Children services director jobs

We are seeking an outstanding Chief Executive Officer to guide First Step into its next chapter, following the announcement of the planned retirement of our current CEO after 11 years of dedicated service.

You join us at an exciting and transformative time. We are actively driving the organisation forward, focusing on long-term sustainability while ensuring we never lose sight of the families who rely on us.  We are looking for a CEO who shares our values, inspires others and can lead with vision, compassion and determination.

This is a hands-on, outward-facing role, leading from the front, championing First Step’s profile within the community and igniting the interest of existing and potential supporters and donors. You will need to:

• Inspire, energise and direct the First Step team of staff and volunteers, to consistently deliver outstanding support for families of children with special needs and or disabilities
• Foster a positive and proactive culture that embodies excellence and compassion at every level
• Shape and communicate a strong strategy and vision, ensuring that every aspect of our work aligns seamlessly with First Step’s objectives and values
• Actively seek out and embrace new possibilities to expand and enhance services, driving innovation to ensure the organisation continues to make a meaningful difference to the community

As we follow the recruitment requirements of Keeping Children Safe in Education we do require a fully completed application with a full education and working history with any gaps explained.  A supplimentary CV can also be provided for additional information, but not in place of a fully completed Application Form.

At First Step, safeguarding children and vulnerable adults is at the core of everything we do. Working closely with children, parents, staff, volunteers, and the wider community, we are dedicated to creating a safe and nurturing environment where everyone can thrive. Our team is vigilant and proactive to identify and address any concerns, and to follow our robust procedures whenever there is a belief that a child or vulnerable adult may be at risk of harm.

We are equally passionate about championing equality and diversity in our employment practices and the services we provide. First Step embraces inclusion, celebrating the unique perspectives and talents that each individual brings to our organisation. We actively encourage people from all backgrounds – regardless of race, gender, disability, age, marital status, sexuality, religion, background, or personality – to play a key role in building vibrant, sustainable communities. Our commitment is rooted in recognising and valuing the strengths diversity brings to our team and our wider community.

Please note: You will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, ensuring we maintain the highest standards of safety and trust.

About the Investment team

The Investment team is responsible for selecting portfolio partners, managing our charity investments and supporting our portfolio partners to improve and scale their impact. 

The Investment team also leads the Impetus Leadership Academy, a leadership development programme to support talent from ethnic minority backgrounds in the UK youth sector to progress into senior leadership roles. 

The team is made up of 18 people, including former teachers, charity chief executives, charity impact leads, management consultants, social investment portfolio managers and impact consultants.   

The team is led by a Portfolio Director who sits on the Senior Management Team. The Portfolio Director has 5 direct reports: a Deputy Portfolio Director, three Sector Leads (who lead our work in school engagement, school attainment and employment sectors) and an Impact Lead. Sector Leads line manage 6 Investment Directors between them. Investment Directors line manage Investment Managers (currently 7). Investment Directors and Investment Managers tend to primarily focus on a sector but might have mixed portfolios, depending on need, experience and interest. 

The Investment team has a good track record of role progression. All four Leads and a number of our Investment Directors were promoted from within the team. 

About this role

We believe that all young people deserve to succeed in school and in work, whatever their background. As we enter a challenging time with rising inflation and a likely recession, our work feels more vital than ever before. The role of Investment Director presents an exciting opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the charities portfolio partners we serve, the team itself and the whole of Impetus.   

We support a portfolio of 23 high potential charity and non-profit partners in the youth sector, helping them deliver benchmark-beating employment and education outcomes for young people, and to grow. 

We believe the strength of our approach resides in three things: 

​

• ​Building deep, trust-based, sustainable relationships with charity leaders by, investing time, kindness, integrity and honesty.
• ​Providing our charities multi-year, unrestricted funding to help them become sector-leading organisations and scale their impact.
• ​Offering tailored advice to charity leaders’ most pressing and strategic questions, including their mission, programme design, performance management, growth planning, and financial resilience.

Working with our portfolio partners is a privilege. The leaders we support are incredibly talented, passionate and keen for external advice, and the issues we work through with them are stimulating and stretching. Our senior management relationships are some of the most fulfilling relationships many of us have had in our careers, while the growth and impact performance of our partners are testament to charities’ commitment to disadvantaged young people and the influence we have on their development. 

Charities and funders often comment on the quality of our people. Our team is analytical and data driven; we are deeply relational, low-ego and collaborative. We actively invest in our colleagues holding regular training and community of practice sessions, and use skills-based assessments to tailor development. 

As an organisation we seek to embed diversity of thought, background and experience in every aspect of our work and actively challenge our assumptions to better deliver change. Over the past two years we have taken action to help reduce racial inequality in the youth sector. In 2021 we launched our Connect Fund to support diverse leaders and their robust solutions to the entrenched employment gap faced by young people from ethnic minority backgrounds compared with their white peers. We have also built a highly regarded Leadership Academy for emerging youth sector leaders from ethnic minority backgrounds, with generous funding from State Street Foundation. 

If you are looking for a role combining strategic thinking, analytical insight and influencing emerging leaders, as well as the opportunity to work with a supportive team to transform young lives, I hope you will apply to work with us. 

I look forward to hearing from you. 

Sebastien Ergas 
Portfolio Director 

​Key responsibilities
Finding high potential charities and non-profit partners for our portfolio 

• Identifying potential charitable organisations for investment.
• Leading and delivering in-depth due diligence process within the scope of a grant round, to assess and build partnership foundations with potential partners – covering leadership and governance, and their impact, scale, and partnership potential.
• Modelling from first contact of origination, our approach to engaged and trust-based investment management support.
• Developing and presenting high quality investment propositions to our Investment Committee.

