Chief operating officer jobs

We’re looking for a senior leader to join our Senior Management Team and take overall responsibility for the organisation’s operational core.

This is an exceptional opportunity to join a high-impact organisation as a key member of the Senior Management Team, working in close partnership with the Chief Executive to drive organisational excellence, sustainability, and transformation.

As Executive Director, Operations, you will sit at the heart of the organisation leading critical  services and ensuring everything we do is underpinned by strong governance, robust finances, effective systems and an engaged, high-performing workforce. You’ll play a pivotal role in shaping strategy, enabling delivery, and ensuring we remain fit for the future.

This role requires a strategic leader who thrives on complexity, brings clarity to challenge, and is motivated by delivering meaningful impact.

What you’ll do

• Lead core corporate functions including Finance, HR, IT, Governance and Facilities 
• Contribute to organisational strategy and decision-making as a member of the SMT 
• Ensure strong financial oversight, planning and risk management 
• Drive continuous improvement across systems, processes and services 
• Support and develop high-performing teams and a positive organisational culture 

What you’ll need

• Significant senior leadership experience in a complex organisation
• Expertise in one or more corporate service areas, with the ability to lead across a broad portfolio 
• Strong financial understanding and confidence overseeing organisational performance 
• A collaborative and inclusive leadership style, with the ability to influence at senior level 
• Sound judgement, resilience, and the ability to manage complexity and competing priorities 

You’ll join a collaborative and purpose-led leadership team, with the opportunity to shape how the organisation operates and grows. This is a role with real influence, where your leadership will directly enable delivery, improvement and long-term success. Please find out more from the candidate pack. 

Why join us

• Make a difference to the lives of Doctors and medical specialties
• Hybrid working – up to 60% remote
• Modern working environment with home‑working equipment provided
• Generous annual leave, plus the option to buy up to 5 extra days
• Enhanced family‑friendly leave (maternity, paternity and adoption) for those with 2+ years continuous service 
• Excellent pension scheme
• Sabbaticals (5+ years’ service) and secondment opportunities
• Interest‑free season ticket loan and cycle to work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Long service recognition awards

Job Overview

The Cathedral Safeguarding Officer is the designated safeguarding professional for Lincoln Cathedral, responsible for ensuring that safeguarding is embedded across all aspects of Cathedral life.

The postholder will ensure compliance with Church of England safeguarding policy, diocesan frameworks and relevant statutory legislation, while promoting a culture of care, accountability and continuous improvement.

The role involves providing expert safeguarding advice, managing safeguarding concerns and casework, supporting safer recruitment processes, and ensuring that clergy, staff and volunteers understand and fulfil their safeguarding responsibilities.

Working in partnership with the Diocesan Safeguarding Team and statutory agencies, the Cathedral Safeguarding Officer will support the Dean and Chapter in fulfilling their safeguarding responsibilities, while exercising independent professional judgement in relation to safeguarding matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Promote a culture in which safeguarding is understood as everyone’s responsibility.
• Manage safeguarding concerns, allegations and casework.
• Support safer recruitment processes, including DBS requirements and safeguarding risk assessments.
• Develop and review safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Support safeguarding training and awareness across the Cathedral community.
• Maintain accurate, secure and confidential safeguarding records using the MyConcern system.
• Liaise with statutory agencies, including local authorities and police, where required.
• Prepare safeguarding reports for governance bodies including Chapter and SLT.

Skills and Experience

The successful candidate will have:

• Significant experience of safeguarding casework involving children and/or vulnerable adults.
• Strong working knowledge of safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance and best practice.
• Experience of risk assessment and safeguarding risk management.
• Experience of working with or alongside statutory agencies.
• Strong interpersonal, organisational and communication skills.
• Ability to manage sensitive and complex situations with professionalism, discretion and resilience.

Working Pattern and Benefits

• Permanent part-time role.
• 21 hours per week across a minimum of 3 days per week.
• Primarily site based at Lincoln Cathedral.
• Up to 1 day per fortnight home working may be negotiated.
• 33 days annual leave including bank holidays (pro rata).
• Church Workers Pension Scheme.

Safeguarding and Recruitment Information

Lincoln Cathedral is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This role is subject to enhanced safeguarding requirements, including an Enhanced DBS check with barred list check.

Please complete the Cathedral Application Form. CVs will not be accepted as a substitute for the application form.

Closing date for applications: Tuesday 26 May 2026 at 5pm.

Longmire Recruitment is our dedicated recruitment partner for this vacancy.

• Location: Hybrid working – (currently 5 days over 2 weeks in office)
• Reports to:        Chief Executive Officer

About SRUK:

Scleroderma & Raynaud’s UK is the UK’s leading charity for people affected by Scleroderma and Raynaud’s. We provide information and support to patients, campaign for better awareness and services, and fund research into treatments and cures.

