Coo jobs

About the role

This new Lead role sits within the Design Council Programmes Team led by the Chief Design Officer and has responsibility for leading the development and embedding of our funding strategy. Coordinating income generation of ~£2m per year including securing £250k of philanthropic (T&Fs, corporates, other sources) funding in the first year, the role also has the objective of growing overall revenue but in line with the refreshed Design Council business and funding model to ensure it remains strategically aligned and sustainable.​

Reporting to the Head of Programmes with a dotted line to the Chief Operating Officer, you will be responsible for oversight of the overall revenue pipeline, working across the organisation to have full line of sight of funding opportunities and partnerships and ensure a consistent approach to how we generate revenue. ​​

You will drive an effective stakeholder engagement plan, working closely with the Communications team to ensure campaigns and events help build and maintain a strong network of funder relationships and strengthening our profile as a charity. ​

The scope covers directly securing philanthropic/corporate partner funding as well as supporting wider commercial income generation and also ensuring they are all anchored in our Theory of Change and enable long term income growth.​

Our core programmes of work support delivery of our Theory of Change encompassing Skills, Capability, Innovation and Research. We are looking to create and grow funding partnerships through a variety of activities including events, learning and training and world leading research, and the Fundraising and Partnerships Lead will play a critical role in developing funding relationships, securing them, both directly and also supporting the wider team.

Key Responsibilties 

 1. New Funding Generation and Planning​

• Lead the identification of new revenue opportunities across the range of Design Council propositions with the objective of growing total revenue base, in line with the Design Council funding strategy and business model​

• Overall accountability for converting philanthropic (T&Fs, corporate sponsorship etc) opportunities into secured new partnership funding and supporting on conversion of funding partnerships for other commercial (paid project) work​

• Working closely with Chief Design Office, Head of Programmes and in particularly the Programme Leads to ensure each area of work (Skills, Capability, Innovation and Research) has an appropriate funding plan including a roadmap for future development​

• Support Programme Leads, Head of Communications and CDO in identifying opportunities to commercialise core propositions and other DC assets in line with our Design for Planet ethos and market-making approach​

• Overall owner of marketing and other funding collateral to support Programme Leads in growing revenue from their respective propositions as well as new promotion of Design Council for potential new funders and other partners, and working with the Communications team to develop and maintain it​​

2. Partner Cultivation and Stewardship​

• Personally build and maintain relationships with existing partners ensuring consistent engagement and communication ​

• Identify, research, and qualify potential philanthropic and corporate funding partner prospects​

• Develop and implement partner stewardship plans including communication approach and in person engagement, including long term relationships that can secure multi-year significant levels of funding as well as growing it over time​

• Seek out, regularly attend and drive external events and meetings to build personal relationships and extend partner network​​

3. Grant and Commercial Proposal Development & Bid Writing​

• Support Programme Leads in researching and identifying potential grant and commercial opportunities from foundations and other private or public organisations​

• Lead engagement with potential funders in terms of submission of new proposals for all partner-funded work and support Programme Leads to ensure consistency and coherence for our paid project work​

• Support and sometimes lead writing compelling grant proposals and commercial bids, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission and goals. ​

• Lead or support others on tactics to ensure bids are successfully converted

4. Event Planning and Execution​

• Assist Senior Events Manager with organizing fundraising events and other events designed to support future revenue growth through funding partners​

• Regularly scan the external environment for relevant external events Design Council should be attending​

• Ensure appropriate marketing collateral is developed and maintained to support and promote Design Council events aimed at fundraising​

• Be a key DC representative at events, maximising the potential of income opportunities and raising the profile of the organisation and its objectives​​

5. Data Management and Reporting​

• Overall process owner for managing the pipeline of partnership opportunities across both revenue-generating prospects and non-revenue generating prospects​

• Overall custodian of the funding pipeline including holding Programme Managers to account to ensure accurate maintenance of CRM records ​

• Working closely with COO and Head of Finance & Operations to ensure accurate and timely reporting and effective internal meetings to track status of the funding pipeline​

• Support Programme Managers in researching funding trends and market changes​​

6. Line Manager for Partnerships Programme Manager​

• Provide quality line management guidance and support to the Partnerships Programme Manager, ensuring clear and motivating goals and regularly and meaningful feedback​