Managing partnerships with portfolio partners​

• ​Managing relationships with partner Chairs and CEOs. 
• Agreeing Service Funding Agreements, including appropriate annual investment milestones to allow for a clear assessment of re-investment potential at end of phase. 
• Regularly monitoring and assessing partner progress / risks against milestones and making evidence-based recommendations on progression or exit to Leads, Portfolio Director and the Investment Committee.
• Escalating key risks on performance, leadership and safeguarding.   
• Conducting annual partnership reviews with Sector Leads and partner CEOs.
• Working with Impetus finance colleagues to ensure timely distribution of grant payments, in line with Service Funding Agreements.  

Supporting portfolio partners  ​

• ​Providing high quality advisory support to CEOs and senior colleagues on key strategic topics, using a mix of at least monthly one-to-one meetings and group facilitation to: 

• clarify theory of change
• ​define long term ambition
• ​develop growth strategy 
• ​achieve a step change in the delivery and performance management of outcomes 
• ​strengthen leadership (individual and collective) and governance capabilities
• ​develop path to scale
• ​build financial resilience

• ​Scoping and project managing pro bono capacity-building projects (in addition to providing direct management support). Ensure projects are delivered to a high standard and contribute to charity progression.
• Identifying engagement opportunities for our donors and supporters with portfolio partners that are aligned with the partner’s activities and do not distract or undermine their core work.
• Collaborating with the Impetus Philanthropy team to support the development of additional funding opportunities for portfolio partners, enhancing their ability to deliver impact at scale.
• Effectively leveraging the support of investment managers to advance the objectives developed for each portfolio partner that is managed by an Investment Director.

Support to Impetus

• Developing expertise about “what works” in the sector through cultivation and use of expert input and engagement as well as investigation into key research and evaluative literature.
• Contributing insights and learning from portfolio work to inform Impetus’ strategy, model and delivery, providing evidence based recommendations to senior colleagues
• Contributing to internal priorities and working groups, bringing expertise and insight from portfolio work (e.g. team strategy discussions, digital improvement initiatives, or equity, diversity, and inclusion).
• Contribute towards Impetus’ public affairs and philanthropy objectives through input into case studies, research and policy campaigns, donor reports and fundraising events.
• Sharing the learning from our work across the team, across the organisation and externally working within Impetus strategy and agreed forums.
• Engaging in Impetus pro bono, communications, and advocacy events, and engage portfolio partners appropriately in these events. 
• Line-manage and support one or more Investment Managers, setting clear objectives and providing coaching, feedback and development opportunities to enable them to deliver high quality work and achieve their individual, project and team goals
• Embedding inclusive and equitable practices in portfolio work, ensuring diverse perspectives are considered and barriers to participation are identified and addressed

​Person specification

Essential​

• A commitment to Impetus’ mission. 
• ​Senior level responsibility and a strong track record of building trust-based relationships with senior stakeholders, advising them on key strategic decisions, and challenging them in a respectful and collaborative manner. 
• ​A talent for strategic thinking around complex issues. 
• ​Strong financial acumen and analytical skills. 
• Understanding of impact measurement and evaluation fundamentals. 
• ​Resilience, tenacity and initiative. 
• ​Ability to adapt personal style to different leadership contexts, working inclusively and effectively with diverse leaders and organisations.
• ​Growth mind-set to seek out and act on feedback and a commitment to continuous learning and development. 
• ​Proven ability to work independently, and to exercise good judgment. 
• ​Strong planning and time management skills. 
• ​Experience contributing expertise to team or organisational priorities, including sharing learning and supporting others’ development. 
• ​Interest in partnering closely with charities that are doing what it takes to get better. 
• ​A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

Desirable​

• Experience in the non-profit (charity or social enterprise) sector, through work, as a pro-bono volunteer or Trustee capacity.
• ​Experience in consulting, investment management, senior charity management, or other in-depth grant making and advisory work. 
• ​Knowledge and expertise in UK education or youth employability sectors. 
• ​Board experience in private, public or third sector. 
• ​Understanding of or experience with commissioning impact evaluations. 

About Impetus

At Impetus, our focus is on helping young people achieve positive education and employment outcomes to increase their chance of leading fulfilling and successful lives, irrespective of their background.​

We tackle the three most difficult challenges that affect a young person’s ability to succeed in life in Britain today:  ​

• Lost learning through absence, suspensions, exclusions from school  

• Stagnation in education attainment outcomes, which means many are missing out on key qualifications like GCSE English and maths 

• The large numbers of young people out of education, training and employment  ​

We use our deep expertise and high calibre networks to give the best non-profits working in these sectors the essential ingredients to have a real and lasting impact on the young people they serve.​

Through a powerful combination of long-term funding, direct capacity building support from our experienced team and our pro bono partners, alongside research and policy influencing to drive lasting systems change, we work towards a society where all young people can thrive in school, pass their exams and unlock the doors to sustained employment, for a fulfilling life. ​

We are resolutely focused on outcomes and impact, driven by quality evidence.​

You would be joining a team that is passionate, rigorous, determined, creative and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our portfolio partners and the young people we serve.​

Impetus is a registered charity and our charity number is 1152262.

​

Our Values​

In 2022 the Impetus staff agreed the following set of Values to act as our guiding principles as an organisation and help us to remain focused on achieving our mission to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

We are brave and curious

We are bold and brave in our pursuit of better outcomes for young people. We lead with curiosity and stay open to new perspectives. We support one another to take considered risks and learn together.

We bring high trust, high challenge

We build strong, long-term relationships through honesty, kindness, integrity, and respect. We create the space for open, constructive challenge, where colleagues, partners and supporters feel safe to speak up, hold each other to account, and bring their best in pursuit of our mission.

