168 Governance and policy officer jobs

Working as part of the operations team, the you will help maintain the systems, processes and practical foundations 
that enable the organisation to function effectively. This includes supporting people operations and HR administration, 
leading on governance and advisory meeting administration, acting as the first point of contact for IT queries, and helping 
FEA’s events run smoothly.

Acting as a trusted point of support for colleagues, you will help create a responsive and well-organised 
working environment where staff, trustees and members feel enabled to do their best work. The role requires exceptional 
organisation, sound judgement and a genuine pride in quality. By ensuring that the practical aspects of the organisation 
run reliably and well, you will help create the conditions that allow the Fair Education Alliance to deliver its 
mission and drive progress towards a fairer education system.

About us

The Alliance for Youth Justice is an alliance of more than 70 non-profit organisations advocating with and for children to drive positive change in youth justice across England and Wales. We mobilise our members’ frontline expertise, children’s lived experience, and evidence from research to champion a child-centred, rights-based and trauma-informed system that treats contact with the justice system as a sign of unmet need and systemic failure, prioritises support over criminalisation and gives every child the opportunity to thrive.

We're widely recognised as the most influential group campaigning for improvements to the system, with trusted access to decision makers, working towards three goals: keeping children safe from the youth justice system through prevention and diversion; racial justice across the system; and custody as a last resort for children.

About the role

Following the launch of our new strategic approach, our Influencing Manager will lead the development and delivery of AYJ's influencing, policy, public affairs and campaigning work to shift policy, legislation, practice and public narratives.

Campaigning, policy and public affairs (70%) — lead our influencing strategy alongside the CEO, spot opportunities for systemic change, develop evidence-driven policy positions and briefings, and build relationships with members, politicians, civil servants and stakeholders.

Strategic communications (30%) — ensure the reach of our influencing, write high-impact influencing content for our digital channels, and act as first point of contact for media enquiries.

Anti-opressive, anti-racist practice and youth voice run through everything, including involving children and young people with lived experience safely and meaningfully in our work.

About you

You have a proven track record of influencing for systemic change through policy, public affairs, communications or campaigning within a voluntary sector organisation or coalition, and know how to turn complex policy and research into compelling written communications for varied audiences. You have a thorough understanding of the political environment and Parliament, strong relationship-building skills, and excellent project management. You bring a genuine interest in youth justice and the issues facing children in England and Wales, alongside a personal commitment to anti-racism, social justice and child rights.

Why join us

We're a small team of three punching well above our weight, with real scope to shape how we work and few layers of hierarchy. We offer flexible, trust-based home working (within core hours), plus 25 days' leave (pro rata), Christmas office closure, and a 5% employer pension contribution.

We encourage applications from historically marginalised groups even if you don't meet every requirement, and we do not use criminal records to exclude candidates.

Please download the reruitment pack to find out more and read the full job description and person specification.

The Environmental Funders Network (EFN) is a community of funders, philanthropy advisers, and fundraisers working together to transform environmental philanthropy and support more impactful funding for the environment in the UK and around the world. Through its research, networks, convening and programmes, EFN helps the environmental funding community to learn, connect and act effectively together, strengthening collaboration and increasing the scale and impact of environmental funding.

EFN is now seeking a new Executive Director at an important moment. Environmental philanthropy has grown significantly, creating a larger and more diverse funding community and real opportunities for greater impact. At the same time, environmental action and those who fund it are operating in an increasingly complex and contested political and public environment. As EFN finalises  its next strategy and turns to implementation, there is an opportunity to become more intentional about where it can add greatest value, sharpen its priorities and strengthen how it understands and demonstrates the outcomes and longer-term impact of its work.

The Executive Director will provide strategic and organisational leadership, working closely with the Board and a talented multidisciplinary team (13 staff representing 9.3 FTE) to translate EFN's strategy into focused action. They will provide clear and confident internal leadership, setting priorities, making thoughtful decisions and creating the conditions for the team to thrive, while strengthening EFN's financial sustainability and organisational resilience. They will foster a culture of reflection, learning and improvement, ensuring evidence and insight inform EFN's priorities and programmes.

Externally, the Executive Director will be a compelling ambassador and outstanding relationship-builder, able to build trust across a diverse community – from major international foundations to smaller funders, philanthropy advisers, fundraisers and NGO leaders. They will attend daytime and evening events regularly in London and periodically around the country and will bring the environmental literacy and political awareness to understand the changing context in which funders are operating, using EFN's distinctive role as a connector to build relationships, share knowledge and enable collaboration and collective action.

