Chief operating officer jobs in London, greater london

About us

GSG Impact is a UK-registered charity with a global footprint. We work with a network of National Partners and collaborators across multiple countries to help build “impact economies”, strengthening the systems, relationships and market infrastructure that enable capital and policy to deliver better social and environmental outcomes. Our work brings together evidence, convening power and practical support, partnering with leaders across public, private and civil society to accelerate progress and share what works globally. 

The role

We are seeking an experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead our organisational operations, including finance, HR, governance, compliance and risk. You will ensure strong systems, controls and processes that enable excellent delivery across an international organisation. 

Key responsibilities

• Lead organisational operations across finance, HR, IT, legal, admin and key systems

• Own budgeting, forecasting, reporting, audit and treasury/controls

• Strengthen UK charity governance, policies, compliance and risk management

• Oversee contracts, procurement, supplier management and external advisers

• Lead people operations across multiple jurisdictions (including Employer of Record arrangements) 

About you

• Track record in UK charity governance/compliance and international operations

• Senior operational leader with strong financial and people management experience

• Confident working across complex stakeholder environments and multi-country teams

• Clear communicator, pragmatic problem-solver, calm under pressure 

How to apply

Please send CV (max 2 pages) and a cover letter (max 1 page) explaining your suitability.

GSG Impact is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. We are committed to safeguarding and will carry out appropriate pre-employment checks.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications or appoint a suitable candidate before the advertised closing date.

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.

Why this role exists

We deliver practical legal support that changes lives. To grow responsibly, we need a COO to build operational excellence and keep systems ready to scale.

What you will lead

• Financial leadership — Build, manage and monitor the annual budget; lead forecasting and cashflow; produce reports; oversee accounting, payments, payroll and invoicing; maintain strong controls and compliance; track restricted funds; support grant bids and donor reporting.

• Day-to-day operations — Maintain efficient systems across casework, admin and volunteers; design policies, SOPs and QA; oversee IT, digital tools and case management; ensure GDPR-compliant data handling; lead operational responses to risk and regulation.

• Strategy and organisational development — Work with the Executive Director on strategy; lead service development, scaling projects and national expansion; improve volunteer pathways, client experience and internal processes; provide data-driven insight for the Board.

• People, volunteers and HR — Support recruitment, onboarding and retention; develop clear HR processes and documentation; ensure supervision, wellbeing and safeguarding frameworks.

• Governance, risk and compliance — Manage risk registers and mitigation plans; lead internal audits and quality reviews; prepare Board papers; ensure compliance with legal, regulatory and charity requirements.

You’ll thrive here if you show

• Ownership and follow-through: you take responsibility and land the work.

• Planning under pressure: you bring order, rhythm and clarity.

• Bold, informed judgement: you improve systems based on evidence, not habit.

• Entrepreneurial drive: you simplify, standardise and scale what works.

• Inclusive practice: you design operations that are easier to use and safer to deliver.

• Clear communication: you turn complexity into simple actions and updates.

• Team-building and collaboration: you help staff and volunteers succeed together.

• Constant learning: you refine processes and leave usable documentation.

What you will bring

• Significant operational leadership in a non-profit, legal, community or mission-driven setting.

• Strong financial management across budgeting, forecasting, reporting and controls.

• Ability to build robust systems in a small but scaling organisation.

• Strategic, organised and analytical working style.

• Confident people leadership and clear communication.

• Understanding of governance, safeguarding, risk and regulatory compliance.

• Commitment to trans equality, dignity and client-centred practice.

Helpful extras

• Experience in legal services or legal operations.

• Managing grants or donor-funded programmes.

• Experience scaling an organisation or building new infrastructure.

• Knowledge of trans community needs and support services.

Practicalities

• Hours: part time, with occasional evenings or weekends around live moments.

• Location: Central London base with sensible hybrid flexibility.

• Reporting line: Executive Director.

• Salary: based on experience and time commitment.