We are evidence led and results driven for young people

We pursue excellence for the young people we work with, are wholly committed to better outcomes, unapologetically results driven, and accountable for our actions.

We thrive through diversity

We seek to embed diversity of thought, background and experience in every aspect of our work. We are open, thoughtful and proactive in better understanding and challenging our assumptions to better deliver the change we seek.

We always seek collaboration

We will not succeed alone. We seek meaningful, productive partnerships with others to achieve our mission and drive systems change for young people.

Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

We believe that a diverse workforce leads to an organisation that is more open, creative and gets better results.​

We want our team at Impetus to represent the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We also want our team to be one where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop.

We want to reach a diverse pool of candidates. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that potential employees may need to in order to be successful.​

We recognise the importance of a good work/life balance. We do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including working from home, working part-time job shares and other arrangements.​

Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore.​

Impetus is an equal opportunity employer and is determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We value diversity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.​

​Our employee benefits ​

Impetus appreciates the invaluable contribution made by all employees and wishes to encourage and reward loyalty, motivation and experience. We therefore offer a range of benefits and policies which aim to assist employees during various stages of their lives and careers. For more information on these, please download the job information pack from our website.​

How to apply

Please click on the "Apply for this job" button at the top of the page. ​

You will need to:​

• Complete the online form (including the equal opportunities monitoring form)
• Upload a comprehensive CV and supporting statement.​

The supporting statement should be no more than two sides of A4 and should address the criteria in the person specification.​

You should also include the contact details of two referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be approached with your express permission.​

As part of our commitment to flexible working we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at interview stage.​

The deadline for applications is 2026, Sunday 21st June 2026, 11:59pm.​

Interviews:​

1st Interviews will take place on w/c 29th June 2026.​

2nd Interviews will take place on w/c 6th July 2026.​

You will also be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK.​

Personal Data

Your personal data will be shared for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes our HR team, interviewers (who may include other partners in the project and independent advisors), relevant team managers and our IT service provider if access to the data is necessary for performance of their roles. We do not share your data with other third parties, unless your application for employment is successful and we make you an offer of employment. We will then share your data with former employers to obtain references for you. We do not transfer your data outside the European Economic Area.

Pay: £63,099.00 per year

Job title: Director of Services

Hours per week: 37 hours Monday to Friday

Salary: £63,099

Location: Coventry and Warwickshire

About the role

Would you like to play a key role in improving the lives of older people living within Warwickshire and Coventry? We have a rare and exciting opportunity to join our senior management team at a time of significant change for the charity. Trustees have set out an ambitious strategy for growth and long-term sustainability that is supported with significant investment in technology, buildings and staffing resources. This investment will enable us to expand the reach of our current service offer and enable the growth of new services that meet the growing needs of our communities.

Our current service offer includes a range of dementia support services, home support, advice, financial support services, counselling, befriending, social groups and activity centres.

As Director of Services, you will maintain and develop service quality, support and develop a team of managers. You will build strong strategic stakeholder relationships and play a significant role in the broad leadership of all aspects of the charity.

How to apply

Please apply directly on our charity website Age UK Coventry & Warwickshire. If you would like an informal discussion regarding the role please email or phone us.

Age UK is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates, regardless of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital/civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity. We guarantee an interview to disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria. We welcome requests for flexible working.

Age UK is committed to safeguarding adults at risk, and children, from abuse and neglect. We expect everyone who works with us to share this commitment.

Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert at any time.

Age UK politely requests no contact from recruitment agencies or media sales. We do not accept speculative CVs from recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.

Staff benefits include:

• Employee Assistance Programme
• Blue Light Discount Card
• Age UK Discount Portal
• Tickets for Good
• 27 days annual leave + Bank Holidays (Pro Rata)

Closing Date: 8am on Monday 6th July 2026

Interview Date: Week Commencing 13th July 2026

Work Location: In person

Young Scot is looking for an ambitious and experienced Director of Marketing and
Information to lead our national information, content, digital marketing, communications and
platform strategy at a pivotal moment of transformation.

 
This is a unique opportunity to shape how Scotland’s national youth information and citizenship
charity reaches, informs and engages young people aged 11–26 in an increasingly fast-moving
digital world. Central to the role will be our charitable mission, and the values that underpin
everything Young Scot does.Working alongside the CEO and Senior Leadership Team, you’ll
lead the strategic development of Young Scot’s information services, marketing activity,
communications and branding, digital platforms and audience engagement approach, ensuring
we remain relevant, trusted and innovative in how we serve young people across Scotland. 

You’ll oversee the evolution of Young Scot’s digital ecosystem, including our website, app,
membership and media communications and wider content infrastructure, ensuring these
platforms are modern, scalable and future-ready. 

This role requires a leader who is comfortable shaping strategy and delivering execution. You’ll
bring experience leading teams, driving audience growth, overseeing digital products and
translating emerging opportunities appropriately - including AI and new media behaviours -
into practical organisational and societal advantage. 

You’ll also play a central role in ensuring Young Scot continues to deliver high-quality
commissioned campaigns, trusted information services and impactful engagement activity in
partnership with the Scottish Government, public sector partners, commercial organisations
and the wider youth sector. 

If you’re a confident strategic leader, an innovative thinker, and someone excited by the
opportunity to shape the future of youth information and engagement in Scotland, we’d love to
hear from you! 
 

Managing Director of Education and Wellbeing

Contract – Permanent

Hours - 35 hours per week

Salary – Circa £75,000 per annum

Location - Coram Campus, Bloomsbury, with occasional UK travel and hybrid working as agreed

Coram is the first and longest continuing children’s charity, originally The Foundling Hospital, helping vulnerable children and young people since 1739. Today, a dynamic group of organisations, Coram now helps more than one million children, young people, families and professionals every year through direct services, curriculum tools, and digital advice.

