Chief operating officer jobs in Bromley, greater london

Our mission is to foster community-led green space management through collaboration, advocacy, and education.  We believe that green open spaces can be better sustained by empowering communities and our existing network numbers 150 plus members throughout Birmingham. As our Operations Director, you will direct and control the ongoing operations of Birmingham Open Spaces Forum (BOSF), to achieve the strategic and business performance objectives required by the Trustees. 

Prospectus is pleased to be collaborating with a UK charity founded by families who lost loved ones to gambling-related suicide to recruit for a new CEO to join them on a 12-month fixed term contract to start in March 2026. The charity operates as a fully remote working organisation however there will be some UK travel required as part of the role.

The Chief Operating Officer is the most senior staff role within the organisation, responsible for the day to day running of the charity and, in close coordination with the co-founders, delivering the organisation’s strategy. During this fixed term contract, the interim COO will be responsible for overseeing major change and growth as they move into a new funding system through the statutory gambling levy. In addition, the interim COO will ensure the ongoing delivery and quality of the charity’s services and activities, and will lead and support their expert and agile staff team.

The successful candidate will have significant experience in a senior leadership role within a small charity setting. You will have demonstrable experience leading, developing and nurturing teams including remote workers. Having worked successfully at a strategic level, you will be adept at delivering strategic and operational plans, with the ability to stay on top of all aspects of the organisation. In addition to the inward facing parts of the role you will also demonstrate the drive and experience to work externally, with a range of stakeholders and contractors. You will demonstrate passion for the mission, operating with a strong political awareness and sensitivity around the subject area.

To apply please submit your CV and a two page supporting statement, preferably in Microsoft Word/PDF format. The statement should outline your motivation for joining the charity and why you feel you would be a good fit for this role. You should also demonstrate your experience and skillset with examples relating to the Person Specification section in the Job Pack. If you have any further questions or would like to know more about this opportunity please contact Steven Fraser from Prospectus.

As a specialist Recruitment Practice Prospectus are committed to building inclusive and diverse organisations, and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Prospectus invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you in your application.

Goodman Masson are partnered with an award-winning, pioneering organisation dedicated to preventing human suffering caused by armed conflict, as they seek a Finance & Operations Director to join their Directors' Group.

They work globally with civil society, protecting human rights and promoting humanitarian action. Their brand is built on strategic engagement, reputation, and impact.

You Will Be:

• The financial compass, driving fiscal excellence, rigorous control, and compliance across international operations.
• A strategic partner shaping long-term organisational strategy, providing expert financial advice, and managing organisational risk.
• Hands-on in day-to-day functions, ensuring best-practice financial systems, leading statutory reporting, and managing fund investment compliance.
• A mentor cultivating a high-performing, supportive Finance Team.

You Will Have:

• 10+ years of senior leadership experience in financial planning, budgeting, and reporting
• Leadership experience within an international charity setting.
• Deep technical expertise in Charity SORP, regulatory compliance, and managing complex international finance/currencies.
• Proven experience supporting governance through Board liaison (Audit/Risk).

Salary range is £70,000 - £80,000 Depending on Experience + Benefits.

Applications are being reviewed as and when they are received, therefore please apply ASAP to ensure your details are considered.

CEO

We are seeking an experienced and motivated leader to guide a purposeful organisation through its next chapter.

Location: Fully remote within the UK with occasional national travel
Salary: £55,000 to £65,000
Contract: Full time, permanent
Benefits: Pension, generous annual leave, Christmas closure, family leave and sickness policies available on request
Closing date: Monday 9th February

THE OPPORTUNITY

We are looking for a new CEO! Can you uphold the thoughtful shaping and delivery of an impactful charity? Do you have senior experience in a purpose-led organisation with financial and business skills you can bring? Then you might be the right person to guide this team.

This is a great opportunity to make a life-changing difference to people living with disability!

If this is something you are passionate about, then a CEO role is a great way to use your professional experience to be a nationwide change-maker.

ABOUT THE ORGANISATION

Whether it’s mobility, daily living, or hobbies and sports, the charity creates solutions that change lives. At the heart of their work is designing and building custom made equipment, tailored to each person’s unique needs.

Volunteers bring together creativity, technical skills, and problem-solving expertise, including metalwork, carpentry, electronics, computer programming, and 3D printing, to deliver solutions that can’t be found anywhere else.

IF YOU JOIN THE TEAM…

You’ll have the rare chance to take the helm of a charity with a powerful social mission and build on their proud 60-year history, stewarding them into a new era of growth. A vibrant, passionate community of innovators and problem solvers will be right there with you.