We are a small, ambitious and impactful organisation. Working at SRUK means being part of a collaborative team where everyone contributes whilst thinking strategically about our long-term impact. The COO will work closely with internal teams, professionals, researchers, trustees, and people affected by these conditions.

The Role:

Key Responsibilities include:

• Working closely with the CEO, the COO will translate strategic vision into operational delivery, ensuring the organisation has the systems, people, and processes in place to achieve its goals
• Providing operational leadership as part of the Senior Management Team
• Overseeing financial management, budgeting, and reporting
• Leading governance, compliance, and Board support
• Driving people strategy, culture, and organisational development
• Managing IT systems, data, and digital transformation
• Ensuring effective operational processes and risk management
• Providing support to the department heads, chair SMT meetings, and deputise for the CEO when needed

About You:

You will bring significant experience in senior operational leadership, ideally in the charity or not-for-profit sector.  Knowledge of health, particularly rare conditions or patient organisations would be advantageous, but not essential.   

You will have a strong track record of leading and developing senior teams.  Financially astute, you have experience overseeing budgets, management accounts, and presenting to Boards, alongside a solid understanding of governance and regulatory compliance. 

You will bring experience in HR and people management, including policy development and employee relations, as well as oversight of systems, IT, and digital infrastructure. Professional qualification in finance, HR, or relevant management discipline would be advantageous. 

Crucially, you will combine strategic insight with a pragmatic, hands-on approach, and will be comfortable operating across a broad remit within a small, agile organisation, and motivated by the opportunity to help shape and strengthen how it operates.

Why Join Us:

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference for people affected by rare diseases. You’ll work within a passionate, dedicated team and lead initiatives that help sustain and grow SRUK’s vital work.

How to apply:

Longmire Recruitment is our dedicated recruitment partner for this vacancy.

Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Southwark

Chief Operating Officer

£125,000

Full-time, permanent

North Lambeth with travel in the Archdiocese and occasionally beyond with some home working possible.

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Southwark is one of the largest dioceses in the UK, but more than that it is a vibrant and diverse Diocese with ambitious plans for leading people to Christ.  This includes through spreading the Good News of the Gospel, delivering high-quality Catholic education and support for the vulnerable and marginalised.

The Archdiocese has 175 parishes and 162 schools across the whole of London south of the Thames, all of Kent and the eastern parts of Surrey. While parishes operate under individual canonical status, the Archdiocese has extensive operating procedures which govern areas of parish life, activity and operation. This means the Archdiocese supports parishes to flourish, while ensuring they comply with UK law.

Today, Southwark consists of range of diverse communities from inner London and suburban parishes to coastal and rural churches. Southwark’s rich history continues to evolve under the dynamic pastoral leadership of Archbishop John Wilson, who invites all to embrace social justice by putting their faith into action, to and become part of an evangelising and missionary Archdiocese that shares the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Centred on Jesus Christ, the Archdiocese of Southwark will evangelise by helping people to grow in faith and to live in hope. Collectively we can change our world for the better by imitating Christ in showing love, justice, and peace to all. Our mission is to invite people to know the Lord Jesus who offers us life in its fullness.

We are seeking to appoint a Chief Operating Officer who is passionate about this mission and who can provide the leadership that will drive us forward in our work to be a Missionary Diocese.

The Chief Operating Officer provides strategic and operational leadership across the Archdiocese.  You will hold responsibility for ensuring that Archdiocesan operations support the mission of the Church, are financially sustainable, and are compliant with legal and regulatory requirements. This role is pivotal in safeguarding and enhancing the Archdiocese’s Mission and the supporting physical estate for current and future generations.

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham

Location: Walsingham, Norfolk

Salary: £60,000 – £70,000 per annum (plus benefits)

The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham is one of England’s most important Christian pilgrimage destinations, welcoming thousands of pilgrims and visitors each year from the UK and overseas. Alongside its devotional life, the Shrine operates a range of activities including accommodation, catering, retail, education, events and visitor services, all supporting its charitable mission.

Governed by the Walsingham College Trust Association, the Shrine is now strengthening its operational and financial foundations to ensure long‑term sustainability while remaining faithful to its spiritual purpose.

The creation of the Chief Operating Officer (COO) is in response to this context. The COO will act as deputy to the Priest Administrator and provide professional leadership across finance, operations and organisational systems. This is a broad and influential role, combining financial stewardship, commercial oversight and operational leadership, enabling the Priest Administrator to focus on mission, worship and pilgrimage.

This is a rare opportunity to play a pivotal role in the long-term sustainability of a nationally significant spiritual institution.

Essential experience includes:

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
• Senior level experience covering finance and operations
• Knowledge of charity finance, governance and compliance
• Commercial acumen and experience overseeing trading or income generating activities
• Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• A collaborative leadership style aligned with Christian ethos and values
• Preparedness to live within reasonable / practicable travelling distance of Walsingham.

