young people and their families.

Working across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, you will lead the delivery of an established, evidence-based programme that improves health, social, and emotional outcomes for those living with spina bifida, hydrocephalus, and associated conditions.

You’ll lead a passionate team and work closely with Shine’s Adult Services Team (25+), Health Team, Wales and Northern Ireland Managers and wider colleagues across the organisation to ensure work is coordinated, complementary, and beneficial to members. At the same time, you’ll forge strong partnerships with NHS professionals, statutory services, and voluntary organisations—driving collaboration that will support our vision of providing consistent, high-quality support for children, young people and families nationwide.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Team Management
• Programme Development & Delivery
• Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting
• Member Support & Engagement

Please see the full Job Description & Person Specification below and on our website. 

Benefits to working at Shine:

• Competitive salary: Review due April 2027
• Regular working hours, and no shift work (some very occasional weekends or evenings)  
• 3% pension contribution
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with additional discretionary leave between Christmas and New Year
• Additional annual leave awarded for ‘long service’
• Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave
• Broadband allowance for home-based roles
• Life insurance after 12 months’ employment  
• Access to our Employee Support Programme and Mental Health First Aiders 
• Support to learn and develop 

How to apply 

Shine is a Disability Confident employer and will offer guaranteed interviews if a disabled applicant meets the minimum criteria for the job. 

If you would like to discuss the role with our Deputy CEO, Gill Valentine, please contact Shine to arrange a convenient time for a call. 

To apply please submit your CV and supporting statement, which should outline your interest and explain how you meet the role criteria. 

We understand that you may wish to use AI tools to help you with some aspects of your application but we do expect tailored applications which are personalised to your experiences and not generic applications which are completely AI generated. We encourage candidates to be transparent about AI usage in their applications. 

*Please note applications without a supporting statement will not be accepted* 

Closing date: Thursday 16th April 2026 at 11pm 

Interviews:  Monday 27th April 2026  

Please note: we reserve the right to interview suitable candidates before the closing date, therefore we encourage applications as soon as possible. 

Job Title: Fundraising Manager

Reporting: to Chief Executive

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Part-time role, 32 hours a week

Benefits: 29 days annual leave (incl. bank holidays) pro rata, pension scheme contributions, 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme

Location: Mostly home-working with regular visits to The Avenues, London W10.

Job purpose

· Forward-plan funding streams to ensure a smooth and regular flow of income that meets The Avenues’ budget (currently £1.2m p.a., much of which has been secured for the next 18 months).

· Develop existing and new relationships with funders to maximise immediate and long-term income for the organisation and its various projects.

· Write compelling proposals and applications that secure significant income from trusts and foundations, coordinating input from across The Avenues team.

· Research and identify new prospects from a diversity of sources with a view to securing medium and large grants for The Avenues.

Accountabilities and responsibilities

·  Identify and develop opportunities from a range of trusts, foundations and grant-making bodies.

· Draft, submit and manage the progress of all funding applications for The Avenues’ priority projects (approximately 30-40 applications per year).

· Develop fundraising proposal budgets in collaboration with Programme and Finance colleagues, ensuring needs are accurately costed and aligned with donor requirements.

· Work with colleagues to develop new project ideas that fit within The Avenues’ organisational goals and within budgets that meet funders’ criteria.

·  Handle the post-grant paperwork, notifying the team and updating our records.

· Develop and manage positive relationships with funders, including necessary communications with grants officers, potential major donors, corporate donors and community supporters.

· Manage the pipeline of applications and fundraising database; providing financial reporting and other management information to colleagues on a timely basis.

· Work with the Chief Executive, trustees and community volunteers to help organise our fundraising events (dinner-auction, party, quiz night, marathon). Assisting with the smooth-running of these events, including writing and producing communication materials.

·  Write the quarterly email newsletter for our supporter mailing list.

· Manage and optimise the charity’s CRM system (Beacon), ensuring fundraising contact data is accurate, well maintained, and used effectively.

· Perform other duties as required by the Chief Executive to the overall direction and running of the charity and develop productive relationships with external stakeholders.

Experience and skills

·  Excellent writing skills with the ability to write concise and creative bids.

· 3+ years’ proven track record in a fundraising position, with a focus on trusts/foundations and public sector income streams.  (Or, you may equally have experience in sales and marketing in a commercial environment.)

·  Skilled at budgeting and presenting financial information in easy-to-understand formats.

·  Relationship builder and collaborative worker.

·  A creative and proactive approach to problem-solving

·  High standard of software literacy (Office software, Mailchimp and internet).

