Chief executive officer jobs in east of england

Around 84,000 children in England live in care. 7 in 10 children experience a change in where they live, where they go to school, or who their social worker is each year and 1 in 3 care-experienced young people become homeless within 2 years of leaving care.

Our client is the national charity that’s here to support every child and young person with experience of the care system. They listen to care-experienced young people to understand what’s not working, and together, they fight to make change happen.

It’s a hugely exciting time to join the organisation. Our client have grown in recent years and are in a stable position to increase our impact and ensure a better care experience for children and young people across national systems. They have recently developed a new strategy and refreshed their brand to strengthen their voice. Our client have sustainable funding and a warm, welcoming culture with a growing team of passionate experts committed to transforming outcomes for care-experienced young people.

Chief Executive Officer
Location: London/Hybrid working that ensures the best leadership of the charity. Likely to be two to three days a week in the London office plus key stakeholder meetings.
Salary: £90,000 to £95,000

This is an exciting opportunity to lead an ambitious organisation, looking to grow the scale, reach and impact of their work. Building on the organisation’s effective work, well-respected reputation and solid financial position, the CEO will work alongside the highly skilled Board and their passionate team to drive the organisation's strategy.

As CEO, you will:

• Maximise the organisation’s impact to deliver a better care experience for children and young people across national systems.
• Provide inspiring leadership in accordance with our client’s values and shape an inclusive culture of high support, achievement and collaboration.
• Oversee operations, campaigning and fundraising to ensure delivery, influence and income are maximised.

Our client are looking to appoint a passionate and ambitious leader who brings:

• Experience of operating at strategic level (CEO or senior director), with inspirational leadership skills.
• A track record of enhancing reach and increasing impact within the charitable sector.
• Experience of reviewing scope and scale of delivery at a strategic level.
• Experience of acting as an ambassador and engaging with high level external stakeholders.

Our client are determined to create a truly inclusive, equitable workplace. They know this is an ongoing journey - and they're fully committed to it. As a charity supporting children in care and care leavers, they actively encourage applications from people with care experience as they know how vital their perspectives are within their team. They're also committed to building a diverse team that reflects the young people they serve, and especially welcome applications from people from Black, Asian and diverse ethnic backgrounds.

For further details about this exciting role and how to apply, please click ‘Redirect to Recruiter’.

Deadline for applications: Sunday 15th June 
Interviews with Prospectus: 23rd - 26th June
Engagement meeting with Chair, Leadership Team and Youth Panel: 30th June & 1st July
Interviews with Client: Friday 11th July

Join us in the fight against cancer.

The charity is an international leader in pioneering cancer research, changing lives through innovation, hope, and impact. They are an independent, international non-profit organisation dedicated to beating cancer through the advancement of cutting-edge research.

The organisation are seeking an ambitious Executive Director to lead the UK charity. With a focus on all types on cancer but especially the ones that are underfunded, like paediatric cancer, they fund pioneering scientific projects that accelerate the development of effective treatments.

Executive Director
Location: London (Hybrid)
Salary: Circa £75,000

The Role
As Executive Director, you will set the strategic direction, drive high-impact initiatives, and lead a passionate team committed to changing the future of cancer treatment. You'll be the face of the charity, forging vital partnerships, growing income, and ensuring operational excellence.

What You'll Bring

• A hands-on and strategic leader with a proven track record of driving growth in the charity sector.
• Skilled team-builder with experience in leading small, high-performing teams toward clear goals and ambitious outcomes.
• A persuasive and results-driven fundraiser with success in securing major gifts from high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and corporate partners.
• Financially and operationally astute, with relevant in budget oversight, governance, and compliance.

Why the charity?
You'll be part of a dedicated international community committed to pushing the boundaries of cancer research. Your leadership will have a direct impact on funding world-class science that changes and saves lives.

The charity actively encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds, especially those underrepresented in the workforce. We are committed to an inclusive recruitment process where everyone feels supported, respected, and empowered to thrive. We are happy to make reasonable adjustments to ensure all candidates can fully participate.

Recruitment Timetable
Deadline for applications: 8th June
Interviews with Prospectus: 19th - 23rd June
Interviews with CRIS Cancer Foundation: Week commencing 30th June.

Inspire change for young people – The Mix seeks a visionary, people-focused CEO to unite purpose and enterprise at a pivotal moment of growth.

