Executive assistant to the chief operating officer jobs

Abbey Community Centre is a vibrant, long-established community charity at the heart of Kilburn, North West London. Every day, we bring people together, reduce isolation and improve health and wellbeing through inclusive activities, services and community support.

We are now looking for an experienced Centre Operations Manager to play a key senior role in ensuring our busy community hub runs safely, smoothly and effectively for the thousands of people who use it each year.

About Abbey Community Centre

Abbey Community Centre works with people of all ages and backgrounds, with a particular focus on older residents and low-income families with young children. We deliver a wide range of activities, services and support including children’s stay-and-play sessions and drop-ins, fitness and wellbeing activities, befriending schemes, digital inclusion support, community meals, warm space provision, food support, volunteering opportunities and specialist outreach.

Alongside this community delivery, we manage a busy public building and a programme of room hire that helps generate income to sustain our work. With a small staff team, over 100 volunteers and many partner organisations, our operations need to be reliable, well-coordinated and people-centred.

The role and its impact

As Centre Operations Manager, you will be the organisation’s senior operational lead on the ground. Working closely with the CEO, you will hold delegated authority for the day-to-day running of the Centre — ensuring the building, people and systems all work together to support high-quality community activity.

This is a hands-on leadership role combining practical problem-solving with people management. You will line manage and help develop operational staff, oversee facilities and contractors, lead on health and safety and operational compliance, support volunteering, and ensure organisational systems and processes function reliably.

Your work will directly enable staff, volunteers and partners to deliver activities and services safely and confidently, and will help ensure Abbey remains a welcoming, accessible and well-run space for the local community.

What you’ll be working on

In this role, you will:

• Oversee daily building operations, maintenance and contractor management

• Lead on health & safety and related compliance, including risk assessments and training

• Line manage & develop operational staff and support a positive, consistent working culture

• Ensure operational policies and procedures are applied effectively in practice

• Support and coordinate volunteering within the centre

• Manage operational budgets and contracts within agreed limits

• Act as a senior member of the management team, deputising for the CEO on agreed matters

Key details

• Location: Abbey Community Centre, Kilburn (NW6 4BJ, London Borough of Camden)

• Hours: 24–28 hours per week (fixed hours agreed at appointment), worked over a minimum of four weekdays

• Core hours: 11.00am–4.00pm (flexibility outside these hours by agreement)

• Contract: Permanent, part-time

• Salary: £40,000–£42,000 per annum, pro rata (depending on experience)

• Annual leave: 30 days pro-rata, rising to 35 days after 5 years’ service (plus bank holidays, pro-rata)

• Pension: NEST pension scheme (if eligible)

• Some evening and occasional weekend working is required

This role could be right for you if…

You are an experienced operational manager who enjoys combining leadership with practical delivery, thrives in a public-facing environment, and wants your work to make a visible difference to a local community. You don’t need to tick every box — we’re interested in your experience, judgement, approach and motivation.

Abbey Community Centre is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and we welcome applications from candidates from a wide range of backgrounds. Reasonable adjustments will be offered throughout the recruitment process.

The Stag operates through a low-risk hall-hire business model. It is not allowed to promote its own shows – it provides the professional facilities for others to hire space and put on shows.

Reporting to the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, the CEO leads a small, professional and dedicated team (currently 20 employees (17.8 FTE)) boosted with part-time casuals in the box office plus a team of volunteers at events. The CEO will ensure the charity fulfils its mission and achieves its charitable objectives whilst maintaining the strong financial sustainability it now enjoys.

The role requires the CEO to a be a BIIAB personal licence holder and to act as Designated Premises Supervisor as well as being the Company Secretary. More details from The Stag's website.

Executive Assistant

Are you an exceptional Executive Assistant with a passion for governance and a heart for making a difference?

We are looking for a talented Governance and Executive Assistant Manager to join the dynamic team in Milton Keynes in hybrid working role!

With 75 years of experience, the focus is on helping the most vulnerable children overcome poverty and experience fullness of life. The organisation helps children of all backgrounds, even in the most dangerous places, inspired by Christian faith.

Position: Executive Assistant (internally known as Governance and Executive Assistant Manager)

Location: Milton Keynes/Hybrid (3 days per week in the office)

Hours: Full time 36.5 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Salary: £38,500

Closing Date for applications: Tuesday 24th February 2026

About the Role

This is truly a unique and rewarding role that combines the best of both worlds – strategic governance management and high-level executive support. You will be working at the very heart of the organisation, supporting the Chief Executive and Board of Trustees whilst ensuring that the highest standards of governance and compliance are maintained.

What makes this role special?