The ideal candidate will bring strategic leadership experience and can turn vision into focused delivery. They will be a skilled relationship-builder - able to listen, convene, influence and galvanise a diverse community around a shared purpose - low-ego and collaborative in approach. The successful candidate will have led and developed high-performing teams with an inclusive culture, embedding a genuine commitment to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. You will combine strong organisational, financial and governance skills with an entrepreneurial mindset, and have experience generating income and building sustainable partnerships. Experience within philanthropy, foundations or membership networks is highly valuable but not essential. 

Above all, EFN is looking for someone with a genuine passion for environmental and social change, who understands the interconnectedness of today's environmental challenges and is excited by EFN's distinctive role: helping funders and fundraisers learn from one another, strengthening collaboration, and increasing the impact of environmental philanthropy. 

This is an exceptional opportunity to lead an influential network at a formative point in its development, helping EFN give the environmental funding community the knowledge, networks and agency to learn from one another, collaborate more effectively and increase the impact of environmental philanthropy.

To apply, pleaseclick on Apply Now below. You'll be required to submit your CV and a covering letter. 

Your cover letter shouldbe structured toanswer the following questions: 

1. What attracts you to the Executive Director role at EFN andwhat role do you feel EFN plays in the environmental philanthropy sector? 
2. Can you tell a story about how you have led a collaborative effortand how it delivered greater impact than could have been achieved acting alone?
3. Describe your leadership style and what you believe good leadership looks like, including how you have created an inclusive culture where people withdifferent roles,backgroundsand levels of influence feel able to contribute meaningfully. 

The deadline for applications is09.00BST on Monday 5th October 2026. 

EFN is a remote-workingorganisation, with team members based across the UK. The Executive Director will be expected to attend meetings and events regularly, primarily in London – potentially up to three times per week – as well as travelling elsewhere in the UK asrequired. 

The salary for the role is£85-95k.

Perrett Laver will conduct an executive search process in parallel with the public advertisement of the role. Longlisted candidates will be invited to interview with Perrett Laver in late mid-October, and the Selection Panel will subsequently meet to decide upon a final shortlist for the post in late October, following which, interviews with Environmental Funders Network will take place November and December. If you require any reasonable adjustments to assist you in the selection process, please advise us of these so that we can make appropriate arrangements.

Justice, Equity,Diversityand Inclusion 

EFN is committed to justice, equity,diversityand inclusion andrecognisestheir inherent value and importance to effective environmental work. We welcome applications from candidates from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to creating an inclusive recruitment process. 

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Help strengthen the organisation behind the UK’s professional voice and trade union for midwives and maternity support workers.

Location: Hybrid, with travel to London and across the UK as required
Applications close: 9 a.m. Monday 12th October 2026

Who we are

The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) is the membership organisation, professional association and trade union for midwives and maternity support workers across the UK.

We support our members throughout their careers, from education and training through to the day they leave the profession. Our work is guided by members and focused on improving their working lives, amplifying their voices and building our midwifery community.

The RCM plays an important role in maternity services, workforce issues, professional leadership, campaigning and public policy. Our members need an organisation that is influential, responsive and trusted, with the systems, insight and confidence to support them well.

About the role

The Chief Operating Officer will help the RCM turn its strategy into disciplined, inclusive and member-focused delivery.

Working closely with the Chief Executive, Board, Executive Team and colleagues across the four nations, you will strengthen the business engine behind the RCM’s purpose. This includes financial planning, governance, risk, compliance, digital, data, CRM, operational performance, supplier management and organisational improvement.

The role comes at an important stage in the RCM’s development. We have made significant progress in working as One RCM, bringing together our professional association, trade union, membership and business functions around a shared commitment to members. The next COO will build on that work by improving financial grip, strengthening data and insight, developing clearer systems and helping teams work with greater confidence and accountability.

What we are looking for

You will bring significant senior leadership experience in a broad organisational role, such as COO, Deputy CEO, Chief Executive, Director of Corporate Services, Director of Resources or a comparable position.

You will understand how to build strong business infrastructure, improve systems and lead change through people. An accounting qualification is not required; however, you will have experience delivering strategic financial management. Importantly, we need someone confident with governance and risk, who is interested in how data, CRM and insight can improve member experience and decision-making.

You do not need to have worked in an organisation exactly like the RCM. Experience in a membership organisation, professional body, trade union, charity or values-led organisation would be helpful, but we are also interested in leaders from other settings who bring the judgement, curiosity and humility to understand our distinctive role.

If you connect with the RCM’s purpose and can help strengthen the organisation that supports midwives and maternity support workers across the UK, we would be pleased to hear from you.