·  Highly effective verbal communicator, able to build rapport quickly and engage a wide range of stakeholders with confidence and credibility.

·  Degree or equivalent relevant qualification

Personal attributes and attitudes

·  Self-motivated and hard-working.

·  Committed to improving youth services and the lives of disadvantaged children.

·  Excellent influencing and negotiation skills.

·  Able to tackle challenges constructively and creatively find ways forward.

·  Tactful and amiable, with the ability to communicate at all levels with a variety of donors.

·  Proactive and eager to learn, with a hands-on approach and willingness to take initiative and get stuck in where needed

END

Role summary

Are you a forward-thinking finance professional who wants to use your skills to change lives? Are you highly motivated, organised with an eye for detail? Do you enjoy responsibility and working with figures, solving problems and completing tasks to a high standard? 

Help empower a global community by leading finance at Shift.ms and its trading subsidiary, realworld ms. We’re looking for a highly organised and self motivated Finance Manager to support its growth ambitions. Reporting directly to the CEO and Head of Operations, you’ll turn figures into insights, helping us solve problems and shape the long-term strategy that allows us to support more MSers than ever before.

Why Shift.ms?
Shift.ms, the social network for people with MS (MSers), launched in 2009. Founded by MSers, for MSers, the charity supports many thousands of recently diagnosed people across the world as they make sense of MS. Shift.ms has an engaged, global community of over 80,000 members, driven by people with MS. From diagnosis, MSers join to connect with others, get the support they need, and together, learn to proactively manage their MS. 

realworld ms was founded in 2024, realworld ms operates as the industry-facing subsidiary of Shift.ms. realworld ms enables MS stakeholders to draw on real-world evidence to develop products, treatments and services that meet today’s MSer needs.

What we expect from you

Working alongside the Head of Operations, CEO and department heads, your responsibilities will cover Shift.ms and its wholly owned subsidiary, realworld ms ltd, as follows:

Financial management

• Be the primary point of contact for our Treasurer, Accountant and External Auditor;

• Review and constantly improve processes and internal controls for finance;

• Lead the development of annual budgets and shorter/longer term forecasts as needed;

• Manage accounting, budget and cash flow,  and working with the CEO, develop cost reduction strategies as needed;

• Prepare monthly management accounts incorporating variance analysis of budgets vs. actuals and headline narrative;

• Manage monthly payroll with an external payroll provider;

• Draft consolidated statutory accounts for audit and lead the coordination of year-end audit;

• Prepare quarterly VAT returns for the Group and be the main point of contact for HMRC;

• Make recommendations for corporate gift aid donations based on performance and future forecasts for the subsidiary;

• Present finance updates in-person at quarterly board meetings normally held in London;

• Manage and lead FinCom meetings, typically held quarterly;

• Attend the trustee annual away weekend.

Bookkeeping 

• Lead the financial operations of the charity including recording transactions onto the finance system (Quickbooks), managing cashflow, invoicing, accounts payable/receivable, processing of purchase invoices and supplier payments;

• Complete month end reconciliations as part of the preparation of monthly management accounts;

• Track, calculate and process intercompany recharges to ensure costs sit within the correct entity;

• Track and ensure correct treatment and reporting of restricted/unrestricted funds;

• Process employee, volunteer & trustee expense claims;

• Manage the relationship with an external payroll bureau, liaising with them to ensure payroll is processed accurately and paid on time;

• Support employee onboarding including obtaining details for payroll and pre employment checks.

Other 

• Collaborate with senior stakeholders on projects and reporting; 

• Track income receipts and projections for weekly income generation calls with heads of department;

• Process gift aid claims;

• Process incentive payments for realworld ms participants;

• Renew insurances.

Qualifications, skills and abilities (E= Essential D = Desirable)

• Be part or fully qualified with a professional accounting qualification ACCA, CIMA or ACA, with at least 2-3 years post qualification experience. (E)

• Employment history in a charity/3rd sector role (D)

• Good understanding of charity reporting requirements and Charity SORP (E) especially the technical application of income recognition requirements for the charity and its subsidiary

• Experience of VAT reporting (E) including an understanding of VAT recovery with respect to business and non business for charities, place of supply (overseas transactions)

• Experience in developing organisational budgets/forecasts (D)

• Good analytical and communication skills (E)

• Strong organisational, time management, and prioritisation skills (E)

• Excellent attention to detail (E)

• Excel and google sheets to at least intermediate standard. (E) 

• Experience of accounting software packages (E) (Experience with Quickbooks (D))

• Comfortable operating in a change environment (D)

• Awareness of confidentiality and the need to comply by the UK GDPR (E)

We're an equal opportunity employer. We’re looking for the best candidate based on the value they can add. Our culture is hugely important to us and we welcome applicants of all race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability status. We encourage all candidates who believe they have the required qualifications and experience to apply. 

