Governance and policy officer jobs

Chief Executive Officer

Age UK Gateshead

 

Age UK Gateshead is looking for its next Chief Executive Officer,  someone who is passionate about people, believes in the strength of community and wants to lead an organisation that makes a real difference every day.

We are a genuinely community-driven local charity. Our services have grown and developed by listening to the people around us, understanding what our communities need and finding practical ways to respond.

From information, advice and advocacy to community activities, dementia support, day services, hospital-to-home support and regulated care through our subsidiary, Living Well North, our work reaches people at very different points in their lives.

Despite the breadth of what we do, the principle behind it is simple:

It’s simply about people.

We are looking for a CEO who shares that belief and can lead Age UK Gateshead through its next chapter.

The Role

As Chief Executive, you will have overall responsibility for the leadership, development and sustainability of Age UK Gateshead and its subsidiary.

Working closely with our Board of Trustees and leading an experienced senior team, you will provide direction while ensuring the organisation remains financially sustainable, well governed and focused on the people we exist to support.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing clear and positive leadership across Age UK Gateshead and its subsidiary
• Working with the Board to develop and deliver organisational strategy
• Leading our people, culture and organisational development
• Maintaining strong financial oversight and long-term sustainability
• Overseeing service quality, performance and continuous improvement
• Ensuring effective governance, safeguarding, risk management and regulatory compliance
• Providing strategic oversight of regulated services within our subsidiary, including appropriate assurance around quality and CQC requirements
• Developing sustainable income through funding, commissioned services, partnerships and new opportunities
• Building strong relationships with local authorities, NHS organisations, commissioners, funders, businesses and community partners
• Identifying opportunities for growth, collaboration and service development
• Representing and championing Age UK Gateshead locally, regionally and, where appropriate, nationally
• Providing the Board of Trustees with clear information, advice and assurance
• Ensuring the voices and experiences of the people we support continue to influence our decisions and direction

You won't be expected to do all of this alone. A big part of being our CEO is about leading people well, trusting good people to do their jobs, developing a strong senior team and creating clear accountability throughout the organisation.

Who We're Looking For

We aren't looking for someone who simply wants the title of CEO.

We're looking for someone who is genuinely passionate about supporting people and understands the responsibility that comes with leading an organisation that people and communities rely upon.

You will be comfortable moving between the strategic and the practical. One day you may be discussing finances, governance, contracts or organisational strategy; another you could be meeting a commissioner, visiting one of our services or simply having a conversation with the people we support.

We want someone who is visible, approachable and willing to listen, but who also has the confidence to make difficult decisions when they are needed.

You'll need strong leadership skills, sound judgement and commercial awareness, with an understanding of finance, organisational performance and good governance. You'll also need the ability to build strong relationships and bring people with you.

Our subsidiary delivers regulated care services. You don't necessarily need to have spent your career in regulated social care, but you will need to understand the importance of strong quality assurance and be comfortable providing senior oversight within a CQC-regulated environment.

About Age UK Gateshead

Age UK Gateshead is an independent local charity with deep roots in the communities we serve.

Our staff and volunteers support people in many different ways – sometimes through specialist advice or structured services, sometimes by helping someone regain their independence, and sometimes simply by making sure someone has somewhere to go and somebody to talk to.

Through Age UK Gateshead and our subsidiary, our work spans community support, information and advice, advocacy, wellbeing, dementia services, day opportunities, hospital-to-home support and regulated care.

Our next CEO will inherit an organisation with committed staff and volunteers, established services, strong partnerships and significant opportunities for further development.

They will also be leading in a challenging environment. Demand continues to grow, funding is increasingly competitive and the expectations placed upon charities and care providers continue to increase.

We therefore need a CEO who can balance ambition with sustainability and compassion with commercial awareness – someone who understands that growth only matters when it improves what we can do for people.

