Governance and policy officer jobs

Z2K has a clear 2025–2030 strategy and a strong reputation for principled, evidence‑led campaigning rooted in frontline experience. The external environment is volatile: rising poverty, political contestation around welfare and housing, and tightening funding conditions.

After a long‑standing Chief Executive stepped down in late 2025, the organisation has been led by an Interim Chief Executive. The permanent appointment is therefore a moment of consolidation and renewal. The next Chief Executive will provide long‑term stability, sharpen strategic focus and define the organisation’s next phase.

Z2K faces structural pressures common to many charities of this scale: rising costs, reliance on grant funding, growing demand and increasing scrutiny. The Chief Executive must do two things at once:

• Increase measurable impact of our advice services and advocacy work on inadequate incomes and high costs.

• Build a financially resilient, well‑run organisation capable of sustaining that impact.

This is not a figurehead role. It requires leadership with grip, political judgement and commercial realism.

Join a charity rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission and play a central role in our senior leadership team.
This is a rare opportunity to use your finance and people leadership expertise to help shape the future of a well-established, values-driven organisation.

Shared Lives South West delivers long-term and short break care and support across Devon, Cornwall and Somerset, enabling people to live fulfilling lives within family homes and communities. We are proud of the quality of our work and the positive, relational culture we have built as an organisation, and we are ambitious about what comes next.

As Deputy Chief Executive, you will join our senior leadership team in a pivotal organisation-wide role leading finance, people and core business functions. Working closely with the Chief Executive and Leadership Team, you will help strengthen financial stewardship, support a thriving and sustainable people culture, and ensure the organisation remains resilient, well-governed and effective.

This is a broad and influential leadership role offering both strategic responsibility and meaningful organisational impact. You will contribute to long-term planning and decision-making, provide leadership depth and continuity, and deputise for the Chief Executive when required.

We are looking for an experienced senior leader with strong organisational finance expertise and a good understanding of people leadership and workforce practice. You may come from the charity, public or wider values-led sector, and you will bring a collaborative, grounded leadership style alongside professional rigour.

For the right candidate, this role offers the opportunity to make a significant contribution to an already high-performing organisation while continuing to grow your own leadership portfolio in a supportive and purpose-driven environment.

For full details and to apply please see Applicant Pack attached. 

Other organisations may refer to roles like this as Deputy CEO, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Finance Director, Director of Finance and Operations, or Executive Director of Corporate Services.

Severn Arts is an ambitious, evolving arts charity and one of the national Music Hubs for Herefordshire and Worcestershire. We are looking for people who want to ensure the creative sector flourishes, and that the value of the arts is recognised as a contributor to society, and to creating confident, empowered communities. 

In our new Chief Executive, we seek a leader with the experience and ambition to build on the momentum we have, to strengthen organisational resilience, grow audiences and foster relationships with partners and stakeholders. The successful candidate will work with the Senior Leadership Team as we embark on a new 3-year Business Plan cycle to design and implement innovative and creative strategies that align with our strategic aims.

The new Chief Executive will be instrumental in advocating for the work we do, growing the business, and promoting the opportunities Severn Arts brings to children and young people and the wider community of Worcestershire.

Severn Arts has been through significant transformational change since its inception and has accomplished a great deal through diversifying into large-scale project delivery, community engagement and music projects aimed at providing access for all to high-quality experiences that are sustainable and life-affirming. We are in year two of a new three-year business plan period and the potential to grow our offer and increase our impact is great. Joining at this time in our history would enable the right candidate to have significant influence in taking the charity forward.

Main purpose of the role: To provide leadership to the organisation working with the Senior Leadership Team to develop, deliver and evaluate our agreed strategic business plan; promote growth and sustainability, and foster a positive, inspiring work environment that empowers our teams to deliver our vision and goals.