Applications close: 9 a.m. Monday 9th June 2025
Location: Stowmarket, Suffolk

About The Mix

The Mix Stowmarket is a vibrant and ambitious youth charity serving young people aged 9–25 across Mid Suffolk. We exist to inspire, empower, and support young people to build resilience, thrive and unlock their full potential. Working from our flagship centre in Stowmarket and a second base in Needham Market, we deliver a diverse range of programmes including youth mentoring, alternative education, school-based support, and open-access youth sessions. Strong values, a solution-focused approach, and a deep belief in the potential of every young person shape our work.

Alongside our charitable work, we operate a social enterprise trading arm, 127 Trading Ltd, which runs two cafés that provide training and employment opportunities for young people, while generating vital income for our work. With a committed team of staff and volunteers and a passion for partnership, The Mix is a trusted and innovative force for positive youth development in Suffolk.

About the role

As Chief Executive Officer of The Mix, you will lead a values-driven organisation through an exciting phase of renewal and growth.

Reporting to the Board of Trustees, you will provide strategic direction and leadership, unify the charity and trading arms under a shared mission, and inspire a dedicated team to deliver exceptional outcomes for young people.

You’ll play a key role in shaping our future — strengthening internal culture, improving financial sustainability and building powerful partnerships across sectors.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and leading the management team and wider staff group
• Driving financial sustainability through diversified income and enterprise growth
• Providing oversight and strategic direction for our trading arm, 127 Trading Ltd
• Building and maintaining relationships with funders, partners, and local stakeholders
• Championing a culture of learning, safeguarding, and impact measurement

This is a highly influential role for someone with the strategic vision, emotional intelligence and commercial insight to make a lasting difference to the lives of young people and the future of youth services across Suffolk.

Who we are looking for

We seek a strategic, people-focused leader and ambassador with both a strong social purpose and commercial insight. You will bring emotional intelligence, a collaborative mindset and the confidence to lead an organisation at a pivotal moment of change and opportunity. With a clear sense of purpose and a passion for empowering young people, you’ll unite teams and stakeholders behind a compelling shared vision.

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Empathetic and visible
• A collaborative builder
• Mission-aligned
• A strategic communicator
• Commercially-minded
• Culturally-aware

You may come from the youth, charity, health, education, or social enterprise sectors — but above all we welcome candidates who can bring the vision, leadership and heart to shape the future of The Mix.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 9th June 2025.

Be part of something transformative: help shape the future of a newly independent NHS charity, improving health and well-being across north-east London.

Applications close at: 9 a.m. Tuesday 10th June 2025

Location: Hybrid – min 2 or 3 days p/w office office-based

Who we are

King George and Queen’s Hospitals Charity supports the patients, families, staff, and communities connected to King George Hospital in Ilford and Queen’s Hospital in Romford. We fund initiatives that go above and beyond what the NHS can provide – from innovative medical equipment and patient comfort to staff well-being and pioneering projects.

Now entering a new chapter, we are transitioning from an NHS-managed charity to an independent NHS Charity, with our own Board of Trustees and Chair, while maintaining a close and collaborative partnership with Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust (BHRUT). With a committed Board-in-waiting, an ambitious vision, and strong community backing, we are ready to grow our fundraising impact and enhance our support to the Trust and the wider communities we serve.

About the role

We’re seeking an experienced interim CEO to lead the launch and early development of our newly independent charitable incorporated organisation (CIO). This is a rare chance to shape a start-up charity with an established record of fundraising success and strong community backing.

You’ll bring leadership, drive and credibility, and be comfortable working at pace to build solid foundations and shape strategy, operations and culture. Working closely with the Chair and Trustees, and leading a small team, you’ll ensure fundraising is sustained and grown, and that resources deliver tangible health and well-being improvements.

A skilled relationship-builder, you’ll maintain a strong partnership with BHRUT and expand support across our community, NHS partners and funders. This role suits a hands-on, confident leader, ideally with experience of setting up or scaling a charity, who balances operational focus with emotional intelligence and a deep belief in the role of NHS charities.

 Who are we looking for?

We’re looking for a confident, values-led leader to provide strategic and operational direction through a key period of transition. With a steady hand and senior-level leadership experience, ideally including charity start-up or growth, you’ll understand what’s needed to lead in a fast-moving, evolving environment.

You’ll be comfortable managing complexity, combining clear purpose with sound judgement and strong interpersonal skills. You’ll work closely with our new Board, Chair and Trust leadership, while representing the charity externally with confidence and warmth.

