Financial director jobs in Manchester

DFN Project SEARCH is looking for an experienced charity finance professional to take on the newly-created Head of Finance role. As a well-established and successful UK charity, we are operating in a period of continued growth and require a Head of Finance who combines reliable financial insight, robust control and strong governance with hands-on delivery. This role will work closely with the Finance Director and wider executive team while remaining directly involved in month-end, reporting, controls, cash flow and systems improvement. This role has a requirement to travel to London an average of twice monthly as well as other UK travel to support away days and programme visits.

Key responsibilities include:

•     End-to-end ownership of the finance function, ensuring accurate, efficient and compliant day-to-day operations.
•     Working closely with the Finance Director to deliver management reporting, annual budgeting, statutory accounts and audit support.
•     Strengthening cash flow forecasting, treasury oversight, credit control and financial planning to support organisational growth.
•     Principal owner of the charity’s financial controls, policies, procedures and systems, further developing the use of Xero for real-time insight.
•     Supporting the charity’s funding model through strong oversight of restricted funds, grant reporting, contract support and funder compliance.
•    Build financial understanding across the organisation by supporting budget holders and translating financial information for non-finance colleagues.
•     Clear reporting relationship with the Finance Director and line management responsibility for the Finance Administrator.

Essential criteria

The successful candidate should be a fully qualified accountant who is comfortable leading and doing in a small charity environment. They should be technically strong, confident with hands-on financial operations, and able to work credibly with the Finance Director, executive colleagues, trustees, external advisors and non-finance budget holders.

•     Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent).
•     Proven experience in a finance management role with end-to-end responsibility for a finance function.
•     Strong working knowledge of Charity SORP and charity accounting requirements.
•     Experience preparing management accounts, statutory accounts and board-level financial reports.
•     Strong cash flow management, balance sheet reconciliation and month-end close capability.
•     Experience of restricted funds management, grant reporting and supporting budgets for funding applications or tenders.
•     Confident using accounting systems, ideally Xero, and advanced Excel.
•     Ability to explain financial information clearly to non-specialist audiences and partner effectively with budget holders.
•     Strong leadership and collaboration skills, with the ability to line manage and develop a small finance team.
•     Proven experience in developing and implementing Financial Instructions in a charity setting

Desirable criteria

•     Experience of leading change and process optimisation
•     Experience in a remote or distributed organisation
•     Experience of working with complex stakeholder groups across education, public sector, social impact or donor settings
•     Experience of payroll oversight, VAT returns and finance systems/process improvement would be highly valuable.

Remuneration and Offer Considerations

Over and above the salary range offered, we also offer:

•     Flexible working arrangements considered including jobsharing and part-time (minimum of 4 days per  week) work as well as a condensed hours working pattern of 10 working days over 9.
•     Annual leave buy-back.
•     Remote role with travel as required.
•     Wellbeing benefits such as an Employee Assistance Programme and NHS top-up support.

Help shape the future of a national charity making a difference across the UK 

At Volunteering Matters, we believe stronger communities start with people. Every day, we bring people together through volunteering to reduce loneliness, improve wellbeing and create lasting social change in communities across the UK. 

As we deliver an ambitious new five-year strategy, we are looking for an exceptional Director of Financial Assurance with significant senior finance leadership experience to help shape our future sustainability, strengthen financial resilience and provide the strategic insight that enables confident, impactful decision-making. 

This is a rare opportunity to take on a senior leadership role with genuine influence across a national charity at a pivotal point in its journey. 

A strategic leadership role with real impact 

This new role is about providing the organisation with a clear, forward-looking financial picture, strengthening financial assurance, improving forecasting and helping ensure long-term sustainability in an increasingly complex funding environment. 

Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Board and Finance & Audit Committee, you will play a central role in helping the organisation navigate growth, investment, risk and opportunity. 

This role line manages the Finance Manager, ensuring strong operational finance while maintaining clear separation between operational delivery and independent oversight. 

Most importantly, you will be excited by the opportunity to help shape the future of a national charity that creates real impact in communities every day.   A

Why join Volunteering Matters? 

This is an opportunity to join an organisation with a clear social purpose, ambitious plans and a culture built around flexibility, inclusion and collaboration. 

We offer: 

• Flexible home-based working across the UK

• A senior leadership role with genuine strategic influence

• The chance to shape organisational sustainability and future growth

• A supportive and values-led culture

• Meaningful work that positively impacts communities across the UK

Our Values  

Everything we do is guided by our values: 

Empowering | Inclusive | Compassionate | Positive | Straightforward 

Disability Confident 

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. 

 Diversity & Inclusion   

Volunteering Matters welcomes all applicants and are keen to ensure our team reflects the diversity of the UK and the communities we serve. We encourage applications from disabled, LGBT and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, along with candidates with any protected characteristics and from disadvantaged groups.   

Benefits   

Our employee benefits reflect our culture which is built on an approach of full flexibility with accountability, and designed to let you make your most positive contribution; we offer: 

• Flexible Working by Default (re hours & place of work)  

• Unlimited Annual Leave  

• Employee Pension scheme  

• Life Assurance  

• Cycle to Work Scheme  

• Season Ticket Loan  

• Employee Assistance Programme  

• Enhanced sick and family leave.   

• Lifestyle Discount Scheme   

We are also open to discussing job share applications.   

 GDPR Statement   

If you apply for a role with us, we will retain your contact details including your name, address, email address and phone number to help us manage your application for up to six months.  We will not use your personal data for any other purpose or share it with any third party. You can contact us at any point to update your personal information or ask us to delete it from our records.       

Policy on AI-Generated Applications  

Applications are accepted on trust, and we expect all submissions to reflect the applicant’s own words, experiences, and motivations. While tools such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) may support the application process, applications should not be generated wholly by AI.   

Interested? 

Please send an updated, complete CV and cover letter via the Charity Job Apply button above. In your application clearly state which role you are applying for. In the cover letter please demonstrate how you would fulfil the role requirements, what previous relevant achievements you have (both in life and at work), what skills & experience you can offer, and what you believe you can contribute to Volunteering Matters.   

Right to Work in the UK 
Please note that while we hold a license to sponsor employees on a skilled worker visa, the number of applications we can make each year is very limited. Unfortunately, this role does not meet the criteria for sponsorship, therefore, you must already have the right to work in the UK to be considered for this position. 

EASST is seeking an exceptional leader to build on the strong foundations EASST has laid by its outgoing founder, ensuring that the organisation’s impact continues to grow and that we remain at the forefront of road safety and sustainable mobility across the region and beyond.

The Director General functions as the Chief Executive of the charity, providing strategic leadership and operational oversight to fulfil EASST's mission and objectives.

