Chief of staff to ceo jobs
Devon in Sight (The Devon County Association for the Blind) was established in 1925 and has a long and proud history of serving people who are blind and partially sighted and their families in Devon.
Our aim is to support people on their sight loss journey by focusing on our four key service areas of Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG), Independent Living, Health & Wellbeing, and Influencing Change (Making Devon a better place for people affected by sight loss to live and work).
The Role:
As our long-standing Chief Executive Officer prepares for retirement, we are seeking an experienced senior manager to take over the leadership of this dynamic and innovative charity.
The Chief Executive Officer will be based at the charity’s head office in Splatford, Exeter. You will be responsible to the Board of Trustees and will represent, promote and support the charity, whilst ensuring the smooth running of all aspects of operations and future growth.
You will need to work flexibly and strategically to assist the organisation to achieve its strategic priorities, develop and grow. We are looking for someone who is a confident and empathetic manager with previous experience gained within a charity setting.
You will be a natural and inspiring communicator, equally confident in networking with our stakeholders, talking to the people we support and writing compelling content. In addition, you will be computer literate and financially astute, able to work with a Board of Trustees, attend their meetings and provide them with timely and accurate information.
Job Type: Permanent, Full-time (37 hours per week).
Location: Unit 3, Splatford Barton, Kennford, Exeter EX6 7XY
Salary: £46,500.
Other Benefits:
- Annual Leave entitlement is 25 days per annum plus statutory bank holidays. Additional leave days are awarded after 2, 5 and 10 years’ service.
- Some flexible, remote working can be negotiated.
- A pension scheme that includes a 3% employer contribution with the option of joining our Salary Sacrifice Scheme to increase this.
- A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- A nominated free car parking space at our current premises.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategy & Governance: Developing and implementing the charity’s vision, mission, values and strategic priorities in partnership with the Trustees.
- Operational Leadership: Overseeing service delivery, maintaining our Matrix Standard Accreditation, monitoring services we provide to ensure they are always to a high standard.
- Financial & Fundraising: Managing budgets, maintaining compliance, and leading fundraising strategies (Individual Trusts & Grants, Legacies, Community and Corporate Fundraising and Legacy management).
- Compliance & Risk: Ensuring the charity strictly adheres to statutory, legal (GDPR, Charities Act, Companies Act), and safeguarding requirements.
- Partnerships & Advocacy: Acting as the "voice of blind and partially sighted people in Devon", building relationships with key stakeholders across the Health & Social Care and Third Sector.
- People Management: HR, recruitment, managing and supporting staff and volunteers.
How to Apply
If you are a supportive and proactive leader, passionate about making a real difference to the lives of people affected by sight loss across Devon, we want to hear from you!
For a full application pack, including job description, application letter and application forms, please visit our website.
Interviews will be held on the 15th and 16th January 2026, in person, at our head office in Kennford, Exeter.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are looking for a dynamic, values-led, strategic leader to drive our mission for migration justice and social work solidarity. The role entails oversight of the operations and strategy of the organisation, responsibility for financial management and fundraising, maintaining the health of the organisation and embedding anti-racist and anti-opressive values into every aspect of the organisation.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Chief Executive Officer
Salary: c.£75 - 80,000 per annum
Hours: Full time 35 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Location: The role is, of necessity, office based, although flexibility for home working is expected where appropriate. Evening and weekend work will be required to attend networking and other events.
At Sussex community Foundation we are approaching our 20th anniversary. As we celebrate this milestone, we are looking for an ambitious and dynamic chief executive to lead us into the next 20 years, enabling us to make Sussex a fairer and more equal place.
At Sussex Community Foundation we bring inspirational people together to create the change Sussex needs. In our first 20 years we have built a reputation across the county as an authoritative voice in local philanthropy, attracting and retaining new Fundholders to the Foundation.
As a leading grant maker in the county, our reputation within the voluntary sector is incredibly important to us. We want to ensure that our future Chief Executive builds on these trusted relationships.