In a small and ambitious team, you’ll be practical and hands-on, guiding delivery while shaping strategy. You’ll bring a solid grasp of governance, a commitment to inclusive culture, and a strong sense of purpose. Above all, you’ll believe in the mission of NHS charities, and have the experience and resilience to help us bring this new chapter to life.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the job description and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Tuesday 10th June 2025.

Executive Director

Boiler House Spaces is a small Hackney community charity seeking our new permanent Executive Director to lead the organisation in the exciting next stage of its development 

Position: Executive Director

Salary: £55,000 pro rata

Location: Hackney, London with some home-working

Hours: 17.5 hours per week (or higher if fundraising targets achieved)

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: 4th June 2025

About the Role

As Executive Director of Boiler House Spaces, you will be responsible for leading the charity and its small and committed team, to develop strategic partnerships and funding to take the organisation forwards. 

Key responsibilities include:

Leadership & People

· Provide leadership, supervise staff/volunteers, and ensure service quality.

· Collaborate with teams for effective service delivery and staff coverage.

Strategy & Partnerships

· Represent Boiler House Spaces and develop partnerships with key stakeholders.

· Lead the Good Place programme with partners and the community.

Finance, Fundraising & Marketing

· Oversee finances, report quarterly, and manage fundraising.

· Build relationships with supporters and promote the organization’s profile.

Governance

· Support the Board with governance, strategy, and risk management.

· Lead the strategy and business plan implementation.

Capital Project & Other Duties

· Lead the capital project and ensure policy adherence.

· Manage emergencies and take on additional tasks as needed.

About You

An experienced successful leader and passionate about community development, you will be a great communicator, a team player with strong finance and project management skills and a willingness to roll up your sleeves.

You will have:

· Proven senior leadership experience with a track record in building partnerships and generating income

· Skilled in managing teams, creating a positive culture, and motivating others to deliver

· Strong financial management, including budget planning and oversight

· Excellent communication and presentation skills for diverse audiences

· Strategic and creative thinker with strong interpersonal and people management skills

· Understanding of the community sector or ability to learn quickly

· Proactive, collaborative, and resilient with a ‘can-do’ attitude

· Committed to community development and the values of Boiler House Spaces

About the Organisation

Boiler House Spaces is about local people helping each other in tough times. We run a community food pantry giving free food, advice and support. We open our safe and warm spaces for community groups so people can connect and make key improvements in their own lives.

You’ll be joining us at a pivotal moment as we shape the next phase of our development.

How to apply

Eastside People are supporting the organisation in the recruitment of this role.

You will be asked to submit your CV and a cover letter.

Eastside People are fully committed to equality of opportunity and diversity and work with our clients to ensure that we recruit inclusively, seeking to address the underrepresentation of some groups of people in leadership teams.

Please note, that we understand AI can be a helpful tool, but please use it with caution and ensure your application is personalised and accurate.

You may also have experience in other areas such as COO, Chief Operation Officer, Operation, Director of Operations, Operations Executive, CEO, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Exec, Executive, Charity, Organisation Lead, Charity Director.

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

Our client is a charity transforming lives through hospital air transfers for children. They are the UK’s international and domestic aeroplane ambulance charity dedicated to ensuring that children and babies who have a medical incident are safely and swiftly returned to their local hospital or home location within the UK. They also provide a tailored support service for families to help them through crisis, creating improved outcomes and lasting change.

Our client has recently expanded internationally, assisting families by repatriating children with medical issues back to the UK, often collaborating closely with British embassies abroad. They ensure that children can get home to NHS care - even when crisis happens overseas.

Chief Executive Officer
Location: Flexible within the UK, with weekly internal and external meetings in London/ Biggin Hill
Salary: £78,000 to £90,000 per annum

Supporting families is a key part of what differentiates our client from other charities. Assisting families - before, during and after transfers - is a key element in why families consistently advocate for the organisation. They are always there when families feel they have no one else to turn to.

The charity is entering a significant growth phase, with more demand and opportunity than ever before. With a number of opportunities open to the organisation, the CEO will lead strategic objectives and growth, including:

• Addressing the NHS’s demand for domestic child medical transport
• Significantly expanding their international service
• Continuing to enhance the Family Support Service that is a core part of our proposition

The CEO will lead the dramatic expansion of the service to allow the organisation to help more families than ever before, ensuring they have the structure and resources to achieve these goals. They aim to continue to broaden our overall service proposition with expanded comprehensive pre- and post-transfer support services such as counselling, and reviewing their operating model and services provided to ensure they meet both existing and new community needs.

