Director of finance operations jobs in Milton keynes

Due to educational commitments and a strategic review of our services, our Founding Director is stepping back from leading the organisation. This creates an exciting opportunity for a Managing Director to join a women-led movement shaped by lived experience.

Working closely with the Founder, Board, and team, you will take the lead in implementing our strategy, turning vision into action, and ensuring our work is sustainable, impactful, and ready to grow. You will play a central role in securing financial stability, strengthening income streams, and building a resilient organisation for the future.

We are looking for a proactive and experienced leader who can strengthen systems, processes, and team culture, while supporting and developing a small, dedicated team. This role is not just about leadership, but about working alongside others - someone who is human, approachable, and a genuine team player.

You will value collaboration and co-production and feel comfortable working in a culture rooted in trust, flexibility, and compassion. You will bring the confidence to represent the organisation externally, alongside the humility to listen, learn, and grow with the team.

This UK-based, remote role sits within a small, friendly organisation committed to reflection, learning, and continual improvement. You will help shape how we evolve, ensuring we deliver safe, high-quality, trauma-informed, and gender-sensitive support for women affected by their own or someone else's gambling addiction.

We are seeking someone who aligns with our values, understands the realities women face in a male-dominated space, and can lead with humanity and humility.

The Managing Director will be accountable for:

• Strategic direction
• Financial sustainability
• Safeguarding and risk oversight
• Commissioner relationships
• Organisational culture and values

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Lead development and delivery of the 3-year strategic plan.
• Ensure organisational growth aligns with mission and peer-led ethos.
• Identify opportunities for funding, partnerships and influence.
• Ensure services evolve in line with women’s needs and policy context.

Governance & Risk Oversight

• Maintain oversight of safeguarding and clinical governance.
• Ensure robust risk management and compliance systems are in place.
• Report quarterly to the Board on performance, finance and risk.
• Ensure Delegated Authority Framework is implemented effectively.
• Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Financial Sustainability

• Accountable for organisational budget and reserves strategy.
• Oversee funding pipeline and income diversification.
• Negotiate and sign contracts within Board-approved limits.
• Ensure staffing model remains financially sustainable.

Leadership & Organisational Culture

• Lead and support staff team.
• Maintain trauma-informed, women-centred organisational culture.
• Ensure appropriate delegation and clear accountability.
• Protect staff wellbeing and prevent executive overload.

External Representation & Influence

• Represent the organisation with commissioners, funders and partners.
• Build relationships with VCSE organisations, OHID, NHSE, ICBs, Local Authorities and sector bodies.
• Position the organisation as a credible specialist provider.
• Support policy and influence activity at strategic level.

Board Relationship

• Work closely with the Chair
• Provide clear and transparent reporting.
• Support Board development and portfolio governance.
• Ensure Board receives timely information on risk and performance.

Person Specification

Essential Experience

• Senior leadership experience within VCSE, health or social care.
• Experience in women-specific services.
• Experience managing budgets and financial sustainability including evidence of successful fundraising and income diversification.
• Experience working with statutory commissioners.
• Experience overseeing safeguarding in complex services.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams.

Desirable Experience

• Experience in addiction, gambling harm or mental health sectors.
• Experience within CIC or charity governance structures.
• Experience influencing policy or commissioning frameworks.
• Understanding and appreciation of lived experience communities and peer support spaces

Essential Skills

• Strategic thinking and planning
• Financial acumen
• Strong governance understanding
• Stakeholder diplomacy
• Ability to delegate effectively
• Crisis management capability
• Clear written and verbal communication

We kindly ask applicants to avoid submitting AI generated responses to encourage a real sense of who you are. 
 

Our operational days are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. We operate flexibly but our regular team meetings are held on a Wednesday and this role is expected to be accessible for our staff within these days. 

Operations Director:

A new post at the Longford Trust, created at an exciting time of growth and development for the charity.

- A 3 day-a-week role;

- Reporting to the Director and working as part of the Senior Management Team of the trust, within an overall cohort of eight, all part-time posts;

- Paid pro-rata of £50-55,000 depending on experience via PAYE with pensions contributions;

- The trust has no physical office, so team members work remotely, with flexible hours, but all team members work Tuesdays. There are regular face-to-face team meetings, as well as one-to-ones, so easy access to London an advantage.

