Chief of staff to ceo jobs

The National Youth Agency is looking for a new Chief Operating Officer to join our Executive Leadership Team.

Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-time - 37 hours per week
Salary: £85,000 per annum
Remote: This role is homebased (within the UK) with occasional to meetings, events and conferences.

What we do

As the national body for youth work, the NYA has a dual function. We are the professional statutory and regulatory body (PSRB) responsible for qualifications, quality standards, and safeguarding for youth work and services in England. In line with our charity mission and aims, we also champion youth work through research, advocacy, campaigns, and programmes.

We work in partnership and believe in collaborative leadership, listening to youth workers and the youth work sector so that we can understand their needs and respond to the challenges they face. We are ambitious for youth work and for young people and integrate youth voice and influence across our work

About the Role

Responsibilities will include:

• The COO leads the day-to-day functioning of the organisation to ensure smooth, efficient, and effective delivery of services. This is vital for maintaining operational stability and achieving strategic outcomes.
• They design and execute strategies that align with the organisation’s mission and long-term goals ensuring resources are used effectively and priorities are clear.
• They promote a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement through supporting employee engagement, productivity, and organisational success.
• The COO collaborates closely with the CEO/CFO and other senior leaders to drive strategic initiatives and business growth, ensuring unified leadership and coherent decision-making.
• They partner with the CFO to manage budgets, forecasts, and resource allocation. Financial oversight ensures sustainability and supports informed investment in strategic priorities.
• Strengthen governance and risk management frameworks, aligned to regulatory expectations and best practice while proactively managing reputational and operational risks.
• The COO cultivates strong relationships with partners, clients, and stakeholders to enhance service delivery and reputation. These relationships are key to influence, collaboration, and impact.
• They lead efforts to improve processes and adopt best practices across the charity to enhance efficiency and keeps the organisation competitive and responsive.
• They ensure that daily activities support the charities long-term objectives.
• The COO mentors other directors and departmental heads and fosters leadership capabilities across teams.
• They establish and track KPIs to identify inefficiencies and guide improvements through data-driven decision-making to enhance accountability and results.
• They evaluate and refine workflows to boost productivity developing efficient processes to reduce waste and improve service quality.
• They act as a bridge between departments and the CEO to ensure cohesive execution of strategic plans preventing silos and promoting organisational synergy.
• The COO serves as a senior figure in national and cross-sector forums, conferences, and strategic partnerships to strengthens the organisation’s voice and influence.
• They demonstrate commitment to Equality, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging in both internal culture and external programmes to foster a fair and inclusive organisation.
• They work with the CEO, CFO and Director of Growth to identify and pursue new revenue streams and strategic partnerships. This expands the organisation’s reach and sustainability.
• They engage in public speaking, media interactions, and external representation demonstrating clear communication, credibility, and stakeholder engagement.
• They develop and embed evaluation frameworks to assess progress against strategic goals. The measuring of our impact ensures accountability and informs future planning.
• They promote the organisation’s brand at events and through networking.

The COO takes on other responsibilities as needed to support the organisation’s mission.

About You

Essential competencies of the Chief Operating Officer:

• Extensive experience in senior leadership with a proven track record in operations, financial and risk management, and delivering high-performing teams, ideally in the charity sector.
• Strong understanding of business functions such as HR, Finance, Marketing, etc.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to think strategically and execute effectively.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities. Commercially astute, process-driven, and highly pragmatic in approach.
• Experience in driving performance and fostering a collaborative culture.
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field; MBA preferred

Why Work for NYA?

• NYA operates as a people-first organisation, prioritising the well-being and needs of its employees.
• NYA offers an exceptional flexible working approach which encourages our team to balance professional responsibilities with their personal life.
• A remote based team, spread across England, fostering inclusivity and diverse talent. Despite geographical distances between team members, NYA maintains a highly motivated and connected team through the optimisation of digital tools.
• NYA is committed to supporting the continual personal and professional development of our team and helping them achieve their ambitions.
• We provide 25 days leave plus 8 days, life assurance scheme, 5% employer pension contribution and a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme via Spectrum.life with unlimited specialist support available to all NYA employees.

How to Apply:

To apply, please submit the following via our online application platform by 11:59pm on Monday 29th September 2025:

A detailed CV setting out your career history, with responsibilities and achievements in line with the person specification in the About You section.
A covering letter highlighting your suitability for the role and how you meet the requirements in the About You section.
We will request data for our EEDI monitoring purposes, providing this is optional.