Our client are looking to appoint a passionate and ambitious leader who brings:

• Experience of operating at strategic level (CEO or senior director) in the charity sector, with inspirational leadership skills.
• Experience of implementing successful fundraising strategies that grow income.
• Experience of building relationships with senior stakeholders, including donors, and of leading on profile raising.
• A passion for the vital support the charity provides for families.

Our client actively seek candidates from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, recognising that embracing diversity and fostering inclusion directly contributes to innovation, creativity, and organisational excellence. The charity is committed to equity and fairness in recruitment and employment, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates regardless of ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, socio-economic background, or any other characteristic. They are a Disability Confident employer and welcome you to disclose any disabilities as those meeting the minimum criteria for the role who disclose a disability will be progressed to interview.

For further information and to access the full Appointment Brief, please click ‘Redirect to Recruiter’.

Recruitment Timetable:
Deadline for applications: Tuesday 24th June 2025.
Interviews with Prospectus: 30th June - 8th July 2025.
Engagement meeting with client: w/c 7th July 2025
Interviews with client: w/c 7th July 2025

MiD Mediation and Counselling is looking for an experienced and dynamic Executive Director to be responsible for leadership and management of this busy charity that runs mediation and counselling for families that have separated or divorced. 

Relationship breakdown or separation can be painful and distressing for all concerned.  The charity plays a vital role in supporting families when they are going through some of the most challenging and stressful times in their life and we can help make a difference and find a positive way forward for these families. The organisation offers family and neighbourhood mediation and counselling for adults and children aged 4-18 as well as family therapy. 

Key responsibilities of the role include:

Overseeing and leading the admin team, mediators and counsellors

Generating income to support the charity

Reporting to the Board of Trustees, funders and Legal Aid Board

Budget management

We are looking for someone who is committed to helping adults and children involved in a family breakdown and the successful candidate will need extensive experience of income generation, marketing, organisational and people management plus a strong track record of strategic leadership and planning.

MiD has been running for over 35 years and is affiliated to National Family Mediation and the Family Mediation Council and holds a Legal Aid Agency contract for publicly funded family mediation.

This role is office based in Hampton Hill.

Help us make churches more Single Friendly!

Single Friendly Church Network is a young charity which encourages churches to welcome and value single people at every stage of life and of all types of singleness. Our work and influence are growing across a wide range of denominations. We want to reach more churches across the UK who could benefit from our resources and training, with the vision that all single Christians will be able to find a welcoming Single Friendly Church in their local area where they can flourish.

We achieved charitable status in 2023 (before that we were a Community Interest Company) and have a newly refined purpose and identity set out in a new website and other digital media (including in our promotional film ‘Inspiring Change’ available on YouTube). We have developed ‘5 Steps‘ towards becoming a Single Friendly Church.

We now aim to expand our impact across the UK and deepen our engagement with churches from a wide range of Christian denominations, in accordance with our strategy.

After 3 years our existing Executive Director is stepping down from the role and we are seeking a new person to take the next steps forward.

The role

• Leading a review of the Charity’s operational strategy in accordance with our agreed Mission and identity
• Setting operational objectives and targets for the team in accordance with Board directives
• Leading the Fundraising initiatives of the charity and developing productive relationships with funders
• Developing impact measures for internal monitoring and to evidence our work to funders
• Managing the team (including one-to-one meetings, setting targets and annual reviews)
• Working with the Board of Trustees and managing Board meetings, producing necessary documentation
• Building networks with churches, Christian groups, key influencers and a visible presence
• Delivering webinars and presenting at speaking engagements
• Keeping aware of issues around singleness and other relevant Christian topics
• Managing governance for the CIO
• Oversee budgeting and finance functions

Skills

• Experience of leading an organisation or campaign
• An understanding of Christian culture and the different Christian traditions
• Able to provide evidence of positive interaction with Christians from different traditions
• Good experience of working with and inspiring a small team
• Evidence of significant achievements in fundraising

The successful applicant does not have to be single – but does need to show awareness and understanding of the challenges facing single people in both Church and Society as a whole.

Terms

There is an office in central London. We are looking for someone who can commit up to 3 days per week on average, on a freelance basis. The successful candidate would likely be in the office one day a week. The hourly rate offered would be between £35 and £45 depending on experience.

