Chief executive officer jobs in Westminster, greater london

Shape public policy. Safeguard professional standards. Lead a profession towards the statutory recognition it deserves.

Not every Chief Executive role involves influencing government, protecting professional standards and occasionally resolving a registrant query before the end of the day.

After seven years, Mike Orlov is retiring as Chief Executive and Registrar of the National Register of Public Service Interpreters. The Board is now seeking a successor who can continue strengthening the organisation and raising the profile and importance of professional interpreters working across public services.

NRPSI is the independent voluntary regulator and national register for public service interpreters in the United Kingdom. It sets professional standards, upholds accountability and provides assurance to public sector organisations, including the Ministry of Justice, the Metropolitan Police and NHS bodies, in settings where interpreters are relied upon in critical situations.

In these environments, clear communication is essential. When it fails, the consequences can affect legal outcomes, safeguarding decisions and, in some situations, lives.

The organisation is entering an important moment in its development. The House of Lords Public Services Committee’s 2025 report on interpreting services in the courts has brought renewed national attention to the role that professional interpreters play across justice, policing and healthcare. At the same time, NRPSI continues to advance the longer-term ambition of statutory regulation and protection of title for Registered Public Service Interpreters.

As Victor Olowe, Chair of NRPSI, puts it: “This is an important moment for NRPSI and for the wider profession, particularly following the House of Lords 2025 report and the government’s commitment to address some of its key recommendations.”

As Chief Executive and Registrar, you’ll engage with senior stakeholders across government and public services while leading a specialist, long-standing team responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Register and the standards that underpin it.

Drawing on your experience, you’ll help shape the organisation’s next stage of development and strengthen the role NRPSI plays in safeguarding the public through professional interpreting standards.

The Role

Stepping into this role, you’ll be accountable to the Board for the governance, strategic direction and operational leadership of the organisation.

This is a hands-on leadership role, working closely with the Chair and Board to shape the organisation’s strategy and priorities, while ensuring the Register continues to operate with credibility, integrity and independence.

You’ll have direct responsibility for the integrity of the Register itself. This includes oversight of registration, renewals, complaints and disciplinary processes, as well as responsibility for ensuring the organisation’s Code of Professional Conduct and regulatory framework remain robust and fit for purpose.

With your experience, moving between strategic and operational ground will come naturally to you. One week you may be engaging with senior civil servants or government departments about the importance of professional interpreting standards. The next you may be reviewing operational processes, supporting your team in the delivery of the Register’s core functions or ensuring the organisation’s financial position remains sustainable.

Your team works mainly remotely and are all long-standing, dedicated and experienced, responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Register. Working in a remote-first environment, continuing a culture of collaboration, accountability and professional development while ensuring the organisation continues to deliver high standards of service is high on the list of priorities.

Externally, you’ll act as the senior voice of NRPSI. What does this mean in reality? Engaging with stakeholders across justice, policing, healthcare and central government, representing the organisation’s perspective clearly and authoritatively. This could include contributing to sector discussions, building relationships with policymakers and making the case for why professional interpreting standards matter to public safety and effective public services, or posting on LinkedIn and social channels, giving updates or hosting town halls for registrants.

The role also sees you supporting the organisation’s longer-term ambition of achieving statutory regulation and protection of title for Registered Public Service Interpreters, a goal that will genuinely benefit from the right leader’s credibility and persistence.

Financial sustainability also sits within your remit. NRPSI is funded through registration fees paid by interpreters, and you’ll oversee the organisation’s finances while ensuring resources are used effectively to deliver its strategic priorities. Alongside this, you’ll maintain oversight of operational systems and processes, identifying opportunities to improve resilience, efficiency and the effective use of digital tools.

The Person

This is a role that calls for someone who has operated at senior or director level within a charity, not-for-profit organisation, professional body, regulatory organisation, membership association or comparable public service environment.

Someone who understands the responsibilities that come with leading an organisation whose work centres on professional standards, governance and public protection, and who brings the credibility, judgement and experience required to engage effectively with a diverse group of stakeholders including government departments, public sector organisations, registrants and sector partners.

