Evidence jobs

Whitley Fund for Nature

The Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN) is a UK charity supporting outstanding grassroots conservation leaders across the Global South. Through project funding (Awards), training, and media profile, we support local solutions to the planet’s most pressing conservation challenges. Our winners are courageous changemakers, working alongside communities to save species and protect ecosystems. Established in 1993, we have channeled £24 million to +220 conservation leaders in 80 countries, benefitting wildlife, landscapes, and people. WFN is governed by a committed trustee board. Our team is dynamic, passionate about our mission, and ambitious. The charity benefits from high profile support from Patron, HRH The Princess Royal, and Ambassadors including Sir David Attenborough.

The Opportunity

In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to use and develop your communications skills to help amplify the work of WFN and conservation leaders. You’ll play an important role in supporting our digital channels, campaigns, and content creation - from social media and newsletters to website updates and event communications. You should have excellent writing skills, strong attention to detail and an interest in nature and wildlife conservation issues. If you are looking to build a career in communications, want to help support those protecting our planet, and are seeking experience working for a small, ambitious charity, then we want to hear from you!

“Saving our planet is now a communications challenge. We know what to do, we just need the will” - Sir David Attenborough.

COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT - PERSONAL SPECIFICATION

Essential:

• Excellent writing skills
• An eye for design to create engaging assets for diverse audiences and platforms, including our website, newsletters, social media and events
• Confident communicator with a friendly, professional manner
• Organised, with high levels of accuracy and attention to detail
• Proficient in Microsoft Office - Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
• Able to manage and prioritise a varied workload within deadline
• Reliable, proactive, and willing to take initiative
• Comfortable working as part of a small, busy team
• Interest in wildlife conservation.

Desirable

• Experience drafting and scheduling social media posts, and producing campaign assets
• Familiarity with programmes such as Canva and Hootsuite to aid with content creation and scheduling
• Experience with basic video editing
• Competency using a Salesforce database, WordPress, or Mailchimp.

Additional details and benefits:

• Attractive holiday package totaling 30 days p.a. plus bank holidays
• Training and professional development opportunities provided
• Hybrid working opportunities
• The charity operates a Pension Scheme and a Life Assurance Scheme
• Access to 24hr Employee Assistance Programme.

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship. Only applicants who have the right to work in the UK at the time of application will be considered for this role.

Regrettably, due to limited resources and the high number of applications we receive, we are only able to contact short-listed candidates. If you do not hear from us within four weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been successful on this occasion.

Diversity and Inclusion

At WFN we are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse organisation, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. We celebrate and respect diversity in nature and among the people and partners with whom we work. We need more people and diversity across the environment sector, and to achieve our vision. We therefore encourage applications from Black, Asian or minority ethnic; disabled; LGBTQ+; or from lower socio-economic backgrounds. As a small organisation we are committed to progressing and continuing development across DE&I. Please contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application. Applications are considered solely on your demonstrated suitability for the role.

COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT - JOB DESCRIPTION

REPORTING TO HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS

 DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS

WFN’s communications amplify the work of Whitley Award winners, raise the profile of the charity, bolster fundraising efforts, and contribute to global conservation conversations, positioning WFN as a leader within the sector.

• Monitor, and create and schedule content for WFN’s Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn accounts, helping to grow engagement and channel performance, driving traffic to WFN’s website, and sharing charity, winner, and sector news – in line with WFN’s communications strategy and with oversight from the Head of Communications (HoC)
• Lead management of WFN’s photo library and footage archive (Google photos): naming, categorising, and uploading winner and event photos
• Support delivery of social media campaigns during the lead up to events to drive engagement and/or donations, and supporting with posting content throughout the event period
• Help produce video content
• Support production and distribution of our regular e-letter (through MailChimp)
• Work with the HoC on WFN’s website to regularly review and update content
• Draft copy for website news stories and any additional copywriting as needed throughout the year
• Assist the HoC with monthly reporting on the website, social media platforms, newsletter and media coverage
• Support digital event communications including creation of e-letters, e-invitations, website pages, email signatures and visual assets.