Please note: The covering letter is an essential part of the application process and will be assessed as part of your full application. We use AI detector software, so cover letters or CV’s with over 80% AI generated content will be disregarded. We understand that AI tools can offer support to candidates who have learning differences, which is why we will accept applications with some AI assistance. CV’s will not be accepted without a cover letter.

The National Youth Agency is an equal opportunities employer.

At NYA our inclusive culture means that we embrace individual differences and understand that we need a diverse team to achieve our organisations mission.

We wish to recruit candidates from all backgrounds to ensure our team reflects the rich diversity of the communities we serve. We encourage applications from anyone regardless of disability, ethnicity, heritage, gender, sexuality, religion, socio-economic background and political beliefs but we particularly welcome applications from global majority candidates and those from other minoritised ethnic groups in the UK as they are currently underrepresented in our team.

Youth Work changes lives

Which is why we’re committed to ensuring that as many young people as possible get to benefit from it.As the national body for youth work in England, the National Youth Agency (NYA) exists to champion its transformative power. We believe all young people should have the opportunity to benefit from the life-changing impact of extraordinary youth workers and trained volunteers.

We help to grow youth work provision in ways that keep it effective, relevant, safe and engaging, to help millions of young people reach their potential and thrive. We do this by providing guidance, support, advice, training and staff development opportunities for youth workers and youth work organisations. At the heart of everything we do are young people themselves. We work hard to ensure their voices are integrated into all our work, to develop provision that truly meets their needs.

REF-223747

Be part of something extraordinary at Sense. 

We’re here to break down barriers alongside disabled people with complex needs. As we start to develop and deliver an ambitious three-year plan for Sense’s future, we are looking for a chief strategy and governance officer – a senior leader with a strategic experience, inclusive values, and a commitment to impact. 

About the role 

As our chief strategy and governance officer, you’ll report directly to the chief executive and play a key leadership role as part of Sense’s chief officers’ group. You’ll lead business planning, performance, risk, governance, safeguarding, health and safety, internal audit and project management across the charity—ensuring strategy and delivery are aligned at every level. 

You’ll also serve as company secretary and oversee our legal and regulatory compliance with the Charity commission and Companies house, while championing an inclusive approach to governance that empowers disabled people with complex needs. With a team of senior leaders reporting into you, you’ll shape culture, drive improvement, and model the leadership values that make Sense a truly people-centred organisation. 

This is a hybrid role based from either Birmingham or London, with frequent travel.

What you'll do 

• Lead the delivery of Sense’s strategy through robust business planning and performance frameworks.
• Oversee impact measurement and risk management, enabling evidence-led decision-making.
• Act as company secretary, ensure legal and regulatory compliance and high-quality support for our board of trustees and their committees.
• Provide executive leadership of safeguarding and health and safety, fostering a proactive culture of learning.
• Create an environment for project and programme management across Sense that enables clear oversight of delivery through a values-led Project management office.
• Manage internal audit via external providers, ensuring assurance and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate closely with the CEO and board of trustees, providing insight, coordination, and strategic guidance.
• Drive inclusion, equity and sustainability throughout the organisation’s leadership approach. 

About you 

We’re looking for an experienced, values-driven leader who is: 

• Strategic and analytical, with senior-level experience in governance, performance or organisational leadership.
• Highly organised and insightful, with a strong grasp of business planning, impact reporting and risk.
• Experienced in governance leadership, ideally with charity or regulated services knowledge and company secretary experience.
• Confident working with senior stakeholders, including boards, executives, and regulatory bodies.
• Committed to inclusion and the social model of disability, with a track record of embedding equity and diverse perspectives in strategy and operations.
• Digitally confident, with strong understanding of data protection, information governance, and the role of technology in transformation. 

About Sense 

We believe that every disabled person should have the opportunity to connect with others and be included in the world. We use our knowledge and expertise to deliver personalised, creative and flexible support at every stage of life. Sense is proud to be a disability confident leader. 

Working at Sense can be incredibly rewarding; we offer the opportunity to work in a large, diverse and successful charity where people can develop their skills, knowledge and careers in a supportive and flexible environment. In addition, we have excellent training and development, the opportunity for you to join our Group Personal Pension scheme and a generous annual leave entitlement. 

To apply 

Please use the link below to complete your application. We would recommend that you read the job description and person specification before applying. 