Deputy Chief Operating Officer

Position: Deputy Chief Operating Officer

Location: London or Bath, with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office

Contract type: Full-time, permanent

Salary range: £55-63,000

Reporting to: Chief Operating Officer

Applications: Please apply here by 25 May

About EJF

The Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) exists to protect the natural world and uphold our fundamental human right to a secure environment. We work at the frontlines of environmental injustice, alongside communities most affected by climate breakdown, biodiversity loss, and exploitation - transforming evidence into action, and injustice into lasting change.

EJF is a global non-profit driven by a powerful belief: that environmental protection and human rights are inseparable. Through courageous field investigations, rigorous research, and strategic international advocacy, we expose environmental crime, challenge impunity, and catalyse systemic reform. Our work delivers real-world impact, shaping policy, strengthening governance, protecting vital ecosystems, and defending those who risk their lives to safeguard them.

Our campaigns span four deeply interconnected areas: oceans, climate, forests and wetlands, and the training, protection, and empowerment of environmental defenders and journalists. From illegal fishing and forced labour to deforestation, land grabs, and climate displacement, we confront some of the most complex and urgent crises of our time - always with a focus on accountability, equity, and durable solutions.

EJF is an international organisation with a diverse team working across four continents, united by a shared ambition: to protect people by protecting the planet. We are bold, evidence-led, and impact-driven. We speak truth to power - and we build pathways to a fairer, more resilient future. Join Us.

About the role

This is a rare and exciting opportunity for a highly motivated and experienced individual to play a central role in driving effective, efficient, and impactful global operations at one of the world’s leading environmental and human rights organisations.

As Deputy Chief Operating Officer, you will report directly to the COO and support the smooth, efficient, and ethical running of EJF’s international operations across 16 countries on four continents. You will work at the heart of the organisation, supporting critical priorities such as donor relations, recruitment and retention, financial controls and development, safeguarding, risk and security, cybersecurity, and ensuring the efficient operation of offices around the world.

This is a senior operational role that offers broad responsibilities and meaningful engagement across global teams and strategic priorities. You will be a solutions-focused, highly organised, and values-driven individual who brings experience in HR, finance, and broader operations. This role is ideal for a professional who is committed to EJF’s mission, vision and values, now seeking senior-level responsibility and broad, meaningful engagement across global teams and strategic priorities.

Key responsibilities

1. Finance and Organisational Integrity:

• Work with the finance team to provide time-bound, clear tracking of financial income and expenditure against agreed budgets; insightful financial projections to inform strategic decisions; and recommendations on ethical banking and investment opportunities and changing needs.

• Ensure operational systems work effectively when they interface with finance, including ensuring value for money when undertaking procurements.

• Work closely with the finance team to ensure strong financial controls and systems are in place across the global offices, robust against fraud and error.

2. Human Resources:

• Supporting and enhancing EJF’s HR systems to ensure they are fit for purpose, fair and appropriate across all jurisdictions.

• Coordinating and supporting Managers with effective recruitment processes globally.

• Ensuring managers have the systems and tools they need to induct, manage, and retain staff, including guidance on management, issue escalation, monitoring performance and reviews.

3. IT and Artificial Intelligence:

• Ensuring that the IT, software systems and internal processes that the EJF team depend on are effective, secure and offer value for money.

• Contributing to EJF’s approach to tech and innovation, particularly the effective, ethical use of AI.

4. Fundraising Support and Donor Reporting:

• Support fundraising, including coordinating complex applications and ensuring proposal budgets and other operational information are accurate and consistent.

• Supporting decision-making relating to future fundraising priorities and new income streams.

• Ensuring operational developments are accurately reflected in donor reporting.

5. Safeguarding, Risk and Security:

• Overseeing the implementation of EJF’s safeguarding, cybersecurity and whistleblowing policies and monitoring, ensuring consistency across countries.

• Working with relevant teams, regularly review safety and security protocols in EJF’s global teams, including digital systems and data security.

6. Leadership and Coordination:

• Leading the roll-out and periodic review of improved operational processes and systems across the organisation, ensuring buy-in across teams.

• Providing clear, detailed updates on operational developments to the COO and, where appropriate, to the Senior Management Team and Directors.

• Deputising for the COO when required

• Management of an Operations Officer

Essential skills and experience

• Demonstrable commitment to EJF's vision, mission and values and a determination to change the world for the better.

• Strong administrative and organisational skills.

• Financial literacy and experience working with finance systems, controls and protocols.

• At least five years’ experience in HR, finance, or other relevant operational roles.

• Demonstrated experience managing or supporting recruitment and HR systems.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across cultures and time zones.

• Sound judgement and discretion when handling confidential or sensitive information, including HR and personnel matters.

• A proactive, solutions-focused mindset, with confidence, taking initiative and improving systems.