A collaborative, trust-based leadership style will be just as important: someone equally comfortable exercising independent judgement as they are balancing strategic thinking with practical delivery in a specialist organisation where both are needed in equal measure.

You’ll bring most of the following:

• Senior leadership experience at director level or above within a charity, professional body, membership organisation, regulatory body or public service environment
• Experience influencing government policy or engaging with commissioners of public spending
• Experience developing or improving regulatory, registration or accreditation processes
• The ability to represent an organisation clearly and confidently in public, including engaging with senior civil servants, sector stakeholders and the media
• Financial literacy and experience overseeing organisational budgets and sustainability
• Experience developing and delivering strategy and operational plans
• Confidence using digital systems, data and communication platforms to support organisational priorities
• Understanding of, or experience in, a registrar or equivalent function within a professional, regulatory or standards body, including accountability for the integrity of registration processes and criteria

Desirable

• Familiarity with public affairs, policy engagement or advocacy work would be advantageous, as would exposure to justice, policing, healthcare or public service environments.
• Experience navigating politically sensitive or contested professional environments, including managing public criticism, would also be beneficial.
• A second language would be welcomed.
• Above all, you’ll share a commitment to the public interest and the role professional interpreting plays in ensuring fair access to justice and public services.

A full candidate pack providing further information about the organisation accompanies this ad.

Key Information

NRPSI is working with Michelle Paoloni, Director at House Recruitment, on this appointment.

To apply, please submit a current CV and a supporting statement of no more than two pages outlining your relevant experience, where you saw the role advertised and what has prompted you to apply.

• Applications close at 5pm on Friday 10 April 2026.
• Discovery conversations with House Recruitment will take place on a rolling basis.
• Final interviews will be held in person in London on Wednesday 29 April 2026.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

NRPSI is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds and are committed to ensuring a fair and inclusive recruitment process.

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

Are you our next Chief Executive?

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

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

About Cripplegate Foundation and Islington Giving

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

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

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

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

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

About the role and person 

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

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

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

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

At Advocacy in Greenwich, we work to make sure that people with learning disabilities are empowered to fully participate in the wider community. We also work with local communities and our members to challenge common assumptions or biases about those with learning disabilities which impact their experience of living and working in the Borough.

We provide independent one-to-one, short- and long-term advocacy, facilitate self-advocacy groups, offer workshops and provide accessible consultations. As part of our commitment to supporting people who use our services, we empower people to become confident self-advocates, taking on leadership roles in our organisation and in other decision-making forums.

Job purpose

To champion the vision and mission of Advocacy In Greenwich (AIG) by building strong partnerships with community organisations and local authorities; and by developing and delivering impactful initatives for people with learning disabilities and autism.  The role creates opportunities for meanfingful engagement, ensures services are inclusive and accessible, and upholds the highest standards of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in line with national best practice.

Strategic Oversight

• Lead the development and delivery of Advocacy In Greenwich’s strategy in collaboration with the Board of Trustees, staff, consultants (including those with lived experience), beneficiaries, and stakeholders.
• Implement the Charity Excellence Framework to drive continuous improvement.
• Foster a supportive and innovative working environment where all employees are encouraged to contribute ideas for AiG’s growth.
• Build and maintain strong networks with local authorities, healthcare professionals, funders, and partner organisations (including neighbouring CEOs and leadership teams) to share best practice, coordinate initiatives, and advance opportunities for people with learning disabilities and autism.
• Ensure strategic partnerships enhance AiG’s reputation, maximise opportunities for service users, and maintain consistent standards of advocacy across the borough.
• Stay informed about relevant policy developments to position AiG for new opportunities.
• Lead on financial strategy, income generation, and annual budgeting.
• Represent AiG professionally as its public face, building trust and credibility.
• Write compelling funding bids and narratives for innovative, needs-led initiatives.
• Liaise with major funders and donors to secure and deliver impactful projects.