The Co-Founders Mindset

We are building a trans rights revolution at the Trans Legal Clinic. We deliver work that changes outcomes for people, case by case and system by system. That calls for a particular mindset. We call it the co-founder mindset. Co-founders take the mission personally, set the pace, turn ideas into working services and campaigns, bring others with them, and make change you can point to. Co-founders are entrepreneurial: they spot openings others miss, move decisively, and create momentum. Co-founders build teams, drawing in volunteers who believe in our mission, care deeply about our clients, enjoy working with us, and keep one another going. Co-founders are bold: they are willing to innovate, to be first, and to change the status quo; they check the source, avoid assumptions, solve problems, make firm, collaborative, evidence-based decisions, and take responsibility for results. Co-founders are pioneers. If you want responsibility, pace, and the chance to pioneer new routes to justice and public impact, this is the place to build your career.

Our Recruitment Criteria

Ownership and follow-through

You are a self-starter who owns tasks and takes responsibility without waiting to be asked. You carry your work through to a tangible result. You define the problem, set a course, keep the right people informed, and deliver what you said you would.

Bold, informed judgement

You are willing to change accepted practice when the evidence supports it. You check primary sources rather than rely on assumptions, weigh real options and risks, make a clear, evidence-based, collaborative decision, and stand behind it.

Entrepreneurial drive

You spot openings other people miss and turn ideas into useful services, processes or campaigns. You move decisively and get others working on the plan alongside you with clear roles and timelines.

Planning under pressure

You keep priorities straight when time is tight. You organise people and tasks, set simple checkpoints, communicate early when plans shift and always deliver.

Inclusive practice

You design work that is easier for others to take part in with people who face barriers in mind. You identify what is getting in the way, make practical changes that remove those barriers, and check the effect with the people involved.

Clear communication

You write and speak in plain English and adjust tone and detail to suit clients, volunteers, partners and the public. You choose the right format for the moment and make it easy for people to act on what you say. You like feedback, don’t get offended and see it as a chance to improve.

Team-building and collaboration

You bring people with you and help groups perform well together. You draw in volunteers who believe in the mission and care about our clients, set shared expectations, handle disagreements well, and leave relationships stronger.

Constant learning

You improve your own practice and the system around you. You reflect honestly on what worked and what did not, learn quickly, and turn that learning into simple tools or habits that make future work better.

• Team-building and collaboration: you lead creatives and volunteers well.

• Constant learning: you test, measure and iterate.

What you will bring

• A strong portfolio showing strategy-led creative across static, motion and copy.

• Three or more years in creative communications or campaigns (agency, newsroom, charity or in-house).

• Confident in Adobe Creative Cloud and either Figma or similar; comfortable with short-form video editing and basic motion.

• Platform literacy across Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube, and working knowledge of analytics and paid promotion.

• Clear writing and an ear for tone; calm leadership and useable feedback.

• Sound judgement on reputation, privacy, GDPR and consent.

• Commitment to trans-led practice and the communities we serve.

Helpful extras

• Clinic or not-for-profit experience.

• Familiarity with gender recognition, healthcare advocacy, discrimination, housing and employment.

• Basic SEO and email automation.

Practicalities

• Hours: full time, with occasional evenings or weekends around live moments.

• Location: Central London base with sensible hybrid flexibility.

• Salary: £25,000.

• Reporting line: Executive Director.

The Co-Founders Mindset

We are building a trans rights revolution at the Trans Legal Clinic. We deliver work that changes outcomes for people, case by case and system by system. That calls for a particular mindset. We call it the co-founder mindset. Co-founders take the mission personally, set the pace, turn ideas into working services and campaigns, bring others with them, and make change you can point to. Co-founders are entrepreneurial: they spot openings others miss, move decisively, and create momentum. Co-founders build teams, drawing in volunteers who believe in our mission, care deeply about our clients, enjoy working with us, and keep one another going. Co-founders are bold: they are willing to innovate, to be first, and to change the status quo; they check the source, avoid assumptions, solve problems, make firm, collaborative, evidence-based decisions, and take responsibility for results. Co-founders are pioneers. If you want responsibility, pace, and the chance to pioneer new routes to justice and public impact, this is the place to build your career.

Our Recruitment Criteria

Ownership and follow-through

You are a self-starter who owns tasks and takes responsibility without waiting to be asked. You carry your work through to a tangible result. You define the problem, set a course, keep the right people informed, and deliver what you said you would.

Bold, informed judgement

You are willing to change accepted practice when the evidence supports it. You check primary sources rather than rely on assumptions, weigh real options and risks, make a clear, evidence-based, collaborative decision, and stand behind it.

Entrepreneurial drive

You spot openings other people miss and turn ideas into useful services, processes or campaigns. You move decisively and get others working on the plan alongside you with clear roles and timelines.