Experience & Qualifications

Strong leaders come from different professional backgrounds, and we don't expect our next CEO to tick every box. However, we would particularly value:

• Significant senior leadership or executive experience, ideally within the charity, community, health or social care sectors
• Experience of working effectively with a Board of Trustees, Directors or similar governing body
• Strong financial, governance, risk and organisational management experience
• Experience of developing strategy, leading change and supporting organisational growth
• Experience of income generation, commissioned services, contracts, grants or business development
• Strong partnership experience, particularly with public, voluntary or community sector organisations
• Knowledge or experience of regulated health or social care services and CQC expectations would be advantageous
• Experience of leading and developing multidisciplinary teams
• A relevant professional, management or leadership qualification would be beneficial, although equivalent senior leadership experience is equally valued

Most Importantly

Qualifications and previous job titles only tell us part of the story.

We want someone who knows how to listen, lead and bring people with them. Someone who trusts and develops their team, challenges things when they can be better and is willing to have difficult conversations when necessary.

Someone who can protect what makes Age UK Gateshead special while having the ambition and ability to move it forward.

Because behind the contracts, funding applications, CQC requirements, targets, strategies, budgets and Board reports are real people.

That's why we're here.

It’s simply about people.

Salary: £55,000–£60,000 per annum, dependent on experience.

Interviews to take place: Friday the 18th September

Executive Assistant to the CEO and Governance

Salary: £40,000 per annum, pro rata
Hours: 28 hours per week
Location: Hybrid, London-based with occasional travel to central London

We're seeking an organised and proactive Executive Assistant to support our CEO and help ensure effective governance across a national charity.

This is a varied role combining executive support, board administration, governance coordination, risk management and event planning. Working closely with senior leaders and trustees, you'll play a key role in helping the organisation achieve its mission and strategic goals.

What you'll do

• Provide high-quality support to the CEO, including diary management, meeting coordination and briefings.
• Coordinate Board, committee and leadership meetings, including agendas, papers and minutes.
• Maintain governance records and support compliance requirements.
• Manage the organisational risk register and support policy reviews.
• Organise AGMs, away days and staff events.
• Build strong relationships with trustees, colleagues and external stakeholders.

About you
You'll bring:

• Significant executive or senior administrative support experience in a charity.
• Experience supporting governance processes, boards or committees.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills and confidence working with senior stakeholders.
• The ability to manage confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 and related collaboration tools.

Join us and help create the strong foundations that enable a mission-driven organisation to thrive.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences and are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated Chief Executive to assume overall responsibility for the management of HMC. The purpose of this senior leadership role is to lead the organisation in fulfilling its purpose of supporting migrants in Hackney and the wider London community, ensuring they can access their rights and overcome injustices in the immigration and social welfare system.

Are you an experienced operational leader looking for the opportunity to help shape the future of a growing, ambitious and values-led charity?

Project 21 is looking for its first Chief Operating Officer to join us at an exciting point in our development, strengthening the organisation behind our services and helping us achieve even more for people with Down’s Syndrome and their families.

Project 21 is a growing charity providing opportunities, support and experiences for people with Down’s Syndrome across Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire. Our work includes community-based learning, performing arts, residential trips, employment opportunities and family support, all underpinned by our belief that people with Down’s Syndrome should have every opportunity to belong, believe and achieve.

As Project 21 continues to grow, we are looking for an exceptional Chief Operating Officer (COO) to work alongside our CEO & Founder and provide strategic and operational leadership across the organisation.

This is a newly created role and a genuine opportunity to help shape the next chapter of Project 21.

The COO will lead our day-to-day organisational operations, providing oversight across people, services, finance, systems, governance, compliance and organisational development. You will lead and support our Senior Leadership Team, strengthen systems and processes, develop leadership capability and ensure our growing organisation remains safe, effective, sustainable and true to its values.

Crucially, the role will create greater capacity for our CEO to focus on Project 21’s long-term future, including strategic partnerships, fundraising and our ambitious Big Build vision.

We are looking for someone who combines strong operational and organisational leadership with excellent people skills. You will be comfortable moving between strategy and delivery, developing senior leaders, making decisions, improving systems and bringing clarity to a busy and evolving organisation.

You do not necessarily need to have been a COO before. We are interested in experienced senior leaders who can demonstrate the skills, judgement and leadership capability required to step into an organisation-wide role. Experience within charities, social care, SEND, education or another people-focused organisation would be particularly valuable.