You’ll join the vision for the charity to be a place where people of all ethnicities and backgrounds feel welcomed to work, volunteer or seek help. The organisation encourages flexible working and a culture that prioritises people, wellbeing, and collaboration.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We are searching for a CEO who can help ensure REMAP remains resilient, relevant, and well-prepared to respond to emerging pressures and opportunities.

We are particularly seeking someone:

• Who will strengthen financial sustainability and income generation
• Has a proven track record of senior responsibility
• Energise and support a nationwide volunteer community – strengthening relationships between central staff and locally rooted branches

You do not need to meet every requirement to be considered. If you can demonstrate the experience, passion, and capability to lead with purpose, we encourage you to apply.

WHAT’S NEXT

If you are excited by this opportunity and ready to bring energy and expertise to a mission-driven organisation, we would love to hear from you.

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Chief Executive, Executive Director, Managing Director, Head of Operations, Director of Services, Director of Strategy, Director of Programmes, Operations Director, Charity Director, Social Impact Director, Senior Leader, Development Director, Leadership Consultant, Transformation Lead, Governance and Strategy Lead  #INDNFP

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

The Head of Safeguarding is a new role for the organisation. You will lead our safeguarding strategy and practice, ensuring we provide the highest standards of safety and care for the young people we support. You will act as Designated Safeguarding Lead, overseeing quality, consistency and continual development of safeguarding practice across the organisation. You will work closely with the Chief Operating Officer to develop and implement relevant safeguarding policies, facilitate staff training, embed learning from incidents, and ensure safeguarding is understood as everyone’s responsibility.

We are happy to consider candidates taking their first step into leadership and we will consider exceptional part time candidates to ensure we find the right person or people for the role. We particularly welcome candidates from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities as these are overrepresented communities in our services and yet underrepresented within our leadership.

• Permanent, full-time role in our Leadership Team (part-time considered)
• Salary: £46,800 (salary scale £46,800-£52,000)
• Deadline to apply: 9am, Friday 30 January 2026

Role Description

The purpose of the Executive Assistant role is to provide administrative, organisational and coordination support to the Executive Team, ensuring their time and attention are aligned with organisational priorities, goals, and objectives. The role covers executive coordination, governance administration and project support.  The Executive Assistant enables effective decision making across the Leadership Team, supports the smooth delivery of priorities, and contributes to the execution of long-term strategic goals.

The Executive Team comprises the Chief Executive, Operations Director and Business Development Director.  They work together as part of the Leadership Team, comprising key leaders from across the charity.

Excellent attention to detail is crucial, as is the ability to operate with discretion and flexibility. A high standard of written and verbal communication is essential. The role requires collaboration across Finance, HR, Trustees, and external stakeholders, and an understanding of effective charity governance would be desirable.

This role requires a high level of emotional intelligence, sound judgement, and the ability to build trusted relationships across all levels of the organisation. Success in this role depends on a proactive mindset, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to remain calm and resourceful under pressure. The Executive Assistant must be highly dependable, detail-oriented, and capable of managing sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.

Responsibilities

Executive Coordination

• Manage calendars, inboxes, travel and meeting preparation for Executive Team
• Coordinate agendas and logistics for internal and external meetings
• Liaise with stakeholders, clients and partners to ensure smooth engagement

Governance Support

• Own the established governance timetable, board meeting scheduling, and trustee communications
• Draft and distribute board packs, take minutes, and track actions
• Support governance processes in collaboration with the Operations Director
• Support trustee onboarding, training, and engagement
• Ensure timely completion of Charity Commission and Companies House submissions
• Leverage AI tools and platforms to enhance business processes

Strategic communications

• Communicate with external stakeholders on behalf of the Executive Team
• Coordinate staff events and meetings
• Work with marketing and communities & projects teams for conferences and external events

Project support

• Support ongoing transformation projects in collaboration with Head of Business Functions
• Support recruitment and onboarding for senior roles led by the Head of Business Operations
• Support strategic planning and performance tracking led by the Operations Director and Business Development Director
• Support handover and re-onboarding of Executive Assistant on her return April 2027

Role Requirements

Required:

• Minimum of four years’ experience in a similar role.
• Experience supporting senior leaders in a fast paced and changing environment, taking initiative and managing competing deadlines calmly and flexibly.
• Confident communicating with the executive and leadership team, trustees and external partners in a professional and timely way.
• Able to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and good judgment.
• Confident coordinating meetings, preparing papers and taking accurate minutes.
• Ability to research, digest, analyse and present material clearly and concisely.
• Ability to identify and apply AI-driven tools to enhance business activities and using AI to streamline workflows and personalise business engagement.
• Comfortable stepping into an established role quickly and maintaining continuity during the maternity leave period.

