Executive director jobs in London

Prospectus is proud to be partnering with our client, a small, specialist health charity dedicated to improving the lives of everyone affected by Dravet Syndrome.

Dravet Syndrome is a rare, life-long and life-limiting form of epilepsy that affects approximately one in every 15,000 people in the UK (around 2-4,000 people in total). It is a complex epilepsy syndrome so as well as severe, difficult-to-control seizures, people with Dravet Syndrome live with intellectual disability and a spectrum of associated difficulties including with speech and language, mobility, behaviours, eating and sleep. It is also common to have a co-diagnosis of autism and/or ADHD.

Founded in 2008 by a group of parents seeking support and information, DSUK has grown significantly over the past 17 years. Today, DSUK supports nearly 600 registered families across the UK and reaches over 2000 people in total, including parents and carers, siblings and bereaved families. As an organisation they deliver a range of impactful services aimed at improving the lives of beneficiaries through family support, professional education and medical research.

At a time of continued growth for the charity, and as medical advancements in the field continue (including clinical trials for the first gene therapies in rare epilepsy), DSUK are now looking to recruit a strategic, collaborative new CEO to help shape the next stage of their journey.

As the organisation’s new CEO, you will provide inspiring, values-driven leadership across the organisation, holding overall responsibility for the day-to-day operations and long-term growth. You will work closely with the Board of Trustees to develop and deliver the organisation’s next five-year strategy, steering organisational priorities, strengthening culture and ensuring the charity continues to grow, both in terms of scale and in impact. You will lead a small, dedicated, cross-functional team across family support, fundraising, communications and research, driving collaboration across all teams. You will also lead on impact and quality, embedding a culture of learning and continuous improvement. A key part of your role will involve developing and building strong relationships with a range of stakeholders, including families, professionals, researchers, pharmaceutical companies as well as other charities and funders. You will also represent DSUK at relevant conferences and sector events, both in the UK and occasionally internationally.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape the strategic direction of a small, specialist, growing organisation providing life-changing services. To apply for this role, you will be a confident, collaborative leader with significant senior leadership experience in the charity or not for profit sector (experience of working in a rare disease, health, disability or patient advocacy charity is desirable). You will have demonstrable experience of scaling an organisation, and navigating the complexity that growth brings. You will be a skilled communicator, confident at building relationships across health, care or community sectors. You will be resilient, adaptable and comfortable with the breadth and pace of working as a senior leader within a small charity.

If you are interested in applying for this exciting position, please submit your CV in the first instance. Should your experience be suitable, we will send you the full job description and will arrange for a call to fully brief you on the role.

At Prospectus we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome all candidates to apply, regardless of age, sex/gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy/maternity. If you have any disability and require reasonable adjustment/s to any part of the process then please contact Victoria Savva at Prospectus.

Please note, this will be home-based with regular travel across the UK (and occasional international travel). Working hours are Monday to Friday, 09:00–17:30 (however some flexibility for evenings and weekends is required).

Our client was founded on a clear idea: that proven social solutions should be able to reach far more people, more effectively and more sustainably. Following a period of sustained growth and increased impact, the organisation is now seeking to appoint its next Chief Executive.

Chief Executive

Circa £150,000

London, with national and international travel

Over the past decade, the organisation has established a strong track record supporting non-profits, funders and social enterprises to scale their impact. Through advisory work, multi-client programmes and practical tools, it has helped hundreds of organisations expand their reach while strengthening the quality and durability of what they deliver. Today, the organisation occupies a distinctive position, combining the discipline and rigour of a consultancy with a deep commitment to social impact.

This is a unique opportunity to lead and evolve a high-performing organisation while contributing to the wider field of social impact and systems change. Building on strong foundations, the Chief Executive will sharpen strategy, strengthen financial resilience and ensure high-quality delivery across a global portfolio. As the organisation’s external ambassador, the Chief Executive will deepen funder and partner relationships, shape thinking on scaling what works, and lead a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing team.