 PR

WFN shares impactful stories that resonate with supporters and demonstrate we can make a difference. Throughout the year, we actively work to secure PR coverage for Whitley Award winners. Increased visibility helps winners to attract further funding, gain new connections, and increase political clout – all tools which strengthen conservation work.

• Produce reactive social media to share PR coverage secured by the HoM
• Create and distribute toolkits for press and partners to bolster media campaigns
• Collate charity and winner press coverage, including website news pages, throughout the year
• Support the Head of Media (HoM) and HoC in responding to press enquiries and supplying materials.

 EVENTS

Whitley Awards Ceremony

The Whitley Awards are the result of an international search to find, fund, train and put a spotlight on outstanding grassroots leaders and their conservation projects. Finalists are invited to London for a week of training and events, culminating with the Whitley Awards Ceremony, where winners receive their Awards from WFN Patron, HRH The Princess Royal in front of 400 guests and many more tuning in via our livestream.

The Communications Assistant will assist the team in planning and delivery of events during the Whitley Awards Ceremony week, including the Friends Reception, Ceremony and NGO Reception, particularly in the following areas: 

Communications

• Assist with supplier liaison across event filming, livestream, and photography
• Help create event visuals and on-screen graphics
• Support with creation of the Ceremony invitations and booklet
• Support with sourcing additional material for the Whitley Award films as needed
• Support the HoC with creation and uploading of content to the website and across social media platforms, including press releases, photographs, news stories, winner pages, and films.

Other WFN Events

Throughout the year WFN holds other fundraising and engagement events ranging from intimate dinners with supporters, winner talks, events as part of our Next Gen programme and major initiatives such as Biodiversity Summits which will require the CA’s assistance.

• Assist with the production of pre-event communications and marketing materials, including invitations, e-letters, social media content, and advertisements
• Assist with setting up and managing platforms such as Eventbrite as needed
• Assist with production of event materials (signage, banners, programmes, displays, slides)
• Assist with communications-related supplier liaison eg. Photography, filming, livestreaming etc.

 GENERAL DUTIES

• Review and respond to general email enquiries when needed (info@ inbox)
• Represent WFN professionally at all times
• Adhere to WFN’s financial and operational procedures
• Undertake any other duties as reasonably requested from time to time. This job description is not exhaustive and may evolve.

Whitley Fund for Nature

The Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN) is a UK charity supporting outstanding grassroots conservation leaders across the Global South. Through project funding (Awards), training, and media profile, we support local solutions to the planet’s most pressing conservation challenges. Our winners are courageous changemakers, working alongside communities to save species and protect ecosystems. Established in 1993, we have channeled £24 million to +220 conservation leaders in 80 countries, benefitting wildlife, landscapes, and people. WFN is governed by a committed trustee board. Our team is dynamic, passionate about our mission, and ambitious. The charity benefits from high profile support from Patron, HRH The Princess Royal, and Ambassadors including Sir David Attenborough.

The Opportunity

This role offers an exciting opportunity for an organised and proactive individual to contribute to high-profile events such as the prestigious Whitley Awards Ceremony, conservation summits and fundraising receptions, while also supporting office management, operational and administrative functions at the charity’s London office.

The ideal candidate will be keen to contribute, have excellent attention to detail, and a passion for environmental and/or charitable work. This is a varied and hands-on administrative role crucial in underpinning the efforts of our small, dynamic team.

EVENTS ASSISTANT - PERSONAL SPECIFICATION

Essential:

• Proven ability to manage administrative systems
• Experience coordinating suppliers and event logistics
• Experience of using a database to maintain accurate records and reporting on results
• IT literate (Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace)
• Excellent organisational and multitasking skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Confident communicator with a friendly, professional manner
• Ability to work calmly under pressure and to deadlines
• Reliable, proactive and willing to take initiative
• Comfortable working as part of a small, busy team.