• Strong ethical commitment to safeguarding and equality.

• An interest in developing a career in NGO operations, preferably with experience in the sector.

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a fast-paced environment.

• Fluency in English.

Desirable skills and experience

• Degree in a relevant discipline; relevant professional qualifications (e.g. CIPD, accountancy, legal) and additional relevant languages are desirable.

• Experience working in a non-profit, international NGO or other mission-driven organisation.

We strongly encourage candidates from underrepresented backgrounds in the environmental and human rights sectors to apply. If you believe you would be a great fit but don’t meet every requirement, we would still love to hear from you.

What we offer

We offer a rewarding package designed to support your well-being, flexibility, and professional growth:

• 22 days’ annual leave (exclusive of bank holidays), increasing with each year of service, plus additional paid leave between Christmas and New Year.

• Private healthcare package.

• Generous pension scheme, with employer contributions increasing over time.

• Flexible working hours and hybrid working (typically 3 days in the office / 2 from home).

• Cycle-to-work scheme.

• A dynamic, supportive, and inclusive working environment, with genuine opportunities for professional development and career progression.

• The chance to contribute to an organisation delivering real-world impact for people and planet.

Application process

To apply, please complete the application form here. This includes:

1. A personal statement outlining your suitability for the role (max 2 pages)

2. Your CV (max 2 pages)

The deadline for applications is 25 May.

Interview processes for different roles will vary, but is likely to include three stages: a short screening call, a panel interview with a task relevant to the role, and a final interview.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Candidates must have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom.

EJF is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity within the workplace.

Thank you for your interest in the post of Chief Operating Officer of Worcester Cathedral. In this important role the new COO will work with the Dean and colleagues of the Cathedral Chapter to support the ministry and mission of the Cathedral and deliver the next phase of our strategic vision.

The COO plays a central role in delivering the Chapter’s strategy and plans, maximising resources and commercial activities and managing the day-to-day operation of the Cathedral, while nurturing its unique character and vision. The role carries a broad and critical remit across a particular and complex organisational infrastructure. The role of the Chief Operating Officer (COO) is one of two statutory chief officer roles under the Cathedral Measure 2021, along with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

We believe that to be successful in the role, the COO will need to demonstrate a significant track record of strategic leadership in a complex and diverse operation. Whether their background is in the public, non-for-profit, or private sector, they will be a proven leader with acute political sensitivity and judgement, and outstanding communication and commercial skills. We are looking for an enterprising and creative thinker, with the intellectual rigour and relationship skills to be credible and influential with all our key stakeholders.

Overall executive leadership at the Cathedral is exercised by the Senior Executive Team (SET). The SET comprises the Dean (as equivalent to CEO), the Residentiary Canons, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The Senior Executive Team meets fortnightly, and the COO is expected to take an active part in those meetings and the wider executive function. The Senior Management Group (SMG) is chaired by the COO and comprises the residentiary canons, the COO and all heads of departments, and meets fortnightly.

This is a challenging role with some complex and demanding tasks at an exciting time of change for Worcester. It offers an outstanding opportunity to bring new thinking to the life of the Cathedral in a context where colleagues will offer both strong support and significant stimulus.

Main duties and responsibilities:

Governance

• To facilitate good governance processes, and to ensure that all policies and procedures are compliant; to work with the Dean to shape the agenda and implement the decision of the Chapter.

Leadership and management of the staff 

• To provide leadership and managements of the staff team.

Finance

• To work with the Chief Financial Officer to ensure there is a strategic plan in place for finance; to work closely with the Finance Committee and finance and fundraising staff to ensure regular and relevant reports are produced, cash flow is monitored, and an annual Chapter budget is drawn up.

Fabric

• To have oversight of the fabric of the Cathedral and precinct, in conjunction with the Surveyor of the Fabric (cathedral architect) and the architect for the close properties; and to prepare budgets and robust management plans for major projects as well as for the routine maintenance of the Cathedral and close properties. 

The successful candidate will have the following knowledge, experience, skills and attributes:

Knowledge and experience

• A practicing Christian (this is an Occupational Requirement of the post) who is sympathetic to and supportive of the Cathedral as part of the Church of England, and willing to participate from time to time in public worship and other cathedral events.
• A person who delights in the history and heritage of the Cathedral, is enthusiastic about its musical tradition, and values its opportunities for engagement with the community through learning, social action, culture, and tourism.
• A person with substantial experience in a senior leadership/management role, as a team-leader and team-member, in a complex private, public, or non-for-profit organisation.
• A person with experience of financial management, capital project management, and target achievement.
• Ideally, but not essentially, a person with experience of managing buildings and property.

