Chief governance administrative officer jobs

To provide inspirational and effective leadership, ensuring the charity delivers its mission and strategic objectives while maintaining strong relationships with the Board of Trustees, staff, volunteers, beneficiaries, and funders. 

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Lead the development and implementation of the charity's vision, mission, and long-term strategy in partnership with the Board.
• Governance & Compliance: Work closely with the Chair and Trustees to ensure full compliance with Charity Law, the Charity Commission, and all relevant legislation (e.g., safeguarding, data protection).
• Fundraising & Financial Management: Oversee the charity's financial planning, manage budgets, and lead on developing and delivering a diversified fundraising strategy to ensure long-term sustainability and growth. This includes writing grant applications and identifying new income streams.
• Operational Management: Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring efficient and effective service delivery and managing risk.
• Team Leadership: Lead, motivate, and manage a team of staff and volunteers, fostering a positive and inclusive organisational culture.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy: Act as the primary ambassador for the charity, building strong relationships with local authorities, funders, community partners, and the media. 

Person Specification

Essential Experience & Skills

• Proven experience in a senior leadership or management role, ideally within the charity/non-profit sector.
• Demonstrable success in income generation, including grants and fundraising.
• Strong financial acumen and experience in budget management and reporting.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and networking skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Experience of working closely with or reporting to a Board of Trustees.
• Strong understanding of governance, safeguarding, and regulatory requirements in the UK charity sector.
• Ability to be a decisive, adaptable, and inspiring leader, comfortable with a hands-on role in a small organisation. 

Desirable Attributes

• A qualification in business administration, non-profit management, or a relevant field.
• Knowledge of the specific issues or services the charity provides.
• Experience in social enterprise development or digital transformation
• Existing vetting and safeguarding clearances

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applicants who support our mission of inclusivity.

All applicants must have a right to work in the UK.

Job Title: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Contract/ Hours: 35hrs per week

Salary: £55,000

Leave entitlement: 25 days

About The People Hive

The People Hive is an ambitious local charity creating real opportunities for adults with a learning disability across Richmond and the surrounding areas. From our vibrant community hub in Twickenham, we deliver creative, social and developmental activities that help people connect, grow and thrive.

We also run a public gallery that showcases local artists, generates vital income and provides paid work experience for our clients. Our impact was recognised when we were shortlisted for the Richmond Community Heroes Awards 2025, and we are now exploring exciting opportunities for future growth and expansion.

The Role

This is a great opportunity to lead a respected, values-led charity at a pivotal moment in its journey. As Chief Executive Officer, you will set the strategic direction of The People Hive, lead a passionate team of staff and volunteers, and act as the public face of the organisation.

Working closely with the Board of Trustees and key partners, you will help shape the charity’s future, strengthen its sustainability and ensure it continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of adults with learning disabilities.

How to Apply

We recognise that talented people may hesitate to apply if they don’t meet every listed requirement. If this role inspires you and you believe you could be a strong fit, we encourage you to apply. Your skills, experience and perspective may be exactly what we’re looking for.

Applications close on Friday February 27th 2026.

JOB DESCRIBTION

Job title: Executive Assistant to the CEO

Contract: Part time, 3 days. Flexibility regarding working pattern: hours could be worked across 3 or 4 days in the week. Permanent contract.

Salary: £17, 398 pro rata (£29,000 full time equivalent)

Manager: Gestalt Centre CEO

Location: Hybrid working. In-person at London Kings Cross and remotely.

ABOUT US: THE GESTALT CENTRE

We are the Gestalt Centre, an established therapy not-for-profit organisation, supporting the mental and psychological well-being of individuals, groups, and organisations. We are a dynamic charity that runs, accommodates, and supports a number of counselling, psychotherapy, personal and professional development courses, and a range of therapeutic practices that enhance mental and psychological wellbeing.

As Gestalt Centre, our relationship with people who work for the centre starts from a place of trust. We see our structure as an organisational shape that we use to organise ourselves. What matters for us is how we all work together. We prioritise collaboration and ‘horizontal’ consultative decision making with individual and collective responsibility and accountability.

OUR VISION is a world were meaningful and fulfilling relationships lead to wellbeing  and positive change in people’s lives.

OUR PURPOSE is to promote the mental and psychological well-being of individuals, groups and organisations through Gestalt education, training and practice.

Gestalt is a life-changing approach to life, counselling, and psychotherapy. It enables people to develop meaningful relationships, navigate change and lead fulfilling lives by creatively utilising their own resources, skills and strengths.