Desirable

• Previous involvement in the charity or environmental secto
• Experience supporting office logistics
• Experience supporting high-profile or donor events
• Familiarity with Salesforce or other CRM systems
• Interest in conservation, sustainability, or the natural world
• Knowledge of simple budget management or finance procedures.

Additional details and benefits:

• Attractive holiday package totaling 30 days p.a. plus bank holidays (prorated)
• Training and professional development opportunities provided
• The charity operates a Pension Scheme and a Life Assurance Scheme
• Access to 24hr Employee Assistance Programme.

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship. Only applicants who have the right to work in the UK at the time of application will be considered for this role.

Regrettably, due to limited resources and the high number of applications we receive, we are only able to contact short-listed candidates. If you do not hear from us within four weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been successful on this occasion.

Diversity and Inclusion

At WFN we are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse organisation, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. We celebrate and respect diversity in nature and among the people and partners with whom we work. We need more people and diversity across the environment sector, and to achieve our vision. We therefore encourage applications from Black, Asian or minority ethnic; disabled; LGBTQ+; or from lower socio-economic backgrounds. As a small organisation we are committed to progressing and continuing development across DE&I. Please contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application. Applications are considered solely on your demonstrated suitability for the role.

EVENTS AND OFFICE ASSISTANT - JOB DESCRIPTION

REPORTING TO HEAD OF OPERATIONS

EVENT SUPPORT

Whitley Awards Ceremony

The Whitley Awards are the result of an international search to find, fund, train and put a spotlight on outstanding grassroots leaders and their conservation projects. Finalists are invited to London for a week of training and events, culminating with the Whitley Awards Ceremony, where winners receive their Awards from WFN Patron, HRH The Princess Royal in front of 400 guests and many more tuning in via our livestream.

The Events and Office Assistant (EOA) will assist in the planning and delivery of the annual Whitley Awards Week, including the Ceremony, Friends Reception, NGO Reception, and related activities, particularly in the following areas:

• Arrange team and visitor travel, accommodation, and hospitality logistics
• Manage event guest lists and RSVPs using Salesforce and other platforms; help coordinate mail-outs and e-invitations
• Provide on-the-day event support including set-up, guest registration, and general assistance
• Support event logistics such as venue liaison, catering, AV, décor, merchandise, and materials, assisting with supplier coordination
• Champion WFN’s Event Code of Conduct.

Other WFN Events

Throughout the year WFN holds other fundraising and engagement events ranging from intimate dinners with supporters, winner talks, events as part of our Next Gen programme, and major initiatives such as Royal dinners, Galas and Biodiversity Summits which will require the EOA’s assistance.

• Manage ticketing and Q&A platforms and associated activities
• Coordinate volunteer involvement where required
• Support the organisation and logistics of fundraising and engagement events, including acting as venue liaison, arranging catering, managing guest lists, etc
• Assist with production of event materials as needed (signage, name badges, merchandise).

 OFFICE ADMINISTRATION AND OPERATIONS

Smooth running of the WFN office and systems is vital for the charity to work effectively, with this role helping to support the team. The WFN office is a busy and welcoming environment, with regular visits by winners and supporters.

Office Management

• Ensure the office is a welcoming, tidy, and well-functioning space
• Greet visitors and manage incoming calls, emails, and enquiries
• Liaise with team and suppliers to order office materials and manage contracts (utilities, cleaning, stationery, refreshments, merchandise etc.)
• Manage post, deliveries, and waste removal procedures
• Oversee and liaise with the office cleaners to ensure they have the products they need and are paid in a timely manner.

Administrative Support

• Assist with diary management and scheduling meetings (in person and online)
• Arrange team and visitor travel, accommodation, and hospitality logistics
• Draft routine correspondence, thank-you letters, and other administrative communications
• Review and respond to general email enquiries (info inbox)
• Support the Head of Finance with basic administrative and data entry tasks
• Help maintain and update WFN’s CRM database (currently Salesforce) with contacts, donors, suppliers, event attendees
• Support the team with data entry, filing, record keeping, and maintaining digital and physical systems.