The role will suit someone who brings:

• Proven senior leadership experience (CEO, Executive Director, Managing Director or equivalent), ideally within social impact, philanthropy, consulting or global development contexts.
• Demonstrable success in building and sustaining high-value external relationships, particularly with major funders, foundations, or institutional partners.
• Experience leading and developing diverse, high-performing teams, with a clear commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Experience working across international contexts, including in Sub-Saharan Africa and with multi-country teams, programmes or partnerships.
• A deep commitment to the organisation’s mission to ensure good ideas do not stay small

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a values-driven, financially sound organisation with global reach, a strong reputation and significant potential to extend its influence and impact further.

How to apply

To apply, please submit your CV and a supporting statement (no more than 1000 words) via the Prospectus website.

For an informal, confidential conversation about the role, please contact the retained advisors at Prospectus.

Recruitment Timetable

Deadline for applications: 13th May

Interviews with Prospectus: 18th - 20th May

Interviews with the organisation: w/c 25th May

The Kids Network is looking for an Executive Director to support the Fundraising, Finance and Operations of the charity for an interim period. 

• Contract: Fixed 12-14-month contract depending on availability for start date – Full time 35 hours per week 

• Salary: £60,000 per annum 

• Location: London Victoria/ Hybrid 

• Some evening and weekend work may be required, which can be claimed as TOIL 

• Reporting to the CEO 

• Line Management of 3x staff

About the Charity 

A rare opportunity to lead a values-driven children's charity through an exciting chapter of its story. 

The Kids Network is a growing charity with an ambitious five-year strategy and a decade of impact behind us. We connect children facing adversity with caring mentors from their own communities, creating relationships that change trajectories. In 2027 we celebrate our 10th anniversary and this role sits right at the heart of that milestone. 

We're a small, high-performing team of 16 who care deeply about the children and families we serve. We work hard, we learn constantly, and we look after each other. Now, while our Managing Director is on maternity leave, we're looking for an exceptional interim leader to hold the organisation steady and help it thrive. 

About the role: 

As Interim Executive Director, you'll be deputy to the CEO and a core member of our Senior Leadership Team. You'll hold the big picture: strategy, governance, finance, and fundraising, whilst also being across our operations and being present and part of the day-to-day. From Board engagement and risk management to leading our impact report and driving our plans for our 10th anniversary event, no two weeks will look the same. 

You'll lead and line-manage talented team members across fundraising, school partnerships, and operations. You'll be the steady hand that keeps our income pipeline strong and our systems running smoothly. 

This role would suit you if, you're a leader who balances strategic thinking with being genuinely hands-on. You stay calm under pressure, make clear decisions when they're needed, and take people with you rather than leaving them behind. 

Mission matters to you. Working to improve the lives of underserved children is something you care about, not just a role you're filling. You'll champion our values, model our culture and behaviours, and bring the team with you in doing the same. 

You're well-suited to the interim context. You’re able to build trust quickly, make an impact from day one, and build on what's already working well. You're comfortable with a varied workload and have the experience to make good decisions for the benefit of the children we work with. 

Benefits: 

• Flexible working arrangements (mostly working from home, with approximately one-two days a week working from the office)   

• Option for 2 Me days   

• 25 days annual leave entitlement

• Option to swap bank holidays for other religious holidays  

• Team Socials  

• Birthdays off  

• Working in a value led organisation, where we see and share the impact we have on children every day 

Responsibilities 

Strategy & Leadership 

• Provide executive leadership to the organisation, fostering a high-performance, inclusive and values-led culture aligned with the charity’s mission. 

• Lead, support, and develop the Senior Leadership Team and Fundraising and Schools Partnership leaders, ensuring consistent performance and accountability. 

• Inspire and motivate staff, promoting engagement, foster a learning culture, create ownership, and commitment to organisational goals. 

• Work with the CEO, Board, and Senior Leadership Team to shape and deliver the charity’s third year of its five-year strategy, ensuring alignment with the funding landscape and the evolving needs of children and communities. 

• Deputise for the CEO when required, including Board engagement, strategic decision-making, and external representation. 