Application procedure

Please send your current CV and a covering letter addressing the role description, demonstrating your interest in our mission and that you are the right person for this role (up to two pages). Please apply via CharityJob.

Shortlisted candidates would have an interview online with final stage of interviewing being in person at our office in London.

We may do some of the preliminary online interviews before the closing date so we do encourage early applications.

Join Birthrights as Our New CEO!

Location: Remote (UK-based). Must be prepared to travel to London and other UK locations for frequent meetings with staff, funders and stakeholders.

Salary: £70,000 to £75,000 per annum, dependent on experience

Why Join Us?

• Impact: Make a real difference in the lives of women, birthing people and families.
• Flexibility: We offer flexible working arrangements, including remote work and compressed hours.
• Culture: Join a kind, progressive, and inclusive team dedicated to respectful care during pregnancy and childbirth.
• Growth: Be part of an organisation with ambitious plans for growth and innovation.

About Birthrights: Birthrights is the UK's leading authority on the rights of women and birthing people during pregnancy and birth in the UK. Our work is critical to not only transforming the experiences and outcomes for individuals but also in shifting wider policy, practice and systems. We champion respectful care during pregnancy and childbirth, ensuring that all women are treated with dignity and humanity. Our work is grounded in the belief that every woman has the right to make informed choices about her care and to be supported in those choices.

The Role: Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of women and birthing people? Do you thrive in a collaborative and supportive environment? Birthrights is looking for a dynamic and compassionate CEO to lead our dedicated team. This is a unique opportunity to drive change, advocate for birth rights, and work alongside a group of passionate individuals committed to our cause.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership: Provide compassionate and bold leadership to a remote-working team, fostering a collaborative and supportive culture.
• Strategic Vision: With the Board and staff, refine and lead the successful implementation of the organisation's strategic and operational plans.
• Influencing: Lead creative and bold external campaigns, policy development, and influencing efforts to advance birth rights.
• Financial Management: Oversee financial operations, ensuring sustainability and growth.
• Fundraising and Business Development: Oversee the fundraising efforts and business development initiatives to support Birthrights' mission.
• Board Collaboration: Work closely with the board to shape and implement strategic goals.

Person Specification:

• Essential:
• Background in the charity sector.
• Genuine passion for Birthrights' cause.
• Strong people management skills.
• High emotional intelligence (EQ).
• Competence in financial management.
• Skills in business development and fundraising.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work closely with the board.
• Strategic and radical leadership skills
• Ability to oversee delivery of policy and programmes to drive impact aligned with organisational strategy and principles
• Ability to build relationships and foster strong collaborative partnerships
• Ability to lead courageously
• Desirable:
• Lived experience of birth or professional experience in maternity care or significant involvement in campaigning or representing people's rights.
• Experience in policy development and influencing.
• Experience in leading bold external campaigns.
• Experience managing remote working or hybrid teams of part-time staff
• Experience of community power building and working as part of movements for change

Our Team: At Birthrights, we believe in the power of collaboration and teamwork. Our team is close-knit, passionate, and dedicated to making a positive impact. We work remotely but stay connected through regular meetings and touchpoints, ensuring that everyone feels supported and valued. We are committed to fostering a culture of kindness, inclusivity, and mutual respect.

Equity, Diversity and inclusion: Birthrights is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in our organisation and our external work. We know that diversity in all its forms brings more perspectives, experiences and knowledge, and it makes us a better, stronger organisation.

As an organisation, our employees have recently trained with the Queer Birth Club on LGBTQ+ competency and have undertaken extensive training with JMB Consulting on anti-racism.

We are using positive action in our recruitment as part of our commitment to EDI. This means we are actively seeking candidates from under-represented groups (people of colour, women, LGBTQ+, disabled people, socioeconomic background). If two candidates are equally qualified for the role, we will appoint the candidate with this background under the provisions of the Equality Act 2010. Please let us know if you require reasonable adjustments so we can accommodate your needs.

How to Apply: If you are passionate about advocating for birth rights and have the skills and experience to lead our organisation, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV to and we will forward you the candidate pack.

Webinar: Join our informational webinar on Thursday 22 May, 12.30 - 1.30 to learn more about the role. The registration link is in the candidate pack.

Application Deadline: Please submit your application by 5.00pm on Monday 9^th June, 2025.

Job Title: CEO

Reporting To: Chair of Trustees

Salary: £50,000 Pro Rata 

Working Hours: 28 hours per week (4 days). Job share applications will be considered.

