Chief financial officer jobs

Chief Operating Officer

Salary band: £50,000-£60,000 per annum, depending on experience

Reporting to: CEO

Key leadership role within a dynamic growing charity transforming young people’s lives in London.

We are seeking a dynamic and motivated leader to join our Senior Leadership team as Chief Operating Officer / Head of Central Resources. This is a key role managing and continuously improving our central operations, enabling the Trust to maximise our impact. Genuine passion for social mobility and creating opportunities for young people is essential as well as a high level of personal responsibility and ambition to drive the Trust’s long-term success.

Construction Youth Trust is an ambitious, impact-led charity whose mission is to inspire and enable young people to overcome barriers and achieve their full career potential. Social mobility is at the heart of our work, and we prioritise working with young people from low-income backgrounds, under-represented groups and those who are facing significant barriers to employment.

We help young people recognise their potential, develop their confidence and skills and discover career opportunities never previously presented to them. Through our long-standing partnerships with employers in the construction and built environment sector (over 200+ across London), we connect young people to relatable role models, world of work experiences and ultimately rewarding jobs and apprenticeships. The built environment is at the forefront of the drive to achieve net zero and future economic growth, offering young people substantial opportunity for career progression.

Scope of role

We recognise the scope of this role is wide and we are open to working with the successful candidate to flex the span of their initial responsibilities dependent on their individual strengths. While we are ideally seeking an experienced Senior Leader who can deputise for our CEO and oversee daily operations as Chief Operating Officer, we have deliberately set the Job Specification requirements broad. We are open to considering outstanding candidates with ‘potential’ and investing in their growth and development, so long as they demonstrate motivation and willingness to learn as a charity leader.

The final Job Description and Job Title will be agreed with the successful candidate. We have included a wide salary range to reflect this flexibility, and the salary offered to the successful candidate will be dependent on experience and level of responsibility. 

How do I apply?

If you are ambitious about transforming the life chances of young people, please send your CV and your supporting statement (no more than 500 words) explaining why the role interests you and how/where you meet the person specification. Short-listed candidates will be asked to complete our application form in due course, but if you are interested in this role we are keen to hear from you as soon as possible. 

Closing date: 16th June 2025. However, we strongly recommend that you send your CV and supporting statement as soon as possible as we will reach out to potential candidates as we receive suitable applications and could close the application deadline earlier if a successful candidate is found.

You can access Job Description, and Person Specification for this role directly via this site. 

We strongly believe that a diverse and inclusive team is vital to our work. We are especially interested in hearing from individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds and/or those with a lived experience of the young people we support.

If you have not heard from us 2 weeks after the application closing date your application has been unsuccessful at this time.

Benefits and entitlements:

You’ll be eligible for many of our benefits including:

• 25 days annual leave per year (pro rata for part-time or any period less than 1 year) which increases by a day each year after 2 years’ service up to a maximum annual leave entitlement of 30 days per year

• Discretionary “Day for You” as an additional well-being day

• Opportunity to take a 6-week sabbatical after 3 years of service

• The Trust’s contributory pension scheme after three months – The charity will match your employee contribution up to 7%

• All travel expenses covered over and above your regular commute to and from work. Any extra travel for work purposes will be reimbursed.

• Access to Workplace Options EAP (a provider of employee support services)

• Opportunity to Work from Home (in line with Trust policy)

• Opportunity to take part in the wider team’s wellbeing and social activities

• A supportive Training and Development policy which encourages colleagues to develop as professionals and achieve relevant qualifications (e.g. CIOF’s Certificate in Fundraising).

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We will only consider candidates for employment that share this commitment. All roles are subject to safer recruitment practices, and this position will require an Enhanced Disclosure with Barred list check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Manchester Young Lives is a well-established charity with a 54-year history, providing free open access play, youth, and early intervention programmes. We also provide tailored Post 16 programmes which prepare young people aged 16 to 24 years with an Education Health Care Plan to enter training or employment by offering a programme of functional skills qualifications, employability qualifications and a wide range of enrichment activities aimed to promote independence and confidence. 

Our delivery responds to the needs of disadvantaged children and young people aged 6 to 24 years in Manchester. MYL are the lead provider of play in the city due to our popular adventure playgrounds. We engage and support over 3000 children and young people every year in Manchester through our various projects.

MYL is looking to strengthen its senior leadership team and the support for CEO after a period of growth. The organisation has reviewed its strategic plan, with ambitious but achievable goals therefore we are looking for an enthusiastic and engaged individual who has the passion and the experience to help drive our organisation through the next chapter.

We need an accomplished fundraiser with experience in implementing and delivering successful fundraising strategies, corporate sponsorship and managing relationships with Trustees, funders, awarding bodies and partner agencies.

We are looking for a deputy who will be committed and share a passion for our history and our mission.  A proactive and ambitious individual who has a good understanding of charity finance, legislation, excellent leadership skills, a flexible can do approach and who can support the CEO with a wide range of responsibilities.

We can offer a competitive salary, 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays and a supportive working environment. If you feel you have the skills for the role and would like to be a part of our amazing long-standing charity, we would love to hear from you.

Please note that CVs will not be considered as part of your application for this position. To apply, please go to our website by pressing the ‘Redirect to recruiter’ and fill the application form and demographic form. Filled application forms must be returned either via email or by post to our Head Office. Please ensure you complete the final section of the application form, giving information as to how you meet the person specification.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
The closing date for the completed application forms is 9 am Monday 16th June 2025

The Belay Foundation is a small charity with big ambitions to improve the lives of adoptive, special guardian and kinship care families. We deliver innovative trauma-responsive services that families value and we are looking for an experienced charity leader to take us through growth into the next chapter of our story. Please note that our closing date has changed to Wednesday 18th June. 

Relationships are at the heart of everything we do and we use DDP principles (Dyadic Developmental Practice) to train our staff and to inform how we deliver our services. 