You will have the opportunity to work across dimensions of the charity, from coordinating board meetings and supporting trustee development, to providing essential executive assistance to the very busy CEO. Every day will be different, and you will play a vital part in helping achieve the mission of building a better world for the most vulnerable children who the charity serve.

As Governance and Executive Assistant, you will split your time between governance management (40%) and executive support (60%). Serving as the principal point of contact for the Board of Trustees, ensuring they have everything they need to govern effectively.

This role offers a genuine opportunity to develop your career in governance and executive support whilst contributing to something truly meaningful.

Is this you?

We are seeking someone who combines governance expertise with outstanding administrative skills. Someone who:

· Has proven experience providing high-level executive support to senior leaders

· Understands charity governance inside out, including trustee responsibilities and regulatory requirements

· Has exceptional attention to detail and can juggle multiple priorities with ease

· Communicates brilliantly both in writing and verbally (including minute-taking)

· Can build strong relationships at all levels, from trustees to external stakeholders

· Exercises sound judgment and handles confidential information with absolute discretion

· Is proactive, solution focused, and brings a calm, professional approach to everything you do

· Has commitment to supporting the Christian ethos and values of our organisation

If you are excited about this opportunity to combine your governance expertise with executive support skills, all whilst supporting a cause that matters, we would love you to hear from you!

Benefits include: a flexible and supportive working culture, pension scheme (with employer contributions), generous holiday allowance, free parking (Milton Keynes office), opportunities for faith-based gatherings, prayer, and devotionals and a welcoming, purpose-driven team who are passionate about making a difference.

About the Organisation

Join an international children’s charity working with children, their communities, and with supporters and partners, in almost 100 countries. Through long-term development projects, emergency responses and advocacy the organisation has helped bring lasting change to millions of children, over more than 60 years. As a Christian charity, everything is motivated by faith as we strive to reflect God’s unconditional love.

An offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of applicable background checks, including a criminal records check.

We value diversity and aspire to reflect this in the workforce. We particularly welcome applications from under-represented sections of the community. The organisation also operates flexible working policies and practices. As a Disability committed employer we encourage qualified individuals with a disability to apply and request a reasonable adjustment if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access as a result of your disability.

You may also have experience in areas such EA, PA, Executive Assistant, Office Manager, Governance Officer, Governance Manager, Governance and Admin Manager, Governance and EA, Executive Assistant Governance, Board Secretary, Secretary, Trustee EA, EA to CEO, EA to the Board.  #INDNFP

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

Harris Hill is delighted to be working with Liverpool Zoe’s Place (LZP) to recruit its first Chief Executive Officer.

Zoe's Place was founded in Liverpool in 1995 as the first hospice in the UK specifically providing for the needs of babies and younger children. Liverpool Zoe’s Place (LZP) was established in December 2024 and took over full responsibility for the management of the hospice on May 1st 2025. In late 2024 the people of Liverpool, the North West, and even further afield helped us to raise more than £7,000,000 to secure the future of our hospice, and to build a state-of-the-art new facility in West Derby.

Our team of specialist nurses and healthcare assistants are supported by a wide range of other healthcare professionals to provide respite care, therapies and bereavement care to babies and children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, and their families.

As Chief Executive, you will:

· Bring inspirational leadership to the LZP.

· Manage, plan and implement LZP’s strategy.

· Ensure the Hospice provides and promotes excellent clinical care.

If you are inspired and excited by what Liverpool Zoe’s Place does, we’d love to hear from you.

Job title: Chief Executive Officer

Salary: £75,000 - £80,000 p.a.

Contract: Permanent / Full-time

Location: Zoe's Place, Yew Tree Lane, West Derby, Liverpool, L12 9HH

How to apply:

Please review the Recruitment Pack for further information about Liverpool Zoe’s Place, the CEO position and for details on how to apply.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Friday 13th February 2026

Both Liverpool Zoe’s Place and Harris Hill operate an equal opportunity policy and commit to treating all of our candidates and jobseekers fairly. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

Working hours: This is a full-time role (35 hours per week) with the opportunity for hybrid working and flexible working. Attendance in person will be required at the Diocesan Office or venues within the Diocese for relevant committee meetings.

Part-time working may be considered for an exceptional candidate, with a minimum of 28 HPW (0.8 WTE).

Salary: £42,000- £46,000 per annum, subject to qualifications and experience.

Benefits: We offer a range of benefits including hybrid and flexible working, 11% non-contributory pension scheme, 25 days holiday rising to 29 after five years’ service.

ROLE DUTIES

• Act as the primary governance support for the COO, ensuring all governance activities align with strategic priorities.
• Lead and manage the administration of the Finance Executive, Audit & Risk Committee, and Property Committee
• Support the COO, Diocesan Secretary and Head of Service Delivery in managing risk processes, including risk registers and compliance reporting.
• Prepare governance and Committee reports and relevant dashboards for the COO, CEO and senior leadership, including the Management Team and Bishops Leadership Team.
• Acting as a liaison between governance bodies and internal/external stakeholders.