Coram is the largest charity provider of Personal, Social, Health and Economic education from infancy to independence. Supported by a distributed network of delivery partners across the country, Coram SCARF curriculum supports teachers across 2800 schools. Coram Beanstalk is the original volunteer reading help charity supporting children to become fluent readers with face-to-face volunteer support in primary schools. Coram Kidscape provides targeted support to schools, parents and children who are experiencing bullying whilst Coram Leap Confronting Conflict provides place based approaches to building the resilience of young people in navigating conflict. Together with Coram Shakespeare Schools Foundation, providing the largest youth drama festival, they work to realise our strategic goal to enable children to develop the skills they need for life no matter where they live.

About the role

Working directly with the Chief Executive as a member of the Senior Management Team of Coram, the Managing Director of Education and Wellbeing provides direct and matrix management and leadership across these different streams of our work with schools and teachers.

In this role you will drive partnership, business development and income to extend the reach, relevance and results for children. You will work to build and diversify subscription, direct purchase, international, statutory and commercial income streams integrating the offers and driving synergies between the programmes in the Centre. Included in this is the development of the voice of children in relevant areas of policy, particularly seeking to build social relational and critical thinking skills.

You will seek to represent Coram to advance public understanding and the development of policy and practice as it affects children and young people. You will grow Coram’s share of voice in the education arena, ensuring that policy positions, consultation responses and public communications remain consistent.

This senior role is an important opportunity for a for an established charity education leader with an entrepreneurial approach and programmatic leadership skills including income generation, built on extensive policy and systems knowledge, to impact through existing and new programmes to change the prospects of the next generation.

The successful candidate will have a strong business focus, with senior experience of identifying, responding to and delivering new business opportunities, product development / sales and fundraising. This, together with, experience of managing multiple and distributed teams whilst maintaining both quality assurance of programmes and building engagement.

You will be able to work individually, in a team and across the organisation. Strong ability to lead and motivate others, partnership building skills and knowledge, experience and commitment to improving lives of children are essential.

Please note: This is a full-time role, office based in central London; hybrid working is supported but this post is not offered for job share or for majority home working. It requires the ability to travel in the UK on business occasionally and for flexibility in attending occasional breakfast or evening events

To apply for this role, please visit the Coram website to complete an application. Please note CV’S alone will not be accepted.

Closing date: 29th June 2026 at 9am

Interview date (at Coram Campus, Bloomsbury): Thursday 2nd July 2026

Coram is an equal opportunities employer and we believe a diverse workforce enables us to improve the services to the children and families we help. We are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from all sections of the community we seek to support. This includes those from global majority ethnic backgrounds, those that identify as LGBQT+, those with disabilities, those with lived experience of care and those from other groups who are underrepresented at Coram.

We are committed to the safeguarding of children and where appropriate will require the successful applicant to undertake a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Registered Charity No. 312278.

YMCA DownsLink Group (YMCA DLG) is the leading charity supporting children and young people across Sussex and Surrey through safe homes, mental health support and trusted advice. Following a significant period of organisational stabilisation and transformation, we are now entering an ambitious new phase focused on growth, influence and deepening our impact.

We are seeking an experienced and values-led Director of Mental Health and Advice to join our Executive Team and lead our counselling and specialist support and advice services for children and young people. This is a strategically important leadership role with responsibility for community and schools counselling, specialist youth advice and sexual exploitation services, safeguarding, service quality and contract growth across a complex and evolving operational landscape.

You will bring visible leadership across services, strengthen partnerships with commissioners and local authorities, and help shape the future of mental health and advice support for children and young people across the region. Alongside this, you will help lead the organisation as a whole, contributing to long-term sustainability, growth and strategic direction.

This appointment forms part of a wider strengthening of YMCA DLG’s Executive Team, alongside the recruitment of a second Director role, as the organisation enters its next phase of growth and impact. This is an opportunity to join an ambitious organisation at a pivotal moment and help shape what comes next.

Peridot Partners are supporting us with the recruitment of this role. When you click 'Redirect to Recruiter' you will be redirected to the full job advert and how to apply on the Peridot Partners website.

Closing date: 9 am Tuesday 30th June

Interim Director of People & Culture

• Contract: 6 months fixed term
• Hours: 37.5 hours per week 
• Location: Oxford is the primary location, with some opportunity for hybrid working
• Salary: £80,000 per annum
• Closing date: 12th June 2026 12 noon 

Help shape the future of the world’s first children’s hospice and make a lasting different to local families.

We are seeking an experienced Interim Director of People & Culture to join our Executive Team during a significant period of organisational change.

This is a unique opportunity to shape our people strategy, culture and organisational design while ensuring we continue to deliver compassionate, high-quality services to those who need us most.

The role:

Reporting to the CEO and as part of the Executive Team, you’ll lead the People function through a period of organisational change.

• Lead and deliver key organisational change, including operating model and workforce reviews.
• Develop and embed a clear, valued-led culture and people strategy.
• Act as a trusted adviser to the CEO, Executive Team and Board, providing expert insight on people, culture and organisational design.
• Ensure effective, compliant people practices while strengthening capability across staff and volunteers.

Who we’re looking for:

You are a credible, experienced people leader who delivers impact at pace.

• Director level experience in HR/People/Organisational Development with complex environments.
• Proven track record of leading transformation and shaping organisational culture.
• Strong employment law expertise with the ability to influence at Executive and Board Level.
• CIPD Level 7, CIPD Chartered Membership or equivalent (CIPD Chartered Fellow desirable).
• A pragmatic, collaborative and values led approach.

