Chief financial officer jobs

Pattern Church was launched in December 2018 by the Diocese of Bristol as a Revitalisation Trust Resource Church with a vision of inviting people into family to serve Swindon. Since then, the church has grown rapidly, planted two new churches (The Well and The Light Church), and become a hub of mission and community life across the town.

The Director of Operations is part of the leadership of the church, providing the organisational, financial, and strategic backbone that enables mission and ministry to flourish. They will work closely with the Senior Leader, Trustees, and wider staff team to turn strategic vision into practical reality, ensuring strong governance, robust systems, sound stewardship, and an effective, faith-filled culture across all areas of church life.

Our team culture is shaped by GRACE—we are Growing, Reliant, All-in, Championing, and Expectant. Everyone gets involved. There is a clear sense of what we’re trying to achieve together in serving God and helping people find and grow in faith in Jesus. 

We are living in a moment of remarkable spiritual opportunity. Research shows a sharp rise in openness to faith among younger generations, something we see reflected in our own ministry and growth. The opportunities before us are significant, and the Operations Director will play a pivotal role in enabling us to step into this season with confidence and clarity.

For a full job description and information about how to apply, please head to the Pattern Church website.

Closing date: March 10th

Interviews w/c March 16th

To apply please send a CV and a cover letter by email. In your cover letter please highlight how your experience and skills relate to the job description and essential skills.

· SPACE was founded in 2014 by parents of children with additional needs in response to the lack of appropriate play resources and support locally.

·        Our centre includes a large fully accessible play frame and soft play area, interactive sensory room, a versatile activity room and a changing space.

· Our services include family play sessions, parent / carer support and training, sibling group, lending library, counselling, after school activity clubs and birthday parties.

· Our mission is to relieve isolation experienced by children with additional needs and their families by providing fully accessible support and facilities. Our centre, members, volunteers and colleagues provide the momentum that helps us affect change.

We’re now looking for our new Chief Executive Officer who will help lead us on our continued journey…

About You:

· Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of children with additional needs and their families?

· Can you combine strategic leadership with a practical hands‑on approach?

· Do you have significant experience within a charity, public sector, or values driven organisation?

· Do you have a strong understanding of charity governance, assurance and risk?

· Are you a strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into clear plans and measurable outcomes

· Do you have strong leadership and influencing skills, with the ability to bring people with you through change

· Can you demonstrate a clear commitment to SPACE’s values, ethos, and social purpose

If you think you’ve got what we are looking for, we’d love to hear from you.

We are seeking an outstanding and empathetic leader to become the Chief Executive Officer of East Sussex Community Voice (ESCV), working with our directors, staff, and volunteers to further develop our organisation and make a real difference for people across East Sussex.

As an ambitious Community Interest Company (CIC), we seek someone with strong leadership qualities who can ensure ESCV continues to be an effective and independent agent of local change, whilst diversifying and evolving our business.

Since 2013, ESCV has enabled people in East Sussex to have their voices heard in the design, commissioning, and delivery of services by putting communities at the centre of everything we do. Our work includes delivering an award-winning Healthwatch, leading large-scale public engagement and community development projects, and hosting the East Sussex Voluntary, Community & Social Enterprise (VCSE) Sector Alliance.

With imminent changes to Healthwatch and national legislation, we are entering a period of transformation. We are looking for an experienced and inspiring leader who can guide our team through this change, someone who empowers others, builds confidence, and sustains a positive, collaborative culture.

You will be a strategic thinker and relationship builder at a senior level, with a track record of delivering strategies, operational plans, and projects that achieve tangible outcomes. You will also bring excellent interpersonal skills, experience in leading high-performing teams, and the ability to manage staff effectively.

In addition, you will have experience managing and developing high-level relationships with key decision makers and demonstrate extensive knowledge of public engagement, the health and social care landscape, company governance, business development and income generation, and financial control.

If you share our passion for empowering communities and want to lead a dedicated team making a real difference across East Sussex, we would be delighted to receive your application.

“East Sussex Community Voice is an Equal Opportunities and Diversity employer and welcomes candidates from all sections of the community.

How to apply:

For further details about this exciting opportunity and an application pack please visit our website and download the Job Description/Person Specification for this post and follow the instructions posted.

Applications require a CV and a personal statement (maximum of 500 words) and only applications with both will be reviewed.

Please upload these via the ESCV job application link provided for the post you are applying for.

If you require an application in another format, please do get in contact

Harris Hill is delighted to be working with Citizens Advice Westminster to recruit its new Chief Executive Officer.