Operational Responsibilities

•  Regularly update and maintain organisational policies and procedures, developing new ones as needed to meet project requirements.
• Create and update resources to support both new and existing projects.
• Maintain a professional presence and reputation both internally and externally.
• Manage and support all staff and volunteers, ensuring effective team performance.
• Translate strategic objectives into clear, achievable operational plans, ensuring all team members understand their roles and deliverables to meet funding requirements.
• Oversee robust monitoring and evaluation processes, collecting data, testimonials, and stories to demonstrate impact and fulfil contractual obligations.
• Support staff, volunteers, and consultants to understand and meet funder criteria.· Implement staff appraisal systems and ensure ongoing training and professional development
• Uphold best practice standards to maintain high-quality service delivery.

Governance

• Ensure the Board of Trustees can fulfil its duties and that Advocacy In Greenwich remains fully compliant with all legislation and reporting requirements.
• Provide timely and accurate reports to the Board on all matters within their remit.
• Work with the Chair to develop and deliver an effective induction programme, ensuring trustees understand their roles and responsibilities
• Oversee the preparation of the Annual Report and statutory accounts.
• Lead the development, monitoring, and implementation of the charity’s Risk Register, ensuring risks to AiG and its beneficiaries are minimised.
• Take lead responsibility for safeguarding across the organisation.
• Ensure all staff, volunteers, consultants, and trustees have access to training and development opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Personal Development

• Engage in regular supervision to support your own professional growth and reflective practice, ensuring the continued quality and stability of the organisation’s services.
• Provide regular supervision and conduct staff appraisals, supporting staff wellbeing, performance, and professional development across the team.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning by identifying and supporting relevant training and development opportunities for staff, volunteers, and consultants, who are people with learning disabilities and autism employed on zero-hour contracts.

Other

Undertake any additional duties appropriate to the scope and level of the post as required by the Board of Trustees.

Important Information

• This role is not home-based and requires the candidate to work from the office on Tuesdays.
• Closing date: Midnight, Sunday 22nd March 2026
• Interviews/Test: Week commencing Monday 30th March – Wednesday 1st April 2026
• To ensure a fair and consistent recruitment process, we do not accept CVs.
• Please complete the application form provided.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Downright Perfect is a volunteer-run charity supporting children with Down syndrome and their families through professional services, resources and community events. We are seeking a passionate Chief Executive Officer to oversee the day-to-day running of the charity and support the Board of Trustees.

Key responsibilities include:
 •  Supporting governance and Charity Commission compliance
 •  Managing finances alongside the Treasurer
 •  Coordinating volunteers and charity operations
 •  Managing communications, website and social media
 •  Overseeing projects, events and family support services
 •  Identifying funding opportunities and submitting grant applications

Essential skills: experience of running a charity or community group, strong governance knowledge, financial literacy, volunteer management experience, and experience working with vulnerable families or children.

Preferred skills: Knowledge of our charity; understanding or experience of Down syndrome, either professionally or personally; and awareness of the challenges that families may face when supporting someone with Down syndrome.

Requirements: right to work in the UK, driving licence and vehicle, DBS check.

If you are passionate about supporting children with Down syndrome and want to play a key role in a growing charity, we would love to hear from you. Please apply with CV and covering letter.

Interim Chief Executive
National Lived Experience Network (Gambling Harms)
Duration: Approx. 6 months – (April – September). 0.8 FTE (Alternative working patterns may be agreed for the right candidate).
Salary: c. £500 per day depending on experience
Location: Flexible/remote with travel as required

Prospectus is delighted to be supporting a national lived experience network working in the field of gambling-related harms to recruit an Interim Chief Executive.

The organisation is an independent voice raising awareness and offering support to people affected by gambling-related harms. The ambition is for the network to be able to make a difference to people’s lives, with a voice that can meaningfully participate in and influence national debate and policy.

The Interim Chief Executive will provide immediate strategic leadership, visible system presence and lead internal organisational development, including an increase in staff capacity.