GENERAL DUTIES

• Represent WFN professionally at all times
• Adhere to WFN’s financial and operational procedures
• Undertake any other duties as reasonably requested from time to time. This job description is not exhaustive and may evolve.

Head of Donor Stewardship and Legacies

Wiltshire & Swindon Community Foundation

Devizes / Hybrid • £42,000–£46,000 Depending on experience •Full-Time, 37.5 hours per week

Are you passionate about building lasting relationships and seeing generosity make a real difference? Wiltshire & Swindon Community Foundation is looking for an experienced fundraiser to lead and grow our individual giving and legacy programmes.

This role is central to creating a vibrant culture of giving across the region while helping deliver our 2025–2030 strategy. You’ll develop meaningful, long-term relationships with supporters and strengthen our Friends of the Foundation offer, inspiring generosity through thoughtful stewardship and engaging communications.

Wiltshire & Swindon Community Foundation is seeking an experienced and motivated Head of Donor Stewardship and Legacies to lead and grow our relationships with individual donors. This role will be central to developing a culture of philanthropy across Wiltshire and Swindon, contributing directly to the delivery of our 2025–2030 organisational strategy. The postholder will build strong, meaningful relationships with supporters, develop a compelling individual giving programme (including strengthening our Friends of the Foundation offer) and legacy programme This role requires a confident fundraiser with strong stewardship skills, excellent communication, and a deep understanding of the Fundraising Regulator Code of Practice.You will be familiar with developing mailed and emailed communications but also with building relationships both face to face and over the telephone with supporters, specifically with older supporters.

Why join us?

You’ll be part of a small, supportive team who care deeply about what we do. We offer flexible working and a hybrid approach, with our office based in Devizes.

For more information about our current vacancies, and our commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, please visit our website. 

Closing date: 12 noon, Friday 30 January 2026

Please note, the full job description and person specification can be found in the recruitment pack, on the recruitment page on our website, where you can also apply for this role.

If you have experience in individual giving and want to help transform local communities, we’d love to hear from you.

Could you be our new Volunteer Coordinator?

Who we’re looking for

Are you dynamic and resourceful? Are you motivated by helping people to help themselves? Can you enthuse a volunteer team to support people experiencing complex and emotionally demanding issues? We’re seeking a Senior Volunteer Coordinator to maintain and develop our remote services from our office in Nottingham. 

You will be an excellent communicator, as well as a practical, well organised and hardworking individual, preferably with experience in the voluntary sector or equivalent transferable experience.

Reporting to the Head of Service Delivery, you will be responsible for recruiting, training and supporting volunteers to deliver a service to Litigants in Person, facilitating day-to-day operations, and building and sustaining relationships with key contacts at our partner university and the national court service, as well as providing line management to our Volunteer Support Coordinator.

This post is funded by The National Lottery Community Fund

Job Purpose:  

To support the delivery of WIPs housing programme for unsentenced women, providing trauma-informed specialist support to women in HMP Bronzefield, and going through court processes, with a focus on improving housing outcomes for women affected by the criminal justice system.

Key Responsibility Areas

1. To deliver an effective housing intervention for women impacted by the criminal justice system.
2. To develop effective relationships with key stakeholders, such as housing departments, court-based and prison teams, to ensure a collaborative approach to women’s accommodation needs.
3. To provide expert advice and support to colleagues, including upskilling through information and training sessions, and supporting system change activities.

For the full list of responsibilities, please download the recruitment pack.

Terms & Conditions:

Start date: 2nd February 2026

Salary:£30,640 per annum (including £3,990 London weighting)

Location: Primarily based in HMP Bronzefield with some travel to South London.

Working hours: 35 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Dancers’ Career Development (DCD), the national charity that enables and empowers dancers to thrive professionally and personally leading up to and beyond their performance careers, seek a General Manager.

We are seeking an exceptional administrator who has experience in, or is interested in further developing, a broad knowledge of company management.