This is an office-based leadership role at our Clubhouse in Suffolk, reflecting the importance we place on visible, accessible leadership and being connected to our members, families and colleagues. The role will also involve travel across Project 21 locations and to external meetings.

What we’re looking for

We’d particularly love to hear from someone who:

• Is an experienced and confident senior leader
• Is an excellent people manager who enjoys developing others
• Can translate strategy into effective operational delivery
• Has experience of organisational growth and change
• Understands good governance, HR, finance, risk and compliance
• Can develop effective systems and improve organisational efficiency
• Is comfortable making decisions and taking accountability
• Can build strong relationships with colleagues, families, trustees and external partners
• Shares our commitment to inclusion and person-centred practice
• Is excited by the opportunity to help build something, rather than simply maintain what already exists

Above all, we are looking for someone who understands that strong operations are ultimately about people. Someone who can bring structure without unnecessary bureaucracy, accountability without losing warmth, and professional leadership while protecting the culture that makes Project 21 special.

Salary: £55,000–£60,000 per annum
Hours: 40 hours per week Mon-Fri, with occasional Saturday on-call hours
Location: Project 21 Clubhouse, Brightwell Barns, Suffolk

If you are excited by the opportunity to play a significant role in the future of an ambitious charity and help us build the organisational foundations for our next stage of growth, we would love to hear from you.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a respected and well-established charity with deep roots in the communities we serve. Jigsaw4u has a strong reputation and dedicated staff and volunteers.

As CEO, you will provide strategic, operational and cultural leadership, working closely with the Board of Trustees, staff, volunteers and partners to ensure the delivery of high-quality services.  You will drive our strategic priorities, strengthen financial sustainability, build effective partnerships and foster an inclusive, high-performance culture.

We are seeking a values-driven leader who can inspire confidence, champion collaboration and innovation and deliver meaningful outcomes for children, young people and families.

Special Olympics GB is proud to support some of the most inspiring athletes in the world — individuals with intellectual disabilities who compete from local to international levels, breaking down barriers and showing the transformative power of sport both on and off the field of play.

As we enter an exciting new chapter, we are seeking an outstanding Director of Operations to join our Executive Leadership Team. This is a pivotal role for a strategic and values-driven leader who can strengthen our organisation, drive operational excellence and help deliver even greater impact for athletes, families and communities.

Working closely with the Chief Executive, Board and wider movement, you will lead organisational performance across governance, safegaurding, finance, people, systems, planning and delivery, ensuring Special Olympics GB is resilient, ambitious and fit for the future. As Executive Lead for Safeguarding and Welfare, you will champion a culture where the wellbeing, safety and dignity of every athlete remains at the heart of everything we do.

We are looking for someone who:

• Is inspired by the power of sport to transform lives and create more inclusive communities.
• Brings significant senior leadership experience and a track record of organisational development and operational excellence.
• Can translate strategic ambition into effective delivery and sustainable growth.
• Has experience of governance, compliance, finance, risk management and safeguarding.
• Builds strong relationships and partnerships, influencing with credibility and integrity.
• Leads with empathy, accountability and a commitment to inclusion.

The Director of Operations at SOGB is a wide-ranging, key role, reporting to the Chief Executive as a member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT). Working across the organisation, the Director of Operations manages the operational and support services activities including governance, compliance, HR, business processes, IT, safeguarding, finance and health & safety to ensure that the organisation runs smoothly, efficiently and effectively.

Application Instructions

For Job Role specifics and how to apply please see the below SOGB Director of Operations Recruitment Pack.

The closing date for applications is Friday 4th September 2026 at 9am. There will be a two- stage interview process that will cover both culture/motivators and thematic competencies.  Stage 1 interviews will take place week beginning 28th September 2026 and stage 2 will take place week beginning 5th October 2026.

Universify Education is looking for a passionate and motivated Fundraising Officer to deliver the charity's fundraising activities and engage Universify’s community to enable the ongoing running of our transformative programmes. This is a great opportunity for someone experienced in fundraising to gain a deeper understanding of charity fundraising, finance, impact reporting and governance.

THE ROLE

As the Fundraising Officer, you will plan and deliver the charity’s income generation strategy, covering Trusts and Foundations, Individual Giving and Public Fundraising. You will work with the programme team to create integrated charity communications to increase awareness of the charity’s impact. You will also work in collaboration with the CEO on the charity’s financial management and governance.