• Lead the charity’s vision, values and strategic direction working closely with Trustees to ensure a resilient, ambitious organisation that connects communities through creative endeavour and engagement.
• Support the Chair of Trustees to ensure that the Board and sub committees are equipped and informed, enabling effective and appropriate governance.
• Drive the successful development of income generation through successful fundraising and partnership development to ensure Severn Arts' sustainability.
• Work with and support the Director of Operations and Resources to develop and implement an informed financial plan and be accountable for the annual budget.
• Build and maintain key relationships with stakeholders locally, regionally, and nationally and be an ambassador and spokesperson for the organisation.
• Work and negotiate with strategic funding partners to ensure that outcomes and KPIs are aligned and delivered for the benefit of our audiences and users and for the long-term sustainability of Severn Arts.
• Provide leadership across the organisation and ensure Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access is embedded into all aspects of our work, team, and offer.
• Ensure a joined up, supportive working environment that sets out clear values, encourages creativity and contributions from everyone and enables the staff team, volunteers and our Board to flourish and thrive.
• Overall responsibility for adherence to all company policies and working practices.

This post is subject to a criminal record check under the arrangements established by the Disclosure and Barring Service.

The Vacancies

We are seeking to appoint one registered medical practitioner and one business registrant (Companies Committee), one lay member (Education Committee) and one optometrist (Standards Committee) to our Advisory Panel Companies Committee.

About the GOC
We are the regulator for the optical professions in the UK. Our purpose is to protect the public by promoting high standards of education, performance, and conduct.  For more information about us please visit our website.

About the Advisory Panel
The Advisory Panel is a meeting of the four Council’s committees (Companies, Education, Registration, and Standards) in plenary session. They are established by statute for the purpose of giving advice and assistance to Council (whether or not in response to a request from them) on:

• matters relating to business registrants other than matters required by the Opticians Act to be referred to the Investigation Committee, the Registration Appeals, Committee or the Fitness to Practise Committee;
• matters relating to optical training, education, and assessment;
• matters relating to registration, other than matters required by the Opticians Act to be considered by the Registration Appeals Committee; and
• matters relating to the standards of conduct and performance expected of registrants or those seeking admission to the register.

Time Commitment and Remuneration

This role is part time with a commitment of approximately 2-3 days per year, including time spent preparing for meetings.  Meetings will usually take place via MS Teams but may on occasion be held at the GOC Offices in London or other suitable venues.

Members are paid up to £185 per meeting. This is taxable and subject to National Insurance (NI) contributions. This is in line with our member fees policy and member fee schedule.

How to apply

Please apply with the following:

• your CV outlining your employment history, any relevant voluntary work, public service, or other experience; together with any relevant professional, academic, or vocational qualifications (please keep this to two sides of A4);
• the application form (attached), stating how your experience matches the essential criteria for the vacancy you are applying for; and
• an EDI monitoring form (linked in the candidate pack) 

Please email your completed application quoting reference GOC01/26 to appointment@optical. org.

We would welcome applications from individuals who are disabled and from diverse ethnic backgrounds, as these are currently under-represented on our Council and committees.

For more information about these roles please download the candidate information pack attached.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: midnight Sunday 29 March 2026.

Online interviews will be held on 14,15,18 and 19 May 2026.

If you have any questions, please email them to appointment@optical. org and we will aim to respond to you within 48 hours. 

We strive to be as diverse as the public we protect and welcome applications from everyone, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, maternity, and geographical locations outside of London.

Strong relationships change lives.

At Relationship Works, we support individuals, couples and families to build healthier, happier relationships and better emotional wellbeing — strengthening communities in the process. As part of the TLC Group, we deliver safe, ethical and high-quality counselling services rooted in compassion and professionalism.

We’re entering an exciting phase of growth and development and are now looking for an Executive Director to lead day-to-day delivery and strengthen our operational foundations.

The Role

This is a senior operational leadership role with meaningful scope and support from the wider TLC Group infrastructure.

You will:

• Lead the day-to-day running of Relationship Works
• Ensure high-quality, safe and ethical clinical practice
• Support the delivery of agreed growth and development plans
• Strengthen financial oversight and manage budgets responsibly
• Improve systems, processes and the client journey
• Support marketing and partnership activity alongside TLC colleagues
• Develop and support a skilled, diverse counselling workforce

You’ll work closely with TLC Group colleagues who lead on strategy, marketing and wider organisational development — giving you the support and structure to focus on excellent service delivery and sustainable operations.

About You

We’re looking for a values-led, people-focused leader with sound judgement and strong operational experience.

You’ll bring:

• Experience of leading teams and managing services
• Financial awareness and confidence working within budgets
• A collaborative leadership style that develops and motivates others
• Emotional intelligence and clear communication
• A commitment to inclusion, safeguarding and high ethical standards

Experience within counselling, health, social care or the charity sector would be advantageous.