The main purpose of the General Manager role is to support the Executive Director, with the day-to-day operational management and administration of DCD.

The role will ideally suit a personable individual who enjoys varied responsibilities, working collaboratively within a highly productive, agile and supportive team.

If you are excited by this opportunity, resonate with DCD’s values and are passionate about making a positive difference to dancers’ lives, please get in touch; we would love to hear from you.

Contract: Part-time permanent role (24 hours per week)

Salary: £35,000 per annum, pro-rata

Start date: As early as possible

Location: This is a remote working role, with monthly in-person meetings which take place in London or Birmingham, with occasional additional in-person events and meetings as required by the charity. 

Benefits: 23 days holiday pro-rata plus Bank Holidays (increasing to 28 days with length of service), 5% Employers contribution to pension scheme, Health & Wellbeing package, Professional Development opportunities.

Deadline: Applications must be submitted by 9am, Thursday 22 January 2026

Further Info: Please download the Recruitment Pack from our website for full job spec and how to apply.

Are you passionate about supporting young asylum-seekers and refugees to make change happen? Do you understand campaigning and how to achieve change in the British political system? You could be our new Campaigning Youthworker! 

About Young Roots 

At Young Roots, we want to see a compassionate and welcoming society for young refugees and asylum seekers in the UK. We work alongside young people seeking safety in the UK, building trusted relationships, providing practical and emotional support and promoting young people’s rights and power.  

About the role 

The Campaigning Youth Worker (CPW) will work with young people who are seeking asylum or who are refugees in London to support them to seek change to laws and policies on the issues that matter to them. This role will be located in Croydon and King’s Cross, with regular attendance at our service delivery venues across London as required, including one evening activity per week. 

The role will involve building relationships with young people who attend Young Roots activities and through outreach, having ongoing conversations about the issues that young people say matter to them, working with young people to understand how change to laws and policies happens and supporting young people to take campaigning action to achieve that change.

Please see the job description and person specification for full details. 

Young Roots and recruitment 

Young Roots recognises the positive value of diversity, promotes equity and challenges discrimination. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those who can face disadvantage in employment, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ individuals and people with disabilities. As an organisation that supports refugees, asylum seekers and migrants, we particularly welcome applications from people within these communities. We offer a guaranteed interview for those with lived experience of the asylum system and those with disabilities, where they meet the essential elements of the person specification.

If aspects of the application process create barriers to you applying and you’d like any adjustment to the process or you’d like an informal discussion or advice on your application, please get in touch. We would also like to alert you to the existence of organisations which supporting people from under-represented groups to access employment, who can advise you on applying for this role. For example, Scope, Young Women’s Trust and Experts by Experience. 

Young Roots is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. We take this duty very seriously. 

Our work is underpinned by policies and procedures which promote safe working practices. We have a framework of training and supervision which everyone is expected to comply with and systems for monitoring, quality assurance and gaining service user feedback. On joining you will be expected to be part of this approach to safeguard our service users. 

All posts are subject to a safer recruitment process which includes vetting checks such as enhanced criminal records and barring, scrutiny of employment history, references and other checks. 

To apply 

To apply, please submit your CV alongside a personal statement by the closing date outlining how you would be a great fit for the role. 

Your personal statement should be no more than 800 words, answering the following questions: 

1. What is your motivation for working with Young Roots? 

2. What is your motivation for applying for this role specifically? 

3. What skills and experience would you bring that will enable you to be successful in this role?Please ensure you refer to the essential criteria on the person specification and provide examples to demonstrate how and where you meet the criteria. Your skills and experience could be gained through work, community involvement, or personal and family experiences. 

Please submit your application via Charity Jobs. 

No agencies, please. 

Closing date: 10am on Monday 5 January 2026 

Interview date: 19 or 20 January (you will be able to indicate a preference if you are shortlisted). Successful applicants will then have a second interview round - a young person panel on the evening of Thursday 22 January at our Brent project. 

We’re looking for a talented and purpose-driven Finance Manager to join Wiltshire & Swindon Community Foundation and help us make an even bigger difference in local communities across our county.