• Job title: Chief Executive Officer - Interim
• Pay: £350 per day
• Location: Remote but quarterly in-person staff meetings in Bath/Wiltshire and annual trustee in-person meeting
• Hours: 2 days per week
• Length of contract: 1 year
• Start date: September 2025, negotiable
• Reporting to: Co-Chairs of Trustees
• Responsible for: Operational team of 3
• Recruitment closing date: 5pm Wednesday 18th June

Responsibilities:

• Leadership of the organisation and management of staff
• Holding the safeguarding of our children and their families at the heart of all we do
• Eliciting feedback from families and the wider beneficiary community to develop services
• Fundraising and income development
• Ensuring the financial management of the charity works towards greater sustainability
• Developing the organisational structure, its processes, and methods of service delivery
• Delivery of accreditation as required e.g., DDP (Dyadic Development Practice) and CPD (Continuing Professional Development)
• Protecting the reputation of the organisation, constantly improving processes and procedures
• Improving service efficiency and maintaining compliance e.g. GDPR
• Overseeing public relations activity
• Developing all of the above with an eye to environmental sustainability
• Other responsibilities as designated by the Trustees

Who we are looking for:

We are looking for an experienced charity leader to hit the ground running with some knowledge or awareness of the families that we support and the issues that they face. Most importantly we are looking for experience of financial management, fundraising, staff management and strategic development to help our organisation grow and thrive into the next 5 years and beyond.

Essential experience:

• Knowledge or awareness of children in permanence who have been in the care
• system for example in adoption, special guardianship or kinship care families
• Leadership within a growing organisation
• Leadership and management of staff and volunteers
• Fundraising and diversifying income
• Financial management
• IT literacy

Desirable experience:

• Familiarity with Dyadic Developmental Practice
• Development of systems that enable good processes and communication across the
• organisation
• Partnership working with other organisations e.g. charities and local authorities
• Attributes and skills:
• High levels of empathy for different experiences
• Ability to prioritise
• Ability to engage and motivate a team
• Professionalism
• Communication to different audiences from families to press statements
• Ability to ask for help and understand own limitations
• Capacity for self-reflection
• Able to work flexibly in terms of hours
• Commitment to our values of empathy, respect, professionalism, learning, partnership, innovation

About Beyond Autism

We are experts in delivering autism education services from pre-school to 25. BeyondAutism is a nonprofit organisation, driving change in the world of autism education to ensure autistic children and young 
adults access an education which empowers a life full of choice, independence and opportunity. We do 
this by creating positive educational experiences, training for the professional team around a child, and 
information, resources and support for families and carers.
Our services:
We deliver rapid and sustained outcomes in our Early Years’ service by working with parents and children 
together. Empowering parents to feel resilient and confident in meeting the needs of their child leads to 
aspirational, informed choices creating a positive and successful step into primary education.
Our two schools and 2 Post-19 services have a specialist curriculum that ensures sustained success beyond the 
age of 25, setting children and young adults up with the skills and independence to lead a life of their choosing.
By teaching them the academic and life skills they need and through the promotion of a happy, caring 
environment, we nurture the confidence, independence and self-belief to enable them to make the most of the 
next stage of their life or education.
We also work more widely, activating networks and building local capacity with our solution focused Outreach 
team. Our unique BeyondAutism Fast Responder® service works at the point of crisis to change the national 
picture and reduce school placement breakdown

Our Values

At BeyondAutism we are:
Dedicated to delivering excellence
Developing expertise, outstanding services and positive engagement, always seeking to go above and beyond 
expectations.
Committed to Behaviour Analysis, underpinned by the science of Applied Behaviour Analysis and Verbal 
Behaviour
Contributing to research and ensuring our staff continually develop and share best practice that ensure 
aspirational outcomes are achieved for autistic individuals.
Respectful
Embracing diversity, showing integrity, acting with compassion and always treating people with dignity.
Proud to challenge
Listening, changing thinking, shifting attitudes and educating

Overview:

• As COO you will be BeyondAutism’s second-in-command and be responsible for the financial well-being 
of the charity, financial and commercial strategy and day-to-day operational excellence.
• The overarching purpose of the COO position is to work with the CEO on defining the financial and 
operational strategy of BeyondAutism and then to implement it, thereby enabling the charity to deliver its 
charitable objects.
• You will provide strong leadership of the finance function, being proactive, outward facing and an 
exceptional manager of stakeholder relationships.