Please note to avoid disappointment, we advise you to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close recruitment at any time. 

Sense is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of disabled children and adults and expects all employees to share this commitment. Therefore, all offers of employment, where appropriate, are subject to a DBS check; level dependent on the nature of the role. 

For this role we particularly welcome applications from candidates from underrepresented ethnic minority backgrounds and disabled people.

Sense is committed to equality of opportunity, and to promoting and celebrating the diversity of staff, volunteers and the people we work with. Everyone's contribution is valued and we ensure they're given the opportunity to realise their potential. We welcome applications from talented people from all sections of the community who share our values 

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced fundraiser to help us increase our income from mid-level and major donors, trusts and foundations, and legacies.

This is an exciting time to join our charity, Cambridge is changing rapidly, and we are working hard to tackle issues such as the loss of nature, climate change and access to green space. We have inspiring new projects to expand habitats and green spaces on the Gog Magog Hills, to create a new wetland at our Coton Reserve, to plant trees and woodlands and to save one of Cambridge’s oldest buildings. Right now, the work of our charity is needed more than ever before, and we need the financial resources to be able to step up and make even more of a difference.

Committed to our causes, you will use your donor cultivation skills to strengthen existing relationships and use your research and networking skills to identify and cultivate new opportunities. Your excellent written and development skills will enable you to work with colleagues to turn their visions into compelling proposals for funders and our wider support base. Your knowledge of fundraising best practice will ensure that we deliver an excellent donor experience.
You will be an effective worker with an eye for detail who can use your experience to fulfil the administrative and reporting requirements of the funds you are helping to raise.
You will work alongside our Membership & Communications Manager and have some support from our Administrative Assistant. You will also be supported in your work by the CEO, trustees, volunteers, and external contractors.
You will be part of a friendly and committed management team where you can make a difference, and your work will have an impact.
Our office is in an 18th century building overlooking the beautiful Wandlebury estate. Wandlebury is located on top of the Gog Magog Hills just south of Cambridge.

The Centre for Progressive Change is looking for a full-time Operations Director that will be part of the newly formed Executive Team. This role will be responsible for running the operations of the organisation with a focus on our people, systems and processes. They will work closely with the Executive Team, ensuring the organisation runs smoothly and efficiently so that we can have impact.

The Centre for Progressive Change (CPC) is an organisation that builds campaigns for national policy change in the UK. Our focus is on making progressive gains that improve the lives of low- and middle-income communities. We want the UK to be a place where everyone has the financial resources they need, where people are treated as equals and are free to be who they are without persecution, and where we look after our environment.

To achieve this vision, our mission is to build proactive campaigns for progressive legislative change, do research on what works when campaigning for national policy change and offer training and consultancy to support other organisations to build effective campaigns. Our campaigns use an inter-disciplinary approach including community organising, mobilising, advocacy, business engagement, campaign research and press work.

Key responsibilities:

• Support the securing of income opportunities by providing financial information for bids, grants, and applications.

• Work with project leads and the senior team to ensure the effective management of funds, including tracking and reporting expenditures. 

• Develop and deliver financial performance information to assist the senior team and trustees in running the charity, providing valuable financial insights to help make better decisions about formulating and executing the charity's strategy.

• Assist the CEO and Senior Leads in the business planning and budgeting/forecasting processes.

• Support the Director of Services, to manage and review contract rates to ensure competitiveness and maximize income generation.

• Manage the year-end independent examination by liaising and engaging with the external auditor. 

• Monitor and evaluate Hooyo Eas Food Enterprise & Chicksand Preschool  Business Model.

• Work with the Senior Team and Finance Sub Committee to provide adequate procedures, measures, and systems of internal control appropriate for the nature and size of the charity and meeting statutory obligations.

• Produce accurate monthly/quarterly Management Accounts for the CEO and Senior Management Team, including commentary on significant areas and variances from budgets and Update monthly the cash flow forecast. 

• Manage the complete payroll process through QuickBooks and submit relevant deductions. 

• Complete monthly payments to HMRC, and year-end submissions in a timely, proactive and accurate manner and deadlines are met. 

• Manage accounts receivable and payable, ensuring authorised bills and invoices are recorded and processed on time.

• Enhance income streams, such as registering for Gift Aid and VAT etc. 

• Ensure adherence to legal and regulatory requirements, identify and manage financial risks. 

• Undertaking administrative tasks as required, being hands-on and fostering a collaborative working environment. 