Planning under pressure

You keep priorities straight when time is tight. You organise people and tasks, set simple checkpoints, communicate early when plans shift and always deliver.

Inclusive practice

You design work that is easier for others to take part in with people who face barriers in mind. You identify what is getting in the way, make practical changes that remove those barriers, and check the effect with the people involved.

Clear communication

You write and speak in plain English and adjust tone and detail to suit clients, volunteers, partners and the public. You choose the right format for the moment and make it easy for people to act on what you say. You like feedback, don’t get offended and see it as a chance to improve.

Team-building and collaboration

You bring people with you and help groups perform well together. You draw in volunteers who believe in the mission and care about our clients, set shared expectations, handle disagreements well, and leave relationships stronger.

Constant learning

You improve your own practice and the system around you. You reflect honestly on what worked and what did not, learn quickly, and turn that learning into simple tools or habits that make future work better.

The Line is seeking a Finance and Operations Director to play a pivotal leadership role at an exciting time of organisational development. As East London’s public art trail, connecting communities with art, nature and heritage, we are committed to democratising access to art through our outdoor exhibitions and collaborative engagement programmes.

Working in close partnership with the Director, you will shape our financial strategy, strengthen operational effectiveness, and oversee governance and risk management, ensuring the robust systems needed for long-term sustainability. You will also play an integral role in organisational development and team culture, helping to foster an inclusive, creative and values-led environment.

This role would suit a mission-driven leader with strong charity finance experience and a proven ability to establish and uphold the systems that ensure smooth, effective operations.

Please see the job description on our website for full details and responsibilities of this role.

Application deadline and interviews

The closing date for applications is 11pm, Friday 9th January 2026. First round interviews are expected to take place in person at The Line's offices at Here East (Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park) on 21st or 22nd January 2026 with second round interviews on Monday 26th January.

Equal Opportunities

The Line is committed to equality and diversity within our workforce and in all opportunities. Our recruitment process is open to all, but we would particularly like to encourage applications from people from Black, Asian and ethnically diverse backgrounds, those who identify as LGBTQ+, those from lower socio-economic backgrounds and those who identify as disabled, as these groups are currently underrepresented in the cultural sector.

How to apply

• Apply through the application form on our website which requires a cover letter setting out your motivation for applying and how you meet the person specification, a copy of your CV and contact details of two referees
• Complete the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form (please note this will not be reviewed by the individuals reviewing applications)

If you do not meet all criteria in the person specification but feel you meet the majority or bring alternative strengths, please feel encouraged to apply.

Bring your drive and passion to lead CPRE London towards its vision of a greener city and manage its strategic direction and delivery. This is a rare, part time opportunity to lead an organisation at the cutting edge of policy regarding green spaces and the environment, housing and planning. You will manage a small but motivated team of staff and dedicated volunteers. We are looking for candidates with the confidence to pitch for new funding and prioritise projects, coupled with a track record of liaison work across the environmental space ideally drawing on a background in planning.

CPRE London is a leading environmental charity in the capital, an independent charity and the London regional branch (1 of 42) of the national CPRE organisation, ‘The Countryside Charity’.

The focus of our campaigning is to make London a well-planned, greener, climate-resilient and nature rich city, which benefits everyone.

Skills in leadership, oversight of income and expenditure, communication, negotiation, and project management are needed to run our operations. In addition to leading CPRE London you will also work closely with a supportive board of trustees.

Currently at the exciting stage of developing the London Tree Ring project, additionally we are involved in many more initiatives such as Healthy Streets Scorecard and GoParksLondon and supporting local campaigns to protect our precious green spaces from development. 

Further details available on our website: Get Involved: Jobs and Volunteering Tab.

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.

We are supporting an impactful national charity, helping marginalised young people to make and monetise music.

At a time of reduced public funding, mental health challenges, climate change, and the growth of AI, we believe their mission has never been more urgent. Music builds confidence, creativity and community and it can transform how young people understand themselves and their place in the world.

This is a rare and exciting opportunity for a strategic, inclusive leader who shares this belief to join the UK’s largest and leading young people’s music charity. We are searching for a Chief Executive who will boldly campaign for the charity’s mission, inspire colleagues, and play a key strategic role in shaping their next chapter.