Skills, abilities and attributes

• A person of absolute integrity.
• A person able to think strategically about the future of the organisation.
• A person able to build positive relationships with the Dean, members of the Chapter, staff, professional advisers, volunteers, regular worshippers, the Friends, and partner-organisations in the Diocese and City.
• A person committed to ensuring the Cathedral is a safe place for all.
• An excellent team-leader, able to inspire others, build on their strengths, and develop their potential.
• A strong communicator, able to explain and record complex matter clearly and accurately, to be able to write English to a high standard.
• A person able to work flexibly, combining work at management level with being (on occasions) hands-on, working the hours the post requires in practice.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to Worcester Cathedral's website, where you can find the full recruitment pack and details on how to apply.

Applications for this role close at 5pm on Monday 18th May 2026.

What does it take to lead the national voice for special schools at a time of real change?

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – National Association of Special Schools (NASS)

National – home-based, with regular travel across England and Wales, particularly London

£90,000–£110,000 per annum

Full-time, permanent.

About NASS 

The National Association of Special Schools (NASS) is the membership association for special schools in England and Wales. We bring together independent special schools, non-maintained special schools, special academies, maintained special schools and multi-academy trusts with specialist provision.

We exist to inform, support and represent our members, helping specialist schools improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND and secure the place of specialist provision within the wider education system. NASS is known for being accessible, responsive and personal, combining national influence with practical support that members value as timely, human and trustworthy.

This is a pivotal moment for the organisation. In February this year, the Department for Education published a major white paper on SEND reform which will require NASS to both influence national policy on behalf of our members and children and young people, as well as support them to navigate the changes. Our new CEO will need to review our strategy while building on our strong platform and momentum to further deepen our influence and strengthen our internal capacity.

As our next Chief Executive, you will:

• Strategy & Impact: Lead NASS through a period of policy and structural change, ensuring the organisation remains clear on purpose, responsive to members and influential in the SEND landscape.
• Governance & Finance: Work closely with the Board of Trustees to provide strong governance, prudent financial stewardship, robust risk management and clear strategic oversight.
• Operational Leadership: Provide confident leadership to a small, remote team, strengthening collaboration, accountability, resilience and a positive, high-trust culture.
• Income Generation: Oversee budgeting, planning and reporting while developing thoughtful opportunities to diversify income through membership, partnerships, events and related activity.
• Community & Partnerships: Build and sustain trusted relationships with government, parliament, regulators, sector bodies and member schools, ensuring NASS remains relevant and well connected.
• Member Services: Protect and enhance the practical offer to members, from briefings and special interest groups to conferences, webinars, training and peer-to-peer learning.
• Brand & Profile: Act as a credible public ambassador for NASS, helping to modernise communications and broaden the organisation’s voice beyond a founder-shaped model.
• Future Growth: Shape a distributed leadership profile and support a more varied, accessible and engaging approach to membership, advocacy and communications.
• A seasoned senior leader with experience in a charity, membership body, education or public sector setting, and a clear track record of leading through change.
• A strong strategic thinker, able to absorb complex information quickly and translate it into clear, practical direction.
• A confident communicator with the gravitas to represent NASS with members, staff, trustees, MPs, peers, media and national partners.
• A politically astute relationship-builder, comfortable navigating a complex and fast-moving external environment.
• Experienced in governance, with a sound understanding of working with boards or trustees and supporting effective decision-making.
• Numerate and commercially minded, with experience of budgets, financial planning, income generation or partnership development.
• Credible, approachable and resilient, with the emotional intelligence to lead well in a high-profile, remote and sometimes uncertain context.
• Direct SEND experience would be a significant advantage, alongside understanding of specialist education or similarly complex stakeholder environments.

Why NASS?

• This is a chance to lead a respected, member-led organisation with a strong national reputation and a clear public purpose.
• You will help shape the future of specialist education at a time when SEND reform is high on the agenda.
• NASS has a loyal, experienced and collegiate remote staff team, supported by an active Board of Trustees.
• The organisation offers a genuinely influential platform, with strong connections across the sector and with government.

Application

For full details of the role including how to apply, please download the full appointment brief. For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny Hills at Harris Hill via apply button with times to speak and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile which will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 8th June 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.

The Director of Finance will be an integral part of the Senior Management Team, with responsibility for the strategic and day to day management of Cathedral Finances. They will support the ongoing development and implementation of its multi year financial plan to underpin the Cathedral’s Strategic Plan.

The postholder will ensure law and regulatory compliance and that all aspects of financial planning and management are conducted to provide accurate, relevant and timely financial information to both budget holders and Chapter.

The Director of Finance will be pivotal to the delivery of the Cathedral’s vision and strategy. Last year, Chapter (the Cathedral’s equivalent of the board of trustees) approved its Strategic Plan for 2026-2030. The Director of Finance will be an integral part of the Senior Management Team, with responsibility for the strategic and day to day management of Cathedral Finances.