Citizens Advice Westminster provides free, independent, confidential and impartial advice and information to local residents, some of whom are the most vulnerable in society. We value diversity, promote equality and challenge discrimination.

We work with local community organisations to make a difference to the lives of people in Westminster through advice, research and campaigning. Citizens Advice Westminster delivers a high quality, agile advice service which reflects the issues and needs of our communities, and which puts clients first.

As Chief Executive, you will:

•Lead and manage the work of Citizens Advice Westminster in its mission to improve the lives of residents through delivery of a comprehensive information, advice, and casework service across the City of Westminster.

•Collaborate with the Board of Trustees to shape the organisation’s strategy, direction, and policies.

•Provide a strong and influential voice for Citizens Advice Westminster as the ‘public face’ of the organisation.

If you are inspired and excited by what Citizens Advice Westminster does, we’d love to hear from you.

Job title: Chief Executive Officer

Salary: £67,991 p.a. (The salary is on a progressive pathway)

Contract: Permanent / Full-time

Location: The Stowe Centre, 258 Harrow Road, London W2 5ES

How to apply:

Please review the Recruitment Pack for further information about Citizens Advice Westminster, the CEO position and for details on how to apply.

Closing date for applications: 9am Friday 20th February 2026

Both Citizens Advice Westminster and Harris Hill operate an equal opportunity policy and commit to treating all of our candidates and jobseekers fairly. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

Harris Hill is delighted to be working with Camphill Devon to recruit its new Chief Executive Officer.

Camphill Devon is a long-established charity providing supported living, residential care and meaningful community for adults with learning disabilities. Set within a unique rural environment featuring multiple residential houses and a 100-acre working farm, Camphill Devon offers a blend of care, independence, therapeutic activity and community living.

The charity provides a vibrant and wholesome environment where people can enjoy the freedom of their rural surroundings, access craft, land and community activities, and play a part in the running of where they live. We are committed to providing the necessary support and facilities through which everyone can choose to live their life, their way.

As Chief Executive, you will:

• Provide strategic, operational and cultural leadership for Camphill Devon, ensuring high-quality, person-centred care, strong governance, financial sustainability and organisational resilience.
• Drive forward organisational improvement, prepare for regulatory scrutiny, and embed a culture of empowerment and accountability across the charity.

If you are inspired and excited by what Camphill Devon does, we’d love to hear from you.

Job title: Chief Executive Officer

Salary: circa £80,000 p.a.

Contract: Permanent / Full-time

Location: Hapstead Village, Camphill Devon Community, Buckfastleigh, Devon, TQ11 0JN

How to apply:

Please review the Recruitment Pack for further information about Camphill Devon, the CEO position and for details on how to apply.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Friday 13th February 2026

Both Camphill Devon and Harris Hill operate an equal opportunity policy and commit to treating all of our candidates and jobseekers fairly. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

Pembroke College, Oxford, is seeking a highly organised and motivated Finance Officer (Development) to join its friendly and professional Finance team on a part-time basis (50% / 18.75 hours per week). This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced finance professional to play a vital role in supporting the College’s philanthropic activity and financial operations within a historic and forward‑looking academic community.

Founded in 1624, Pembroke is an inclusive and dynamic College based on a central site in Oxford, combining award‑winning modern developments with beautiful historic quadrangles. The College’s Fellowship and Governing Body have ambitious plans for the future, supported by a strong culture of engagement, fundraising, and public benefit.

The Finance Officer (Development) is a key member of the Finance team, providing essential support to both the Finance and Development functions. Working closely with colleagues across Accounts and Development, the postholder will ensure that donations, expenditure, and financial records are processed accurately, reported clearly, and managed in line with College policies and external regulatory requirements.

This is a pivotal role for someone who enjoys working with detailed financial information, values accuracy and integrity, and is keen to contribute to the success of the College’s development and fundraising activities.

Key Responsibilities

Development Finance Support and Recording Donations

· Accurately record donations received through a range of channels, including direct debit, bank transfer, online platforms, cheques, and cash, using both finance and development systems.

· Liaise closely with the Development Team to ensure donations are correctly classified and reported.

· Reconcile donation records between systems to maintain consistency and accuracy.

· Work with colleagues to identify missed pledge payments and recurring gifts.

· Maintain well‑organised and reliable financial and donor data to support effective reporting.

Gift Processing

· Prepare and submit Gift Aid claims in compliance with HMRC regulations.