Responsibilities
• Leadership and management of a senior team to deliver business plans in pursuance of the strategic 
objectives.
• Developing and leading the finance and operations functions (HR, Facilities, and Projects) so that they 
facilitate the growth and reach agenda.
• Provide leadership on Finance and Accounting strategy, to optimise BeyondAutism’s financial performance.
• With the CEO and Heads of Services, ensure that our regulatory services remain outstanding.
• To deputise for the CEO as required.
Strategic leadership
• Delivering results during a period of unpredictability, negotiating with and influencing senior stakeholders from 
a variety of disciplines (political, commercial, and Local Authority).
• Leading the operations functions so that they are proactive, outward-facing and viewed as an essential partner 
in the decision-making process.
• Increasing the commercial capability throughout the organisation, with a focus on delivering value for money 
through effective contract and supplier management.
• With the Heads of Services, review the model for service delivery as part of implementing the reach strategy. 
This will include the service models currently operating in London.
• Building and enacting transformational change to the commercial strategic decision making in collaboration 
with the CEO.
• With accountability for procurement and contract management, you will demonstrate ongoing improvement to 
processes and transparency, working to create a system in which it is faster and easier to satisfy Trustee 
scrutiny and meet accountability requirements.
• You will operate collegiately with the Senior Management Team to ensure we build effective customer 
relationships and deliver services that meet the needs of the end-user.
• You will be accountable for an Operational Blueprint that delivers growth for the organisation.
• Assess the revenue opportunity versus the risk and cost profile of the pricing/operating models.
• Advise on strategic implications resulting from legal and regulatory changes.
• Define and oversee adherence to policies and procedures.
• Own and apply commercial scrutiny.
• Establish and embed a system to track and monitor all contracts, tracking all changes regardless of risk 
attributed to the given clause.
• Localise and translate standard contract templates where applicable and maintain these templates.
• Provide risk advice to the Senior Management Team.
Financial leadership and management
• Ensure that company financial systems are robust, compliant and support current activities and future 
reach/growth.
• Ensure that all regulatory requirements are met including the Charity Commission, Ofsted and Company Law.
• Take a lead role along with the CEO in arranging finance in accordance with Trustee strategy.
• Ensure appropriate reporting of the month end is timely and informs decision making.
• Write and share a monthly analysis flagging key risks and, with the CEO, ensure actions are taken to mitigate 
risks.
• Provide reporting against budget/forecast, ensuring viability of each service within full cost recovery 
parameters.
• Provide executive summary reporting to Trustees.
• Lead the budget setting process, liaising effectively with each member of SMT and the finance team.
• Presentation of Budget to Trustees.
• Reflect and present information in appropriate formats for internal and external use.
• Take the lead as appropriate on specified projects, following our project management processes.
• Ensure your team are supported and skilled in new service development.
About the role
5
Facilities
• Senior leadership oversight of the facilities strategy, including health and safety compliance, appropriate and 
robust contracts and a viable maintenance cycle.
• Through your leadership team, ensure quality and compliance systems and processes are embedded, 
informative and enabling of a learning organisation.
• Ensure that BeyondAutism has the best affordable IT infrastructure and resources.
• Ensure that our premises are fit for purpose, in the right place, at the right time. 
HR
• Senior leadership oversight of the people strategy ensuring swift action and appropriate scrutiny of our 
recruitment and retention strategy.
• With the CEO and wider SMT ensure that BeyondAutism is an employer of choice within our sector.
• With the Head of HR, support in the design and implementation of key HR strategic initiatives and drive 
performance improvements across the HR team.
Projects
• Senior leadership oversight of the project portfolio, specifically driving sustainability and viability through our 
reach agenda.
• With the Projects Manager, ensure deadlines are met and projects are delivered within agreed budgets.
• Ensuring reporting is timely and data rich to underpin decision-making.
General responsibilities
• To understand, adhere to and actively implement all the policies and procedures of BeyondAutism.
• To safeguard children and vulnerable adults at all times.
• To undertake training as required.
• Assist with other work, events and projects as needed.
• Any other duties that the Chief Executive Officer may reasonably require.

If selected for interview you will be required to fill out a full application form for safer recruitment purposes. There will be a 2-stage interview: The first stage will be a remote Teams interview. Successful candidates will then be invited to attend a face-to-face interview

SCIE vision 

We are committed to building a society which enables people who draw on social care to live fulfilling lives. 

At SCIE, we are driven by our values: 

·       Progressive – always learning and developing. 

·       Inclusive – working together for equality, diversity, and fairness. 

·       Credible – evidence-based, robust, and reliable. 

·       Transparent – open and honest. 

The role  

A great opportunity for you to join our small friendly team and make a real difference to people’s lives by: 

• supporting the CEO and the Senior Leadership Team to enable them to deliver SCIE’s strategic objective to drive improvements in social care 

• maintaining the corporate activity planner and schedule all governance meetings in alignment with the financial year  

• resolving diary clashes and managing meeting logistics, including venue bookings and virtual access  

• providing ad hoc support to the Governance Manager and CEO on governance matters.  

What we are looking for:  

Essential:  

• experience in governance, committee servicing, or executive support  

• excellent organisational and time management skills  

• strong written communication and minute-taking ability  

• eye for detail   

• ability to handle confidential information with discretion  

Desirable:  

• familiarity with charity governance or public sector governance frameworks  

• experience using Board Intelligence or similar governance platforms  

What we offer in return 

We offer excellent staff benefits including a competitive salary and homeworking allowance. We provide an employer pension contribution above the statutory minimum, an award-winning employee assistance programme, and an attractive holiday package which rises with length of service. 

If you would like to access the application form in a different format or if would like any assistance that might help improve your experience while completing the application, please contact us.  

Lead the Future: Become the Chief Executive of Future Youth Zone, Barking & Dagenham

Location: Barking & Dagenham, East London
Salary: £65,000 - £70,000 (depending on experience)
Benefits: 33 days annual leave, gym access, professional development via OnSide
Application Deadline: 5pm Monday 30^th June

Are you a bold, inclusive leader ready to shape the future for young people in one of London's most dynamic boroughs?

Future Youth Zone is seeking a new Chief Executive to lead its next chapter. With a strong foundation in place and a passionate, values-led team behind you, this is your opportunity to drive innovation, deepen community impact, and ensure every young person in Barking & Dagenham has the opportunity to thrive.

About the Role

As CEO, you will:

• Lead a £1.5m+ organisation with a mission to empower young people through opportunity and support.
• Be a visible, community-facing leader-present in the Youth Zone and across the borough.
• Drive financial sustainability, programme innovation, and strategic partnerships.
• Champion youth voice and inclusion at every level of the organisation.