Please click on the link to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the role and how to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 12th October 2026.

We’re looking for someone inspirational, approachable, open-minded, with great communication skills and a genuine passion for supporting people experiencing mental health difficulties, their families, friends and their carers to live their best lives.

If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.

As our current CEO prepares for retirement, we are looking for someone new to lead our organisation with the kindness and professionalism we’re known for.

For more than 30 years, Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen Mind has supported people across the Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen Local Authority areas and the Hywel Dda University Health Board region.

Mental health challenges affect people from all walks of life, and the need for accessible, person-centred support continues to grow. Conditions such as anxiety, depression, and other long-term mental health difficulties remain some of the most common health issues faced by individuals, families, and communities.

Compassionate, local mental health support can make a meaningful difference, we help people build resilience, maintain independence, and find hope during difficult times.

Across the UK, many people experience significant impacts on their daily lives, relationships, and wellbeing because of mental health problems. The wider effects on families, carers, and support networks can also be profound, highlighting the importance of early help, ongoing support, and community-based services.

Who we’re looking for:

• We’re looking for an experienced, confident and compassionate leader who can balance people, purpose and performance.
• You will be responsible for implementing the organisation’s strategy, as set by the Board of Trustees, leading staff and volunteers, overseeing services and finances, and ensuring strong governance and compliance.
• You’ll need strong knowledge and understanding of NHS and Local Authority structures, as well as health and social care legislation in Wales.
• You will maintain our welcoming, inclusive culture while planning for the future by identifying opportunities, building new partnerships and income streams, managing risk, and ensuring the charity’s financial sustainability.
• You will be a great listener, ensuring that our community feels heard. You will amplify their voices locally, regionally and nationally. These views will also inform the design, development and delivery of all our high-quality services

Application Resources

For Job Role specifics and more about us please see our CEO Recruitment Pack

Application Instructions

Ready to lead?

If you are interested in becoming Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen Mind’s next permanent Chief Executive Officer, please complete our application form and attach your CV. The application form can be found on our website.

For Full Application Instructions and more about us please see our CEO Recruitment Pack

Closing date for this role will be at 12:00 midday on 30/09/26

Interviews for this role will be held on week commencing 19/10/26

Policy has the power to change lives – do you have the engine to drive meaningful change forward?

Bring your policy expertise, political insight and energy to help MCR Pathways transform opportunities for young people across the UK.

We’re looking for a highly driven Senior UK Policy & Public Affairs Officer to help advance our mission to bridge the education, skills and opportunity gap through the transformative power of mentoring. You’ll monitor the political landscape, turn evidence and impact into compelling policy arguments, build influential relationships and identify opportunities to put mentoring at the heart of national and regional agendas.

From Westminster and Holyrood to local and combined authorities, you’ll help build the case for change, champion the Trusted Adult Guarantee and support MCR Pathways’ continued expansion across the UK.

The Role Experience

This is a hands-on policy and public affairs role that goes well beyond monitoring what’s happening in government. You’ll be immersed in the UK political and policy landscape, identifying opportunities to influence, developing policy briefings and submissions, mapping stakeholders and cultivating relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians, civil servants and strategic partners.

You’ll also be the operational engine behind senior leadership engagement. You’ll identify and progress opportunities, coordinate preparation, develop briefings, arrange meetings and drive follow-up – enabling our CEO, Development Director and other senior leaders to lead high-level engagement and representation with key policymakers and stakeholders.

Turn insight and lived experience into influence. Help make the power of mentoring a national priority.

What You’ll Bring:

• Policy & Public Affairs: Proven experience in policy, public affairs or parliamentary work, with a strong understanding of UK political systems and policy-making.

• Influencing & Relationships: The ability to map political landscapes, build strategic relationships and identify opportunities to influence policymakers and decision-makers.

• Evidence & Advocacy: Exceptional written and analytical skills, with the ability to turn complex evidence, impact data and operational experience into compelling policy arguments.

• Strategic & Operational Drive: A proactive approach, able to spot opportunities, coordinate activity and ensure high-quality preparation and follow-through for senior engagement.

• Collaboration & Purpose: A highly collaborative approach and genuine commitment to improving outcomes and opportunities for young people facing barriers to reaching their potential.

Safeguarding

MCR Pathways is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people, and we expect you to share this commitment. This post is subject to appropriate vetting, including a criminal record check and PVG / DBS Scheme membership.

About MCR Pathways

MCR Pathways is an award-winning mentoring programme delivered in schools, further education settings and communities. We connect young people with trusted adult volunteer mentors, providing consistent guidance to help build confidence, self-belief and ambition. Through this support, young people can overcome barriers and progress towards positive destinations such as further education, apprenticeships and employment.