We have an experienced and influential Board who will support you in your role, backed up by an enthusiastic and committed team of experts in both fundraising and grant making.
We look forward to receiving your application.
Mark Spofforth OBE FCA - Chair of Trustees
Closing date: Monday 5 January 2026 - noon
We are using the Charity Job anonymous recruitment process - please ensure that you apply through the portal.
Please log into your CharityJob candidate account to access and download the Persons Specification and to submit your application.
**No Agencies please**
#Chief Executive Officer #CEO #Executive #Leadership
To champion and enable all who want to make a positive contribution to our local area through effective philanthropy and community action.



Join Society of St James (SSJ) as Executive Director of People & Culture and help shape a culture that never gives up on people.
Applications close at 9 a.m. Wednesday 14th January.
The Society of St James exists to end homelessness in Hampshire, person by person. For over 50 years, we’ve supported people whose lives have been shaped by hardship, trauma and systems that haven’t worked for them. Today, we work across Southampton, Portsmouth and the wider region, offering safe accommodation, recovery support and opportunities that help people regain stability and hope.
We are now seeking an Executive Director of People & Culture who shares our belief in dignity, compassion and second chances. As a key member of our executive leadership team, you will create the conditions where our staff feel equipped, encouraged and confident in the work they do.
If you want to bring your expertise to a charity that stands firmly beside people and never gives up on potential, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference.
Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the job description and register your interest to apply.
Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Wednesday 14th January.
Woman’s Trust is a leading, specialist mental health charity supporting women and children affected by domestic abuse. As we approach our 30th anniversary in 2026, we stand at a powerful moment of growth and transformation. Each year, our trauma-informed, women-led services provide life-changing counselling, therapeutic support and advocacy to women and children across London. Our ambition is to scale this work to reach many more nationally. With a dedicated team of 45 staff, a strong financial foundation and annual income of £1.3m and a deeply committed Board of Trustees, we are poised to shape an ambitious new strategy for the years ahead.
We are now seeking an inspirational Chief Executive Officer to lead Woman’s Trust into this next chapter. This is a rare opportunity to guide a respected organisation whose work is not only transformative but often life-saving. The CEO will steer our strategic and operational development, strengthen and expand partnerships, grow sustainable income, and champion our voice across policy, public campaigns and mental health advocacy. Alongside a dedicated and collaborative team and Board, you will play a vital role in delivering and developing innovative services—supporting women and children, survivors navigating the justice system, and peer-led support groups—ensuring we remain responsive to the needs and experiences of those we serve.
We are seeking an inspirational and experienced people leader who combines strategic thinking with the ambition needed to position Woman’s Trust for growth. Confident in representing your organisation at a policy and advocacy level, you will act as a powerful ambassador for survivors’ mental health, influencing systems, shaping debate and strengthening our public voice. With strong financial and governance insight and the ability to build trusted, values-driven relationships across sectors, you will model a growth mindset and a commitment to continuous improvement. Above all, you will uphold our feminist, inclusive and survivor-centred values, nurturing an empowering and equitable culture for our staff, volunteers, partners, and—most importantly—the women and children we serve.
To read more about the opportunity and our work, including how to apply, please download the full appointment brief.
If you have the passion, clarity and commitment to champion the mental health and wellbeing of women and children survivors—and the leadership to guide Woman’s Trust into a bold new era—we would be delighted to hear from you.
Closing Date: 21 December 2025
People Beyond Profit Screening Conversations: 22 December - 6 January 2026
Woman’s Trust Panel Interviews:
· First Stage (online): 13 & 14 January 2026
· Second Stage (in-person): 22 January 2026
Please note:
This post is open to female applicants only as this is deemed a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010.
As Managing Director, you will provide strategic direction for the charity, employing a collaborative leadership style to ensure that the achievement of the charity’s vision and objectives is supported by an engaged and culturally healthy staff team.
You will ensure the projects are run in-line with our policies, legal requirements, and budgets, with an overarching understanding of the charity’s finances and fundraising.