OUR VALUES IN PRACTICE 

Diversity, equality, inclusion and anti-discrimination: We value equity and inclusion and welcome diversity and difference in backgrounds, identities, cultures, and voices. We also commit to anti-discriminatory action and encourage personal and collective awareness, reflection, and learning. It is integral to who we are and how we work and study together.

Kindness and respect for each other and the space we cohabit. Our relationship with people who work, learn and access therapy at the centre starts from a place of respect and kindness. This way we create a space where we can show up, work, and learn authentically and meaningfully. Feel seen, heard, and included.

Collaboration and mutuality: We work and study together, collaboratively and with respect and appreciation for each other. Every person matters and so does the collective.

Community, awareness, and personal responsibility: We are a community of staff, students, practitioners, and clients; working, studying, and accessing therapy at the centre. Individually and collectively, we are responsible for our presence and behaviour. Also responsible for our community and the space we inhabit.

ABOUT THE JOB

Job Purpose 

We are looking for an exemplary people-oriented administrator to provide administrative support to the Gestalt Centre CEO and the workstreams she manages. An important role in the organisation, working with senior leadership and across teams, in a welcoming and supportive environment with opportunities to learn and grow on the job.

Areas of work and responsibility

• Administrative Support to the Gestalt Centre CEO
• Coordinate and support projects and workstreams the CEO leads on: Operations, Communications and Marketing, Short Courses and Post Graduate Qualifications, HR, Finance, Policies, Fundraising and Health & Safety.
• Liaise with the CEO and the leadership team to update the organisational plan and workstream plans, also keep track of relevant priority actions and progress.
• Provide administrative support for governance processes such as the Annual Financial Audit, Trustee Board meetings, the Charity Commission and Companies House submissions.
• Provide administrative support to the organising and running fundraising activities and events.
• Administrative support and coordination for the annual planning of Short Courses and Post Graduate Qualifications programmes. 
• Organise, provide administrative support, and attend as appropriate, weekly operational meetings, monthly Executive meetings, and other project meetings, led by the CEO. Prepare meetings set up, information and any required papers in advance. Organise dates, taking and sending out minutes and coordinate follow-up actions ensuring progress and completion.
• Liaise with the CEO to prepare, format, edit and update reports and policies for internal and external audiences to a high standard.
• Provide a professional first point of contact for the CEO and as required liaise with her and the leadership team in order to respond to emails or phone calls and organise follow up meetings.
• Office team support such as reception/admin cover or support with events, as and when occasionally required.
• Carry out responsibilities with due regard to the Gestalt Centre values, policies and procedures.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Key Competencies and Qualities

• Educated to degree level or equivalent with good English and Maths.
• Experience working with and assisting senior leadership professionals.
• Excellent organisation and planning skills and experience, including balancing competing demands and prioritising effectively, forward planning and working to tight deadlines.
• Excellent coordination skills and good experience of coordinating projects, workstreams or activities.
• Excellent communication skills, including conveying information clearly and adjusting approach, manner, and language to suit varying situations.
• Excellent interpersonal skills (‘people person’) such as developing good working relationships with colleagues, working collaboratively and initiating relevant discussions to progress with work tasks.
• Experience and able to work well with senior professionals and in a positive professional matter.
• Able to work in a confident, calm, diplomatic and confidential way in a senior role and a therapy setting. Reliable and mature with a sense of personal responsibility for the role and the work involved.
• Flexibility and proactive problem-solving, always working with kindness and respect.
• Excellent attention to detail and confident with numbers.
• Good working knowledge and experience of databases and online administration systems, including information and files management.
• Able to plan and organise own work effectively and able to work well in a dynamic busy setting.
• Able to work collaboratively and independently on own initiative.
• Experience working effectively and appropriately with confidentiality and data protection in mind and in line with organisational policies and practice.
• Good working knowledge of MS Office applications such as MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint, email, and the internet.
• Commitment to Equal Opportunities and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
• Preferably experience working within an educational, training or therapy setting (desirable).

About MAAC

Midlands Air Ambulance Charity (MAAC) funds and delivers a pre-hospital emergency helicopter-led service across the Midlands region (serving six counties). As well as being a charity, we are an independent health care provider that is rated outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).  Our mission is to deliver exceptional pre-hospital care and lifesaving interventions through our helicopter-led emergency medical services. With more than 80,000 missions since 1991, we are among the busiest air ambulance services in the UK.