Who we are:

Muslim Aid is a UK faith-based international development organisation that provides support to communities around the world affected by disasters, conflict, or endemic poverty without regard to their social, religious, or ethnic background. 

Established in 1985, Muslim Aid has facilitated the engagement of the British Muslim and non-Muslim community in support of its work in a variety of ways. Over the years, its humanitarian work has included responses to major crises around the world including famine in East Africa, earthquakes and flooding in Pakistan and Bangladesh as well as conflicts in Syria and Yemen. 

We place strong emphasis on long-term development projects that build the capacity of local people to help themselves. In addition to our 5 country offices worldwide, we also work with multiple partner offices focusing on sustainable development programmes and providing humanitarian relief during times of crisis.

Summary of the role:

The Data, Risk and Compliance Officer will coordinate Muslim Aid’s organisational approach to data protection, risk management, compliance and assurance coordination. The role will provide oversight of key registers, trackers, records, reports and action plans, including the corporate risk register, compliance obligations register, policy review schedule, data protection records, information-rights requests, breach records, audit action trackers and assurance follow-up.

The postholder will work directly with the COO, leadership team and functional owners across the organisation to strengthen governance, ensure risks and compliance actions are actively managed, support timely escalation and drive continuous improvement in organisational controls and accountability.

The postholder will own coordination, tracking, records, follow-up and administrative support for these areas, while supporting senior colleagues with design, judgement, quality assurance and insight.

About the Role:

1. Maintain the corporate risk register and ensure risks, controls, actions, owners and deadlines are kept up to date.
2. Gather regular updates from functional owners and support teams to articulate and record risks clearly and consistently.
3. Maintain the compliance obligations register, policy review schedule and evidence of compliance activity.
4. Work with departments to record legal, regulatory, donor, funding agreement, data protection and internal policy requirements.
5. Maintain data protection policies, procedures, templates, records of processing activities (ROPAs), data-flow records and information asset registers.
6. Prepare regular reports, exception reports, committee updates, action summaries and briefing notes on risk, compliance, data protection, audit actions and overdue matters.

About You:

You must currently hold the right to work in the UK. Muslim Aid is not offering sponsorship for this role.

This role operates on a hybrid working basis, with a current requirement to work from the office for two/three days per week, and additional days where required to meet organisational needs.

To be successful in this role, you will need:

1. Law degree, equivalent legal qualification or equivalent experience in legal, compliance or regulatory matters.
2. Significant experience in data protection, risk, compliance, governance, assurance or a related area, including responsibility for improving organisational processes and controls.
3. Experience managing risk registers, compliance trackers, policy schedules, action logs and organisational records, with responsibility for quality, timeliness and escalation.
4. Strong organisational and coordination skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands, oversee several trackers, manage deadlines and deliver high-quality reports.
5. Ability to influence and follow up actions firmly and professionally, make sound judgements, identify issues requiring escalation and handle sensitive information with discretion.
6. Ability to write clear reports, updates, guidance, action summaries and recommendations for managers, the Leadership Team, committees and the Board..

Why you should apply:

Join Muslim Aid as our Data, Risk & Compliance Officer and play a key role in strengthening our approach to data protection, risk management, compliance and organisational assurance. Working closely with the COO, Leadership Team and colleagues across the organisation, you’ll help ensure key risks, compliance obligations and data protection responsibilities are effectively monitored, managed and addressed. You’ll oversee essential registers, records and action plans, support audit and assurance activity, and help strengthen organisational controls and accountability. If you’re passionate about good governance, effective risk management and using robust processes to drive continuous improvement, we would love to hear from you.

Benefits you will enjoy working for us: 

• 25 days annual leave + 4 Privilege days
• Hybrid working – 2/3 days per week in the office
• Paid time off for medical appointments 
• 2 hours lunch break on Fridays 
• Time Off in Lieu (TOIL)
• Pension scheme

How to apply:

To apply please submit your cover letter (no more than 1 page) and CV.

Pre-employment Checks:

Due to the nature of our work with children and vulnerable communities, Muslim Aid operates rigorous safeguarding and Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) procedures in our recruitment process. We are committed to the prevention of sexual abuse and exploitation and adopts a zero-tolerance approach to SEA, as a result, any employment with Muslim Aid is subject to the following checks prior to your start date:

• Satisfactory professional references, including safeguarding-specific enquiries.
• A Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and/or an International Criminal Record Check where applicable.
• A review of right-to-work documentation for the country in which the role is based. 