This is a time-bound leadership role focused on the immediate transition phase. The skills required to establish presence, build infrastructure and secure early system positioning are distinct from those needed to lead the charity over the longer term.

The successful candidate will bring:

• Proven experience as a Chief Executive or Senior Leader operating at executive level.

• Experience of building and sustaining strategic partnerships across complex stakeholder environments, including within commissioning systems.

• Experience leading organisations through periods of transition, growth or structural change.

• Strong experience of embedding governance frameworks, strengthening compliance and overseeing safeguarding protocols (preferably within a charity setting).

Alongside technical capacity, the organisation is seeking a leader with a commitment to its mission and values, and demonstrable commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, with the ability to embed inclusive organisational practice.

Candidates must be available immediately.

Closing date for applications: Friday 13th March 2026

Interviews for successful candidates: w/c 16th March 2026

Applications should be submitted via CV only. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early application is encouraged. Candidates invited to interview will be asked to complete a short application form as a supporting statement.

As we look ahead to our next strategic phase from 2026, we are seeking an exceptional leader to build on this momentum. As Chief Executive, you will guide a skilled and dedicated team, work closely with an engaged Board of Trustees, and shape how the Trust deepens its impact while strengthening its voice in policy and practice. The role calls for strategic clarity, strong and authentic relationship-building, and the confidence to represent the Trust across government, civil society, and the energy industry.

We are looking for a leader of sound judgement and emotional intelligence, with a collaborative and inclusive style. Someone who recognises the dignity and potential of the people we serve, and who believes that lasting change is achieved through partnership, evidence, and purpose.

The Trust has evolved significantly in recent years. We now operate with a strengthened in-house team, a clear and ambitious strategic direction, and a growing reputation as both a trusted funder and a respected voice in the national conversation on fuel poverty. Our work spans direct financial assistance, specialist advice, and community-based programmes, underpinned by an increasingly sophisticated understanding of what truly enables households to build resilience. This combination of practical support and system-level insight places us in a distinctive and influential position within the sector.

The Organisation

LawCare is the mental health charity for the legal sector, providing free, confidential emotional support and information to people working in law across the UK, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man. While our primary focus is on direct support services, we also play a leading role in advocating for improved mental health practices within legal workplaces and driving cultural transformation through education, training, and research.

Established in 1997, we have spent almost 30 years supporting legal professionals by offering a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space to talk, whether individuals are experiencing day-to-day pressures or more complex, enduring challenges. Our team of Champions, over 100 volunteers, and staff bring lived experience of the legal sector, enabling us to provide informed, empathetic support grounded in a deep understanding of the profession’s unique demands.

We serve all branches of the legal community, including barristers, solicitors, in-house teams, chartered legal executives, and business and support staff. From early-career professionals facing bullying or imposter syndrome to senior leaders managing risk, regulatory pressures, or professional  isolation, we are a trusted and independent source of support.

In addition to our direct support services - including helpline, live online chat, and email support - we provide peer support and maintain a substantial, regularly updated online library of resources, including articles, personal stories, research, and multimedia content designed to promote mental health awareness and resilience across the sector. We also deliver training on mental wellbeing, management and supervision, vicarious trauma, and the new SRA workplace behaviour standards, and offer online sessions for legal workplaces and organisations to explain the support we provide.

By combining frontline service delivery with sector-wide advocacy, LawCare is uniquely positioned at the intersection of individual wellbeing and organisational cultural change. We are supported by a strong, capable team and a committed Board of Trustees, enabling us to continue making a meaningful impact across the legal profession.

The Role

LawCare is seeking an inspiring and values-led Chief Executive to lead the charity into its next phase of development at a pivotal moment for the legal profession. As the public face and strategic leader of the organisation, the Chief Executive will champion LawCare’s mission - ensuring the continued delivery of high-quality, confidential support services while strengthening its voice and influence across a rapidly evolving and increasingly commercial mental health landscape.