This is a pivotal role at the heart of our organisation. You’ll bring financial expertise, clarity and confidence to our work—helping us operate efficiently, meet our charitable obligations, and maximise the impact we create for the people and places we serve.

In this role, you will:

· Lead on budgeting, quarterly management accounts and financial reporting

· Prepare our Annual Report & Financial Statements and manage the audit process

· Oversee our finance systems (Xero, ApprovalMax, Salesforce, Power BI)

· Manage cashflow, banking arrangements and fund reconciliations

· Support donor reporting and investment oversight

· Ensure we meet requirements for Companies House, the Charity Commission and HMRC

· Line-manage and support our Finance Assistant(s)

About you: You’re aligned with our mission and values, passionate about strengthening communities, and keen to contribute your skills in a meaningful way. You’ll be:

· Fully qualified ACMA/ACCA/ACA or qualified by experience

· Experienced in a similar level finance role

· An excellent communicator with strong attention to detail and confidence managing a varied workload

· Experienced with accounting software (Xero desirable) and Microsoft 365

· Charity finance knowledge is helpful but not essential—we’ll support your development.

Why join us? You’ll be part of a small, supportive team who care deeply about what we do. We offer flexible working (30–37.5 hours) and a hybrid approach, with our office based in Devizes.

Closing date: 12 noon, Wednesday 14 January 2026

Please note, the full job description and person specification can be found in the recruitment pack.

For more information on the role, and for details on how to apply for this position, please read the recruitment pack in full available on our website. 

If you want to use your financial expertise to help communities across Wiltshire and Swindon thrive, we’d love to hear from you.

Job Purpose:

To support the delivery of WIPs housing programme in Manchester and Trafford, with a focus on women coming into contact with the police and women being released back into the community following a period on remand, providing trauma-informed specialist support to improve housing outcomes for women affected by the criminal justice system.

1. To deliver an effective housing intervention for women impacted by the criminal justice system.
2. To develop effective relationships with key stakeholders, such as housing departments, court-based and prison teams, to ensure a collaborative approach to women’s accommodation needs.
3. To provide expert advice and support to colleagues, including upskilling through information and training sessions, and supporting system change activities.

Harris Hill is proud to be partnering with the Community Land Trust Network to recruit a New Business, Partnerships and Innovation Manager — an exciting opportunity to join a highly respected national charity championing land justice, community ownership and social equity.

About the Role

Accountable to: Chief Executive Officer

Salary: £45,200–£55,200 (depending on skills and experience)

Contract: 12-month fixed-term contract, with potential to become permanent

Working Hours:

· 3 days / 21 hours per week (with reduced duties), or

· 4 days / 28 hours per week
Working pattern negotiable

Location: Remote/home-based

This newly created role will play a pivotal part in expanding the charity’s income and influence. You will:

• Lead on new business development, nurturing existing supporters and securing new partnerships with developers, housing associations, local authorities, funders and other stakeholders.
• Shape and grow their consultancy and service offer, helping reduce reliance on grant funding.
• Support the roll-out of their Growth Lab, working with practitioners and community groups to develop innovative models, products and services for Community Land Trusts.
• Capture insights, impact and learning to strengthen the case for scaling these innovations.
• Work closely with the CEO on funding proposals, partnership development and strategic initiatives.

This role offers variety, influence and the chance to help shape a major area of the charity’s future work. The team operates fully remotely, with a warm, collaborative culture and a strong focus on wellbeing.

About You

They are looking for someone who:

• Has experience in partnerships, business development, philanthropy or account management — and enjoys turning opportunities into long-term relationships.
• Communicates with clarity, confidence and professionalism across sectors including business, charity, local government and community groups.
• Is entrepreneurial, proactive and excited by innovation and co-creation.
• Shares a commitment to social justice, equity and community-led change.