There is flexibility within the role to try other aspects of the charity’s work, including programme delivery and working with young people. Please see our job description for further information about working at Universify.

THE CHARITY

Universify exists to create a fairer, more equal society where every young person can fulfil their potential regardless of their background. We work primarily with Year 10-11 students (aged 14-16) to increase their aspirations, improve GCSE attainment and to gain a greater understanding of post-18 pathways, particularly university, to make a more informed decision about their future. Our main Oxford programme includes a week-long residential in summer of Year 10, a 3-day GCSE-focused revision residential in the spring of Year 11, and regular online coaching. 

Main Duties

• Plan and deliver the charity’s income generation strategy, including Trusts and Foundations, Individual Giving, and Public Fundraising campaigns
  • Identify new opportunities and maintain a database of fundraising prospects
  • Create funding bids, project budgets and grant reports
  • Track and report on fundraising progress to the CEO and wider staff team, with development opportunities to report to the board of trustees
• Deepen engagement with existing stakeholders through stewardship
• Collaborate with the programme team to create and manage integrated charity communications to increase awareness of the charity’s impact
• Alongside the CEO, contribute to the charity's financial management including payments and payroll
• Support the team in one ad hoc function (based on candidate’s preferences and skills)
  • Volunteer and tutor recruitment and onboarding, or
  • Impact reporting and CRM maintenance, or
  • Charity governance, filing duties, and financial management, or
  • Safeguarding support.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Required skills and characteristics

• Clear communicator, able to adapt written communication to suit a range of audiences
• Ability to work independently, organise a pipeline of work and communicate progress to a team
• Ability to create and maintain relationships with a range of external stakeholders
• Able to think creatively and identify opportunities to raise funds
• Proactive, adaptable and self-motivated
• Basic understanding of trusts and foundations fundraising processes (prospecting, application cycles, stewardship)
• Basic understanding of project budgets and data analysis; attention to detail and accurate with handling information
• Works well in a small team and is interested in working in a small organisation

Required experience

We are looking for candidates with the following experience:

• Experience prospecting and writing bids in a charity or commercial setting
• Experience in stakeholder management and stewardship
• Experience working flexibly across multiple projects
• Experience in managing a large project independently; ready to take the initiative to deliver a project to a high standard
• Experience and confidence in using MS Office and Excel

Desirable experience and skills

Ideally, candidates would have experience in some of the following areas:

• Track record of fundraising success across multiple income streams and identifying new opportunities to raise funds
• Experience preparing fundraising budgets
• Experience in using Canva or other design tools
• Experience of using the basic functions of a CRM and a willingness to build this knowledge
• Previous experience working within the UK secondary education sector and knowledge of the UK university access and outreach sector
• Some data analysis skills

Waltham Forest CVS is the borough's independent infrastructure body for the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector. We help local organisations to be well run, well funded and well connected, and we represent the sector's voice to the council, the NHS and other partners.

We are a small team doing a lot. In any given week we might be helping a new group get its governance right, running a network meeting, making the case for the sector with the council, or getting a grant out of the door. That range is what makes the work interesting. It also means the administration has to be solid, because when it isn't, everything else slows down.

This is a hands-on role supporting the Chief Executive and, through her, the rest of the team. You will manage the diary and the inboxes, service our board and sub-committee meetings and take the minutes, keep records and systems in order, help with events and training, and handle the day-to-day office and finance administration. You will be the first voice a lot of people hear when they get in touch with us.

We are looking for someone organised and accurate, who can juggle competing demands and finish things without being chased. You will need sound judgement and real discretion — you will see confidential material — and a straightforward, approachable manner with everyone from a volunteer running a lunch club to a council director. Experience in the charity, private or public sector is welcome but not essential. What matters is that you can run a busy office well and want to do it somewhere the work means something.

York Travellers Trust (YTT) is seeking an inspiring, values-led Chief Executive to
lead our organisation through its next stage of development.

We work alongside the vibrant and resourceful Gypsy and Traveller communities of York and the surrounding area. We challenge discrimination and inequality, increase opportunities and life chances, and build bridges that promote understanding and community cohesion.