Desirable:

• Experience in charity governance
• Experience in project support/management

Employees are also expected to be flexible in undertaking the duties and responsibilities attached to their post and may be asked to perform other duties that are consistent with the grade, responsibilities, and typical scope of the role. Any additional tasks should remain appropriate to the nature of the post and not extend into unrelated functions or specialisms.

All employees are expected to work in accordance with the organisation’s values and behavioural standards, which include being supportive, transparent, respectful, kind, honest, and collaborative. This means fostering a culture of empathy, openness, integrity, and teamwork in all interactions, and contributing positively to the organisation’s mission and strategic objectives.

We are committed to flexible working and are open to requests for different working patterns. This includes part time arrangements and four day working week requests, which we will always consider as part of the recruitment process.

To apply for this role, please share your CV with a one-page cover letter setting out why this role appeals to you and how your skills and experiences meet the key skills points in the job description.

Interviews expected to take place on week commencing the 2nd of February 2026.

Barnet Mencap is a very well-established local charity which provides services and support for people with learning disabilities, autistic people, and their family carers, while also campaigning alongside them to improve their lives. The organisation aims to create a world where people with learning disabilities are valued equally, have their voices heard and are included in the community. 

We are looking to appoint a new CEO to lead the organisation and ensure it continues to provide its much-valued services.

The successful candidate will have: 

• Experience in a senior role in a relevant service i.e. Learning Disabilities, Children or Adult Services

• Experience of developing a strategy and monitoring framework in a similar environment 

• Experience of effective partnership working at a strategic and practical level 

• Proven track record of income generation and financial management 

• Knowledge of charity governance, regulation for a medium size charity, and working effectively with a board of trustees.

• Knowledge of the Health and Social Care environment, including key policies and legislation 

• Understanding of Health and Safety and Safeguarding in a service delivery environment 

• Understanding of the Social Model of Disability and how to apply it to deliver empowering person-centred projects and services 

Please read the full Job Description, Person Specification and Recruitment Pack for further information on the role. 

To apply, please send your CV alongside a covering letter explaining how you meet the criteria in the person specification. 

The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service application in line with Section 115 of The Police Act 1997.   

 Closing Date: 16th of January 2026 

Interview dates are planned for the 10th and 11th of February 2026.  

Inclusive Boards is delighted to be supporting Lambeth Links in their search for their CEO.

Lambeth Links is a small charity with a big ambition: to be a central point of rallying, communication and advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ Community who live, work and socialise in Lambeth – the largest borough in London. The organisation aims to strengthen the links between individuals and groups while also highlighting the many issues that continue to adversely affect the community.

Lambeth has a deep and rich history of LGBTQIA+ activism. From being home to founding members of the Gay Liberation Front (GLF) to hosting Europe’s first EuroPride in Brixton in 1992, the borough has long been the beating heart of the LGBTQIA+ Community. Lambeth Links exists to continue that legacy of championing collective voice and driving forward change.

As CEO, you will lead the operational and strategic running of the charity, make sure that the organisation runs well every day and that it has the people, systems and income to grow.

The ideal candidate will have :

• Significant experience of leading at senior level in a charity, social enterprise, public or community organisation. This might be as a Chief Officer, Director or Head of a significant function with clear accountability for people, budgets and organisational performance.
• Experience of working directly with or supporting a Board of Trustees or similar governing body, including preparing papers, giving honest advice and implementing decisions.
• Experience of organisational development or change, for example improving systems, structures, culture or ways of working in a small organisation.
• Understanding of the issues faced by LGBTQIA+ people, including those who are Black or from other communities of colour, disabled people and people with insecure immigration status, and a commitment to intersectional practice.

​​​​How to Apply

If you wish to apply for this position, please supply the following by 11.59pm on 18/01/2026:

• A detailed CV, setting out your career history, with responsibilities and achievements. 
• A cover letter (maximum two sides of A4) highlighting your suitability for the role. Please explain how you meet the essential criteria and give one or two examples that show how you have already operated at, or very close to, Chief Officer level. For example, leading an organisation or major function, managing whole organisation budgets or income plans, or steering a Board or governing body through a key decision. 
• Details of two professional referees together with a brief statement of their relationship to you and over what period of time they have known you. Referees will not be contacted without your prior consent.

To find out more and received the Candidate Information Pack, request support when applying, or have an informal confidential discussion before applying, please get in touch with Inclusive Boards.