• Act as an ambassador for TKN, promoting its work and campaigns to engage, influence, and collaborate with key stakeholders. 

Governance & Operations:

• Lead the Operations function. Manage the Systems and Operations Officer to ensure our robust systems and operations continue to run effectively at a high quality and enable the charity to achieve its stated goals. 

• Provide executive oversight of HR, demonstrating knowledge of HR compliance and law, supporting with serious HR matters and providing leadership support on people matters, performance management and staff development.

• Oversee the use of key technology platforms, ensuring that the charity is operating in the most efficient way, in accordance with UK GDPR and promoting data hygiene and security and supporting the Operations officer to develop guides and standard operating procedures 

• Hold executive accountability for organisational compliance, risk management, and operational integrity. Act as the lead for the charity in the event of a serious data or H&S incident. 

• Lead the organisational risk register and risk management, ensuring risks are proactively identified, mitigated, managed and communicated to our board of Trustees and the CEO 

• Maintain awareness of relevant policy, legislative, regulatory, and sector developments, ensuring organisational readiness and compliance. 

• Work closely with the CEO and chair of the Resource Committee to set the agenda and plan for papers for this committee (3 times a year). 

• Act as the key contact with the landlord and the charity’s IT contractors, as and when required 

Income Generation, Partnerships and Communication:

• Oversee the coordination and delivery of key fundraising activities, supporting the organisation’s income generation through strategic oversight and targeted input where required. Lead and line manage the Fundraising and Development Lead.

• Play a key role in planning and delivering the 10-year anniversary event in May 2027. 

• Develop, manage, and strengthen high-level strategic funder relationships and networks, building a strong pipeline of partnerships to support income targets.

• Lead and line manage the Schools and Partnerships Lead to achieve ambitious school targets and secure positive partnerships with schools

• Utilise the organisation’s data systems to identify relevant insights and stories, leading the development of the 2026 Impact Report. 

• Work with the external Marketing Provider and Schools and Partnerships Lead to deliver the organisation’s communications strategy to maintain a strong digital and online presence 

Finance & Sustainability 

• Hold accountability for the operational delivery and financial sustainability of the charity. 

• Work closely with the CEO and external Financial Service Provider to develop organisational budgets, support with the annual independent examiner and ensure effective financial planning, management, and oversight. 

• Ensure financial performance, risks, and forecasts are clearly and appropriately communicated to the CEO, Board. 

• Support income sustainability by aligning delivery with funding strategy and identifying opportunities for growth and partnership. 

• Act as main liaison between the charity and the Financial Service Provider, ensuring that both the charity and contractor adhere to the organisation's financial procedures 

Personal Specification 

Strategic Leadership & Drive 

• Proven senior leadership experience at director level or equivalent in the charity, public, or social sector, including leading teams and engaging boards. 

Organisational governance 

• Financial acumen; comfortable owning budgets, managing forecasts, approving payments and communicating financial health clearly to the board. 

• Sound knowledge of charity governance, HR, GDPR, risk management, and regulatory compliance. 

• Excellent organisational & project management skills 

Vision, stakeholder engagement and influence 

• Experience cultivating strategic partnerships with schools, funders, and external stakeholders. 

• A track record of building funder relationships and driving income generation, with confidence overseeing fundraising strategy and pipelines. 

• Advanced communication skills, someone who can represent the organisation externally with credibility and warmth. 

Change Management & Adaptability 

• Experience in an interim/ short term role 

• Strong people management skills, with a warm and accountable approach to developing and supporting others. 

Desirable:  

• Experience working directly with school and corporate partnerships 

• Experience using Salesforce.  

• Experience working with trustees

How to apply & Dates 

To apply please submit a CV and a covering letter through Charity Jobs, ensuring the cover letter is no more than 2 pages.

The ideal start date is August 2026 

The interview process and dates will be: 

• Rolling initial conversations as and when suitable candidates apply 

• First formal interviews (online) 27th May 

• Final interviews & presentation (in person) 2nd June

Due to the size of the Charity, we are unable to respond to all applications, therefore if you do not hear from us to arrange an interview you have not been successful with your application.  