You will also be a figurehead for the organisation, effectively networking, partnering and influencing across sectors.
Lastly, but most importantly, you will be passionate about the transformative power of connection across division, and how the projects we create serve this core purpose.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Harris Hill is delighted to be working with Hospice of the Good Shepherd to recruit its new Chief Executive Officer.
Hospice of the Good Shepherd provides care and support free of charge to the people of Chester, West Cheshire and Deeside who are affected by life limiting illnesses, and we ensure everyone we support has the best possible quality of life. We help our patients to live as well as possible and to make every moment count.
As Chief Executive, you will:
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Bring inspirational leadership and drive to the Hospice.
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Give direction, maintain financial stability and develop the operational management of the Hospice.
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Have a passion for end-of-life care, with the energy and talent to motivate our highly committed teams as we forge a path to a future where we tailor our services ever more closely to the needs and wants of our local communities.
If you are inspired and excited by what Hospice of the Good Shepherd does, we’d love to hear from you.
Job title: Chief Executive Officer
Salary: £84,500 - £89,000 p.a. FTE
Contract: Permanent / Full-time (37.5 hours p/w) or Part-time (30 hours p/w)
Location: Hospice of the Good Shepherd, Gordon Lane, Backford, Chester. CH2 4DG
How to apply:
Please review the Recruitment Pack for further information about Hospice of the Good Shepherd, the CEO position and for details on how to apply.
Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 5th January 2026
Both Hospice of the Good Shepherd 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.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Family Treatment Service (TFTS) is a respected, CQC-registered, not-for-profit mental health clinic based in Wimbledon Village. We provide compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals, couples, and families, with specialist services, and a growing multidisciplinary team.
As we enter an exciting new phase of growth, we are seeking a Managing Director to take over day-to-day leadership from our founding team. This is a rare opportunity to guide a well-established and values-driven service through transition—maintaining our clinical integrity while strengthening operational systems and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the organisation through a structured transition period, working closely with the founders to preserve TFTS’s ethos and high standards of care.
- Oversee all business and operational functions, including HR, finance, governance, and compliance.
- Ensure full CQC and regulatory compliance, with strong governance and risk management.
- Develop and deliver a strategic plan for sustainable growth, innovation, and service development.
- Foster a positive, inclusive culture—supporting staff wellbeing, communication, and professional development.
About You
- Proven senior leadership experience in a CQC-registered healthcare, charity, or not-for-profit setting.
- Strong commercial and operational management skills with financial oversight experience.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills—able to lead with empathy during change.
- Strategic thinker with a track record of implementing operational improvements.
- (Desirable) Experience in mental health or family-centred services and leading organisational transformation.
As part of the recruitment process candidates will be required to deliver a 20-minute online presentation with an opportunity for questions from the panel.
The title is: “How would you approach the first months in this role?”
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Social Development Direct is a mission-driven, international development consultancy with a global reputation for excellence in gender equality and social inclusion. As a social enterprise subsidiary of Plan International UK, we combine commercial agility with a deep commitment to social change.
We are seeking a Managing Director who will lead the next phase of SDDirect’s development, advancing the organisation’s influence and impact.
The Managing Director will report into the CEO of Plan International UK and the SDDirect Board, and will provide inspirational leadership to SDDirect’s talented and motivated executive and staff, ensuring the organisation continues to deliver excellent technical quality alongside sustainable commercial performance.
This role offers a unique opportunity for a dynamic, values-led and engaging leader, with drive, resilience and commercial acumen.A high level of commercial awareness combined with a social justice technical background, and a proven track record of successfully leading and managing a commercial enterprise, consultancy or similar organisation or unit in the international development sector, is highly preferable for this position.
For more information about the company, role and responsibilities, please find the full job description and person specification below.
How to Apply: Please click 'Redirect to recruiter' for details on how to apply for this position.