CRITERIA

• Degree or equivalent level of relevant experience in governance, business administration, or a related field.
• Relevant and substantial experience in committee administration and governance support.
• Experience of working with and familiarity with regulatory compliance and risk management.
• Experience of working with, alongside a strong understanding of governance principles and compliance frameworks

For more information  please see the job description, and to apply please visit the Chelmsford Diocese website to complete a application form.

Closing Date: Midday Thursday 12th February

Interview Date: Tuesday 24 February

We reserve the right to invite candidates for preliminary interviews.

Please be advised we reserve the right to close the role early and we cannot consider candidates who do not complete and return a completed application form.

Please refer to the CDBF Privacy Policy found on the Chelmsford Diocesan website for guidance on how we will process your data.

Executive Assistant (CEO and Board of Trustees)

We are seeking an experienced Executive Assistant to provide high level administrative and governance support to a Chief Executive and Board of Trustees within an international charity.

Position: Executive Assistant (CEO and Board of Trustees)
Salary: Circa £50,000 per annum, dependent on experience
Location: Home based, UK
Hours: Full time
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: 21 February 2026

About the Role

This is a senior Executive Assistant role supporting the Chief Executive and Board of Trustees within a small central team working across multiple countries. The role combines complex diary management, international travel coordination and formal governance administration. It is fast paced and requires strong judgement, discretion and the ability to manage competing priorities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing complex diaries across multiple time zones
• Monitoring and managing inboxes and drafting correspondence
• Arranging domestic and international travel, including flights, accommodation, visas and itineraries
• Preparing documents for signature, including legal, financial and donor related paperwork
• Providing briefings on priorities and upcoming commitments
• Coordinating Board and sub committee meetings, including scheduling, logistics and papers
• Supporting minute taking where appropriate
• Managing trustee travel, expenses and records
• Supporting statutory and regulatory filings
• Liaising with senior colleagues to coordinate meetings and communications
• Managing shared inboxes and directing incoming enquiries
• Supporting internal and external events such as AGMs and leadership meetings
• Handling confidential information with professionalism and discretion

About You

You will be an experienced Executive Assistant who is comfortable working at senior level and supporting governance processes in a complex organisation.

You will be able to demonstrate:

• Significant experience supporting senior executives, ideally at CEO or Board level
• Experience of governance or Board administration
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Experience coordinating international travel and logistics
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• High attention to detail and ability to anticipate needs
• Confidence using Microsoft 365 and digital filing systems
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities
• Professional judgement, confidentiality and discretion

Desirable:

• Experience working with high profile or culturally diverse individuals
• Interest in cultural heritage or international development

About the Organisation

The organisation works internationally to support artisan communities and protect cultural heritage. It operates across multiple countries and delivers programmes in complex environments. A small UK based central team supports leadership and global operations.

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Senior Executive Assistant, Personal Assistant, Chief Executive Assistant, Governance Officer, Board Secretary, Senior Administrator

This role is home based in the UK and applicants must have the right to work in the UK. The organisation is unable to sponsor work visas.

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

Creative Director and Joint CEO

We are seeking a visionary Creative Director who will also act as joint CEO to lead the artistic and strategic direction of the charity.

For over 40 years, the organisation has used creative practice as a catalyst for social change, promoting inclusion and empowering diverse communities across the North West. The mission and vision is to co-create inclusive, artistic opportunities with diverse communities that enhance wellbeing and celebrate culture and heritage. 

If this is something you are passionate about, then we would love to hear from you!

Position: Creative Director/Joint CEO 

Location: Rochdale /Hybrid (in person 2-3 days per week, one of which must be a Wednesday)

Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week

Salary: £45,000 plus a 7.5% employer pension contribution

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: Tuesday 24 February at 5pm

Interview Date: Thursday 12 March in person in Heywood

The Role

The Creative Director (Joint CEO) is responsible for the artistic vision, creative, entrepreneurial and strategic leadership of the charity. You will work as an equal partner with the Managing Director (MD/ Joint CEO), both reporting directly to the Board of Trustees to ensure that the organisation achieves its project objectives and strategic targets, while providing quality assurance of the work of the company.

Principal tasks and responsibilities include:

• Strategic Development
• Artistic Leadership
• Advocacy and Relationships
• Finance & Fundraising
• Company & Governance
• Management and leadership

About You

We are looking for an entrepreneurial leader with a proven track record in securing funding, overseeing complex budgets, and fostering productive relationships with a Board of Trustees, other partners and stakeholders. You will have a creative and cultural leadership style and with experience of programming that reaches diverse communities.