Other information

Hours: 22.5 hours a week

Location: Remote position based in the UK. Monthly travel to Leeds is required.

Salary: £40,000-45,000 dependent on relevant expertise

Annual Leave: 25 days per annum (leave entitlement is pro rated for days worked), plus public holidays and 3 days between Christmas and New Year.

Employee benefits: Generous life assurance and pension schemes, committed learning and development budget for each staff member, flexible working.

The role closes on midday on Monday 30 March but we will be conducting rolling interviews.

Bring clarity, confidence and control to finance that powers social change.

Are you an experienced charity finance professional who enjoys turning numbers into clear, useful insight? Do you want your work to support an organisation empowering young women to thrive?

You Make It (YMI) is looking for an experienced Freelance Finance Manager to oversee our finance function and ensure strong financial management, reporting and controls across the organisation.

Working closely with our Founder CEO, Treasurer and team, you will play a vital role in maintaining YMI’s financial health, strengthening accountability and ensuring we remain funder-ready as we continue delivering life-changing programmes for young women.

This is an ongoing freelance role (approximately 15 hours per month), designed to sit alongside your other clients or commitments.

About You Make It

You Make It (YMI) is an award-winning East London charity, established in 2011. We empower unemployed / under-employed young working-class, racialised women to succeed in the social, cultural and economic life of London. 

We do this by brokering access to people, knowledge, networks and experiences that inspire confidence, focus and ambition. Our team, partners and supporters are united by a commitment to creating long-term, meaningful change.

Key Details

• Contract: Ongoing freelance (~15 hours per month)

• Day Rate: £250–£350 (inclusive of VAT and expenses), depending on experience and VAT status

• Location: Home-based with occasional London meetings

• Start Date: ASAP

• Reporting to: Founder CEO

• Financial Year End: 31 March

Why Work With Us?

Purpose-Driven Work: Your expertise directly supports life-changing opportunities for young women.

Trusted Autonomy: Work independently while being valued as a strategic partner.

Flexible Working: Primarily remote, with occasional London meetings.

Values-Led Culture: Integrity, equity, kindness and collaboration shape how we work.

How to Apply

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We hope to appoint by 16 March 2026, or sooner.

Are you an experienced and committed Project Manager? Have you worked in programme delivery for young people in schools or youth settings? Can you communicate confidently to a wide audience and range of stakeholders?

We are seeking a full-time Project Manager to support delivery of our new programme, Reading Reboot, funded by the Charlotte Aitken Trust, and to support the SLA to grow its reach and impact. Reading Reboot is being developed to address the reading crisis and restore a love of reading for young people in Year 8, in communities facing the greatest disadvantage. This is an opportunity to lead a flagship national programme with the potential to shape future investment in school libraries, in a supportive, mission-driven team culture within a small but influential charity. 

The Reading Reboot programme will establish librarian-led social book clubs in over 100 under-funded secondary school libraries across the UK and reach more than 6,000 young people directly, alongside librarians, senior leaders and wider school communities. Reading Reboot places school librarians at the heart of delivery, combining new book stock, inspiring author engagement, appealing library spaces, and a robust evaluation to evidence impact and inform future national roll-out.   

The Project Manager will lead on development and delivery, working closely with the CEO, a Project Board and external evaluation team to ensure the programme meets its objectives on time, within budget and to a high quality. They will recruit and coordinate schools and librarians, work with partners and funders, and ensure that learning and impact are captured and shared across the sector. Building strong relationships with all stakeholders, the Project Manager will be the main point of contact for the programme and will support the CEO and Project Board with timely updates, papers and participation in meetings. Successful candidates will have extensive and demonstrable experience of project management in schools or youth settings. Experience of training development and delivery will be an advantage.

The salary for this position is £30,000 per year for 37 hours per week on a one year contract, with potential for extension. Find out more about this role and how to apply by downloading the job application pack.

Application deadline: Thursday 26th March, 5pm

Interviews will take place online the week commencing 7th April 2026.