Responsibilities

- Leadership role in following areas: strategy, developing and implementing the 10-Year-Plan; HR; our Frank Awards programme; Communications and Marketing, systems, digital and AI.

- Working with the Director on fund-raising and finance, growing and nurturing our core partnerships;

- Working with other SMT members when needed in delivering their specific programme areas.

Person specification

Essential qualities you need to be able to demonstrate:

- commitment to prison reform, with an understanding of the prison system and the barriers it creates for those leaving prison (lived experience of the prison or the criminal justice system is valued);

- senior management background either in a charitable organisation or in a relevant area;

- an entrepreneurial approach;

- proven leadership skills and ability to represent the trust in public settings;

- track record in expressing yourself clearly and persuasively in writing;

- strong interpersonal skills in regard of team-working, team-building and upholding the values of the trust;

- up-to-date financial and digital literacy.

Values

Taking our cue from Frank Longford, after whom the trust is named, our values shape every aspect of our work, including all relationships between team members, trustees, scholarship award-holders, our volunteer trained mentors and our employability partners. These values include:

- A firm belief in the power of education to change lives;

- A passion for second chances for those with lived experience of prison;

- A thorough-going can-do, practical approach that is driven by a desire to level the playing field for those who have been to prison and are committed to building new lives;

- A commitment to integration of all regardless of background and circumstances. We assume the best, start from the positive, are curious, are always ready to learn, and reject fixed mindsets.

Who we are and what we do

The Longford Trust was set up in 2002. Each November, it stages an annual Longford Lecture and awards an annual Longford Prize. Our Longford Scholarship programme supports young serving and ex-prisoners to continue their rehabilitation by going to university. It is the only programme of its type across the UK, supporting more than 600 individuals so far, with over 100 current award-holders, as well as many alumni who continue to be part of the trust. Between 80 and 85% of those we support go on to graduate, move into employment and build new lives. Our scholarship programme accounts for more than three quarters of our expenditure

Apply to with an up-to-date CV and accompanying letter explaining how you fit our job specification, why you want to work with the Longford Trust, and what you will bring to it. Closing date noon on Friday May 1. Interviews will be in person in the second week of May.

Employment Type: Full time
Location: Remote · Multiple locationsIreland · UK
Salary: £62,000 - £72,000 (GBP)25 days holiday plus other benefits.
Seniority: Senior
Closing date: 9:00am, 4th May

About GLAN

GLAN is an independent non-profit organisation made up of lawyers, investigators and campaigners. We pursue legal action against powerful actors involved in serious human rights violations and environmental harms, working across borders with international and local grassroots organisations. 

Our vision is justice across borders.

We are a fully remote team - our committed colleagues are spread across multiple countries, and we have offices in Ireland and the UK.

We currently work across three key focus areas: 

• Accountability for Atrocity Crimes
• Environment and Climate Litigation
• Abuses in Value Chains

About the role

The Chief Operating Officer at GLAN will play a crucial role in steering the team in the successful implementation of the charity’s organisational strategy, and will be responsible for ensuring the day-to-day smooth running of the organisation – in order to build a sustainable, compliant, resilient and well-governed organisation.

The ideal candidate

We are looking for an experienced leader with a proven track-record of delivering financial oversight and overseeing complex budgets and projects to completion in a fast-paced environment. We are looking for someone who possesses excellent people skills, who is emotionally intelligent and can guide a dynamic team remotely.

The Chief Operating Officer will be responsible for the delivery of core services and will manage a core team of staff to deliver Finance, HR, Fundraising, Communications and Governance.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrable experience in a similar role, with in depth understanding of how charitable, purpose driven organisations operate. You must have excellent leadership skills, a solid grasp of data analysis and performance metrics, financial planning and budgeting skills, and an advanced understanding of business planning, budget and project management.