About the Organisation

Join a dynamic participatory arts charity based in Rochdale, dedicated to using creative practice as a catalyst for social change. For over 40 years the organisation has co-created inclusive, artistic opportunities with diverse communities that enhance wellbeing and celebrate culture and heritage.  We call this Art for a Reason. Through a range of initiatives from Art for Wellbeing to community-led festivals, the team provide opportunities for people to explore their heritage, find their voice, and experience the transformative power of the arts. The vision is for a world where everyone has access and opportunities to create, participate and belong.

We particularly encourage applications from individuals who live in Rochdale and/or identify as being of the global majority, disabled, neurodiverse and/or LGBTQ+/and or non-binary communities. The successful candidate will be offered the post subject to an enhanced DBS check and references.

You may also have experience in areas such as Programme Coordinator/manager, Learning and Engagement, Director, Creative Director, Operations Director, CEO, Director of Creative, Joint CEO, Deputy CEO, Assistant CEO, Chief Exec, Assistant Chief Exec, Deputy Chief Exec. #INDNFP

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

The Operations Director is a  senior leadership role at St Stephen’s, helping turn vision and strategy into effective day-to-day delivery. A highly relational role, combining strong operational leadership with collaboration, trust-building and a genuine care for people. The person we are looking for will lead across people, finance, systems, buildings and operations helping the church respond to the Holy Spirit and deliver our mission well.

The Bikeability Trust is entering a new exciting phase of our strategy to 2035 to ensure more children can cycle with confidence. A year into our strategy we have reviewed Executive Team roles and responsibilities and are now looking for a creative Communications and Fundraising Director to lead our mission driven communications, income generation and impact reporting functions.

You will be an experience senior leader in communications, who has the drive to take our strategy to the next level. A key member of the Executive Team, working across the home based diverse staff team to bring together the impact of our work through corporate communications and influencing. We recommend reading our annual reviews on the Bikeability website to see a flavour of the work you could be leading.

Our income generation work is focussed on small impactful corporate partnerships, we have tested some individual giving and are planning to host a fundraising Ball in 2026. Experience in fundraising is desirable, with communications experience as essential as this role will ensure strong relationships with Government. 

If you would like to have a short discussion with the CEO before applying please contact Emily Cherry CEO. We are looking to interview shortlisted candidates on the 23rd or 25th February. We are looking for a candidate to start from 1st April or sooner. 

PA

Empower Change as a PA to the CFMO!

Join World Vision UK as a Personal Assistant to Drive Fundraising and Marketing Success

With 75 years of experience, our focus is on helping the most vulnerable children overcome poverty and experience fullness of life. We help children of all backgrounds, even in the most dangerous places, inspired by our Christian faith.

Come join our 33,000+ staff working in nearly 100 countries and share the joy of transforming vulnerable children’s life stories!

Position: PA to the Chief Fundraising & Marketing Officer

Location: Hybrid/Milton Keynes (onsite 2 days per week)

Hours: Full Time 36.5 per week

Contract: Maternity Cover - 12 Month Fixed Term Contract

Salary: Circa £30,874 per annum good range of benefits

Closing Date: 6th February 2026. We reserve the right to interview candidates and close the ad ahead of the closing date should a strong candidate be identified

Interview Dates: W/C 9th February 2026, in person

About the Role

World Vision UK is offering an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our team as the Personal Assistant (PA) to the Chief Fundraising & Marketing Officer (CFMO). This role is pivotal in supporting our mission to make a lasting difference in the lives of vulnerable children around the world.

Key Responsibilities

· Executive Support: Provide comprehensive administrative support to the CFMO, including managing schedules, organising meetings, and handling correspondence.

· Liaison Duties: Serve as the primary point of contact between the CFMO, internal teams, and external partners, ensuring seamless communication and coordination.

· Organisational Tasks: Assist in the preparation of reports, presentations, and other materials as required, ensuring all documents are accurate and delivered on time.

· Event Coordination: Organise and coordinate meetings, conferences, and events, ensuring all logistics are effectively managed. This includes all directorate wide meetings such as prayer meetings, team away days and social gatherings.

· Project Management: Support the CFMO in various projects, ensuring deadlines are met and objectives are achieved.

· Managing Travel and External Engagements: Our CFMO is externally facing approximately 30% of the time, your travel management skills are critical. This will include planning and booking flights, accommodations, transportation, and itineraries to ensure smooth and efficient travel experiences.

· Cross Directorate Support: As a PA to the CFMO, you play a crucial role in supporting not just the CFMO but the entire directorate

About You

We are looking for someone with:

· Proven Experience: A successful track record of supporting directors or chief executives, demonstrating the ability to work efficiently within an organisational framework.