Chief Executive

Salary: £100,000 - £110,000 + benefits

Location: London, Southwark office- Hybrid working

We’re seeking a senior leader with a proven track record in securing major partnerships, grants, or donations, ideally from a charity, foundation, or similar organisation. You’ll have experience across the creative, youth, education, or cultural sectors, with expertise in funding strategy, impact measurement, and working confidently with government. A key priority will be accelerating income growth by building strong, strategic relationships with funders, policymakers, and philanthropists.

Key responsibilities include:

· Lead and evolve the charity’s strategy, ensuring it reflects the organisation’s vision and values.

· Act as principal ambassador, advocating their mission with authority and authenticity.

· Model inclusive, values-driven leadership, promoting equity, wellbeing, creativity, and youth participation.

· Oversee long-term financial planning and budgeting with the COO and board.

· Drive digital transformation through strategic adoption of digital tools and technologies.

As Chief Executive, you’ll be an effective spokesperson, progressive thinker, and committed advocate for grassroots youth music, able to connect with people from all backgrounds. If you bring energy, belief in young people, and a passion for music, we’d love to hear from you.

How to Apply
To apply for the role, please upload your CV together with a supporting statement (of no more than 1000 words) onto the Prospectus website.

Please ensure that you have included a telephone number, as well as any dates when you will not be available or might have difficulty with the recruitment timetable.   

If you would like to have an informal conversation about the role, please contact us for more information. 
 
At Prospectus we believe passionately that a truly inclusive workplace leads to increased social impact. We are committed to supporting our clients build more inclusive teams. To understand how we are performing, we ask that you kindly complete the brief equal opportunities questionnaire when you submit your application via our website. Please be assured that your responses are kept confidential, separate from your candidate record, are not part of any application you make, and that the consultants never see individual responses to the questionnaire.

Recruitment Timetable

Deadline for applications: Sunday 4th January (midnight) 2026

Interviews with Prospectus: 12-23 January

Interviews with the charity: 2-13 February

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.  

About Ladywell and FMDM Foundation CIO

The Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood (FMDM) is an international congregation of Catholic women inspired by the life of Francis and Clare of Assisi. At the heart of their mission is Ladywell, a serene and vibrant multi-purpose site in Godalming, established in 1956, which includes a Care Home, Congregational Leadership Team offices, and a Finance and Administration hub. Ladywell is known for fostering hospitality, personal growth, and a peaceful environment rooted in Gospel values. It also serves as the location for a Franciscan Centre offering programs for day and residential groups. The organization supports its community of sisters with a team of approximately 70 employees dedicated to its mission.

In Ladywell, we seek to create a hospitable Franciscan place, rooted in Gospel values, where a peaceful atmosphere nurtures life for everyone. As Mission Partners, we do more than work for the Sisters; we work alongside them, each bringing professional expertise to help shape and direct the mission of the Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood (FMDM).

In Ladywell, we seek to create a hospitable Franciscan place, where a peaceful atmosphere nurtures life for everyone. As Mission Partners, we do more than work for the Sisters; we work alongside them, each bringing professional expertise to help shape and direct the mission of the Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood (FMDM).

The Role

We are seeking an experienced and values-driven Director of Finance to provide strategic leadership of all financial functions of the FMDM Foundation CIO and the wider Congregation.

Reporting to the General Bursar and working closely with the Congregational Leadership Team (CLT) and Trustees, this is a senior and influential role with responsibility for ensuring long-term financial sustainability, robust governance, and compliance with Canon Law, Charity Law, and financial best practice.

The post-holder will play a vital role in enabling the Congregation’s mission and global activities to flourish through sound financial stewardship, effective risk management, and collaborative leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide overall strategic and operational leadership of finance and business administration
• Oversee budgets, management accounts, audits, payroll, and statutory reporting
• Advise Trustees and CLT on financial viability, risk, and forward planning
• Ensure compliance with Charity Commission requirements, SORP, Canon Law, Charity Law and Civil Law
• Lead and inspire the Finance Team, supporting professional development and change
• Manage property, assets, investments, and external professional relationships
• Work collaboratively with international FMDM leaders and bursars
• Attend Trustee Board, Committee, and CLT meetings, providing high-quality financial reports

About You

You will be a senior finance professional who combines technical excellence with integrity, discretion, and a collaborative leadership style. You will be comfortable working in a faith-based, values-led environment and committed to supporting the mission and ethos of a religious charitable organisation.