Permanent, full-time (37.5 hours per week)

Remote working with some UK and international travel

We are looking for an ambitious, experienced and passionate Chief Financial & Operations Officer (CFOO) to join The Lifescape Project, leading the evolution, management and delivery of our financial and operational capacities as the organisation grows.

Our impact as a charity depends on excellent financial management and the efficient provision of supporting operational structures, policies and ways of working. As the organisation grows and diversifies, we need a dedicated Chief Financial and Operations Officer to lead the management and development of these critical functions in close liaison with the CEO. The CFOO will be second in command to the CEO and a key member of the Management Team.

About us and the role

We are a small and quickly growing UK-registered charity whose mission is to protect and restore wild, natural landscapes. We use the skills and expertise of our multi-disciplinary team (spanning science, law, economics, technology and culture) to develop projects that pursue this mission.

We use the approach of combining disciplines to design and deliver our work because the biodiversity crisis is driven and impacted by social, economic, legal and other complex factors. It is increasingly recognised that the urgent transformative change needed for a sustainable future on our planet is most effectively achieved through this approach. The Lifescape Project has a unique ability to apply these diverse areas of expertise to our mission whilst maintaining the agility of a smaller organisation in delivering our work.

Working in pursuit of our 2020-2026 strategy, the Lifescape Project has seen rapid growth in its impact, team and revenue since commencing work in 2020. Our annual revenue has increased from £265,000 in FY 2020/2021 to £1.2m in FY 2024/2025, with further growth expected in the current FY. Our team has grown from just one to a team which will number 20 at the time of the successful CFOO candidate joining. This growth to date and planned future growth requires constant evolution of our financial and operational infrastructure and an experienced hand to guide this process, which is the core purpose of the CFOO role we are seeking to appoint.

We are excited to be hiring for this role, which will be transformational for the organisation, allowing us to develop our approach to financial and operational matters and support the continued growth of our team and impact. The role will act as second in command and will deputise for the CEO when absent. We are therefore looking for a highly capable and experienced finance and operations leader with the vision to ensure that we continue to grow in a sustainable, effective and efficient way.

We currently have a full-time manager and officer in our Finance and Operations team (F&O Team), which the CFOO will be joining to oversee, develop and guide all relevant functions. With the small size of the team at this time, the CFOO will be expected to jump into the detail in some areas. In the short term this will include delivering some of the more complex areas of the F&O team’s work, such as the audit process, multi-year financial planning and legal compliance, with support from other team members and external advisers as appropriate. If we continue to succeed in delivering our growth strategy, the role will progress over the medium term with increasing team size/supervisory duties and reducing involvement in immediate implementation. Remuneration would also increase in line with growth and assuming strong performance in the role.

For further information, please download the job pack below. Candidates must review the entire job pack before applying.

To apply, please email a cover letter and CV (each a maximum of 2 pages).

Closing date: 9.00pm on 29th January 2026, however we will be reviewing applications as they come in and reserve our discretion to extend the deadline if necessary.

First interview: First round interviews are expected to take place virtually on Microsoft Teams between 3rd-6th February.

Second interview: Second round interviews are expected to take place between 23rd-27th February.

Assessed task: There will be an assessed task which candidates will be asked to complete, either before the first round or second round interview.

Start date: The role will commence as soon as possible from 1st April 2026, subject to the successful candidate’s availability.

Lumos works to realise every child’s right to a safe and loving family by transforming care systems around the world. As we enter an exciting new phase of global growth and organisational transformation, we are seeking an exceptional Executive Assistant to the CEO to join our CEO’s Office.

This is a pivotal role providing high-quality executive, organisational and governance support to the Chief Executive Officer and the Head of CEO’s Office. You will help ensure the smooth running of the CEO’s Office, manage complexity with confidence, and enable senior leaders to focus on strategy, governance and delivery.

We’re looking for someone who is highly organised, calm under pressure, and comfortable working at pace with senior leaders, trustees and international teams. You’ll bring strong communication skills, excellent judgement, and experience providing senior-level executive support, ideally in a complex or international environment.

In return, we offer the opportunity to work at the heart of a values-driven global organisation, with flexible hybrid working, excellent benefits, and the chance to contribute directly to transformational change for children worldwide.

Applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK.

Closing date: Sunday 18 January

Lumos is committed to safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion, and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.

Role details are based on the attached job description.

To apply for this role, please email an up-to-date CV and an Expression of Interest cover letter of no more than two pages (address in the attached brief). Applications will not be considered without both documents.

Expressions of Interest are being accepted until 10am on Monday 26 January 2026.