· Process fortnightly Direct Debits and associated amendments.

· Maintain and update fund, campaign, and donor trackers, including research into historic funds.

Development Expenditure

· Work with the Development Director to ensure development‑related expenditure is recorded correctly.

· Monitor and report on Equals Money expenditure and other designated development funds.

Reporting and Budgeting

· Produce clear and accurate reports on income and expenditure for Finance and Development teams.

· Support reporting for the Finance & Planning Committee and Governing Body.

· Assist with annual budget preparation and forecasting.

· Produce cost‑centre and ad hoc reports as required.

General Duties

· Provide flexible support to colleagues in Finance and Development.

· Contribute to the continuous improvement of financial systems and processes.

· Undertake additional duties appropriate to the role.

Benefits include:

· Membership of the University staff pension scheme.

· Free lunch when College kitchens are open.

· Generous annual leave entitlement (pro rata).

· Opportunities for professional development, including mentoring by qualified accountants and access to paid external training.

· A supportive, inclusive, and collegial working environment.

About You

You will be an organised and detail‑focused finance professional with excellent numerical skills and a collaborative approach. You will be confident managing multiple priorities and committed to maintaining the highest standards of financial accuracy and confidentiality.

Essential criteria include:

· Experience in purchase ledger, accounts payable, and/or income recording within a finance function.

· Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Excel and finance databases or systems.

· High levels of numeracy, accuracy, and attention to detail.

· Ability to prioritise effectively and meet deadlines.

· Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the confidence to work with colleagues, suppliers, donors, and other stakeholders.

· A proactive, flexible attitude and willingness to develop new skills.

Desirable criteria:

· Experience in a charity, higher education, or not‑for‑profit environment.

· Familiarity with donation management systems such as DARS.

· Understanding of Gift Aid regulations and HMRC processes.

· Experience liaising with external stakeholders, including donors and suppliers.

Harris Hill is delighted to be working with Liverpool Zoe’s Place (LZP) to recruit its first Chief Executive Officer.

Zoe's Place was founded in Liverpool in 1995 as the first hospice in the UK specifically providing for the needs of babies and younger children. Liverpool Zoe’s Place (LZP) was established in December 2024 and took over full responsibility for the management of the hospice on May 1st 2025. In late 2024 the people of Liverpool, the North West, and even further afield helped us to raise more than £7,000,000 to secure the future of our hospice, and to build a state-of-the-art new facility in West Derby.

Our team of specialist nurses and healthcare assistants are supported by a wide range of other healthcare professionals to provide respite care, therapies and bereavement care to babies and children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, and their families.

As Chief Executive, you will:

· Bring inspirational leadership to the LZP.

· Manage, plan and implement LZP’s strategy.

· Ensure the Hospice provides and promotes excellent clinical care.

If you are inspired and excited by what Liverpool Zoe’s Place does, we’d love to hear from you.

Job title: Chief Executive Officer

Salary: £75,000 - £80,000 p.a.

Contract: Permanent / Full-time

Location: Zoe's Place, Yew Tree Lane, West Derby, Liverpool, L12 9HH

How to apply:

Please review the Recruitment Pack for further information about Liverpool Zoe’s Place, the CEO position and for details on how to apply.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Friday 13th February 2026

Both Liverpool Zoe’s Place and Harris Hill operate an equal opportunity policy and commit to treating all of our candidates and jobseekers fairly. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

The CEO will play a pivotal leadership role in ensuring the continued success and sustainability of Clwyd Special Riding Centre. This is a wide-ranging role combining strategic leadership with hands-on people management.

The postholder will oversee the daily running of the Centre while also working closely with Trustees to deliver long-term development plans. The role demands strong financial and organisational management, excellent people skills, and the ability to balance compassion with pragmatism.

The CEO will act as a key ambassador for the Centre, building relationships with supporters, stakeholders, and the wider community to secure funding and grow the charity’s impact.  The CEO will create the strategic plans for the next 5 years and work with the Trustees, Stakeholders and Staff to implement the plan.

This is an exciting opportunity to transition the organisation into a sustainable, self-funded and agile organisation able to meet the needs of their traditional participant and those members of the community who could benefit from equine activities.

The Chief Executive provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Sheila McKechnie Foundation, ensuring the organisation delivers meaningful impact, remains financially sustainable, and continues to be a respected voice in social change and activism.