Essential requirements include:

• ACA / ACCA / CIMA (or equivalent) qualification
• Senior-level experience in charity or not-for-profit finance and governance
• Proven experience of budgeting, management accounts, audit, and strategic planning
• Experience reporting to Boards of Trustees
• Strong people management and leadership skills
• High levels of confidentiality, professionalism, and attention to detail
• An understanding of the ethos of the Catholic Church in a professional context
• Excellent communication skills
• Willingness to travel overseas to countries in which the FMDMs are present, should the need arise

Desirable experience includes:

• Experience within international or religious organisations
• Knowledge of charity property matters and investment oversight
• Familiarity with charity-specific financial reporting (SORP)

This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and the post holder must have right to work in the UK.

Why Join Us?

• A unique opportunity to contribute your professional expertise to a meaningful global mission
• Work in a peaceful, values-led environment grounded in Franciscan hospitality
• Collaborative working alongside Sisters and Mission Partners
• The chance to make a lasting impact through responsible stewardship and service

How to apply

To apply please write a covering letter clearly stating your interest and reasons for applying to work for the FMDM Foundation CIO as Director of Finance and Business Administration and provide an up-to-date CV to us by 7th January 2025. CV only applications will not be accepted.

First round of interviews to take place week commencing 12th January with those shortlisted to a second round later in January

Role

We seek a Finance Manager to lead the day to day running of the charity’s finances including overseeing the work of our outsourced financial provider. As a grant giving organisation, there will be regular interaction with the programmatic workstreams in this position, offering a fantastic opportunity for the right candidate to increase the capacity of a field-leading charity, help empower researchers in the Global South, and contribute to one of the world’s most important climate debates. If you are an ambitious qualified finance professional, this is an opportunity to step into a role with purpose, international influence, and real impact.  

Working with the COO, you will undertake organisational financial planning, budgeting and forecasting so that the senior staff and trustees have comprehensive information for decision making. Furthermore, in cooperation with the Development Manager, this role will support the submission of funding bids and reporting to funders to ensure the continued growth of the charity.

Responsibilities

As this is a new role, responsibilities are expected to evolve but some key items include:

• Financial Oversight: Overseeing the outsourced finance provider, ensuring service delivery meets organisational needs and deadlines. You will be the primary liaison between our financial services provider and the staff, ensuring that they make payments on behalf of the organisation, runs payroll, completes the bookkeeping via QuickBooks, the monthly management accounts, and the annual statutory accounts. 
• Budgeting & Forecasting: Preparing and monitoring annual organisational budgets including a mid-year adjustment, cash flow forecasts, financial models and annual accounts to support the annual business cycle and fundraising bids.
• Reporting: Finalising monthly management accounts prepared by outsourced financial provider, deliver financial reports for the COO, senior leadership, and trustees, and preparing donor financial reporting.
• Financial Strategy and Investment Oversight: Working with the COO to manage financial resources and reserves including developing the investment policy to support the long-term goals of the charity.
• Audit & Compliance: Leading on annual audits, maintain compliance with UK charity finance regulations, and ensure adherence to funder requirements.
• Programmatic financial support: Working closely with the programmes teams to ensure their payments processes run smoothly with the outsourced financial provider, and regularly reviewing their grant and event expenditure is in line with their own managed budgets.
• Process Improvement: Identifying opportunities to streamline financial processes and implement best practices, such as working with Operations to improve payments & expenses software, opening new bank accounts, or finding new platforms to reduce international payment fees.

Key relationships:

• Supervised by COO 
• Primary liaison with our outsourced financial provider (including a management accountant, payments officer and bookkeeper)
• Works with the Development Manager
• Grants Manager
• Operations team

Chief Executive Officer – The Abbey Centre
Location: The Abbey Centre, Westminster, London (site-based role, flexible working available)
Salary: £90,000 – £95,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent (Full-time, 37.5 hours/week; regular evening attendance for events as required)

Could you lead a much-loved community hub through its next chapter of stability, growth and civic impact?

About The Abbey Centre

Our charity has served the community of south Westminster since 1948 and has occupied The Abbey Centre building, a converted Victorian public bath house a stone’s throw from Westminster Abbey, since 1991. We are a site-based community hub and social enterprise, combining community services, training and outreach with venue hire, an on-site café and catering to generate income that supports our charitable work.