Applications without a covering letter will not be considered. No agencies please. Due to the volume of applications we cannot provide individual feedback. We really appreciate your interest. If you haven’t heard from us within one week of the deadline, it means we’ve moved forward with other candidates on this occasion. We encourage you to apply again in the future. Please note we may close recruitment early should the right candidate be identified.

Our Aims

The Urban Partnership Group (UPG) is a community and regeneration organization situated in West London offering a wide range of activities at its bases at the Masbro Centre, Edward Woods Community Centre, Masbro Brook Green, and Flora Gardens Family Centre  projects managed include those for older people, youth, children center services, volunteering and community champions.  Through these projects UPG hopes to enhance the health, wealth and well-being of the centers’ users.

Role

To be responsible for the day-to-day provision of an efficient, welcoming and professional reception and administrative/business support service to the Masbro Community Centre.

The applicant will be the first person a visitor, client or customer meets or speaks to face to face or on the phone.  The applicant will need to have a good rapport with people and make them feel welcome and at ease.  UPG deliver a range different activities a week with a footfall of over 500 people a week.

Supporting providers and users of the Community Centre.

Duties and Responsibilities  ​

1. As the receptionist and administrator, ensuring all users and visitors are dealt with promptly, professionally and courteously.

2. Provide a warm, supportive and nurturing front-of-house presence, building positive relationships with service users, tenants, volunteers and partners.
3. Develop and maintain effective clerical and administrative systems in line with UPG policies and procedures, reviewing and improving systems where necessary.
4. Carry out general administrative duties including (but not limited to):
   • Managing incoming and outgoing post
   • Responding to written and verbal enquiries
   • Coordinating bookings for workshops and classes
   • Processing invoices and supporting basic financial record-keeping
   • Assisting with room and hall hire bookings and issuing hire agreements
   • Attending and minuting meetings as required
   • Undertaking follow-up actions where necessary
5. Assist with the reporting and monitoring of repair and maintenance issues and liaise with contractors where appropriate, escalating concerns to the Centre Manager / CEO.
6. Support the scheduling of events, activities and services, including providing accurate information and assisting with room set-up and clear-down when required.
7. Maintain clear and accurate records of Centre usage, including visitor logs, attendance registers and staff whereabouts for emergency purposes.
8. Work collaboratively with reception and administrative colleagues across all UPG sites to ensure consistent systems, shared best practice and coordinated cover arrangements where required.
9. Develop and maintain links with borough-wide support services to ensure effective signposting for residents and organisations.
10. Undertake student enrolment, inductions, DBS checks and other relevant compliance procedures for volunteers, staff and external groups, ensuring records are securely maintained.
11. Support the promotion and publicity of the Centre, including updating noticeboards, digital displays, website content and social media platforms in collaboration with the Family Services and Performance Manager and colleagues at other sites.
12. Assist in gathering data and basic monitoring information required for reports to funders and stakeholders.
13. Support room inspections and ensure spaces are prepared to a high standard before and after use.
14. Promote a culture of inclusion, respect and community cohesion, demonstrating empathy and sensitivity when supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds.
15. Work at all times in accordance with UPG policies, particularly regarding equal opportunities, safeguarding, health and safety, risk assessments and confidentiality.
16. Assist with fire drills, emergency procedures, risk assessments and compliance monitoring.
17. Demonstrate commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of work.
18. Provide occasional administrative support to senior management, including diary coordination and document preparation where required.
19. Undertake any other duties as directed by the CEO or Line Manager that contribute to achieving UPG’s aims and objectives.

Please see the attached Person Specification. 

The Sussex Beacon is at a pivotal moment in its history as we move to re-instate our clinical care and evolving our hospice offer to become the first LGBTQ+ Hospice with a specialism in HIV palliative care.

 As Finance Manager at The Sussex Beacon, you will be joining a small but agile senior management team helping us to drive forwards our strategy and business planning.

 We’re looking for a Finance Manager with strong experience in financial management, analysis, and reporting to ensure our day-to-day finances and budgets run smoothly while supporting effective long-term decision-making. You’ll bring insight, structure, and clarity, turning data into decisions that make every penny count for the communities we serve.

You will report directly to the CEO and work closely with our volunteer Finance Director to ensure that we meet regulatory requirements and provide accurate information to our Board of trustees.