Key Responsibilities

Senior Leadership

• Lead the Senior Leadership team in the implementation of our revised organisational strategy 2027-2030.
• Ensure organisation-wide financial oversight and operational business planning.
• Provide guidance and support to GLAN’s team.
• Deputise for the CEO when necessary and take ownership of high-level decision-making.

Operational oversight

• Maintain operational oversight so that legal, advocacy, funding and finance align with GLAN’s organisational strategy.
• Oversee and facilitate the flow of information between the legal and operational teams so that our legal case works aligns with finances, commitments to funders, team capacity, and communications plans.
• Ensure that systems enable on-going monitoring of expenditure so that fundraising and finance are aware of gaps/underspends.
• Help ensure cases/teams are sufficiently resourced in terms of staff capacity.
• Ensure joined up working, and provide strategic guidance when challenges arise.

People and culture

• Provide strong leadership to ensure a professional and healthy working culture.
• Build on GLAN’s existing commitments to a working culture that is in line with our values, overseeing team-wide consistency to HR line-management, 1:1’s, annual 360 reviews and performance.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and staff development and staff feedback.
• Ensure policies on anti-racism, equality, diversity, inclusion and wellbeing are embedded in how we work.
• Support the embedding of GLAN’s values across GLAN’s work.
• Oversee relationship and dialogue between GLAN’s SLT and Trade Union representatives.

Governance and Board relationships

• Lead on ensuring that GLAN is compliant with our legal, regulatory, health & safety, data protection / GDPR and employment law obligations.
• Ensure we have all necessary policies in place and take the lead on coordinating the establishment and review of existing and further policies. Oversee the regular review of GLAN’s risk management frameworks and our risk register.
• Oversee GLAN’s governance structures (internal reporting, Board meetings etc.), ensuring decisions are well informed and documented.

Financial oversight

• Oversee financial operations: budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, expenditure controls, financial reporting, payroll.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards, audit requirements and donor / funder financial reporting obligations.
• Manage relationships with external accountants, auditors, banks, and financial service providers.
• Ensure best practices are followed and financial risk is identified and managed appropriately.

Operations

• Ensure the smooth running of IT, data protection, office management. Managing relationships with our external providers.

Person Specification

Essential

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in senior leadership roles, delivering successful organisational financial oversight- with expertise in business planning and complex project management.
• Demonstrable experience of high-level budgeting, forecasting, auditing, proven accountability for ensuring financial sustainability and compliance.
• Minimum of 10 year’s line management experience.
• Excellent strategic thinking and planning skills, able to bridge between high-level strategy and operational detail.
• Sound judgement, risk-management and governance experience; familiarity with compliance, data protection / GDPR, employment law etc.
• Exceptionally organised and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to present complex operational, financial or legal information clearly.
• Strong collaborative approach, ability to work across teams, offer guidance to other senior level staff, and clear people management skills.
• Expertise in ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, policies, and procedures, particularly in the charity sector.
• Understanding of UK charity law and governance, including experience with Board of Trustees.
• Aptitude in decision making and problem solving, and confidence in providing guidance to boards and CEO.
• Warm, people-centred and positive approach.
• Emotionally intelligent, able to self-reflect, be honest and conduct open conversations with sensitivity.
• Solution-orientated, able to anticipate and resolve challenges.
• Strong alignment with GLAN’s values and our mission.
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and committed to GLAN’s ongoing anti-racist learning and practice.
• Commitment to developing an organisational culture in which our team thrives and we can achieve meaningful impact in our work.
• Ability to handle difficult situations and handle confidential information.
• Ability to balance GLAN’s operational priorities with our values.

Desirable

• Experience of operating in non-profit / mission-driven / legal organisations.
• Previous experience working in a human rights or environmental protection focussed setting.
• Legal or compliance experience.
• Experience of change management and scaling teams or systems.
• Experience of hybrid / remote team leadership .
• Experience of supporting culture building.
• Experience of working to decolonial commitments.
• Experience of delivering organisational change programmes.
• Legal or compliance experience.
• Experience of change management and scaling teams or systems.
• Experience of hybrid / remote team leadership 
• Commitment to equity, learning and continuous improvement.
• Knowledge of HR practices and employment law.
• Fundraising experience.
• Accountancy qualification, Leadership or management qualifications, Project management qualifications e.g. Prince2

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

We particularly welcome applications from candidates with lived experience of the issues that GLAN works on. We strongly encourage applications from disabled candidates, older candidates, and Black and racially minoritised candidates, who are currently underrepresented in our organisation. We use an anonymised recruitment process to ensure fairness. Each applicant will be individually assessed against the essential criteria regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or belief. We will use positive action on the basis of race and/or disability in case of a tie break situation.