• Proactively monitor and evaluate activities within services business through the development and delivery of effective cross-service monitoring and evaluation, responding to issues and identifying and following-up on opportunities.

• Deputise for Director of Service and the CEO when necessary including attending meetings and preparing and presenting reports. 

• Proactively monitor and evaluate activities within services business through the development and delivery of effective cross-service monitoring and evaluation, responding to issues and identifying and following-up on opportunities. 

• Support/seek new business opportunities, develop, and draft funding bids, and produce and lead on tender responses, and produce progress reports For the fundraising team. 

• Develop business case funding/tender reports for funders, commissioners and the Board of Trustees. 

• Support the CEO strategic leadership role as an active member of the Senior Management Team, including being proactive in providing solutions to strategic issues with and for colleagues.

• Participate actively in strategic planning process in the following ways: 

- Leading /inputting on the planning and development of projects (both existing and new); and 

- Proactively alerting staff and trustees to potential opportunities and threats to the charity. 

• Lead on the delivery of a sustainability plan, evidenced by Monitoring and evaluations outcomes. 

• Oversee designated project budgets for services and produce reports related to these.

We are seeking a motivated, organised, and people-focused Operations and Facilities Manager. This role is central to ensuring our services and spaces operate smoothly and in line with our values.

The Operations and Facilities Manager will lead on health and safety, HR processes, service contracts and compliance. They will manage key staff, ensure strong safeguarding practices, and maintain the effective running of our facilities, systems, and procedures. The postholder will also work closely with the Chief Officer to translate our strategic priorities into well-managed action on the ground.

This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys bringing structure and leadership to a small, passionate team in a community setting.

Director of Engagement & Fundraising

Location: London (Hybrid)
Salary: £140,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent

Every child deserves to be safe, loved, and free from abuse. At the NSPCC, that belief drives everything we do.

We are the UK’s oldest and largest children’s charity, and today our mission has never been more urgent. From tackling the challenges of online safety to delivering vital frontline services, we are responding every day to the changing world children are growing up in. children.

This is a pivotal moment for the NSPCC. We are establishing an Engagement & Fundraising Directorate to modernise how we connect with supporters and unlock new opportunities for growth and that is why we are on the hunt to find a bold, visionary, and collaborative leader to join us as our Director of Engagement & Fundraising.

What You’ll Do:

As our new Director, you will lead the charge in transforming our income generation strategy and driving sustainable growth. You’ll inspire and empower teams to achieve their best, champion supporter-first thinking and strengthen our brand and digital presence to reach more people than ever before. Sitting at the heart of our Executive Board, you’ll shape strategy, spark innovation and deliver real impact for children on a national scale.

This is an opportunity to shape the future of the NSPCC and ensure we can protect children for generations to come.

Who You Are:

You will bring a proven record of driving income growth at scale, with deep expertise in fundraising and supporter engagement, including digital. You’ll be an experienced leader of large, diverse teams, skilled at guiding transformation with clarity and resilience. Strategic yet hands-on, you combine vision with execution and you are an outstanding communicator who can inspire trust and build strong relationships at every level.

Above all, you’ll be driven by the belief that together, we can end child abuse. 

Ready to Learn More?

Click below to view our full Candidate Pack for everything you need to know including how to apply.

Closing date: Wednesday 8th October, 9am.

We are looking for an experienced finance professional wanting a new challenge that offers flexibility and purpose. CHASE Africa is a growing international NGO seeking a dedicated and qualified Part-Time Finance Manager to join our small, friendly team in Somerset.

This is a unique opportunity for someone with extensive financial expertise, who is seeking a part-time position where they can apply their skills to a meaningful mission.

About CHASE Africa

We are a UK-based international NGO with ambitious plans for growth. We work through local partners in East Africa to improve health and wellbeing in marginalised communities, focusing on reproductive health, and a one-health approach that also incorporates environmental protection.

We are a small but dedicated team, committed to a collaborative approach to partnership. We're currently going through an exciting period of transition and growth, with a new CEO in 2022, a new charitable structure in 2023, and registering of a new entity in Kenya in 2025. Our income is forecast to exceed £1 million in 2025. Your role will be vital in helping us achieve our future goals.

The Role

Reporting directly to the CEO, you will oversee all financial aspects of our UK and international operations. This is a critical role that ensures our financial stewardship is sound and our systems are effective.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting.

• Ensuring timely and accurate bookkeeping and preparing monthly management accounts.