Charity experience - Qualified Financial Professional - Good communicator - Collaborative - UK based

Background

NAPAC (the National Association for People Abused in Childhood) is entering an important period of growth. Our income sources are diversifying, our public profile is rising and our operations are becoming more complex. With new earned income streams, additional grant funding, VAT considerations and more detailed Board reporting, we are now strengthening our finance function to ensure accuracy, clarity and confidence in all financial matters.

We are therefore seeking a freelance finance professional to provide part-time, ongoing operational finance support. The role involves managing our monthly financial bookkeeping and reporting functions, working closely with our Chief Operating Officer and wider team. Our current provider will continue to handle payroll and year-end audit preparation, but we are moving our day-to-day finance support to this new model.

We are looking for a proactive, highly competent individual who can understand the way NAPAC works and provide accurate, timely and thoughtful financial support. This is a key role that underpins our success and gives confidence to the team, trustees, funders and external stakeholders.

Scope of Work

The successful individual will be responsible for:

• Maintaining accurate financial records in Xero, including all necessary transactional data entry (such as inputting and coding income, expenses, invoices and credit notes), reconciling bank and PayPal accounts and preparing monthly management accounts (P&L, balance sheet and cashflow reports).
• Supporting monthly reporting cycles for internal governance (Income Generation Subcommittee and full Board).
• Liaising with our team to ensure invoices are raised, chased and coded accurately.
• Managing grant income allocations and restricted funds tracking in line with funder requirements.
• Supporting our team with financial queries, budget phasing and grant planning.
• Advising on Xero housekeeping (e.g. Chart of Accounts simplification, tracking codes).
• Advising on VAT issues, including preparation for registration if required (though this may be handled separately with legal input).
• Supporting periodic financial forecasting and budgeting alongside the CEO and Chief Operating Officer.
• Attending virtual meetings as required (Income Generation Subcommittee monthly; quarterly Board meetings and ad hoc meetings with staff).
• Ensuring a smooth handover and transition from the current provider.

Occasional projects may include:

• A full review and restructuring of our Chart of Accounts.
• Retrospective re-coding of entries for YTD accuracy and reporting.
• Supporting audit/year-end examination preparations (collaborating with TC-Group as our year-end auditor).

Candidate Profile

We are looking for someone who:

• Has strong experience in operational charity finance or with social enterprises.
• Has demonstrable experience of restructuring a Chart of Accounts within finance systems.
• Holds or is training towards a recognised accounting qualification (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or who can demonstrate equivalent experience in operational finance roles, particularly where they have led on financial reporting, forecasting and working within Xero-led systems.
• Has excellent working knowledge of Xero and related finance systems.
• Understands the operational pressures faced by small to medium-sized charities.
• Can lucidly explain financial information for colleagues with varied levels of financial literacy.
• Is detail-oriented, reliable and a clear communicator.
• Is comfortable working independently but collaboratively.
• Can offer a blend of rigour, responsiveness and a values-driven approach.
• Is based in the UK and able to attend NAPAC's London office at least once per month.
• Is available during business hours (09:00-17:00).

Time Commitment and Working Style

The expected time commitment is approximately three-six days per month, depending on workload and reporting periods. We anticipate this may be higher in the first two-three months to support onboarding, systems review and transition from our existing provider. We are open to flexibility and working arrangements.

This role will primarily be delivered remotely, but requires in-person attendance at NAPAC's London office at least once per month. The successful provider must be available during UK business hours (09:00-17:00) to attend scheduled meetings as needed both via Teams online and in-person.

A laptop will not be provided, but full IT onboarding and access to relevant systems (e.g. Xero, Teams, secure file-sharing platforms) will be arranged, along with any required security protocols. Payment will be on a day-rate basis, agreed in advance.

Expression of Interest and Selection Process

To apply, please email an up-to-date CV and an Expression of Interest cover letter of no more than two pages (address in attached brief). 

Expressions of Interest are being accepted until 10am on Monday 26 January 2026.

 Your Expression of Interest should include:

• Your relevant experience, including specific examples of Chart of Accounts restructuring
• Your day rates
• Your reasons for wanting to work with NAPAC
• Your contact details
• Your availability for interview dates (to be confirmed with shortlisted candidates)
• Any access requirements should you be invited to interview

Expressions of Interest will be reviewed and the following selection process will have two stages:

• Stage one: A virtual interview lasting no more than 45 minutes.
• Stage two: An in-person meeting with the team at our London office. A short task will be shared in advance with those invited to this stage.

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified that they are invited to the next stage.

Thank you for your interest in NAPAC.