Leading a small, committed team, the Chief Executive will set the strategic direction, secure and steward funding, and ensure effective delivery of programmes and services. They will work closely with the Board of Trustees, act as an ambassador for the Foundation, and foster strong relationships with partners, funders, and stakeholders.

This is a hands-on role suited to a versatile leader with a passion for social change and building communities, who thrives in a small charity environment.

Please note this is a UK-based role and applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

Chief Executive - Help & Care
Location: Home-based within easy reach of Dorset (regular travel across the region)
Salary: circa £85,000 per annum
Contract: permanent, either full-time basis (37 hours per week) or part-time (30 hours per week). We are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements for part-time hours, including how these are worked across the working week.

Are you an innovative leader who will put communities and social justice at the heart of transforming how health and social care is delivered in Dorset and the south of England?

Help & Care has been supporting communities across Dorset and the south coast since 1985. We deliver person-centred services that promote dignity, independence and connection - from dementia coordination and health coaching to our award-winning Roots gardening programme and social prescribing partnerships. Working with over 25 partners across health, housing and the voluntary sector, we co-produce services that make a real difference to older people, those with long-term conditions, carers and people at risk of isolation.

As our new Chief Executive, you will collaborate with a dedicated Board and a strong, highly motivated team focusing on the following key areas of responsibility:

• Strategic leadership: Define an ambitious, values-led strategy and deliver it, securing long-term impact alongside sustainable financial growth.
• Values leadership: Place Help & Care’s values - social justice, innovation, personal and collaborative - at the heart of decision-making and model them through visible leadership.
• Growth & income diversification: Lead business development to diversify income streams, winning commissioned contracts and developing social-enterprise opportunities to reduce reliance on public commissioning.
• Partnerships & advocacy: Strengthen and sustain senior-level relationships across the NHS, local authorities, commissioners and the voluntary sector; represent Help & Care across systems, media and stakeholder networks.
• Service quality & impact: Embed rigorous monitoring and evaluation so outcome evidence drives commissioning decisions, improves financial performance and enhances the organisation’s reputation.

• People leadership: Inspire, retain and develop a high-performing, compassionate leadership team and workforce, focused on talent development, wellbeing and accountability.
• Governance & financial stewardship: Provide the Board with timely, high-quality reporting, oversee financial recovery or sustainability plans as required, and ensure robust risk, compliance and governance arrangements.

Who you are:

• An experienced CEO or senior director from complex, multi-service health, social care or community organisations, with experience of developing and delivering multi-agency contracts.
• Proven track record of securing commissioned contracts, leading tendering and contract oversight, and developing income diversification, including social-enterprise opportunities.
• Comfortable driving strategic transformation and financial sustainability, with demonstrable expertise in strategic financial management.
• A values-led, collaborative and visible leader with high emotional intelligence and resilience, committed to social justice, person-centred practice and co-production; an effective public representative and mentor.

Why Help & Care?

• Lead a highly respected regional provider with an outstanding track record of co-production and innovation.
• Shape an organisation poised for growth and greater regional influence.
• Hybrid, home-based working, regular travel across Dorset, and the chance to safeguard vital services for local communities.

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 apply button with times to speak and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile which will be treated with the strictest confidence

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 23rd February 2026. Interviews and assessments on 3rd, 4th and 5th March.

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.

The opportunity

We are seeking an experienced and values-led Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead East London Waterworks Park in this next phase of our development. This is a rare opportunity to shape the first paid executive leadership role in a pioneering environmental charity.

The CEO role is wide-ranging and dynamic, and will evolve as East London Waterworks Park grows. The CEO will provide strategic leadership to help realise our ambition to purchase the Thames Water depot site in East London, while strengthening our capacity to deliver community-led rewilding and nature-recovery projects across London in partnership with landowners, local authorities and other stakeholders.

An important aspect of the role will involve introducing a sustainable staffing model that complements and develops East London Waterworks Park’s existing volunteer ecosystem, and strengthens our culture, vision and values. The CEO will be supported in this work by long-standing volunteers at both trustee board and operational level, who believe in the benefits this organisational change will bring.

About East London Waterworks Park

East London Waterworks Park is a community-led charity working to reconnect people and nature. Starting from nature-first principles, and with inclusivity at the heart of everything we do, we work with communities to co-design spaces to unlock a chain of positive changes that culminate in the long-term transformation of people and place.