• Preparing statutory accounts and managing the annual audit process.

• Managing donor grants, including producing budgets for applications and preparing financial reports.

• Ensuring compliance with UK charity financial regulations (Charity SORP).

• Providing financial capacity-building support to our in-country partners.

About You

You are a qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA) with at least five years of experience in financial management, including some in the charity or NGO sector. You have a strong working knowledge of UK charity financial regulations and are proficient with accounting software, especially SAGE, and Microsoft Excel.

You are a proactive self-starter with excellent analytical and communication skills, able to work both independently and as part of a small, dynamic team. Most importantly, you are committed to CHASE Africa’s mission to improve health and wellbeing in East Africa.

What We Offer

• An opportunity to shape a growing organisation during a critical period of transition.

• A flexible, hybrid working arrangement with the potential for occasional travel to our programme countries.

• The chance to contribute your skills to a mission-driven organisation that is making a real difference.

• Pro-rata benefits including 28 days of paid holiday (plus bank holidays), a contributory pension scheme, and enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption benefits after one year of service.

As administrator and Clerk, you will be responsible for providing secretarial, clerical and administrative support to the Gospel Oak Youth Action Link Youth Club (GOALYC) board, including diary management and responding to letters and emails. The post holder will also provide support on matters of governance, finance, and policies, recruitment of trustees, and liaising with QCCA staff. The post holder will be working closely with youth services managers and the wider team, providing support to develop reports for the board.  The post holder will be asked to visit several facilities and off-site events to make observations and ensure services delivered by the team are up to a high standard. The post holder will work with the Chair of the board and the QCCA CEO on planning, reviewing, organising, researching, implementing procedures and preparing reports. The post holder will have access to confidential information, requiring absolute discretion at all times. 

 We’re looking for a dynamic Head of Social Enterprise to help shape the future of University of Wolverhampton Students’ Union.

This is a unique opportunity to drive both strategic development and hands-on leadership across our commercial and marketing functions, as we expand our commercial offer over the next 18 months and beyond.

As Head of Social Enterprise, you will:

Provide proactive support to the Chief Executive Officer on strategy and operations. Offering clear advice to the CEO and Board of Trustees.

Lead and manage the Marketing, and Commercial teams, ensuring their work aligns with our strategic goals and values.

Play a pivotal role in the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to organisational strategy and innovation.

Developing and establishing a marketing strategy, as well as establishing a brand for the organisation that our stakeholders can relate too.

Take responsibility for the growth and development of our commercial operations, from bars and cafés to new ventures.

This role is central to driving commercial sustainability while enhancing the student experience. You’ll balance commercial performance with social purpose, ensuring our services are not only profitable but also meaningful to our members.

Key Responsibilities:

· Lead strategic and operational planning, deputising for the CEO when required.

· Develop and deliver a marketing strategy that strengthens our brand and deepens student engagement.

· Grow our commercial portfolio through research, innovation, and evidence-based decision making.

· Build and maintain strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, from students and staff to suppliers and the wider University community.

· Champion a positive, inclusive culture, embedding our values across teams.

About You

We’re seeking an experienced, forward-thinking leader who brings:

· Proven experience in strategic and operational leadership within a commercial, social enterprise, or third-sector environment.

· A track record of developing and delivering successful marketing and commercial strategies.

· Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.

· A collaborative and innovative mindset, able to balance business growth with social impact.

Why Join Us?

This is more than just a temporary role; it’s an opportunity to shape the long-term future of our Students’ Union. Over the next 18 months, we will be developing and expanding our commercial offer, and this role is key to that journey. For the right candidate, there is a strong possibility of the position becoming permanent.

We’re committed to equality of opportunity for all. We welcome applications from individuals regardless of their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, age, gender, or disability status.

We want to support diverse and inclusive work environments and are actively looking for people who share our values. We particularly welcome BAME applicants.

If you are motivated by making a difference, driven by innovation, and excited by the challenge of leading a growing social enterprise, we’d love to hear from you.

To apply please follow this link:

Vacancy

About us:

Are you passionate about financial capability? Join us to develop knowledge, resources and tools that are accessible to all!

At The London Foundation for Banking & Finance (LFBF), our story began in 1879 when a group of visionary bank workers set out to elevate professional standards and leadership in the industry. Over the past 145 years, we became a recognised leader in financial services education, offering industry-leading qualifications and setting the gold standard for professional competency.