Who We're Looking For

We welcome candidates from all sectors who bring:

• Proven leadership in complex organisations (charity, youth, community, or beyond)
• Strong fundraising experience across corporate, philanthropic, and public sectors
• Operational and financial acumen (including managing £1.5m+ budgets)
• Experience working with Boards and multidisciplinary teams
• A deep passion for young people and community engagement
• Lived experience and local knowledge are highly valued. We especially encourage applications from women and racially diverse candidates underrepresented in charity leadership

What You'll Lead

• A high-energy, mission-driven team committed to continuous improvement
• Strategic priorities including youth employment, mental health, and inclusion
• Expansion of our reach to underserved young people
• A refresh of our strategic plan beyond 2025

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a national movement through the OnSide Youth Zones network
• Shape the future of youth services in Barking & Dagenham
• Access to a supportive Board and national peer network
• Lead with purpose, visibility, and impact

We are seeking a new Finance and Administration Officer following the upcoming retirement of a long-serving team member. A key member of the SLA central office team, the Finance and Administration Officer plays a vital role in ensuring smooth financial operations and providing essential administrative support for our membership. In addition to administration support, this role is responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, book-keeping and effective day-to-day financial operations, producing financial reports using XERO and our CRM.

You will be experienced in financial and administration operations of a charity or similar , with an AAT qualification or matching worked experience. Familiarity with XERO will be an advantage. You will be able to bring understanding of cashflow and financial analysis of figure, working with accountants as required.

You will also have excellent customer service skills and be able to work effectively with all stakeholders from our members, to funders to suppliers. You will be determined and have an excellent eye for financial and administrative detail. Your duties will include general administration and:

Financial operations and record-keeping

• Manage day-to-day financial transactions and maintain accurate records of all SLA accounts and petty cash; book-keeping
• Process and record all incoming payments, including foreign cheques (into bank account)
• Monitor cashflow and expenditure, keeping track of spending
• Pay invoices upon approval and ensure timely monthly payments (e.g. pensions, HMRC)
• Handle creditor and supplier communications and resolve related issues
• Monitor and follow up on overdue payments with a focus on membership payments

Invoicing and income tracking

• Issue and track membership and subscriber invoices and reminders
• Keep office team informed of payment statuses
• Prepare sales, cost, and profit reports for SLA publications
• Conduct annual publications stock take

Payroll and reporting

• Liaise with the accountant on salary payments; process salary BACS payments
• Support year-end financial reporting by providing necessary documentation to accountants
• Produce regular financial reports and analysis as required
• Supporting preparation of budgets, working with accountants as required

 Event financial administration

• Manage financial aspects of SLA events, particularly the annual conference (e.g., exhibitors, sponsors, and delegates)
• Process and record staff/trustee expense claims
• Support with bookings accommodation and travel for Board meetings

To be successful in this role you should demonstrate:

• Strong experience in financial and office administration
• Knowledge of accounting principles  
• Experience of working with XERO or similar
• Experience of using CRM systems (ideally IMIS)
• Experience of working for a small charity and / or membership association
• Accuracy, numeracy, attention to detail
• Ability to manage own workload, prioritise and meet competing deadlines
• Excellent customer service manner
• Being a team player

The Association is a UK wide organisation, working mostly remotely. Working patterns can be negotiated and we welcome applicants from all over the UK. We strongly encourage candidates of all different backgrounds and identities to apply. Each new role provides us with an opportunity for us to bring in a different perspective, and we are always eager to diversify our team. The SLA is committed to building an inclusive, supportive place, where you can do brilliant and rewarding work.

To apply please send a one page covering letter and CV with the job title in the subject line by 11th July.  Applications without a covering letter will not be considered. No agencies please.

Due to the volume of applications we cannot provide individual feedback. We really appreciate your interest. If you haven’t heard from us within one week of the deadline, it means we’ve moved forward with other candidates on this occasion. We encourage you to apply again in the future. Please note we may close recruitment early should the right candidate be identified.

Salary: £60,000 (more may be available for candidates with exceptional skills and experience)
Location: Wolverhampton
Contract: Full Time- 35 hours per week
 
Are you ready to lead a progressive, student-led charity into its next phase of growth and innovation? Our client is seeking a dynamic and values-driven CEO to provide strategic leadership, strong people management, empower student officers, and help them deliver an outstanding experience for their members.
 
About Them
 
Our client is an independent education charity led by, and for, students.
 
They work to support all aspects of student life for the 19,000 plus students studying at the University. Located in a friendly city, with a proud industrial and educational heritage, they are an ambitious and diverse organisation, committed to supporting every student at the University in achieving personal success.
 
They support students through a variety of services including academic representation, campaigns on issues that matter to them, advice and wellbeing services and supporting student communities. They also host a number of events throughout the year and operate a café and two bars on campus.
 
About the role
 
As CEO, you’ll play a vital role in shaping the strategic future of their organisation. You’ll work closely with the Board of Trustees and student officers to translate strategy into action and ensure they remain responsive to the evolving needs of students.
 
They're looking for a collaborative and inclusive leader who can build strong partnerships within the SU, across the University, and with external stakeholders. You’ll bring a proven track record of strategic leadership, financial oversight, and organisational development, ideally within a values-led or membership-based environment.
 
You’ll also lead a talented staff team, foster a high-performing, inclusive culture, and identify new opportunities to diversify their income and extend our impact. Importantly, you’ll be a visible and supportive presence for their officers and staff, helping them to lead with confidence and drive meaningful change.
 
The successful candidate won’t necessarily need to come from the Higher Education sector, but you must be able to demonstrate a good understanding of the trends and issues that affect our students and sector. You’ll have a good understanding of charity governance, financial management and organisational development.
 
They offer an inclusive and fun work environment believe passionately in developing their people. They're also committed to ensuring their workforce reflects the diversity of the world and community they're based in. They respect everyone's individual identity and celebrate difference, and encourage applications from all candidates irrespective of background. They'd particularly welcome applications for the role from BAME candidates and those with a disability.
 
It’s a genuinely exciting time for them and they look forward to receiving your application.
 
Key Dates
 
Closing Date: Monday 7th July at 12pm
First Stage Interviews (Remote): Monday 14th July
Final Interviews (In-person): Thursday 24th July
 
How to Apply
 
Please click 'Apply' to complete the application form. Please take some time to read through the recruitment pack before submitting your application.
 