We will do everything possible to ensure that only those who are suitable to work with children and vulnerable people are recruited to work for us.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, or age. 

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applications will be accepted until the closing date, however, Muslim Aid reserves the right to initiate interviews and the selection process on a rolling basis with the aim of identifying an appropriate candidate as quickly as possible

Harris Hill is delighted to be working with the MSA Trust to recruit its new Chief Executive Officer.

The Multiple System Atrophy Trust is the UK and Ireland’s leading charity supporting people affected by multiple system atrophy (MSA) – a rare neurological disease with no known cause or cure.

We are here to support everyone affected by MSA including people diagnosed with MSA, carers, family members and friends, and healthcare professionals.

We do this by offering a range of support services, information and education, funding research and raising awareness and advocating for people with MSA.

As Chief Executive, you will:

• Lead the charity forward in its next stage of development.
• Demonstrate exceptional leadership skills, strong financial and operational management capability.
• Have a clear empathy with MSA Trust’s cause.

If you are inspired and excited by what the MSA Trust does, we’d love to hear from you.

Job title: Chief Executive Officer

Salary: circa £70,000 p.a.

Contract: Permanent / Full-time

Location: London, N1 with hybrid working in place

How to apply:

Please review the Recruitment Pack for further information about the MSA Trust, the CEO position and for details on how to apply.

Closing date for applications: 9am Friday 9 October 2026

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

About us

Greyhound Rescue Wales (GRW) is Wales’ leading charity dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming greyhounds and lurchers. Founded in 1993, we have spent more than three decades championing the welfare of sighthounds and working towards our vision: a Wales without greyhound racing, where every greyhound and lurcher has a home and receives the best possible care.

In April 2026, after 25 years of determined campaigning to improve welfare and regulation within the racing industry, legislation to ban greyhound racing in Wales was finally passed. This landmark achievement marks the beginning of a new chapter for GRW as we expand our reach and capacity across the UK to ensure every greyhound leaving the racing industry has a rescue space, medical support and rehabilitation on the journey towards their forever home.

To help us grow sustainably and strengthen our long‑term impact, we are now seeking to develop our fundraising team with the creation of a Head of Fundraising role. You will lead and work closely with the Trusts & Foundations Officer, Sponsorship & Individual Giving Officer and Community & Events Fundraiser to deliver an annual income target of £400K+.

Role

The Head of Fundraising is a senior leadership role with overall accountability for the strategic development, operational effectiveness and performance of all fundraising activity at Greyhound Rescue Wales (GRW).

The role will drive, lead and grow our fundraising strategy and has responsibility for developing diverse, sustainable income streams and building strong relationships with supporters, partners, and funders.

The role holds end‑to‑end accountability for income delivery across trusts and foundations, community and event fundraising, and sponsorship and individual giving.

The Head of Fundraising provides clear leadership to the fundraising team and has line management responsibility for:

• Trusts and Foundations Officer
• Community and Events Fundraising Officer
• Sponsorship & Individual Giving Officer

Please see attached the full job description and person specification

Active Essex Foundation is a successful and growing charity dedicated to creating the conditions for young people and communities across Essex to thrive. Our work focuses on three core areas: improving young people’s mental health, reducing vulnerabilities to youth crime and exploitation, and strengthening communities through trusted relationships and positive engagement.

A defining feature of our approach is our network of more than 100 Locally Trusted Organisations (LTOs) across Essex. These community-based organisations are at the heart of our delivery model, providing trusted relationships, local insight and direct support within the communities they serve. Working closely with our LTO network enables us to reach those who may be least likely to engage with traditional services and ensure support is tailored to local needs.

Through partnerships with our LTOs, we deliver programmes that use physical activity, mentoring and community support to build resilience, improve wellbeing and reduce inequalities. This role will play a key part in developing and strengthening these relationships, helping our LTO network to maximise its impact and deliver positive outcomes for young people and communities across Essex.

Everything we do is shaped by the real experiences of the people we serve, ensuring our interventions are meaningful, accessible and rooted in what communities tell us they need.

Active Essex Foundation works to improve life chances for young people and communities across Essex by focusing on three core areas: mental health, youth crime prevention, and strengthening communities. Through our programme structure, we co-design community-led initiatives that use physical activity and positive engagement as tools to build resilience, improve wellbeing and reduce inequalities.

The Sport for Development Officer will play a key role in supporting the delivery and growth of these programmes. Working closely with our programme leads, locally trusted organisations (LTOs), and community stakeholders, the postholder will help strengthen organisational capability, and ensure high-quality delivery across our mental health, youth crime prevention and community strengthening work. The role will also contribute to the leadership of workstreams aligned with our strategic Outcomes, supporting the Foundation’s mission.