In 2023 we entered an exciting new chapter as an independent charity, revitalising and refocusing our mission to improve financial capability and empower professionals in the sector. We are now seeking a passionate leader to join our Chief Executive and senior management team on an interim basis to cover a period of family leave.

Our charitable objective is the advancement of knowledge and education in financial services, and to carry out research and publish useful results for the benefit of the public. In doing so, we seek to improve levels of financial literacy and skills, as well as support those working within or considering a career in the financial services industry.

Our objective is just as relevant, perhaps even more so, today as it has been in our long history. If you're inspired to make a real impact and contribute to the advancement of financial knowledge for the benefit of society, we want to hear from you.

About the role:

In this senior research professional role, you will be instrumental in executing strategic objectives, specifically through the delivery of a comprehensive research strategy that aligns with our charitable objects and goals. You will work closely with the Director of Communications to support content creation initiatives with research and evidence.

This is an exciting opportunity for a senior research professional who is looking to apply their expertise in a strategic leadership role while enjoying both the flexibility of hybrid working and flexible part-time hours.

Key Responsibilities:

• Delivering the research strategy ensuring alignment with our charitable goals.
• Developing, conducting and managing research projects, content creation and storytelling.
• Implement and report on LFBF’s newly developed impact measurement framework.
• Communicate research findings by presenting at conferences, workshops and seminar.
• Communicate with stakeholders and maintain partnerships

You will have:

• Worked in a senior Research role, preferably at Director level.
• Proven experience in developing, delivering or overseeing research projects, including sourcing funding and sponsorship
• Deep understanding of both qualitative and quantitative research methods, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation
• Ideally in-depth knowledge of the charity’s focus area, financial capability, to guide relevant and impactful research although we are open to different research specialisms with applicability/ relevance to financial capability.
• Experience in content creation, storytelling, and managing multi-channel content delivery, such as podcasts.
• Project management skills to oversee research plans, and expertise in identifying and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

What we offer:

• An opportunity to make a significant impact on the success of the strategy of the charity.
• A collaborative, adaptable and supportive work environment where integrity and innovation are valued.
• Competitive compensation based on your experience and the charity sector
• Hybrid working – work from home and work from our London office based in the City: we’d like you to be in the office on two fixed days a month (Thursday) but otherwise we’re flexible.
• Flexible working days and times: We’re happy to be flexible as we trust you to get things done
• We recognise that physical, mental and financial wellbeing is important:
  • so enjoy our generous annual leave (31 days plus bank holidays for full time hours, pro rata for part time hours) – which increases further after two and five years’ service. You can also buy and sell annual leave.
  • join our Private Medical insurance scheme.
  • provision of generous life insurance cover, to provide financial security to your loved ones should the worst happen.

Join Mersey Rivers Trust and Help Make a Real Impact for Rivers, Wildlife and Communities! 

Are you a skilled finance and governance professional looking to use your expertise for good? Mersey Rivers Trust is seeking a Finance and Governance Manager to join our Senior Leadership Team and help shape the future of our environmental charity. 

We’re a passionate team working to protect and restore rivers across Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire — and we need someone like you to ensure our finances and governance are as strong as our mission. 

The Mersey Rivers Trust (MRT) is an environmental charity focussing on the protection and enhancement of rivers and waterbodies in the Mersey Catchment. It operates in an area covering Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire. We have an annual turnover of c£1m and employ 19 staff delivering up to 30 projects per year. The Trust works with partners, local communities, and volunteers to deliver a wide range of projects including river restoration, reduction of flood risk by Natural Flood Management techniques, river monitoring, volunteer events (eg river clean-ups/invasive species control and citizen science), community engagement and education events, farm advice/plans and biodiversity net gain. The Trust continues to evolve to meet the increasing challenges of protecting and enhancing rivers and waterbodies in the catchment.

We are seeking a Finance and Governance Manager to join our Senior Leadership Team and lead the Trust’s finance, governance, and back-office functions. This is a pivotal role focused on ensuring financial integrity, regulatory compliance, and effective charity governance. While not involved in field-based project delivery, the Finance Manager plays a strategic role in supporting the organisation’s mission by enabling robust financial planning, reporting, and operational support. You will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Board of Trustees, and project teams to ensure the Trust remains financially resilient and well-governed.

As the Finance and Governance Manager, you should possess expertise in financial control and reporting, allowing you to effectively handle delegated responsibilities. Your numerical skills and critical thinking abilities will enable you to proactively address challenges and streamline processes. 