If you would like a confidential discussion about the role, please get in touch with Sue Griffiths, Managing Director, to arrange this. Contact details can be found in the job description.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Chief Executive Officer – The Abbey Centre
Location: The Abbey Centre, Westminster, London (site-based role, flexible working available)
Salary: £90,000 – £95,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent (Full-time, 37.5 hours/week; regular evening attendance for events as required)
Could you lead a much-loved community hub through its next chapter of stability, growth and civic impact?
About The Abbey Centre
Our charity has served the community of south Westminster since 1948 and has occupied The Abbey Centre building, a converted Victorian public bath house a stone’s throw from Westminster Abbey, since 1991. We are a site-based community hub and social enterprise, combining community services, training and outreach with venue hire, an on-site café and catering to generate income that supports our charitable work.
We work across employability, health and wellbeing, volunteering and practical support for vulnerable residents; the Centre welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds, and sees over 1,000 visits each week. Our strong partnerships with Westminster City Council, statutory bodies and corporate donors underpin commissioned activity and solidify our position as a trusted local delivery partner.
This is an opportunity for a visionary but hands-on leader to preserve the Centre’s warm, inclusive culture and outstanding reputation while further professionalising systems, developing our income, and shaping a multi-year strategy that secures the building and grows impact.
As our next Chief Executive Officer, you will:
• Strategy & Impact: lead a collaborative listening phase and then develop and deliver a 3–5 year strategy and rolling business plan that defines the Centre’s core offer and impact targets.
• Governance & Finance: own the annual budget and medium-term financial modelling, deliver full-cost recovery across activity lines and present timely, accurate management information to trustees.
• Operational Leadership: ensure continuity of community services, venue trading and café operations and strengthen operational systems including safeguarding, H&S and business continuity.
• Income Generation: drive commercial performance of venue hire, events and catering, professionalise fundraising (major donors, legacies, corporate partnerships) and lead bids for multi-year statutory contracts.
• Community & Partnerships: sustain and deepen strategic relationships with Westminster City Council, commissioners, local partners and corporate supporters to secure commissioned work and philanthropic income.
• Estate Stewardship: manage day-to-day stewardship of the Centre’s significant ageing building, overseeing maintenance, lease/compliance obligations and contractor relationships.
• People & Culture: build a cohesive senior team, embed clear role accountabilities, performance management and development, and protect the Centre’s welcoming culture while managing change.
• Brand & Profile: act as a visible ambassador locally and with funders to raise the Centre’s profile and champion its social value.
Who you are:
• A seasoned senior leader with proven experience in a small/medium charity, community organisation or social enterprise that combines front-line delivery with significant premises/estate responsibility.
• Demonstrable track record of leading strategic development and delivering organisational growth while balancing hands-on operational leadership.
• Strong commercial and earned-income expertise, with experience of running successful commercial – ideally site-based - operations.
• Confident in winning and managing statutory contracts and multi-year grant programmes; credible with local authorities, commissioners and corporate partners.
• Financially literate with direct budget and cash-flow accountability and experience of full-cost recovery modelling.
• A collaborative, visible and warm ambassador who builds trust quickly, communicates clearly and can present concise management information to trustees.
Why The Abbey Centre?
• A powerful mission: deliver practical services, companionship and opportunity for south Westminster residents in a civic, high-impact setting.
• A prominent, historic central Westminster location and a cherished community building offering scope for strategic estate planning and growth.
• A warm, loyal staff team and an engaged board navigating a positive leadership transition.
• A social enterprise model where successful trading directly funds frontline services and creates a platform for entrepreneurial leadership.
• The opportunity to shape a multi-year strategy that secures the long-term future of the charity and grows its impact in the community.
For full details of the role including how to apply, please download the full appointment brief. For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny Hills at Harris Hill via the apply button with times to speak and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile which will be treated with the strictest confidence.
Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 12th January 2026
As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.
Chief Executive Officer - FoodCycle
Location: Vauxhall, London (flexible working; regular travel to Projects and for meeting with key stakeholders required)
Salary: circa £75,000
Contract: Permanent, full-time (35–37.5 hours per week)
Are you ready to lead FoodCycle through a period of consolidation and sustainable growth, protecting its volunteer-led, guest-centred model while building reliable income streams and scaling proven pilots?