Key issues include:

• Working towards financial sustainability with the Senior Management Team and the Cathedral Finance & Risk Committee.
• Working with the Chief Operating Officer to ensure that the Cathedral’s Strategic Plan is underpinned by a multi -year financial plan.
• Producing and overseeing the detailed annual budget, rolling 3-year financial plan together with re forecast during the financial year.
• Supporting the COO and Heads of Department with project development by advising on financial and commercial plans, supporting the generation of business cases and financial forecasts for projects.
•  Supporting with fundraising applications and regular submission and reporting to Church Commissioners and other funders 

Full details on the main responsibilities can be found in our downloadable Recruitment Pack.

We are seeking an exceptional leader to be our next chief executive, leading a respected and influential membership organisation at the heart of a thriving grassroots movement.

You’ll be working to build on the success we’ve seen and strong position and voice we have established for ourselves and our members, as a leading force for inclusive and sustainable transport and communities.

You’ll bring an impressive track record in values-based leadership, a proven ability to engage and inspire grassroots change-makers, strategic partners and policy-makers, and a deep belief in the importance of community-led change towards a sustainable, equitable future.

About us

Community Rail Network is a national not-for-profit organisation, which is in the process of applying for charitable status, supporting a growing ‘community rail’ movement, which helps communities get the most from their railways, promotes sustainable and inclusive travel, coordinates volunteering and place-making, and brings people together.

Community rail is made up of 77 community-based organisations, and around 1,300 station volunteer groups and other community-led initiatives around Britain. Their activities range from creative projects for young people, to advising train operators on service improvements, to building travel confidence among marginalised groups, to biodiversity projects at stations, to promoting greener tourism by rail.

Our enthusiastic team of 24 works from home in dispersed locations, but we come together regularly in person and online. We work collaboratively to support members, provide training, events and resources, run campaigns, and champion community rail and its insights. We believe in helping everyone reach their potential while having a good work-life balance.

About this role, and your main responsibilities

Our current CEO is moving on after nine years in role, leaving the organisation, team and wider movement in a strong and empowered position to deliver on the next phase of our development.

Your opportunity is to lead the organisation, and to deliver on our new five-year strategy setting an ambitious course for the future during a period of major transformation for our railways and the wider transport system. You will ensure that we are:

• clear in our identity and our independence, and seen as thought leaders in our field;
• are supporting our members and stakeholders to meet their changing and diverse needs; and
• ensuring the financial and operational resilience of the organisation in an environment that is undergoing a period of rapid change.

As CEO, you will lead a passionate and experienced senior leadership team with three direct reports, while working closely with and reporting into our Board, key partners and funders, and ensuing an engaging, empowering, tenacious approach across all we do.

Advocacy of community rail and its benefits will be high on your agenda, and you will be working closely across multiple stakeholders including UK and devolved national governments, regional and local authorities as well as forging collaborative partnerships with like-minded organisations.

Maintaining our community-centric ethos, you will need to ensure we're effective in enabling members to unlock greater value from the railways at a grassroots level, while drawing on their insights to affect wider change. With hundreds of member groups and organisations across Britain delivering life-changing, place-enhancing work, you will have a solid foundation to build on, to take community rail forward and expand our impact in the years ahead.

Last, but not least, you will be responsible for ensuring the strong and effective governance of the organisation, modelling our governing principles, values and behaviours, and ensuring that we have robust financial and resource management in place.

Skills, competencies and qualities

1. Exceptional leadership skills, including a proven ability to lead, develop and grow third sector organisations or multi-faceted teams delivering complex activities, projects and campaigns;
2. Excellent communication and external leadership skills: articulate, assertive, with the ability to work diplomatically and persuasively with stakeholders at all levels;
3. Experienced in acting as the public face of an organisation, such as through the media, public speaking and high-level meetings, and using evidence and storytelling to articulate and champion a cause;
4. Politically astute, with knowledge of and commitment to social inclusion, social justice and sustainability, and a sound grasp of the importance of public transport, sustainable travel, and community-led action;
5. A proven ability to influence policy and decision-makers, and to identify influencing opportunities, ideally in relation to community development, sustainability and/or transport, including sharing community insights;
6. A strong track record in income generation and development, building strong funder relationships and delivery partnerships, managing programme or organisational budgets and controlling expenditure;
7. Experience of working with and/or reporting to a board, ideally in a not-for-profit and/or membership context;
8. An empowering, engaging approach to leadership, management and change-making;
9. Resilient, pragmatic and determined, with the ability to work under pressure, seize emergent opportunities, manage risk, and support others dealing with competing priorities.

Other information

The role will involve extensive travel within Britain as part of building your profile and that of the organisation with central and devolved government in Scotland and Wales, and increasingly with the devolved regions of England.

There is flexibility on location given the requirement to travel and that your office will be home-based. You will need to travel to in-person quarterly team meetings (usually in London or West Yorkshire) and to Board meetings which alternate between online and London. It is expected that travel will be by public transport and easy access to the rail network is therefore required to ensure journeys can be made sustainably. 