We work across employability, health and wellbeing, volunteering and practical support for vulnerable residents; the Centre welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds, and sees over 1,000 visits each week. Our strong partnerships with Westminster City Council, statutory bodies and corporate donors underpin commissioned activity and solidify our position as a trusted local delivery partner.

This is an opportunity for a visionary but hands-on leader to preserve the Centre’s warm, inclusive culture and outstanding reputation while further professionalising systems, developing our income, and shaping a multi-year strategy that secures the building and grows impact.

As our next Chief Executive Officer, you will:

• Strategy & Impact: lead a collaborative listening phase and then develop and deliver a 3–5 year strategy and rolling business plan that defines the Centre’s core offer and impact targets.

• Governance & Finance: own the annual budget and medium-term financial modelling, deliver full-cost recovery across activity lines and present timely, accurate management information to trustees.

• Operational Leadership: ensure continuity of community services, venue trading and café operations and strengthen operational systems including safeguarding, H&S and business continuity.

• Income Generation: drive commercial performance of venue hire, events and catering, professionalise fundraising (major donors, legacies, corporate partnerships) and lead bids for multi-year statutory contracts.

• Community & Partnerships: sustain and deepen strategic relationships with Westminster City Council, commissioners, local partners and corporate supporters to secure commissioned work and philanthropic income.

• Estate Stewardship: manage day-to-day stewardship of the Centre’s significant ageing building, overseeing maintenance, lease/compliance obligations and contractor relationships.

• People & Culture: build a cohesive senior team, embed clear role accountabilities, performance management and development, and protect the Centre’s welcoming culture while managing change.

• Brand & Profile: act as a visible ambassador locally and with funders to raise the Centre’s profile and champion its social value.

Who you are:

• A seasoned senior leader with proven experience in a small/medium charity, community organisation or social enterprise that combines front-line delivery with significant premises/estate responsibility.

• Demonstrable track record of leading strategic development and delivering organisational growth while balancing hands-on operational leadership.

• Strong commercial and earned-income expertise, with experience of running successful commercial – ideally site-based - operations.

• Confident in winning and managing statutory contracts and multi-year grant programmes; credible with local authorities, commissioners and corporate partners.

• Financially literate with direct budget and cash-flow accountability and experience of full-cost recovery modelling.

• A collaborative, visible and warm ambassador who builds trust quickly, communicates clearly and can present concise management information to trustees.

Why The Abbey Centre?

• A powerful mission: deliver practical services, companionship and opportunity for south Westminster residents in a civic, high-impact setting.

• A prominent, historic central Westminster location and a cherished community building offering scope for strategic estate planning and growth.

• A warm, loyal staff team and an engaged board navigating a positive leadership transition.

• A social enterprise model where successful trading directly funds frontline services and creates a platform for entrepreneurial leadership.

• The opportunity to shape a multi-year strategy that secures the long-term future of the charity and grows its impact in the community.

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

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 12th January 2026

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

About SCEC

SCEC was founded over twenty years ago to provide learning enrichment opportunities to primary school children in disadvantaged communities in south London. Together with our partners, several leading independent schools, we currently operate four schemes in math, literacy, science and art. Children learn through fun, engaging group activities like science experiments, storytelling and mathematical treasure hunts, all taught by qualified teachers with added support from student mentors. Through the schemes, children explore their curiosity, build knowledge and develop their confidence as learners.

Your Role

The Scheme Director is a newly created role that will be pivotal in helping SCEC extend its reach. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, you will help SCEC design and implement an expansion programme as well as coordinating the delivery of the existing schemes via our school partners. You will also serve as a trusted partner to the Board in the administration of the charity.

Similar to a COO, this role straddles the operational and the strategic. We are looking for a confident communicator and relationship builder who can work across varied stakeholder groups. You will have project management experience that can be applied to challenges like process design and change management. You should be able to grasp the big picture and have an eye for the details needed to deliver successful outcomes.  This is an exciting opportunity for the right candidate to join SCEC on a transformational journey working with excellent learning partners and established leaders to improve educational outcomes for children.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee scheme operations including pupil recruitment, enrolment and attendance to ensure the smooth running of schemes and maximum impact
• Promote the charity to prospective partners and donors
• Support the Board in developing, implementing and monitoring an expansion programme
• Monitor and report on scheme performance and impact
• Prepare and manage budgets and disbursement of funds 
• Build and maintain systems and processes to support scheme operations, compliance and monitoring