About FoodCycle
FoodCycle is a national charity running volunteer-powered community dining projects that combine rescued surplus food, spare kitchen space and local volunteers to deliver free, hot, sociable three-course meals. Our work sits at the intersection of food-waste reduction, food-poverty relief and loneliness prevention. Nationally scaled but locally delivered, FoodCycle has grown rapidly, enjoys strong volunteer goodwill and is developing promising trading and schools pilots to strengthen sustainability.
As our next CEO you will:
• Shape strategy & impact - co-create and implement a clear 3–5 year strategy and a focused 12-month operational plan with measurable milestones.
• Stabilise leadership & culture - provide visible, warm and practical leadership across Projects; develop the senior team and protect volunteer trust.
• Secure financial sustainability - own the income strategy, diversify revenue across trusts, individual giving, corporate partnerships and trading, and present credible cashflow plans to the board.
• Build commercial & trading capacity - drive Manor House and other trading pilots towards viable, repeatable income models.
• Safeguard quality & risk - ensure robust safeguarding, food-safety and operational thresholds for opening new Projects.
• Raise profile & partnerships - act as FoodCycle’s principal ambassador to corporates, funders, local authorities and policy audiences.
Who you are
• A senior leader with experience stabilising and growing people-facing, delivery-focused organisations.
• Proven at generating income from multiple streams, with commercial fluency to develop simple trading models and convert corporate engagement into lasting partnerships.
• Financially literate - comfortable owning budgets, forecasting and discussing risk with trustees.
• Excellent at people and change management - able to build and motivate small national teams and large volunteer cohorts.
• Data-driven, curious and pragmatic - tests pilots, embeds what works and sets clear go/no-go criteria for scale.
• Values-driven and visible - passionate about food justice, guest dignity and volunteer leadership.
• Right to work in the UK and satisfactory DBS checks required.
Why FoodCycle?
• Lead a nationally recognised, volunteer-led movement tackling food waste, food poverty and social isolation.
• Play a pivotal role growing promising trading and schools pilots to create sustainable income.
• Work with an engaged Chair and committed board, and a small, passionate national team.
• Be part of a friendly, non-hierarchical culture where leaders are visible in Projects.
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 at via the apply button with times to speak and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile which will be treated with the strictest confidence.
Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 19th January 2026
As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.
Liverpool Arab Arts Festival (LAAF) is the UK’s leading celebration of Arab arts and cultures. We are a small team that delivers huge impact - rooted in Liverpool’s communities yet connected to artists and audiences across the world. Our work is grounded in representation, collaboration, and exchange, bringing Arab creativity and perspectives to the heart of the UK’s cultural landscape.
As Chief Executive Officer, you will lead this unique organisation through a pivotal period of transition and renewal. Working closely with the Board, staff team, freelance workers, artists, communities and partners, you will provide strategic, financial, artistic and cultural leadership - ensuring that LAAF continues to thrive in an increasingly complex political, social, and financial climate. This is a deeply rewarding role that calls for someone who is rigorous, transparent, and community-minded; someone who understands both the practical challenges of running an arts organisation and a live festival, year-round events and engagement projects, and the responsibility of representing communities whose stories matter.
The ideal candidate will be ready to immerse themselves in the relationships and networks that keep LAAF alive, and to lead with creativity, care, and conviction.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
1) Governance & Strategic Leadership
· Ensure full compliance with constitutional, regulatory, and legal obligations, upholding the Nolan Principles and Charity Commission guidance.
· Work in partnership with the Board to advise on, draft, and recommend long‑term strategy; provide evidence‑based insights to support regular review of vision, mission, and values.
· Embed co‑design and beneficiary voice at the heart of strategic planning through inclusive and accessible engagement with communities, partners, and staff.
2) Financial Management & Sustainability
· Maintain accountability for budgets, internal controls, and equitable resource allocation, providing timely and accessible management information.