Key Dates

• Closing date: Monday 5th January 2026
• Interviews: Week commencing 12th January 2026

How to Apply

Please email Hannah Laking at Harris Hill to request the full job pack, or you can download it directly from this advert. If you’d like to learn more about the role, you’re welcome to book a call with Hannah. Alternatively, you can simply send your CV and supporting statement which must follow the structure outlined in the job pack before the closing date, and Hannah will get in touch.

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

Chief Executive Officer – The Abbey Centre
Location: The Abbey Centre, Westminster, London (site-based role, flexible working available)
Salary: £90,000 – £95,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent (Full-time, 37.5 hours/week; regular evening attendance for events as required)

Could you lead a much-loved community hub through its next chapter of stability, growth and civic impact?

About The Abbey Centre

Our charity has served the community of south Westminster since 1948 and has occupied The Abbey Centre building, a converted Victorian public bath house a stone’s throw from Westminster Abbey, since 1991. We are a site-based community hub and social enterprise, combining community services, training and outreach with venue hire, an on-site café and catering to generate income that supports our charitable work.

We work across employability, health and wellbeing, volunteering and practical support for vulnerable residents; the Centre welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds, and sees over 1,000 visits each week. Our strong partnerships with Westminster City Council, statutory bodies and corporate donors underpin commissioned activity and solidify our position as a trusted local delivery partner.

This is an opportunity for a visionary but hands-on leader to preserve the Centre’s warm, inclusive culture and outstanding reputation while further professionalising systems, developing our income, and shaping a multi-year strategy that secures the building and grows impact.

As our next Chief Executive Officer, you will:

• Strategy & Impact: lead a collaborative listening phase and then develop and deliver a 3–5 year strategy and rolling business plan that defines the Centre’s core offer and impact targets.

• Governance & Finance: own the annual budget and medium-term financial modelling, deliver full-cost recovery across activity lines and present timely, accurate management information to trustees.

• Operational Leadership: ensure continuity of community services, venue trading and café operations and strengthen operational systems including safeguarding, H&S and business continuity.

• Income Generation: drive commercial performance of venue hire, events and catering, professionalise fundraising (major donors, legacies, corporate partnerships) and lead bids for multi-year statutory contracts.

• Community & Partnerships: sustain and deepen strategic relationships with Westminster City Council, commissioners, local partners and corporate supporters to secure commissioned work and philanthropic income.

• Estate Stewardship: manage day-to-day stewardship of the Centre’s significant ageing building, overseeing maintenance, lease/compliance obligations and contractor relationships.

• People & Culture: build a cohesive senior team, embed clear role accountabilities, performance management and development, and protect the Centre’s welcoming culture while managing change.

• Brand & Profile: act as a visible ambassador locally and with funders to raise the Centre’s profile and champion its social value.

Who you are:

• A seasoned senior leader with proven experience in a small/medium charity, community organisation or social enterprise that combines front-line delivery with significant premises/estate responsibility.

• Demonstrable track record of leading strategic development and delivering organisational growth while balancing hands-on operational leadership.

• Strong commercial and earned-income expertise, with experience of running successful commercial – ideally site-based - operations.

• Confident in winning and managing statutory contracts and multi-year grant programmes; credible with local authorities, commissioners and corporate partners.

• Financially literate with direct budget and cash-flow accountability and experience of full-cost recovery modelling.

• A collaborative, visible and warm ambassador who builds trust quickly, communicates clearly and can present concise management information to trustees.

Why The Abbey Centre?

• A powerful mission: deliver practical services, companionship and opportunity for south Westminster residents in a civic, high-impact setting.

• A prominent, historic central Westminster location and a cherished community building offering scope for strategic estate planning and growth.

• A warm, loyal staff team and an engaged board navigating a positive leadership transition.

• A social enterprise model where successful trading directly funds frontline services and creates a platform for entrepreneurial leadership.

• The opportunity to shape a multi-year strategy that secures the long-term future of the charity and grows its impact in the community.

For full details of the role including how to apply, please download the full appointment brief. For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny Hills at Harris Hill via the apply button with times to speak and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile which will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 12th January 2026

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.