This is an exciting opportunity to build on strong foundations, guiding a respected and independent charity through a period of significant sector change. Working closely with staff, volunteers, funders and partners, the Chief Executive will drive sustainable growth, deepen impact, and help shape a more compassionate and mentally healthy legal culture for the future.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Impact

• Lead delivery of LawCare’s forthcoming strategy (2026 onwards), translating vision into measurable impact.
• Ensure LawCare sharpens its positioning and messaging in a crowded mental health marketplace.
• Balance direct support services, research, education and influencing work to maximise impact.
• Identify what the charity should prioritise and where it should collaborate rather than deliver directly.

External Relations & Sector Influence

• Act as the primary ambassador and spokesperson for LawCare across the legal sector in the UK, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man.
• Build and maintain senior relationships with:
  • Professional bodies
  • Regulators
  • Law firms and chambers
  • Legal educators
  • Funders and charitable trusts
• Speak regularly at conferences, sector events, roundtables and award ceremonies. These are primarily London based, however, there will be occasions where representation is required across England, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.
• Build alliances to influence policy, regulation and workplace practice around mental health and wellbeing.
• Position LawCare as the authoritative, evidence-informed voice on mental health in law.

Service Oversight & Quality

• Ensure the continued delivery of high-quality, confidential helpline and peer support services.
• Maintain robust safeguarding, confidentiality and data governance practices.
• Oversee volunteer recruitment, training and engagement.
• Ensure services evolve in response to emerging issues (e.g., stress, anxiety, workplace conflict, regulatory pressure, AI-related disruption).

Financial Sustainability & Governance

• Lead financial planning and sustainability, working closely with the Treasurer and Board.
• Manage relationships with core professional body funders and diversify income streams.
• Develop compelling funding cases and annual pitches to key stakeholders.
• Strengthen reserves and long-term financial resilience.
• Ensure strong governance, compliance and risk management.
• Support and work closely with the incoming Chair and a refreshed Board.

Research, Education & Prevention

• Build on the impact of the Life in the Law research programme.
• Promote preventative approaches for firms and educators.
• Strengthen LawCare’s role in vocational education and regulatory conversations.
• Ensure research informs policy influence and funding opportunities.

Organisational Leadership

• Lead, support and develop a small, experienced and fully remote team.
• Foster a culture of trust, collaboration, wellbeing and accountability.
• Provide clarity and reassurance during a period of leadership transition and financial strengthening.
• Ensure operational efficiency and effective use of technology in a remote environment.

The Person

LawCare is seeking a credible, strategic and values-driven leader with a deep understanding of the legal profession and the pressures shaping it today. You will bring senior leadership experience, strong commercial and financial acumen, and the ability to balance operational excellence with sector-wide influence.

An authentic and compelling ambassador for mental health and wellbeing, you will be an exceptional communicator who builds trust with ease. Emotionally intelligent, resilient and grounded, you will combine empathy with clarity and conviction, guiding the organisation confidently while remaining steadfast in your commitment to improving mental health across the legal community.

Essential

Professional Background

• Prior professional experience in the legal sector is required. Experience working in a qualified or regulated professional role is desirable.
• Deep, intrinsic understanding of the culture, pressures and structural dynamics of the profession.
• Senior leadership experience with responsibility for strategy, people and budgets.

Leadership & Influence

• Credible, visible and compelling leader with presence.
• Exceptional communicator - confident public speaker and strong writer.
• Knowledge of mental health systems, workplace wellbeing or addiction support.
• Able to influence senior stakeholders and bring sceptical audiences “on the journey.”
• A credible ambassador for mental health and wellbeing - knowledge of mental health systems, workplace wellbeing or addiction support.
• Comfortable operating at Board level.

Organisational Capacity

• Experience managing and motivating high-performing teams (ideally remote).
• Financial acumen, including budget oversight and income generation.
• Fundraising experience, particularly with trusts, foundations or membership bodies.
• Ability to balance operational delivery with strategic influence.
• Skilled at prioritisation in resource-constrained environments.

