Deputy chief executive officer jobs

This is a hands-on role that moves between two registers: structured qualitative research with proper analytical underpinning, and fast-turnaround reactive policy work. You will need to be genuinely comfortable in both able to run a multi-month thematic publication and turn around a tight briefing or consultation response within 48-72 hours when a policy window opens.

The role will lead The Difference's qualitative research and insight function, including research workstreams tied to the Difference Schools Partnership's annual thematic priorities, and our Harmful and Abusive Behaviours (HaB) workstream convening a sector council to build a shared framework for how schools understand and respond to peer-on-peer harm. You will produce briefings, evidence submissions and publications, manage external research partners, and work with the CEO, Head of Policy and Communications team to launch research with real impact. The role reports to the Head of Policy and works closely with colleagues across Strategy, Research and Programmes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead The Difference's qualitative research and insight function, running research workstreams tied to annual DSP thematic priorities and emerging strands on MAT inclusion and LA working
• Design and deliver qualitative research with schools, MATs and local authorities interviews, focus groups, school visits and thematic analysis  translating findings into evidence and policy recommendations
• Lead the Harmful and Abusive Behaviours research workstream, convening a sector council, producing briefing material and managing the route from convening to publication
• Produce timely, citable evidence for policy influence  including drafting briefings, consultation responses and evidence submissions on fast turnaround
• Project manage publication cycles from scoping through to launch, working with coalition and media partners to maximise reach and tracking policy traction post-launch
• Brief, manage and integrate the outputs of external research partners where commissioned (e.g. FFT Datalab, Pro Bono Economics)
• Capture and develop case studies from DSP schools and the wider Difference network

About The Difference

• Every day, the equivalent of 5,500 children are suspended from England's schools, doubling their likelihood of being NEET by 24. The Difference is a young education charity founded to change this story through whole school inclusion. We train school leaders, carry out our own research, and turn frontline insights into policy recommendations lobbying Ofsted and the Department for Education to improve funding and support for inclusion. Our vision is to see lost learning falling nationally by 2030.

About You

Essential

• Dual capability across reactive and structured research : comfortable producing tight briefings on a 48–72 hour turnaround and running multi-month qualitative publications
• Experience in education research, policy research or applied social research, with examples of published, commissioned or internally-influential work
• Strong qualitative research skills : interview and focus group design, thematic coding, framework development, synthesis across multiple sources
• Persuasive writing for mixed audiences : able to write clearly and concisely for policymakers, school leaders, the press and the sector, and comfortable ghost-writing for senior colleagues
• Project management discipline : able to run multiple workstreams in parallel, manage your own deadlines, and keep colleagues and external partners on track
• Comfortable working at pace in a fast-moving environment where priorities shift as policy windows open and close : self-directed, flexible and able to make good judgement calls under pressure
• Shared values with The Difference and personal commitment to improving life outcomes for young people

Desired

• Strong working understanding of UK education policy, particularly around inclusion, exclusion, SEND, accountability and school improvement
• Confident data literacy and basic quantitative analysis : comfortable interrogating population-level datasets and translating findings into accessible policy language
• Understanding of why language matters when writing about behaviour, exclusion and vulnerability, and the ability to frame behaviour as a signal of unmet need consistently across all work
• Lived experience or insight into the school experiences of marginalised young people
• Experience of working in or with schools, multi-academy trusts or local authorities
• Existing relationships in education research, policy or sector organisations

Please see the attached Job Description for full role details and person specification.

We are committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourage applications from under-represented groups in the charity sector. As part of our commitment to fairer recruitment, all applications will be assessed with names and protected characteristics redacted.

Are you a passionate, skilled and compassionate Occupational Therapist who believes every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive? Do you want to work somewhere where your expertise has a visible, lasting impact — where independence grows, barriers are reduced, and young people are empowered to succeed in all aspects of their lives?

At Southover, we are looking for a committed Occupational Therapist who brings clinical excellence, creativity and a genuine determination to make a difference. Our students have often experienced disrupted journeys, but with the right therapeutic support, they make exceptional progress — not only academically, but socially, emotionally and functionally.

This is a unique opportunity to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team, where therapy is fully integrated into the school day. You will play a key role in supporting students with sensory and motor needs, helping staff embed effective strategies, and ensuring every young person can access learning and daily life with confidence.