The postholder acts as a key ambassador for the charity, ensuring effective governance, sustainable funding and finances, and the development of robust relationships with stakeholders, donors, and the wider community. The Director General also leads EASST Expertise, EASST's wholly owned trading subsidiary, serving as a Director of the company and providing strategic oversight of its consultancy operations.

Main Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement the charity’s strategic plans and activities, in collaboration with and reporting to the Board of Trustees.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as EASST’s primary spokesperson, promoting the charity to donors, beneficiaries, partners, policymakers, and the public.
• Governance: Ensure the charity complies with all legal and regulatory requirements, reporting to the Board on progress, risks, and opportunities.
• Project Delivery: Lead and manage delivery of specific development projects as needed by the organisation.
• Financial Management: Oversee the charity's finances, including budgeting, financial planning, fundraising strategies, and resource allocation to ensure long-term sustainability.
• Operational Responsibility: Oversee the charity’s operations, including programme delivery, and the development of policies and procedures.
• Fundraising and Development: Lead fundraising initiatives and cultivate relationships with donors, grant-makers, corporate partners, and supporters. 
• Team Leadership: Develop and motivate staff, who operate as a remote team, fostering a positive and inclusive work culture.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Ensure robust monitoring and evaluation of programmes and activities, reporting outcomes to Trustees and stakeholders and driving continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in a senior leadership role within the charity, not-for-profit, or public sector.
• Significant experience working at a senior level in the field of Road Safety and/or Sustainable Transportation.
• An understanding of global road safety challenges, global conventions and initiatives.
• Experience in EASST countries of operation is desirable and proficiency in a regional language is an advantage.
• Familiarity/experience/contacts with international organisations promoting, supporting or funding road safety is desirable.
• Strong strategic planning and management skills. Excellent and persuasive communicator and relationship-builder.
• Understanding of charity governance, regulatory frameworks, and best practice in fundraising and programme delivery.
• Collaborative, resilient, and committed to the charity’s mission and values.
• The postholder must have a strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and be conscious and respectful of other cultures.

Key Relationships

• Board of Trustees
• Charity staff (currently a team of four)
• EASST partners in our countries of operation
• Funders, donors and international organisations involved in road safety governance
• Project collaborators, including other road safety charities and consultants
• Governments, public authorities and decision-makers in EASST’s partner countries
• Beneficiaries of EASST’s programmes and work.

Terms and Conditions

• Location: Based in the United Kingdom, with the right to work in the UK. The team currently works remotely with no office base.
• Travel: Significant travel may be required both within the region served by EASST and to conferences and other events.
• Hours: This is a full-time post and will require flexibility to meet the demands of funders and the partner network.
• Salary: The salary offered for this post is up to £70K (negotiable) plus 10% pension contribution and 30 days holiday per year.

The post holder is appointed by the Trustees and will report to the Board of Trustees on a regular basis.

Portland Press Limited – the wholly-owned subsidiary of the Biochemical Society – is seeking a Non-Executive Director to join its Board.

The current Board is a dynamic forum comprising a mix of Biochemical Society Trustees and specialist Non-Executive Directors.

This is a pivotal time for the organisation as it capitalises on links between Portland Press and the Society and continues to navigate open science and changes across the wider academic publishing landscape. Publishing is key to the research dissemination goals of the Group and vital to the financial viability of the Society.

We are looking for individuals who are excited about contributing to the Group’s endeavours over the coming three-year period. The successful candidates will have:
• Demonstrable recent experience in evolving scholarly publishing and content services to meet the changing needs of researchers across the globe.
• Deep knowledge of making business-model changes and sculpting/structuring new commercial offerings.
• Awareness of research-funder policy shifts, with ideas about how to navigate these changes.

In addition you should meet the eligibility requirements for company directors, be able to commit the time necessary to fulfil the duties of the role, and understand the associated legal responsibilities.

This role offers a remuneration package of £7,500 per annum and will require the quarterly review of reporting in line with attendance at four board meetings per year.

It is intended that interviews will take place by the end of June 2026. The role will commence from January 2027 onwards, with a preceding period of shadowing (from September 2026).

Closing date for applications is Friday 12th June 2026.

To apply follow the link and upload a CV and Cover letter addressed to Prof. Nigel Hooper via the button below. It is important that you DO NOT include your Personal Information i.e. name and contact details in your CV or Cover Letter.

The Society reserves the right to close the vacancy prior to the stated closing date in the event that a high volume of applications are received.

The Society is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit. We offer a range of family-friendly, inclusive employment policies to support staff from different backgrounds.

The Society takes the security of your data seriously. It has internal policies and controls in place to ensure that your data is not lost, accidentally destroyed, misused or disclosed, and is not accessed except by our employees in the proper performance of their duties.

Please note that due to limited resources it is not possible for the Society to acknowledge receipt of applications. If you do not hear from us within two weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

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

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

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

The Opportunity

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

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

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

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

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

What you will bring to succeed in this role

Essential

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

Selection Process

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

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

We anticipate the following timelines:

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

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

Our Commitment to Inclusion

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

A senior leadership opportunity to drive growth, build influence and secure the resources needed to tackle poverty and homelessness through access to safe, decent housing in the UK and around the world. 

Location:  Home-based with frequent travel to internal and external events, networking and other meetings in London and occasionally across the UK. Occasional international travel will also be required. All staff meetings are held in our ReStore, Romford.

About Habitat for Humanity Great Britain

Habitat for Humanity Great Britain (Habitat GB) is part of the global Habitat for Humanity Federation fighting global poverty and homelessness. We believe that a decent home helps to permanently break the cycle of poverty and allows families to achieve strength, stability, and self-reliance.

Habitat GB mobilises resources, partnerships, public engagement and advocacy to support high‑impact housing solutions in the UK and internationally, working closely with Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) and the wider Habitat network.

Job Purpose

The Director of Fundraising & Partnerships is accountable for leading the vision, strategy and performance of Habitat GB’s fundraising, partnerships, engagement and resource mobilisation activity.

This role combines senior‑level engagement and income generation leadership with organisational and strategic responsibility. The postholder will design and deliver ambitious, sustainable income and partnership strategies; strengthen Habitat GB’s profile and positioning; and lead a high‑performing, values‑led team.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Director of Fundraising & Partnerships plays a key role in organisational leadership, transformation, and long‑term sustainability, working collaboratively across Habitat GB, the international Habitat network and with a wide range of external partners. This role has 4 direct reports, and an overall team of 10.