The Opportunity

As MAAC prepares for the planned departure of its current postholder, the organisation is seeking an exceptional Director of Finance to join the Executive Team. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, the Finance Director is a key member of the Charity’s Leadership Team, providing strategic financial direction across the Group (the parent charity and its trading subsidiary). This role ensures the organisation remains financially resilient, well‑governed, and strongly positioned to deliver its mission for the long term – through working collaboratively with the Chief Executive, Leadership Team and Board members.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Play a key role as part of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), contributing to organisational strategy and fostering strong cross‑department collaboration.  Work collaboratively with the Chief Executive and SLT to develop and maintain the three-year strategic plan, ensuring financial projections, assumptions, and scenario planning are based on accurate data and sound forecasting.
• Provide strategic financial leadership that supports long‑term sustainability, future growth, and the delivery of critical services.
• Build strong, transparent, and trusting relationships with Board members by delivering clear, relevant financial reporting and assurance (supporting Board members to carry out their governance responsibilities effectively).  Manage the Audit and Risk Committee’s activities in conjunction with the Committee Chair
• Lead a high‑quality financial management function for the Charity and its subsidiary, ensuring full compliance with regulatory requirements, governance requirements and accounting standards.
• Manage the full year-end audit cycle, ensuring schedules, reconciliations, and working papers are prepared to a high standard and delivered within agreed timescales.
• Oversee the timely preparation of monthly Group Management Accounts, ensuring high-quality financial reporting is supported by meaningful commentary, variance analysis, trend interpretation, and insights that enable informed strategic decision-making by the SLT and Trustees. 
• Manage the relationship with the Charity’s external investment portfolio fund manager and independent investment advisors - ensuring the Charity receives high-quality professional advice on investment strategy, shareholdings, and cash allocation, and that all recommendations align with organisational objectives, ethical considerations, and risk appetite.

About You

You will be a professionally qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA or equivalent) with substantial senior‑level experience and the credibility to operate confidently at Board level. Most importantly, you will embody strong values, show high emotional intelligence, and be genuinely motivated to contribute to MAAC’s mission. Charity sector experience is essential -  with a thorough understanding of what it takes to promote financial best practice, control spend and assist with income generation in sizable Not-for-Profit environments. Critically, you will lead through expert technical skillsets and collaborative working —shaping direction, offering robust assurance, and operating as a trusted strategic partner to senior colleagues and Trustees/ Directors.

Reward & Benefits

• Salary of £90,000 - £95,000 p.a. dependant on experience
• Part time working a consideration (4 days per week; days of the week as per organisational need).
• Flexible working (with the option to work from home 1–2 days per week post probation, subject to organisational need).
• 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• Pension scheme (after 3 months) – matched up to 6%
• Paycare Health Cash Plan
• Gym on-site (free access)
• Death in service benefit x 2 salary
• Access to range of charity discount cards

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact our retained recruitment partner Paul Robinson at RM Recruit Ltd

Sport England is entering a pivotal period of transformation. As we deliver our longterm strategy to improve lives and strengthen communities through physical activity, we are reshaping how we work.  We are embedding clearer accountability, greater efficiency, and a culture defined by high performance and purposeful delivery. 

We are now seeking an Executive Director, Resources to provide strategic direction and operational leadership across several of Sport England’s core corporate functions. 

This is a role for a leader who can blend strategic insight with practical delivery, and who can inspire a modern, diverse workforce to thrive. You will play a vital part in ensuring that everyone in England can access the benefits of sport and physical activity. 

With funding from both the National Lottery and grantinaid from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, our work relies on strong, strategic stewardship. As Executive Director, Resources, you will lead key corporate services such as driving performance, championing continuous improvement, and ensuring that our resources are aligned to deliver maximum value for money and measurable impact. 

As a member of Sport England’s Leadership Team, you will help shape organisational culture, promote cross functional collaboration, and model inclusive, accountable and high performing leadership. 

We are looking for an experienced senior leader with a strong track record of overseeing core corporate functions within a complex organisation. You will be confident operating at board level and skilled at building trusted, cross sector partnerships that support long term organisational success. 

Experience in the sport, public or charity sectors is welcome but not essential – what matters is your ability to bring strategic clarity to this role.   

If you’re passionate about enabling impactful, inclusive outcomes for communities nationwide and excited by the opportunity to shape and strengthen Sport England from within please register your interest at Odgers.

Sport England is entering a defining period of change. As we deliver our long term strategy to improve lives and strengthen communities through physical activity, we are reshaping how we work.  We are embedding clearer accountability, greater efficiency, and a culture focused on high performance and purposeful delivery. 