Location: Head Office, Victoria
Flexible working: this role is based at our head office typically 2 days per week, the remaining can be worked from home. Flexible working requests are available from day one.
Salary: £66,576 - £70,309

We also offer:

• 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) and a discretionary Christmas closure
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Benefits platform with discounts on retail, dining and days out
• Salary sacrifice schemes
• Access to a free Employee Assistance Scheme to support you inside and outside of work

Role & Responsibilities

We’re entering an exciting new phase. With a bold new strategy, ambitious Nature Recovery programmes (including species reintroductions, landscape-scale rewilding and river restoration), and a rapidly rising public profile — including recent collaboration with Sir David Attenborough on the BBC’s Wild London — this is a pivotal moment for our organisation.

To support this growth, we’re looking for an exceptional Head of Finance to reinvigorate, strengthen and modernise our finance function — ensuring it’s fit for the organisation we’re becoming.

Reporting to the COO and working closely with the Senior Leadership Team, Finance Committee and Board, you’ll lead all aspects of financial management across London Wildlife Trust and our trading subsidiary. You’ll play a critical role in shaping how Finance operates — improving systems, controls, reporting and insight so the organisation can confidently adapt to recent and future growth.

Transaction volumes have increased significantly in recent years, and a key early focus of this role will be leading a programme of operational improvement. You’ll roll up your sleeves, lead the finance team through change, and embed better ways of working that strengthen our foundations while enabling smarter decision-making across the organisation.

• Lead all aspects of financial management for London Wildlife Trust and its trading subsidiary
• Lead a programme of finance transformation, improving systems, processes, controls and ways of working to ensure Finance is fit for a growing organisation.
• Own budgeting, forecasting and multi-year financial planning, producing clear, insightful management accounts and analysis to support decision-making.
• Provide high-quality financial reporting and advice to the SLT, Finance Committee and Board, highlighting risks, opportunities and strategic choices.
• Act as a finance business partner to senior leaders and teams across the Trust, improving financial understanding, ownership and accountability.
• Work closely with fundraising, trading and project teams to support income generation, funding compliance and effective financial oversight.
• Lead, coach and develop the finance team, building a confident, collaborative and improvement-focused finance function.

Our ideal Head of Finance

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA)
• Significant experience at Head of, or equivalent, level in the charity sector (likely 3-5 years)
• Strong working knowledge of Charity SORP and charity financial governance
• Experience with delivering and overseeing exceptional financial operations
• Strong financial planning, reporting and insight experience

Closing Date: Monday 26th January at 9am
Interviews: Are scheduled to take place on 4th and 6th February and reasonable adjustments will be offered to all candidates.

Does this sound like you? We’d love to hear from you!

Our vision is a London alive with wildlife, with nature in everyone's neighbourhood. To achieve our goal of inspiring everyone to help restore London’s wildlife, we recognise that our team must better reflect and represent all of London’s diverse communities. Find out more about London Wildlife Trust’s commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion on our website.

We are also committed to ensuring that the safety and wellbeing of children, young people and adults at risk is at the heart of our engagement with people. Read about our commitment to safeguarding on our website.

REF-226 026

This is an exciting opportunity to steer Asylum Aid at an important time in its 30-year existence. As Executive Director you will be responsible for delivering on our strategy for impact. You will oversee our work to increase access to expert, trauma-informed legal representation to those in the asylum, trafficking and statelessness systems and lead our policy and strategic legal work to achieve systemic change that contributes towards our vision.

You will line manage the Director of Legal Casework to oversee the provision of supportive and enabling leadership to Asylum Aid caseworkers so that they can continue to deliver high quality expert advice in complex cases, while being supported in their professional development and wellbeing. You will also manage and develop the work of our welfare advice team within the Westminster Advice Services Partnership and beyond, and work collaboratively with colleagues in the sector to build capacity and increase our impact. 

The ideal candidate, who may be legally qualified, will have experience of leadership in the charity/NGO sector and a sound understanding of the asylum, human rights and trafficking processes in the UK and the legal frameworks which govern the protection of refugees, survivors of trafficking and stateless people, and of the role of law in achieving system change.

We are looking for someone who is strategically minded and passionate about providing supportive and inclusive leadership to our expert team. You will be committed to our objectives and to the role which expert legal representation plays in enabling people in need of protection in the UK to obtain it.