Key Accountabilities/Responsibilities:

Strategic Fundraising, Partnerships & Engagement

• Design, deliver and adapt an integrated multi‑year fundraising and partnerships strategy, setting ambitious and achievable targets that increase income, engagement and impact.
• Lead the organisation’s approach to partnerships, philanthropy, fundraising and resource mobilisation across all non-institutional income streams, including:
  • Trusts and foundations (UK and international)
  • Corporate partnerships and strategic alliances
  • High‑net‑worth individuals and philanthropic supporters
  • Blended funding, including institutional and investment‑linked income where appropriate
• Shape and deliver Habitat GB’s positioning as a credible, innovative and impactful development and housing partner.
• Lead the development and delivery of communication and engagement strategies that increase profile, visibility, audience engagement and supporter commitment.
• Draw on learning from the wider Habitat network and sector trends to inform strategy, innovation and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with fundraising regulation, ethical standards, safeguarding and best practice, including oversight of relevant policies, due diligence and risk.

Income Management, Forecasting & Performance

•  Hold accountability for all non-institutional fundraising income targets and performance against agreed budgets, with responsibility for year-on- year growth and diversification of income streams.
• Set clear quality standards, KPIs and expectations to promote accountability, ownership and high performance within the team.
• Oversee active management of a robust, strategically aligned prospect and partnership pipeline.
• Work collaboratively with the Director of Impact & Influence to align opportunities, approaches and targets across non-institutional and institutional partnerships and fundraising pipelines.
• Work closely with the Director of Finance, Operations & Compliance on income forecasting, financial planning, reporting and budget management.
• Ensure high-quality impact, financial and narrative reporting to funders, partners, the SLT and Trustees.

Senior Partnerships, Stewardship & External Profile

•  Lead and model relationship-based development with priority prospects, partners and influencers.
• Act as senior relationship lead for key high value corporate partners, donors and funders, ensuring excellent stewardship and long‑term engagement.
• Support and enhance relationship building with High‑Net‑Worth Individuals, Trusts and Foundations.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to develop compelling proposals, propositions and reports across funding opportunities, positioning Habitat GB as a partner of choice across all priority audiences.
• Raise the profile and positioning of HFHGB through public engagement, media opportunities, online presence and attendance at relevant networks and events.
• Respond strategically to external opportunities and challenges, protecting and enhancing Habitat GB’s reputation and impact.

Leadership & Management of the Fundraising & Partnerships Team

•  Lead, inspire and develop a high performing, ambitious team focussed on fundraising, partnerships, communications and brand marketing.
• Provide clear direction, prioritisation and performance management through regular 1‑to‑1s, objective setting, feedback and development.
• Ensure effective planning, resourcing and deployment of team capacity and budget.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive and learning led team culture, role‑modelling Habitat GB’s values and behaviours.

Organisational & Executive Leadership

•  Act as a collaborative senior leader, supporting the National Director in delivering HFHGB’s strategy and vision.
• Actively shape and influence organisational strategy, ensuring income generation and partnerships are fully integrated into strategic planning and decision making.
• Contribute to organisational wide leadership on performance, productivity, risk, diligence and transformation.
• Work effectively across teams and functions to deliver integrated, organisation wide outcomes.
• Support Trustees in fulfilling their governance, ambassadorial and fundraising responsibilities.
• Represent Habitat GB at national and international meetings, forums and events, deputising for the National Director where required.

We are looking for someone with:

•  Substantial senior level experience in fundraising, development and partnership leadership.
• Proven track record of designing and delivering ambitious income strategies.
• Expert knowledge of fundraising best practice, partnership development and donor stewardship.
• Significant experience of leading and developing high performing teams.
• Experience and awareness of communication and brand marketing in a relevant context.
• Strong financial acumen, including budget ownership, income forecasting and performance management.
• Excellent interpersonal, influencing and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse senior stakeholders.
• Experience working collaboratively within complex or networked organisational structures.
• Strong alignment with Habitat GB’s mission, values and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Experience working closely with Boards and Trustees.
• Knowledge of UK charity governance, fundraising regulation and compliance.
• Experience of organisational growth, change or transformation.
• Experience within housing, international development, humanitarian or social justice contexts would b

Flexibility:

 Habitat GB is seeking to rapidly expand its activities and impact to fight poverty across the world. This requires adaptability and an ambitious, dynamic and flexible team.  The post holder is expected to be flexible in terms of location (within reason), line management, and duties and responsibilities.

Application Process:

We want our recruitment process to give you an opportunity to shine, to share your skills and experience as clearly as possible, and for you to find out more about Habitat for Humanity GB in return.  ​

​To apply for the role please send us your CV and a supporting statement (max two sides of A4) telling us about the skills and experience you would bring to the role and your motivation for applying, using the link found on our website.​

Deadline for applications is Monday 25th May 2026 (at 11:59 pm).​

​We plan for first stage interviews to take place w/b 1st June 2026. Interviews may be held online, or in person in London (please note that we do not reimburse any expenses incurred during interviews).

***Please note this role is fully remote but will require mandatory onsite training for the first 2-3 weeks of employment***

About Toynbee Hall

Based in the East End of London since 1884, Toynbee Hall is a charity working alongside people facing poverty, injustice, and inequality to build a fairer East London. We provide vital advice and support, working in partnership to tackle unfairness and ensure everyone has an equal chance to thrive.

Team background

The Debt Advice Team at Toynbee Hall provides crucial support to individuals and families struggling with financial burdens. Funded by the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS), this team delivers expert guidance and practical solutions to help clients manage and reduce their debt. The team's advisors are trained to navigate complex financial situations, offering tailored advice that empowers clients to regain control of their finances. Their work is vital in fostering financial resilience within the community, ensuring that individuals have the tools they need to achieve long-term financial stability.

Job purpose

As a Debt Advisor (Omni-Channel: Telephone & Video), your primary role will be to provide over-indebted clients with tailored debt advice through various channels, including telephone, WhatsApp, and our network of video advice kiosks located in prisons, hospitals, job centres, town halls, and other community settings. You will help clients start their debt advice journey efficiently, ensuring they receive accurate and effective support.

Scope of role

1. To provide over-indebted clients with free, face-to-face advice that is accurate, effective and tailored to individuals’ circumstances
2. To maintain detailed case records
3. Keep up to date with legislation, policies and procedures and undertake appropriate training.

Please download the full Job Description for more details

What We’re Looking For:

• Ability to give accurate, personalised advice and support clients to make informed decisions
• Experience carrying out detailed casework and acting on behalf of clients when needed
• Strong record keeping, with case notes completed to required standards and deadlines
• Commitment to keeping debt advice training up to date
• Good teamwork and the ability to manage your own workload while meeting targets
• Commitment to following organisational policies and procedures
• Commitment to working in line with Toynbee Hall’s values:
  • Inclusive – open-minded, transparent, collaborative; seeking fresh and alternative perspectives.
  • Courageous – principled, ambitious, and acting with integrity.
  • Empowering – shifting power, sharing knowledge, and enabling people to take action for themselves

Our Benefits Package

We believe in supporting our employees with a well-rounded benefits package designed to enhance work-life balance, financial security, and overall well-being.