Apply today and play a key role in shaping a strong and sustainable future for Helen & Douglas House and the families we support.

Please note that everyone working for Helen & Douglas House are required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check. Helen & Douglas House is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We are an equal opportunities employer and value the benefits of a diverse workforce. We positively encourage applications from all areas of the community.

We are seeking a dynamic, strategic, and highly organised individual with either registered healthcare status or an experienced commissioner of healthcare services and a passion for supporting people with long-term health conditions like ME.

As Clinical Lead, you will play a pivotal role in the delivery and development of our Healthcare Services. As our CQC Registered Manager, you will play a critical role in supporting the team and assuring effective and safe services for people with ME of all ages and their families.

Reporting to the Director of Operations, you will also play a pivotal role in developing our services, drive performance and optimise processes, and enhance service delivery to take action with impact to better support individuals living with ME.

Job Purpose   

Working closely with the Director of Operations, the Clinical Lead will play a pivotal role in leading and developing Action for ME’s clinical Healthcare Services, ensuring the highest standards of clinical care for individuals affected by Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME). The postholder will be responsible for clinical oversight, service development, and leadership, working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to enhance outcomes for children and adults with ME and will be the CQC Registered Manager for the service.  

At present, Healthcare Services is a small team with two physiotherapists and one doctor (specialist GP), with plans to recruit more.

We are keen to develop and expand our services, building on the small amount of spot purchasing from local commissioning boards and exploring a diagnosing and prescribing offer. We are also keen to explore the potential of increasing the range of disciplines offered within the team. You will play a key role in contributing to, and delivering, the strategy for our Healthcare Services.  

Key Responsibilities  

• Provide clinical support and expertise to Action for ME's Healthcare Services, ensuring evidence-based, person-centred care.  
• Act as Registered Manager for CQC (Care Quality Commission) purposes and ensure that the service meets all required standards.   
• Lead the development and implementation of clinical policies, protocols, and best practices in line with national guidelines and regulatory requirements.  
• Supervise and support healthcare professionals within the service, offering guidance, mentorship, and training.  
• Collaborate with external stakeholders, including NHS services, researchers, and others, to enhance healthcare provision for people with ME.  
• Ensure the service complies with regulatory and safeguarding standards, including CQC requirements where applicable.  
• Monitor and evaluate service delivery, using data-driven insights to improve clinical outcomes and patient experience.  
• Provide expert advice on complex cases, supporting the team with clinical decision-making.  
• Designated Safeguarding Officer for Healthcare Services.   
• Represent Action for ME at external forums, conferences, and policy discussions.   

Person specification
All criteria noted below are essential requirements of the role.

Qualifications

• A registered healthcare professional (e.g., doctor, nurse, physiotherapist, or occupational therapist) with active professional registration (GMC, NMC, HCPC or equivalent) OR an experienced commissioner of healthcare services with experience of quality assurance, safeguarding and compliance. 

Experience and Knowledge

• Extensive clinical experience in chronic illness management OR sound understanding of clinical practice, ideally with expertise in ME or related conditions and a clear understanding of the challenges faced by people with ME.  
• An understanding of Care Quality Commission regulatory requirements.
• Proven leadership experience in a healthcare setting, including team management and service development.  
• Strong understanding of evidence-based practice and clinical governance.  
• A sound understanding and experience of safeguarding children/young people and vulnerable adults.
• Experience in training and mentoring healthcare professionals.  
• Knowledge of NHS structures and commissioning processes.  
• An understanding of working within the third sector or charitable organisations.

Skills and Behaviours

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with patients, carers, and healthcare professionals.  
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary environment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (including Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams) and the ability to quickly learn relevant bespoke software systems.

Attitudes

• Commitment to patient-centred care and advocacy for people with ME.  

DS Achieve champions and supports children and young people with Down Syndrome with a focus on progression and development. After nine successful years, we’re excited to be appointing a Charity Director to lead the next stage of our growth and development. This is an exciting opportunity for you to join a well-established organisation, leading a committed and talented team to create a positive impact. 

Working closely with the Board of Trustees, you will provide strategic leadership, guide the development of the organisation, and support a committed team to deliver high-quality services for families across Hertfordshire and surrounding areas.

While the position is largely remote, the successful candidate must be able to travel regularly within Hertfordshire. Applicants must be flexible and have availability to attend on-site as needed.

We are looking for a collaborative leader with experience in charity management or a strong track record ready to step up. You will bring excellent people leadership, stakeholder engagement and organisational development skills, alongside a passion for improving outcomes for children and families.

Please see the attached Role Profile for details.

Interim Director of Finance & Operations

• Contract: 12 months fixed term
• Hours: 37.5 hours per week 
• Location: Oxford is the primary location, with some opportunity for hybrid working 
• Salary: £80,000 per annum
• Closing date: 14th June 2026

Lead strategic finance and operations at a purpose-drive organisation delivering vital care and support to children and families.

We are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Director of Finance & Operations to join our Executive Team on a 12-month fixed term basis. Reporting to the CEO, you will play a critical role in shaping organisational strategy, ensuring financial sustainability, and overseeing key enabling services that support the delivery of outstanding care and impact.

This unique opportunity to step into a pivotal leadership role, providing direction across finance, estates, governance, date and risk, and project management functions.