As is the nature of this sector, the role may be exposed to a high volume of traumatic and distressing material and, whilst they will be supported by the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO and surrounding team, the candidate should also be able to demonstrate knowledge of good self-care principles in an intense work environment and dissemination of those principles to junior members of the team.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership and strategy

·Be responsible, with the support of the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO, for the development, implementation and monitoring of Asylum Aid’s organisational strategy

·Provide leadership and strategic direction at Asylum Aid in accordance with its aims and objectives, with the support of the Director of Legal Casework

·Act as external spokesperson for Asylum Aid, maintaining and strengthening Asylum Aid’s position as a leader in the refugee rights, statelessness and legal aid sectors;

·Work collaboratively with others in the sector to promote and strengthen Asylum Aid’s work, identify and establish potential partnerships, with the support of the Director of Legal Casework;

·Work collaboratively with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO and Executive Leadership team to drive the implementation of the Group strategic framework;

·Ensure that all reporting and monitoring requirements are met to support fundraising, contract compliance and monitoring strategic impact;

·Support the cross collaboration of the Asylum Aid team with the Helen Bamber Foundation team and play an active part in the management of the Helen Bamber Foundation Group.

Governance  

·Act as the Data Protection Supervisor with responsibility for data protection and cyber security within Asylum Aid

·Together with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO and designated safeguarding leads, be responsible for child and adult safeguarding within Asylum Aid

·In collaboration with the Director of Legal Casework, ensure compliance by Asylum Aid with all legal and regulatory obligations, including the Legal Aid Agency contract, the Immigration Advice Authority and Solicitors Regulation Authority;

·Lead on the preparation and presentation of quarterly reports on Asylum Aid’s activities, strategy and risks to the Asylum Aid Board, the Finance and Fundraising Committee and the People and Governance Committee;

·Lead on the preparation of the Trustees’ annual report and ensure that monitoring and evaluation systems are adequate to enable reporting on Asylum Aid’s activities and impact.

Management and Supervision 

·Responsible for line management of the Director of Legal Casework and Welfare Advice service coordinator, and other team supervisors as required;

·Together with the Group Director of People, responsible for Human Resources and implementation of the People Strategy within Asylum Aid, including development and implementation of HR policies and procedures;

·Together with the Director of Legal Casework and team supervisors, drive the effective management and supervision of the Asylum Aid team and ensure that they comply with relevant professional standards and accreditation;

·Foster a supportive and inclusive team culture at Asylum Aid in which each member feels valued and supported to develop professionally and to perform to the best of their ability;

·Ensure the team’s well-being and that self-care practices are established and work in tandem with the Director of Legal Casework and supervisors to ensure trauma-informed ways of working.

Policy & Strategic Legal Work

·Together with the Group Director of Policy, identify policy priorities and coordinate the preparation of evidence and briefings drawing on Asylum Aid’s experience and expertise to influence system change;

·Build and maintain relationships and partnerships with sector colleagues to support joint strategic engagement including policy advocacy and strategic legal work;

·Work closely with the Director of Legal Casework and team supervisors to drive changes in the UK asylum, trafficking and statelessness systems through strategic legal work.

Finance & Fundraising

·Work closely with the CEO and the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Finance Team to set and manage budget(s) and general financial matters for Asylum Aid

·Together with the Director of Legal Casework and the Group Finance Team, establish systems for monitoring legal aid Work In Progress and billing, and securing casework income including legal aid, and inter partes income from judicial review cases;

·Work closely with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Fundraising and Communications Team to secure funding for Asylum Aid from a range of sources including trusts and foundations, corporate philanthropy and major donors;

·Ensure that Legal Aid and other income is maximised, and targets are achieved.                                   

Other duties

·Manage the recruitment and supervision of volunteers where necessary in collaboration with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Volunteers Coordinator;

·Support the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Facilities team to ensure the smooth running of the office and that the facilities meet the needs of Asylum Aid;

·Work outside normal office hours as required and travel in order to carry out the responsibilities of the post.

·To undertake any task that may be requested from time to time that may be consistent with the nature and scope of this post.

Essential Experience, Skills and Knowledge

•Experience of running a small to medium sized charity/legal NGO and/or legal department within the NGO sector (or other equivalent senior management role);

•Demonstrable experience of managing and leading a successful team and the ability to manage a growing team with mixed roles from team supervisors to administrative support staff, working co-operatively with colleagues to maintain transparency and effective working relationships within the team;

•Strong communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with people from a wide range of backgrounds

•Strong understanding of good governance including legal, regulatory and financial responsibilities;

•Ability to work with a range of stakeholders from trustees to external partners;

•Experience of leading and/or participating in organisational strategic planning;

·Experience of legal policy work within the human rights field and /or of strategic litigation, whether as an NGO claimant or legal representative;

•Experience of managing diverse funding sources and setting and implementing budgets;

•Experience of working in a service delivery partnership with other organisations;

•Experience of fundraising, especially grants from trusts and foundations;

•Sound working knowledge of the law and policy as it relates to immigration,  asylum, human rights and modern slavery/trafficking;

•Demonstrable understanding of the asylum and human rights sector in the UK;

•An understanding of the barriers migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers face regarding access to legal advice, reasons why they may become destitute and why this makes it more difficult to access advice and support; and

•The passion for working empathetically and supportively with migrants, refugees, stateless people and asylum seekers.