The Kids Network is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to apply for an enhanced DBS check.  

Safeguarding commitment   

The Kids Network is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to go through our safer recruitment processes, including an enhanced DBS check.   

Equity commitment      

The Kids Network values diversity and inclusion and we have worked to create an application process that is as accessible as possible, however we still recognise that there is maybe more we can do especially for applicants who are minoritised in society, have specific accessibility needs and/or experience discrimination.    

 If this is the case we are both happy and open to discussing better ways to support your candidacy and make this application process as equitable as possible for you.    

 We are a diverse organisation and welcome everyone but it is important to note that the intersections of your identity will not increase or affect the amount of labour you are asked to do. If you wish to draw on your own lived experiences that will be both encouraged and supported but it is not nor ever will be a prerequisite of this role.   

You can find out more about our commitment to anti-oppression on our website.  

The Director of Finance & Planning is a member of the senior management team and key Board liaison, responsible for supporting the organisation to deliver a sustainable financial and operating model. Therefore, the role is key at both the strategic and operational levels, including finance & planning, operations, HR and IT. 

Main responsibilities

Board representation and liaison

• Act as the key focal point for the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee, including liaison with the Treasurer on agendas, producing relevant papers and tracking/implementing agreed action points
• Attend People and other Committee meetings as required 
• Attend board meetings and produce board papers where required
• Ensure company secretarial requirements are met for Bond, including Companies House and Charity Commission filings. 

Ensure appropriate financial governance framework is in place

• Ensure that appropriate financial controls, systems and resourcing are in place that meet the needs of the organisation, adapting as these evolve over time 
• Oversee regular review of finance/HR/operations policies and related staff hand-books, ensuring appropriate updates are made as needed and communicated to stakeholders as necessary 
• Ensure timely, accurate and insightful monthly management reporting is produced for the organisation 
• Provide updates on Bond’s finances to SMT and staff as required, at least quarterly 
• Enable accurate and timely financial reporting to funders in line with funding agreements. Maintain oversight of basis for allocation of costs and staff time to restricted grants 
• Take ownership of the year end external audit, leading the audit relationship and overseeing accounts production and sign off 
• Maintain Bond’s reserve policy, tracking financial position against agreed target and ensuring annual review of policy and target level with Trustees 

Provide organisational leadership on Finance, Operations and HR 

• Provide leadership and line management to the Finance, Operations & Effectiveness team. Provide support and oversight on day-to-day activities of the team as needed.
• Represent functional areas within the Senior Management Team
• Actively engage with staff reps and wider staff team to build organisational understanding of Bond’s finances and HR policies 
• Support development of funding proposals, ensuring realistic and accurate budgeting and seeking to maximise organisational cost recovery 
• Provide support to teams across Bond, and the finance manager, in grant management and reporting
• Provide authorisation for payments as appropriate to the scheme of delegation 
• Demonstrate a commitment to anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion

Lead Bond’s planning and budgeting process 

• Own Bond’s medium term financial plan, regularly updating the financial outlook across both restricted and unrestricted funds and supporting SMT discussions to ensure long term financial sustainability of Bond 
• Lead on the annual planning and budgeting process, ensuring that team plans and budgets align and support delivery of the organisational strategy 
• Work with SMT to ensure that teams are able to demonstrate and quantify their impact
• Provide support to project managers in developing and managing budgets
• Meet regularly with budget holders to review management accounts for their areas of responsibility
• Reforecast income and expenditure, and review progress against team plans, at least quarterly to ensure visibility of performance and allow in-year correction where needed

Legal and risk management

• Maintain the organisational risk register, updating with SMT regularly and reporting onwards to the Board 
• Monitor risks owned by Director of Finance & Planning, ensure that required actions are being taken and report any change in risk profile to the CEO, SMT and the Board
• Organisational lead on data protection 
• Review material contracts before signature, to assess financial and operational risks, and seeking external legal counsel where needed 