Annual Leave

• 25 days of annual leave, plus 3 additional days for our Christmas shutdown (on top of bank holidays).
• After 2 years: +3 extra days of leave.
• After 3 years: +1 additional day.
• After 5 years: A total of 30 days annual leave

• Standard Life Pension Scheme – Employer contribution: 4%, Employee contribution: 

• Additional Perks & Support

• Enhanced Sick Pay for peace of mind during illness
• Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Leave to support growing families
• Employee Eyecare Vouchers to support your vision health
• Employee Assistance Programme for free, confidential advice and support
• Mental Health First Aid to ensure workplace well-being
• Tenancy Deposit Scheme to help secure your home
• Interest-Free Season Ticket Loan for cost-effective commuting
• Cycle to Work Scheme to promote a healthier, greener way to travel
• Charity Mentoring Network to support professional development and networking
• Westfield Health Cash Plan to cover your healthcare needs specified in the policy
• Perk Box

How to Apply

Complete our online application for, attach your CV and a Cover Letter.

Please download the full Job Description for more details

Application deadline is 12 June 2026

Our Benefits Package

We believe in supporting our employees with a well-rounded benefits package designed to enhance work-life balance, financial security, and overall well-being.

Annual Leave

• 25 days of annual leave, plus 3 additional days for our Christmas shutdown (on top of bank holidays).
• After 2 years: +3 extra days of leave.
• After 3 years: +1 additional day.
• After 5 years: A total of 30 days annual leave

Pension

• Standard Life Pension Scheme – Employer contribution: 4%, Employee contribution: 5%

Additional Perks & Support

• Enhanced Sick Pay for peace of mind during illness
• Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Leave to support growing families
• Employee Eyecare Vouchers to support your vision health
• Employee Assistance Programme for free, confidential advice and support
• Mental Health First Aid to ensure workplace well-being
• Tenancy Deposit Scheme to help secure your home
• Interest-Free Season Ticket Loan for cost-effective commuting
• Cycle to Work Scheme to promote a healthier, greener way to travel
• Charity Mentoring Network to support professional development and networking
• Westfield Health Cash Plan to cover your healthcare needs specified in the policy

How to Apply

Complete our online application for, attach your CV and a Cover Letter.

Application deadline is 12 June 2026

Release Counselling and Therapy for Women is entering an exciting new chapter. 

Founded in Brighton and Hove in 2013, Release has grown from a small local charity into a financially robust organisation with a growing national reach. Under the leadership of our outgoing CEO, the charity has been transformed—moving from a challenging financial position to one with strong reserves, clear sustainability, and ambitious plans for growth. 

We now provide affordable 1:1 online counselling to women across the UK, alongside specialist group programmes supporting maternal mental health and key life transitions. One-to-one counselling is a core offer and a vital income stream, enabling us to extend our reach while staying true to our values. 

This period has also seen Release grow to working with over 20 dedicated volunteer counsellors, strengthening our capacity and community impact. 

As our CEO steps down, Release is ready for its next phase—building on strong foundations, amplifying our national impact, and remaining firmly rooted in our purpose: being a charity that supports women’s mental health, run by women, for women.

Head of Governance, Compliance, and Risk

Permanent, Full Time, Hybrid working (2 days per week in the office)

Location: The role can be based in our Cardiff, London, or Warrington office

Salary: £76,432 per annum for Cardiff, and Warrington. £81,314 per annum for London (including London allowance)

About us

Christian Aid exists to create a world where everyone can live a full life, free from poverty. We are a global movement of people, churches and local organisations who passionately champion dignity, equality and justice worldwide. We are the changemakers, the peacemakers, the mighty of heart.

We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, and recognise the value this brings in forming strong, creative and high performing teams. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, and from those with experience from outside of the voluntary sector. And no, you don’t have to be Christian to work here – we encourage people of all faiths and none to apply. We just ask that everyone lives out our values of dignity, equality, justice and love. We value a good work-life balance, so we’re open to part-time and flexible working. We also offer hybrid working for our office-based colleagues.

About the role

Reporting in to the Director of Finance and Corporate Governance, the Head of Governance, Compliance, and Risk will ensure robust governance, compliance, and risk management across Christian Aid and its subsidiaries which enables effective decision making.

The post-holder will be the the trusted advisor and subject matter expert in corporate governance on behalf of the Board, overseeing legal and regulatory compliance, develops and implementing a comprehensive risk management framework, and leading an internal audit programme that fosters organisational learning. The role will enhance and protect Christian Aid’s reputation and financial integrity while embedding best practices in governance and compliance.

Some of the main areas of responsibility for the Head of Governance, Compliance, and Risk include:

• Support effective trustee succession planning, effective Board meetings, and support for the Governance and Nominations Committee to ensure effective Board Governance.
• Provide expert advice on legal structures for subsidiaries, including Christian Aid Ireland.
• Provide high quality briefings with suggested solutions having sought professional advice where more specialist knowledge is required
• Establish and implement a comprehensive risk management framework including registers and appetite statements to guide directorate-level risk management.
• Develop a compliance culture covering data protection, money laundering, counter-terrorism, sanctions management, fraud prevention, and misuse of funds.
• Complete all regulatory filings (Charity Commission, OSCR, Companies House, ICO) within deadlines to avoid penalties.
• Implement an agreed internal audit plan reviewed by the Audit and Risk Committee to ensure assurance over key controls.
• Evaluate key contracts to ensure compliance and provide legal advice using external panels when necessary.
• Lead a team empowering others to drive progress and foster a culture of collaboration and continuous learning.
• Define team's responsibilities and drive the team to promote the exchange of ideas and knowledge to maximise impact and achieve outstanding results.

About you

Who we are looking for:

Essential:

• Professional qualification in law, accountancy, Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), or corporate governance (ICSA).
• Extensive experience (5+ years) in UK Charity and corporate governance, compliance, and risk management within complex organisations.
• Demonstrable expertise in managing legislative changes and interpreting regulations.
• Advanced understanding of legal frameworks (e.g. data protection laws), regulatory requirements, risk management principles, and internal audit processes.
• Exceptional analytical skills for interpreting legislation; ability to communicate technical information effectively to non-specialist audiences; negotiation skills for resolving disputes.

Desirable:

• Experience acting as legal counsel
• Informed on legal, regulatory and sector developments
• Experience of working in global contexts
• Written and verbal communication skills
• Experience of working within changing political regimes and understanding the implications for sanctions and other compliance elements
• Data protection experience

Further information

At Christian Aid we strive to be an inclusive and diverse employer and recognise the value that this brings in helping to build strong, creative and high performing teams.

