Director of operations jobs

Friends of the Dales is seeking an outstanding Executive Director to lead our next chapter. We are an independent, dynamic and resilient charity working to protect and enhance the special landscapes, biodiversity and cultural heritage of the Yorkshire Dales, while supporting the wellbeing of local communities and encouraging people from all backgrounds to value, enjoy and protect this remarkable place.

This is an exciting opportunity for a values-driven leader to build on our strong reputation, recent strategic review and ambitious campaigning work. We are looking for someone who can combine strategic vision with hands-on leadership, bringing energy, credibility and expertise to a charity with a proud history and a growing future.

About Friends of the Dales

Friends of the Dales is an independent membership and campaigning charity dedicated to the Yorkshire Dales. We campaign on issues including nature recovery, wildlife, farming, access, housing, transport, climate resilience, landscape management and sustainable rural communities.

Founded in 1981, we are known for our critical and supportive local voice and our collaborative approach to campaigning and influencing policy. We work with partner organisations, local communities, trustees, volunteers and supporters to protect and improve the Dales for future generations.

We also work with the network of National Park Societies and Campaign for National Parks, and we have a strong commitment to widening diversity and inclusion across our charity and the communities we serve.

The Role

The Executive Director will provide strategic leadership, operational management and external representation for the charity. Reporting to the Chair of Trustees, you will be responsible for delivering the Board’s strategic direction and business plan, growing the supporter base, strengthening financial resilience and ensuring our campaigning remains impactful and aligned with our mission and values.

This is a varied and influential role requiring a confident, collaborative and hands-on leader who can balance strategic oversight with day-to-day delivery. You will work closely with trustees, staff, volunteers, members, supporters and external partners to help shape the future of the charity.

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking a candidate with:

● Senior leadership experience or aligned and transferable experience and skills in a charity, membership organisation or similar environment.

● Direct experience or transferable experience of campaigning, influencing, advocacy or policy work.

● Strong organisational leadership and operational management skills.

● Knowledge and experience of fundraising, membership growth, partnership working and charity operations.

● The ability to inspire staff, trustees, volunteers, members and supporters.

● A values-driven approach and a strong understanding of, or connection to, the Yorkshire Dales and the issues affecting it.

Experience in a similar setting may be transferable, and we welcome candidates who can demonstrate the skills, insight and leadership needed to succeed in the role.

Working Arrangements

This is a permanent role, offered as either:

● Part-time: 4 days per week, or.

● Full-time: 37 hours per week.

The salary is £50,000 per annum FTE, with part-time hours paid pro rata.

The role is based at Canal Wharf, Eshton Road, Gargrave, BD23 3PN, with some flexibility around working hours and location by agreement. Regular travel across the Yorkshire Dales and occasional evening and weekend working will be required. Ideally, the successful candidate will live in, or within approximately 30 miles of, the perimeter of the Yorkshire Dales.

We offer:

● 22 days annual leave, rising to 27 days after five years’ service, plus English bank holidays, pro rata for part-time hours.

● Additional paid leave over the Christmas and New Year office closure.

● An enhanced employer pension contribution of 5% via NEST.

Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK, as we are unable to offer sponsorship.

How to Apply

To apply please read the full candidate briefing - available on the Friends of the Dales website - and submit:

● A current CV, including any gaps in employment.

● A supporting statement of no more than 2,000 words, explaining why you wish to apply and how you meet the criteria in the person specification.

● Details of two referees, including one from your current or most recent senior leadership role, with confirmation that you are happy for us to contact them if shortlisted.

● Any dates when you may be unavailable or difficult to contact.

● Any adjustments or accommodations you may require at the interview or presentation stage.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a one-day selection event in the Yorkshire Dales, including a short presentation and panel interview. Full details of the presentation topic and interview questions will be shared in advance.

Recruitment Timetable

● Monday 18 May 2026, 5pm: Closing date.

● Week commencing 25 May 2026: Review of applications and shortlisting.

● Week commencing 15 June 2026: Shortlisted candidates invited to the Yorkshire Dales selection day.

● Week commencing 29 June 2026: Candidates informed of outcome.

Equal Opportunities

Friends of the Dales is committed to building a workforce that reflects the community it serves. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and all sections of the community, and we will respect the privacy of any initial approach or expression of interest, whether formal or informal.

Informal Discussion

For an informal and confidential conversation about the role, please contact Jonathan Riley, Chair of Trustees after reviewing the appointment brief.

I in 20 young people will have experienced the death of one or both of their parents by the age of 16 (Parsons, 2011). Do you believe that children and young people should not be alone on their bereavement journey? We do, help us to achieve our vision across Surrey and nearby areas of West and East Sussex and Kent.

Who we are

We are a medium sized charity supporting children and young people in Surrey and surrounding areas who have been bereaved or who are facing the bereavement of a close family member. We are the only charity in our local community providing a range of services that give the opportunity for children and families to come together in person. We know we make a difference to children and young people at a really difficult time and support them to move forward with their lives.