• Support the Partnerships Programme Manager in their learning and development, with regular reviews of their Individual Development Plan and career aspirations​

• Be a source of learning and guidance for the wider Programmes Team in terms of fundraising and partnership development

Who we're looking for 

We are looking for a driven, self-motivated and hands-on individual, with a track record of securing funding from a range of sources and growing revenue in a national not-for-profit or commercial organisation. ​

You will be ambitious for Design Council’s aspiration of reaching £8m revenue by 2031 and be able to demonstrate commercial acumen and experience of developing revenue generation strategies and converting opportunities into secured income. ​

You will also know that fundraising  is challenging and competitive, so you will be resilient and experienced in building the relationships that can secures six-figure+ multi-year income. Therefore you need to be brilliant at building external networks, joining the dots and seeing opportunities to connect people and ideas for the benefit of organisational strategy. ​

You must also be excellent at building and nurturing relationships, with a wide range of external stakeholders, and also effectively collaborate internally across the organisation.​

You are a natural salesperson, able to identify opportunities and have compelling conversations that lead to partnerships and revenue.​

This is a growing role with lots of moving parts, so we’re looking for a someone who is flexible and adaptable, who proactively identifies challenges and opportunities.​

You are passionate about our Design for Planet and Green Design Skills missions and demonstrate an ability to think strategically as well as commercially and work collaboratively.

Skills & Experience

• At least 5 years’ experience fundraising / revenue generation in a commercial or not-for-profit sector organisation
• Experience working with high-net-worth individuals or foundations
• Ability to create fundraising strategies and help execute them
• Grant / bid writing experience for both grants and commercial tenders
• Ideally have an existing network of potential funders / partners, and confident in use of events and marketing to drive interest and engagement
• Experience of funding agreements and commercial contracts
• Have line management experience and a passion for developing people
• Ideally have experience of government funding and other public bodies

You will also be

• A confident and excellent communicator
• A natural in external engagements and new environments and with new people
• Willing and able to attend regular external events (London and elsewhere in the UK)
• Empathetic, pragmatic and adaptable, with a solutions-mindset
• Proactive, hands on and willing to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in
• Cognisant of the importance of accurate data, effective processes and knowledge of working with CRMs
• Confident working at different levels within an organisation
• Willing and able to take a risk-based approach to making decisions
• Curious and open to new ideas and ways of working
• A team player and natural collaborator but also comfortable working on your own
• Resilient and comfortable with navigating through change
• Aware of some of the rewards and challenges of working in the not-for-profit sector
• Passionate about Design for Planet​ and the power of design

Our client is a is a pioneering, purpose-driven and complex charity operating at the forefront of health care.

Interim Chief Operating Officer (6 – 9 month contract) 

Health Charity  

Based Rochester or Redhill with 3-4 days per week in office.  

Salary: Up to £100,000 FTE

Our client are looking for an experienced Interim Chief Operating Officer to lead the organisation internal functions, deputise for the CEO and and support the team ahead of a new strategic period.  

To be successful you will need: 

· Proven experience at a senior leadership level in treasury and finance management, budgeting and business planning

· A track record of working in innovative and ambitious environments, through a highly supportive and collaborative approach

· Experience of identifying, planning for and delivering new opportunities and efficiencies that maximise organisational-wide effectiveness.

Closing date: Monday 1st December 2025

Start date: week commencing 15th or 22nd December 2025. 

CV’s will be assessed on a rolling basis.

To be considered, please upload your CV at the Prospectus website. 

If you have any specific queries around the role, please contact our retained advisors at Prospectus Anna Gardet and Erica Ritchie. 

Are you a transformation-focused leader with a passion for people and purpose? We are seeking an experienced Interim COO to help steer a respected international organisation through a pivotal period of change and opportunity.

Interim Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Contract: 6-9 months (must be available to start in January)
Location: London / Hybrid
Start Date: January 2026
Compensation: Up to £150,000 FTE equivalent
Closing Date: 24 November
Final Interviews: 1-5 December

This is a rare opportunity to lead a mission-driven transformation balancing operational delivery, financial sustainability, and organisational restructure, all while placing people at the heart of the journey.