We are actively encouraging racialised minorities, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, returning parents or carers who are re-entering work after a career break, people with caring responsibilities, people from low socioeconomic backgrounds, women, and older workers to apply. This is because these groups are under-represented within our teams, especially at senior level, and we recognise and value the contributions members of these groups make to strong, creative and high performing teams. 

We have a strong Christian ethos and we encourage applications from all faiths. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of and sympathy with Christian Aid’s faith identity. 

All successful candidates will require a DBS/police check appropriate to the role and location and a Counter Terrorism Sanction check as part of your clearance for commencing your role with us. We also participate in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.  In line with this Scheme, we will request information as part of the referencing process from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

This role requires applicants to have the right to live and work in the country where this position is based and undertake the role that you have been offered. If you are successful and we make you an offer for the role, we will be required to conduct a right to work check on your immigration status in the UK. We will contact you regarding the documentation you will need to provide to evidence this. 

Do you want to provide critical systems and logistical support for our growing and ambitious education charity? The Finance and Operations Coordinator is responsible for managing our day-to-day financial systems, overseeing the running of our database and website, and providing administrative support for the general running of the organisation, including project managing our community and fundraising events. You will provide support to the Executive Director and other members of the team to ensure the smooth running of Teach for Tomorrow.

We are a small and passionate team that work on a hybrid model: your place of work should be within easy commuting distance from either London, Manchester, Coventry or Grantham.

Your Key Duties and Accountabilities

Finance Administration

• Place, track and process orders, invoices, expenses and financial transactions

• Maintain Quickbooks with all transactions, provide reports as required and maintain the interface between CiviCRM and Quickbooks

• Set up payments for authorisation in the bank account as required

• Generate contracts as required

• Maintain relationships with suppliers, venues and partners

• Manage the interface with the company pension provider and pensions regulator, making payments as required and ensuring all statutory obligations are met

Database, Website and Knowledge Management

• Maintain the organisation database and provide reports and information as required by team members

• Ensure that the website is up-to-date and upload new resources, information and news stories as required

• Monitor analytics relating to website and support the management of Search Engine Optimisation

• Ensure that the knowledge management system and processes are maintained, including website and database change logs

• Maintain the relationship with the website and database provider/sand ensure that the monthly retainer is monitored and reviewed

• Liaise with the Data Protection Officer to ensure that all statutory requirements are met in relation to data protection and UK GDPR

Operational Coordination and Administration

• Manage external vendor relationships, in particular - but not exclusively - website and database providers, HR and Health and Safety providers, Safeguarding support, IT support services, Accountant and Auditors, and memberships of organisations such as the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO)

• Maintain filing systems online and in hard copy (where required)

• Maintain policies and procedure documents, ensuring updates are made as required and updates are provided for reporting to board

• Be first point of contact for general enquiries and monitor all general communication channels

• Provide general administration support as required

Events 

• Work with the Chief Executive and other staff to ensure successful planning and execution of fundraising, cultivation, and stewardship events and all related activities. Responsibilities include: managing invitation process, tracking registrations and gifts, running and circulating reports

• Provide logistical support of the events on the day

Perform other related duties as required by position.

There will be an occasional requirement to work outside normal hours to support evening events – with a late start and late finish – but if this is expected, advance notice will be given.

Your Core Competencies - Essential

• Competency with technology, including Microsoft, Google and other software/tools (E)

• Specific experience of either working with a database (CiviCRM or similar) OR a finance management system (Quickbooks or similar) (E)

• Strong relationship-building skills and an ability to maintain relationships over time (E)

• Effective communication skills - in writing and orally (E)

• Ability to manage time and multiple tasks (E)

• Well-organised and detail-oriented (E)

• Ability to resolve most issues and tasks independently, escalating complex situations (E)

• Maintain a high level of confidentiality due to the nature of work (E)

• Commitment to the purpose of Teach for Tomorrow (E)

Your Knowledge, Education and Experience - Desireable

• Project management skills and experience (D)

• Specific experience of either working with both CiviCRM and Quickbooks (D)

Your Specialised Certifications

• None

Your Primary Contacts

• Interacts broadly with all staff and significant interactions outside the charity including customers, vendors, consultants, and others

Your People Management

• No direct people management responsibilities

Your Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Database and Website are maintained and managed well

• Finance processes are followed and maintained

• Vendor relationships are well managed

• Policies and procedures, administration systems and knowledge management systems are up-to-date and well managed

• Event logistics are managed well

• Works in line with the organisational values

Why work at Teach for Tomorrow?

Our purpose is to create a better world - one classroom at a time. We believe in the power and potential of educators to inspire and transform the lives of young people by unlocking new levels of understanding, awareness and community mindedness so they are equipped to create a better future for everyone.

Having recently rebranded from Facing History and Ourselves UK, we are focused on driving growth and giving as many schools and teachers as possible the tools and content to empower their students to become engaged citizens whilst also excelling in their academic performance. We will be developing new ways to extend our reach and scale our work. The coordinator role will be key to the smooth running and success of our organisation, supporting the operational, financial and community-building efforts that underpin our work. 

Employees receive 24 days of paid annual leave and all bank holidays. We provide up to a 5% match on pension contributions and there is an Employee Support Scheme in place.

Teach for Tomorrow is an Equal Opportunity Employer and proudly values diversity. Based on the current profile of our workforce and our commitment to being a diverse and inclusive workplace, which we believe makes an organisation more effective, we particularly welcome applications from people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, people living with a disability and people from the LGBTQ+ community. All applications will be assessed based on the candidate’s skills and abilities in relation to the person specification.

Teach for Tomorrow is committed to processing your personal data fairly, lawfully and transparently in line with GDPR 2016.

Teach for Tomorrow is a registered charity, number 1103592.

Please note, applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we are unable to sponsor visas at this time.

Application Instructions

Please send a full CV (no more than 2 sides of A4) and a covering letter / supporting statement (no more than 2 sides of A4) which outlines with clear examples how you meet the core competencies, skills and experience required. Please also complete the Equal Opportunities Form, which you will encounter as you click 'Apply Now'.

The closing date for applications is Monday 1 June at 10am. We reserve the right to close applications for this role early, so we encourage candidates to submit their applications as soon as possible.

Interviews are currently scheduled for Wednesday 10 June. If you are unavailable on this date, please let us know. This will not affect your selection. If shortlisted, we will offer an alternative date.

If you would like to have an informal conversation before applying, please get in touch via the Contact Page on our website or with the email in the attached pack and someone will contact you to set up a call. 

About Us

The Early Education and Childcare Coalition unites the voices of parents, children, providers, early years professionals and the wider business community, working together for investment and reform of early education and childcare in England.