About the role

Our current director has had to leave for health reasons. We are seeking an exceptional and inspirational leader to focus on income generation and sustainability who shares our values of compassion, integrity and collaboration. We are aiming to reach all children and young people in our local communities who need our support through their bereavement journey . This is a broad role in an ambitious organisation with limited resources, it involves a mix of operational, strategic and external facing activities.

Main purpose of the role

Provide strategic direction by leading the senior managers across the organisation.

- To ensure income supports financial stability and growth of our services.

- To increase our service’s visibility & impact and widen our reputation as an expert organisation.

- To ensure the charity fulfils its legal, statutory and regulatory responsibilities.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

- Work on behalf, and with the Board of Trustees to develop a Strategic plan to ensure the ongoing sustainability, growth and success of Jigsaw South East

- Act as a strong figurehead for the charity; a positive ambassador with our current and potential funders.

- Lead the Senior Management team.

- Lead on all aspects of income generation, with direct work on grant applications and driving diversifying income generation opportunities.

- To be a positive leader and role model for employees and volunteers.

- Promote the work of the charity to supporters, businesses and the community, representing the charity externally in raising awareness of the charity’s work and develop income generation

- With the Trustees, manage the charity effectively, ensuring that its financial security is maintained and enhanced.

- To develop and manage relationships with patrons, trustees and ambassadors and to take the lead for the AGM.

- Work with Finance and Resources Manager to deliver against budget.

This is a hands-on role to really get involved in income generation and with direct line management responsibilities.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for a proven leader, with charity experience with enthusiasm for our vision. They will have skills in income generation, fundraising, relationship building, managing a small team of dedicated staff and managing limited resources to provide the largest impact for our children and families. Jigsaw South East is committed to equal opportunites and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

We are looking for a highly motivated and organised individual to maintain, develop and continuously improve our systems. The role will be an integral part of the Living Wage Operations Team, providing strategic technical support and ensure the integrity of our systems, often overseeing development projects with external partners.

The Operations and Data Manager will need to be highly numerate and have great analytical skills to support our monitoring and evaluation functions, working with the Head of Operations and Insight on financial and budgeting management, reconciliation and forecasting for the Living Wage Foundation. The suitable candidate will be detail-oriented, be able to demonstrate their ability to seek out improvements and problem solve creatively and have experience working with Salesforce or equivalent CRM systems.

Associate Director

Do you have senior-level experience in advocacy/influencing; service delivery or community engagement and development?

We’re looking for an exceptional systems leader to drive the work across the East of England and ensure people affected by stroke have the support they need to rebuild their lives.

Position: S11367 Associate Director – East of England

Location: Home-based, East of England. However, travel and overnight stays within the UK will be required as part of this role.

Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week

Salary: Circa £64,700 per annum (Inner London weighting £3,950 per annum or Outer London weighting £2,457per annum may be applied in accordance to where you live)

Contract: Permanent

Benefits: 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (this will increase with service up to 30 days, full time equivalent) cashback and discount scheme, employee assistance programme, learning and development, pension scheme, Life Assurance, Eye Care vouchers, Long Service Award, Tax-free childcare, Health Cash Plan, Working Pattern Agreement, flexible working opportunities available.

Closing Date: 31 May 2026

First interview Date (online): 9 June 2026

Second interview Date and discussion with team (face to face, London): 17 June 2026

The Role

You’ll lead the Association’s work in East of England, focusing on what matters most to stroke survivors and ensuring this work has real, measurable impact. In this influential role, you’ll build strong relationships across health and social care, Local Government, and the wider stroke community. Influencing local policy and practice, and overseeing the effective delivery of high-quality stroke support.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Lead the Association’s strategic direction and impact in the East of England, ensuring people affected by stroke receive high quality support.
• Build and manage relationships with key health, social care and political stakeholders, acting as a credible and respected systems leader.
• Increase the reach and impact of the locality delivered services to ensure all new stroke survivors in the East of England receive the support they need.
• Lead and develop the East of England team, addressing capacity needs and building volunteer capability to meet local priorities.
• Strengthen partnerships across the stroke community to improve access to support and tackle health inequalities.
• Lead engagement in local policy and pathway development, influencing improvements at health board level.

About You

You’ll have:

• Senior-level experience in advocacy/influencing; service delivery or community engagement and development.
• Senior level experience influencing policy change, ideally in health and social care, at a regional or national level.
• Substantial experience of holding senior-level relationships with partner organisations, ideally in health and social care / the NHS using strong negotiation skills and political judgement.
• Proven experience of leading high performing teams and large geographically distributed teams of paid staff and volunteers, with a strong track record of growing and developing staff and teams.
• Inspiring leadership approach, balancing strategic and operational demands with sound judgement, and strong knowledge of influencing and systems leadership.

The East of England comprises of the areas within the NHS Integrated Care Boards of: Central East (Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes), Norfolk and Suffolk and NHS Essex.