About the role:

As a member of the Executive Team, you will:

• Provide strategic financial leadership to the CEO, Board and senior stakeholders
• Lead and develop high-performing teams across Finance, Estates & Operations, Data & Risk, and PMO
• Oversee planning, budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting, ensuring long-term sustainability
• Drive organisational performance, insight and continuous improvement.
• Ensure robust governance, compliance, and risk management frameworks

About you:

We are looking for a collaborative and influential leader who:

• Is a fully qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA or CIPFA)
• Brings significant senior leadership experience, ideally overseeing multiple functions
• Demonstrates strong commercial judgement and financial insight
• Has a proven ability to lead, develop and deliver results through high-performing teams.
• Is an excellent communicator, able to influence at Board and Executive level.
• Thinks strategically, with the ability to translate vision into delivery and results

Apply now to be part of an organisation where your expertise will directly support lives and communities.

We reserve the right to close the advert at any time should we receive sufficient applications, therefore we encourage applicants to apply as soon as possible. 

Please note that everyone working for Helen & Douglas House are required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check. Helen & Douglas House is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We are an equal opportunities employer and value the benefits of a diverse workforce. We positively encourage applications from all areas of the community.

 DownsLink Group (YMCA DLG) is the leading charity supporting children and young people across Sussex and Surrey through safe homes, mental health support and trusted advice. Following a significant period of organisational stabilisation and transformation, we are now entering an ambitious new phase focused on growth, influence and deepening our impact.

We are seeking an experienced and values-led Director of Supported Housing to join our Executive Team and lead our resident-led housing services for young people aged 16-25. This is a strategically important leadership role with responsibility for supported housing, safeguarding, asset management, service quality and housing growth across a complex and evolving operational landscape.

You will bring visible leadership across services, strengthen partnerships with commissioners and local authorities, and help shape the future of housing support for young people across the region. Alongside this, you will help lead the organisation as a whole, contributing to long-term sustainability, growth and strategic direction.

This appointment is part of a wider strengthening of YMCA DLG’s Executive Team, alongside the recruitment of a second Director, as the organisation enters its next phase of growth and impact. This is an opportunity to join an ambitious organisation at a pivotal moment and help shape what comes next.

Peridot Partners are supporting us with the recruitment of this role. When you click 'Redirect to Recruiter' you will be redirected to the full job advert and how to apply on the Peridot Partners website.

Closing date: 9 am Tuesday 30th June

Lead a national charity at a pivotal moment of change and make a life‑changing impact for individuals and families affected by rare craniofacial conditions. 

Headlines Craniofacial Support is a UK-based charity providing information, advice and support to individuals and families affected by craniosynostosis and other rare craniofacial conditions.  The charity works closely with professional partners, including the 5 NHS Designated Specialist Craniofacial Units across the UK.

Craniosynostosis is a condition where two or more of the plates in the skull fuse prematurely, requiring medical support from a young age. Around 350 children are born with craniosynostosis each year in the UK.

Established by group of parents in 1993, Headlines now has over 2,500 members.  Within our charity offer we send out regular newsletters and an annual magazine, Headline News.  We also support families to connect through events such as an annual Family Weekend, conferences and Days Out, and provide information through our helpline and access to psychological support.  We have private social media groups and specific groups within our membership who meet regularly including Cranio Dads, Young Persons Network and a Teens Group.

After 8 successful years, our current Director will be retiring in 2026 and we are now seeking an enthusiastic, inspirational and proactive individual to take up the reins.This is a rare opportunity to lead a well-established, respected national charity at an important moment of transition.

Strategic priorities for us, moving forward, include increasing our fundraising activities to ensure sustainability of the charity alongside the smooth running of our core activities in providing support, facilitating research and raising awareness.

Key responsibilities

The Executive Director will hold day-to-day responsibilities, working closely with the Chair and Trustee Board to provide effective leadership and operational management of the charity. Specifically, they will:

• Act as an ambassador for the charity, liaising with members, health professionals and with wider community and provide day-to-day management of Headlines staff and activities, setting objectives in line with the operational plan.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding, data protection and other legal, statutory and regulatory requirements and responsibilities.
• Work on behalf of and with the Trustees to deliver the charity’s mission, goals, operational plans and long-term strategy,  and act as a positive leader and role model, managing and motivating Headlines staff,
• Ensure effective financial management of Headlines working closely with trustees and the treasurer to ensure financial security and appropriate allocation of funds.
• Manage and enhance the event programme to meet charity objectives, including identifying and meeting members’ priorities and raising awareness of craniofacial conditions.
• Develop opportunities for collaborative working and partnerships with other organisations for the benefit of people with craniosynostosis and rare craniofacial conditions.  This also includes work overseas, predominantly in Europe with our medical and charity partners.
• Oversee communications and marketing activities to raise the profile of Headlines, its work and the needs of its members.
• Identify opportunities for growth, developing projects and keeping policies relevant, to enhance and expand the work of Headlines.
• Be responsible for generating funds through innovative and cost-effective fundraising activities and grant applications to maintain the long-term success of the charity.

Person specification 

Essential criteria

• An understanding of the importance of the charity’s values and priorities.
• Evidence of inclusive, innovative and proactive leadership, with demonstrable experience of fundraising and income generation.
• Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills with experience organising events and activities.
• Experience of successfully managing budgets and developing new and sustainable funding streams.
• Excellent organisational, presentation and communication skills and the ability to write reports for public consumption and for statutory obligations.
• A high level of digital literacy skills with an understanding of online technology and the application of social media.
• Proven track record in managing, leading and motivating staff and volunteers.
• Willingness to operate a hybrid model of working with most work taking place from home, working remotely with stakeholders and across the UK/ internationally for specific events.
• Experience of working within the charity sector, ideally at a management level and/or within  financial management of the charitable sector, with sound knowledge of the relevant legal requirements and regulations applicable to a charitable organisation.

Desirable criteria

• Experience of working effectively with a Chair and Board of Trustees.
• Experience of working for a health-related organisation.
• An awareness of the principles of inclusivity, accessibility or experience of working with individuals with visible differences.
• Degree or equivalent.
• Experience of commissioning research and liaising with research bodies.