Key objectives:

• Deliver a large-scale restructure within tight timeframes
• Achieve significant cost savings while safeguarding core services
• Navigate complex global stakeholder relationships
• Support staff through uncertainty with empathy and clarity

Reporting to the CEO, you will:

• Lead the implementation of a time sensitive transformation
• Oversee financial planning and cost-saving initiatives
• Ensure continuity of operations and core services
• Support HR transitions and legal compliance
• Foster staff engagement through inclusive, transparent leadership

What you will bring:

• Proven success in leading complex organisational change
• Strong financial and operational acumen
• Experience in mission-led or values-driven environments
• High emotional intelligence and resilience under pressure
• A collaborative, pragmatic, and people-first leadership style

This interim role is a real opportunity to shape the future of an organisation making a global impact.

To express interest, please submit your updated CV by midnight on Monday 24th November via the Prospectus website.

At Prospectus, we invest in your journey as a candidate, and we are committed to supporting you throughout the process. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to fostering an inclusive recruitment process.

Are you a collaborative leader with the vision and passion to help our charity grow and become stronger, more resilient, and sustainable? 

We’re looking for an exceptional leader to join Community Action Redbridge as our new Operations Director – a pivotal role at the heart of our organisation. 

With an income of just under £1 million and a diverse portfolio of new and established grant-funded programmes, we’re entering a period oftransformation, with ambitious plans to grow our impact and strengthen our organisational resilience. 

We’re now seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking Operations Director to help drive this momentum – leading the way in reimagining how we work to enhance efficiency and effectiveness, and embedding a culture of shared  leadership, continuous learning, and improvement. 

You will be a natural collaborator and a strong communicator, able to build trusted relationships with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders alike. In this role, you’ll ensure that our operations run smoothly and effectively – aligningsystems and processes with our strategic goals while ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and regulations. 

You’ll provide strategic leadership and operational oversight across our core functions, including: 

• Finance 

• Human resources 

• Digital and communications 

• Risk and compliance 

As a key member of our Senior Leadership Team, you’ll work closely with the CEO, Board of Trustees, partners, and colleagues to bring our vision to life, drive forward our strategic priorities, and foster a working culture where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to do their best work. 

Please note that this role can be offered on a hybrid basis, with a minimum of three days per week in the office. As an organisation rooted in community, we believe that regular in-office presence is important to foster collaboration, connection and team cohesion. The role is part-time (28 hours per week), and these hours can be worked over four or five days, depending on your preference 

About Community Action Redbridge 

Community Action Redbridge is a local infrastructure charity dedicated to building a fairer Redbridge where everyone and every community has an equal opportunity to thrive. Through our work, we support the development of strong and resilient communities where people lead happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives. 

At the heart of our work is a commitment to social justice and to tackling the root causes of inequality. We’re passionate about shifting power, amplifying community voices, and working collaboratively to create social change. 

We do this by: 

• Strengthening and championing the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector, so local organisations have the tools and support they need to grow and thrive. 

• Supporting local people to drive change in their own communities, through social action, volunteering and active participation. 

• Bringing people and organisations together, from the VCSE sector, public services, and local businesses, to collaborate on shared ambitions for Redbridge. 

How to apply 

Please submit your CV and a covering letter answering the following 4 questions (no more than 500 words each):

1. Can you describe a time when you provided strategic oversight across several functions? How did you align systems and processes to organisational goals, and what impact did this have on efficiency, resilience, or impact? 

2. Tell us about a time you led significant organisational change, for example, improving systems, embedding digital innovation, or redesigning processes. How did you bring people with you on the journey and ensure improvements were sustained? 

3. Please give one example that illustrates your ability to oversee financial management. Include aspects such as planning, monitoring, reporting, and ensuring compliance, and explain how you reviewed budgets, analysed expenditure, identified financial risks or opportunities, and used this to support strategic decision-making and long-term sustainability. 

4. Community Action Redbridge is driven by values of shifting power, collaborating, learning, and seeing the bigger picture. How have you demonstrated inclusive and values-led leadership in previous roles, and how would you foster an empowering and collaborative learning culture in this role? 

We encourage early applications, as interviews will be held on a rolling basis. The vacancy may close early if a suitable candidate is appointed. 

