Deputy director jobs in Bermondsey, greater london

Annual leave: 33 days (plus eight bank holidays)

Benefits:

• enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave, and shared parental pay
• family-friendly policies
• 8% employer pension contribution (Aviva)
• life assurance cover at 3 x annual salary
• health cashback plan (Medicash): employee cover plus up to four dependent children
• 24/7 virtual GP access (UK registered), plus access to Best Doctors
• confidential employee assistance programme (Medicash)
• access to a wellbeing app
• flexible working options including hybrid working, flexible working patterns such as part-time, compressed hours, and more*
• learning and development opportunities including bespoke training and access to LinkedIn Learning)
• commitment to employee health and wellbeing. We have a Menopause Friendly accreditation and are a Disability Confident employer

At Dementia UK, we make sure families affected by dementia don’t face it alone. Through our specialist Admiral Nurses, we provide expert, compassionate support when it’s needed most. As we continue to grow our services and national influence, our technology capability must evolve with us.

We are looking for a Deputy Director of Technology and Digital Transformation to lead the next phase of that evolution.

This is not a traditional IT operations role. While operational stability and security are fundamental, this position is about shaping how technology enables the whole organisation to work smarter, move faster and deliver greater impact.

You will lead the development and delivery of our Technology and Digital Strategy, ensuring core systems remain secure, resilient and well governed, while progressively modernising our digital operating model. You will identify where automation, AI and smarter system design can drive measurable productivity gains, reduce manual dependency and strengthen data-driven decision-making.

Technology under your leadership will operate as a proactive partner to directorates, improving processes, strengthening insight and enabling innovation, rather than functioning solely as a reactive support service.

You will lead and develop a high-performing multidisciplinary team, embedding a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement. You will balance operational rigour with forward-looking digital capability, ensuring we remain proportionate, responsible and competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape.

 We are seeking a senior technology leader who has successfully balanced operational stability with digital transformation in a complex organisation. You will bring experience in developing and delivering technology strategy, modernising legacy environments and driving productivity through smarter use of systems, automation and responsible AI.

You will have strong expertise in infrastructure, cyber security and data protection, alongside commercial awareness and experience managing budgets and suppliers. Just as importantly, you will be able to influence senior stakeholders, develop technical talent and translate complex ideas into practical action.

Most importantly, you will see technology as a force multiplier for mission impact. If you want to shape how a growing national charity uses digital capability to strengthen its reach and effectiveness, we would love to hear from you.

We would love to hear from you! If you would like to find out more about the role, or have any queries, please get in touch via the email on our website.

Our culture

In addition to offering a competitive salary and a generous benefits package, we truly value our people. It’s important for us to create a workplace culture that looks after our people to support them in achieving their full potential. You will become part of a diverse and dedicated team who are supported to use and develop their skills. We recognise and value the key role you will play in delivering our strategic plans for the benefit of those living with dementia.  

Our staff have a voice. Representatives from different roles and levels across the organisation lead and positively contribute to our working groups around health and wellbeing, menopause, and equity, diversity and inclusion.  

Our supportive and nurturing workplace culture has recently earnt us recognition as the Sunday Times Best Place to Work in the non-profit and charities sector 2025 (big organisation).  

Dementia UK is proud to welcome everyone. We aim for a truly inclusive culture with talented, diverse teams that represent a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills. We celebrate differences and individuality and encourage everyone to join us and be their whole selves always.

Dementia UK is a Disability Confident employer.

This role will be subject to a Basic DBS check.

By applying to join Dementia UK, you acknowledge that in the event you are successful for the role, any offer and your ongoing employment will be conditional on you having or obtaining the right to work in the UK. 

*Please note that any decision on flexible working is based on business needs 

Age UK Kensington & Chelsea (AUKC) is a vibrant, values led local charity dedicated to helping older people live well — staying connected, independent and fulfilled at every stage of life. We work alongside our community to codesign and deliver impactful services that promote wellbeing, tackle loneliness, influence local policy and ensure dignity and independence for people across the borough. 

As we look to the future, we are focused on innovation, growth and lasting impact. Building on the success of resecuring our two largest contracts in 2025 (for three and up to nine years respectively) we are seeking to strengthen our partnerships, diversify the ways we deliver support, and create new approaches to have even greater impact for older people in Kensington & Chelsea.