Our values

Decolonial - We are committed to building decolonial, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive approaches at GLAN.

Collective Power - We believe lasting change is built through collective action and power sharing. 

Responsive - Working across interconnected global systems that are ever in flux, we aim to be adaptable, nimble and responsive to make the biggest impact we can. 

Steadfast - We know the kind of change we want to see won’t happen overnight, that’s why we strongly value patience and persistence. 

Self-Reflective - We recognise the power and privilege we hold as an organization. We’re committed to fostering a culture of honesty, reflection, and continuous learning, constantly examining how we work within the system and why to help us strengthen both our organisation and the movements we support work within the system.

How to apply

To apply, please use our application portal. Applications are due by 9am 4 May 2026. We will not review applications sent via LinkedIn or email.

GLAN does not use AI to review applications, and we ask candidates to avoid its use in this process. We want to read about people’s experience in their own words.

If you need any reasonable adjustments, including this job pack to be sent in a larger font, in order to apply for this role, please contact us.

About Us:

At Future CFO, we're committed to excellence in financial consulting, offering bespoke solutions to our clients who are predominantly in the not for profit and social impact space. As a forward-thinking organization, we're looking for a dynamic Finance Manager to join our senior management team. The Finance Manager will be responsible for overseeing all financial aspects of Future CFO clients. This includes financial planning, budgeting, reporting, analysis, strategic decision-making and donor reporting. The Finance Manager is responsible for managing, supervising, and directing financial activities that our charity clients buy into. Other duties include strategic support and advisory to the management personnel and their Board members ensuring finances are used beneficially, developing the financial strategy, assessing investments, and ensuring legal and regulatory compliance.

The ideal candidate will have Non Profit and NGO experience and possess a blend of strong financial accounting skills and the ability to manage complex month-end processes across clients that are based globally. The individual will possess excellent communication abilities to liaise effectively with various teams and clients. They will be confident and a self-starter with excellent people skills, possess a passion for growth and create a powerful and connected team culture.

Before you apply

We’d encourage you to take a good look through the role responsibilities and person specification before applying. This is a broad and impactful role, so we’re looking for someone who can demonstrate strong experience across many of these areas and make sure your application brings this to life. We are also open to considering contractors with equivalent experience.

Please note that this role will primarily involve working with a client based in the United States. As such, candidates must be comfortable accommodating time zone differences and working flexible hours where required to support client needs.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Planning, Budgeting & Forecasting

• Lead the annual budgeting process across all programmes and country offices, ensuring alignment with organisational strategy and funding requirements

• Develop and maintain robust financial models, including forecasts and scenario planning

• Produce regular forecasts (income, expenditure, and cash flow), highlighting risks and opportunities

• Partner with budget holders to ensure accountability and ownership of financial plans

Management Reporting & Financial Performance

• Oversee the preparation of timely and accurate monthly management accounts

• Deliver clear variance analysis with meaningful insights for decision-making

• Develop and enhance management reporting to improve visibility across programmes, grants, and geographies

• Present financial performance to senior leadership and non-finance stakeholders in an accessible way

Financial Accounting, Month-End & Audit

• Oversee and ensure timely and accurate month-end and year-end close processes

• Maintain integrity of the general ledger, including review of journals, accruals, and prepayments

• Ensure all balance sheet accounts are reconciled regularly and supported by appropriate documentation

• Lead the year-end audit process, acting as the primary point of contact for external auditors

• Prepare statutory accounts and ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards and local regulations

• Continuously improve financial processes, controls, and systems

Reserves & Cash Flow Management

• Support the development and management of organisational reserves in line with policy and strategic objectives