Prospectus is delighted to be partnering with a historic theatre in the heart of Oxfordshire to recruit for a new Operations Director. Our client produces and presents world-class theatre for many thousands of audience members each year, along with enriching creative learning opportunities for all ages and communities. As they launch their vision and strategy for the next five years,  the theatre looks to hire a new Operations Director to lead day to day operations, as well as working on an exciting capital project.

The Operations Director is responsible for effective day-to-day operations of the organisation’s buildings and systems and for supporting team members through strong HR. They will lead on health & safety, HR, facilities, contracts, and capital projects, ensuring the theatre remains safe, accessible, and welcoming for all. As a member of the Senior Management Team, they will also play a vital role in shaping long-term organisational strategy, with particular emphasis on environmental sustainability, equality, diversity & inclusion (EDI), heritage conservation, access, and workforce professional development.

The selected candidate will have proven senior management experience in operations with some exposure to buildings/facilities management and HR. You will bring a strong understanding of health & safety practice and risk management, as well as strong leadership and team management skills. You will be an excellent problem solving with strong communications skills, and bring a passion to drive efficiency and new ways of working. You will also demonstrate a commitment to environmental sustainability, equity, diversity and inclusion.

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

If you feel you meet some of the criteria but not all, we really hope you'll enquire and learn more. Prospectus can advise and support on each part of the role and hopefully your application, so we look forward to hearing from you.      
 
In order to apply please submit your CV only in the first instance. Should your experience be suitable, we will arrange for a meeting to brief you on the role. You'll then have all the information you need to formally apply. We are looking forward to connecting with you soon.

COO (International Development Charity)

£120-£140K per annum. Hybrid in London

The Organisation

Our client is a high-profile charitable organisation with a global reputation for driving social change through creativity and collaboration. With a mission to tackle poverty and injustice, the charity partners with communities, policy makers, and cultural leaders to deliver sustainable impact. As it evolves to meet the demands of a changing world, the organisation is seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to help strengthen internal operations, scale delivery, and embed values of equity, transparency, and innovation across its work.

The Role

This is a key appointment to the Executive Leadership Team. The COO will be responsible for leading the charity’s internal operations, ensuring that people, processes, and systems are aligned with the organisation’s strategy and purpose. The role oversees key functions including Finance, Legal & Assurance, Technology and Data, People & Culture, and Governance. Working closely with the CEO, the COO will help drive organisational effectiveness, financial sustainability, and operational resilience.

Key responsibilities include strategic planning, operational leadership, board relations, risk and compliance, digital transformation, and culture development. The role will also lead on governance frameworks, internal controls, and business continuity. The organisation is developing its five year strategy and the role will be vital in creating tactical plans to assist with the delivery enabling the charity to have robust processes and enable growth.

The Candidate

The successful candidate will be an experienced senior leader with a strong track record in operational leadership in the non-profit or social impact sector. You will bring a deep understanding of charity governance, finance, and compliance, alongside experience of managing cross-functional teams across HR, Legal, Finance, and Technology.

You will be values-led, collaborative, and comfortable working at pace in a mission-driven environment. Strong communication skills, strategic vision, and the ability to deliver cultural change and innovation will be essential. Professional accountancy qualifications or equivalent experience overseeing finance functions are expected.

Application Process

Please apply imediately using the link provided. For a confidential discussion, please contact Syed at Civitas Recruitment. Interviews will be held on a rolling basis.

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

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

You Will Be:

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

You Will Have:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please download the full support brief for further details including how to apply. 

Panathlon Operations Manager

Organisation: Panathlon Challenge (Panathlon Foundation)

Location: UK (Office in Stansted/Essex) – hybrid working possible (office, events, travel)

Contract: Full-time, permanent

Reporting to: Chief Operating Officer

Responsible for: Operations team, logistics, event delivery, supplier management, health & safety, systems/processes

About Panathlon Challenge

Panathlon is a registered charity (no. 1072638) providing sporting and volunteering opportunities for young people with disabilities and special educational needs across England and Wales.  The charity delivers over 1,000 external events each year and engages thousands of young leaders to officiate and support its programmes. 