The role holder will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer and will be a member of the Senior Leadership Team. The role will also include direct line management responsibilities of the Administration Officer. 

If you are a motivated financial professional with a passion for driving organisational success, we invite you to apply and contribute to our team’s growth. 

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the management of the back-office function and Charity governance of MRT.
• Act as the Company Secretary to ensure compliance with financial and legal requirements, as well as maintaining high standards of Charity governance.
• Work with the Chief Executive Officer to prepare and manage budgets, provide input to the Trust’s business plan and strategic initiatives.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the Trust as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.
• Provide financial insight and analysis to support strategic decision-making and long-term planning.
• Support the development and implementation of organisational policies and procedures to ensure good governance.
• Act as a key liaison with the Board of Trustees, preparing and presenting financial and governance reports to inform oversight and decision-making.
• Lead on the development of internal controls and risk management strategies to safeguard the Trust’s assets and reputation.
• Oversee all payments, manage cash flow, income and claims.
• Support financial planning for grant funding applications to support delivery of our objectives.
• Line management of the Administration Officer.
• Renew the annual insurance policy ensuring adequate cover and value for money.
• Maintain, oversee, and update all project management reporting systems on time and to budget (including timesheets, expenses and monthly reports).
• Complete all necessary reports and keep suitable records in line with the funding requirements and document retention policy.
• Highlight any new risks and issues identified whilst carrying out duties, and work with the team to manage and resolve them.
• Fulfil duties as assigned by the Chief Executive Officer.
• Any other reasonable duties as required by MRT.

The post holder will be home based with travel throughout the Mersey catchment. The applicant will need to live within or close to the Mersey catchment to facilitate regular travel to meetings. Remote working from other parts of the country cannot be considered for this role due to the need for regular face-to-face interactions. 

Candidate profile

Essential

• A financial control and reporting background, qualification or qualified by experience. 
• Experience of organisational governance, ideally with knowledge of UK General Accounting Practice and Charities regulations.
• Experience of financial and management reporting within a small to medium-sized organisation.
• Experience of liaising with accountants to prepare annual accounts and reports required by the Charity Commission.
• Experience of cash flow forecasting.
• Familiarity with Xero financial and project management software (or similar).
• A confident and clear communicator with the ability to communicate financial information in an appropriate manner for non-financial trustees and staff.
• Aptitude in problem-solving.
• Self-motivated and able to work effectively from home with strong communication skills and with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to work flexibly across the working week when necessary.
• Ability to prioritise and plan activities to meet strict deadlines.
• Excellent literacy, numeracy and report-writing skills.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
• Good computer literacy skills (e.g. with Excel, Word, PowerPoint and project reporting systems).
• A reliable team player with good attendance and work performance.
• Ability to set performance objectives and ensure these are achieved.
• Excellent organisational / admin skills and attention to detail.

Desirable

• Experience in financial planning for funding applications.
• Experience of working in the charity or not for profit sector.
• Understanding of small-scale charitable trading.
• Experience of commercial contract management.
• Experience of managing an IT service provider.
• Knowledge of the Mersey Catchment.
• Good network of contacts in the sector. 

General notes

• Some travel around the Mersey Catchment will be necessary therefore a current driving licence and access to a vehicle (insured for business use) is desirable or otherwise access to public transport networks. 
• This position will from time to time require work during some evenings, weekends and public holidays to meet the needs of the post. A time-off in lieu system is operated by the Trust.
• We will also require the successfully applicant to undergo a basic DBS check and provide satisfactory references from previous employers.

All Ways Network (AWN) is a thriving UK-based charity that supports small, Muslim-led not-for-profits, specifically those with an annual income of £1 million or less, working across diverse communities in the UK. With a bold vision for equity and representation, AWN champions the infrastructure, voice, and sustainability of grassroots Muslim initiatives, aiming to reshape the landscape of civil society through inclusive collaboration and community-led solutions. 

As an entrepreneurial and visionary CEO, you'll guide AWN to achieve its charitable goals and steward its growth as it scales. Working closely with our Board of Trustees, you will develop and deliver the charity’s strategic plans, manage operations, and build strong relationships with stakeholders. You'll play a pivotal part in leading the organisation and overseeing its day-to-day functions, while fostering a supportive and productive environment for staff. 
 
This is an exciting time to join us, as AWN will commence a 4-day work week (32hrs) pilot for 6-9 months on commencement of the role. With our highly supportive Board, this opportunity is suitable for both established leaders and those ready to step up.  
 