The Offer

• Salary: £40,504 – £47,957
• 37 hours per week
• Hybrid working, with time spent at TLC Group offices (various locations across England)
• The opportunity to lead a respected local service with strong group-level support

If you’re motivated by delivering excellent services, supporting talented people and making a tangible difference in your community, we’d love to hear from you.

Application Deadline: 13 March 2026
Interviews expected in Bristol on 20 and 23 March 2026

About the role

The Research Officer will contribute to the Policy, Public Affairs and Research Team by providing qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research.

This role supports the Policy and Public Affairs Lead with research programmes, designing and analysing data, producing reports and presenting findings to diverse stakeholders.

Key responsibilities

• Design and deliver compelling research projects using qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches.
• Analyse and interpret primary data, producing accessible reports and presentations for diverse audiences.
• Provide operational and analytical support, including survey design, data collection, and research governance.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to support research delivery, knowledge exchange, and sector impact measurement.

This is an excellent opportunity for a curious and methodical researcher who enjoys translating complex data into actionable insight. This role is vital in generating evidence that shapes NCVO’s influence, supports sector development, and drives change.

Your background

• Experience delivering research projects, ideally within policy, public affairs or the voluntary sector.
• Experience interpreting primary data and translating findings into clear, accessible reports and presentations.
• Experience designing surveys and supporting data collection, research administration and governance processes.
• The ability to manage multiple projects and balance research delivery with operational responsibilities.
• Experience collaborating with internal stakeholders to support insight generation and knowledge exchange.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor insight to diverse audiences.

This is a great time to join NCVO during a period of positive change and you can generate evidence that truly makes a difference. This role offers the chance to deepen your research expertise and work on meaningful projects with real-world impact

About the team

The Policy, Public Affairs and Research team works to ensure voluntary organisations have the wider conditions they need to achieve their missions. PPA analyses the political landscape, develops and communicates credible policy solutions to support the sector, and builds strong relationships across Westminster and Whitehall.

We may close applications early if we receive a high volume of interest, so apply as soon as you can.

Why join us

With members at the heart of everything we do, we champion the charities and volunteers who make a daily difference to our communities across England. Join us and help us make communities stronger and support us making a bigger difference!

Some of NCVO’s great benefits include:

• 25 days’ annual leave (pro-rata for part-time staff), increasing based on years of service
• five days’ volunteering leave (pro rata for part-time staff)
• enhanced pay for maternity/adoption leave
• generous employer pension contribution of up to 8.5% of salary.

Find out more about the benefits of working at NCVO.

Director of Services

Are you a strategic leader who builds strong teams and delivers services with real, measurable impact?

We’re looking for a Director of Services to lead and shape our national support and wellbeing offer at Cardiomyopathy UK.

And here’s the important bit..........You do not need to know anything about cardiomyopathy.

If you are an experienced senior leader with a track record of improving service quality, embedding outcome measurement and leading high performing teams, we want to hear from you.

About the role

This is a key Executive Leadership Team role, reporting to the Chief Executive. You will lead our Services Directorate and work closely with trustees and fellow directors to shape strategy, strengthen performance and ensure we can clearly evidence the difference we make.

Our services support people across the full life cycle of cardiomyopathy, from diagnosis through long term management and, where needed, palliative and end of life care. Your role will be to ensure that support is joined up, high quality, clinically safe and responsive to changing emotional, practical and clinical needs.

You will lead three managers across community engagement, wellbeing and nurse services. Your focus will be on building a confident, accountable and high performing leadership team with clear standards around quality, safeguarding and measurable outcomes.

A central part of the role is embedding robust outcome monitoring and quality assurance systems. We want to move beyond reporting activity and clearly demonstrate impact for beneficiaries, Trustees and funders.

You will also:

• Strengthen and evolve our mental health and wellbeing offer, including oversight of our Acceptance and Commitment Therapy programme
• Ensure strong clinical governance, safeguarding and information quality standards
• Develop and implement a clear performance and impact framework across all services
• Use data, insight and lived experience to inform continuous improvement
• Build strategic relationships with NHS partners and other organisations
• Drive innovation and scalable service models that extend national reach while remaining financially sustainable

Why join us?