This role requires extensive travel across a large geographical locality. Candidates must be able to demonstrate how they can meet this requirement of the role. To fulfil the role, you must be a resident of the UK and have the right to work in the UK.

Applications

As part of the process you will be asked to submit your CV and a covering letter demonstrating how you meet the person specification set out in the Role Profile and what you bring to the role in terms of your skills and experience.

Please state any preferences for flexible options in your application. Applications from individuals who are seeking flexible working options, including reduced hours or job shares are welcomed.

You will be able to view the role profile when you apply.

Finding strength through support

The organisation is the only charity in the UK providing lifelong support for all stroke survivors and their families. Providing tailored support to tens of thousands of stroke survivors each year. This support includes one-to-one and group support, funding vital scientific research into stroke prevention, acute treatment, recovery and long-term care, and campaigning to secure the best care for everyone affected by stroke. 

They are here for stroke survivors and their loved ones, from the moment they enter the new and frightening post-stroke world, supporting them every step of the way as they find their strength and their way back to life.

It’s only thanks to the generosity of supporters and donors that they can provide vital support. 

The Association is driven by an ambition to improve the lives of everyone affected by stroke. This means they’re determined to create an equitable and inclusive workplace that benefits from the difference, and thrives on the diversity, of our people. Guided by an approach to solving inequity in stroke, the team are prioritising listening to, and learning from, lived experience across the charity.

The charity are working to improve the representation of this lived experience at all levels within the Association and are eager to recruit applicants from a variety of communities and backgrounds. We are keen to receive applications from people affected by stroke, people of colour, members of LGBT+ communities, and disabled people because these identities and experiences are underrepresented and would add enormous value to how the organisation work.

A Disability Confident employer, the organisation is making great progress focusing on flexible working, reasonable adjustments and access to work. The charity has a variety of staff network groups and are committed to continuously improving diversity and inclusion efforts. If you have questions, or access needs, we’re happy to discuss any support and adjustments we can make throughout the recruitment process so that you’re able to contribute your best in a way that meets your needs.

You may also have experience in areas such as Advocacy, Influencing, Service Delivery, Community Engagement, Community Development, Policy, Health and Social Care, Health. #INDNFP

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client – Not For Profit People.

Head of Learning, Operations & Partnerships

We are seeking an experienced senior leader to oversee impactful outdoor learning and land-based education programmes across multiple sites in the South.

Position: Head of Learning, Operations & Partnerships (South)
Salary: £50,000 to £53,000 depending on experience
Location: Gloucestershire based with hybrid working considered and regular regional travel
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: Monday 25 May 2026

About the Role

This senior leadership role is responsible for overseeing the strategic delivery of learning programmes across a range of outdoor, farm-based and land skills environments. Working across multiple sites, you will lead regional operations, develop partnerships and ensure learning experiences are delivered to a consistently high standard.

You will work closely with senior colleagues to shape and expand the learning offer, support operational development and drive positive outcomes for learners, communities and partners.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and developing a regional learning team across multiple disciplines
• Overseeing Outdoor Learning, Farm Learning and Landbased Skills programmes
• Building partnerships with schools, training providers, community organisations and stakeholders
• Managing budgets, operational planning and programme performance
• Supporting development of accessible and modern learning environments
• Overseeing compliance across safeguarding, GDPR and health and safety
• Supporting apprenticeship, trainee and accredited learning opportunities
• Identifying funding opportunities and supporting grant-funded initiatives
• Developing opportunities for wider educational use of estates and learning sites

About You

You will be a strategic and collaborative leader with experience managing teams, operations and partnerships within education, environmental, agricultural or land-based settings.

To be successful, you will ideally have:

• Strong leadership and operational management experience
• Experience managing budgets, projects and compliance requirements
• A track record of developing successful partnerships and stakeholder relationships
• Knowledge of outdoor learning, environmental education or land-based training
• Excellent organisational and communication skills
• A passion for sustainability, learning and creating opportunities for young people

About the Organisation

This educational charity works to help people build stronger connections with nature through outdoor learning, environmental education and land-based experiences. Through collaborative partnerships and progressive land management, the organisation delivers impactful programmes that support learners, communities and the environment.

The organisation offers a supportive and flexible working culture alongside benefits including generous annual leave, pension contribution, life assurance and wellbeing support.

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Head of Education, Head of Outdoor Learning, Head of Operations, Learning Programme Manager, Education Operations Manager, Environmental Education Manager, Land-Based Learning Manager, Regional Learning Manager, Partnerships Manager, Director of Learning Programmes, Outdoor Education Lead.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client – Not For Profit People.

Head of Public Affairs

Over the past 2 years, GuildHE has been transforming into the voice for distinctive higher education providers, building our brand on the principle that diversity is necessary for a healthy and vibrant higher education sector.  We have a new look, a renewed energy, and a bold vision for the future of distinctive institutions. Now, we need the final piece of the puzzle: our first-ever Head of Public Affairs. 