As Chief Executive, you will provide strategic leadership and hold overall responsibility for YTT’s performance, financial sustainability, governance, safeguarding and organisational development.

Working closely with our Board, staff and community members, you will:

 shape and deliver YTT’s strategic direction;
 strengthen our financial sustainability and develop new income opportunities;
 ensure our services remain effective, safe and responsive;
 build influential relationships with communities, funders, partners and
policymakers;
 champion the rights, needs and aspirations of Gypsy and Traveller
communities; and
 embed sociocratic and democratic ways of working so that community voices
genuinely shape our decisions.

We are looking for an experienced senior leader with a strong commitment to equality, social justice and community empowerment. You will have experience of leading in a charity, community organisation, public service or another values-led environment.

You will understand the strengths, needs and systemic barriers experienced by Gypsy and Traveller communities, gained through direct work with these communities or substantial experience alongside other marginalised groups.
You will combine strategic thinking with a collaborative, authentic and hands-on leadership style. You will also bring experience of managing people, working with a Board, overseeing finances, securing income and representing an organisation externally.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a trusted community organisation at an important point in its development. If you share our ambition for an inclusive, community-led and sustainable future, we would be delighted to hear from you.

The job description sets out the skills and experience we are looking for, but we know
that the right person may not tick every box. If you are passionate about our mission and bring significant relevant experience and the capacity to develop into the role, we would love to hear from you.

We are open to applications from people wishing to job share or looking for less than full-time hours; if this applies then let us know in your application.

The Cathedral Safeguarding Officer (CSO) is a Liverpool Diocesan employee who is responsible for leading and promoting safeguarding across Liverpool Cathedral, ensuring that safeguarding is embedded throughout its ministry, governance and operations. Working closely with the Dean, clergy, staff and volunteers, the postholder will provide both safeguarding leadership and practical support to foster a culture in which safeguarding is understood by all as a shared responsibility, and the welfare of children, young people and adults remains central to Cathedral life. The postholder will be an active and visible presence within Liverpool Cathedral, working closely alongside the Dean, Cathedral leadership, clergy, staff and volunteers to build effective working relationships and embed safeguarding throughout Cathedral life, while maintaining strong professional links with the Diocesan Safeguarding Team.

Working collaboratively across the Cathedral, the CSO will help ensure that safeguarding policies, procedures and governance arrangements are effectively implemented, monitored and continuously improved. The postholder will maintain robust safeguarding records and oversight of safeguarding data, using information and trends to inform team decision-making, monitor risk, identify emerging safeguarding issues and support the ongoing development of policy, practice and organisational learning. They will maintain strong partnerships with statutory agencies, partner organisations and the Diocesan Safeguarding Team (DST).

The CSO will provide professional safeguarding advice and guidance, support the development of safer working practices, deliver safeguarding learning and development opportunities, and assist with the identification, assessment, and management of safeguarding risks. The postholder will also act as a key point of contact for safeguarding concerns and allegations, ensuring that these are managed appropriately and in accordance with statutory requirements, Church of England guidance, and National Safeguarding Standards.

Although based at Liverpool Cathedral, the CSO is an integral member of the Diocesan Safeguarding Team and will receive professional supervision, support and line management from the Deputy Head of Safeguarding (DDSO) and the Head of Safeguarding (DSO). The postholder will contribute to the delivery of the Diocese's safeguarding strategy and the implementation of its safeguarding plans, while holding lead responsibility for safeguarding practice within the Cathedral.

For full details of this position, please visit the Church of England website where you can download the Job Description and apply via the Careers page

I’m looking to hire a new Head of Policy, with strong communications expertise, to shape, lead and work with others, to deliver a membership organisation’s policy agenda and priorities as part of an innovative team environment.

This role delivers policy activity that must be visible to members and non-members, including publications, events, media engagement and expert convening, while building the relationships and credibility that enable the organisation to influence decision-makers (government, Parliament, Parliamentarians, public stakeholders and industry) on issues of strategic importance.

As Head of Policy you will be the expert within the organisation, you’ll manage a small team and own the policy and communications strategy. You’ll benefit from working closely with internal stakeholders and the CEO, as you help integrate policy into the wider organisation. You will see the importance of both engaging with government, and communicating this impact too.