REF-222134

Harris Hill is proud to be leading the search for a new Executive Director on behalf of Byfleet United Charity – the largest local grant-giver supporting individuals and organisations in need across the Ancient Parish of Byfleet.

Salary: Circa £55,000 per annum

Lead lasting change in your local community.

Byfleet United Charity is seeking a strategic, driven, and community-minded Executive Director to lead their small but impactful organisation through a new chapter of growth and development. With over £200,000 granted to individuals and organisations in 2024 alone, their work transforms lives across Byfleet and West Byfleet.

As Executive Director, you will:

• Lead the delivery of the charity’s mission and services, including their essential and community grant programmes.
• Oversee the ongoing refurbishment and operations of Almshouses.
• Maximise the return from property and investment portfolio.
• Guide and support a dedicated team of four, ensuring operational excellence and regulatory compliance.

We’re looking for someone with:

• Strategic leadership experience in the charity, housing or property sectors.
• A strong track record of financial, operational, and project management.
• A passion for community-focused work and values-led leadership.

For more information, please submit your CV to .

Please note, CVs are being reviewed on a rolling basis and only successful applicants will be contacted with more information.

 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.

Our client are the only UK charity dedicated to supporting the health and wellbeing of UK bank workers, past and present, and their families.

Each year, they help thousands of people facing financial difficulty, health challenges, caring responsibilities, domestic abuse and more through their 40 strong passionate staff team and by investing £5.4m. Through advice, specialist referrals and financial assistance, they offer practical, personalised support to those who need it most.

Demand for our client’s services continues to be high – and the financial pressures on the organisation have grown. That’s why they have launched a new strategy focused on deepening their impact, building long-term resilience, and reaching those most in need. 

Chief Operating Officer 

Location: Hybrid with typically three days a week in the London Office (City)

Salary: Up to £90,000 

It’s an exciting time to join the charity as they evolve the way they work, grow new income streams, and strengthen their influence across the banking sector. They are embarking on a new three-year strategy, which has led to the establishment of the new post of Chief Operating Officer, to help drive the organisation forward.

As Chief Operating Officer, you’ll deputise for the CEO, playing a key role in ensuring organisational effectiveness alongside other members of the senior team. You will lead a small team of colleagues across the support functions of Finance, HR, Governance, IT, and Risk Management and will work on strategic projects across the organisation.

Our client are looking for a solutions-focused ‘can do’, visionary leader who will lead from the front in challenging situations and who has:

• A track record of strategic delivery, with a commercial approach.

• Proven experience of dealing with organisational-wide complex challenges and of providing practical solutions.

• Proven experience in strategic financial planning, budgeting, and analysis, with a strong track record of driving operational efficiency.

• Exceptional people leadership and management capabilities, as well as HR knowledge.

• Experience of successful working with stakeholders, including Trustees.

• An ability to track and juggle multiple workstreams.

• Clear and evidence-based written and verbal communication.

• An ability to work in a professional and empathetic way.

• Experience of working at a senior level (or as a trustee) in a not-for-profit organisation.

Our client believes that diversity enriches their workplace and enhances their ability to innovate and excel. They encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us.

To access the full Appointment Brief for further information and to apply to this role, please click ‘Redirect to Recruiter’.

Recruitment Timetable

Deadline for applications:                            Wednesday 16th July

Interviews with Prospectus:                         23rd – 30th July

Engagement meeting with client:                4th August

Panel interviews with client:                         7th August

Preferred candidate to meet Chair:             11th August

Job Title: Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Location: Eastleigh, Hampshire. Flexible, hybrid working

Salary: £50,000

Hours: 37 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

About us:

Learning through Landscapes is the UK’s leading school grounds charity, dedicated to enhancing outdoor learning and play for all. Our vision is a society where the benefits of regular time outdoors are valued and appreciated, and outdoor learning, play and connection with nature is recognised as a fundamental part of education, at every stage, for every child and young person.

We have unrivalled expertise based on three decades of experience, practical action and research. With offices in England and Scotland and staff based across the UK, our team and our accredited network of outdoor learning experts have the capacity to work nationally and internationally. Click HERE for more information.

 

What you’ll be doing:

As COO, you will play a critical leadership role in the strategic and operational success of LtL. You will work closely with the CEO and the management team to deliver the charity’s vision, overseeing day-to-day project delivery across the UK. You will take the lead for LtL H&S and Safeguarding responsibility alongside deputising for the CEO. It is essential you are happy to and would enjoy frequent travel across the UK.

 

Key Responsibilities

· Operational Leadership.

· Drive operational excellence and innovation in the charity’s systems, processes, and project infrastructure.

· Work closely with the CEO and senior leadership to translate strategic and project plans into operational delivery.

· Attend and contribute to the planning of board meetings.

· Deputise as CEO.

Project Management

· Oversee the delivery of multiple, complex projects, in all four home nations, ensuring timelines, budgets, and outcomes are met, and line manage project managers.

· Work on national programme implementation, including government contracts, charitable grants, and corporate-funded initiatives.

· Develop and manage project delivery plans, risk registers, evaluation processes, and resource allocation, health & safety, and safeguarding.

· Support the CEO and Finance Manager in budget planning, financial forecasting, and reporting for projects.

· Ensure projects are run within guidelines and legal responsibilities, including data protection, GDPR, health and safety, and charity governance.

· Act as the operational safeguarding lead, working closely with the charity’s Designated Safeguarding Leads to embed best practice in all areas of delivery.

· Work with the CEO to ensure safeguarding policies are robust, understood by all staff partners and network, and adhered to in all operational activities.

· Work with the CEO on contract negotiation and management.

Systems and Operational Development

· Lead the development and improvement of internal systems and processes to support efficient, effective, and collaborative working across the charity.