The ideal candidate will bring strong relationship-building skills and experience of working collaboratively with a diverse range of stakeholders. They should demonstrate a track record of delivering impactful projects or initiatives at local or county level, applying a systems approach to complex community issues, and using strengths-based methods to build resilience and capacity within local organisations.

The post holder will work with AEF staff across the business to deliver the duties and responsibilities set out below.

An exciting opportunity!

This is a rare and genuinely exciting opportunity to lead the UK's only dedicated charity supporting children, adults and families affected by MPS, Fabry disease and related lysosomal storage disorders. Following the current Chief Executive's planned move to become Managing Director of Rare Disease Research Partners (RDRP) in January 2027, the incoming CEO will take the helm of an organisation with over forty years of history, a trusted national reputation and a growing role on the international rare disease stage. The successful candidate will shape the strategic vision for more than 1,800 families, oversee the close partnership between the Society and its research subsidiary RDRP, and champion the patient and family ethos that sits at the heart of the organisation's work. It is an opportunity to combine ambitious strategic leadership with deeply meaningful, human impact, working alongside a committed Board, Senior Leadership Team and wider community of clinicians, researchers and pharmaceutical partners.

As our next Chief Executive, you will

• Define and deliver the MPS Society’s strategic vision.
• Provide confident oversight of governance, finance, compliance and reporting.
• Effectively manage the operational alignment between the MPS Society and RDRP.
• Always keep the members and family voice at the heart of strategy, service design and decision-making.
• Build and maintain senior-level relationships with statutory bodies, government agencies, pharmaceutical partners, clinical expert centres and other key stakeholders to support the Society’s objectives, influence policy and practice, and protect its professional reputation.
• Act as a visible and credible public voice to raise awareness, improve visibility, support, treatment access and outcomes for people affected by MPS, Fabry disease and related conditions.
• Collaborate with other rare disease bodies, patient organisations and other key audiences.
• Lead and empower the senior leadership team through effective delegation, early involvement in strategic discussions, clear accountability and support for individuals to flourish.
• Encourage an open, supportive work environment allowing creativity and building staff confidence.
• Help shape the future of the MPS Society.

About you

•  Self-motivated, with the drive to lead the organisation through a period of change and transition.
• Unquestionable probity and personal integrity, given the trust placed in the CEO by families, trustees and partners.
• Exemplary written and verbal communication skills, able to convey complex scientific and clinical information to audiences ranging from clinicians to families with no prior knowledge of MPS disorders.
• Strong self-awareness, with insight into their own leadership style and impact on others.
• Emotional resilience, able to sustain performance while supporting a community facing life limiting conditions.
• A collaborative and empowering leadership style, able to build trust, delegate effectively and help individuals across the organisation flourish.
• Genuine passion for the Society's mission, with a family and member-first ethos.
• Confidence to build relationships across a wide range of stakeholders, from beneficiaries and Trustees to politicians, media and pharmaceutical partners.
• A proactive, positive approach, comfortable reacting to change and organising their own work to meet deadlines.
• Confidence speaking publicly on behalf of the organisation and the people it represents.

Why join us?

A close-knit, values-led culture. With just over thirty staff across the Society and RDRP combined, this is a place where the CEO can know the team personally, work closely with families day-to-day, and see the direct results of decisions rather than managing at a distance through layers of bureaucracy.

• Genuine autonomy to shape direction. The Board is explicitly looking to the new CEO to bring fresh thinking on technology, AI, and digital tools, and to give real freedom to modernise fundraising, services, and engagement rather than simply maintaining what already exists.
• A stable foundation to build from over forty years of track record, trusted relationships and a strong national reputation mean the incoming CEO can focus energy on vision and growth rather than firefighting or rebuilding credibility from scratch.
• Proximity to cutting-edge science: the Society's close relationship with RDRP gives the CEO regular exposure to advances in rare disease research and treatment access, while day-to-day research leadership sits with the RDRP Managing Director, allowing the CEO to focus on strategy, people and sustainability.
• A high-visibility, high-influence platform. Regular contact with government, pharmaceutical companies, clinicians and international rare disease bodies offers strong opportunities to build a public profile and personal network well beyond the charity sector.
• A team that already shares the mission. Staff are described as passionate about the Society's aims, and as having a family-first ethos, so the new CEO inherits a culture to lead and empower rather than one that needs to be built from the ground up.
• Work with a different kind of return. Beyond salary and career progression, this role offers the less tangible reward of knowing that strategic and financial decisions translate, into better support for families facing some of the rarest conditions in the country.