· Organisational Skills: Exceptional organisational abilities with a keen attention to detail, ensuring all tasks are completed accurately and efficiently.

· Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of liaising effectively with a broad range of stakeholders.

· Motivation and Enthusiasm: A proactive and enthusiastic approach to work, with a passion for contributing to a mission-driven organisation.

· Flexibility: The ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively in a dynamic environment.

If you are looking to leverage your skills and experience in a role that offers both challenge and reward, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Together, we can create a better future for children in need.

All applicants must be willing to work within a Christian framework and be sensitive to its various expressions across cultures and denominations.

In addition to the salary offered, we offer:

· A flexible and supportive working culture

· Pension scheme (with employer contributions)

· Generous holiday allowance

· Free parking (Milton Keynes office)

· Opportunities for faith-based gatherings, prayer, and devotionals

· A welcoming, purpose-driven team who are passionate about making a difference

About the Organisation

World Vision is an international children’s charity working with children, their communities, and with supporters and partners, in almost 100 countries. Through long-term development projects, emergency responses and advocacy we’ve helped bring lasting change to millions of children, over more than 60 years. As a Christian organisation, everything we do is motivated by our faith as we strive to reflect God’s unconditional love.

An offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of applicable background checks, including a criminal records check.

World Vision is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and aspire to reflect this in our workforce. We particularly welcome applications from under-represented sections of the community. World Vision UK also operates flexible working policies and practices. As a Disability committed employer we encourage qualified individuals with a disability to apply and request a reasonable adjustment if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access as a result of your disability.

Please note the organisation can only consider applicants who presently have the right to work in the UK and all candidates must be personally committed to the Christian faith and be able to respect, uphold and work within our client’s Christian mission, values, culture and faith statements. This individual will represent and speak on behalf of a Christian charity and as such the Occupational Requirement for an active Christian faith is justified under the Equality Act 2010 Schedule 9, Part 1, clause 3.

You may also have experience in areas such PA, Personal Assistant, Executive Assistant, Administrator, Senior Administrator, Admin Manager, Administration Manager, PA to CEO, Personal Assistant to CEO, Exec PA, Executive PA.

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

Ataxia UK is in an exciting phase of expansion in its Fundraising activity, specifically regarding investment in a Philanthropy function with a dedicated member of staff. In the past, High Net Worth Individuals (HNWI) have been managed reactively by the CEO and other Fundraising staff as opportunities have arisen. Ataxia UK (AUK) now wants to make a step change, in response to identified potential within the current fundraising landscape, towards strategic management of a pipeline of HNWI. As part of this, AUK is looking to engage a consultant on a fixed term contract, to work closely with the Senior Philanthropy Manager to undertake comprehensive research & scoping, in order to populate a HNWI pipeline for AUK. 

Please note, due to the large number of applications we receive, you will only be contacted should we wish to invite you to interview.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supporting the CEO

• Assist and support the CEO in the fulfilment of his/her responsibilities, including (but not limited to):
• Diary and other contact management, meetings booking and confirmation, including judgement on the level and appropriateness of engagement.
• Assist the CEO to prepare slide decks and other materials for presentations.
• Liaise with the Travel Officer and other departments to ensure all travel arrangements are made for the CEO as required. Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to schedule meetings with the CEO and to ensure venues and arrangements are well prepared.
• Meeting, greeting and booking rooms for any external visitors, acting in a friendly and professional manner.
• Circulating the agenda, booking rooms and capturing notes for Executive Team meetings.
• Ensure stakeholder contact details are kept current on ParalympicsGB’s  contact database.

Supporting the Board and ParalympicsGB’s governance

• In collaboration with the Chair and the Head of Governance and Compliance:
• Agree timings, locations and logistics for Board meetings, including booking rooms and providing refreshments.
• Ensure agenda and Board papers are uploaded to the Teams channel for Board members to access and assist with issues Board members may have accessing Teams.
• Prepare email responses, letters, briefing papers and other documents as required by the Chair in connection with BPA business.
• Support Board members in arranging meetings in connection with ParalympicsGB business
• Plan for Board members attendance for the Games, being the key point of contact sharing information with both the Board and internal planning teams.
• Support the Head of Governance and Compliance in preparing and managing member meetings, including NPC meetings, Election meetings and Annual General Meetings. Leading on:
• Ensure timings, venues and agendas are communicated to members and papers are made available to members.
• Book rooms for member meetings and arranging refreshments.
• Send out invitations and papers, collate the guest list, confirm numbers, accessibility & dietary requirements
• Ensuring changes in member contact details are kept current on the BPA’s contact management database.
• Support the Head of Governance and Compliance in processes around electing and appointing Board members, including appointment letters and induction information.