Cardiomyopathy UK is the national charity for people affected by cardiomyopathy. We provide specialist nurse support, peer support, wellbeing services and trusted information to thousands of people each year.

We are ambitious about our future. We are committed to quality, accountability and continuous improvement. Most importantly, we are committed to ensuring that everyone affected by cardiomyopathy can live well with the condition.

We are a family friendly employer with flexible and hybrid working. We offer an enhanced Employee Assistance Programme, additional annual leave linked to length of service, and an extra special occasion day each year.

If you are excited by the opportunity to shape national services, build a strong team and ensure we can clearly demonstrate the impact of our work, we would love to hear from you.

Deadline: Friday 13th March 2026 at 11:30pm 

Chief Executive Officer (Part-time, 3 days/week)

Veterans With Dogs (VWD) is seeking a dynamic and compassionate Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead our charity into its next chapter. This rare and exciting opportunity offers the chance to guide a small, high-impact team at a pivotal stage in the charity’s growth.

Location: Exeter (hybrid with regular office presence required)
Salary: £45,000–£55,000 pro-rata (equivalent to £27,000 - £33,000 for 3 days/week) + 3% pension contribution
Contract: Initial 1 year role with opportunity to extend

Hours: 21 hours / 3 days per week

Holiday: 28 days per annum (FTE), plus bank holidays
Reports to: Chair of Trustees
Direct reports: 4

About Veterans With Dogs

Veterans With Dogs is a UK charity that transforms the lives of Armed Forces veterans living with mental health challenges. Through the provision of highly trained assistance dogs and trauma-informed support, we help restore purpose, independence, and dignity to those who have served.

Founded in 2012, our work addresses a vital gap for veterans living with PTSD, anxiety, depression, and complex trauma. Through our award-winning PALS™ (Partner Animal Life Skills) programme, we help veterans re-engage with life, with the support of a trusted companion by their side.

Following a period of governance transition and renewal, we are entering a new and exciting phase. We are strengthening leadership, systems, and strategy to ensure long-term sustainability and greater reach. As we begin this next chapter, we are seeking an experienced, values-driven CEO to lead us confidently into this next phase.

The Role

The CEO will provide strategic direction, operational oversight, and cultural leadership for Veterans With Dogs. Working closely with the Board of Trustees, the CEO will oversee the delivery of the charity’s mission, ensure operational excellence, develop our long-term strategy, and foster a values-led and high-performing team.

This is a hands-on, multi-dimensional leadership role, ideal for a calm, pragmatic, and inspiring individual with experience of organisational stabilisation, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable growth. You will be a visible leader at our base in Exeter, while building strong relationships across the veteran, assistance dog, and wider charity sectors.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

· Lead the development and delivery of an interim plan and longer-term organisational strategy

· Translate strategic goals into clear operational priorities and plans

· Foster a compassionate, inclusive, and mission-aligned organisational culture

· Act as a credible and inspiring ambassador for Veterans With Dogs with stakeholders, funders, partners, and the public

• Guide the charity through stabilisation and values-led, sustainable growth

Governance & Compliance

· Ensure compliance with all relevant charity law, regulation, and best practice

· Work in partnership with the Board of Trustees, supporting effective governance and reporting

· Implement and embed improvements in HR, finance, safeguarding, IT, and operational systems

• Lead on organisational risk management, ensuring policies and procedures are in place and regularly reviewed

Operations & Programme Delivery

· Oversee day-to-day operations to ensure safe, ethical, and effective service delivery

· Ensure safeguarding standards are upheld for both veterans and dogs

· Drive continuous improvement in programme quality, delivery, and impact measurement

• Ensure operational systems and data processes are robust, compliant, and fit for purpose

People & Culture

· Lead, support, and nurture a small, dedicated staff team and wider network of volunteers

· Promote staff wellbeing, clear communication, and professional development

• Work with trustees to assess future staffing needs and build leadership capacity

Finance & Sustainability

· Work with trustees and advisors to ensure sound financial management and reporting

· Contribute to financial planning, budgeting, and development of a sustainable reserves policy

• Help diversify income streams, supporting fundraising efforts, corporate partnerships, and individual giving

Fundraising & External Relations

· Build and maintain relationships with funders, donors, corporate partners, and sector allies