Key Qualities

• Passionate about making a difference in the lives of children
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing strategic plans to achieve organisational goals
• Track record of effectively managing programmes and services, including programme development, implementation, and evaluation
• Committed to working collaboratively to build strong relationships with business partners and colleagues and proactively engaging stakeholders when making decisions
• Self-motivated and highly organised, you have a strong sense of initiative and take a hands-on approach to planning and administration

Child Protection

SCEC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. This is the responsibility of the whole organisation (trustees and staff).  An enhanced DBS Disclosure is required for this role.

For more information, please see the attached Job Description below

Reports to: Operations Director (Head of Delivery) 
Contract: Part-time (0.5 FTE) 

Interview process: Will be in the New Year 

Role Purpose 

As Payroll Lead, you will manage HOST’s global payroll operations — ensuring that all staff, contractors, and hosted partners are paid accurately, compliantly, and on time. 

You will bring structure, care, and precision to one of HOST’s most essential services: ensuring the people driving climate and social action receive the financial stability they need to do their best work. 

This role supports both internal HOST staff and hosted partners, liaising across HR, Finance, and Community Support to deliver secure, compliant, and efficient payroll management. You will also help develop new systems and processes as HOST expands internationally, ensuring our operations remain smooth, transparent, and aligned with local legislation. 

Core Responsibilities 

1. Payroll Management 

• Manage all aspects of monthly payroll for UK and international employees, contractors, and hosted partner staff. 

• Prepare and process payroll changes (new hires, terminations, pay adjustments) in line with internal procedures. 

• Ensure timely submission of payroll information to Finance and external providers. 

• Reconcile payroll each month, identifying and resolving any discrepancies. 
   

• Reporting cadence: Monthly payroll cycle; quarterly summary to Operations Director. 

2. Compliance and Record-Keeping 

• Ensure full compliance with UK employment law, tax regulations, and international payroll requirements in collaboration with external providers. 

• Maintain accurate and confidential employee and contractor records. 

• Support statutory reporting, including PAYE, HMRC, and pension submissions. 

• Liaise with HOST’s Finance Team on audits and compliance reviews. 
  Reporting cadence: Monthly compliance report; annual payroll compliance review. 

3. System Management and Improvement 

• Maintain and improve digital payroll systems, ensuring data accuracy and secure integration with Finance and HR tools. 

• Support the development of HOSTHub payroll features and automation processes with the Tech Team. 

• Identify opportunities to simplify workflows and strengthen reporting. 
  Reporting cadence: Quarterly system and process improvement review. 

4. Contractor and International Payroll Support 

• Coordinate with the Community Support and Finance Teams to process international contractor payments, ensuring correct deductions and documentation. 

• Liaise with local payroll providers and Employer of Record (EoR) partners to ensure compliance in each jurisdiction. 

• Track and report on cross-border payroll performance and issue resolution. 
  Reporting cadence: Monthly report; immediate escalation of compliance concerns. 

5. HR and Staff Support 

• Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll queries from staff and contractors, providing clear and timely responses. 

• Collaborate with the HR & Operations teams to ensure policies and processes reflect payroll updates and legislation. 

• Support onboarding and offboarding processes for staff and contractors. 
  Reporting cadence: Ongoing; monthly summary of staff queries and resolutions. 

6. Risk and Confidentiality 

• Identify potential payroll or compliance risks, escalating concerns to the Operations Director and Finance Manager. 

• Ensure all payroll data and personal information are handled securely, in line with GDPR and HOST’s data protection policies. 
  Reporting cadence: Ongoing; quarterly inclusion in organisational risk report. 

Key Relationships 

Internal: Operations Director, Finance Manager, Accountant, Community Support Leads, HR & Payroll External Specialist, and Legal Lead. 
External: Payroll providers, Employer of Record partners, and hosted partner representatives. 

Performance Indicators 

• 100% accuracy in payroll delivery and documentation. 

• 100% on-time monthly payroll completion. 

• All compliance and statutory submissions completed by deadline. 

• 100% confidentiality maintained in payroll data handling. 

• Measurable improvements in payroll efficiency and staff satisfaction. 

Qualifications/Experience:  Member of recognised payroll body e.g. CIPP/GPA