Events

Working closely with the Events and Projects Manager and internal event leads, help to coordinate the planning and delivery of the entire portfolio of ParalympicsGB external events. Ensure all events are planned and delivered to a consistent high quality.

• Ensure planning deadlines are met in a timely manner and that internal and external stakeholders have been consulted with as required.
• Provide expertise to event leads to ensure ParalympicsGB events address accessibility in the planning and delivery, and that all events have a consistent look and feel.
• Ensure all Health & Safety risk assessments are done and risks are being managed.
• Coordinate all room/venue bookings and catering arrangements
• Support with venue research and recces and attend venue planning meetings
• Send invites, manage responses and FAQs.
• Coordinate any additional logistics required e.g. gifting, branding, movement of equipment
• If required, provide event support on the day and/or arrange colleague support on the day.
• Work with colleagues to ensure lessons learnt from previous events are embedded into future planning.

Other

• Project Lead for Games Time Ticketing ensuring the successful delivery of this complex Games workstream.
• Support on the planning of major projects, such as Team Lodge and leading on the planning of project workstreams as required
• Provide support with planning and coordination of the ParalympicsGB Guest programme.
• Manage the ParalympicsGB inbox ensuring responses are provided in a timely manner and information is disseminated as required.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

ROLE REQUIREMENTS - SAFEGUARDING

Due to their engagement with the ParalympicsGB teams at both the Summer and Winter Games, an assessment process may be undertaken to determine whether or not the post-holder requires a DBS Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) List check.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Excellent organisational and administrative skills

• Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills
• Precise attention to detail
• Well-developed time management skills, including the ability to set and meet deadlines and to prioritise work

• Strong written/ presentation skills
• Ability to self-start and be proactive in determining priorities and tasks

• Ability to manage projects

• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office tools including Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Outlook.
• Plenty of experience working in Microsoft Teams and with Sharepoint

Desirable

• Awareness of and sensibility towards disability issues
• Experience of a multi-stakeholder environment such as a membership organisation
• Experience of working in the high-performance sport system
• Experience of working in a charity or not-for-profit organisation

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES AND QUALITIES

• Ability to operate with absolute discretion on confidential matters, with an understanding of when to escalate issues as appropriate
• Innovative and self-assured, able to work alone and self-manage
• Ability to build strong professional relationships and work within a team environment
• Working with integrity and honesty to gain the confidence and respect of others
• Committed, enthusiastic and motivated
• Willingness and desire to entertain new ideas and seize opportunities
• Willingness to accept and encourage constructive challenges
• A willingness to do what is needed to get the job done

This job description is not to be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive. It is intended as an outline indication of the areas of activity and may be amended from time to time in the light of the changing needs of the organisation through appropriate processes of consultation and the mutual agreement of both parties.  

VALUES

ParalympicsGB is an organisation with a unique role and key responsibilities within the UK high performance system. Delivery of our ambitions very much relies on both working in partnership with others, and by focussing on our two strategic priorities: taking the best prepared team to each summer and winter Games; and inspiring social change.

As an organisation we are committed to three values: excellence, respect, and integrity. Every ParalympicsGB member is expected to adhere to: 

Excellence

Everything we do reflects our ambition to be world leading. We care deeply about what we do and bring a flexible, positive, and progressive approach to our interactions with others. Like the athletes that we support, we will always challenge ourselves and others to do better. 

Respect

Our relationships with each other, our partners and the wider community are based on respect, trust, and a deep-seated belief in diversity, inclusion, and the value of our differences.

Integrity 

We demand the highest standards from ourselves and others, seeking always to do the right thing and to engage with openness and transparency in all that we do. 

Job Title: Head of People & Governance

Responsible To:  Chief Executive

Location:Remote, but with flexibility to travel for in person meetings

Salary: £38,336 - £44,427 pro rata, per annum (dependent on experience) plus 8% pension contribution

Duration: Permanent established role

Hours: 0.8 FTE (29 hours 36 minutes per week), flexible

Job Purpose: 

The Head of People & Governance will provide leadership to the CEO Office team and serve as a key advisor to the CEO and Senior Leadership Team (SLT). This role will be responsible for the three specialist areas which form the CEO Office: People Services, Governance and Executive Support. 

This role is responsible for delivering the People Services function for the organisation, including the development and implementation of People Services strategies, plans, policies and processes. You will lead the People Services team in delivering high quality support and advisory services.

This post requires the individual to understand, anticipate and react to the organisation’s changing needs, to think critically, make decisions, and offer solutions to problems with expert professionalism, sensitivity, and confidentiality. To implement Butterfly Conservation’s (BC) objectives through leadership of the CEO Office team, setting and managing budgets, targets and workplans while inspiring and enabling staff to achieve their best.