· Collaborate with the fundraising trustee to develop new funding opportunities

· Represent the charity externally with credibility, transparency, and professionalism

• Strengthen partnerships with ADUK, ADI, Cobseo, and other key membership bodies

Person Specification

Essential

· Senior leadership experience within a charity, social enterprise, or values-led organisation

· Strong knowledge of charity governance, regulation, and trustee relationships

· Experience leading teams through organisational change or stabilisation

· Financial literacy with experience of budgeting, reporting, and planning

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills across diverse stakeholders

• A calm, values-based, and ethical leadership approach

Desirable

· Experience in health, mental health, veterans’ services, or trauma-informed work

· Experience working with boards during periods of strategic or leadership transition

· Fundraising and/or income generation experience

· Understanding of safeguarding best practice (for people and/or animals)

• Lived experience of the military or charity sectors (not essential)

Our Commitment

Veterans With Dogs is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We actively welcome applicants from all backgrounds and strive to create a supportive, respectful, and empowering workplace. We recognise the value of lived experience and are committed to continuous learning as an organisation.

How to Apply

Apply with your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your interest and suitability.

If you would like a confidential conversation before applying, we would be happy to speak with you.

Closing date to apply: Friday 13 March 2026

· First interviews (online): week commencing 16 March 2026

· Second interviews (in our Exeter office): week commencing 23 March 2026 TBC

NO RECRUITERS AT THIS STAGE PLEASE

Ready to step into a national leadership role - and make an immediate impact?

Centre for Mental Health is seeking a highly experienced policy leader for a 6–9 month interim role at the heart of our organisation. We need someone who can operate confidently at senior level from day one.

You will:

• Lead and direct our national policy and campaigning work

• Translate robust research into influential, high-impact policy proposals

• Represent the Centre with ministers, parliamentarians and senior stakeholders

• Provide strategic oversight to the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Coalition

• Contribute as a full member of our leadership team

We’re looking for someone with significant experience in a policy environment, deep knowledge of mental health and public policy, and a strong track record of producing influential analysis and building high-level relationships. You’ll be politically astute, credible in national debates, and committed to tackling inequality and promoting antiracism.

This is a great opportunity for an established mental health policy professional to take on a visible, strategic interim leadership role, shaping national conversations and advancing mental health equality at pace.

Please note that interviews will be held in person at our London office on Thursday 19th March 2026.

If you have the experience and confidence, with a readiness to deliver on the Centre's vision of mental health equality for all, we’d love to hear from you.

High Wycombe / Hybrid (minimum one day per week in office, with flexibility)

Full-time | 2-year fixed term with potential to extend

£36,000 – £37,500 + £312 annual home‑working allowance

A role with real impact.

As our Senior EA to the CEO and Board Governance Lead, you will be a trusted partner in enabling strong leadership. You will help ensure the CEO’s time is protected for strategic work, governance remains robust, and organisation-wide priorities move forward with confidence and coordination.

This is far more than a traditional EA role. It is a strategic, trusted position supporting the CEO, Board of Trustees, Development Board and senior leaders to operate effectively, make well‑informed decisions, and uphold the highest standards of governance and organisational integrity.

You will make a direct impact by ensuring:

• The CEO is consistently prepared, focused and supported
• Board and Committee governance and meetings are well planned, compliant and professionally delivered
• Actions are recorded and followed up and escalated as appropriate
• Trustees, staff, and stakeholders have the information and clarity they need
• Systems, processes, and communication stay strong across the organisation
• Every decision is more informed, every action more purposeful

Are you looking for a role where your insight, strong organisation, governance expertise, and calm authority help power change with real purpose? At Embrace the Middle East, this is exactly the opportunity we offer.

We are seeking someone with:

• Proven experience supporting a CEO or senior leader in a high‑demand role
• Experience coordinating Board or committee governance, including agendas, papers, minute‑taking and action tracking
• Strong judgement, confidentiality and upward management skills
• Advanced Microsoft 365 skills (Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, OneNote, PowerPoint, Excel)
• Exceptional organisation, attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities
• A proactive, anticipatory working style with the confidence to influence senior stakeholders
• Experience advising on governance processes and best practice
• The ability to build clear, reliable systems and workflows across teams

A full list of essential and desirable criteria can be found in the job pack.