Day-to- day finance tasks 

• Due to size of Bond and the small finance team, Director of Finance & Planning is required to undertake day to day finance tasks as needed, such as: 
• Oversee, review and sign off on payroll, pension and taxes including monthly payroll journal to allocate costs to grants 
• Review and sign off bank reconciliations and journals raised by the Finance Manager 
• Overhead allocations to grants 
• Donor financial reporting production and review 

Person Specification

Required 

• Qualified accountant (CIMA, ACA, ACCA or equivalent)
• Senior management experience, including leadership of multi-function teams and liaison with Trustees 
• Strong understanding of charity accounting, including restricted grant management 
• Experience of managing HR professionals or experience of a wide range of HR matters 
• Demonstrable commitment to anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion 
• Enjoy holding both strategic view and hands-on operational tasks 

Desirable 

• Experience of setting measures to track impact as well as broader organisational KPIs 
• Salesforce experience (Certinia finance a bonus) 

Benefits

Bond offers a competitive salary and benefits package including: 

• 27 Days Annual Leave + Bank Holidays, with additional staff privilege days, normally between Christmas and New Year 
• 7% pension contributions (staff pay 3.5%)
• Flexible working hours (Hybrid working – 1 day, minimum in the office per month) 
• Staff Development days 
• Perk Box access 
• Employee Assistance Programme 
• WeCare (Health and wellbeing services, including access to 24/7 online GP services, second medical opinion, mental health support such as counselling, guidance from health professionals, burnout prevention, life event counselling, get fit programmes, nutritionist advice, etc. – for staff and immediate family) 
• Interest free season ticket loan 

How to Apply

To apply submit your CV and cover letter by 18th May 2026

In the cover letter we expect you to set out:

• Why you are interested in this role
• How you meet the role requirements
• Your understanding of equity, diversity, inclusion and why it matters in this role

Youth Realities is a small but mighty charity in North London looking for a new female leader to embed the strategy and support our next phase of growth and development. 

Our vision is a world where young people live free from relationship abuse and violence. We believe strongly in prevention, using creativity and forming trusted relationships to engage and empower young people to form positive change in their own lives and wider communities. 

Everything we do is ‘youth-led’ and ‘survivor-centred’ which means we centre the needs and experiences of young people and survivors, providing regular opportunities for them to feedback, co-produce and lead on the delivery, design and development of the charity. 

Our values, embedded in the heart of our work are: youth-led, survivor-centred, safe, equitable and audacious. 

Youth Realities works with young people aged 11 - 25 who have or are at risk of relationship abuse. We offer independent domestic violence advocacy for young females, provide a safe space with a program of dance and creative activities and go into schools delivering workshops on healthy relationships. 

Key Objectives of the job:

• Provide strategic vision and leadership further developing and embedding the organisations strategy 

• Ensure that the charitable purposes of the organisation are followed and that It delivers the charitable benefit set out in Youth Realities’ vision and governing documents

• To take overall responsibility for Youth Realities’ management and administration within the governance and accountability frameworks established by the Board of Trustees

• To secure funding and drive the organisation forward ensuring it is sustainable and able to grow 

About Action Tutoring
At Action Tutoring, we believe every child should be given the opportunity to succeed in school. But in the UK today, young people from disadvantaged backgrounds are less likely to 

achieve the grades they need to progress in life. This isn't because they are any less able; they have less access to the tools to help them reach their potential. 
 

We don't think this is fair. We know tutoring is an effective way of improving academic attainment and so we harness the power of volunteer tutors to bridge the gap and ensure this help can be accessed by every pupil who needs it, not just those who can afford it. 
 

We specifically help pupils facing socio-economic disadvantage and who are at risk of leaving primary or secondary school without reaching national standards in their exams. We work in partnership with schools in different cities and regions across the UK, delivering weekly tutoring in English or maths to those pupils who need it most. 
 

About the opportunity
The Director of Finance and Operations works closely with the CEO to build the organisation, operations and systems to enable us to scale and respond to emerging opportunities. A critical strategic role, they are a hands-on financial leader that brings strategic insight and challenge. Passionate about our mission, they lead a small team and use their experience and expertise to make our strategy a practical reality.