This is an exciting time to join a charity widely recognised for its compassion, quality and influence with a strong reputation among NHS, local authority and community partners.

We are now seeking an exceptional Director of Services & Deputy CEO to join our leadership team and help shape the next stage of our journey. 

Director of Services & Deputy Chief Executive Officer 

Kensington & Chelsea, London (hybrid working) 
Circa £75,000 FTE for 4 days per week (circa £60,000 for 4 days) 

The Opportunity 

This is a rare and exciting leadership role for someone who is passionate about community impact and aspires to become a CEO in the future. 

As Deputy CEO, you will work closely with our Chief Executive to provide inspiring, values driven leadership across the charity. You will help develop and deliver our new three-year strategy, steer organisational priorities, strengthen our culture, and ensure we continue to grow and thrive — as well as deputising confidently for the CEO when required. 

As Director of Services, you will lead our Health, Wellbeing and Community Services, ensuring they remain high quality, evidence based and financially sustainable. You will champion innovation, drive integration across programmes, and make sure our work delivers measurable outcomes for older people. 

A key part of your role will be building strong relationships with commissioners and partners, developing compelling proposals, and supporting the growth and diversification of our services. You will also lead our impact and quality agenda, embedding a culture of learning, continuous improvement and accountability. 

If you are an ambitious, strategic and collaborative leader who thrives on variety and purpose — and who is energized by working alongside communities — this is an exceptional opportunity. 

About You 

We are looking for a confident and compassionate leader who brings: 

• Significant senior leadership experience in the voluntary, community or public sector. 

• A strong track record of developing and delivering health, wellbeing or community services. 

• Expertise in impact measurement, quality assurance and evidence driven service design. 

• Experience of business development, including securing grants, contracts or new partnership opportunities. 

• Excellent relationship building skills across health, care, local government or community sectors. 

• A leadership style that is collaborative, inclusive and aligned with our values of kindness, respect and integrity. 

• Experience working within integrated care systems or commissioning environments

What We Offer 

• A rare career development opportunity for someone who may be aspiring to become a CEO. 

• A supportive and ambitious organisation committed to innovation, inclusion and impact. 

• The chance to shape high quality services that make a real difference to people’s lives. 

• Competitive salary, pension and ongoing professional development. 

How to Apply 

If you would like an informal conversation about the role, please contact our retained advisors Anna Gardet or Erica Ritchie at Prospectus. 

Recruitment Timetable 

Deadline for applications: Sunday 12th April 2026 

Interviews with Prospectus:  20-24th April 2026 

First stage interviews with Age UK Kensington & Chelsea:  7th May 2026

Second stage interviews with Age UK Kensington & Chelsea:  12th May 2026   

Whitley Fund for Nature - Deputy Director (14 months FTC Maternity Cover)
London | 3 days per week in the office | Full Time or Part-Time 4 days (pro-rata)
£58,000-£60,000
Closing date: Friday 26th March, 12pm

Charity People is delighted to be working in partnership with Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN) who are seeking an experienced, values-driven senior leader to join as Deputy Director (Maternity Cover) - a key leadership role focused on maintaining momentum, safeguarding key relationships, and continuing to generate income from a warm, well-cultivated portfolio.

WFN is an incredible nature conservation charity, generously supported for more than 20 years by our Patron HRH The Princess Royal and WFN Ambassador and former Trustee Sir David Attenborough. Established in 1993, it has channelled £26 million to 220 conservation leaders in 80 countries across the Global South, benefitting wildlife, landscapes, and people.

WFN offer long term, laddered support to courageous changemakers leading local solutions to the global biodiversity and climate crises; they are acting on the latest science and igniting projects with passion. Through these award winners we support work rooted in communities that creates lasting benefits for wildlife, landscapes and people.

With a clear, established strategy and a strong pipeline of committed major donors, this is a rare opportunity to step into a pivotal senior role and help steer an organisation with genuine global impact.