Specific Tasks:

1. Delivering the People Services function      
2. Responsible for delivering a high-performing People Services function ensuring all interactions adhere to BC’s inclusion and organisational values. To lead, manage and be accountable for the function, including:

• Aligning workload with BC’s Strategy and annual business plans.
• Advising, coaching, and enabling the People Services team to deliver effectively and create an engaging, supportive, and empowering environment. 
• Ensure monthly workforce reporting systems are in place and actions followed up where required.  
• Lead on Employee Health and Wellbeing initiatives, promoting a culture of engagement and self-responsibility.
• Implement, monitor and evaluate performance management systems and processes. 
• In conjunction with the CEO and SLT, procuring external specialist support and/or legal advice as needed to minimise risk to the organisation.
• Act as the escalation point for complex employee casework, including dispute resolutions, disciplinaries, grievances, absence, retirement and redundancy, ensuring that the SLT members’ roles remain objective and that safe formal processes can occur if required. 
• Account management for providers of BC’s People Services Workforce Systems, ensuring Service Level Agreements are met and partnership opportunities are maximised including Occupational Health, EAP services, Hireful and BreatheHR.
• Oversee and manage ‘Charity Learn’ BC’s online learning management system, to include setting up annual statutory training for all staff and creating bookable in-house training sessions as required.
• In conjunction with the CEO and SLT, develop and implement a People Strategy to include areas of succession planning, talent management, change management, and staff engagement. 

1. Governance, Risk and Management Information & Reporting

      Accountable for the smooth running of BC’s core governance activities and trustee meetings, including:

• Overseeing the risk and audit process for the CEO Office, bridging as needed between the Finance Directorate and the CEO Office Directorate.
• Ensuring all core legal requirements are met and that the trustees comply with their duties in accordance with the Articles of Association.
• Ensuring relevant statutory returns are submitted to Charity Commission and Companies House.

1. Executive Support

      Ensure the support function to the CEO and SLT is delivered efficiently and effectively, including direct line management of the Executive Assistant to the CEO and SLT PA’s.

1. Management and Development of Team members

      Responsible for managing a team of five direct reports and undertaking all People Manager duties, including:

• Setting objectives, workload planning, holding 121 meetings and regular reviews.
• Conducting Performance Development Reviews and giving timely direction and feedback.
• Building engagement within the team and creating an environment of trust and wellbeing.
• Coaching and developing team members to ensure professional and personal growth and career development and supporting any training needs. 
• Role modelling people management in line with BC’s values and competency framework, setting a good example from the CEO Office. 

1. Strategy, Planning and Budgeting

      Working with the CEO and SLT on the annual and long-term business cycles, including:

• Supporting with the creation of BC’s Strategy as required.
• Creating annual Directorate work plans to deliver actions and outcomes in line with BC’s strategic priorities ensuring  teams within your responsibility have clarity and direction.
• Working with Finance to ensure that the function has adequate budget to match the work plans and supporting with budget refresh and reforecasting.
• Supporting the Directorate with workforce planning and resource management as required.
• Responsible for the CEO Office budget.

1. Relationship building, partnering and culture development,

     Operating as a strong ambassador for BC and the CEO by:

• Cultivating and nurturing excellent working relationships both internally with all colleagues and trustees, and externally with branches, volunteers, partners, suppliers, funders, and sector networks.

General:

• Promoting and exemplifying BC’s values (Excellence, Passionate, Inspiring, Collaborative) ensuring they are adopted in all aspects of the role.
• Aligning with the mission and strategic goals of BC; commitment to species conservation, the environment and nature recovery.
• Undertaking any other reasonable duties as required and commensurate with the grade of post.
• Undertaking all duties and responsibilities in compliance with BC policies, processes and code of conduct, role modelling inclusive behaviour to enable a diverse workforce.
• Be cost conscious and respectful of funders’ money. Make good financial decisions to minimise cost and maximise impact by the charity.
• Actively participating in on-going professional development activities, committing to personal and professional growth and development.

Candidates must have the right to work and be resident in the UK.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early before the advertised closing date and time.

Closing date:Sunday, 15 February 2026 at 23:59. 

REF-226 149

The Difference is an education charity, founded to change the story on lost learning. Our vision is to see lost learning falling nationally by 2030 and for schools to be better equipped to support all children, particularly those most vulnerable.

Leading national policy strategy

As Head of Policy and Public Affairs, you will work closely with the CEO to develop and execute a four-year influencing plan.  Together we’ll aim to shift local and national incentives on inclusion by 2030, which see the national trend of rising suspension and absence begin to fall. 