Other information

Headlines hosts events and fundraising activities throughout the whole of the UK. All Headlines staff are expected to work flexibly to support those activities as required, e.g. attendance at Annual Family Weekend, conferences, member events, supporter receptions and other related scientific meetings and conferences. This may occasionally require travel and overnight stays. In addition, all staff are expected to be self-servicing in terms of administration and basic digital skills. Please note that the list of duties is not exhaustive and additional responsibilities might occasionally arise and the workload can vary across the year

Charity Manager

The Noah Jordan Foundation

Location: Cornwall, UK
Salary: £35,000–£40,000 (depending on experience)
Hours: Full-time preferred (part-time may be considered)
Reporting to: Charity Director
Working closely with: Board of Trustees
Additional Requirements: Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends in line with events, campaigns and charity activities, with willingness and ability to travel across the UK as required.

About The Noah Jordan Foundation

The Noah Jordan Foundation is a fast-growing UK children’s charity established in memory of Noah, who died in 2024 from POLG mitochondrial disease, a rare and devastating paediatric mitochondrial disorder which can cause severe neurological deterioration and liver failure in children, and for which there is currently no effective treatment or cure.

Following Noah’s death, his family made him a promise: that his legacy would help change the future for children and families affected by mitochondrial disease.

The Foundation was established to deliver that promise through three charitable objectives:

Medical Research

Funding pioneering medical research to improve clinical management, accelerate the development of effective treatments and ultimately help drive progress towards cures for rare paediatric mitochondrial diseases, including POLG-related mitochondrial disorders.

Raising Awareness

Increasing awareness and understanding of mitochondrial disease amongst healthcare professionals, organisations and the wider public through campaigns, events, education and training.

Supporting Children and Families

Providing practical and emotional support to children and families affected by mitochondrial disease through information, resources, services and financial assistance where possible.

Since launching in September 2024, thanks to our incredible community, the Foundation has grown rapidly, raising more than £400,000 in just over 18 months.

Our Impact

The Foundation has already:

• Fully funded a three-year medical research PhD programme into POLG mitochondrial disease at the Mitochondrial Research Group (MRG) at Newcastle University, under the guidance of one of the UK’s leading Professors of Paediatric Mitochondrial Medicine, who also serves as a Charity Medical Advisor to the Foundation.
• Supported affected children, families and organisations across the UK.
• Developed national corporate partnerships and strategic relationships.
• Built a growing national supporter community and dedicated volunteer network.
• Established a growing national profile across mitochondrial disease awareness, fundraising and advocacy.
• Begun work towards funding further pioneering mitochondrial disease research and delivering long-term charitable impact.

Everything achieved so far has been built through passion, community and an unwavering commitment to creating meaningful change. Whilst we are proud of what has been achieved during our first 18 months, we believe this is only the beginning.

The Foundation is now entering an exciting and important phase of development as we strengthen long-term sustainability, diversify income, grow partnerships and build the organisational capability required to maximise impact for children and families affected by mitochondrial disease across the UK, whilst contributing towards change around the world through research, awareness and support.

We are seeking an exceptional individual to help build upon the momentum already created and shape the Foundation’s continued growth and long-term impact.

The Opportunity

This is an opportunity to help build a nationally recognised charity at an exciting and formative stage of its journey.

The Noah Jordan Foundation is building towards becoming a nationally recognised force for change within paediatric mitochondrial disease research, awareness and family support.

As the Foundation’s first full-time employee, the Charity Manager will play a key role in shaping the future culture, structure and direction of the organisation.

Reporting directly to the Charity Director and working closely with the Board of Trustees, you will help develop organisational strategy, grow income, strengthen operations, build partnerships and support the long-term sustainability of the Foundation.

The Charity Manager will act as the Foundation’s operational and fundraising lead, helping drive continued growth and maximise impact for children and families affected by mitochondrial disease.

This role requires someone equally comfortable developing strategy, building partnerships and driving income growth, whilst also rolling their sleeves up and supporting practical delivery where required.

One day may involve developing fundraising strategy, corporate relationships or marketing initiatives. Another may involve supporting volunteers, delivering events or solving operational challenges.

From partnerships, fundraising strategy and marketing to events, administration and operational support, the successful candidate will need to be comfortable contributing wherever required.

This role will suit someone ambitious, adaptable and proactive who thrives within fast-moving environments and enjoys building meaningful impact from the ground up.

For the right person, this is a rare opportunity to help shape a growing charity and leave a lasting legacy.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising and Income Growth

• Lead and grow fundraising activity across the Foundation.
• Develop and manage corporate partnerships and sponsorship opportunities.
• Identify and secure trusts, grants and major donor funding.
• Support regular giving and community fundraising growth.
• Help develop long-term fundraising strategy and income diversification.
• Build and nurture relationships with donors, businesses, trusts and strategic partners.
• Develop proposals and pitches for supporters, businesses and stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities and support sustainable income growth.
• Strengthen supporter stewardship and donor relationships.
• Support fundraising campaigns and flagship charity initiatives.

Operations and Organisational Development

• Help build systems, processes and operational structures as the charity grows.
• Support governance, compliance and reporting requirements.
• Develop reporting frameworks and performance measures to support Trustee oversight and organisational growth.
• Support budget monitoring and financial administration alongside Trustees.
• Lead, support and help develop the Foundation’s dedicated volunteer network, helping build a positive, engaged and high-performing volunteer culture.
• Support CRM systems and fundraising pipeline management.
• Help develop internal processes to support sustainable long-term growth.
• Undertake additional responsibilities commensurate with the role where required.