This is a full-time position, 37 hours per week. We use a flexi-time system with core hours 10am-3pm, and are committed to being a flexible, supportive and understanding employer. This is a permanent position with a probationary period of six months. 

Benefits: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (rising up to 30 days, plus Bank Holidays, in line with long service); pension with employer contribution of 7%; and access to Employee Assistance Programme.

Successful applicants will need to provide proof that they have the right to work in the UK and provide two references.

Community Rail Network is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from disabled people and Black, Asian and other minoritised groups, who meet with the skills and competencies for this role. We will provide reasonable adjustments for interviews as required.

We are excited to be recruiting a part-time Finance & Operations Officer. 

‍The Foundation for Common Land provides a single voice to co-ordinate knowledge and share learning across Common Land. We work with commoners’ associations and federations, owners of common land and farming bodies as well as environmental NGOs, and government bodies such as the Defra group, including the Rural Payments Agency and Natural England.

‍This role is central to the organisation’s success, a lynch pin for the team, you will work closely with our Operations Director to support our small but mighty team to meet our charitable objectives.  This is a varied role covering multiple operational areas including payroll coordination, organisational operations, financial administration, and project support. Given the versatile nature of the responsibilities and the small team size, candidates will need to demonstrate flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to take ownership while working independently. 

We are looking for an experienced and reliable candidate to join our friendly and flexible team at an exciting time of growth. If this sounds like you, then we’d love to meet you.

‍Contract type: Permanent

‍Contractual hours: 18.75 per week (0.5), flexi-time to be agreed with line manager

‍Location: Hybrid role.  It is expected that you would work from our central Ambleside (Cumbria) office a min of two days a week.

‍Salary: £27,000 - £37,000 FTE, dependent on experience

‍To apply: Please send a CV and covering letter explaining how your skills and experiences meet the specifications in the Job description by 23.59 on Sunday, 17th May 2026. 

‍Interviews: Will be in person at our Ambleside office on Wednesday, 27th May 2026

‍ Find the full job description here

Lead change through music. Shape young lives.

Chief Executive - AudioActive

Location: Sussex (Brighton & Worthing base, with regional travel)
Salary: c. £65,000
Contract: 4-5 days per week (0.8-1.0 FTE), permanent

About AudioActive

AudioActive is an ambitious youth music charity using creativity to transform young people's lives. Working across Sussex, they support young people - particularly those facing disadvantage - to build confidence, find their voice and progress into education, employment and the creative industries.

With strong local roots and growing national recognition, AudioActive combine youth work, music culture and evidence-led practice to create lasting social impact.

The Opportunity

AudioActive are seeking a new Chief Executive to lead the organisation into its next phase of impact and growth.

Reporting to the Board, you will set strategic direction, strengthen financial sustainability and lead a values-driven organisation through a period of transition and opportunity. This is a high-impact role combining strategy, cultural leadership, external influence and hands-on organisational leadership.

What You'll Do

• Set direction - lead and deliver a clear, ambitious strategy
• Lead people and culture - foster an inclusive, high-performing and youth-centred organisation
• Drive sustainability - develop income, partnerships and long-term resilience
• Champion safeguarding and inclusion - ensure young people remain safe, heard and at the heart of decisions
• Be our voice - represent AudioActive with funders, partners and across the sector
• Deliver impact - strengthen evidence, learning and outcomes for young people

About You

You are a values-led, emotionally intelligent leader with the credibility and judgement to lead a mission-driven organisation.

You will bring:

• Senior leadership experience with strategic and operational responsibility
• A track record of leading change, growth or organisational development
• Experience of fundraising, business development or income generation
• Strong financial and governance oversight
• The ability to build partnerships and influence at a senior level
• A deep commitment to young people, inclusion and safeguarding

A connection to music, youth or creative sectors is highly valued.

Why Join

• Lead a respected, high-impact organisation at a pivotal moment
• Shape strategy and growth with real autonomy
• Work at the intersection of youth, culture and social change
• Make a tangible difference to young people's lives

Recruitment Timeline:

To ensure equitable access to information and uphold AudioActive's commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, the charity will be hosting a Q&A webinar in place of individual informal calls with the Chair/Outgoing CEO. We encourage all interested candidates to submit questions in advance, which will be addressed during the session. Please register your interest in attending this webinar on Tuesday 2nd June 6-7pm and we will send you a link.

Application Deadline: 5pm, Monday 15th June 2026

First Interviews: w/c 6th July 2026

Final Interviews: w/c 13th July

How to Apply

Charity People Ltd is acting as a recruitment agency advisor to AudioActive on this appointment. Interested candidates are invited to submit a CV to and request a candidate pack in the first instance. For an informal conversation about the role or if you have further questions prior to applying, please contact Fabrice Yala, Tiku van Houtem or send an email to Senior Appointments at Charity People

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so we can help make the application process work for you.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment

Any offer of employment will be made subject to the receipt of satisfactory references and, where relevant, a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check in line with our Safer Recruitment Policy.