The Role
As Deputy Director, you will act as a key strategic partner to the Director and a senior figure across the charity, ensuring continuity during the maternity leave period. You will:

• Line manage two Heads of department (Head of Partnerships and Head of Communications), offering supportive, calm and confident leadership.
• Play a hands-on role in major giving, stewarding key supporters including HNWIs, family foundations and trusts.
• Support the delivery of WFN's income ambitions for this financial year
• Represent WFN at donor meetings, pitches, and engagement events, drawing on your own network where appropriate.
• Work alongside colleagues on the prestigious Whitley Awards, supporting donor engagement and communications linked to the event.
• Oversee high‑quality proposals and reports, typically at the £5k-£100k+ level, and support renewals, revisits, and long‑term partnerships.
• Maintain oversight of communications and brand, ensuring alignment with WFN's mission and global conservation agenda.
• Play a key role in the 2026 WFN People for Planet Summit following the huge success of the 2025 event.

This is a brilliant position for a senior major gifts or partnerships specialist who enjoys balancing strategy with hands-on delivery, and who thrives in a collaborative, mission-led environment.

About You
We're looking for a confident, thoughtful and solutions-focused leader with:

• A strong track record in major donor fundraising (HNWIs, family foundations, trusts).
• Experience in securing and stewarding gifts, managing a portfolio where gifts often sit at the upper major-giving threshold.
• Senior leadership experience, ideally in a charity or environment-focused organisation.
• Willingness to represent WFN externally and maintain strong personal relationships with donors and partners.
• The ability to step into an already well-structured programme and ensure momentum continues smoothly.
• A collaborative, calm and people-centred leadership style.
• An understanding or background in wildlife conservation would be welcomed

Working at WFN
WFN is a warm, committed and mission-driven team, supported by a highly engaged Trustee Board and a clear strategic direction. Income is derived primarily from major donors, making this an ideal environment for someone who enjoys relationship-led fundraising and partnering closely with supporters.

How to Apply
Please contact Kevin Croasdale from our recruitment partners, Charity People, with your CV and to request a full job pack.

Deadline: 12pm, Friday 26th March

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

Purpose and responsibilities of the post

Reporting to the DARE UK Director, the Deputy Director is a senior strategic leader responsible for shaping and delivering the programme’s next phase of impact.

The post-holder will provide intellectual and operational leadership across the programme, translating strategic ambition into executable plans while ensuring delivery at pace and scale. They will work across research communities, funders, infrastructure providers, technology partners and senior stakeholders across UKRI and government to embed community voice into the design of a UK-wide secure data research ecosystem.

This is a high-profile role requiring visible sector leadership, strong partnership-building capability and confidence operating at Board and executive level. The Deputy Director will deputise for the Director as required and play a central role in positioning DARE UK nationally and internationally.

Main Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

· Co-develop and evolve the DARE UK strategy, roadmap and future phases in response to emerging opportunities, policy developments and sector needs.

· Shape the long-term vision for a federated UK sensitive data research ecosystem, including shared standards for governance, ethics, metadata and interoperability.

· Identify strategic partnerships and funding opportunities to secure programme sustainability beyond the current phase.

· Represent DARE UK at senior forums, influencing policy, research and infrastructure agendas.

Programme Delivery and Oversight

· Lead end-to-end delivery of the programme, ensuring alignment between strategic objectives, commissioned work and measurable outcomes.

· Oversee commissioning, governance and performance management of programme activities and working groups.

· Ensure robust financial oversight, risk management and reporting in collaboration with HDR UK and UKRI partners.

· Maintain effective systems, governance structures and delivery frameworks across partner organisations.

Stakeholder and Community Leadership

· Build and sustain trusted relationships across UKRI councils, academia, government departments, devolved administrations, technical suppliers and public contributors.

· Convene and align diverse stakeholders to co-design standards, services and technical-social specifications.

· Lead strategic engagement and communications activity to secure sector-wide buy-in and adoption.

People and Organisational Leadership

· Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team spanning programme management, communications, public involvement and engagement, and community engagement.

· Foster a high-performance, collaborative culture aligned with HDR UK values.

· Provide clarity, direction and stability in a complex and evolving landscape.

Knowledge, skills and experience

Essential

· Senior leadership experience in complex, multi-stakeholder environments spanning research, government, infrastructure and/or technology.

· Proven track record of delivering large-scale, strategically significant programmes in fast-paced and ambiguous contexts.

· Experience working with executive teams, Boards and senior stakeholders, demonstrating sound judgement and political awareness.

· Strong strategic thinking capability, with the ability to translate vision into structured delivery plans.

· Demonstrable experience influencing, negotiating and building consensus across diverse communities.

· Strong programme governance, risk management and financial oversight experience.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to represent programmes at national level.

· Effective line management experience, leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-impact outcomes.