Closing date: Sunday, 17th May 2026
Interviews:Thursday, 28th and Friday, 29th May 2026, in our London office. There will be a second round of interviews.
Start date: Ideal start date is asap. However, we’re happy to wait for the ideal candidate.
Contract and hours: Permanent. Full time. We offer flexible hours with 9.30-4 as core hours. A full working week is 37.5 hours. 
Place of work:  Hybrid/flexible. This role requires 6 days a month in our London Office, Fivefields, Grosvenor Gardens, London SW1W 0DH.

Duties and responsibilities
 
Finance

Lead financial strategy and long-term planning to support the development of the organisation, as well as holding overall responsibility for finance processes and controls. 
 

Operations

Drive continuous improvement of operations to increase productivity, quality of delivery and value for money. With the operations team, provide oversight of all operational matters to ensure compliance and the smooth running of the organisation.
 

HR and team development

Action Tutoring has a Head of People & Culture who oversees day-to-day HR operations. However, with a permanent staff team of around 60, this role holds strategic responsibility for talent development and HR processes. This includes training and development strategy, effective diversity and inclusion policies and regular reviews of performance and reward systems.
 

Senior Leadership 

As one of the four members of the Senior Leadership Team of Action Tutoring, you will contribute to leadership decision-making, representing your own areas of expertise but also advocating for the best strategic options for the charity as a whole. 
 

Legal compliance, risk management and governance

This role ensures legal compliance of the organisation.
 

Line management

Overseeing a small team, this role has direct line management responsibility for the Head of People & Culture, the Operations Manager, and the Senior Finance Officer. You will also, with support from your team, manage relationships with external support agencies, including the outsourced management accountant, IT support company, and HR and employment law consultancy.
 

This role also plays a key part in a number of internal working groups, including leading the Digital Systems working group and serving as a member of both the Sustainability and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion working groups.
 

A full list of duties and responsibilities can be found in the job description attached to the BreatheHR advert.

Person specification
 
Qualifications criteria: 

• The right to work in the UK.

We are looking for some of the following attributes, though you might be more experienced in some areas than others:

• Deep finance and operations experience as well as a track record of strategy development. You will have significant experience overseeing finances and managing budgets and be able to demonstrate a high level of understanding of financial management and forecasting within a fundraising setting. Familiarity with charity accounting and SORP will be essential. 
• Someone with the ability to see the big picture and lead long-term strategy while being able to zoom into the detail and set high-expectations for the team and wider organisation. 
• An excellent eye for detail and an experienced project manager who relishes delivering long-term projects through to completion, you will be a self-starter with a strong ability to take initiative to drive change.
• An ability to identify areas for organisational development and growth. You are someone who leads change and development. Alert to reputational risk, proactively preventing errors.
• An established track record in delivering results in a growing environment at the management level.
• Experience with a range of business functions and systems, including budgeting, finance, legal, IT and human resources or a willingness to build expertise in these areas.
• Understanding of developing policies and procedures; experience in good governance practices, including:
  • Familiarity with routine HR legislation and processes.
  • A good understanding of GDPR compliance and processes.
  • Familiarity with reporting at Trustee level (or equivalent). 
• Excellent team leadership skills. 
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. 
• A commitment to the mission and values of Action Tutoring.
• A commitment to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children.
• Always aiming to help more pupils and have a bigger impact, we continually seek ways to improve tasks, processes and culture.

You will likely be more successful in this role if you have: 

• Additional formal qualifications relevant to the role (e.g. qualified accountant, MBA, CIPD Level 7).
• Experience or knowledge of safeguarding procedures.
• Digital transformation project management.
• Experience in the charity sector or the education sector, particularly in charity legislation and accounting.
• Experience in monitoring and evaluation processes and/or school data.
• Experience in improving systems and processes.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Strength and Learning Through Horses (SLTH) is a London-based charity transforming the lives of vulnerable young people through equine-assisted therapy and education services. 