We are now seeking an Executive Director, Investments to provide clarity, ambition and steady leadership through this transformation. 

In this role, you will balance strategic vision with practical delivery, inspiring a modern and diverse workforce to thrive. You will shape how we invest public and National Lottery funds so that everyone, regardless of background can experience the benefits of sport and physical activity. 

Funded through a blend of National Lottery investment and grant in aid from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Sport England relies on strong, strategic stewardship. As Executive Director, Investments, you will lead our entire investment portfolio, setting direction and overseeing the design, delivery and evaluation of funding programmes that increase participation in sport and active recreation. Your leadership will ensure our investments are inclusive, targeted and deliver maximum impact. 

As a key member of our Leadership Team, you will also help shape Sport England’s culture, promoting cross functional collaboration and modelling inclusive, accountable, high performing leadership. 

We are looking for an experienced senior leader from a complex organisation, with a strong track record in strategic planning, resource management, and delivering largescale programmes or investments. You will be confident operating at board level, adept at leading through change, and skilled at building trusted partnerships across sector. 

Experience in the sport, public or charity sectors is welcome but not essential – what matters is your ability to bring strategic clarity to this role.   

If you’re passionate about enabling impactful, inclusive outcomes for communities nationwide and excited by the opportunity to shape and strengthen Sport England from within please register your interest at Odgers.

At Croydon Community Energy, we bring community-owned renewable energy to Croydon - developing solar PV on community buildings and reinvesting the benefits locally to cut carbon and support communities.

Want to help turn rooftops into local power?

The role and its impact

This is a part-time CEO role providing hands-on leadership so CCE can deliver projects well, support volunteers, and build strong partnerships. Working with the Board, you will help move projects from early-stage development through to installation and reporting.

Key details

• Salary: £45,000 FTE pro rata (2 days/week = £18,000 per year)

• Hours: 2 days per week (flexible working pattern by agreement - evenings and weekends may be required)

• Contract: Fixed term for 12 months (with ambition to extend subject to funding)

• Location: Hybrid/home-based with regular presence in Croydon and occasional London travel

• Start date: 1 April 2026 (flexible)

• Reporting to: Chair of the Board (accountable to the Board of Directors)

• Contract basis: Self-employed contractor. You will manage your own tax and National Insurance and invoice CCE monthly.

What you'll be working on

• Deliver CCE's strategy and Board priorities, turning plans into clear actions, timelines and decisions.

• Coordinate the solar project pipeline with the Projects Director and delivery partners (from feasibility to commissioning and post-install monitoring).

• Oversee budgets, cashflow tracking and financial reporting with the Finance Director; keep risks visible and managed.

• Develop and deliver fundraising plans (grants, sponsorship, partnerships and, where relevant, community share offers).

• Enable good governance: board papers and updates, decisions logs, AGMs and member communications where relevant.

• Support and coordinate volunteers, fostering an inclusive, motivated culture and making it easy for people to contribute.

• Build relationships with key local stakeholders and represent CCE externally when needed.

This job is for you if...

• you are motivated by community energy, climate action and community benefit

• you can set direction, organise delivery and bring people with you (in paid or unpaid roles)

• you are confident planning and delivering projects, prioritising well and managing risks

• you can build trust with stakeholders across communities, funders, delivery partners and local government

• you are financially literate and comfortable with budgets and responsible spending decisions

• you can support good governance and work well with a Board or committee

• you communicate clearly, stay organised, and can work independently in a small organisation

It helps if you have...

• renewable energy and/or community solar project development experience

• fundraising, grant management and/or community share offer experience

• experience in co-operatives, social enterprises, charities, or volunteer-led organisations

• knowledge of Croydon and its communities, or experience working in a diverse urban borough

• experience in policy, advocacy or sector collaboration

If you do not meet every point, please still consider applying - we care about potential and values as well as experience.

Equal opportunities and accessibility

CCE is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from groups under-represented in the community energy sector.

If you are disabled (as defined under the Equality Act 2010) and meet the minimum criteria for the role, we will offer you an interview. Please tell us what reasonable adjustments would help you take part. Information can be provided in alternative formats on request.

Funding for this role

CCE has been awarded £20,000 from The National Lottery Community Fund to deliver this role. The incoming CEO will help secure further funding to increase days worked and extend the role.