Our work includes:

• co-designing East London Waterworks Park with the East London community, working towards purchasing a 14-acre Thames Water depot in Waltham Forest and transforming it into a biodiverse urban park with free, accessible wild swimming and welcoming community spaces

• co-designing other nature-first spaces on disused or brownfield land in London, returning land to nature in collaboration with local communities to encourage long–term community stewardship

• hosting engagement, education, and empowerment activities that build skills, confidence and deeper connections to nature.

East London Waterworks Park is a sociocratic organisation, with a decentralised organisational structure and a transparent and collaborative approach to decision making. We have grown organically since 2019, responding flexibly to the challenges we have encountered but always committed to our core vision: creating a new kind of urban green and blue space: one that is ecologically rich, inclusive, and shaped by the people and wildlife who use it.

East London Waterworks Park is currently entirely run by volunteers but we recognise the need to transition to a more sustainable structure. We want to introduce paid employees to ensure we can deliver the exciting projects planned in 2026 and beyond, while retaining our strong community-led ethos.

More information

If this sounds exciting, please review the attached recruitment package.

Who we are –

Home-Start Portsmouth is a local family support charity based in Portsmouth, providing outreach services, free Stay & Play groups and working within the Portsmouth Family hubs as part of the Best Start in Life offer in the city. Portsmouth is one of the most deprived cities in the country, and many of the families we support are living with many adversities.

We are a volunteer led service providing parents and carers with the support and guidance they need to ensure the best possible outcomes for their children and their family. We empower families to thrive by providing child-centered family support and in 2025 we supported 1000 unique families across our 12 projects with the support from our 110 volunteers.

Our impact is measured and significant for the families we support and as a result, children will experience improved wellbeing and development. Our focus is to build a compassionate community of support for families, parents and children – because childhood can’t wait.

Our next chapter -

We are at a pivotal moment in the journey of Home-Start Portsmouth. After 25 years of exceptional service, our current CEO is stepping down, marking the end of an era and the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the charity. Over the past few years, we have grown to more than three times our original size, expanding our reach, services, and impact across the community.

Rising levels of need, increasing pressure on family services, and evolving external factors mean that demand for our support is growing. To meet these challenges, we are committed not only to sustaining our growth, but to strengthening it in a purposeful, strategic way by exploring new delivery models, new funding streams, and new partnerships that will secure the future of the organisation.

The new CEO will shape and inspire this next phase of development, whilst embodying the values and ethos of the charity.  They will drive our future sustainability, develop strong external partnerships, and increase our influence locally ensuring that the charity remains resilient, relevant, and impactful.

Why this role matters -

Changing children’s futures is at the heart of everything we do. Families today are facing unprecedented pressures. Home-Start Portsmouth exists to stand alongside these families by providing practical, emotional, and relational support at the earliest possible stage, helping parents build confidence, resilience, and stability so children can thrive.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a transforming charity with extraordinary potential. The CEO will play a defining role in shaping the next era of Home-Start Portsmouth, ensuring that our mission is not only protected, but reinforced. The role directly influences the lives of children and families where the decisions made, the culture shaped, and the partnerships built by the CEO will determine how many families we can reach, how well we can support them, and how lasting that change will be. This is leadership with purpose where strategy, compassion, and impact come together to create lasting change.

Role Purpose  

To provide inspirational, and strategic leadership to Home-Start Portsmouth (HSP), ensuring the charity delivers on its mission that no parent is unsupported in raising children and giving them the best start in life. The CEO is accountable for organisational performance, culture, sustainability, safeguarding, and impact, working in close partnership with the Board of Trustees. 

Location: Home-Start Portsmouth 

Reports to: Board of Trustees

Hours: 32-37 hours pw (over 4-5 days) 

Salary: £57, 000

Main Responsibilities 

1. Strategic & Executive Leadership 

• Lead the development, delivery and review of HSP’s vision, strategy and long-term business plan in partnership with the Board. 

• Translate strategic priorities into measurable operational plans and outcomes 

• Anticipate changes in policy, funding and the wider operating environment 

• Champion innovation, continuous improvement and effective use of technology 

2. Organisational Leadership & Culture 

• Build, lead and inspire a high-performing Senior Leadership Team 

• Shape a values-led, inclusive and accountable organisational culture 

• Oversee performance management, succession planning and leadership development 

• Act as a visible, approachable leader and role model across the organisation 

3. Service Delivery & Impact 

• Hold overall accountability for safe, high-quality and cost-effective services 

• Ensure services are responsive, evidence-led, and meet the needs of families and children 

• Oversee delivery against contracts, KPIs, budgets and timelines 

• Ensure robust impact measurement and reporting to funders, partners, and trustees 