As Chief Executive, you will lead the organisation into its next chapter. Reporting to the Board, you will lead organisational development, drive and diversify income, oversee site development, strengthen governance, oversee financial performance, planning and sustainability, act as ambassador, building partnerships and profile, ensure operational excellence and lead a skilled, values-driven team.

Essentials:

• Significant senior leadership experience (CEO or equivalent) in charity, education, health, youth or social care sectors
• Strong background in strategy, governance and organisational development
• Experience representing an organisation externally and leading diverse teams
• Demonstrable financial stewardship, working knowledge of day-to-day HR policies and processes, and an understanding of safeguarding responsibilities

Benefits:

• Location: Greengates Stables, Mays Lane, Barnet, EN5 2AQ / hybrid - 3 days a week on-site
• Flexible working 
• Opportunity to lead a high-impact, specialist charity 

This role will suit a senior leader with a track record in growth, income generation and team leadership, who is bold, ambitious and passionate about improving the lives of vulnerable young people. Are you ready to scale impact while protecting what makes a charity special?

Please see the candidate pack for full details. For an informal and confidential discussion about the role, please contact: Katherine Anderson-Scott, Executive Director of Charisma Charity Recruitment.

Key dates:

• Closing date: Monday 18th May 2026
• 1st interviews with SLTH (online): w/c 8th June
• 2nd interviews with SLTH (in-person): w/c 15th June
• Charisma vetting interviews must be completed by EOD 26th May prior to longlist submission on 27th May.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law.

Lead one of the most successful social change movements of the 21st century

This organisation is the UK’s leading movement tackling in‑work poverty by raising standards of good work, so everyone can achieve a decent standard of living now and in the future. Established through community organising in East London, the movement has grown from a grassroots campaign led by cleaners, parents and faith leaders into a nationally and globally recognised benchmark for responsible business.

The organisation operates within a larger, nationally significant membership and community‑based organisation, benefiting from being part of a broader movement while retaining a distinct public identity, strategy and leadership.

Today, more than 16,000 accredited employers have lifted nearly half a million workers out of in‑work poverty, putting £4.2 billion back into people’s pockets. One in seven UK workers is now employed by an accredited employer within the movement.

Prospectus is supporting this organisation in the appointment of an exceptional Executive Director to lead the next chapter of this high‑profile, mission‑driven movement.

Executive Director
UK‑based, with two days per week in London, plus national and some international travel
Salary: £99,325 (including London Weighting)

The Executive Director will provide strategic, external and organisational leadership, ensuring the organisation continues to deliver powerful, nationwide impact for low‑paid workers while working effectively within its parent organisation.

Building on a period of growth and a rising public profile, the Executive Director will lead the next phase of evolution — sharpening strategic focus, strengthening financial sustainability, and deepening influence with employers, policymakers and communities.

Person Specification

• Significant track record leading large‑scale, nationwide campaigns or programmes, including direct work with employers
• Substantial public leadership experience, with confidence engaging senior business leaders, civil society, media and political stakeholders
• Strong understanding of corporate environments, including ESG and corporate responsibility agendas, gained through direct experience working in, or closely with, private‑sector organisations
• Proven experience of strategic planning, organisational leadership and cross‑sector collaboration
• Ability to work effectively within a wider organisational ecosystem, balancing autonomy with alignment
• Deep commitment to social justice, community‑led change and broad‑based organising

How to Apply
For further information, please view the appointment pack via Prospectus' website.

Recruitment Timetable
Deadline for applications: 13th May
Interviews with the search consultancy: 21–25th May
Final interviews with the organisation: Week commencing 1st June

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and numeracy levels amongst people in the criminal justice system?

We’ve made substantial progress in recent years, with improvements and expansions to our delivery model and significant growth in our staff team. In Spring 2026, we will launch our refreshed organisational strategy, which will shape our work over the next three years and beyond. To support this growth, we are recruiting for a full time National Director of Operations to lead our delivery across England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and emerging community settings, with an ambition to reach Scotland. This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in scaling our impact and strengthening our presence across the criminal justice system and beyond.