If you thrive in a dynamic environment where no two days are the same, where relationships are central, and where your professional judgement and innovation are valued, you will feel right at home here.

We are seeking an Occupational Therapist who is committed to delivering high-quality, evidence-based interventions, raising aspirations and supporting students to develop the skills they need for lifelong success.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a good school where your work truly matters. You will contribute to a nurturing, ambitious and holistic environment that prioritises the wellbeing and development of every young person.

What we are looking for:

• A qualified Occupational Therapist who will make a real difference

• A skilled clinician with experience of sensory and motor needs

• Someone who is flexible, creative and solution-focused

• A strong relationship-builder with excellent communication skills

• A proactive team player who thrives in a collaborative environment

What we offer:

• A warm, welcoming and supportive working environment where staff wellbeing really matters

• The opportunity to work closely with students and see the direct impact of your interventions

• A committed, multi-disciplinary team who collaborate, support and celebrate each other

• Opportunities to contribute to whole-school practice, training and development

• A highly rewarding role where you can have a transformational impact on young people’s lives

Important information:

• We only accept applications using our application form; CVs cannot be considered

• Southover is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment

• The successful candidate will require an Enhanced DBS Certificate and will be subject to a range of safer recruitment checks

• All staff must comply with data protection responsibilities and adhere to GDPR principles

• We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and operate in full accordance with the Equality Act 2010

• Applicants must have the Right to Work in the UK

• Please note: Depending on application numbers, we may shortlist and interview before the closing date

Job Title: Head of Business Operations
Salary: £40,000 per annum (£32,000 per annum pro rata) + 10% company pension on successful completion of probation
Contract: Permanent
Base: The Brain Charity, Norton Street, Liverpool, L3 8LR
Hours: Part Time - 30 hours per week
Responsible to: Chief Executive Officer
Direct Reports: 4

Summary of Role

The Head of Business Operations will play a key leadership role within The Brain Charity, leading and overseeing the effective and safe delivery of a range of business and operational activities. This includes responsibility for premises management, health and safety, data protection compliance, ICT systems, and operational services such as room hire and café provision.

Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer and senior colleagues, the role will ensure that systems, processes and services run efficiently, meet regulatory requirements, and support the charity’s wider objectives. The postholder will also lead on continuous improvement, oversee operational performance, manage budgets and commercial activities, and develop sustainable income-generating services that support people living with neurological conditions.
 

Key Responsibilities

Management of Physical Assets

• Hold responsibility for the organisation’s assets register.
• Ensure that all buildings owned by the organisation and their fixtures and fittings are maintained to a high standard in a cost-effective way.

Health & Safety, Security & Business Continuity

• Provide leadership and assurance on the effectiveness of Health & Safety controls across the organisation.
• Ensure the safe, secure and continuous operation of the charity’s premises, including oversight of access arrangements, security controls, and incident response.
• Ensure Health & Safety and food safety policies are in place, effectively implemented, embedded into day-to-day operations, and consistently monitored to maintain full compliance across all operational activities.
• Ensure statutory checks, monitoring activities and remedial actions are completed, documented and reviewed in line with regulatory requirements.
• Maintain organisational readiness for incidents affecting premises safety, security, or continuity of service delivery, and act as the designated Deputy within the Business Continuity Plan, carrying out responsibilities in line with the defined scope and actions of the plan.
• Act as a designated security key holder and first point of contact for premises alarm activations and building security incidents, ensuring appropriate timely response and escalation.

Data Protection & GDPR

• Support and contribute to ensuring compliance with GDPR and data protection legislation across the organisation.
• Support the CEO and senior leadership team in meeting data protection responsibilities, including compliance reporting and engagement with the ICO and Subject Access Requests where required.

ICT, Digital & Systems Oversight

• Provide oversight of ICT infrastructure, Microsoft 365 accounts and CRM systems, ensuring they support operational and business objectives.
• Produce and present quarterly reports covering ICT performance, KPIs, system risks and improvement activity.
• Manage supplier relationships and contracts for IT support services, including due diligence, contract management and renewal.
• Support ICT and CRM development initiatives in line with organisational priorities.
• Ensure compliance with Cyber Essentials requirements and oversee the organisation’s cyber security posture.