We believe that we all benefit from a well-functioning early education system and we all have a role to play in ensuring it works for children, parents and the economy.

We are backed by some of the most high-profile campaign and research organisations in the UK. Our members span providers, parent groups, trade unions, the business community and NGOs. Together, we use our collective voice and research to build public and political support for change.

This is an exciting time to join the Coalition. We have experienced significant growth in recent years and, with early years firmly on the political agenda, we expect this to continue.

About the role

• Hours: 30 hours per week (this can be worked over 4 or 5 days). We will consider other working patterns with a minimum of 3.5 days per week worked over 4.
• Duration: Two-year contract, renewed subject to funding
• Location: Home-working, can be based anywhere in the country
• Salary: c. £53,820 per annum FTE (£43,056 pro-rata for 4 days)

We are a remote team, with most colleagues based outside London. This role will support the whole organisation and requires occasional in-person meetings such as in-person team planning days which you will be expected to travel to.

We work flexibly and understand the realities of balancing work with caring commitments. We trust you to manage your time, but expect most hours to be worked within core office hours. To support effective remote working, all staff work on Thursdays.

This is a senior, cross-cutting leadership role sitting at the heart of the organisation. You will lead on operations, finance, HR and organisational systems, while working closely with the Executive Director and Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and the Board to ensure the Coalition is sustainable, well-run, and set up for growth and impact.

About You

You are an experienced operations leader with a strong track record of building and running effective organisational systems, ideally within a charity, social impact or policy environment.

You are equally comfortable developing strategy and rolling up your sleeves to deliver. You bring strong financial and organisational management skills, and are motivated by enabling high-impact teams to thrive.

You have experience working at senior leadership level and are confident operating across a small, fast-paced organisation where priorities can shift quickly. You are a systems thinker who can spot gaps, create structure, and improve how things work.

What You Can Expect to Be Doing

Function leadership

• Work as part of the Senior Leadership Team
• Contribute to organisational strategy, planning and growth
• Support organisational decision-making, balancing operational, financial and strategic priorities

Develop operations and organisational systems

• Oversee the day-to-day running of the organisation, ensuring efficient and effective operations
• Develop and implement systems, processes and policies to support a scaling organisation
• Take ownership of organisational infrastructure (e.g. CRM, internal systems, workflows)
• Improve internal coordination, planning and ways of working across functions

Financial management and sustainability

• Oversee day-to-day financial operations, including reporting, invoicing and payments
• Support organisational financial planning, forecasting and scenario modelling
• Work with external accountants/bookkeepers and ensure strong financial controls
• Support the Executive Director and Board on financial governance and decision-making

People management

• Ensure the organisation has robust HR systems in place, ensuring they reflect changes in legislation, support staff wellbeing and development and foster an inclusive and positive culture
• Lead recruitment, onboarding and staff contracts
• Support performance management, team development and organisational culture

Programme and contract management

• Oversee operational delivery of programmes and projects
• Manage funder agreements and contracts, ensuring compliance and reporting
• Support programme leads with planning, delivery tracking and coordination
• Strengthen systems for delivery and accountability

Governance and organisational support

• Support effective governance, including Board coordination and reporting
• Ensure strong administration of meetings, papers and decision-making processes
• Strengthen alignment between governance, strategy and operations

Cross-organisational leadership

• Act as a central coordination point across policy, campaigns, research and communications
• Support other heads of function to deliver effectively through strong operational systems
• Identify and address organisational capacity gaps, particularly in admin, finance and infrastructure

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience of working at senior leadership level
• Strong experience in operations and financial management
• Experience establishing or improving systems and organisational infrastructure
• Experience of HR processes and people management
• Experience supporting governance and working with senior stakeholders
• Ability to operate effectively in a small, fast-paced and growing organisation
• Strong organisational, problem-solving and communication skills

Desirable

• Experience in a charity, coalition, membership or policy organisation
• Experience supporting organisational growth or scaling
• Experience managing CRMs or digital systems
• While not essential, we would welcome applications from candidate who have either a HR or a financial qualification i.e. CIPD qualified or AAT qualification or similar level of experience and knowledg

The application process

Please apply with a CV and cover letter (no more than two pages) by the listed closing date. No agencies please. We recognise that the use of AI technologies can be useful in reducing the work that goes into job-hunting, however, we kindly request that you use your cover letter to evidence that you have understood the requirements of the role and provide examples of how you can meet the criteria.

The EECC is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We use anonymous recruiting during the application process and we use positive action under section 159 of the Equality Act in relation to disability or race. This means that if we have two candidates of equal merit in our process, we will seek to take forward the disabled or Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic candidate in order to diversify our staff team.

We regret that our small team does not have capacity to respond to unsuccessful applicants individually.

Timeline

• Closing date: 23:30, Thursday 11th June
• Notified for interview by: Tuesday 16th June
• Interviews: We expect this to be a two-stage interview process with first interviews held on either 24th or 25th June and second stage interviews arranged an agreed time.

At United for Global Mental Health, we are working towards a world where mental health support is accessible to everyone, everywhere – free from stigma and without restriction.

We are a small but highly influential organisation of around 20 passionate, diverse and expert individuals, and have a culture of creating the space and opportunities for them to lead their areas of expertise. Our strength lies in collaboration, internally and externally, and in our ability to turn insight into action. Kindness is our unofficial ethos.

The CEO is responsible for the overall leadership, management and performance of UnitedGMH. Reporting to the boards of UnitedGMH and the American Friends of United for Global Mental Health (AFUGMH), the CEO will set strategic direction, oversee delivery, and act as the organisation’s primary ambassador.

Key responsibilities include:

Strategic Leadership

• Lead in conjunction with the organisation’s senior staff the refinement and delivery of our global organisational strategy 2027-2030.
• Guide the organisation through periods of change, including strategy refresh and transformation.
• Draw on sector insight to ensure UnitedGMH remains at the forefront of global mental health advocacy.

Governance & Board Relationship

• Work closely with the boards of UnitedGMH and AFUGMH to ensure effective governance and decision-making.
• Oversee the preparation and sign-off of board papers; present regularly to the boards. 
• Identify, recommend and support the recruitment of new members of both boards. 
• Advise the boards on significant strategic decisions, including potential partnerships and organisational change.

Organisational Leadership

• Lead, support and inspire a high-performing and global team of approximately 20 staff.
• Where needed, oversee and support the delivery of multiple projects and programmes aligned with strategic priorities, in conjunction with the project leads.
• Foster a collaborative, kind, inclusive and values-driven culture that walks the talk on mental health.