 Job Description: Finance Officer Post Title Finance Officer Contract type Fixed term 6 months, starting immediately. There is the possibility of an extension beyond this period. Hours 35 hours a week Working pattern Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday Managed by Chief Officer Salary range 2 8K to 31K depending on experience Summary The postholder will be responsible for the day-to-day finance of Rainbow Haven. Tasks include managing the day-to-day finance system and records; producing regular and accurate financial reports. The postholder will work closely with, and report to, the Chief Officer. Main Duties and Responsibilities Financial support 1. Production of monthly management accounts. 2. Prepare rolling monthly cash flow reports. 3. Manage the organisations different funding streams. 4. Work with the CO to create finance reports for funders and donors. 5. Work with the CO to create reports and present financial records to external auditors, the finance committee and TEMCA Board as required. 6. Manage and reconcile bank accounts. 7. Raise and pursue payments of invoices related to income as required. 8. Balance Sheet reconciliation work. 9. Maintaining accurate petty cash, supplier invoices and online payments via the QuickBooks online system. 10. Any other ad hoc duties as required. General 1. Be an effective member of the team, helping to ensure the smooth running of the centre and its services. 2. Promote the welcoming and friendly ethos of Rainbow Haven at the drop-in sessions and with partner agencies. 3. Maintain confidentiality regarding finance and client’s information at all times. 4. Recognise, respect and promote the different roles and diversity of the individuals

About us

We are a national charity dedicated to ensuring support and access to treatment for everyone living with leukodystrophy. These rare and often life-limiting conditions affect individuals and families in profound ways, and we are committed to ensuring that no one faces them alone.

Our work focuses on the shared challenges across all leukodystrophy conditions, bringing together those affected within a compassionate community of Tender Loving Care. Alongside providing support, we champion research, raise awareness among both the public and medical professionals, and collaborate with specialists and other rare disease charities to improve best practice across healthcare systems.

As we continue to develop and strengthen our impact, we are seeking an experienced and values-driven Chief Finance & Operations Officer to join our senior leadership team.

The role

This is a key leadership role within the organisation, responsible for ensuring strong financial stewardship, operational effectiveness, and regulatory compliance. Reporting to the CEO and working closely with the Board of Trustees, you will provide both strategic financial leadership and hands-on operational support.

This role will suit a qualified accountant who enjoys combining strategic oversight with practical involvement in the day-to-day realities of a small charity.

Please note that this is primarily an office-based role.

Key responsibilities

Finance & governance

• Lead on all aspects of financial management, reporting, and control
• Prepare management accounts, cashflow forecasts, budgets, and year-end statutory accounts
• Liaise with auditors/independent examiners
• Ensure compliance with Charity Commission and Companies House requirements
• Work closely with the CEO and Treasurer and support the Board of Trustees with clear financial reporting and advice
• Oversee payroll, gift-aid and financial policies
• Work within our current Sage desktop system and support the transition to a cloud-based finance system, which is being implemented at the start of our new financial year (July 2026).

Operations

• Oversee operational systems and processes to ensure efficiency and compliance
• Support HR administration and organisational policies
• Manage risk, insurance, and regulatory requirements
• Contribute to strategic planning and organisational development
• Be willing to engage in day-to-day operational matters as they arise

About you

We are looking for someone who:

• Is a fully qualified accountant (ACCA, ICAEW, or equivalent)
• Has proven experience in charity finance, including SORP and restricted funding
• Has experience working with trustees and senior leadership teams
• Is comfortable working both strategically and operationally
• Is hands-on, pragmatic, and solutions-focused
• Has excellent communication skills and the ability to explain financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues
• Is aligned with our mission and values

Experience in a small charity environment would be highly desirable.

Why join us?

• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a values-led organisation
• Senior leadership role with influence across the organisation
• Flexible working arrangements
• A collaborative and supportive working environment

The Vacancies

We are seeking to appoint one registered medical practitioner and one business registrant (Companies Committee), one lay member (Education Committee) and one optometrist (Standards Committee) to our Advisory Panel Companies Committee.

About the GOC
We are the regulator for the optical professions in the UK. Our purpose is to protect the public by promoting high standards of education, performance, and conduct.  For more information about us please visit our website.

About the Advisory Panel
The Advisory Panel is a meeting of the four Council’s committees (Companies, Education, Registration, and Standards) in plenary session. They are established by statute for the purpose of giving advice and assistance to Council (whether or not in response to a request from them) on:

• matters relating to business registrants other than matters required by the Opticians Act to be referred to the Investigation Committee, the Registration Appeals, Committee or the Fitness to Practise Committee;
• matters relating to optical training, education, and assessment;
• matters relating to registration, other than matters required by the Opticians Act to be considered by the Registration Appeals Committee; and
• matters relating to the standards of conduct and performance expected of registrants or those seeking admission to the register.

