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Special Olympics GB is proud to support some of the most inspiring athletes in the world — individuals with intellectual disabilities who compete from local to international levels, breaking down barriers and showing the transformative power of sport both on and off the field of play.
As we enter an exciting new chapter, we are seeking an outstanding Director of Operations to join our Executive Leadership Team. This is a pivotal role for a strategic and values-driven leader who can strengthen our organisation, drive operational excellence and help deliver even greater impact for athletes, families and communities.
Working closely with the Chief Executive, Board and wider movement, you will lead organisational performance across governance, safegaurding, finance, people, systems, planning and delivery, ensuring Special Olympics GB is resilient, ambitious and fit for the future. As Executive Lead for Safeguarding and Welfare, you will champion a culture where the wellbeing, safety and dignity of every athlete remains at the heart of everything we do.
We are looking for someone who:
- Is inspired by the power of sport to transform lives and create more inclusive communities.
- Brings significant senior leadership experience and a track record of organisational development and operational excellence.
- Can translate strategic ambition into effective delivery and sustainable growth.
- Has experience of governance, compliance, finance, risk management and safeguarding.
- Builds strong relationships and partnerships, influencing with credibility and integrity.
- Leads with empathy, accountability and a commitment to inclusion.
The Director of Operations at SOGB is a wide-ranging, key role, reporting to the Chief Executive as a member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT). Working across the organisation, the Director of Operations manages the operational and support services activities including governance, compliance, HR, business processes, IT, safeguarding, finance and health & safety to ensure that the organisation runs smoothly, efficiently and effectively.
Application Instructions
For Job Role specifics and how to apply please see the below SOGB Director of Operations Recruitment Pack.
The closing date for applications is Friday 4th September 2026 at 9am. There will be a two- stage interview process that will cover both culture/motivators and thematic competencies. Stage 1 interviews will take place week beginning 28th September 2026 and stage 2 will take place week beginning 5th October 2026.
To apply, please send a covering letter (maximum 2 pages) explaining why you wish to apply for the Director of Operations role. It is important that all prospective candidates understand our mission and are driven by our cause. Referring to the role description, please be specific about how your skills and experience will help you undertake this role. Generic applications will not be considered.
Registered Charity
21 - 50
We are Special Olympics GB. We are Inclusion in Action.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Operations Manager
Organisation: Religions for Peace United Kingdom (RfPUK)
Salary: £38,000 – £42,000
Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week). Core working hours are 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday. Home-based employees are expected to be available and responsive during these hours.
Contract: Fixed-term (12 months)
Location: Home-based / hybrid (occasional travel)
Reporting to: Chair of the Board of Trustees
About the role
We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to take operational and administrative responsibility for a small, ambitious charity. You will run governance, compliance, contract management, finance liaison, data protection, safeguarding, HR, grant administration, and media and digital maintenance. You will work directly with the Chair.
This is a KEY gatekeeper role for someone who can steady the executive arm in response to the Board's strategic direction, concentrating on rigorous enforcement and maintenance.
Key responsibilities
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Board administration (agendas, minutes, documents, filings, trustee records)
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Contract and grant administration (drafting, tracking, compliance)
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Finance liaison (working with finance service provider, accountant, treasurer)
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Compliance (GDPR, safeguarding, risk register, Charity Commission filings and all charity related issues)
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HR and resource management
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Website and social media coordination
Essential criteria
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4+ years in a leadership or senior operations role within a charity or not-for-profit
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Experience as a board secretary or company secretary
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Experience drafting contracts and managing compliance protocol
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Knowledge of CIO governance and Charity Commission requirements
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Diciplined and methodical apporach towards established processes
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Excellent attention to detail and written English
Desirable but not essential
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Experience in the interfaith or multi-religious sector
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CGI qualification (or working towards)
Infrastructure Requirements (BYOD)
RfPUK operates a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) framework where paid staff provide their own personal computer hardware to access our systems. All work is web-based via Google Workspace for Charities and does not require high-specification hardware. The charity provides all system user licenses and funds required antivirus software for work devices, but does not provide or fund personal hardware or domestic utility bills.
What we offer
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Real ownership of a charity's operations
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Direct reporting to the Chair – simple management structure
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Salary £38,000–£42,000
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25 days annual leave plus public holidays
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Our workplace pension scheme is in line with statutory requirements, with employer contributions (3%).
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Home-based working with a structured core hours framework (9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday)
How to apply
Please send your CV and a cover letter (maximum two pages)
Closing date: 20 August 2026
Interview Date: 24 August 2026
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Safeguarding statement: RfPUK is committed to safeguarding.
Equal opportunities: RfPUK is an equal opportunities employer.
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[End of Advert]
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Join Mersey Rivers Trust and Help Make a Real Impact for Rivers, Wildlife and Communities!
Are you a skilled finance and governance professional looking to use your expertise for good? Mersey Rivers Trust is seeking a Finance and Governance Manager to join our Senior Leadership Team and help shape the future of our environmental charity.
We’re a passionate team working to protect and restore rivers across Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire — and we need someone like you to ensure our finances and governance are as strong as our mission.
APPLICANTS MUST LIVE WITHIN OR CLOSE TO THE MERSEY CATCHMENT – APPLICATIONS FROM OUTSIDE THIS AREA CANNOT BE CONSIDERED.