· Ensure compliance with funder requirements (e.g., Sport England) and manage conflicts of interest transparently.
· Lead income generation across a diverse funding portfolio—including private, statutory, local authority, philanthropic and international/European sources—building values‑aligned partnerships.
3) Core Strategy Delivery & Impact
· Lead delivery of the organisation’s 5‑Year Strategy with measurable equity outcomes, reasonable adjustments, and accessible communications.
· Strengthen community engagement and grassroots participation programmes that foster belonging, inclusive access, and (where relevant) targeted diversionary activity.
· Expand leadership pathways through, for example, the LeaderBoard Academy, promoting lived experience, inclusive recruitment, and leadership development.
· Lead, refine and grow Sporting Equals’ Charter offer as a core mechanism for sector support, knowledge transfer and systemic leadership on race equity.
4) External Affairs & Communications
· Build respectful, reciprocal relationships with stakeholders across the UK, amplifying community evidence and beneficiary voice.
· Represent the organisation confidently in the media and at events, modelling inclusive language, behaviours, and values.
5) Risk, Compliance & People
· Actively manage the Risk Register, identifying and mitigating risks including governance failure, discrimination, and safeguarding, with clear escalation routes and accountability mechanisms, including safe recruitment and ongoing staff/volunteer training.
· Lead, support, and develop the Senior Management Team; set fair objectives, conduct appraisals, and champion wellbeing and professional development.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We’re looking for an organised and person centred leader who can join our leadership team to support the quality, growth and sustainability of Stomping Grounds North East CIO.
The Deputy CEO will support the CEO by planning, overseeing, monitoring, reporting and taking appropriate action to deliver the service, business and financial strategies ofStomping Grounds North East CIO, with a focus on developing people, business and safeguarding and ensuring management capability across the organisation. It is key that the successful candidate can work at least some of the school holidays.
Reports to: CEO
Hours of work :35 hours per week (1 FTE)
Remuneration: TBD
Main responsibilities
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To ensure projects and delivery adheres to the Company’s vision, mission and values.
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To oversee the development and implementation of new projects and sessions to meet the Company’s aims and objectives. Specifically, to ensure that:
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Appropriate risk assessments are undertaken and documented in line with Stomping Grounds Risk Assessment procedure
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Appropriate communications to and involvement of communities, parents and schools are delivered effectively
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High quality Forest School provision is delivered, in line with the Stomping Grounds NE vision
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To proactively manage the financial performance of projects and the business overall, including overseeing the planning and delivery of fundraising and donations
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To oversee, monitor and report on all aspects of business governance including health and safety, safeguarding and employee wellbeing.
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To work with line managers to develop their managerial capabilities and performance, with a focus on team development. As part of this, to ensure that:
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Regular meetings of the team leaders are organised to share information on business performance, plans and issues and to create action plans as appropriate
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Appropriate observations are conducted, documented and shared
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PDRs are completed in line with company policy
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To ensure training is up to date and relevant
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To ensure that company policies are up to date and relevant and are reviewed as required
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To be proactive and maintain requirements for governing bodies, associations and memberships
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To develop and support the implementation of effective evaluation and impact monitoring processes, including annual reporting of the impact of Stomping Grounds work.
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To attend meetings of the Board of Trustees and report progress against the business plan
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To carry out other duties compatible with the role purpose as reasonably required or as directed by the CEO.