We are driven by a deep commitment to dignity, justice and compassionate partnership. As a Christian development charity, we work alongside local Christian organisations across the Middle East to help transform the lives of those who are vulnerable, marginalised or living in poverty. These partnerships rely on strong governance, effective systems and confident leadership - all of which this role directly supports.

If you are motivated by purpose, excel under pressure, and thrive in a role where precision and people‑focused service come together - we would love to hear from you.

As a Christian organisation, this role requires commitment to the mission, vision and values of Embrace the Middle East, either as a practising Christian or as someone supportive of and sympathetic to our faith‑based ethos. The role includes participation in internal prayer meetings, reflective gatherings and occasional Christian fellowship activities.

How to apply:

To apply, please go to our website via the apply button.

Closing date: 5.00pm on Thursday, 12th March 2026.

Provisional interview date: Thursday, 19th March 2026 (at the High Wycombe office).

We strongly encourage you to submit your application before this deadline.

Embrace the Middle East is an equal opportunity employer. In line with our recruitment policy, we are committed to attracting and selecting staff solely based on merit, skills, qualifications, and ability to perform - regardless of age, race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or socioeconomic background. Our recruitment process is structured, transparent, and designed to eliminate bias, ensuring that every candidate receives fair treatment and consideration. All job opportunities are advertised openly, and selection decisions are based on clear, pre-defined criteria and objective assessment methods. We stand by the values of dignity, fairness, and inclusion in all our communications and activities.

Our client, a well-known anti-poverty charity is looking to recruit a Director of Policy & Engagement on a maternity contract of up to 12 months. This great charity provides front-line advice, advocacy and campaigning and policy work on behalf of people in London beneath pension age, who are experiencing issues around benefit payments, disability and housing or who are at risk of homelessness. The services they provide have become even more essential during the current cost of living crisis.

The role:
As Director of Policy & Engagement, you will lead the organisation’s policy, public affairs, and campaigns function, shaping and delivering local and national influencing to drive change on social security and housing issues. You will ensure the voices of people with lived experience are central to all of the organisation’s work, embedding meaningful participation across the organisation, in governance, services, policy and campaigns.

You will also oversee strategic external communications to support the organisation’s influencing, brand and fundraising objectives and will direct all fundraising for your department including managing funder relationships, identifying opportunities and leading on bid writing and reporting.
 
This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for influencing policy and practice locally and nationally and representing the charity as a spokesperson in the media, with government ministers, MPs, and other senior stakeholders. 
 
You will manage a small multidisciplinary team of four, ensuring integrated effective delivery across the organisation. 
 
The role will cover strategic leadership, policy, public affairs & campaigns, stakeholder & media engagement, external communications, embedding participation, fundraising leadership, team leadership and cross-organisational Integration.

The person:
The successful candidate will be a strategic, politically astute leader with experience of leading policy, public affairs and campaigns at a senior level. They will have experience of integrating research campaigns, participation, external communications and fundraising to deliver impact locally and nationally. They will have excellent media stakeholder and political engagement skills, with experience of acting as a spokesperson for an organisation. This person will value and embed lived experience in all aspects of their work and will have a strong understanding of social security and housing policy. 

This person will also have substantial experience of leading on research for social policy influencing purposes in addition to having developed and shaped policy  for an organisation in a charity which works towards combatting poverty and other social justice issues. Having managed political and media engagement and external influencing activities in the past, this person will be an effective relationship manager both internally and externally, in addition to having provided knowledge based leadership to small teams in the charity sector. In addition to being a highly effective project manager, this person will be a very strong communicator both verbally and in writing, and will be fully committed to the aims and objectives of this anti-poverty charity.
​​​​​​​
This organisation is an equal opportunity employer. People with lived experience of poverty, from global majority backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ individuals and disabled people are strongly encouraged to apply. We welcome evidence of experience from both work and non-work settings such as volunteering and personal life. 
 

Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW) is an international non-governmental organisation which works to amplify the voices of rural women globally.  We are looking for an Executive Director for our small Central Office team which works with member organisations and individuals in the UK and around the world to ensure that rural women are represented, recognised for their critical importance in society, and have a platform to influence policy makers.  We combine advocacy and small-scale, women-led development projects designed by the local women who will implement them for the benefit of their communities.