We’re actively seeking to deepen connections alongside our current engagement with South Asian communities, to actively reach African, Middle Eastern, South East Asian, and other Muslim communities contributing to the rich tapestry of the UK charity landscape. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, provided the candidate brings a strong understanding of and empathy for Muslim communities. 

Key Responsibilities 

Leadership & Operations 

• Oversee daily operations, ensuring smooth running of all charity functions. 

• Manage and lead a growing team, providing support and guidance. 

• Lead recruitment, staff development, and HR management in collaboration with the Board. 

• Ensure compliance with internal policies and manage organisational risks. 

• Develop and monitor operational systems to track progress and outcomes of key initiatives. 

• Foster a positive and growth-oriented work environment, helping staff realise their potential. 

Board Collaboration & Strategic Planning 

• Work closely with the Board to implement AWN’s strategic and operational plans. 

• Assist with budget management, resource allocation, fundraising, and grant management. 

• Take charge of the Annual Report and related documentation, ensuring compliance with Charity Commission requirements. 

• Support the Board in maintaining effective governance, including updating key policy documents (e.g. risk register). 

External Representation & Stakeholder Engagement 

• Represent AWN at stakeholder and partnership meetings, building and maintaining key relationships aligned with strategic goals. 

• Support the team in managing partnerships and providing strategic advice on project delivery. 

• Attend relevant events outside office hours and on weekends when necessary. 

AWN is looking for: 

Essential 

• Strong organisational and independent time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities. 

• Proven experience in operations management, with a track record of improving processes and productivity. 

• The ability to work with and report to the Board of Trustees, including governance and strategic planning, alongside familiarity with charity legislation, guidelines, and best practices. 

• Experience with grant-making, funding, and resource allocation. 

• Experience in building relationships with internal and external stakeholders. 

• Confidence in public speaking and representing AWN at external events. 

• Ability to support staff development and align team goals with AWN’s strategic vision. 

• Strategic thinking, with clear communication of AWN’s vision. 

• Knowledge of the Muslim community and their needs in the UK. 

• Knowledge of GDPR, data protection, and the regulatory landscape for charities. 

• Understanding of the not-for-profit sector, particularly Muslim-led charities. 

Desirable 

• Experience in managing remote teams effectively. 

How to Apply 

We are partnering with Doing Good Recruitment on this appointment. If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process, please do let them know; we’re committed to making this process inclusive and accessible. 

AWN is committed to the highest standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality, or other protected characteristics, as well as socio-economic background. We understand that applicants may not always meet every criterion listed in the job description; if you meet most, we encourage you to apply. 

To help us monitor how we’re doing and identify any barriers in our recruitment process, we invite all applicants to complete the Equal Opportunities Monitoring form found on Doing Good Recruitment’s application page

Cynthia Spencer Hospice – Head of Commercial

Salary: £50-55K per annum.

Contract: Permanent, full-time hours.

Location: Northampton, NN3, with one-two days working from home.

Cynthia Spencer Hospice, based in Northampton, is seeking a Head of Commercial to lead and implement a commercial strategy to maximise profitable income streams in support of the Hospice’s work.

In conjunction with the NHS, the Hospice provides care for people with life limiting illnesses both at its hospice and in the community. This care is funded by the NHS with the charity raising extra funds to provide a range of supporting programmes.

This is an exciting opportunity for a senior retail professional to bring an entrepreneurial vision and shape this area of income for the charity. You will be responsible for managing their current commercial businesses and seeking out new, exciting commercial opportunities to support annual profit growth. You will also inspire and manage a diverse team of staff and volunteers and ensuring delivery of project milestones and financial targets.

The successful candidate will have retail sector management and development at a senior level, alongside experience of e-commerce, multi-site management and strategic planning and development. You will have a proven track record in people management across paid and volunteer resource and the charity would like to see evidence of driving profit improvement by at least 20% within a three year period. Alongside your strong commercial and financial acumen, you will have plenty of ideas about new business opportunities and/or experience of development and trialling of new business and alternative trading models. Finally, you will be results focused, entrepreneurial and innovative, whilst having a commitment to the aim and ethos of the Hospice.

The role would suit a successful area manager who is ready to take the next step.

Please download our Candidate Pack for further information [PDF], which includes details on how to apply.

Closing date: Monday 6th October, 9.00 am.