4. Governance, Safeguarding & Risk 

• Work closely with the Chair and Board to maintain the highest standards of governance 

• Lead a strong safeguarding culture and ensure full regulatory compliance 

• Identify, manage, and escalate organisational risks appropriately 

• Ensure policies, controls, and assurance frameworks are robust and current 

5. Financial Leadership & Sustainability 

• Secure and diversify income through bids, partnerships, and fundraising 

• Set and manage budgets, ensuring strong financial control and value for money 

• Provide clear, timely financial and performance reporting to the Board 

• Ensure the long-term financial sustainability of HSP 

6. External Relations & Influence 

• Act as the public face and lead spokesperson for HSP 

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with funders, commissioners, partners, and supporters 

• Lead key partnerships and commissioning relationships 

• Strengthen HSP’s reputation, profile, and influence locally and nationally 

7. Authority & Accountability 

• Full executive accountability for organisational performance and delivery 

• Authority to make operational decisions within agreed strategy, budgets, and policies 

• Responsibility to escalate significant risks, safeguarding, HR, and governance matters to the Board 

The post holder may be required to undertake any other duties that fall within the nature of the role and responsibilities of the post as detailed above. 

Person Specification 

Experience & Knowledge

• Experience leading organisations at CEO or senior level; able to translate vision into measurable plans and respond to change. 

• Strong understanding of charity governance and safeguarding 

• Experience of financial management and income generation 

• Knowledge of services for children and families (Desirable) 

Abilities and Skills 

• Strategic leadership and sound judgement 

• Ability to lead, motivate and develop senior teams 

• Build and run a motivated and effective team 

• Manage performance, direct reports, set objectives, monitor, feedback, appraise 

• Network across sites, manage communications and standards 

• Coach and develop others 

• Excellent communication and influencing skills 

• Strong stakeholder and partnership management skills 

Attitude 

• Leads with integrity, transparency, and authenticity 

• Values-led and committed to equality, diversity, inclusion, and safeguarding 

•  Inspires trust, confidence, and high performance in others 

• Resilient and adaptable, able to lead calmly through change and uncertainty 

• Approachable, visible, and engaged with staff, volunteers, and partners 

• Courageous in decision-making and willing to challenge constructively 

• Balanced and fair, applying consistent judgement while remaining flexible 

• Passion to help families and children

Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment 

Home-Start Portsmouth is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and families and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake safer recruitment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and any other checks relevant to the role. 

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (CEO)

Location: Mostly at the Saïd Foundation office in central London, with some scope for remote working.   Occasional international travel to the Levant region where deemed safe.

Responsible to: The Chairman and Board of Trustees.

Line management: Scholarships Programme Manager, Financial Controller, Finance and Programme Administrator.

Salary: £80,000 - £85,000 pro rata.

Job type: Part-time (three days a week), permanent. 

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for an experienced organisational manager, who will mentor our small and highly motivated team and bring proven expertise around financial and people management and governance as well as of building relationships with different stakeholders and providing strong accountability to charity trustees.   You will have an understanding of the Levant region of the Middle East, a commitment to bridge building and respect across cultures and a conviction that education can change lives for the better, create enlightened and effective leadership and benefit wider society.

Our outgoing CEO originally came to the UK as a Saïd Foundation Scholar to study at Oxford University and has worked for the Foundation for over six years.  He is leaving to return to Syria.  We are looking for an experienced manager to carry on his work in leading our team, maintaining close relationships with our Trustees, partners and students and ensuring that the Foundation’s programmes are run to the highest standards. 

ABOUT THE SAÏD FOUNDATION

The Saïd Foundation was established as a non-sectarian and non-political charity in 1982 by Wafic and Rosemary Saïd to bring positive and lasting change to the lives of children, young people and the wider community with a focus on the Levant region of the Middle East and on the UK, and on education as a powerful tool to make change.  It is governed by a Board of Trustees and the Board’s Student, Projects, Audit and Investments Committees.  Khaled Saïd has just become Chair of the Board. 

Since 1984, our longest-standing programme, the Scholarships Programme, has offered opportunities to outstanding individuals with leadership potential to be drivers of positive change within our target countries of Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine. It brings these change agents to the UK to study for Master’s degrees at exceptional universities and maintains close contact with them during their studies and beyond.  Our amazing community of over 700 alumni have gone on to become outstanding leaders in many fields and to build bridges and respect across cultures. 