External Engagement & Influence

• Represent the organisation with external partners, funders, policymakers and the wider sector. 
• Build and manage relationships with key donors.
• Strengthen and expand strategic partnerships globally.
• Champion the organisation’s mission and influence key stakeholders in different regions across the world.
• Act as the organisation’s global spokesperson and support staff in building their profile as spokespeople for the organisation.

Finance & Organisational Planning

• Identify and agree organisational objectives, develop strategic and operational plans, and lead their implementation with a high level of autonomy, while reporting to the boards. 
• Oversee organisational planning, budgeting, prioritisation and resource allocation to ensure delivery against strategic goals. 
• Ensure the organisation has sufficient and sustainable funding to deliver against agreed budgets and strategic priorities. 
• Maintain strong financial oversight and accountability, ensuring the organisation operates within budget and delivers across all agreed objectives. 
• Monitor organisational performance against agreed deliverables, evaluating outcomes and adjusting plans where necessary to mitigate risk or adverse consequences. 
• Ensure robust financial management, operational planning, and effective use of organisational resources across multiple programmes and projects. 
• Bring together and oversee complex, cross-organisational initiatives, ensuring projects are delivered effectively and on time. 
• Delegate effectively through senior leadership and management structures, maintaining a medium- and long-term strategic focus. 

Fundraising & External Income Generation

• Lead and support organisational fundraising strategy to secure sustainable and diversified income streams. 
• Build and maintain strong relationships with funders, donors, strategic partners and philanthropic stakeholders. 
• Successfully secure and oversee fundraising contributions to meet a target set annually with the boards. 
• Work with the boards and senior leadership team to identify new funding opportunities and strengthen long-term financial sustainability. 
• Ensure fundraising activities align with the organisation’s mission, values and strategic priorities. 
• Represent the organisation externally to enhance visibility, influence and support for UnitedGMH’s work globally. 

Risk, Compliance & Accountability

• Ensure strong organisational governance, compliance and risk management. 
• Proactively identify and escalate policy breaches or serious incidents. 
• Oversee finance, HR and operations functions in accordance with UK employment policies, and UK and US charity regulations.
• Act as the primary point of accountability to the boards and relevant regulatory bodies (including the Charity Commission and US authorities). 
• Take responsibility for organisational risks, decisions and outcomes.

Our Dream CEO

As a team, we came together to discuss what qualities we are hoping for in a new CEO and leader. We’d love applications from candidates who see themselves in the team’s descriptions below.

Our dream CEO…

• shows kindness towards all partners regardless of seniority, institution or country.

• continues to uphold and protect the organisational transparency the team values.

• is a heart- and mind-led fundraiser – treating donors like people and not merely a source of income.

• provides space for team members to lead in their areas, but also supports / acts as a sounding board when needed.

• knows how to strategically place mental health in uncommon spaces.

• is happy to be approached by, and communicate with, team members from all seniority levels across the team.

• is someone who understands what it is to manage a remote organisation, and is interested in making UnitedGMH the best workplace it can be.

• is someone who can think a few steps ahead, identify trends, and interpret these for what this means for the organisation.

• has a solid understanding of, and proven experience in, managing the ´backbone´ functions of an organisation (budgeting, risk management, governance etc).

• has an understanding of UN systems, global health and international development.

• appreciates and champions the value that lived experience and people from the global majority bring to the mental health advocacy space.

Please download and review the Job Pack for full details of the role. 

Unfortunately, we are not able to recruit team members in the following countries/regions: Afghanistan, Belarus, Central African Republic, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Myanmar (Burma), North Korea, Russia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine (specifically the occupied regions of Crimea, Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhya), Venezuela, Yemen, and Zimbabwe.

For non-UK candidates: Please note that you would be hired via Deel as an Employer of Record.

How to apply:

To apply, please submit your cover letter, outlining how you meet the responsibilities and candidate profile, and a CV, via the Charity Job site. Please note, we can only accept applications via Charity Job.

Interviews:

Interviews will take place remotely. There will be 2 interview rounds, and candidates shortlisted for the second interview will be invited to meet members of our wider team.

Product Lead – HOSTHub  

(Operational Product Delivery) 

Reports to: Operations Director (Head of Delivery) 
Contract: 1.0 FTE (Temp to Perm) 
Location: Remote (UK or International) 

Role Purpose 

The Product Lead – HOSTHub is responsible for identifying, prioritising, and resolving day-to-day product challenges across HOST’s digital platform. 

HOSTHub serves as the operational backbone of the organisation, enabling delivery across finance, legal, partnerships, and hosted partner services. In this role, the Product Lead ensures the platform functions effectively in practice—by understanding user needs, surfacing issues early, and driving the design, prioritisation, and rapid delivery of solutions. 

While contributing to the longer-term product vision in collaboration with the leadership team and development partners, the primary focus remains on operational product delivery. This includes managing fortnightly sprint cycles, maintaining a dynamic and prioritised backlog, and ensuring continuous alignment between user requirements, internal processes, and platform capabilities. 

The role requires a highly hands-on individual who thrives at the intersection of users, internal teams, and developers, with the ability to translate real-world challenges into clear, actionable product decisions. 

Core Responsibilities 

1. Product Problem Identification and Prioritisation 

Lead the ongoing identification of friction points, inefficiencies, and system gaps across HOSTHub use cases, including those impacting hosted partners, funders, and internal staff workflows. 

Maintain a dynamic, prioritised backlog of product issues and enhancements, informed by user insight and operational impact. 

Work closely with delivery teams across finance, legal, partnerships, and community support to understand how the platform performs in practice and where it falls short of user needs. 

Translate operational challenges into clear, well-defined product requirements that are actionable for development teams. 

Ensure prioritisation is driven by delivery urgency, risk exposure, and opportunities for efficiency, rather than abstract feature development. 

2. Sprint Management and Delivery Execution 

Own the end-to-end delivery of the product, managing fortnightly sprint cycles. 

Set sprint priorities, create and refine tickets, and ensure all development work is well-scoped, logically sequenced, and ready for delivery. 

Collaborate directly with development contractors to run sprint planning, stand-ups (where applicable), and sprint reviews. 

Validate completed work against real user workflows before release to ensure quality and usability. 

Maintain clear visibility of progress, risks, and dependencies, escalating blockers and trade-offs to the Operations Director as needed. 

Provide bi-weekly sprint reports outlining delivered outcomes, outstanding issues, and upcoming priorities. 

3. User Engagement and Feedback Loops 

Establish continuous feedback loops with both internal users (staff teams) and external stakeholders (hosted partners and funders). 

Conduct structured user conversations to understand how systems are used in practice, not just how they were designed to be used. 

Validate proposed solutions with users prior to development where appropriate, ensuring alignment with real needs. 

Ensure user insights consistently inform backlog prioritisation and shape sprint scope. 