Person Specification
Essential
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Proven exceptional leadership skills
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Experience of leading and developing a diverse staff team
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Excellent communication skills
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Excellent organisational skills
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Extensive project management experience
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Excellent understanding of neurodivergence
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Excellent business management skills
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Flexibility to work during school holidays
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Ability to travel to our multi region sites including but not restricted to: Prudhoe, Haltwhistle, Chopwell, Leadgate, Benwell and Gateshead Riverside Park
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Commitment to Stomping Grounds Mission and Values
Desirable
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Experience with Ofsted
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Experience of working in the charity sector
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Experience of working with children and young people, particularly those with neurodivergence and/or who are not currently thriving in mainstream schools
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Experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead
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Experience of leading teams through change and growth
We abide by Safer Recruitment guidelines and therefore we only accept application forms.
https://www.stomping-grounds.org/about-us/mission-and-values
Chief Executive Officer
Salary: £49, 282 - £54,495 per annum
Location: Gorse Hill Studios, Trafford, Manchester (Some remote working will be considered)
Contract Type: Full time, permanent
About Gorse Hill Studios
Gorse Hill Studios is a dynamic and ambitious youth and community arts charity. At the heart of our organisation is a belief that all young people deserve to feel valued, supported and inspired. We work with young people to build confidence, creativity and community connections, ensuring they have the opportunities and encouragement they need to thrive.
We believe that creativity can transform lives, and we are committed to placing young people at the centre of everything we do. Their voices, ideas and experiences help shape our programmes, partnerships and strategic direction.
We are entering an exciting phase of growth and development. Our team currently includes 20 core staff and a wider network of volunteers and creative practitioners, delivering a diverse portfolio of youth arts sessions, community engagement projects, creative wellbeing initiatives and partnership-led activity with local schools and organisations. The CEO will play a pivotal role in leading this portfolio, strengthening our impact, championing youth voice and ensuring young people continue to shape our future direction as we move into the next chapter of our development.
About the Role
As CEO, you will provide strategic, compassionate and visionary leadership, ensuring Gorse Hill Studios delivers its mission to empower and inspire young people. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, you will hold overall responsibility for the organisation’s performance, culture, operations and long-term sustainability. This role calls for someone who demonstrates strong strategic insight with the ability to influence and inspire others, using emotional intelligence and collaborative leadership to build positive internal and external relationships.
A fundamental part of this role is your commitment to embedding young people’s voice in decision making. You will champion their perspectives, ensuring programme development, strategy and organisational culture reflect the needs and aspirations of the young people we serve.
You will also be an ambassador for the charity, building trusted relationships with young people, partners, funders and the wider community. This role requires a leader who is values led, resilient and passionate about supporting young people through the arts and creative engagement.
Roles and Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Governance
- Lead on the development and delivery of the charity’s long-term strategy, with young people meaningfully involved
- Ensure compliance with all statutory, regulatory and governance requirements, including Charity Commission expectations and safeguarding duties
- Provide clear, timely reporting to the Board
- Support the Board to operate effectively
Financial Management and Income Generation
- Oversee budgeting, financial planning and responsible management of all funds
- Lead a diverse income generation strategy
- Identify sustainable opportunities for organisational growth
Operational Management and Programme Delivery
- Oversee day to day operations and ensure systems are effective
- Ensure programmes are high quality, inclusive and reflective of young people’s needs and feedback
- Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead, or ensure robust safeguarding practices across the organisation
People Leadership and Culture
- Inspire, support and lead a dedicated staff and volunteer team
- Champion a positive, inclusive and collaborative working culture
- Oversee recruitment, wellbeing and performance management
External Relations and Advocacy
- Act as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for Gorse Hill Studios
- Build strong relationships with partners, funders and stakeholders
- Advocate for and with young people locally and nationally
- Represent the charity confidently at events and in the media
Skills and Experience
Essential:
- Senior leadership experience in the charity, youth, arts or wider non-profit sector
- Strong financial management skills
- Proven success in fundraising or income generation
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement
- Knowledge of safeguarding practices in youth settings
- Experience leading teams and developing positive organisational cultures
- Strategic leadership experience
Desirable
- Experience in the youth arts or creative community sector
- Understanding of the Trafford community landscape
Values and Commitment
We are committed to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals who share these values and are passionate about empowering young people.
An enhanced DBS check will be required.
Application Details
To apply, please submit your CV and covering letter.
Closing date: 19 January
Interview date: 23 January at Gorse Hill Studios
Interviews will include a stakeholder panel and a formal interview.
REF-225 658