AudioActive operates within robust safeguarding standards and procedures. We are fully committed to creating a safe environment for the children, young people and communities we work with. As such, we carry out comprehensive checks on all potential new staff to deter individuals with harmful intentions and reduce the likelihood of unsafe practice.

All staff who work directly with children, young people, or have access to confidential information will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check. In line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, applicants are required to disclose any unspent criminal convictions. Certain roles, particularly those involving work with children and vulnerable people, are exempt from the Act and may require disclosure of all convictions, including those that are spent. This will be clearly outlined in the recruitment materials for such roles.

YMCA Derbyshire - Chief Executive - £105k pa | Derby (travel across our operating areas is expected)

Founded in 1847, YMCA Derbyshire is a charity that supports children, young people and communities across Derby and Derbyshire through a wide range of integrated services. We provide housing and supported accommodation for around 270 people each night, alongside pathways that help individuals move toward independent living.

Our work spans lifelong learning provision including our vocational college, employability programmes, school based childcare, early years provision, youth and community programmes, health and wellbeing activities, and vital services through our poverty relief programmes.

Together, these services create the essential building blocks for a safe home, improved wellbeing, skills development and real opportunities for children, young people and adults to thrive. We are a strong, stable and well-led organisation with a clear sense of purpose, and an equally clear belief that we can do so much more for the young people and communities we serve. We’re now looking for a Chief Executive who can help us continue to unlock that potential.

This is a role for a leader with real drive. You’ll join an ambitious team that is ready for fresh thinking, new ideas and creativity as we think about how to best to serve our communities and deliver our services to an even greater number. We expect that you will bring senior experience in one of the core areas of our services - housing, education, or the charity sector. You may not have experience in every facet of our delivery, and we don’t expect you to, but you will need an appetite to learn quickly, ask the right questions, and embrace the breadth of this role, as well as a strategic mindset and the confidence to explore different opportunities and shape a future where YMCA Derbyshire can grow and deepen our impact.

YMCA Derbyshire is a Christian-founded charity, and while we are very clear that we welcome, serve and work with people of all religious faiths, and of none, the CE role includes a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) to be held by a practicing Christian, under Part 1 of Schedule 9 to the Equality Act 2010.

This is a significant opportunity to lead an organisation with strong foundations, committed colleagues, an excellent reputation and excellent networks in Derby and Derbyshire. If you’re energised by possibility, motivated by purpose, and ready to help us take bold steps forward, we’d love to hear from you. Join us - and help lead the next chapter of YMCA Derbyshire’s story. 

This is an exciting opportunity to lead one of the most distinctive and high-performing music, culture and arts organisations in England.

Newham Music is seeking an exceptional Chief Executive to lead the organisation through its next phase of development. The CEO will provide overall strategic, operational and cultural leadership, working closely with the Board of Trustees and senior team to ensure that Newham Music continues to deliver excellent work, strong partnerships, sound governance and long-term organisational resilience.

This is a substantial and visible leadership role. The successful candidate will need to lead confidently across strategy, people, finance, governance, safeguarding, partnerships and external representation. They will also need to combine public and cultural leadership with a clear understanding of organisational performance, financial discipline and delivery.

The incoming CEO will inherit an organisation with strong foundations, a respected reputation and significant reach across schools, communities and the wider cultural sector. They will also take on a live strategic brief. Key priorities will include sustaining trust and quality across the organisation, leading Newham Music’s positioning for the next Arts Council England investment cycle, strengthening long-term resilience, and developing a more diversified income base alongside public investment.

A central part of the role will be to lead Newham Music within a multi-income model. The successful candidate will need to show confidence in managing a mixed financial ecology that includes public grant funding, earned income, fundraising, sponsorship and wider partnership investment. They will be expected not only to protect existing income but to grow and diversify it.

This is a role for a leader who can think strategically, act decisively, build strong relationships and lead with credibility across multiple settings. The right candidate will understand how to balance ambition with judgement, public purpose with financial realism, and artistic and educational values with strong organisational performance.

We recognise that relatively few candidates will have direct senior experience of both the Music Hub model and the Arts Council England NPO framework. We do not require it. What we are looking for is the curiosity and capacity to understand both frameworks quickly, the leadership experience to operate confidently within them, and the credibility to represent Newham Music effectively to ACE, DfE, schools, funders and communities.

If you have senior leadership experience in the charity, arts or publicly funded sector, within a mission-led organisation with a mixed income model and strong governance requirements, you have the foundations for this role. We will provide full briefing on both investment frameworks as part of the recruitment process, and transition support is designed to ensure the incoming CEO is fully equipped from day one.