How to apply

Apply via CharityJob with:

• Your CV

• A cover letter (max 2 pages) explaining how you meet the essential criteria and why you want the role

• Closing date: Friday 27 February 2026 at 5pm

• Shortlisting: w/c 2 March 2026

• Interviews: w/c 9 March 2026 (online / in person in Croydon)

• Task: Shortlisted candidates may be asked to complete a short task in advance (questions shared ahead of time)

• Second stage (if required): w/c 16 March 2026

Data protection: We handle applicant data confidentially and retain it only as long as necessary.

The International Prader-Willi Syndrome Organisation (IPWSO) is seeking a talented and motivated CEO who will deliver our organisational strategy which aims to improve the lives of all those affected by a rare genetically determined disorder called Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). 

The role of CEO at IPWSO is both challenging and rewarding. You can help deliver change for people affected by PWS from across the globe by helping us build solidarity, promoting scientific reasoning and research, helping to foster new relationships, supporting our members, and striving for equality for everyone affected by the syndrome.

You will work alongside passionate volunteers and experts in PWS from across all continents and with a skilled and small staff team based in the UK. We are all dedicated to making a tangible difference!

For the full person specification and the JD, please refer to the attachment below.

#CEO #Chief Executive #Chief Executive Officer 

OCVA is looking for an organised, proactive, and friendly Administrator to join our team on a maternity cover basis. This is a varied and people-focused role that plays a key part in keeping our organisation running smoothly and supporting colleagues, trustees, and partners.

You will often be the first point of contact for OCVA, managing enquiries through our phone line and inbox, processing post, and helping ensure our office and shared workspace operate effectively and safely. You will also provide administrative support to the CEO and Board of Trustees, including scheduling meetings and circulating paperwork.

The role includes supporting our programme of online and in-person training, working closely with colleagues to schedule sessions, manage registrations and payments, and ensure events run smoothly. As a small charity with a wide-ranging brief, you will be fully integrated into the team and gain a strong understanding of our work, values, and impact across Oxfordshire’s voluntary and community sector.

This maternity cover post offers the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution, develop your skills, and work collaboratively in a supportive, purpose-driven organisation.

· 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.

Are you a visionary leader who can help shape the next stage of our work to protect, create and restore Scotland’s woodlands?

We are looking for our next Chief Executive, someone who can lead the charity into an exciting period of growth and change.

FWS is a Scottish charity working to create a Scotland where trees and native woodlands are thriving for our wildlife, communities and climate.  Our mission is to protect, create and restore these vital habitats through knowledge, partnership and practical action.

Founded in 2012 to support innovative thinking for trees and native woodlands, we have grown into an organisation delivering practical action at scale. Today, our work stretches from city spaces to wild places — supporting farmers and landowners to create or restore native woodlands, strengthening local nurseries, building sector skills, and bringing trees into everyday landscapes across Scotland.

The organisation has grown rapidly over the past three years, and now operates as a team of seven delivering national programmes across Scotland.

About the role

This is a rare opportunity to shape a small, ambitious and high‑performing charity at a time of growth and increasing national influence.

As Chief Executive, you will report to and work closely with our Board of Trustees, providing strategic leadership and acting as the organisation’s senior representative. You will:

• Lead the delivery of our strategic plan and future direction
• Strengthen partnerships across the woodland, environmental, community and land‑use sectors
• Oversee programme delivery and organisational performance
• Support, motivate and develop our small and committed team of seven, working across programmes, fundraising and communications
• Represent Future Woodlands Scotland at senior levels across Scotland

You will bring strategic clarity, a collaborative leadership style, and the ability to build strong, trusted relationships across sectors and with funders.

Location

This role is Scotland-based, working from home with travel across Scotland to meetings. Our current team is spread across Dumfries & Galloway, Lothian, Central Scotland and Aberdeenshire.

Contract and salary

• 8% employer pension contribution
• Permanent, part‑time (3 days per week)
• £65,000–£75,000 FTE, depending on experience
• 25 days annual leave + 10 public holidays (pro rata)
• Additional annual leave increasing with length of service, up to a maximum of 10 additional days.

How to apply

Before applying, please read the Candidate Pack for full details of the role, responsibilities and the application process. You can find it on our website. 

Invitations are invited from suitably qualified people and applications should consist of a CV and covering letter. The covering letter should explain how you meet the essential skills set out in the Candidate Pack and what you would bring to Future Woodlands Scotland.

If you would like an informal chat about the role, please contact Shireen Chambers to arrange a call (details in Candidate Pack).

Key dates:

• Application deadline: Midday, Monday 16 March 2026
• Interviews: Monday, 30 March 2026, in Edinburgh in person

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.