Desirable Experience

·Experience of managing the delivery of frontline casework with people in the asylum or trafficking systems

·Experience of tendering for and delivering publicly funded contracts e.g. LAA or local authority funding;

·Working knowledge of Legal Aid Agency contracts, including the delivery of casework and billing under a legal aid contract in the immigration and asylum category and/or the public law category;

How to apply 

The first stage is to complete on our online application form on our website by 10am on Monday 26th January 2026.

The website form will ask you to:

1.Upload a short covering letter. Please tell us why the position appeals to you, and how your relevant skills and experience, including any voluntary experience and lived experience, matches the listed responsibilities and person specification. Please also state in your covering letter when you would be available to start the role.

2.Upload your current CV

3.Complete an online Equal Opportunities monitoring form – completion of this form will help us ensure that our recruitment procedures operate in such a way as to provide genuine equality of opportunity. The questions are entirely optional, and this information will not be available to members of the selection panel.

For an informal conversation about the post before applying, please contact Alison Pickup, the current Executive Director.

Selection Process

We will invite candidates to an initial online interview on Tuesday 10th or Wednesday 11th February, followed by shortlisted candidates attending in-person interviews at our office in Old Street on Tuesday 24th or Wednesday 25th February.

We offer a guaranteed initial interview for refugees, stateless people and others with lived experience of forced migration, provided that they provide some evidence of relevant experience or skills in relation to the essential criteria.

We regret that we can only respond to applicants who make it to the interview stage.

Eligibility

Please note that the successful candidate must have the right to work in the UK (as a small charity we do not have the capacity to sponsor work visas).

Successful candidates will also be subject to a basic DBS check. If appointed, you will also be required to give your consent to the charity to receive regular updates on your criminal records status throughout your employment and to disclose any relevant convictions incurred during your time with us.

Adjustments

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. If you require a different format of the application form, such as large print or Word format, or if you would like to discuss any specific requirements, please get in touch with us.

EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

Our commitment to principles of equity, diversity and inclusion is an integral part of our approach to our clients, our volunteers and our staff, and we are an equal opportunities and Living Wage employer.

We are committed to attracting and recruiting diverse candidates because we are keen to make sure that our staff, trustees, volunteers and ambassadors reflect the communities we serve and the wider community we work in.

We genuinely welcome and encourage applications from candidates from a range of backgrounds, especially people of colour, people with disabilities, people from low socio-economic backgrounds, refugees, stateless people and others with lived experience of forced migration or trauma and of the housing and welfare system, who are under-represented in our organisation.

We recognise and value the role of lived experience in meeting the needs of our clients and acknowledge the under-representation of people with lived experience of forced migration and statelessness in the advice sector. We value experience gained overseas as well as in the UK.

We are also proud to be a member of the Experts by Experience Employment Network which aims to increase representation of people with lived experience in the charitable sector.

If you are an expert by experience (a refugee or a migrant with direct, first-hand experience of issues and challenges of the UK asylum or immigration system), you can ask for an independent and confidential support for your job application from the Experts by Experience Employment Network and access other information and resources which may help in preparing your job application.

Please complete the form on their website to request support and they will confirm if they can match you with a mentor to support your application.

Prospectus is pleased to be partnering with our client to find a Senior Finance Manager. The charity is a leading occupational benevolent organisation which supports individuals and their families who are working or retired and are in real need. The organisation provides independent advice, guidance, case management, and grant giving for people encountering a wide range of concerns including financial, health, housing, and wellbeing issues. 

Reporting to the COO, and managing 2 direct reports, the Senior Finance Manager will manage day to day operational finance and financial reporting, oversee investment management, and work with the exec team to identify and implement strategic efficiencies.

The ideal candidate will be a qualified management account with demonstrable experience in a senior finance position within the charity sector. You will also have experience of overseeing investments and their performance.

At Prospectus we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome all candidates to apply, regardless of age, sex/gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy/maternity. If you have any disability and require reasonable adjustment/s to any part of the process then please contact Catherine at Prospectus.

Please in the first instance share an up-to-date CV with us and should your experience be suitable, we will look to arrange for a call and/or meeting to brief you on the role. You will then have all the information you need to finalise your formal application. We are looking forward to connecting with you soon.