Personal Qualities

• Authentic commitment to mental health and wellbeing.
• Emotionally intelligent, empathetic and values-driven.
• Resilient and calm under pressure.
• Able to navigate sensitive conversations with discretion and diplomacy.

Desirable

• Experience within the charity or not-for-profit sector.
• Experience working with regulators or professional bodies.
• Understanding of research commissioning or evidence-led advocacy.

Further information

For further information about LawCare, the scope of the role and the person specification, please download the Candidate Briefing Pack.

How to Apply

If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please provide the following with your application:

• An up to date CV, with the details of two referees (we will not contact them without your prior permission).
• A supporting statement outlining how you meet the criteria set out in the Person Specification, along with your motivation for applying for the role.

Closing date for applications: Monday 30th March 2026
Preliminary interviews with Russam: Wednesday 8th & Thursday 9th April 2026
Interviews with LawCare: Week commencing 20th April 2026

We look forward to receiving your application.

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

Chief Executive Officer - ECT Charity

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

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

About ECT Charity

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

Role priorities (first 12–18 months)

• Deliver a sustainable financial model and restore reserves.

• Redesign operations for the new scale.

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

• Rebuild business development capability and secure partnership income.

Who you are

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

• Strong partnership, commercialisation and Board reporting skills.

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

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

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

Why ECT?

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

• Combine financial rigour with mission-aligned commercial innovation.

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

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

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

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

Chief Executive

We are now seeking an exceptional new leader to guide City Year UK into its next phase.

Position: Chief Executive

Location: London, with regular travel to Birmingham, Manchester and other UK locations as required

Hours: Full-time

Salary: £80-90k dependent on experience

Duration: Permanent

Closing Date: 10.00am on Monday 23th March 2026.

Interviews: March 2026.

Who we are

For over 15 years, City Year UK has stood alongside children and young people across the UK, helping them to discover their potential and believe in what they can achieve. As a leading youth and education charity, we inspire and empower young people to dedicate a year of service, volunteering with us to support children in schools, reduce youth unemployment, and strengthen communities.

Our City Year mentors work in schools serving children who are often furthest from opportunity. They provide consistent and caring support that helps pupils feel valued, motivated, and capable of success. By building trusted relationships, boosting confidence, and encouraging a love of learning, our mentors make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of the children they serve.

The Role

We are now seeking an exceptional new leader to guide City Year UK into its next phase. This is an important moment for the organisation and an opportunity to shape the future of a movement that is changing lives. Building on strong foundations, the next Chief Executive will lead the organisation as we strengthen and expand our programmes, deepen our impact, and play a leading role in the development of a UK Year of Service that supports children and young people across the country.

This is a pivotal moment for the organisation. With the full support of the Board, the next Chief Executive will lead City Year UK into a focused next phase, securing financial resilience, strengthening delivery, and ensuring sustainable long term impact.

Main responsibilities include:

• Fundraising and Development
• Strategy and Leadership
• Governance
• External Engagement
• Programme Delivery
• Finance and People

About You

We are looking for an inspiring leader who is passionate about unlocking the potential of young people, championing educational equality, and driving lasting change. You’ll bring a strong track record of strategic leadership and fundraising in the charity sector, along with the vision and energy to lead City Year UK into an ambitious new chapter. Skilled at building powerful partnerships, navigating complex stakeholder environments, and championing an inclusive, purpose-driven culture, you’ll also be a dynamic fundraiser, ready to support the growth and diversification of our income so we can expand our impact even further.

Experience, Knowledge and Skills:

• A proven track record of senior leadership and management at a Chief Executive or Director level, likely in the charity or mission-driven sector
• Experience leading a complex organisation, with strong financial oversight, including managing a budget of comparable scale
• Demonstrated success in securing £1.5m+ a year of funding aligned with programme delivery; strong understanding of the connection between mission and sustainability
• Excellent leadership, management and team-building skills with a collaborative working style
• Strong political and organisational awareness, with the ability to navigate diverse stakeholder environments
• Exceptional relationship-building skills and experience working with senior stakeholders across sectors
• Outstanding communication skills—written, verbal, listening, and presenting

Please apply by uploading your CV and a supporting statement responding to the two questions set out in the Recruitment Pack. Your statement should clearly demonstrate your relevant experience, leadership capability and track record in relation to this role. Due to the high volume of CVs received, we can only respond back to the successful candidates.