· Oversee the use and optimisation of IT and digital tools for internal communication and project coordination.

· Embed a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring systems are user-friendly, fit for purpose, and compliant with data protection and other regulations.

People and Culture

· Line manage project managers across the UK, fostering a positive and values-led organisational culture rooted in inclusion, equity, and safeguarding.

· Coordinate leadership and professional development for staff, partners and networks.

· Champion true diversity, equity, and inclusion across all operational activities.

Stakeholder and Partnership Management

· Act as a senior representative for LtL at external meetings, events, and with funders or partners.

· Build and maintain strong relationships with schools, local authorities, funders, and delivery partners.

· Represent LtL in national forums, working groups, and networks relevant to education and the environment.

Travel

· Regular travel across the UK to support project delivery, engage with stakeholders, and lead regional teams with occasional international travel.

· Regular overnight stays required.

What you need

Essential

· Proven experience in a senior operational role, preferably within the charity, education, or environmental sector.

· Track record of successfully managing complex, multi-partner projects at a national or regional scale.

· One or both of Safeguarding and Health & Safety training qualifications.

· Excellent leadership, line management, and team development skills.

· Outstanding project management skills including budgeting, planning, evaluation, and reporting.

· Strong understanding of governance, safeguarding, and risk management in a not-for-profit context.

· Embody LtL friendly and inclusive culture of support and kindness.

· Ability to influence and inspire with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

· Willingness and ability to travel regularly across the UK and occasionally internationally.

Desirable

· Knowledge of outdoor learning, environmental education, or play-based pedagogy.

· Experience of working with schools or in the education sector.

· Familiarity with charity finance and CRM systems.

· Qualification in project management (e.g. Prince2, Agile, or similar).

If you don’t have all of the above but feel it could be the role for you, talk to us!

 

What we offer:

· Flexible working.

· Holiday, 28 days + bank holidays + a “birthday gift” day.

· Laptop, phone and all travel & subsistence expenses.

· Family & carer friendly policies.

· Annual training package including: LtL Professional Accreditation in Outdoor Learning and Play, LtL Climate School 180 Network Training package.

· Sick pay.

· Salary sacrifice pension scheme – 5% employer contribution.

· Subsidised Christmas meal.

· A supportive and welcoming team of colleagues, including our 20+ Delivery Team members.

We’re an equal opportunities employer. All suitable applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

We are actively seeking to increase diversity within our workforce and are committed to recruiting the best people on the objective basis of their skills, ability and experience. We offer a guaranteed interview to eligible applicants who choose to opt-in to the scheme and can demonstrate that they have at least 5 out of the 9 from the “what you need - essentials” list. To be eligible to apply via the Guaranteed Interview Scheme, you must be from an ethnic minority. Please state clearly in your covering letter if you are applying under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme.

We are happy to support with any reasonable adjustments that are needed within the recruitment process.

Join an organization with unique expertise in combining the power of journalism and the law to advance media freedom, foster more inclusive economies, and promote human rights.

We are excited to announce that the Thomson Reuters Foundation is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Program Accountant to join our Finance Team in London.

With growing program activity, Program Accountants will manage their program portfolio and support to the Senior Programme accountant, CFO and the Senior Leadership Team on all aspects of program reporting ensuring accurate and timely reporting of financial information for Projects and Donor reporting.

About the Role

As a Program Accountant at the Thomson Reuters Foundation, you will:

• Ensure accurate and timely month end accounting and reporting for your portfolio of projects.
• Responsible for budgeting, forecasting, and analysis for projects in your portfolio and supporting the annual reforecast process in the Foundation.
• Ensure accurate and timely donor reporting in line with donor requirements, timelines, formats, contractual obligations, and timescales.
• Represent finance on project boards as required.
• Work with Business Development, Program Team and other stakeholders as required in preparing budget proposals to donors.
• Prepare and present financial reports to management.
• Provide financial guidance and support to stakeholders in the Foundation supporting decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant, accounting standards, and donor regulations.
• Work closely with the Program staff providing financial analysis, projects insights to help make sure that projects are completed on time and within agreed budgets.
• Continuous Improvement and Automation - Contribute to the improvement of financial processes, procedures and systems within the organization to enhance effective financial management and organisational efficiency.
• Maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Possibility of managing project accountant.

About You

To be our Program Accountant, you will likely have:

• Qualified Accountant with experience working in program accounting and reporting in a Charity (minimum of 5 years of experience).
• Excellent communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong financial project reporting, budgeting, donor reporting including problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong Knowledge and understanding of financial process improvements.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

About Thomson Reuters Foundation:

The Thomson Reuters Foundation is the corporate foundation of Thomson Reuters, the global news and information services company. As an independent charity registered in the UK and the USA, we work to advance media freedom, foster more inclusive economies, and promote human rights. Through news, media development, free legal assistance, and convening initiatives, we combine our unique media and legal services to drive systemic change.

What’s in it For You?

• Global Perspective and Impact: Interested in working for a dynamic global organization with a focus on social impact? With hubs all over the world from Bangkok to Madrid to Rio de Janeiro, join a truly international team with a shared goal of helping to build societies around the world that are free, fair, and informed.

• Unique Approach: Our expertise in media and the law is world class. We combine the power of both to address the critical issues faced by humanity.

• Our Relevance: With a focus on advancing media freedom, fostering more inclusive economies and promoting human rights, our work has never been more needed than right now.

• Industry Competitive Benefits: We offer competitive salary packages and market-leading benefits.

• Learning & Development: We are dedicated to the continual professional development of our employees and offer access to both in-house and external training opportunities.

Role title: Financial Controller
Reference: FC 2025
Location: Flexible remote, but must be resident in the UK
Salary: £48,000 per annum
Hours: Full time 35 hours per week

Born Free works tirelessly to ensure that all wild animals, whether living in captivity or the wild, are treated with compassion and respect and can live according to their needs. As a leading wildlife and conservation charity, we oppose the exploitation of wild animals in captivity and campaign to keep them where they belong – in the wild.