This is a landmark appointment for us. As a newly-created role following our recent rebranding, you’ll be building our external presence, taking our fresh identity and the work we’ve undertaken so far to the next level as we seek to double-down on our high-impact advocacy and engagement work.

As our inaugural Head of Public Affairs, you will have a unique mandate to shape the way GuildHE interacts with the world, where you can:

• Own the Narrative: Take our new brand and shape the 'GuildHE voice' across Westminster, the media, and the wider HE sector.

• Build the Blueprint: You will have the autonomy to design our engagement frameworks from scratch—working with the Director of Policy and Strategy to decide how we influence policy and how we best champion the value of specialist education.

• Create a Legacy: Because this is a brand-new headcount, every success will be yours to claim. You are here to build a function that will help define our influence for the next decade.

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who will champion diversity in higher education. From world-leading arts and agricultural institutions to large and distinctive HE providers who serve their students, industries and communities in innovative ways, you will find the common threads that bind our members and weave them into a compelling national story. You aren’t just representing institutions; you’re representing a vision of a more varied, vibrant educational landscape.

We’re looking for pioneers, who are energised by the phrase, “we haven’t done that before.” We’ve done the work on our look and feel—now we need you to provide the megaphone. If you’re a strategist who loves the 'start-up' energy of building and expanding functions within a respected, established body, we want to hear from you.

This this is the right job for you?  Please send a cover letter explaining that to us (max 2 pgs) and a CV by the deadline.

Application closing date: May 22

Interviews: June 3-4

Robertson Bell are partnering with a large and nationally recognised charitable organisation to recruit an experienced Finance Transformation Director to lead a major finance modernisation programme.

Following a comprehensive review of the finance function, the organisation is embarking on a significant 2-year transformation programme designed to move finance from a highly transactional environment to a more strategic, insight-led, and mission-focused function.

Operating within a highly complex organisation with revenues exceeding several hundred million pounds, this is a high-profile leadership opportunity to shape and deliver a complex programme spanning process improvement, systems simplification, reporting enhancement, automation, and cultural change.

The Opportunity

Reporting into the Executive leadership team, you will lead a large-scale transformation programme across several interconnected workstreams, helping to modernise finance operations and improve organisational effectiveness.

Key areas of focus will include:

• Leading a multi-stream finance transformation programme across process, systems, reporting, and operating model improvements
• Driving the shift from manual, transactional finance activities towards strategic analysis and insight
• Simplifying complex finance structures, processes, and reporting frameworks
• Improving automation and reporting capabilities to support better decision-making
• Managing a blended delivery team of internal staff, consultants, and interim resource
• Building strong stakeholder engagement and driving organisational buy-in across the transformation journey
• Supporting wider cultural change to align finance more closely with organisational mission and outcomes

The Successful Candidate

The successful candidate will bring a strong blend of senior finance leadership experience alongside demonstrable transformation and programme delivery expertise.

You will ideally have:

• A proven track record leading large-scale finance transformation programmes within the charity or wider not-for-profit sector
• Experience operating at CFO, Finance Director, or equivalent senior leadership level within organisations of comparable scale and complexity
• Experience working within large, multi-entity or operationally complex environments
• Strong programme management and organisational change capability
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to build trust and credibility quickly
• A collaborative and emotionally intelligent leadership style
• The ability to operate effectively within complex and evolving environments

This role offers the opportunity to lead a highly visible 2-year transformation programme with genuine long-term organisational impact.

The role operates on a hybrid basis, with approximately two days per week in the office, although flexibility can be considered for the right individual. Candidates seeking day-rate opportunities are also encouraged to apply, as alternative engagement options can be discussed.

The Organisation

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) is the UK’s leading children’s charity, driven by a single, unwavering belief: every child deserves to be safe, loved, and free from abuse. Established in 1884 and operating under Royal Charter, the organisation has spent more than 140 years working to prevent cruelty to children and create lasting change in their lives.

Today, that mission has never been more urgent. As the challenges facing children continue to evolve, from the risks of online harm to complex family circumstances, the NSPCC provides vital frontline support while also working to influence the systems that protect children. Each year, it helps make over a million children safer from abuse, with thousands of adults turning to its Helpline and children and young people relying on Childline’s 24/7 counselling when they have nowhere else to turn.

Working across all four nations of the UK and the Channel Islands, the NSPCC combines direct services, education programmes, and national advocacy to drive impact far beyond its immediate reach. Central to its work is a commitment to evidence-led practice, ensuring every action is informed by what works, and that the voices and experiences of children and young people remain at the heart of a safer, more protective society.

The Role

At the heart of NSPCC is its Services Directorate, delivering practical, child-centred support that helps keep children and young people safe. These services translate the organisation’s mission into action through prevention, therapeutic support, and strengthening safeguarding practice.

The Services Director will play a critical role in shaping the NSPCC’s future as a member of the Executive Leadership Team, leading the development and delivery of a national services strategy and overseeing a complex portfolio of services.