The Mersey Rivers Trust (MRT) is an environmental charity focussing on the protection and enhancement of rivers and waterbodies in the Mersey Catchment. It operates in an area covering Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire. We have an annual turnover of c£1m and employ 19 staff delivering up to 30 projects per year. The Trust works with partners, local communities, and volunteers to deliver a wide range of projects including river restoration, reduction of flood risk by Natural Flood Management techniques, river monitoring, volunteer events (eg river clean-ups/invasive species control and citizen science), community engagement and education events, farm advice/plans and biodiversity net gain. The Trust continues to evolve to meet the increasing challenges of protecting and enhancing rivers and waterbodies in the catchment.
We are seeking a Finance and Governance Manager to join our Senior Leadership Team and lead the Trust’s finance, governance, and back-office functions. This is a pivotal role focused on ensuring financial integrity, regulatory compliance, and effective charity governance. While not involved in field-based project delivery, the Finance Manager plays a strategic role in supporting the organisation’s mission by enabling robust financial planning, reporting, and operational support. You will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Board of Trustees, and project teams to ensure the Trust remains financially resilient and well-governed.
As the Finance and Governance Manager, you should possess expertise in financial control and reporting, allowing you to effectively handle delegated responsibilities. Your numerical skills and critical thinking abilities will enable you to proactively address challenges and streamline processes.
The role holder will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer and will be a member of the Senior Leadership Team. The role will also include direct line management responsibilities of the Administration Officer.
If you are a motivated financial professional with a passion for driving organisational success, we invite you to apply and contribute to our team’s growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the management of the back-office function and Charity governance of MRT.
- Act as the Company Secretary to ensure compliance with financial and legal requirements, as well as maintaining high standards of Charity governance.
- Work with the Chief Executive Officer to prepare and manage budgets, provide input to the Trust’s business plan and strategic initiatives.
- Contribute to the strategic direction of the Trust as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.
- Provide financial insight and analysis to support strategic decision-making and long-term planning.
- Support the development and implementation of organisational policies and procedures to ensure good governance.
- Act as a key liaison with the Board of Trustees, preparing and presenting financial and governance reports to inform oversight and decision-making.
- Lead on the development of internal controls and risk management strategies to safeguard the Trust’s assets and reputation.
- Oversee all payments, manage cash flow, income and claims.
- Support financial planning for grant funding applications to support delivery of our objectives.
- Line management of the Administration Officer.
- Renew the annual insurance policy ensuring adequate cover and value for money.
- Maintain, oversee, and update all project management reporting systems on time and to budget (including timesheets, expenses and monthly reports).
- Complete all necessary reports and keep suitable records in line with the funding requirements and document retention policy.
- Highlight any new risks and issues identified whilst carrying out duties, and work with the team to manage and resolve them.
- Fulfil duties as assigned by the Chief Executive Officer.
- Any other reasonable duties as required by MRT.
The post holder will be home based with travel throughout the Mersey catchment. The applicant will need to live within or close to the Mersey catchment to facilitate regular travel to meetings. Remote working from other parts of the country cannot be considered for this role due to the need for regular face-to-face interactions.
Candidate Profile
Essential
- A financial control and reporting background with an accounting qualification (e.g. AAT, CIMA) or qualified by experience.
- Experience of organisational governance, ideally with knowledge of UK General Accounting Practice and Charities regulations.
- Experience of financial and management reporting within a small to medium-sized charitable or not for profit organisation.
- Experience of liaising with accountants to prepare annual accounts and reports required by the Charity Commission.
- Experience of cash flow forecasting.
- Familiarity with Xero financial and project management software (or similar).
- A confident and clear communicator with the ability to communicate financial information in an appropriate manner for non-financial trustees and staff.
- Aptitude in problem-solving.
- Self-motivated and able to work effectively from home with strong communication skills and with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Ability to work flexibly across the working week when necessary.
- Ability to prioritise and plan activities to meet strict deadlines.
- Excellent literacy, numeracy and report-writing skills.
- Excellent presentation and communication skills.
- Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
- Good computer literacy skills (e.g. with Excel, Word, PowerPoint and project reporting systems).
- A reliable team player with good attendance and work performance.
- Ability to set performance objectives and ensure these are achieved.
Desirable
- Experience in financial planning for funding applications.
- Understanding of small-scale charitable trading.
- Experience of commercial contract management.
- Experience of managing an IT service provider.
- Knowledge of the Mersey Catchment.
- Experience in Human Resources
General Notes
- Some travel around the Mersey Catchment will be necessary therefore a current driving licence and access to a vehicle (insured for business use) is desirable or otherwise access to public transport networks.
- This positive will from time to time requires work during some evenings, weekends and public holidays to meet the needs of the post. A time off in lieu system is operated by the Trust.
- We will also require the successful applicant to undergo a basic DBS check and provide satisfactory references from previous employers.
Term and Conditions
The following terms and conditions are typically offered to Mersey Rivers Trust staff and are set out as a guide only. Terms and conditions may vary according to circumstances, and this summary does not form part of any subsequent employment
Annual leave: 25 days annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays that fall on working days and a 3 day shutdown between Christmas and New Year.
Location: Home Based
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.