Location: Hybrid/ Prepare to travel to London several times a year for industry events. Prepared to travel to other destinations in the UK on occasion.

Contract Type: Permanent

About Us

Safer Waves was set up in 2019 to provide support to merchant seafarers who have experienced sexual assault, sexual harassment or gender discrimination on board.

Safer Waves provides an anonymous email support service, run by volunteers who are trained in responding to disclosures of sexual violence, and who understand the specific challenges experienced when these events happen onboard a vessel.

We work with shipping companies, industry leaders, law enforcement and maritime training providers to raise awareness of sexual violence within the maritime industry, and to improve the support that is available to seafarers who experience it.

Job Purpose

For the first 5 years, Safer Waves has been a volunteer-led organisation. We are now in the exciting position of being able to recruit a CEO, and we are looking for an individual who has the passion to see this new organisation thrive in the maritime welfare sector.

As the head of a small and rapidly developing organisation, the CEO role will be extremely varied, with the opportunity to shape the organisational structure as needed. The CEO will work closely with the trustee board and Operations Manager to deliver the strategy, improve sustainability and financial resilience, manage risk and deliver high-quality services to our beneficiaries.

We are a growing organisation, and this is a unique opportunity to grow and innovate with the organisation and to contribute to our future success. Applicants will need to be prepared to take on a wide range of tasks at the outset including compliance, accounting, training, public speaking, banking, leading volunteers, engaging with external partners and funders, overseeing the website and email service and many other tasks.
 

Responsibilities & Accountabilities 

The CEO reports directly to the Trustee Board and is responsible for the following:

• Strategy: Shape and deliver the charity's strategy over the next five years, whilst also ensuring the day-to-day running of the charity remains effective.

• Finance: Maintain and develop relationships with funders, and find new funding streams for the charity. Prepare budgets and control spending accordingly.

• Risk management and compliance: Work with the trustees to ensure strong governance, including effective management of risks and compliance with current legislation.

• Relationships: Build and maintain relationships with international organisations including charities, shipping companies, law enforcement and government agencies among others.

• Line management: Manage staff and volunteers

• Communications and Outreach: Work with the Operations Manager, Trustees and volunteers to raise the profile of the charity and increase the number of seafarers reached

Person Specification

Essential 

• Experience in being self-sufficient and driving progress, ideally in a business or charity setting.

• Senior Management Experience

• Able to demonstrate alignment with the core values of Safer Waves.

• Knowledge and understanding of supporting survivors of sexual violence

Desirable

• Experience working in the charity sector. 

• An understanding of the maritime sector

Your cover letter should address and provide evidence to support each of the essential criteria and the desirable criteria if applicable.

The Vivensa Foundation, formerly The Dunhill Medical Trust, is the only UK charitable funder focused entirely on supporting the remarkable research and radical social innovation needed for ageing well. As the steward of a substantial endowment of c£175 million, we provide an annual grants budget of £5-6 million and have ring-fenced a further £5 million for social investment purposes. This means we are uniquely positioned to act as a catalyst for systems change at the intersection of health, care, research, and community. As we move into a new strategic phase, we are looking for a visionary and collaborative leader to help us deepen our impact and extend our influence for lasting change.

As Chief Executive, you will lead the delivery and iterative development of Vivensa’s strategy, working closely with the Board and a small, expert team. You will provide clear and values-led leadership, ensuring our resources, partnerships and profile are aligned for maximum social impact. This is a rare opportunity to lead a foundation with the independence and capital to take risks, shape thinking, and convene diverse actors around a common purpose. You will, with the Board of Trustees, own the strategy and oversee governance, finance and operations, while also playing an active role in representing Vivensa externally and facilitating cross-sector collaboration.

We are seeking a confident and reflective leader with experience of driving change in complex or multi-sector environments. You will bring strong strategic and financial acumen, the ability to inspire and empower a small team, and credibility across sectors such as research, health, government, investment, philanthropy or civil society. Equally important is your commitment to collaboration, systems thinking, and inclusive leadership – alongside a passion for the potential of research, innovation and community action to shape a better future for ageing.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the Vivensa Foundation on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit the Saxton Bampfylde website using reference ZBRWA. Applications should be received by noon on Wednesday 4th June.