This an exciting time to join ACWW in the lead up to our centenary and planning for the 32nd Triennial World Conference in 2029.  We are looking to appoint an Executive Director as our current Executive Director will be retiring this summer.

The successful candidate will be reporting to the Board of Trustees and working with colleagues and trustees to foster relationships, partnerships and collaborations with individuals, funders and networks in line with the Association’s objectives, priorities and values. You will have an important contribution to make in all aspects of the Association.

We are an equal opportunity, disability-confident employer and are dedicated to achieving the highest standards of diversity, equity and inclusion.  We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, customs, traditions and ways of life including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.

This role is offered as full-time.  If you have successful charity sector experience, ability to build and maintain positive relationships and are looking to work for a charity focused on championing women’s empowerment and advocating for change, we’d like to hear from you. Please see application pack for further details and to apply.

Make a Difference Where It Matters Most

At Home-Start Richmond, Kingston and Hounslow, we believe that childhood can’t wait. We’re a vibrant, community-rooted charity supporting families through the critical early years of parenting. Our volunteers and staff work side-by-side with families, offering emotional and practical support, building confidence, and creating lasting connections.

We are now seeking Finance Officer to join our passionate team and play a pivotal role managing our finance function and supporting governance and administration of the charity.

About the Role

This is a unique opportunity to manage the finances of a thriving charity, whilst also working closely with the Board of Trustees and the Senior Management Team to support governance and operational administration, and ensuring the charity is enabled to run seamlessly and deliver impactful support to local families.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the day to day finances of the charity
• Provide timely and accurate management reporting, and preparation of year end accounts
• Produce financial information and data analysis for reports to funders and funding applications, as required
• Service the Board of Trustees and AGM in consultation with the CEO, and maintain Trustee records.
• Ensure Charity Commission and Companies House filings are up to date
• Ensure all operational policies are updated and reviewed on a rolling basis by the Board of Trustees
• IT & equipment management – maintaining fixed asset register and equipment logs, and managing the relationship with external IT support and software licenses
• Support the Operations manager with management of the office space, including ensuring accuracy of bills & meter readings, and managing the relationship with key suppliers eg EDF and our landlord

What You’ll Bring

• Full or part qualified or working towards a relevant accountancy qualification
• Experience of using a digital accounts package for bookkeeping (Quickbooks desirable)
• Experience of producing management accounts, budgets and financial information, and preparing draft financial accounts 
• Experience of servicing a Board level committee including minute taking, preparing agendas, papers and minutes. 
• Good written and verbal communication skills 
• Highly numerate with excellent analytical skills 
• Excellent attention to detail & accuracy in reporting detailed financial information 
• Strong planning and organisational skills with ability to prioritise competing demands and meet deadlines
• Team player - ability to work flexibly as part of a small multi-disciplinary team and on own initiative
• A genuine interest in the needs of children and families and delivering responsive family support that makes a difference to families’ lives.

Why Join Us?

• A flexible, hybrid working model co-designed with our team
• A supportive, inclusive, and values-driven culture
• A chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of local families
• Excellent pension and generous annual leave

JOB DESCRIBTION

Job title: Executive Assistant to the CEO

Contract: Part time, 3 days. Flexibility regarding working pattern: hours could be worked across 3 or 4 days in the week. Permanent contract.

Salary: £17, 398 pro rata (£29,000 full time equivalent)

Manager: Gestalt Centre CEO

Location: Hybrid working. In-person at London Kings Cross and remotely.

ABOUT US: THE GESTALT CENTRE

We are the Gestalt Centre, an established therapy not-for-profit organisation, supporting the mental and psychological well-being of individuals, groups, and organisations. We are a dynamic charity that runs, accommodates, and supports a number of counselling, psychotherapy, personal and professional development courses, and a range of therapeutic practices that enhance mental and psychological wellbeing.

As Gestalt Centre, our relationship with people who work for the centre starts from a place of trust. We see our structure as an organisational shape that we use to organise ourselves. What matters for us is how we all work together. We prioritise collaboration and ‘horizontal’ consultative decision making with individual and collective responsibility and accountability.

OUR VISION is a world were meaningful and fulfilling relationships lead to wellbeing  and positive change in people’s lives.