Benefits

Join us and you will be working for a caring charity offering:

• A competitive salary
• Generous annual leave
• Extra leave between Christmas and the New Year
• Contributory pension
• Life assurance (subject to the conditions of the scheme)
• Employee assistance programme offering support 24/7

Further information

The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the UK.

The main duties, responsibilities and requirements of this role can be viewed in the job description on our website.

Salary to be agreed depending on experience and will be pro-rata for part time hours.

This is an essential car user post. The applicant must hold a current UK driver’s licence, with no more than 6 points, have access to a car and be able and willing to drive UK wide as required.

This senior role requires flexibility in working hours and location.  It is primarily offered on a hybrid basis with a minimum of 2 days in our Amersham, Buckinghamshire, office each week. As part of the role, UK and overseas travel is necessary, which may on occasion include early morning and/or evening working and sometimes overnight stays. We have policies in place to ensure that any unsociable hours worked over the weekend are fairly compensated through TOIL.

This role will require an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring check (DBS) details of which can be found in the job description.

For an informal discussion about the role or the work of the MPS Society, please contact Dr Fiona Stewart.  Contact details can be found on the full job description. Kindly note, meetings with other relevant people will be available to shortlisted candidates at interview stage.  

About School of Hard Knocks

School of Hard Knocks (SOHK) is one of the UK’s leading education charities, working in 29 secondary schools across England, Scotland, and Wales. Using rugby as a key delivery tool, we support young people who are struggling to engage in early secondary education - often because of anxiety, low confidence, disrupted home lives, or behavioural challenges rooted in trauma. For many of the children we support, life has already brought more hardship than most adults experience in a lifetime. Our purpose is clear: to help young people facing complex challenges break the cycle and move towards a safer, stronger, more hopeful future.

The SOHK Schools Programme is a two-year intervention working with cohorts of around 20 pupils from Year 7 through to Year 9. Pupils are selected by the school and are typically among the hardest to reach young people. Each week, we deliver half a day of rugby training and classroom sessions built around our 3Cs framework, covering topics such as growth mindset, goal setting, and decision-making, alongside monthly one-to-one sessions with every pupil. The programme’s impact is evaluated by SOHK staff, teachers, parents, and the pupils themselves.

90% of our participants report feeling more confident and more engaged with school after taking part, with long-term effects on attendance, attainment, and life outcomes. Find out more about our Schools Programme.

Since 2023, SOHK has been proud to partner with Impetus, a charity that invests in and supports organisations helping young people from disadvantaged backgrounds succeed. This partnership combines investment with strategic and organisational development support, helping to strengthen our impact and set SOHK up for sustainable growth.

We are proud to be delivering long-term programmes that meaningfully reach hundreds of young people each year - but the societal need is vast. Our ambitious four-year strategic plan targets growth, aiming to bring our impactful programme to hundreds more young people each year.

“Despite the usual challenges that every education or sport for development charity faces, School of Hard Knocks really is unique. It is not so much what we deliver at a programme level (which is of course brilliant) but who we are as a team. If you are a values-led leader and love the idea of ‘team’, then School of Hard Knocks is the place for you.”

- Ken Cowen, Founder and outgoing CEO

The Role

The CEO is the public face and leader of SOHK, responsible for the overall strategic direction, vision, and management of the charity - ensuring SOHK meets its mission and strategic objectives while maintaining strong relationships with Trustees, staff, supporters, and the wider SOHK community. We’re looking for a mission-driven charity leader and effective fundraiser, capable of building a sustainable growth model.

Strategy and Direction

● Be the face and voice of the charity - its principal ambassador

● Lead the development and periodic review of SOHK’s strategy with the Trustees and Senior Management Team

● Translate the 2026-30 strategy into organisational priorities, plans, and goals

● Ensure safeguarding, wellbeing, and the lived experience of young people remain central to every decision and growth plan

Programme Delivery, Quality and Impact

● Hold a high bar for programme quality and outcomes for young people

● Line-manage and support the Director of Programmes, working with delivery teams and partners to build a world-class, evidence-based intervention

● Ensure SOHK can evidence the impact of its programmes, with insights feeding back into constant improvement

Income Generation, Fundraising and External Relations

● Lead income generation across trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, individual giving, and challenges and events

● Line-manage and support the Head of Fundraising in executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy

● Hold senior relationships with funders and partners, building SOHK’s brand, reputation, and profile