Time Commitment and Remuneration

This role is part time with a commitment of approximately 2-3 days per year, including time spent preparing for meetings.  Meetings will usually take place via MS Teams but may on occasion be held at the GOC Offices in London or other suitable venues.

Members are paid up to £185 per meeting. This is taxable and subject to National Insurance (NI) contributions. This is in line with our member fees policy and member fee schedule.

How to apply

Please apply with the following:

• your CV outlining your employment history, any relevant voluntary work, public service, or other experience; together with any relevant professional, academic, or vocational qualifications (please keep this to two sides of A4);
• the application form (attached), stating how your experience matches the essential criteria for the vacancy you are applying for; and
• an EDI monitoring form (linked in the candidate pack) 

Please email your completed application quoting reference GOC01/26 to appointment@optical. org.

We would welcome applications from individuals who are disabled and from diverse ethnic backgrounds, as these are currently under-represented on our Council and committees.

For more information about these roles please download the candidate information pack attached.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: midnight Sunday 29 March 2026.

Online interviews will be held on 14,15,18 and 19 May 2026.

If you have any questions, please email them to appointment@optical. org and we will aim to respond to you within 48 hours. 

We strive to be as diverse as the public we protect and welcome applications from everyone, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, maternity, and geographical locations outside of London.

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. 

PLEASE NOTE WEBINAR WILL NOW BE ON FRIDAY 13TH MARCH AT MIDDAY 

About Us

The MacRobert Trust is rooted in the enduring vision of Lady Rachel MacRobert. Guided by our three MacRobert Pillars and our bold 10-year strategy, we invest in initiatives that deliver lasting social, environmental and economic benefit.

From managing our estate and charitable activities to operating our country house hotel, Douneside House, we are a dynamic and evolving organisation with a strong heritage and a forward-looking ambition.

The Opportunity

This is a pivotal senior leadership role, working closely with the CEO, Board and Senior Management Team to ensure the Trust remains financially robust, strategically focused and operationally effective.

You will:

• Provide strong financial leadership, governance and assurance
• Lead and mentor a high-performing finance team
• Deliver insightful reporting, planning and long-term financial strategy
• Partner across the organisation to strengthen business performance
• Oversee governance, risk and (when required) company secretarial duties
• Lead strategic oversight of IT and Marketing systems and external partners
• Support commercial performance, including our hotel trading subsidiary
• Drive continuous improvement across systems, processes and reporting

This is a broad, hands-on role suited to someone who enjoys operating both strategically and operationally in a small, collaborative organisation.

About You

We are seeking an experienced finance professional with strong leadership abilities, exceptional business partnering skills, and advanced analytical expertise. The ideal candidate is commercially minded, demonstrates logical thinking, and is comfortable looking beyond the numbers to gain a deeper understanding of both the business and the people shaping it.

Knowledge, Qualifications and Experience

• Professionally qualified accountant (CA, CIPFA, CIMA, ACCA or equivalent).
• Operated at senior management level; demonstrable cross-organisational management beyond one function.
• Proven experience leading or co-leading change/transformations.
• Strong systems background/interest, with proven experience in delivering systems changes or improvements.
• Experience in governance accountability.

Desirable

• Understanding of wider organisational systems (risk, H&S, payroll).
• Previous experience in wider business activities such as IT and marketing.

Experience across governance, IT, marketing or wider operational oversight would be advantageous.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to influence strategy and deliver meaningful impact within a values-led organisation.

We offer:

• Competitive salary
• 30 days’ annual leave rising to 38 days
• 9% employer pension contribution
• Income protection and life insurance
• Enhanced family and sick pay
• Paid volunteer leave
• Professional membership support
• Complimentary access to our on-site health club and swimming pool

The role is primarily based at our Estate Office in Tarland, Aberdeenshire — ideal for someone who values access to the countryside and a unique working environment.

How to Apply

Please read our full candidate pack. It includes full details on how to apply.

Closing date: 22 March 2026

Interviews: From week commencing 23 March 2026

The Beit Trust works for the benefit of the people of Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi. It funds sustainable projects in health, education, social welfare and the natural environment, building infrastructure and catalysing human self-improvement. The Trust does not fundraise and relies solely on the endowment of its founder, Alfred Beit.

The Secretary works closely with the Chairman and Board of Trustees in developing the Trust’s strategic plan, and will ensure it operates to the highest standards of governance, transparency and impact, while developing strong relationships with partners, beneficiaries and regulators.

Experience in at least one of the beneficial countries and/or Africa more widely is important.