Maintain a clear view of user satisfaction grounded in qualitative feedback, not just survey-based metrics. 

4. Cross-Team Operational Alignment 

Act as the central point of coordination across product, delivery teams, and external developers. 

Ensure HOSTHub effectively supports real operational workflows across key service areas, including Project Hosting, Hosted Grantmaking, and Capacity Building. 

Partner closely with Finance, Legal, and Partnerships teams to align system functionality with compliance, contractual, and reporting requirements. 

Identify and resolve misalignments between team processes and platform functionality, either by adapting the system or clarifying and standardising ways of working. 

5. Development Oversight  

Manage the day-to-day relationship with the development team, ensuring requirements are clear and issues are addressed promptly. 

Ensure all development outputs are practical, functional, and aligned with real operational needs. 

Avoid over-specification and unnecessary complexity, prioritising simple, implementable solutions. 

Track defects, rework, and technical debt, incorporating them into sprint priorities where they have a meaningful operational impact. 

6. Data, Workflow, and System Effectiveness 

Ensure HOSTHub captures and delivers data that is accurate, actionable, and aligned with reporting requirements. 

Identify and implement opportunities to automate key workflows, reducing manual effort across teams. 

Partner with internal stakeholders to ensure system logic supports compliance and audit requirements in day-to-day operations. 

Maintain clear, practical documentation of key workflows and system behaviours to support effective operational use. 

7. Risk, Compliance, and System Integrity 

Work closely with the Legal Lead and Operations Director to ensure product decisions do not introduce unmanaged risk. 

Prioritise data protection, security, and system reliability as core product considerations. 

Ensure compliance requirements, including data protection and financial controls, are embedded in how the platform operates in practice. 

Take clear ownership of system incidents or failures, coordinating response and ensuring timely resolution and follow-through. 

8. Contribution to Product Direction 

Contribute to longer-term product thinking, including roadmap development and the ongoing evolution of the system. 

Provide grounded input to strategy based on observed user behaviour, operational constraints, and delivery realities. 

Ensure product direction remains focused on solutions that are practical, scalable, and genuinely valuable to users. 

Key Relationships 

Internal: Operations Director, Finance Team, Legal Lead, Partnerships Director, Community Support Team, Data Analyst, Training Lead. 

External: Developers, technical providers, hosted partners, funders. 

Performance Indicators 

Reliable delivery against sprint commitments, with a clear connection to resolved operational issues. 

Reduction in recurring user-reported problems across key workflows. 

Demonstrable improvements in system usability and efficiency for internal teams and hosted partners. 

A well-maintained backlog with clear, transparent prioritisation rationale. 

Strong alignment between platform functionality and operational delivery needs. 

Timely identification and effective resolution of system risks and critical defects. 

Required Experience 

5–8 years’ experience in hands-on product management or product delivery roles, with clear ownership of day-to-day execution. 

Proven experience managing sprint cycles and working directly with developers to deliver iterative improvements. 

Strong track record of identifying user needs and translating them into effective product solutions. 

Experience working with complex operational systems involving multiple user groups and workflows. 

Ability to operate effectively in environments with evolving and loosely defined requirements. 

Comfortable working across technical and non-technical teams, acting as a practical bridge between them. 

Familiarity with system integrations, workflow tools, and data-driven platforms (e.g. CRM systems, finance platforms automation tools) 

Strong prioritisation skills, with the ability to balance urgency, impact, and feasibility. 

Clear, structured communication style, enabling effective coordination and delivery clarity across teams. 

What does it take to lead the national voice for special schools at a time of real change?

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – National Association of Special Schools (NASS)

National – home-based, with regular travel across England and Wales, particularly London

£90,000–£110,000 per annum

Full-time, permanent.

About NASS 

The National Association of Special Schools (NASS) is the membership association for special schools in England and Wales. We bring together independent special schools, non-maintained special schools, special academies, maintained special schools and multi-academy trusts with specialist provision.

We exist to inform, support and represent our members, helping specialist schools improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND and secure the place of specialist provision within the wider education system. NASS is known for being accessible, responsive and personal, combining national influence with practical support that members value as timely, human and trustworthy.

This is a pivotal moment for the organisation. In February this year, the Department for Education published a major white paper on SEND reform which will require NASS to both influence national policy on behalf of our members and children and young people, as well as support them to navigate the changes. Our new CEO will need to review our strategy while building on our strong platform and momentum to further deepen our influence and strengthen our internal capacity.

As our next Chief Executive, you will:

• Strategy & Impact: Lead NASS through a period of policy and structural change, ensuring the organisation remains clear on purpose, responsive to members and influential in the SEND landscape.
• Governance & Finance: Work closely with the Board of Trustees to provide strong governance, prudent financial stewardship, robust risk management and clear strategic oversight.
• Operational Leadership: Provide confident leadership to a small, remote team, strengthening collaboration, accountability, resilience and a positive, high-trust culture.
• Income Generation: Oversee budgeting, planning and reporting while developing thoughtful opportunities to diversify income through membership, partnerships, events and related activity.
• Community & Partnerships: Build and sustain trusted relationships with government, parliament, regulators, sector bodies and member schools, ensuring NASS remains relevant and well connected.
• Member Services: Protect and enhance the practical offer to members, from briefings and special interest groups to conferences, webinars, training and peer-to-peer learning.
• Brand & Profile: Act as a credible public ambassador for NASS, helping to modernise communications and broaden the organisation’s voice beyond a founder-shaped model.
• Future Growth: Shape a distributed leadership profile and support a more varied, accessible and engaging approach to membership, advocacy and communications.
• A seasoned senior leader with experience in a charity, membership body, education or public sector setting, and a clear track record of leading through change.
• A strong strategic thinker, able to absorb complex information quickly and translate it into clear, practical direction.
• A confident communicator with the gravitas to represent NASS with members, staff, trustees, MPs, peers, media and national partners.
• A politically astute relationship-builder, comfortable navigating a complex and fast-moving external environment.
• Experienced in governance, with a sound understanding of working with boards or trustees and supporting effective decision-making.
• Numerate and commercially minded, with experience of budgets, financial planning, income generation or partnership development.
• Credible, approachable and resilient, with the emotional intelligence to lead well in a high-profile, remote and sometimes uncertain context.
• Direct SEND experience would be a significant advantage, alongside understanding of specialist education or similarly complex stakeholder environments.

Why NASS?

• This is a chance to lead a respected, member-led organisation with a strong national reputation and a clear public purpose.
• You will help shape the future of specialist education at a time when SEND reform is high on the agenda.
• NASS has a loyal, experienced and collegiate remote staff team, supported by an active Board of Trustees.
• The organisation offers a genuinely influential platform, with strong connections across the sector and with government.

Application

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

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 8th June 2026

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