Role Summary

We are seeking a dynamic and mission-driven Executive Director to lead ProVeg UK in this next phase of growth and impact. This role combines strategic leadership with high-level stakeholder engagement, fundraising, and organisational development. The ideal candidate brings entrepreneurial energy, exceptional communication skills, strong credentials in the UK NGO sector, and a passion for food systems transformation.

ProVeg UK has a very strong track record in influencing public food through its School Plates programme, which has, to date, swapped over 47m meals from meat-based to plant-based or veggie. We work in over 8,000 schools across the UK, reaching over 1.3 million children every day. We are keen to expand this excellent work to a wider range of stakeholders, including hospitals (a new manager has just been recruited to develop a Hospital Plates pilot), policymakers, the corporate sector and media. 

The Executive Director will be at the forefront of this expansion, while also ensuring the continued success of our existing programmes. As such, this is a high-impact role, offering the opportunity to be a catalyst for positive change in the UK’s plant-based and alternative protein movement — helping to shape a more sustainable future.
 

Job Details

Reports to: Deputy CEO
Country: UK
Location: Greater London Area (within 1.5 hours by train)
Hours: Full-time (35 h/week)
Salary: £55-60k (plus London allowance of £3k, if applicable)
Start date: ideally ASAP
 

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and deliver ProVeg UK’s long-term strategy aligned with ProVeg International’s mission
• Lead the design and scaling of UK-based programmes that create measurable impact and reflect local opportunities and needs
• Represent the organisation to increase ProVeg’s visibility and influence.
• Sit as a member of the ProVeg C.I.C. Board.

Stakeholder Engagement & Fundraising

• Cultivate and strengthen relationships with strategic partners including food companies, government agencies, foundations, and major donors
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities, including government tenders and philanthropic partnerships, with a strong focus on climate and health-related funding
• Act as a public thought leader and spokesperson in the UK for food systems transformation in line with ProVeg International’s strategy
• Manage governance and engagement with the UK board

Team & Organisational Development

• Lead and support our fantastic, high-performing UK team and foster a culture of collaboration, inclusion, impact and evaluation
• Provide regular coaching and feedback, ensuring clear objectives, performance development, and providing recognition
• Foster innovation, improvement and a growth mindset in the team, and identify new opportunities to grow our UK work
• Collaborate with ProVeg International teams and other ProVeg countries on shared programmes and goals

Financial Management & Reporting

• Develop and oversee the UK annual budget, ensuring financial sustainability and strategic resource allocation
• Ensure compliance with UK regulations, reporting requirements, and ProVeg International policies
• Provide timely and transparent reporting to the Deputy CEO, International team, and Board

Qualifications

Essential

• Proven leadership experience (5+ years at deputy- or C-level)  in a UK-based NGO or mission-driven organisation, ideally in food, climate, or health sectors
• Demonstrated success in fundraising and partnership building, especially with foundations, governments, or climate philanthropies
• Strong entrepreneurial mindset and ability to develop and execute impactful strategies
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with experience speaking to media and government bodies, at public events, and with internal stakeholders of all levels (Board, Senior Leadership Team, Staff and Volunteers)
• Deep understanding of UK funding landscape, policy environment, and relevant NGOs 
• Experience leading diverse and remote teams, with a collaborative and empowering leadership style
• Commitment to ProVeg’s mission and values, and strong alignment with our strategic goals
• Experience working with cross-functional and international teams
• Committed to following a plant-based lifestyle
• Knowledge of good governance practice
• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to effectively fulfil the role of Director

Desirable

• Existing network of funders, policymakers, or influencers relevant to food systems or climate in the UK
• Postgraduate degree in a relevant field (e.g. in public policy, environmental studies, food systems, business, or similar)
• Familiarity with effective altruism principles and evidence-based programme design
• Understanding of plant-based innovation, sustainable diets, or alternative proteins

Benefits of working with us

• Generous annual leave entitlement - 25 days per year, with an additional day granted at the start of each calendar up to a maximum of 30 days (plus bank holidays)
• A strong organisational focus on personal development, with a designated training budget.
• Provision of a work laptop.
• Flexible, trust-based working arrangements and home-office arrangements.
• Career development support
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental and adoption pay
• Compassionate animal companion leave
• Employee Assistance Programme including counselling
• Access to 24/7 virtual GP Service
• Mindfulness support via a free Headspace account for you and up to 5 friends or family members
• Access to the Wisdom app with exclusive perks and discounts
• Membership to the OpenUp platform
• We are a workplace that encourages everyone to bring their whole selves to work. We are an inclusive workplace for our diverse employees around the world.
• And, last but not least, become part of a great team and work with us towards a world where everyone chooses delicious and healthy food that is good for all humans, animals, and our planet!
   