About this opportunity

Are you passionate about wild animals and conservation with experience of working in a small but busy finance team? Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to take your career to its next stage? We are recruiting a Financial Controller. This is an essential role that ensures the integrity of our financial systems, data and processes. The role leads on financial monitoring and reporting (both internal and external), delivering robust and timely outputs that meet the needs of users. The Financial Controller is instrumental in facilitating the Charity’s adherence to tax, legal and regulatory requirements. The role also oversees our payments and payroll processing and has one direct line report. There is close liaison with Born Free’s two finance managers based in Kenya and Ethiopia. The role reports to the Chief Financial Officer.

The successful candidate will be proactive and adaptable and will work well with colleagues across other disciplines to ensure processes are fit for purpose, efficient and understood. With a keen eye for detail and a methodical approach, you will be highly proficient in Excel and experienced in delivering a varied workload. You will have a demonstrable record of working collaboratively as well as independently, and a good understanding of the UK charity sector. 

Resourceful, organised and a team player, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, you will need to deliver with drive and enthusiasm, be able to work with minimum supervision and show good judgement and initiative.

This is a fantastic opportunity to make your mark as a finance professional in a much-loved charity. Applicants for this role must be CCAB qualified, or part-qualified with substantial, relevant experience.

Our excellent benefits package includes opportunities for continuous professional learning, a generous annual leave entitlement, a competitive pension, and wellbeing support to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Born Free is an Equal Opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates, regardless of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital/civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity. We welcome requests for flexible working.

The closing date for applications is:  09:00 on Monday, 16th June 2025.

Interviews will be held virtually on:  Thursday 19th/Friday 20th June.

Interested?
If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

Born Free politely requests no contact from recruitment agencies or media sales. We do not accept speculative CVs from recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.

This is an exciting opportunity to steer Asylum Aid at an important time in its 30-year existence. As Executive Director you will be responsible for delivering on our strategy for impact. You will oversee our work to increase access to expert, trauma-informed legal representation to those in the asylum, trafficking and statelessness systems and lead our policy and strategic legal work to achieve systemic change that contributes towards our vision.

You will line manage the Director of Legal Casework to oversee the provision of supportive and enabling leadership to Asylum Aid caseworkers so that they can continue to deliver high quality expert advice in complex cases, while being supported in their professional development and wellbeing. You will also manage and develop the work of our welfare advice team within the Westminster Advice Services Partnership and beyond, and work collaboratively with colleagues in the sector to build capacity and increase our impact. 

The ideal candidate, who may be legally qualified, will have experience of leadership in the charity/NGO sector and a sound understanding of the asylum, human rights and trafficking processes in the UK and the legal frameworks which govern the protection of refugees, survivors of trafficking and stateless people, and of the role of law in achieving system change.

We are looking for someone who is strategically minded and passionate about providing supportive and inclusive leadership to our expert team. You will be committed to our objectives and to the role which expert legal representation plays in enabling people in need of protection in the UK to obtain it.

As is the nature of this sector, the role may be exposed to a high volume of traumatic and distressing material and, whilst they will be supported by the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO and surrounding team, the candidate should also be able to demonstrate knowledge of good self-care principles in an intense work environment and dissemination of those principles to junior members of the team.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

 

Leadership and strategy

 

·Be responsible, with the support of the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO, for the development, implementation and monitoring of Asylum Aid’s organisational strategy

·Provide leadership and strategic direction at Asylum Aid in accordance with its aims and objectives, with the support of the Director of Legal Casework

·Act as external spokesperson for Asylum Aid, maintaining and strengthening Asylum Aid’s position as a leader in the refugee rights, statelessness and legal aid sectors;

·Work collaboratively with others in the sector to promote and strengthen Asylum Aid’s work, identify and establish potential partnerships, with the support of the Director of Legal Casework;

·Work collaboratively with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO and Executive Leadership team to drive the implementation of the Group strategic framework;

·Ensure that all reporting and monitoring requirements are met to support fundraising, contract compliance and monitoring strategic impact;

·Support the cross collaboration of the Asylum Aid team with the Helen Bamber Foundation team and play an active part in the management of the Helen Bamber Foundation Group.

 

Governance  

·Act as the Data Protection Supervisor with responsibility for data protection and cyber security within Asylum Aid

·Together with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO and designated safeguarding leads, be responsible for child and adult safeguarding within Asylum Aid

·In collaboration with the Director of Legal Casework, ensure compliance by Asylum Aid with all legal and regulatory obligations, including the Legal Aid Agency contract, the Immigration Advice Authority and Solicitors Regulation Authority;

·Lead on the preparation and presentation of quarterly reports on Asylum Aid’s activities, strategy and risks to the Asylum Aid Board, the Finance and Fundraising Committee and the People and Governance Committee;

·Lead on the preparation of the Trustees’ annual report and ensure that monitoring and evaluation systems are adequate to enable reporting on Asylum Aid’s activities and impact.

 

Management and Supervision 

 

·Responsible for line management of the Director of Legal Casework and Welfare Advice service coordinator, and other team supervisors as required;

·Together with the Group Director of People, responsible for Human Resources and implementation of the People Strategy within Asylum Aid, including development and implementation of HR policies and procedures;

·Together with the Director of Legal Casework and team supervisors, drive the effective management and supervision of the Asylum Aid team and ensure that they comply with relevant professional standards and accreditation;

·Foster a supportive and inclusive team culture at Asylum Aid in which each member feels valued and supported to develop professionally and to perform to the best of their ability;

·Ensure the team’s well-being and that self-care practices are established and work in tandem with the Director of Legal Casework and supervisors to ensure trauma-informed ways of working.