As National Director of Operations, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for our learning programmes in prisons and community settings. You will ensure high‑quality, consistent and accessible delivery, overseeing a team of six Regional Managers and a wider workforce of around 65 staff, volunteers and over 2,000 peer mentors trained each year.

Working closely with senior colleagues, partner organisations and national bodies such as HMPPS, you will drive programme excellence, innovation and partnership working. You will also play a key role in new business development, operational strategy, contractual delivery and ensuring we can reliably demonstrate the impact of our work.

The role requires an experienced operational leader with a deep commitment to improving outcomes for people facing disadvantage. You will bring:

• Senior leadership experience in a complex, multi‑site environment.
• A track record of delivering large-scale programmes and leading distributed teams.
• Strong strategic thinking, problem‑solving and relationship‑building skills.
• Experience working with statutory bodies or large public-sector partners (e.g. HMPPS).
• Excellent judgement, communication skills and the ability to influence at all levels.
• Understanding of the criminal justice system, safeguarding, or alternative education environments (desirable).
• A collaborative, inclusive leadership style aligned with Shannon Trust’s values.

We want to hear from applicants who are as committed to the cause as we are.

This is a home-based role but will require travel around the UK including overnight stays. This role is 5 days per week (35 hours) with working days/hours to be mutually agreed in line with business needs.

Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme. The biggest benefit though is our culture – our people really want to work for the organisation.

We welcome job applications from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system and do not routinely ask for details of any criminal convictions. This role does require prison security clearance, so we will need to ask for details of any relevant criminal convictions before an offer of employment is finalised.

Interviews, which will be held online, are planned for the w/c 18th May.

Science matters more than ever. At a moment of real opportunity, this is a chance to lead an organisation that sits at the heart of the scientific community.

Location: Hybrid - home and central London office.

Closing date: 9 a.m. Monday 11th May 2026

Who we are

The Science Council is a Royal Charter body and registered charity, connecting over 30 professional bodies and learned societies across science. Together, this community represents scientists, technicians and educators working across disciplines and sectors.

We connect the science professions and provide professional recognition that supports individuals, strengthens employers and benefits society. Through our registers, our partnerships and our convening role, we help raise standards, encourage innovation and support a workforce that is increasingly vital to public life.

About the role

With a new strategy in its early stages, growing policy engagement and a clear ambition to strengthen long term sustainability, this is a pivotal moment for the Science Council, as we seek our next Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Working closely with the Chair and Board, you will lead the organisation to deliver its strategy with clarity and momentum. You will bring together and work with more than 30 diverse member organisations, each with different sizes, structures and scientific focuses, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs understood. You will also help to align priorities and deepen collaboration across the wider science ecosystem, building strong relationships with partners and stakeholders.

The role balances strategic leadership with a hands-on approach. You will lead a skilled and committed team, ensuring the organisation is well run, financially sustainable and able to respond to opportunities as they emerge. At the same time, you will be an external voice for the Science Council, building relationships with government, employers and opinion formers, and strengthening the organisation’s visibility and influence.

Central to the role is a focus on growth and relevance. This includes expanding professional registration, developing new partnerships and identifying opportunities to diversify income while staying true to the organisation’s purpose.

What we are looking for

We are looking for a leader who is motivated by public benefit and the role science plays in society. You may come from within the science community, a professional or membership body, or a related sector. What matters most is your ability to lead in a complex, multi stakeholder environment and to bring people together around a shared purpose.

You will bring experience of leading an organisation or significant function through a period of growth or change and have the credibility to engage with senior stakeholders across policy, industry and the professions. We need someone with a strong understanding of governance and the ability to work closely with a Board and the ability to balance strategic thinking with delivery, in a relatively small and agile organisation.

A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, and to creating environments where people can contribute and belong is crucial and we are particularly interested in leaders who listen carefully, build trust and are comfortable working across boundaries. Above all, you will be thoughtful and collaborative, with the confidence to make decisions and guide the organisation through its next phase.

Closing date: 9 a.m. Monday 11th May 2026.

For further information and details of how to apply, please click the link to be directed to the Peridot Partners page.