Role Purpose

The Operations Manager will ensure the smooth and efficient delivery of Panathlon’s programmes and events by leading the operations function, managing resources, systems, logistics and suppliers, and ensuring high standards of health & safety, compliance, and participant experience. This role is pivotal in enabling Panathlon to scale its impact, maintain operational excellence and deliver a safe, inclusive sporting experience for children and young people with SEND.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the day-to-day operations team across event delivery, logistics, venues, equipment, and staffing.

• Oversee the planning, scheduling and execution of events across the UK (both on-site and virtual/hybrid), ensuring budgets, timetables and quality standards are met.

• Develop, implement and maintain operational systems, processes and best practices (e.g., venue booking, transport, catering, equipment hire, staff/volunteer deployment).

• Manage and develop relationships with suppliers, venues, contractors, and third-party service providers.

• Lead on health & safety, safeguarding, risk assessment and compliance for all events and operations (ensuring that the programme is safe, inclusive and meets regulatory standards).

• Work closely with the COO, Event Managers, Finance, Communications, and Fundraising teams to ensure operational alignment with strategy, budgetary constraints and organisational priorities.

• Monitor operational performance, generate metrics/insights (e.g., number of events, participant satisfaction, cost per event, incident reports) and produce reports for senior leadership and trustees.

• Drive continuous improvement: review and refine operations post-event, incorporate stakeholder feedback (schools, participants, young leaders) and introduce efficiencies to enable growth.

• Support the training, development and deployment of young leaders and volunteers involved in Panathlon events.

• Be prepared for travel across the UK, occasional out-of-hours work (event weekends, evenings) and hands-on problem-solving on event days.

Person Specification

Essential skills & experience:

• Proven experience in operations, logistics or event delivery (ideally in the sport, education or charity sectors).

• Strong project planning and organisational skills, able to manage multiple events/streams concurrently.

• Experience of managing budgets, suppliers and operational contracts.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills (working with schools, venues, volunteers, regional teams).

• Strong understanding of health & safety, safeguarding, risk management in events or youth/volunteer settings.

• Ability to analyse operational data, generate insights and drive improvements.

• Ability to travel and to work flexibly (including some weekends/evenings when needed).

Desirable skills & experience:

• Experience working with young people with disabilities or in inclusive sport programmes.

• Commitment to inclusion, equity and the social model of disability (working with children/young people with SEND).

• Experience in virtual or hybrid event formats.

• Familiarity with volunteer management and young-leader programmes.

• Experience working in a charity/third sector environment.

Terms & Benefits

• Salary: £40,000

• Holiday entitlement: 25 days + bank holidays

• A chance to deliver meaningful impact and work with a passionate team across the UK

Queen’s Crescent Community Association (QCCA) runs one of the largest and most diverse older people’s services in Camden. We operate in the borough’s most deprived area and annually support around 300 people aged 55+ to live happier, healthier, more connected lives.

The new co-ordinator will be responsible for delivering a full programme of activities.

We are looking for someone who will:

• Lead, manage and deliver the programme for people aged 55+ in Gospel Oak and the surrounding areas.

• Line-manage sessional and part-time staff, overseeing HR, payroll and supervision.

• Recruit, manage and supervise volunteers, ensuring they are actively engaged in designing and delivering services.

• Prioritise outreach and promote the programme locally, building positive relationships with older people, care homes, sheltered housing, health centres and other partners.

• Deliver regular and accurate reporting, including surveys, consultations and data for board meetings, funders and fundraising.

• Plan and deliver a sustainable programme, balancing free activities with occasional fee-paying or volunteer-led sessions through creative thinking.

• Support older people to access internal and external services that promote their mental health and wellbeing.

• Organise specialist talks, workshops, lunches, coffee mornings and activity refreshments, ensuring all supplies, volunteers and logistics are in place.

• Lead on key administrative duties, including registration forms, attendance registers, CRM updates, progress reports, income and expenditure records, Square Up entries, Equals card spreadsheets, petty cash, payroll hours and the Blip database.

• Plan monthly outings, design the monthly events calendar, maintain the mailing list, and ensure all activity reflects good practice models, quality standards and integration with QCCA’s wider services.

The Organisation

A not-for-profit association with an annual income of approximately £3 million. Their work includes events, learning, networking, and research, delivered in collaboration with leading partners and academic institutions. Operating primarily from the UK with a growing presence internationally, all team members contribute to the successful delivery of their flagship Annual Conference & Exhibition.