• Monitor and manage cash flow across entities, ensuring sufficient liquidity at all times

• Identify financial risks and propose mitigation strategies, particularly in relation to funding gaps

• Provide recommendations on reserves utilisation and financial sustainability

Grant & Donor Financial Management

• Oversee financial management of grants, ensuring budgets are accurate, compliant, and aligned with donor requirements

• Support proposal budgeting in collaboration with fundraising and programme teams

• Ensure timely and accurate donor financial reporting, including variance analysis and narrative explanations

• Maintain strong oversight of grant spend, ensuring compliance with funding agreements

• Act as a key finance business partner to programme teams on grant delivery

Financial Governance & Controls

• Ensure strong financial controls and compliance with internal policies and external regulations

• Support organisational audits and ensure audit readiness across all funding streams

• Maintain and improve financial policies, procedures, and systems

• Promote best practice in financial management across country teams

Strategic Finance & Business Partnering

• Act as a strategic finance partner to country directors and senior leadership

• Provide financial insight to support organisational strategy and growth

• Strengthen financial processes, tools, and reporting in a complex, multi-entity environment

• Build financial capability across non-finance teams

Candidate Profile

Qualifications & Experience

• Fully qualified accountant (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)

• Minimum 5-6 years experience in a senior finance role, ideally within the non-profit, international development, or grant-funded sector

• Proven experience managing budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes

• Strong experience of grant and donor financial management and reporting

• Experience leading month-end and year-end processes, including external audits

• Experience working across multiple entities, countries, or complex organisational structures is highly desirable

Technical Skills & Knowledge

• Strong understanding of financial accounting principles and controls

• Excellent financial modelling, budgeting, and forecasting skills

• Ability to interpret and present complex financial data clearly to non-finance stakeholders

• Knowledge of donor compliance requirements and restricted funding environments

• Experience with finance systems and advanced Excel (or equivalent tools i.e. quickbooks, xero, etc.)

• Strong understanding of cash flow management and reserves planning

Leadership & Business Partnering

• Proven ability to act as a strategic finance partner to senior stakeholders

• Experience working collaboratively with non-finance teams (e.g. programmes, fundraising, operations)

• Ability to influence decision-making through clear financial insight

• Proactive and solutions-oriented, with the confidence to challenge where appropriate

Personal Attributes

• High level of integrity and accountability

• Strong attention to detail with the ability to see the bigger picture

• Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal

• Adaptable and comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment

• A collaborative and supportive team player with a hands-on approach

Desirable

• Experience in a multi-country or decentralised organisation

• Experience working with outsourced finance providers or shared service models

• Familiarity with international compliance, local regulations, and different accounting frameworks

• Interest in or commitment to the organisation’s mission and impact 

What We Offer

Purpose & Impact

• The opportunity to play a key role in a mission-driven organisation, contributing to meaningful and measurable impact

• A chance to shape and strengthen financial strategy in a growing, international environment

Professional Growth & Influence

• A highly visible role with exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision-making

• Opportunity to lead and improve financial systems, processes, and ways of working

• Scope to develop and broaden your experience in a complex, multi-country, grant-funded environment

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary 

• Pension contribution for permanent staff and FTC

• Annual leave for permanent staff and FTC

Flexibility & Work Environment

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements

• A supportive and collaborative team culture

• Commitment to work-life balance

Wellbeing & Culture

• A values-driven organisation with a strong sense of purpose

• Inclusive and diverse working environment

• Employee wellbeing initiatives and support

International Exposure

• Opportunity to work with colleagues across multiple countries and cultures

• Involvement in international programmes and funding landscapes 

We are looking for a dynamic, values-led, strategic leader to drive our mission for migration justice and social work solidarity. The role entails oversight of the operations and strategy of the organisation, responsibility for financial management and fundraising, maintaining the health of the organisation and embedding anti-racist and anti-opressive values into every aspect of the organisation. 

An acquired brain injury can happen to anyone at any time. The impact on individuals, their friends and family, can be devastating. Headway Luton is here to help those impacted by an ABI move forward with their life. 