When?

Application deadline: 15.06
First (People & Culture) interview: 23.06 - 26.06
Trial task: 03.07-06.07.
Second (team) interview: 14.07 - 22.07
Final (executive) interview: 24.07 - 26.07
 

Further information

Your application should include a cover letter and CV. Please indicate your motivation for the role and describe how you meet the requirements. Please send us your application using our online form. Thank you!

Important: Please make sure to use your own words and ideas on the cover letter. The goal is for us to know you better in order to assess if this role and your motivation are a good fit. Letters written with AI, or written in a language other than English, will be disregarded.

The Organisation:
The Hardman Trust is the only charity in England, Wales and Scotland focusing on the unique needs of people on long term sentences.
People facing decades of prison time often completely lose connection with their family and friends on the outside. Depending on the prison, there may be limited access to rehabilitative programmes and educational courses until later in the sentence. It can be hard to maintain hope, and direction, or create meaningful plans for the future.
People leaving prison after 10 years will have different needs to those leaving after 10 months. The world has changed – there are different habits and new social norms. Prices have gone up, technology has evolved, neighbourhoods look different, and the workplace has changed. It takes time to adjust.

To find out more about The Hardman Trust, visit our website.

The Role:
The Hardman Trust is at an exciting point in its development as it celebrates the arrival of its new team, the realisation of its first ever organisational strategy and looks forward to the next phase of its journey.
Our successful multi-year applications to the Lottery (Reaching Communities), City Bridge Trust and Bromley Trust means we will continue to be part-funded by them until 2027. Deeply rooted in the criminal justice sector, we plan to develop further our programme of support for those on long sentences both within and, we hope, beyond prison too; we aim to extend the reach and deepen the impact of our support and grants; and attract new partnerships with funders and like-minded third sector organisations. Last year we completed a merger with another charity which has expanded our reach and capacity.

Person Specification:
You will bring the following skills and experience to the role:

• Demonstrable senior leadership and management experience
• Proven experience of strategic planning, financial and human resources management
• Experience of managing organisational budgets and maximising resources
• Understanding of funding applications as well as knowledge and experience of generating funds from a variety of sources
• Experience of troubleshooting, decision making and resolving problems creatively
• Understanding the prison environment and its challenges.
• Understanding and practical knowledge of the funding landscape in the UK
• Demonstrable business experience and financial acumen
• Excellent interpersonal, relationship building and networking skills
• Instinct for and experience of the principles and practice of partnership working
• Considerable skill at articulating information both verbally and in writing with authenticity, impact and enthusiasm
• Experience of working in the charitable sector

Please download our Candidate Information Pack for the person specification and more information on the role.

How to Apply
If you would like to apply for this fantastic opportunity, please provide the following with your application:

• An up-to-date CV
• A supporting statement of no more than 2 sides of A4, outlining your experience, motivations and suitability for the role.

All applications are being handled by our recruitment partner, Russam. All applications should be uploaded via the Russam website. 

If you have any difficulty uploading your application or if you would like to have an informal and confidential discussion about the role, please contact Melissa Baxter - Managing Partner, Charities.

Application Closing Date: Monday 9 June 2025
Interviews with The Hardman Trust: 
First interviews (online): 23 and 30 June 2025  
Second interviews (in-person in central London): 4 July 2025

We’re looking for a part-time Grants and Trusts Officer (2.5 days a week). Office or home based, they will be a vital member of our fundraising team, working closely with programme staff and the CEO to continue to grow grant funding for our work – shaping funding bids, managing grants and reporting, and building relationships with funders and funding networks. 

Purpose of role:

Increasing and diversifying the sources of grant funding for A Rocha UK’s work is key to our fundraising strategy. The Grants and Trusts Officer will play a key role identifying, securing, and managing grants from a range of sources, including small trusts, large foundations, and Church denominations. In doing so, they will work closely with programme staff , CEO and Finance Director to develop funding bids, and coordinate closely with other members of the fundraising team, such as the Major Donor Officer. They will also manage occasional legacies. The successful candidate will have previous experience securing funds from trusts, as well as excellent writing skills, an interest in the environment and an active Christian faith.

Please see the attachment for full responsibilites

Previous applicants need not apply