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. 

This is a senior interim role, responsible for the effective day-to-day running of the organisation, ensuring financial discipline, staff confidence and delivery against strategy.

The role includes oversight of operational delivery, people management, marketing and communications, and fundraising operations (working closely with relevant departmental leads and the Board).

• Reporting to: Chair and Board of Trustees
• Contract: Interim – initial 6-month period (with potential for extension subject to organisational needs)
• Salary: £65k full-time, part-time hours considered. 
• Location: Hybrid: London, South Coast and home working
• Start Date: As soon as possible.

Background

UKHarvest is a food waste and food education charity supporting vulnerable people experiencing food insecurity in the community, though a number of impactful and groundbreaking projects. Our mission is to reduce food waste and increase food security. Our education programmes (NOURISHed), Community Food Hubs, Grub Clubs and Community Grub Clubs are designed to overcome social barriers and food insecurity by connecting people through food.

We operate two community food hubs that deliver hot meals and community food education and engagement; Nourish Hub in London and Nourish Hub Cafe in Bognor Regis. Both spaces fulfil our mission to create warm, welcoming community spaces where people can regain their independence and confidence through the medium of food. Our projects are supported by our food rescue operation that collects quality surplus food and redistributes it through projects in the community.

Purpose of the Role

The Charity founder and CEO is retiring from her post and in this period, UKHarvest requires an interim Chief Operating Officer. This COO will provide strong, calm and effective operational leadership during a period of transition, ensuring continuity, stability and confidence across the organisation.

This is a hands-on, delivery-focused role focusing on day-to-day operational delivery, financial discipline, staff reassurance whilst maintaining confidence among funders, partners and stakeholders, while ensuring UKHarvest continues to deliver impact against its strategy.

Key Responsibilities

1. Operational Leadership & Continuity

• Lead the organisation’s day-to-day operations, ensuring services are delivered safely, efficiently and in line with our agreed strategy.
• Maintain operational focus and performance during a period of leadership change.
• Ensure effective coordination across all functions, projects and locations.
• Act as a visible, accessible and reassuring leader for staff and volunteers.

2. Financial Discipline & Organisational Sustainability

• Take responsibility for robust financial management, budgeting and cashflow oversight.
• Work closely with the finance function and Board to ensure strong financial controls, reporting and compliance.
• Ensure resources are deployed efficiently and in line with charitable objectives.
• Support funder confidence through clear financial governance, delivery assurance and transparency.

3. People Leadership, Staff Reassurance & Culture

• Provide clear, confident and empathetic leadership to staff and volunteers.
• Maintain morale, clarity and stability across teams during the interim period.
• Ensure appropriate structures, line management and accountability are in place.
• Foster a values-led, inclusive and supportive organisational culture.

4. Functional Oversight & Line Management

• Hold overall responsibility for core operational and enabling functions, including:
  • Operations, logistics and programmes
  • Education
  • Finance and administration
  • People and volunteer management
  • Marketing, communications engagement and PR
• Provide clear direction and support to functional leads and teams, recognising direct accountability for these areas.
• Ensure external communications, reputation management, media engagement and events activity are well managed, coordinated and aligned with organisational priorities.

5. External Relationships & Stakeholder Confidence

• Act as a senior operational point of contact for funders, partners and key stakeholders.
• Support confidence among funders and partners through consistent delivery and professional operational management.
• Represent UKHarvest at appropriate external meetings, events and forums.

6. Governance & Board Support

• Work closely with the Chair and Board, providing timely, accurate and relevant operational information.
• Support effective governance through clear reporting, risk management and delivery against agreed priorities.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legal, regulatory, safeguarding and health & safety requirements.

Essential Experience & Skills

• Proven senior operational leadership experience, ideally at COO, Director or equivalent level. (10 years)
• Experience within the charity, not-for-profit, food, logistics or community sector or demonstrably transferable commercial experience.
• Strong experience of financial management, budgeting and operational controls.
• Demonstrated ability to lead generously and reassure teams during periods of change.
• Excellent communication skills, judgement and emotional intelligence.
• A belief in social justice, environmental sustainability and reduction of food waste. 
• Comfortable operating in a hands-on, delivery-focused interim role.

Desirable Experience

• Experience overseeing marketing, communications, media relations and events management.
• Experience working with a diverse range of functions, funders, partners and volunteers.
• Previous interim leadership

To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter to UKHarvest.

Position Closing: Sunday 22nd February 12 noon

Inital interview Tuesday 24th February - final interviews Friday 27th February