Headway Luton is a registered charity that provides support, advice and services to people with an acquired brain injury and to their families and carers.

We deliver centre-based activities and community support services aimed at helping people live as independently as possible, maximise their potential, and improve their quality of life.

Our work is rooted in person-centred care, dignity, respect and inclusion. We collaborate closely with local partners, funders and the community to ensure that our services remain relevant, accessible and sustainable.

Role overview

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is responsible for the overall leadership, management and development of Headway Luton.

They will ensure that the charity delivers high-quality, person-centred services in line with regulatory standards, while working with the Board of Trustees to secure the organisation’s long-term sustainability and growth.

The CEO will promote a culture that reflects our core values:

• Person-centred care
• Dignity and respect
• Safeguarding and safety
• Equality, diversity and inclusion
• Professional standards

Key responsibilities

1. Strategic leadership

• Lead the development and delivery of the charity’s strategic direction.
• Identify opportunities for growth, partnerships and service development.
• Ensure services continue to meet the needs of the local community.

2. Governance and board engagement

• Work closely with the Board of Trustees to support effective governance.
• Attend trustee meetings and provide clear and timely reports.
• Ensure compliance with the Charity Commission, Companies House and relevant legislation.
• Support the planning and delivery of the Annual General Meeting (AGM).

3. Service delivery & operations

• Oversee the delivery of safe, effective and high-quality services.
• Ensure compliance with Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards.
• Monitor service performance and outcomes.
• Ensure safeguarding is embedded across all services.

4. People leadership

• Lead, support and develop staff and volunteers.
• Line manage senior staff and oversee performance management processes.
• Promote a positive, inclusive and collaborative working culture.
• Ensure the appropriate recruitment, training and development of staff.

5. Financial management & sustainability

• Oversee budgets and financial performance in partnership with the Board.
• Ensure resources are managed effectively and responsibly.
• Support the development of funding streams, grants and partnerships.
• Contribute to long-term financial planning and sustainability.

Person specification

Essential criteria

Experience

• Experience in the charity, health or social care sector
• Experience of managing teams and organisational performance.
• Experience of financial oversight and budget management.

Skills and knowledge

• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Ability to work effectively with a Board or senior stakeholders
• Good understanding of governance, compliance and risk
• Strong communication and decision-making skills

Personal attributes

• Reliable, motivated and able to work independently
• Able to prioritise workload and manage competing demands
• Committed to the values and aims of Headway Luton

Desirable criteria

• Experience in a senior leadership role (e.g. CEO, Director or equivalent).
• Understanding of CQC or regulated services
• Experience of fundraising, commissioning or contract management
• Relevant qualification (e.g. business, leadership or management)

Position: Chief Executive Officer
Employer: Headway Luton Ltd (Registered Charity 1080775)
Location: 49-53 Alma Street, Luton, LU1 2PL
Responsible to: Board of Trustees

Hours: 25 hours per week (flexible, Monday to Friday)
Salary: £30,277 per annum (pro rata)
Contract: Permanent, subject to a six-month probationary period

Annual leave: 28 days plus bank holidays (pro rata)
Pension: 5% employer contribution
Other benefits: Flexible working, TOIL for additional hours and free on-site parking

Appendix 1: Initial priorities (first 6 months)

• Build strong relationships with staff, trustees and key stakeholders.
• Develop a clear understanding of services, operations and funding.
• Review the current financial position and identify risks or opportunities.
• Ensure governance and reporting processes are effective.
• Identify early opportunities for service improvement or development.
• Contribute to future strategic planning. 

Department: COO’s Office
Contract type: Permanent
Salary: Up to £115,000 per annum
Location: Home Based (UK wide travel as required)
Reports To: Chief Executive and Council Chair

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to help lead the organisation through the next phase of its development. Reporting to the Chief Executive and Council Chair, Phil Garrigan, and working closely with the Board of Trustees, the COO will play a critical role in driving organisational transformation and delivery. This will ensure NFCC is well positioned to achieve its ambitious new three-year strategy and delivery plan, including preparations for the proposed College of Fire and Rescue in 2029.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a professional, responsive and agile organisation that is focused on making a real difference to public safety.