Communications, Marketing and External Engagement

• Support planning and delivery of campaigns, events and public engagement activity.
• Lead marketing, communications and storytelling activity to strengthen awareness, supporter engagement and fundraising.
• Help develop campaigns that increase awareness and understanding of mitochondrial disease and strengthen the Foundation’s profile.
• Support content development across digital platforms and supporter communications.
• Represent the Foundation externally with professionalism, warmth and passion.
• Build and strengthen relationships with supporters, businesses and stakeholders.
• Represent the needs of affected children and families and help drive innovation, awareness and positive change.
• Work closely with the Charity Director on strategic development and future growth.

About You

We are seeking someone with:

• Approximately 5–10 years’ experience within fundraising, charity development, partnerships or organisational growth.
• A proven ability to build relationships and generate income.
• Strong communication, influencing and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong relationship-building and partnership development skills.
• Confidence developing proposals, presenting ideas and pitching to supporters, businesses and stakeholders.
• The ability to balance strategic thinking with practical delivery.
• A proactive, adaptable and solutions-focused mindset.
• A willingness to learn, develop and grow alongside a rapidly evolving organisation.
• A willingness to be hands-on and contribute wherever needed.
• Strong storytelling and communication skills, with an understanding of how marketing and communications drive awareness, fundraising and supporter engagement.
• Empathy, emotional intelligence and professionalism.
• A willingness to travel and support events across the UK.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends.
• A full UK driving licence and access to transport.
• A genuine passion for meaningful work, long-term impact and improving outcomes for children and families affected by mitochondrial disease.
• Ambition, resilience and commitment to creating lasting impact.

We would particularly welcome applicants with experience in corporate partnerships, fundraising strategy, charity growth and development, community engagement, marketing and communications, events and campaigns, trusts and foundations, and organisational development and scaling.

We recognise exceptional candidates may not meet every element of the criteria listed above. If you are passionate about our mission, bring transferable experience and believe you could make a meaningful contribution to our future, we would encourage you to apply.

We understand that the right person may come from either the charity sector or a related professional background with transferable experience in partnerships, fundraising, business development, communications, marketing or organisational growth.

Experience working within a growing charity or purpose-led organisation would be highly advantageous.

Why Join Us?

This role offers the opportunity to:

• Help shape the future of a fast-growing children’s charity.
• Work closely with an ambitious and passionate leadership team.
• Build meaningful partnerships and projects with national impact.
• Directly contribute towards advancing pioneering mitochondrial disease research, raising awareness and supporting affected children and families.
• Be part of a community determined to create lasting change.
• Help build a charity designed to create lasting impact for generations to come.

We couldn't save Noah, but together, we can change what happens next.

The extinction of Mito, one stomp at a time.

Head of Policy and Public Affairs (Devolved Nations)
£59,640 pa plus excellent benefits
Home-based in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland
35 hours per week, full-time
Permanent

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) is seeking an experienced and strategic policy and public affairs leader to head our devolved nations policy and public affairs function. This is a high-profile leadership role with a unique opportunity to influence policy, advocate for children and young people, and drive improvements in child health outcomes across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Reporting to the Associate Director of Policy and External Affairs and sitting on the Membership, Policy and External Affairs Divisional Management Team, you will lead the College’s policy and public affairs activity across the devolved nations. You will develop and deliver impactful advocacy strategies, build strong relationships with governments and policymakers, and ensure the College’s voice is heard on the issues that matter most to paediatricians, children and young people.

You will provide leadership to a team of Policy and Public Affairs Managers and work closely with College Officers, members, committees and colleagues across the organisation to maximise the College’s influence and impact.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the strategic planning and prioritisation of RCPCH policy and public affairs activities across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
• Developing and delivering influential public affairs and advocacy strategies to support the College’s policy priorities
• Providing expert advice on child health, healthcare delivery, workforce, public health and safeguarding policy across the devolved nations
• Managing and developing a team of three Policy and Public Affairs Managers
• Overseeing the production of high-quality policy reports, consultation responses, briefings and stakeholder communications
• Building and maintaining effective relationships with governments, policymakers, Royal Colleges, health bodies and external partners
• Working collaboratively with the Health Policy, Media and Public Affairs, Membership and Education teams to align priorities and maximise impact
• Supporting Devolved Nations Officers and committees to advocate effectively on behalf of members
• Leading the identification of opportunities to raise the College’s profile and influence policy development
• Managing a budget of approximately £60,000 and ensuring effective use of resources

Essential skills and experience include:

• Degree-level qualification, postgraduate qualification or equivalent relevant professional experience
• Strong understanding of the UK political and health policy landscape, particularly within Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
• Significant experience leading policy development and public affairs activity
• Proven experience producing and overseeing policy reports, consultation responses and briefing materials
• Demonstrable success in delivering public affairs campaigns with measurable impact
• Excellent stakeholder management skills with experience influencing senior political, policy and clinical audiences
• Outstanding communication skills, with the ability to adapt messages for different audiences and channels
• Strong leadership and people management experience
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes
• Experience of budget management, planning and forecasting

Desirable:

• Experience leading policy development relating to health services, children’s services or child health
• Experience working within healthcare, children's services or public sector organisations
• Experience working within a membership organisation or professional body

The RCPCH has more than 25,000 members and fellows worldwide and employs around 200 staff across the UK. Our devolved nations teams play a vital role in ensuring that the needs of children and young people are represented at every level of government and policy-making.

Our values – Include, Influence, Innovate and Inspire – are central to everything we do. We are committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are under-represented at this level of the organisation.

We operate a flexible and modern hybrid working policy. While this role is home-based in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, travel across the devolved nations and occasional travel elsewhere in the UK will be required.

Closing date: 24 June 2026.