Key aspects of the role include:

• Leading high-quality national and local services that improve outcomes for children and young people
• Shaping and delivering the services strategy to support the organisation’s wider ambitions
• Driving integration and impact across NSPCC and Childline services
• Building strong relationships with senior stakeholders, including the Chief Executive, Board, and external partners

The Person

This is an opportunity for a collaborative, values-driven leader to navigate complexity, drive meaningful change, and make a lasting difference to children’s lives at scale. The successful candidate will demonstrate the following:

• Extensive experience and proven track record at Director level of successfully developing and delivering services, including co-production and collaboration with partners, in a complex stakeholder environment that have a measurably positive impact for beneficiaries.
• Highly experienced in child protection with demonstrable knowledge and experience of child safeguarding. A social work qualification will be highly advantageous.
• Proven experience leading and managing teams of functional experts, overseeing significant income and expenditure budgets, and driving operational performance through the setting and monitoring of clear, aligned objectives.
• Experience of designing and delivering transformational change and driving performance management using appropriate quality and management methods and models, to deliver efficient and effective services.
• Demonstrable understanding of the operational context for services including the commissioning and market environment.
• Experience of managing senior stakeholders, both internally and externally, and confidence in dealing with, and influencing, senior employees and volunteer colleagues, and producing and imparting clear and non-technical advice and information.
• Values the different skills and attributes of others, utilising the insight, experience and expertise of colleagues.
• Experience of representing an organisation at the highest level. Clearly articulates a compelling vision, focussing on both what the future might hold and the more immediate stepping stones to realise those outcomes.
• Challenges constructively and evidences a willingness to receive constructive challenge in order to drive our individual and collective efforts forward.

Further Information

For further information about NSPCC, the role responsibilities, and the person we are looking for, please download the Candidate Briefing Pack.

How to Apply

If you are interested in this key role within the NSPCC and feel you have the skills and experience required, please include the following with your application:

• An up to date CV with the details of two referees (we will not contact them without your prior permission).
• A supporting statement which addresses how you meet the criteria for the role as detailed in the Person Specification. Please also discuss your motivations for applying.

Closing date for applications: Monday 1st June 2026
Preliminary interviews with Russam: 12th-16th June 2026
First stage interviews with NSPCC: Week commencing 29th June 2026
Second stage interviews with NSPCC: Week commencing 6th July 2026

Chair (Non-Executive) – Board of Directors

South West Wildlife Fundraising Ltd (‘SWWFL’)

Remuneration: £12,500 per annum (plus expenses)
Location: Home-based, with some travel across the South West
Time commitment: Approximately 4 days per month

Do you care about the work of the Wildlife Trusts and want to make a real difference to the future of our treasured wildlife?

About the role

SWWFL, a wholly-owned trading subsidiary of 8 regional Wildlife Trusts, is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to take on the role of Non-Executive Chair of the Board. This is a pivotal leadership position, providing direction to the Board of Directors, supporting the Chief Executive Officer, and strengthening relationships with our owning Wildlife Trusts and partnerships with client Trusts.

You will also serve as a Company Director of SWWFL, sharing responsibility for the oversight, stewardship, and long-term success of the organisation.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a purpose-driven organisation supporting the work of The Wildlife Trusts across the extended South West.

Key responsibilities

As Chair, you will:

· Lead the Board of Directors, ensuring effective governance, decision-making and accountability

· Work closely with the CEO, providing both support and constructive challenge

· Ensure strong strategic alignment between SWWFL and its owning Wildlife Trusts and client Wildlife Trusts

· Oversee financial performance, risk management and regulatory compliance

· Chair Board meetings and ensure effective participation from all Directors

· Act as an ambassador for SWWFL with external stakeholders and partner Wildlife Trusts

· Lead the annual appraisal and development of the CEO

Governance and Director responsibilities

In addition to Chair duties, the postholder will fulfil the responsibilities of a SWWFL Company Director, including:

· Acting in accordance with the SWWFL Memorandum & Articles of Association and Members’ Agreement

· Exercising independent judgement, care and diligence

· Ensuring robust governance, financial oversight and risk management

· Supporting long-term sustainable success of the business

Terms of appointment

· The Chair is appointed by majority vote of the Board

· Term: normally 3 years, may be renewed, with annual performance review by the Board and owning Trusts

· The Chair role is remunerated, via a contracting agreement, in recognition of additional responsibilities

· The person appointed must, therefore, have appropriate and genuine self-employed status (or equivalent) to receive payment

· Where a Trustee of an owning Wildlife Trust is appointed, they cannot receive remuneration in line with SWWFL governance arrangements

· All Directors (including the Chair in their Director capacity) are subject to SWWFL governance requirements

About you

We are looking for someone who brings:

Experience

· Significant Board-level experience

· Proven experience of chairing meetings

· Senior strategic leadership experience (ideally in a commercial environment)

· Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building experience

Skills & knowledge

· Strong understanding of governance and regulatory requirements

· High level of financial literacy

· Commercial awareness

· Experience in risk management and organisational oversight

Personal qualities

· Strategic, decisive and emotionally intelligent

· Collaborative and diplomatic, with strong interpersonal skills

· Confident in an ambassadorial role

· Committed to the mission of The Wildlife Trusts

Time commitment

The Chair is expected to commit around 4 days per month, including:

· Regular meetings with the CEO and Finance Manager

· 6 Board and Stakeholder meetings annually

· 4 Finance & Remuneration Committee meetings

· Meetings with auditors and owning Trust CEOs

Some travel across the South West will be required, although many meetings are held remotely.