NFCC is a charity and membership organisation dedicated to making communities safer by providing national leadership, coordination and professional expertise across UK fire and rescue services. Working at NFCC offers a unique opportunity to contribute directly to public safety, national resilience and the continuous improvement of an essential public service.

Operating at the intersection of operational practice, policy, assurance and system leadership, NFCC supports fire and rescue services to collaborate effectively, respond to complex and emerging risks, and maintain the highest professional standards. We work closely with government, regulators, emergency service partners and sector stakeholders to ensure that the collective voice of fire and rescue leaders is influential, credible and evidence-led.

As a values-driven organisation and registered charity, NFCC is committed to ethical leadership, transparency and public benefit. We foster a culture that is inclusive, collaborative and rooted in service to communities. Our people are trusted professionals, empowered to lead, innovate and deliver meaningful impact, supported by robust governance, assurance and accountability frameworks.

NFCC is a modern, agile organisation with a fully remote workforce. This enables us to attract and retain talented individuals from diverse professional backgrounds, while supporting flexible, inclusive and high-performing ways of working. We place strong emphasis on wellbeing, professional development and continuous learning, recognising that our effectiveness depends on the capability, integrity and commitment of our people.

Joining NFCC means working on issues of national significance, influencing the future of fire and rescue services, and helping to strengthen the resilience and safety of the communities we serve. If you are motivated by public service and professional excellence, have a strong focus on delivery and impact, and bring experience in leading business transformation and organisational change, this role offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to operate at the highest level of leadership.

The Selection Process

How to apply:

If you are interested in this role and think you have the skills and experience we need, please do look at the Job description on the NFCC website.

Candidates are invited to submit their CV and a covering letter setting out how they can meet the requirements set out in the job description. Please email this to the Recruitment mailbox (details found on the NFCC Website) by 23rd April 2026.

Tests for shortlisted candidates are likely to be Week commencing 4th May 2026

Interviews taking place on the 18th & 19th May 2026

NFCC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults and will require a DBS check to be completed prior to commencing in post.

NFCC is committed to being an inclusive employer. We comply with the Equality Act 2010, and we believe that everyone deserves to work in safe environments that are free from bullying, harassment and discrimination, abuse, and harm, where they feel supported, welcome, and able to thrive.

NFCC acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard, protect and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice, all staff are expected to share this commitment.

Evolve Counselling is a long‑established Cambridgeshire charity providing professional, affordable mental‑health support to individuals, organisations and communities. Each year, Evolve delivers thousands of counselling sessions through a team of trained, accredited counsellors working across the East of England region.

Our mission is to deliver counselling services to adults at the lowest possible cost, wherever possible seeking to subsidise sessions for those on low incomes. We do this through a mixed model of commissioned services, private counselling, and grant‑supported provision. By working to grow and foster a membership body of professional counsellors, Evolve strives to improve access to quality counselling and psychotherapy for all, and to create a positive working environment for those in the profession.

The CEO role provides strategic and operational leadership to drive Evolve’s growth, sustainability and impact. The position delivers effective organisational management, high‑quality service delivery, robust governance, regulatory compliance, and a positive staff culture.  Working in conjunction with the board, this is an exciting opportunity to shape the organisation’s future, ensuring that Evolve remains a trusted, quality and sustainable source of mental health support for years to come. 

Following several years of successful internal stabilisation—strengthening governance, staffing, and operational systems—the charity is ready to enter a critical period of transformation and growth. Our current CEO plans to retire in September 2026, having laid strong foundations for what must come next.

Our new CEO will lead Evolve into this next phase—strengthening partnerships, expanding referral pathways, stabilising revenue streams, and championing accessible counselling across our communities.

We are seeking a dynamic Head of Housing Support to lead our national Housing Support Services, ensuring clients receive exceptional, trauma‑informed care in safe, compliant and high‑quality homes. This is a pivotal role that influences service delivery, operational performance, and the long‑term vision for Life’s housing provision.