OUR PURPOSE is to promote the mental and psychological well-being of individuals, groups and organisations through Gestalt education, training and practice.

Gestalt is a life-changing approach to life, counselling, and psychotherapy. It enables people to develop meaningful relationships, navigate change and lead fulfilling lives by creatively utilising their own resources, skills and strengths.

OUR VALUES IN PRACTICE 

Diversity, equality, inclusion and anti-discrimination: We value equity and inclusion and welcome diversity and difference in backgrounds, identities, cultures, and voices. We also commit to anti-discriminatory action and encourage personal and collective awareness, reflection, and learning. It is integral to who we are and how we work and study together.

Kindness and respect for each other and the space we cohabit. Our relationship with people who work, learn and access therapy at the centre starts from a place of respect and kindness. This way we create a space where we can show up, work, and learn authentically and meaningfully. Feel seen, heard, and included.

Collaboration and mutuality: We work and study together, collaboratively and with respect and appreciation for each other. Every person matters and so does the collective.

Community, awareness, and personal responsibility: We are a community of staff, students, practitioners, and clients; working, studying, and accessing therapy at the centre. Individually and collectively, we are responsible for our presence and behaviour. Also responsible for our community and the space we inhabit.

ABOUT THE JOB

Job Purpose 

We are looking for an exemplary people-oriented administrator to provide administrative support to the Gestalt Centre CEO and the workstreams she manages. An important role in the organisation, working with senior leadership and across teams, in a welcoming and supportive environment with opportunities to learn and grow on the job.

Areas of work and responsibility

• Administrative Support to the Gestalt Centre CEO
• Coordinate and support projects and workstreams the CEO leads on: Operations, Communications and Marketing, Short Courses and Post Graduate Qualifications, HR, Finance, Policies, Fundraising and Health & Safety.
• Liaise with the CEO and the leadership team to update the organisational plan and workstream plans, also keep track of relevant priority actions and progress.
• Provide administrative support for governance processes such as the Annual Financial Audit, Trustee Board meetings, the Charity Commission and Companies House submissions.
• Provide administrative support to the organising and running fundraising activities and events.
• Administrative support and coordination for the annual planning of Short Courses and Post Graduate Qualifications programmes. 
• Organise, provide administrative support, and attend as appropriate, weekly operational meetings, monthly Executive meetings, and other project meetings, led by the CEO. Prepare meetings set up, information and any required papers in advance. Organise dates, taking and sending out minutes and coordinate follow-up actions ensuring progress and completion.
• Liaise with the CEO to prepare, format, edit and update reports and policies for internal and external audiences to a high standard.
• Provide a professional first point of contact for the CEO and as required liaise with her and the leadership team in order to respond to emails or phone calls and organise follow up meetings.
• Office team support such as reception/admin cover or support with events, as and when occasionally required.
• Carry out responsibilities with due regard to the Gestalt Centre values, policies and procedures.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Key Competencies and Qualities

• Educated to degree level or equivalent with good English and Maths.
• Experience working with and assisting senior leadership professionals.
• Excellent organisation and planning skills and experience, including balancing competing demands and prioritising effectively, forward planning and working to tight deadlines.
• Excellent coordination skills and good experience of coordinating projects, workstreams or activities.
• Excellent communication skills, including conveying information clearly and adjusting approach, manner, and language to suit varying situations.
• Excellent interpersonal skills (‘people person’) such as developing good working relationships with colleagues, working collaboratively and initiating relevant discussions to progress with work tasks.
• Experience and able to work well with senior professionals and in a positive professional matter.
• Able to work in a confident, calm, diplomatic and confidential way in a senior role and a therapy setting. Reliable and mature with a sense of personal responsibility for the role and the work involved.
• Flexibility and proactive problem-solving, always working with kindness and respect.
• Excellent attention to detail and confident with numbers.
• Good working knowledge and experience of databases and online administration systems, including information and files management.
• Able to plan and organise own work effectively and able to work well in a dynamic busy setting.
• Able to work collaboratively and independently on own initiative.
• Experience working effectively and appropriately with confidentiality and data protection in mind and in line with organisational policies and practice.
• Good working knowledge of MS Office applications such as MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint, email, and the internet.
• Commitment to Equal Opportunities and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
• Preferably experience working within an educational, training or therapy setting (desirable).