Operational Management

• Take responsibility for improving the performance, productivity, efficiency, and profitability of the café, room hire services.
• Work collaboratively with the Communications Team to support the promotion and advertising of business activities, including room hire and café services.
• Lead and manage facilities refurbishment and improvement projects, ensuring they are delivered safely, on time and within budget.
• Oversee contractor engagement ensuring compliance with Health & Safety and contractual requirements during works.
• Ensure appropriate insurance policies are in place, regularly reviewed and maintained in line with organisational risk exposure.
• Act as the operational lead for insurance-related matters, including renewals and claims support.
• Support the CEO and Trustee Board with financial matters relating to business activities as required.
• Monitor and analyse business data, producing reports and delivering presentations to senior management and the trustee board.

Financial Management

• Set and manage budgets for existing product and service delivery.
• Forecast sales targets and monitor progress against these.
• Support the CEO and Trustee Board with financial matters related to business activities as required.

People Management

• Take responsibility for being up to date with the charity’s current policies and procedures and ensure they are adhered to by all staff within your department.
• Monitor, performance manage and improve the efficiency of all direct reports.
• Support the professional development of all direct reports.
• Provide ongoing and regular formal supervision through the organisation’s supervision and appraisal framework.
• Motivate staff to achieve their KPIs through quality controls.
• Monitor, train and support all volunteers.
• Delegate tasks to achieve the overall aims of the organisation in line with own responsibilities.
• Contribute to The Brain Charity management rota when required. 

Other

• Take responsibility for being up to date with the charity’s current policies and procedures and to adhere to these.
• Actively support promotional and fundraising events for The Brain Charity, attending a minimum of 1 fundraising or client-focussed event over the course of a year.
• Assist and support volunteers within the team as and when required.
• Carry out any other reasonable tasks which may be required by the charity from time to time.
• Regularly provide cover for all aspects of the department you belong to during any absence relating to your colleagues.

Who We Are

The Race Equality Foundation is a national charity working to tackle systemic racism and create the conditions for everyone to live healthy, secure and fulfilling lives and we are looking to appoint a Head of Operations. 

We combine evidence, co-production and practical action to address the root causes of racial inequality. Our work focuses not only on identifying inequality, but on challenging the structural racism, discrimination and unequal distribution of power that drive them. We work alongside communities, practitioners, policymakers and institutions to develop evidence-informed solutions that improve services, strengthen communities and promote racial justice.

Today, our work spans health and care, employment, housing and community wellbeing. Through partnerships, research, training and policy influence, we continue to demonstrate what meaningful anti-racist systems change can look like in practice. 

We are based in London but have a national remit.

Job description

We are entering a period of organisational growth and staff restructure, and the Head of Operations will be a new post at REF. The postholder will be ready to get stuck in, helping us to identify and address operational challenges before they become problems and reduce unnecessary demands on managers and senior leaders. We are looking for an effective communicator to ensure that people, systems, and resources support the Foundation's mission and enable staff to do their best work. We are not looking for someone who believes every challenge requires a new process. We are looking for someone who can exercise sound judgement, introduce structure where it adds value and help create the conditions in which staff and managers can focus on delivering impact. 

The postholder will be expected to bring a strong commitment to anti-racism, equity and inclusion in the way they approach organisational development and operational leadership. 

See Job Description document for full details of the role and responsibilties.

Person Specification 

Essential 

• Several years' experience in a senior operational, organisational development or business management role in a charity or voluntary sector organisation. 

• Proven track record of driving operational improvements, such as overseeing or changing workflow systems, maintaining good governance and compliance policies, or implementing strong CRM systems. 

• Proven track record of managing HR procedures, demonstrating strong interpersonal and communication skills, and effective people management including maintaining working relationships with colleagues at all levels. 

• Strong ability to balance strategic thinking with operational delivery. 

• Strong understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion and the ability to apply these principles in practice. 

• Experience of working in an environment that requires flexibility, sound judgement and the ability to manage competing priorities. 

• Experience of managing external suppliers, advisers or contractors. 

Desirable 

• Experience of working in a time and resource limited small or start up organisation. 

• Experience of working with boards, trustees or governance structures. 

• Experience of working in an organisation committed to equality, anti-racism or social justice.

• Knowledge of organisational development or change management approaches. 

Pay and Conditions of Service

This post is permanent and full-time.