 

Policy & Strategic Legal Work

 

·Together with the Group Director of Policy, identify policy priorities and coordinate the preparation of evidence and briefings drawing on Asylum Aid’s experience and expertise to influence system change;

·Build and maintain relationships and partnerships with sector colleagues to support joint strategic engagement including policy advocacy and strategic legal work;

·Work closely with the Director of Legal Casework and team supervisors to drive changes in the UK asylum, trafficking and statelessness systems through strategic legal work.

 

Finance & Fundraising

 

·Work closely with the CEO and the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Finance Team to set and manage budget(s) and general financial matters for Asylum Aid

·Together with the Director of Legal Casework and the Group Finance Team, establish systems for monitoring legal aid Work In Progress and billing, and securing casework income including legal aid, and inter partes income from judicial review cases;

·Work closely with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Fundraising and Communications Team to secure funding for Asylum Aid from a range of sources including trusts and foundations, corporate philanthropy and major donors;

·Ensure that Legal Aid and other income is maximised, and targets are achieved.

Other duties

·Manage the recruitment and supervision of volunteers where necessary in collaboration with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Volunteers Coordinator;

·Support the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Facilities team to ensure the smooth running of the office and that the facilities meet the needs of Asylum Aid;

·Work outside normal office hours as required and travel in order to carry out the responsibilities of the post.

·To undertake any task that may be requested from time to time that may be consistent with the nature and scope of this post.

Essential Experience, Skills and Knowledge

•Experience of running a small to medium sized charity/legal NGO and/or legal department within the NGO sector (or other equivalent senior management role);

•Demonstrable experience of managing and leading a successful team and the ability to manage a growing team with mixed roles from team supervisors to administrative support staff, working co-operatively with colleagues to maintain transparency and effective working relationships within the team;

•Strong communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with people from a wide range of backgrounds

•Strong understanding of good governance including legal, regulatory and financial responsibilities;

•Ability to work with a range of stakeholders from trustees to external partners;

•Experience of leading and/or participating in organisational strategic planning;

·Experience of legal policy work within the human rights field and /or of strategic litigation, whether as an NGO claimant or legal representative;

•Experience of managing diverse funding sources and setting and implementing budgets;

•Experience of working in a service delivery partnership with other organisations;

•Experience of fundraising, especially grants from trusts and foundations;

•Sound working knowledge of the law and policy as it relates to immigration,  asylum, human rights and modern slavery/trafficking;

•Demonstrable understanding of the asylum and human rights sector in the UK;

•An understanding of the barriers migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers face regarding access to legal advice, reasons why they may become destitute and why this makes it more difficult to access advice and support; and

•The passion for working empathetically and supportively with migrants, refugees, stateless people and asylum seekers.

Desirable Experience

·Experience of managing the delivery of frontline casework with people in the asylum or trafficking systems

·Experience of tendering for and delivering publicly funded contracts e.g. LAA or local authority funding;

·Working knowledge of Legal Aid Agency contracts, including the delivery of casework and billing under a legal aid contract in the immigration and asylum category and/or the public law category;

How to apply 

The first stage is to complete on our online application form on our website by 9am on 23 June 2025.

The website form will ask you to:

1.Upload a short covering letter. Please tell us why the position appeals to you, and how your relevant skills and experience, including any voluntary experience and lived experience, matches the listed responsibilities and person specification. Please also state in your covering letter when you would be available to start the role.

2.Upload your current CV

3.Complete an online Equal Opportunities monitoring form – completion of this form will help us ensure that our recruitment procedures operate in such a way as to provide genuine equality of opportunity. The questions are entirely optional, and this information will not be available to members of the selection panel.

For an informal conversation about the post before applying, please contact Alison Pickup, the current Executive Director.

Selection Process

We anticipate that we will invite candidates to an initial online interview on Wednesday 3rd July 2025, followed by shortlisted candidates attending in-person interviews at our office in Old Street on Wednesday 9 July 2025.

We regret that we can only respond to applicants who make it to the interview stage.

We offer a guaranteed initial interview for refugees, stateless people and others with lived experience of forced migration, provided that they meet at least 50% of the essential criteria.

Eligibility

Please note that the successful candidate must have the right to work in the UK (as a small charity we do not have the capacity to sponsor work visas).

Successful candidates will also be subject to a basic DBS check. If appointed, you will also be required to give your consent to the charity to receive regular updates on your criminal records status throughout your employment and to disclose any relevant convictions incurred during your time with us.

Adjustments

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. If you require a different format of the application form, such as large print or Word format, or if you would like to discuss any specific requirements, please get in touch with us.

EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

Our commitment to principles of equity, diversity and inclusion is an integral part of our approach to our clients, our volunteers and our staff, and we are an equal opportunities and Living Wage employer.

We are committed to attracting and recruiting diverse candidates because we are keen to make sure that our staff, trustees, volunteers and ambassadors reflect the communities we serve and the wider community we work in.

We genuinely welcome and encourage applications from candidates from a range of backgrounds, especially people of colour, people with disabilities, people from low socio-economic backgrounds, refugees, stateless people and others with lived experience of forced migration or trauma and of the housing and welfare system, who are under-represented in our organisation.

We recognise and value the role of lived experience in meeting the needs of our clients and acknowledge the under-representation of people with lived experience of forced migration and statelessness in the advice sector. We value experience gained overseas as well as in the UK.

We are also proud to be a member of the Experts by Experience Employment Network which aims to increase representation of people with lived experience in the charitable sector.

If you are an expert by experience (a refugee or a migrant with direct, first-hand experience of issues and challenges of the UK asylum or immigration system), you can ask for an independent and confidential support for your job application from the Experts by Experience Employment Network and access other information and resources which may help in preparing your job application.

Please complete the form on their website to request support and they will confirm if they can match you with a mentor to support your application.