The Foundation’s founder, Wafic Saïd, is also the founder of Oxford University’s Saïd Business School, now one of the world’s leading business schools.  The Saïd Business School Foundation (SBSF), also an English charity, was established in 1998 to support the development of the School in its pursuit of excellence. Its Strategic Development Fund  provides grants in support of initiatives that will have strategic value to the development of the School.  SBSF is funded and administered by the Saïd Foundation. 

The Foundation’s humanitarian work has responded to the shifting needs of the region over immensely challenging times.  Since 2011, it has focused on supporting Syrian refugee communities in Lebanon and Jordan through grants to major international non-governmental organisations.  Most recently, it has provided support for Gazan children orphaned by the destruction of their homeland.  Before the conflict in Syria began, the Foundation ran a capacity-building programme across the country for those working to support Syria’s disabled children. It helped to set up a sister organisation in Syria, the Saïd Foundation for Development, which will take forward future work in Syria and is now considering how to support the needs of a post-Assad Syria.

In recent years, the Foundation has also worked to promote better health outcomes for people everywhere by making grants to innovative and impactful projects at world-leading medical research institutions based in the UK and known to the Saïd family. 

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job purpose:

To lead a small, motivated team in the best-practice implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the Foundation’s programmes and grants and to build strong relationships with the Foundation’s Trustees, partners and scholars.

Responsibilities:

1. Programme and grant management

a) To oversee the management of the scholarships programme, ensuring the selection of outstanding students from the Levant region and the Foundation’s duty of care to them while they are in the UK.

b) To oversee the Foundation’s grant-making programmes, ensuring that grants agreed by the Trustees are informed by rigorous due diligence and are monitored effectively.

c) To provide guidance as necessary to the Board and staff of the Saïd Foundation for Development in Syria on governance and project management matters.

d) To oversee the evaluation of the scholarships programme periodically, and grant-funded projects as necessary, to ensure they achieve their intended objectives and apply learning to their improvement.

2. Organisation and staff management

a) To devise and implement annual plans for implementation of the Foundation’s work, define the level and timing of human and other resources required to deliver the plans and develop key performance indicators to report progress against plans to the Board.

b) To foster a supportive work culture, managing staff in line with best human resource practice and ensuring high levels of motivation and strong performance.

c) To recruit staff, when necessary.

d) To oversee the effective operation of all office systems, including IT and the scholarships platform and database, and introduce improvements (for example, in the use of AI).

e) To ensure that health and safety aspects are taken into account appropriately when the Foundation’s staff, students and Trustees are travelling in connection with the Foundation’s activities.

3. Governance and Trustees

a) To meet regularly with the Chairman to ensure he is fully informed of developments and to support planning for Board and Committee deliberations.

b) To engage Trustees actively, drawing on their expertise to enhance the work of the Foundation, and report to them regularly on the Foundation’s work.

c) With the help of other staff, to make recommendations to the Foundation’s Committees on their focus areas and ensure high quality papers for Board and Committee meetings and timely follow up of action points.

d) To remain up to date with developments in charity governance and regulation to ensure that the Foundation follows best practice and is compliant with regulations.

e) To identify key risks to the Foundation’s funding, operation and reputation, ensuring that controls are in place for their mitigation and their inclusion in the risk register.

4. Financial, accounting and investment matters (with the Financial Controller)

a) To ensure that accurate annual budgets for the Foundation’s programmes, staff, administration and property management costs are approved by the Trustees and that cash flow projections support decision-making on the timely funding of the Foundation.

b) To ensure that monthly management accounts and annual statutory accounts provide all necessary information for accountability and management purposes.

c) To oversee rigorous internal controls for the Foundation’s payments and receipts.

d) To support the Investment Committee in ensuring the effective management and secure custody of the Foundation’s financial and property assets and monitoring of the performance of these investments.

5. Saïd Business School Foundation (SBSF)

a) To ensure that all Strategic Development Fund (and other) grants meet the objectives agreed with the School and monitor the impact of the grants through the School’s reporting.

b) To oversee high-quality reporting to SBSF’s Board of Directors and its Committees including on the overall development and performance of the School.

c) To monitor the continuing fulfilment of undertakings made to SBSF by Oxford University so that any departure from these undertakings can be assessed by the Board.

d) To ensure that all SBSF’s accounting and other regulatory requirements are met.

6. Representing the Foundation

a) To represent the Foundation externally at events and meetings and ensure that its own events provide a warm, welcoming and inspiring experience for invitees.

b) To build enduring relationships of trust with existing and new partners.

c) To ensure that the Foundation’s engagement with its students and alumni creates a strong sense of belonging to the Saïd Foundation “family”. 