The annual full-time salary for this role is between £47,911 and £53,890, inclusive of London Weighting. 

There is a probationary period of six months for this post. 

Full-time staff are entitled to 25 days holiday leave per annum with additional days for long service. The timing of holidays must fit in with the needs of the Foundation and must be agreed in advance. In addition to annual holidays there is paid time off for national holidays. 

The post will be based in the London office at Unit 17 Deane House Studios, 27 Greenwood Place, London NW5 1LB. Staff currently work two to three days a week in the office. 

The normal working week is 35 hours for full-time posts, seven hours per day, Monday to Friday. Standard office hours are 9.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m.

Application Process

Applications will only be accepted via the portal on our website. We will require the submission of an application form and a supporting statement. The supporting statement should be 2-3 pages max, 12 point font. We will not accept applications via CV. Candidates invited to interview will be asked to prepare a presentation, details will be shared in advance.

Please note that we are only able to appoint people who are eligible to work in the UK. 

The Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) works to support the Palestinian people in their struggle for freedom, justice and equality and against apartheid, military occupation and colonisation. A democratic, member-led organisation, we are the largest organisation in Britain dedicated to securing Palestinian rights. We aim to create mainstream pressure to change the policies of the UK government and to indirectly place pressure on the Israeli government to end its oppression of the Palestinian people. We support the Palestinian call for boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) until Israel complies with international law and ceases its violations of the rights of the Palestinian people.

The Director provides executive and public leadership of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, harnessing the skills and energy of our elected Executive Committee, network of over 100 branches, staff team, members and supporters to ensure effective and impactful campaigns for Palestine. The Director of PSC holds ultimate executive responsibility for the achievement of our objectives in line with our stated values and policies agreed through our democratic structures.

The Director leads the organisation through a senior team of three Deputy Directors and is responsible for the overall impact, performance and culture of PSC. They will be confident in representing PSC to a variety of stakeholders, including but not limited to members and supporters, politicians, national media, and large crowds. They will defend and advance PSC’s values, aims and campaigns with conviction, judgement, humanity and authority.

Over the past two years PSC has grown rapidly in size, profile and resources. A central task of the next Director is to maintain that growth and convert it into a deeper and more durable impact for advancing the cause of Palestinian liberation. This will involve steadying the organisation and deepening its foundations for controlled but ambitious growth in a context where the rights and lives of Palestinians are increasingly threatened and violated, and operating in a UK political environment that remains largely hostile to the Palestinian cause.

A strong commitment to PSC’s aims, a clear understanding of the key issues related to the situation in Palestine, and a demonstrable commitment to anti racism and equality are essential.

For more information please review the appointment brief.

The Sandhurst Trust - an extraordinary community.

The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst has shaped leaders since 1802.  Spanning heads of state, generals, ministers, diplomats and captains of industry – the Sandhurst alumni community is remarkable.

The Sandhurst Trust is the Academy’s independent charitable foundation and is responsible for securing philanthropic support for the Academy and its community, supporting expansion, innovation and initiatives that government funding alone cannot sustain.

The Trust is at an inflection point. With new leadership and momentum, we are looking for exceptional development leaders to help build a once-in-a-generation philanthropic programme for an institution whose purpose has never felt more urgent.

Director of Alumni Engagement and Regular Giving
£80,000 - £90,000 (depending on experience)
Old College, The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) GU15, Hybrid

As Director of Alumni Engagement and Regular Giving and the CEO’s Deputy, you will have the chance to build and lead a best-in-class programme that will form the future foundation of the Trust’s philanthropic strategy, engaging, igniting and transforming the alumni community into a powerful and sustainable source of long-term support.

Head of Major and Principal Giving/Head of Major Gifts 
£80,000 - £90,000 (depending on experience)
The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) GU15, Hybrid

The Head of Major and Principal Giving will cultivate and secure major and principal gifts from a highly receptive and loyal constituency in the UK and internationally. With a portfolio that is rich in potential and ready for discovery, this is an outstanding opportunity for an entrepreneurial fundraiser.

The flex in the title accounts for the varying degrees of experience that candidates may bring. Major Gifts is the focus of the role, but there will be substantial opportunity for the post holder to also work on and secure principal level gifts.