The Job

You will be a key part of a small Finance team, reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, managing the Accounts Executive and working collaboratively within the wider team. The Head of Finance will be responsible for delivering accurate and timely financial data, and monthly reporting, budget monitoring and year-end accounts.
Key responsibilities include:

• Managing invoicing, payments, and reconciliations
• Preparing UK and Irish VAT returns
• Supporting the annual audit and year-end accounts
• Producing monthly budget reports and management accounts
• Monitoring cash flow and liaising with asset managers
• Deputising for the COO when required
• Contributing to system improvements
• Acting as Secretary to the Finance and Audit Committees

The Person

We're looking for a qualified accountant, ideally immediately available or on short notice.
You'll bring:

• Strong financial systems and Excel skills
• Excellent attention to detail and analytical thinking
• A methodical, organised approach and strong time management
• A collaborative mindset and high-level communication skills
• A proactive attitude to improving systems and processes

What's in it for You?

Salary: £70,000

Contract: Full-time, 9 months - 1 year (35 hours/week)

Location: Hybrid - 2 days/week in their City of London office, with Tuesday as a core office day

Employee Benefits Package:

• 12.5% bonus (pro rata)
• Annual Leave: 27 days (rising to 30 days with service)
• Pension: 7.5% employer contribution, with a minimum 5% employee contribution
• Life Assurance: 4x salary
• Income Protection: Up to 75% of salary after 6 months' incapacity
• Private Medical Insurance: Bupa
• Dental Cover: Bupa dental plan
• Wellness Programme: Discretionary benefits

What to Do Now

If you're interested in joining a purpose-driven organisation with a collaborative culture, please apply now.This role is being managed by Peter O'Sullivan at Hays Senior Finance.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk

Are you ready to lead with purpose and compassion?
Do you believe in the transformative power of counselling and community?
Would you like to shape the future of a thriving local charity, rooted in psychodynamic and
relational practice?

Somerset Counselling Centre is seeking a dynamic and visionary Clinical Director to guide us into our
next exciting chapter. Having completed our most recent five-year strategy a full year ahead of
schedule, we’re now ready to launch the next phase of our journey—and we’re looking for someone
exceptional to help lead the way.

About Us
Founded in 1990, Somerset Counselling Centre has grown into a thriving and unique charity, deeply
rooted in our mission, vision, and values, and in psychodynamic and relational approaches. We offer
high-quality counselling services to our community, supported by a diverse team of professionals—
from trainees to BACP-accredited counsellors and supervisors.

We’re proud of our:
• Experienced and exceptional counsellors
• Leadership and operational teams
• Strong clinical governance
• Low-cost, income-based, and open-ended private client service (our unique offering)
• Timebound contracts
• Successful fundraising events
• Established CPD programme
• Supportive partnerships and collaborations
• Experienced and engaged Board of Trustees

Why Somerset? Why Taunton?
Taunton is a vibrant county town in the heart of Somerset, offering a beautiful blend of countryside
charm and urban convenience. With excellent transport links, stunning natural surroundings, and a
welcoming community, it’s a wonderful place to live and work. Somerset itself is known for its
creativity, wellbeing focus, and strong sense of local identity—making it the perfect home for a
charity like ours.

About the Role
As Clinical Director, you will:
• Lead and inspire our clinical team, ensuring excellence in service delivery
• Develop and implement our new five-year strategy in collaboration with the Operations
Director, the whole organisation, and Trustees
• Foster partnerships with local and regional organisations
• Oversee clinical governance, safeguarding, and quality assurance
• Support the development of trainees and supervise clinical staff
• Contribute to fundraising and community engagement efforts
• Represent the Centre externally and advocate for mental health and wellbeing

Who We’re Looking For
You’ll be:
• A qualified and accredited counsellor or psychotherapist (BACP, UKCP or equivalent)
• Experienced in clinical practice, with 7–10 years’ post-qualification experience
• An experienced supervisor
• Experienced in leading clinical teams and managing services
• Skilled in partnership working and stakeholder engagement
• Strategic, compassionate, and values-driven
• Confident in governance, risk management, and safeguarding
• Passionate about equity, inclusion, and access to mental health support
• Experience in a charity or third-sector setting is desirable, but not essential.