Employee Benefits

• Annual leave: 25 days per annum, rising to 28 days, plus 3 Christmas Grace days
• A matched pension scheme with 4% standard employer contributions and matched up to 5%.
• An organisational culture that values its employees and places particular emphasis on fairness and transparency.
• Sector-leading training, with qualifications up to master's degree level funded under the apprenticeship levy.
• 2 Volunteering days per year - pursue a project you’re passionate about
• 2 Wellbeing days per year
• A comprehensive wellbeing service designed to support the overall wellness of employees
• Interest-free travel season ticket loans, bike loans under the “Cycle to Work Scheme” and loans to assist employees with welfare or financial hardship
• Enhanced sick pay for up to 6 weeks

Other areas of experience may include CEO, COO, Chief Exec, Chief Executive, Director, Managing Director, HR, Finance, Operations.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client – Not For Profit People.

We are supporting a strategic grant making charity operating at the intersection of physical activity, youth empowerment, and systemic change. The organisation exists to empower women and girls, particularly those from backgrounds facing the greatest inequalities, to get active and stay active for life. Through targeted funding, co designed programmes, and bold advocacy, it tackles the physical, emotional and cultural barriers that prevent girls from feeling strong and confident in their bodies.

Its work combines grassroots investment with high level influence, guided by three core strategic priorities: reinventing how sport is offered to girls, amplifying their leadership voices, and sustaining its mission through long term investment.

Chief Executive Officer
Strategic grant making charity
Salary: Up to £70,000
Location: Hybrid, 2 days a week at a London office with regular UK wide project visits.

As the organisation enters its next phase of development, with growing ambition and an evolving funding landscape, we are seeking an inspirational and adaptable Executive Director to lead the organisation forward.

You will lead a small, high performing team and act as a principal bridge across a diverse network of partners and stakeholders. This is a significant charity leadership role, requiring someone who can steward strong governance, grow and diversify income, and build trusted relationships across corporate, community and trustee audiences, ensuring the organisation continues to maximise its impact for the girls it serves.

About you

We are seeking a creative, self motivated and values driven charity leader, who brings the following:

• Senior charity leadership and governance expertise, including experience reporting to and influencing a Board of Trustees and ensuring strong regulatory and financial oversight.

• Grant making and impact leadership experience, with confidence overseeing programme partnerships and Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning.

• A proven track record of growing and diversifying income, ideally through corporate partnerships, brand activation, staff or customer fundraising, or within grant making environments.

• Strong stakeholder leadership and commercial confidence, able to operate effectively within a corporate environment, build high level partnerships, and influence senior corporate leaders, trustees, community partners and young people.

• Credibility in youth facing and equity led work, with a deep understanding of the systemic barriers facing women and girls and a demonstrable commitment to advancing inclusion.

The organisation is committed to achieve greater diversity in its executive team and welcomes applications regardless of sex, gender, race, age, sexuality, belief or disability.

How to Apply

For further information, including how to apply, please view the appointment brief by clicking the ‘appointment brief’ button located against the role on the Prospectus website.

Recruitment Timetable

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: 15th March
PRELIMINARY INTERVIEWS: W/c 16th March
PANEL INTERVIEWS London: Late March or Early April

Lead an organisation that transforms lives through literacy
Executive Director - Adult Literacy Trust
Time Commitment: 3-4 days per week
Location: Primarily home based, with regular meetings across London
Salary: £75,000 FTE (pro rata), plus pension and holiday entitlement

About Adult Literacy Trust
The Adult Literacy Trust (ALT) believes that reading is a right, not a privilege. Today, more than 8 million adults in the UK struggle with functional literacy, limiting their access to education, employment, independence and opportunity. ALT exists to change that.