Eligibility

The Chair does not need to be an employee of an owning Wildlife Trust. However, they do need to be a member of their local Wildlife Trust, and they will operate within a Board that includes Directors who are drawn from the owning Trusts:

Avon, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Hampshire & Isle of Wight, Somerset, Wiltshire, and Worcestershire Wildlife Trusts.

Why join us?

This is a unique opportunity to play a key leadership role in a values-driven organisation, helping to support vital conservation work across the South West and beyond.

How to apply

An application pack and form can be downloaded from the SWWFL website. A copy of your CV, plus the application form detailing your skills and experience relevant to this role, must be included in your application.

The deadline for applications is 7th June 2026.

Interviews will take place on 30th June 2026 at Avon Wildlife Trust, Bristol. 

Ready to define what “good” looks like and make it real across our services?

Hft has turned a corner. After navigating a period of significant financial and operational challenge, we have delivered a major turnaround, reducing a £17 million deficit, stabilising our workforce, and restoring confidence across every level of the organisation.

Now, with a new and focused Executive Team working closely with our Senior Leadership Teams, clear governance, and a collective understanding of the need to embed sustainable improvement across all areas of the organisation, we are moving from recovery to transformation.

The Opportunity

You will lead the development and delivery of an integrated, organisation-wide approach to quality, safety, safeguarding and great practice. Your focus will be on ensuring people are supported to live safe, meaningful and aspirational lives. This role brings together quality assurance, safeguarding, safety and practice into a clear and consistent approach across a complex, national organisation.

You will drive and oversee quality, safety and governance systems that support them. You will maintain clear oversight of performance, risk and compliance, and provide assurance, insight and challenge to the Executive Team and the Board. You will ensure regulatory compliance, safeguarding, and health and safety systems are robust, responsive, and consistently upheld, but, importantly, rooted in the understanding that all of this is to make sure that the people supported have great lives.

Working closely with operational leaders, you will identify underperformance and support improvement. You will use data, audits, incidents, and feedback to generate insights and drive continuous improvement. You will also help shape a shared understanding of what great practice looks like across services.

If you have senior leadership experience across quality, safety, safeguarding and practice within a learning disability charity or social care provider, we would love to hear from you. Please refer to the candidate brief attachment for full details of the role.

Please note: This role is a Home-based position (travel 3 times per month to Bristol/other locations)

What you will bring to succeed in this role

Essential

• Senior leadership experience across quality, safety, safeguarding and practice within a large learning disability charity or social care provider
• Accountable experience of leading operational health and safety within a multi-site, CQC regulated care environment
• Ability to lead and develop high-performing teams
• Experience of providing clear assurance and reporting on health and safety performance, risks and compliance to senior leadership and/or Board
• Communication and influencing skills, with the ability to work across organisational boundaries
• Experience embedding co-production and lived experience into organisational approaches
• Highly developed analytical skills and ability to use data to drive decisions
• Confident in leading change, improvement and cultural development

Selection Process

We will be shortlisting applications on an ongoing basis. If your application is shortlisted, we will invite you to a pre-screening interview with a member of the senior hiring team. If you are successful at this stage, the final assessment process will include a competency-based interview, a presentation, and the opportunity to meet with key stakeholders to get to know the team and Hft.

As part of our recruitment process, we are proud to include the voices of people with learning disabilities. You will meet them throughout the process, and they will play a key role in the final stages of selection. Their perspective shapes how we lead, listen and make decisions at Hft.

We anticipate the following timelines:

• Closing date: 9 June 2026
• Pre-screening interviews: 12, 15 or 16 June 2026
• Final assessment: 30 June 2026

We may close this role early if we receive a high volume of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We are committed to recruiting people from diverse backgrounds and believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce helps us better support the people we work with to live their best lives. If there is anything we can do to support you to do your best during the application and selection process, please contact our recruitment team at Hft.

Sight Scotland is Scotland’s leading charity providing specialist care, education and research for people with vision impairment. The charity has been in existence for over 230 years, and offer a variety of services in the community as well as education, transcription into alternative formats and residential care for adults and children. Their vision is of an inclusive Scotland where people of all visual abilities have the opportunity to thrive. To achieve their mission and as part of the new fundraising strategy the Fundraising and Audience Development team recognises that there are efficiencies within fundraising operations that need to be identified and implemented – this role will be critical to delivering that. 