Head of Operations
£50,000 - £55,000 (depending on experience with scope to go beyond for an exceptional candidate)
The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) GU15, Hybrid

As Head of Operations and a member of the senior leadership team, you will play a key role in shaping the systems, governance, and operational infrastructure that will support the Trust’s long-term success. You will also play a critical role in shaping a high-performing and collaborative operational culture.

These leadership roles offer something that is genuinely rare in the fundraising profession: the opportunity to build something exceptional from the ground up, at a cornerstone British institution whose story, community and moment in time combine to make the case for philanthropy almost uniquely compelling. The Sandhurst Trust is looking to build a team full of passion and ambition so if this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you.

The Trust operates a hybrid working model with two days onsite (Old College, RMAS, Camberley, GU15 4PQ).

Closing date: Midnight on 30 June 2026

Interested?

Please familiarise yourself with the attached Candidate Packs.
To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter clearly staing which role you are applying for.

The Sandhurst Trust is partnering with Erin Hall-Westfall and Joanna Logan of Constellate Global Talent on this search.

No agencies please.

Salary: £39,912 per annum (pro-rated for part time hours). We are an accredited member of the Living Wage Foundation.

Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time Monday-Friday (occasional weekends/ evenings).

Location: Remote/Hybrid. (Hybrid approach with regular working from home days. A degree of flexibility will be required, including some travel to client sites as well as infrequent travel to Unseen’s head office in Bristol).

Purpose of the role:

The Manager of Business (Consultancy) will play a key role in ensuring the effective delivery and rigorous quality assurance of a range of business services to clients. Working within a growing, dynamic team, the successful candidate will initially hold oversight of our training and eLearning programmes, with the understanding that this function may be separated from the role as the team expands. They will ensure our range of consultancy and training services are delivered to a consistently high standard, sensitively, with compassion, and with a trauma-informed approach, whilst simultaneously evolving our team frameworks, internal systems, and operational risk controls.

This is a pivotal role that sits at the heart of Unseen’s response to worker exploitation, engaging with business clients, developing avenues to increase our range and quality of services, and supporting a growing multi-faceted team to deliver on one of our priority areas. This role demands a flexible approach to deliver in-depth and complex services to businesses, alongside a sharp focus on mitigating operational, data, and reputational risks. It also requires a confident communicator with a keen eye for detail, but with the ability to step back and see the bigger picture. The role requires an individual with a proven track record of managing, coaching, and delegating effectively to a diverse team while protecting workloads and well-being.

The successful candidate will possess experience navigating complex corporate stakeholder environments, confidently engaging with senior leadership, and handling difficult conversations. Competence in synthesising diverse datasets and using CRM tools to transform data into actionable strategy is essential. An understanding of worker exploitation and human rights risk management in complex value chains is desirable.

We are looking for the successful person to commence this role from August 2026.

To apply: 

• Please complete Unseen’s application form for the role on our website which includes a personal statement of 500 words outlining your suitability for the role, some personal details and equal opportunities questions, and;
• Please send a copy of your CV to jobs @ unseenuk. org with reference to the job title.

The deadline for applications is 23.59 on Sunday 12 July 2026.

Interviews will likely be held end of July, and the person will be expected to commence in the role from August 2026.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive the requisite number of applications. For this reason, we encourage interested candidates to apply early.

As an organisation focused on equality and diversity, we welcome applications from all sections of the community and all backgrounds, including those with a lived experience of modern slavery, those from ethnic minority groups, those with disabilities and those from the LGBTQ+ community. 

Any questions, please contact jobs @ unseenuk. org.

Ely Foodbank is seeking a Foodbank Operations Manager to play a key role in the day to day leadership and development of our services across East Cambridgeshire and Fenland. This is a varied and rewarding role where no two days are the same. You will work closely with volunteers, referral partners, community organisations, and the wider team to ensure people facing hardship receive a welcoming, professional, and effective service.

As a growing organisation, we are looking for someone who combines excellent organisational skills with a practical and solutions focused approach. You will be comfortable managing multiple priorities, building productive partnerships, supporting volunteers, and using systems and technology to improve the way we work. Whether your experience comes from the charity sector, public services, community organisations, or another operational environment, we are looking for someone who can bring energy, initiative, and strong operational leadership to the role.

This is an opportunity to make a genuine difference in your local community while helping shape and strengthen an organisation that supports thousands of people each year.