Founded in 2021, ALT provides personalised, one to one reading support for disadvantaged adults across some of London's most deprived communities. Volunteer Reading Coaches help learners build confidence, unlock opportunities, and rewrite the narrative of their lives. Retention among learners and volunteers is exceptionally high, and demand for the programme continues to grow.

Why This Role Matters
As Executive Director, you will shape a charity with the potential to change many lives.

You will:
- Drive strategic growth by leading an exciting expansion that will see ALT scale its programme across London and beyond.
- Champion the cause nationally, raising ALT's profile and influencing the policy landscape around adult literacy.
- Strengthen organisational foundations to ensure robust governance, financial sustainability, and operational excellence.
- Build powerful partnerships with funders, adult learning providers, policymakers, and community organisations.
- Lead and empower a small, talented team - cultivating a culture of collaboration, commitment and learner centred impact.
- Amplify learner and volunteer voices by ensuring that those directly affected help shape our work.

What Makes This Opportunity Inspiring
- Improving literacy delivers life changing outcomes: employment, wellbeing, independence, confidence and community connection. Every adult who learns to read improves their own life chances and that of their family.
- ALT has a proven model, a solid funding base, excellent evaluation, a committed volunteer base, and a highly engaged Board (including trustees with lived experience).
- ALT is poised to expand rapidly and influence systemic change within the adult learning ecosystem.
- This role combines strategic leadership with hands on delivery. Perfect for someone who thrives in mission driven, entrepreneurial environments.

Ideal Candidate Profile
Skills and Experience
- Strategic leader with experience spanning operations, external affairs, and organisational growth.
- Proven fundraising track record, especially securing multi year grants; experience with major donors beneficial.
- Skilled relationship builder able to represent an organisation with credibility and warmth.
- Experience of financial management, governance, and compliance within a charity setting.
- Understanding of adult learning, literacy or education is desirable, but not essential.

Personal Attributes
- Visionary and adaptable, with strong strategic insight.
- Empathetic, collaborative and grounded in purpose.
- Excellent communicator, comfortable representing ALT publicly.
- Practical, hands on leader with a positive, solutions focused mindset.
- Deeply committed to equity, inclusion and community empowerment.

Recruitment Timeline
To ensure equitable access to information and uphold ALT's commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, the charity will be hosting a Q&A webinar in place of individual informal calls with the Chair. We encourage all interested candidates to submit questions in advance, which will be addressed during the session. Please register your interest in attending this webinar on Wednesday 4th March 2026 and we will send you a link.

Application Deadline: 5pm Wednesday 18th March 2026
First Interviews: w/c 6th April 2026
Final Interviews: w/c 13th April 2026

How to Apply
Charity People Ltd is acting as a recruitment agency advisor to ALT on this appointment. Interested candidates are invited to submit a CV to Senior Appointments at Charity People and request a candidate pack in the first instance.

For an informal conversation about the role or if you have further questions prior to applying, please contact Fabrice Yala at Charity People

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so we can help make the application process work for you.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

This is a full-time Chief Exec role offering an exciting time to join an organisation making

a huge impact with minimal resources. As the Organisation enters its tenth year,

regrettably the need for this work has never been greater and in addition to enhancing

existing projects, we plan to grow our Dignity Centre locations as well as expand our

outreach and impact in the coming two to five years. As a small charity, the role is

incredibly varied as well as hands-on. While there is no physical back office, meaning

the role is mostly from home/remote, the CEO spends sustained periods of time in our

projects in Nicosia, Cyprus and Bournemouth, UK as well as any new or potential

project sites in the UK and abroad. A typical day could include troubleshooting and

managing maintenance problems at distance for our projects in Nicosia and

Bournemouth, preparing and delivering interviews and presentations to the media or for

donors, calling volunteers to prepare them for collaborating with us and collating

indicator data for impact reports.