Within the Fundraising and Audience Development team the post holder will work closely with peer managers on areas such as supporter journey planning, developing CRM integration with platforms such as MailChimp for integrated marketing opportunities, providing accurate and useful reporting and CRM dashboards, and processes for prospect research and pipeline management. This role has line management responsibility for the Fundraising and Engagement Administrator.

This role would suit someone who has experience of fundraising operations, supporter care or database functions within a fundraising team. The successful candidate will want to work in a role where they can use their experience to really shape and improve fundraising operations and have both immediate and long-term positive impact on income generation.

Application notes 

Please download the Candidate Info Pack provided for further information about the role, timelines and next steps.

To progress your application, please contact THINK recruitment to organise an informal screening call. Please note, we cannot shortlist candidates who have not had a screening call so please allow enough time to have a call before the closing date.

If you need assistance with downloading the pack, please contact THINK Recruitment and our team will support you.

Closing date for applications: Midnight Tuesday 2nd June 2026 

Interviews are expected to be held on Thursday 11th June 2026 

Do you have significant strategic leadership, operational management and budget management experience?

AFK is looking for a visible leader of our organisation to inspire and motivate the team through your presence and engagement. 

Context of Job
AFK is a national charity whose mission is to create opportunities for children and young people who are disabled or neurodiverse, to increase their independence, reach their individual potential and remove the barriers they face.
Our vision is a world where there are no barriers to independence for children and young people who are disabled or neurodivergent.
In response to this we offer bespoke employment skills training and organise work experience across North London. At a national level, we provide mobility equipment not available on the NHS for disabled children and young people up to the age of 25.

Overall Job Purpose
The Chief Executive Officer will provide strategic leadership and operational management for the charity, working closely with the Board of Trustees to deliver our mission and ensure AFK's sustainability and growth. You will lead a team of around 30 staff and volunteers, managing an annual budget of approximately £2 million.
As the visible leader of the organisation, you'll inspire and motivate the team through your presence and engagement. You'll be responsible for building strong team relationships, providing hands-on support when required, and will demonstrate the charity's values in everything you do. By leading from the front and showing the commitment and passion that drives AFK forward, you'll create a culture where everyone is motivated to deliver their best work.

Working Conditions
The post is 35 hours a week, normally 9:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday. The post holder may be expected to work some evenings and weekends as required by the job.
28 days annual leave will be given in addition to public holidays.
There is a TOIL policy.

Working Relationships
The CEO will maintain close working relationships across all levels of the organisation and with external stakeholders. You'll work collaboratively with a Board of eight trustees to drive the charity's strategy forward, providing regular updates and ensuring effective governance.
You'll line manage members of the Senior Management Team, ensuring a cohesive and effective leadership group.
Building and nurturing relationships with key funders, partners, and supporters will be essential to the role. You'll act as an ambassador for the charity with AFK’s stakeholders, representing our mission and impact. Developing strong networks within the sector and maintaining meaningful connections with service users will be vital to ensuring the charity remains responsive and relevant to those it serves.
You'll also build visible and accessible connections with the wider staff team through regular communication and engagement across the organisation.
Importantly, this is a hands-on leadership role with a direct portfolio responsibility. In addition to your organisational leadership duties, you will lead and manage one of our core functional areas, whether that is Service Delivery, Fundraising, or Finance and Operations. You'll bring your specialist expertise and people management skills to this area, taking ownership of its performance and development.
This means the CEO role combines strategic leadership of the whole organisation with active, day-to-day accountability for a defined part of it.
AFK is a successful charity with well-established processes and an experienced team, meaning you'll be well supported to fulfil both dimensions of this role effectively.

Interview Schedule
First round of interviews will be held by mid June
Second round to be confirmed

Please see attached job pack for full job description

Role purpose

The Head of Finance is a key member of the Charity’s senior management team, working closely with the chief executive, directors, and trustees. The head of finance will lead the day-to-day financial operations of the Charity, including budgeting, reporting, audit, payroll, and pensions. Managing the finance manager and management accountant, the Head of Finance will ensure the effective running of the finance department and smooth day-to-day processes. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, you will be a key advisor on strategic financial decisions, balancing meticulous operational control with strategic planning.

As the Head of Finance, you will:

• Proactively contribute to the development and delivery of the Charity’s strategy through developing long-term financial planning to underpin our objectives.
• Act as senior finance business partner to the senior leadership team, supporting strategic and operational decision-making.
• Lead on the annual audit and production of statutory accounts, ensuring effective management of the audit process.
• Support the rest of the Charity team to become financially informed and comfortable understanding financial performance, control, and accountability.