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Knowledge, skills and experience

Essential

a) Strong relationship building skills with a wide range of people (such as Trustees, partners and students).

b) Experience of managing, motivating and mentoring a team to achieve their potential.

c) Excellent and engaging communications and presentation skills, in person and in writing.

d) Strong experience of the UK charity sector and charity regulation and governance.

e) Proven experience in budget setting, financial planning, and financial management.

f) Excellent organisation and management skills, with the ability to manage a number of tasks at the same time.

g) An understanding, and personal experience, of the Levant region of the Middle East.

h) An existing and unrestricted right to work in the UK.

Desirable

i) Experience of recruiting exceptional students and of supporting their needs as overseas students.

j) Experience of developing, implementing and delivering educational and/or humanitarian programmes.

k) Experience in grant making, including due diligence, agreement management, monitoring and evaluation.

Attributes

a) A commitment to bridge building and respect across cultures.

b) A conviction that education can change lives for the better, create enlightened and effective leadership and benefit wider society.

c) An adaptable approach including the flexibility to undertake a wide range of tasks.

d) A “can do” attitude, enthusiasm, resilience and energy.

e) Integrity, humility and discretion.

OTHER BENEFITS

- Employer’s pension contribution of 5% of salary.

- 25 days’ holiday in addition to bank holidays.

- Private health insurance.

HOW TO APPLY AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

To apply, please email a CV outlining your relevant experience, including how it meets the requirements of the job description, along with a cover letter of no more than two pages explaining your interest in the role and addressing the criteria set out in the person specification. Please refer to the attached application brief for more information.

Deadline for applications: Monday 9 March 2026 at 10:00 UK time.

Interviews: First interviews on 19 and 20 March; second interviews on 23 and 25 March. First interviews will be in person in central London or, if necessary, by video call depending on candidates’ ability to travel. Second interviews will be in person in central London. 

We are happy to offer informal, pre-application conversations about the role. 

Seeking an enthusiastic, dynamic, dedicated yet compassionate leader to drive the charity forward with a fresh strategy, new ideas and a bold vision. As CEO you will provide visionary, strategic, and operational leadership to the Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Association, ensuring we fulfil our mission and grow sustainably. You will act as a key ambassador, building partnerships and maintaining our reputation for excellence ensuring we move forward with impact sharing the strength and passion that we have continued to experience for almost 70 years.

Key Responsibilities (see breakdown within attached job specification)

• Strategic leadership
• Operational Management
• External Engagement
• Governance and Board Relations
• Team Leadership
   

What we do
IA offers peer-to-peer support to those with, or about to have, either an ileostomy or an internal pouch. We also help fund research into bowel disease and other conditions leading to the removal of the colon, as well as providing relevant information to interested parties using a range of channels.

Our strapline, “Because we know, we care”, sums up our whole ethos. Individuals can join either their local IA member organisation, or the IA national charity, and in either case, gain access to a range of services and support, including our flagship quarterly Journal, local and national meetings and information events, and other services such as our One2One peer support and Support Through Therapy services.

What you offer

Essential
• Proven senior leadership experience, ideally as a CEO or Director in the charity or social enterprise sector
• Demonstrable experience of strategic planning and implementation
• Excellent communication skills with ability to engage effectively with stakeholders, professionals and volunteers both internally and publicly
• Work empathetically with vulnerable adults employing working knowledge of safeguarding
• Financial management and budget oversight
• Demonstrable experience of implementing and monitoring services based on financial benefit and social benefit
• Track record of income generation and fundraising
• Demonstrable experience of operating within a governance and regulatory framework
• Experience of developing, managing and supporting high performing teams with a strong growth mindset
• Builds effective relationships with a strong network instilling confidence and trust
• Experience of leading a team delivering effectively against objectives

Skills and Qualities
• Visionary and values-led leadership
• Ethical decision-maker
• Strong, confident and decisive performing well under pressure
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Resilience, adaptability, empathy and emotional intelligence
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

What we offer
Contract: Part time 60% FTE – flexible over 3-5 days, permanent role.
Location: Remote (with regular travel to National Office (Rochford, Essex) and other UK locations, as required)
Salary: £80,000 - £85,000 equivalent FT (pro-rata 60%), commensurate with experience plus benefits

Please see further information about us, what you will offer and who we are looking for within the attached role profile.