As Head of Housing Support, you will:

Lead & Inspire

• Provide strategic leadership for Housing Support Services across the UK.
• Manage and motivate Support Services Managers and Tenancy Sustainment Officers to deliver outstanding client‑focused support.
• Embed a culture of collaboration, high performance and trauma‑informed practice.

Drive Operational Excellence

• Oversee the implementation of the Housing Strategy, ensuring the safety, compliance and quality of all homes.
• Work closely with the Estates Team to maintain high housing standards and meet regulatory obligations.
• Oversee tenancy management, rent setting, arrears management and income recovery.

Shape the Future

• Influence policy, develop best‑practice procedures and contribute to organisational strategy.
• Build strong partnerships with local authorities, housing developers and external stakeholders.
• Represent Life at networking events and act as an ambassador for the charity.

Lead with Purpose

• Champion safeguarding, ensuring training, oversight and adherence to all safeguarding policies.
• Produce reports and KPIs for the Board, Senior Leadership Team and Operational Leadership Team.
• Support the financial sustainability of the Housing department, including budget management and cost‑saving initiatives.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is:

• A values‑driven leader committed to Life’s mission and vision.
• Experienced at senior management level within supported housing (multi‑million‑pound scale desirable).
• Skilled at leading high‑performing teams and developing individuals.
• A confident communicator with excellent relationship‑building and presentation skills.
• Knowledgeable in tenancy support, housing compliance, safeguarding and quality service delivery.
• Highly organised, strategic, creative and able to work under pressure.
• Passionate about trauma‑informed practice and delivering outstanding client outcomes.

Relevant housing or management qualifications (such as CIH Level 4) are desirable but not essential with strong experience.

About Life:

Life is a national pregnancy support charity that helps over 60,000 people a year. Through our services, we help people – whoever they are – to meet pregnancy or pregnancy loss with courage and dignity so they can flourish.

Our services include

• Supported housing and community support
• Counselling and skilled listening
• Free pregnancy tests and baby supplies

Our values

All our work is underpinned by the following universal human values:

• Humanity – All people are special and equal
• Solidarity – We’re with you and for you
• Community – We’re better together
• Charity – Doing good for one another
• Common good – Building a better world

Information about the role:

For further information, please see the attached job description.

Please note, driving licence and own vehicle are required.

Salary: £45,655 per annum

Hours: 35 hours per week, 5 days per week

Location: Home Based with Extensive Travel across Midlands and South East

Benefits

At Life we are passionate about providing our employees with a supportive and engaging environment. As well as ongoing development and training, we offer our:

• Generous holiday allowance, starting at 25 days per year, plus 8 Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time hours)
• Birthday Leave (applicable after 1 years service)
• Extra annual leave for long term service
• Company Pension Scheme
• Signed member of the Menopause Workplace Pledge

Safeguarding and Equality

Life is committed to protecting all staff, volunteers and service users from harm of any kind. Life expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct.

We are committed to ensuring diversity and equality within our organisation by encouraging applications from all backgrounds.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks. Life takes its obligation to protect the rights of children and vulnerable people very seriously; therefore, the successful candidate for this post will be also subject to extensive background checking, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS) which is paid for by the Charity.

CEO

• Salary for FTE: £62,000 - £75,000 dependant on experience
• 38 hours a week over 5 days (flexibility for right candidate)
• Home-based with travel for events and meetings

Reporting into the Board of Trustees, we are seeking an inspirational CEO for the PDA Society, who can lead with humility and curiosity, empowering and supporting our staff along the journey. They will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the charity and its staff and volunteers, and will oversee the development of our training products, research and support services, whilst ensuring sustainable growth in impact and income.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a trusted enterprise within the PDA community with a strong mission and a committed, values driven team. The successful candidate will be passionate about improving the lives of PDAers and their families. You will be energetic, creative and bring new ideas for enhancing the charity’s reputation, through nurturing existing relationships and developing new ones to achieve the charities goals. Our ideal candidate will have lived experience of autism, PDA or other neurodivergence although this is not essential.

Closing date for applications: Midnight on 22nd April 2026

Interviews with Trustees:  April / May 2026