The Organisation

A not-for-profit association with an annual income of approximately £3 million. Their work includes events, learning, networking, and research, delivered in collaboration with leading partners and academic institutions. Operating primarily from the UK with a growing presence internationally.

The Job

You will be a key part of a small Finance team, reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, managing the Accounts Executive and working collaboratively within the wider team. The Head of Finance will be responsible for delivering accurate and timely financial data, and monthly reporting, budget monitoring and year-end accounts.
Key responsibilities include:

• Managing invoicing, payments, and reconciliations
• Preparing UK and Irish VAT returns
• Supporting the annual audit and year-end accounts
• Producing monthly budget reports and management accounts
• Monitoring cash flow and liaising with asset managers
• Deputising for the COO when required
• Contributing to system improvements
• Acting as Secretary to the Finance and Audit Committees

The Person

We're looking for a qualified accountant with previous leadership experience within a smaller organisation, ideally immediately available or on short notice.

You'll bring:

• Strong financial systems and Excel skills
• Excellent attention to detail and analytical thinking
• A methodical, organised approach and strong time management
• A collaborative mindset and high-level communication skills
• A proactive attitude to improving systems and processes

What's in it for You?

Salary: £65,000 - £70,000

Contract: Full-time, 9-12 months (35 hours/week)

Location: Hybrid - 2 days/week in their City of London office, with Tuesday as a core office day

Employee Benefits Package:

• Discretionary performance bonus
• Annual Leave: 27 days (rising to 30 days with service)
• Pension: 7.5% employer contribution, with a minimum 5% employee contribution
• Life Assurance: 4x salary
• Income Protection: Up to 75% of salary after 6 months' incapacity
• Private Medical Insurance: Bupa
• Dental Cover: Bupa dental plan
• Wellness Programme: Discretionary benefits

What to Do Now

If you're interested in joining a purpose-driven organisation with a collaborative culture, please apply now.This role is being managed by Peter O'Sullivan at Hays Senior Finance.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk

BENEFITS

• Flexible working arrangements
• 40 days paid leave per year: 25 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, 3 days between Christmas and New Year and 4 wellbeing days
• Strong commitment to professional development with a dedicated training budget
• Annual performance and pay progression reviews
• Up to 5% pension contribution
• Scope to take real ownership in a fast-growing charity
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme offering free therapy
• Work phone and laptop
• A supportive and inclusive culture with regular team social events

Settle is committed to increasing the representation of lived experience of the care system in our team. For this reason, care-experienced applicants who meet the essential criteria below are particularly encouraged to apply, and will be guaranteed an interview. Please refer to the final page of the job description to understand what we mean by the term ‘care-experienced’.

We’re looking to grow our delivery team with a brand new role that is responsible for processing the referrals we receive for the Settle Programme as well as holding assessment meetings as and when necessary. The successful candidate will also be a Senior Settle Coach holding a reduced caseload and using their frontline skills to work one-to-one with care-experienced young people across London.

For this role, we anticipate that you will spend 50-60% of your time processing and responding to referrals, including taking further steps to assess the needs of the young person who has been referred. To do this you’ll work closely with our Programme Management team, Business Development team and referral partners to ensure that we have all the necessary information to deal safely and appropriately with referrals. As this is a new role to the organisation, there will be scope to shape and influence the way this work is managed alongside your manager and our Chief Operating Officer.

We then anticipate you will spend the remaining 40-50% of your time as a Senior Settle Coach, working on the frontline, delivering one-to-one sessions with care-experienced young people across London. You’ll work closely with our partners to ensure the smooth delivery of our contracts and with the Programme Management team and Senior Partnerships Manager to support reporting on outcomes and regular partnership meetings.

You will report into a manager within the Programme Management team.

Candidates with experience of assessing and managing risk are encouraged to apply. Essential requirements include the ability to hold multiple perspectives alongside each other, ability to approach risk and need from a curious perspective, comfort and ability to escalate concerns as well as strong people skills. It is essential that the candidate has at least 2 years of frontline experience to fulfil the Senior Settle Coach requirements.

We are advertising this role on a hybrid basis; with travel into the office one or two days a week and travelling to deliver sessions across London for some of the rest of the week.