Leading People, Culture and Operations

● Build and lead a high-performing Senior Management Team

● Foster a positive, inclusive, high-performing culture aligned with SOHK’s values

● Line-manage and support the Director of Finance & Operations, ensuring operational excellence

Governance and the Board

● Act as the primary link between the organisation and the Trustees

● Attend all Trustee meetings (held quarterly) and provide timely, accurate reporting

● Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and Charity Commission requirements

About You

Essential

● Proven senior leadership experience in the charity, education, youth, or social impact sector - whether as CEO or as part of an executive team - including working directly with a Board of Trustees

● Demonstrated success in building or significantly growing an organisation, programme, or initiative

● A collaborative and values-led leadership style, with the ability to inspire trust, hold people to account, and build high-performing teams

● Strong track record of income generation, including securing significant funding from trusts, foundations, corporates, or major donors

● Experience of financial oversight, budgeting, and organisational planning at a senior level

● Strategic thinker, able to translate vision into clear plans and delivery

● Strong relationship-builder and communicator, confident with a wide range of stakeholders

Desirable

● Previous charity CEO experience - a bonus, but not essential; we know brilliant candidates come from a wide range of backgrounds

● Direct classroom, youth work, or education leadership experience

● Knowledge of the UK education system and youth policy landscape

● Experience of scaling a multi-site delivery organisation and working with local authorities

Personal Attributes

● Deep commitment to improving outcomes for young people, especially those facing disadvantage

● Resilient and persistent, able to work under pressure and navigate setbacks

● Collaborative, open, and reflective leader who seeks feedback and learns from it

Terms of Appointment

Contract type

Full-time, permanent

Location

Greater London, with offices in Edinburgh & Cardiff

Salary

£85,000 – £90,000 per year + £5,000 PRP

Reports to

Chair of the Board of Trustees

Direct reports

Director of Programmes; Head of Fundraising; Director of Finance & Operations

Travel

Regular UK travel, primarily to Edinburgh and Cardiff. Occasional evenings for stakeholder engagement and fundraising events

Trustee meetings

Quarterly, in London, in the evening, plus ad hoc subcommittees

As the Director of People and Culture, you will provide strategic leadership across all aspects of People & Culture within the organisation. You will work closely with the CEO, Leadership Team, Governance Team and Board of Trustees to develop a positive, inclusive and people-focused culture, while ensuring effective recruitment, employee relations, learning and development, performance management and people policies across the organisation.

What you'll do 

• Lead the organisation’s People & Culture strategy, ensuring it supports our charitable purpose, organisational priorities and values.
• Provide strategic leadership and advice on workforce planning, recruitment, reward, employee relations, organisational development and change.
• Lead the development of a positive, inclusive and values-led culture, supporting employee engagement, wellbeing, learning, performance and retention.
• Oversee People & Culture governance, policies, systems, compliance and workforce reporting, providing assurance and recommendations to senior leaders and the Board.

The Bevan Foundation is seeking a Head of Policy (Poverty) to lead its high impact team and to deputise for the CEO whilst the current post holder is on maternity leave.

Could you lead the Bevan Foundation in its mission to end poverty in Wales?

About the Bevan Foundation

The Bevan Foundation is Wales’s most influential think tank. We create insights, ideas and impact that help to end poverty and inequality. Over recent years the Foundation has helped secure real and lasting change for people across Wales, from universal free school meals for primary pupils to increases in Education Maintenance Allowance. We’ve built a reputation for trusted, evidence-based insights and ideas that influence decision-makers and improve lives.

About the role

The Bevan Foundation has an exciting opportunity within its high impact policy and research team. This is a unique opportunity to make a contribution to our programme of work and to develop ideas to solve poverty. The post holder will also deputise for the CEO providing an opportunity to contribute to the development of the organisation’s strategic direction.

About you

You will have expertise in Welsh policy and politics, as well as an excellent research and analytical skills, superb communications skills and an ability to develop innovative solutions.

Key terms

This is a fixed-term maternity cover position for an anticipated period of 12 months.

The current post holder works four days a week. The Foundation may consider appointing someone for a full working week and this is something that could be discussed at interview.

The full time equivalent salary for this post is £51,519 – £57,980. The expectation is that the candidate would normally be appointed at the bottom of the scale.

We work in a hybrid way, with staff expected be office-based for two to three days a week and to attend monthly in-person team meetings. The Foundation’s offices are in Merthyr Tydfil. We are also open to discussing remote working within Wales for the right candidate.

We would also welcome applications from individuals seeking a secondment opportunity, subject to agreement from their current employer.

Application information can be found in the Job Specification added below.