You will hold relationships with the Department for Education and Ofsted and advise on policy priorities ahead, such as:

• Widening the definition of inclusion beyond special needs, recognising the needs of those young people historically or currently interacting with social services

• Reducing perverse incentives for schools to alter their school roll through admissions and pupil exits

• Expectations for multi-academy trusts in capturing and analysing data on lost learning, including how it disproportionately affects different groups

• Improving local alternative provision eco-systems, to improve outcomes for young people

• National standards for inclusive school practice, at a universal and targeted level

• Professional development standards for school inclusion

Developing implementation expertise in the middle tier

In your first six months, you will advise on the internal development of a new programme for middle tier policy actors: multi-academy trust and local authority leaders.  You will support the Programme team in its design, to plan strategically for the recruitment of trusts and local authorities, and you will plan the research and influencing work which will seek to share their success nationally.

Building the evidence base

In your second six months, you will work with the CEO to build out our research function. Your influencing plan will include how The Difference can learn from the work across our multi-academy trust, local authority and internal AP pioneer partners over the next four years, to develop influential publications. Research work ahead will include publishing sector-facing publications of The Difference’s own research, carried out by our research lead and associates; alongside managing external contractors and internal colleagues to bid for and deliver aligned research disseminating our ideas.

Raising your voice

This is an exciting opportunity for someone committed to inclusive policy change. The Difference has always punched above our weight in national and sector press reach. In post,  you will publish blogs and comment pieces, disseminating our shared ideas.  You will be a prominent voice on inclusion.

The Difference is still a small and growing charity. This means that our work is fast-paced, our roles are broad, and there is a culture of being highly autonomous, reactive and flexible, as the needs of the organisation evolve. If this sounds exciting rather than daunting, then this could be the role and team for you!

The Role
This is an exciting time to join The Difference as we increase our impact, reach more schools, and develop our influencing strategy. As Head of Policy and Public Affairs you will: 

Design and execute an impactful influencing plan 

• Design an influencing plan - Identify via horizon scanning opportunities to influence national policy using open policy windows, or by nudging/creating new ones. 

• Execute an influencing plan - Utilise own assets and assets across the organisation, including the Director team, to deliver against the influencing plan.

• Relationship building - Build highly credible and impactful relationships with a variety of stakeholders who hold power. This will include policy makers in national governments, local government officials, politicians, other third sector organisations and think tanks. 

• Leadership - Play a significant role internally and externally in communicating the organisation’s policy position, raising organisational and own brand.

Build policy capacity and credibility across the organisation

• Policy positions and solutions- Use the concepts, work and experience of The Difference’s programmes to develop new, and refine existing, national policy positions to shift incentives. 

• Thought leadership - Be the organisation’s education policy and political expert. 

• Generating income - Use own and team’s expertise and credibility to generate income via speaking engagements and consultancy to support the organisation’s financial sustainability. 

Person Specification

Essential – We are looking for someone with the following knowledge, experience and skills, though you may be stronger in some areas than others:

• Deep expertise in education policy, particularly on the topic of lost learning and the various policy and political debates, including areas of controversy, surrounding this policy topic. 

• Strategic thinker with a proven track record in identifying policy windows and designing activities that lead to meaningful national policy change. 

• Excellent relationship builder, who brings with them their own network of influential stakeholders and has a plan for building new relationships. Adept at navigating tricky situations and explaining complex, sometimes difficult, messages.

• Expert convener with a strong knowledge of the education sector, including which schools, trusts and local authorities are influential and experience in bringing a variety of perspectives together to generate consensus. 

• Persuasive and clear writing style for publication, including reports, press, blogs and ghost writing for members of the senior leadership team, often based on consensus positions, and designed to communicate key messages for impact. 

• Confidence and credibility in communicating nuanced messages in a contentious landscape, in writing, verbally and in public (e.g. on panels), to raise the profile of The Difference. 

• Strong project manager who can design systems and processes to keep self, team and other stakeholders on task and on time. Experience of designing programmes of work and monitoring their effectiveness. Flexible project management style that can adapt to a changing environment. Confidence in managing a variety of stakeholders and supporting them to deliver on time. 

Desired – You are more likely to be successful in your application if you have one or more of the following: 

• Familiarity with The Difference’s programmatic work, theory and practice. 

• Lived experience or insight into the school experiences of marginalised young people (e.g. those with experience of the care system, mental ill health, special educational needs, exclusion, and racism).

We know that some people, especially those from marginalised backgrounds, may hesitate to apply unless they meet every listed requirement. If this role excites you and you believe you could make a strong contribution, we warmly encourage you to apply. 
We actively welcome applications from people whose backgrounds are under-represented in the charity sector, including but not limited to: people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, people with experience in the case system, non-graduates and first-in-family graduates.