Main responsibilities

Financial controls, reporting, and operational finance

• Lead the finance function of the Charity, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant financial management and reporting.
• Ensure that appropriately robust internal financial and operational controls are in place.
• Ensure that our unrestricted and restricted funds and accounting records are maintained in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements and best practice.
• Ensure timely and accurate monthly management accounts and other reports are produced by the finance team and distributed to members of the senior management team, encouraging ownership of departmental budgets.
• Manage and oversee accounts receivable and payable, ensuring strong cash management.
• Ensure all banking facilities, financial systems, and internal processes function to a high standard and enable the Charity to carry out its transactional and operational financial functions.
• Lead financial risk identification and mitigation, working closely with the chief executive and leadership team, and reporting to the board of trustees.

Financial administration and governance

• Manage the production of statutory accounts in line with the Charity SORP and lead the annual external audit process.
• Oversee our tax affairs, including PAYE, national insurance, corporation tax, VAT, and gift aid.
• Responsible for our payroll and pensions functions.
• Maintain and continuously improve financial policies, procedures, and controls, working closely with the fundraising and operations teams to ensure organisational efficiency.
• Identify and escalate financial risks to the chief executive and board
• Line manage and support the management accountant and finance manager, ensuring professional development and high-quality output.

Person specification

Knowledge and experience

We are looking for candidates with demonstrable strategic financial leadership spanning organisational planning, budgeting, risk, and reporting. You will have:

• You must be a fully qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA, OR CIMA)
• Excellent knowledge of charity financial management, SORP, and audit is essential.
• Experience of effective budget setting and implementing controls and processes to manage and monitoring budgets
• Firm understanding of risk management
• Experience of improving policies and processes in comparable organisations
• Success in delivering increased cost effectiveness
• Evidence of building financial impact and performance metrics and reporting
• Understanding of the requirements of legislation, Charity Commission and professional body guidance on a being a well-run and financially accountable Charity
• Considerable experience of management and development of staff

Skills, abilities, and behaviours

• A strategic thinker with the ability to see the bigger picture and make decisions in line with the charity’s needs as part of a team
• Strong change management skills with experience of managing teams through change
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to interpret and communicate financial information to a non-specialist audience
• Strong organisational development skills, able to identify and act on opportunities to drive performance in business
• Experience of the charity or not-for-profit environment (this could be gained as a trustee) preferably with some understanding of charity funding and investment management
• Collaborative working style with excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Resilient with a flexible, creative and solutions-focused approach to problem-solving

Marine Society & Sea Cadets (MSSC) is a long-established and ambitious charity, supporting young people across the UK to develop confidence, resilience and skills for life. Through a network of over 400 units and the commitment of more than 9,000 volunteers, MSSC works with over 14,000 young people each year, providing transformative experiences rooted in challenge, community, learning and adventure. We are proud of the difference we can make to young people’s lives, often in communities that are challenging for other charities to reach.

We are now seeking a Director of Volunteering & Growth to join the Senior Leadership Team at an important point in our development. We have an ambition to significantly grow our Cadet numbers, requiring us to strengthen our infrastructure, grow our reach and volunteer numbers, and ensure we are delivering consistently high-quality experiences across the country.

Reporting to the Chief Executive, this is a broad and pivotal leadership role with responsibility for a diverse and operationally critical portfolio. Key responsibilities will include:

• Focusing on growing our Cadet and Volunteer numbers, supporting MSSC to expand its reach and impact while maintaining quality and consistency
• Leading and developing our Volunteering strategy, strengthening the recruitment, retention and support for the large, national volunteer base which is vital for our successful expansion
• Providing strategic leadership supporting young people through safeguarding and ensuring the Cadet Voice is heard and reflected in our decisions, and we strive for consistently high standards across the organisation
• Overseeing safety, safeguarding, risk and compliance, ensuring robust frameworks and a strong organisational culture in relation to safety, governance and accountability
• Driving the development of systems, processes and infrastructure to enable effective delivery at scale across a dispersed network of federated local Units
• Leading core support functions, including governance, legal and risk, policy and insight, conflict resolution ensuring the organisation operates efficiently and sustainably
• Working collaboratively across the Senior Leadership Team, helping to shape strategic direction and deliver and monitor progress against organisational priorities

This is an exciting, broad role and we are not expecting someone to bring experience across all aspects; you will be supported by a team with functional expertise. We are looking for experience of driving strategic development and growth within complex, volunteer-led organisations, working at scale with volunteers, including leading services that support, enable and engage diverse volunteer communities. You will also have a strong understanding of governance, safeguarding and risk, alongside a track record of delivering transformation and improvement. Just as importantly, you will bring a collaborative, inclusive and values-driven approach, and a genuine passion for improving outcomes for young people. Experience within the youth sector would be welcome but is not essential.

This is an opportunity to join a high impact, well-established organisation with a strong sense of purpose and a clear platform for growth, and to play a key role in shaping how it delivers its mission in the years ahead.

A full recruitment pack, including details of the role and selection process, is available through the ‘Apply’ button. Our recruitment partner is James Stephens, Director, Morgan Law Executive Search. 

Applications should be submitted as a CV and supporting statement. The closing date for applications is 11pm on Monday 1st June.

MSSC is committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.