Your experience:

• Significant experience of developing and delivering policy positions, briefings, recommendations, reports or campaigns that influence external audiences.
• Excellent understanding of UK Government, Parliament and policymaking processes, including how to engage effectively with decision-makers.
• Significant experience of developing and overseeing multi-channel communications plans that raise profile, demonstrate impact and support organisational reputation.
• Experience of building, managing and strengthening strategic relationships with senior external stakeholders
• Experience of working with technical experts, members, committees, special interest groups or professional communities to gather evidence and develop credible policy outputs.

Please apply today to receive the Job Description, and more information on the application process.  

• Full-time, permanent opportunity
• Salary- £51,000- £57,000 (dependent on experience) plus benefits which includes an excellent pension scheme and 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays).
• Location- Hybrid working in the London office (Farringdon), and working from home. Also, every other Tuesday you will meet as a team in Rugby (expenses covered).
• Closing date- Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with a firm closing date of Sunday 13th September 

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

 

Lewisham Parochial & Almshouse Charities is looking for a Clerk to the Trustees: an experienced, independent-minded governance professional to support our board on governance, finance and administration.

We are a small group of four historic charities, amalgamated by Charity Commission scheme in 1990 but with roots reaching back over 400 years in the ancient parish of Lewisham. We run the Lloyd Court almshouse in Ladywell, providing independent housing for older residents, and award small grants across the parish. Our staff team is small — a House Manager and a Premises Manager on site — supported by a board of volunteer trustees.

What you'll do:

• clerk the board and its committees, including agendas, papers, minutes and follow-up;
• maintain the three-year budget and prepare the annual accounts for audit and filing with the Charity Commission;
• keep statutory and operational records, policies and compliance in good order;
• advise trustees on charity law, regulation and good practice;
• and work with the House Manager so trustees stay sighted on day-to-day operations.

What you'll need:

• demonstrable experience of clerking, company secretarial or equivalent governance support to a charity board;
• sound knowledge of charity governance and Charity Commission requirements;
• financial acumen across budgets, management accounts and annual accounts;
• excellent minute taking and clear written English

Experience in the almshouse sector, social housing or sheltered accommodation is desirable, as is familiarity with the Almshouse Association's Standards of Almshouse Management.

This is a contract for services rather than an employed post. You would be engaged as a self-employed individual or through your own company, responsible for your own tax, National Insurance and professional indemnity insurance.

About Us

For over 21 years, The Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre has offered free, holistic support to anyone in our community affected by cancer through complementary therapies, talking therapies, art, and our supportive community.

In 2025 alone, we had 1,911 individual visits and 1,021 therapy sessions - entirely through the dedication of our volunteer team. We are currently renovating our new centre, and we want to use it to reach further into our community than ever before. This is the first paid role in our history.

About the Role

As our first Executive Director, you will be the single point of accountability between our Board of Trustees and the day-to-day operation of the Centre - working alongside our (voluntary) Centre Manager and (voluntary) Volunteer Manager to support their roles, not duplicate them. You'll lead our strategy delivery, guide the charity's move into its new home, and oversee a service redesign informed by a fresh programme of visitor, volunteer and community research.

About You

You already know how to do this job - you've held a senior, accountable position in a charity or comparable organisation and can bring that experience from day one. You're confident reporting to a board of trustees, comfortable getting things done, and able to win the trust of a highly experienced, long-standing volunteer team through competence and credibility, not authority alone.

Key Activity Areas

• Financial management – budgeting, financial controls, and reporting to the Board and Treasurer

• Governance & best practice – supporting trustees to discharge their statutory duties; maintaining the policy suite and risk register

• HR & people leadership – supporting our entire volunteer and therapist team; communication is key to our volunteers

• Fundraising – write and lead on a fundraising strategy, implement new funding streams and be the ‘face of Pickering’ – local networking will be essential

• Change management – leading the transition to our new centre and evolving service model with care and consultation

• Compliance – safeguarding, health and safety, GDPR, and other regulatory requirements

Qualifications - Desirable

All the below are not necessary qualifications but would assist with this role:

• CIPD qualification, or equivalent hands-on HR experience

• A recognised governance qualification (e.g. Chartered Governance Institute) or completion of a charity leadership programme or similar

• Financial management experience – a qualification would be useful but not essential

• Safeguarding lead training

Experience and Competencies — Essential

• Senior leadership experience with genuine authority and accountability in a charity or comparable mission-led organisation

• A track record of reporting to and working with a board of trustees or non-executive directors

• A track record of leading organisational change, with evidence it was genuinely adopted

• Sound financial literacy - budgets, management accounts, financial controls, dealing with auditors

• Working knowledge of safeguarding, risk management and regulatory compliance

• Excellent written and verbal communication, including board-level reporting as well as the ability to speak in public

• Experience making a leadership role pay for itself, through income generation, cost savings, or both

• A genuine, demonstrable commitment to Pickering's mission

Experience and Competencies — Desirable

• Fundraising experience across grants, trusts, community fundraising and corporate partnerships

• Experience within the cancer support, wider healthcare, or hospice sector

• Lived experience of cancer, personally or through supporting someone close to you

• Experience leading a refresh of a brand or a rebrand, service redesign, or physical relocation of services

• Familiarity with Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding local community

Safeguarding

This role involves working with adults who may be vulnerable by virtue of serious illness. The successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory reference checks before appointment, and will act as, or oversee, the charity's designated safeguarding lead.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Pickering is committed to equal opportunity for all and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. A copy of our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policy is available on request.

How to Apply

Please apply by Sunday 6 September 2026. Interviews are expected to take place w/c 14 September 2026.

Role Overview: The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of The Vavengers Charity. Working closely with the CEO and Board of Trustees, the COO ensures the organisation operates efficiently, sustainably, and in accordance with its charitable objectives, governance requirements, and legal obligations. The COO will oversee the charity's day-to-day operations, work closely with the CEO to improve organisational systems and processes, manage operational risks, and support the delivery of high-quality frontline, campaigning and convening programmes while fostering a positive and inclusive organisational culture. Alongside the CEO and other team members, the COO is an inspiring leader who champions the charity’s values, elevates its profile, and steers its work to influence national and international policy and advocacy, engage communities, and support survivors of violence.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Support the CEO in delivering the charity's strategic plan.

• Translate strategic priorities into operational plans and measurable outcomes.

• Identify opportunities for organisational growth, innovation, and partnerships.

• Contribute to long-term sustainability planning and organisational development.

Operational Management

• Lead the day-to-day operational management of the charity.

• Develop and maintain effective operational policies, procedures, and systems.

• Ensure programmes and services are delivered efficiently, safely, and to a high standard and be an active delivery person for programmes. 

• Manage the resources and visitors of Vavengers HQ and ensure the space is utilised effectively by ambassadors and members of the charity

• Monitor organisational performance and help produce an annual impact report

Governance and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with charity law, employment legislation, safeguarding requirements, data protection regulations, and relevant regulatory standards.

• Support the CEO and the Board of Trustees through timely reporting and implementation of governance decisions.

• Maintain organisational policies and ensure regular review and compliance.

• Oversee organisational risk management and business continuity planning.

Financial Oversight

• Work alongside the CEO and Treasurer to develop and monitor the annual budget and management accounts/cash flow.

• Ensure effective financial controls and value-for-money practices.

• Monitor operational expenditure and resource allocation.

• Actively participate in income-generating activities, including supporting grant applications, other fundraising initiatives, and partnership building.

• Support the CEO and board of trustees to produce annual accounts.

People Leadership

• Act as a key leader for incoming staff members, ambassadors and volunteers.

• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing trauma-informed workplace culture.

• Oversee recruitment, performance management, learning, and staff wellbeing.

• Oversee volunteer and ambassador management

Programme Delivery

• Ensure all programmes achieve planned objectives and demonstrate measurable impact, providing critical support and care to survivors and those at risk.

• Establish systems for monitoring, evaluation, and continuous improvement.

• Promote innovation and evidence-based practice across all service areas.

• Deliver support hubs in partnership with ambassadors

Partnerships and External Relations

• Develop and maintain effective relationships with funders, local authorities, community organisations, activists, corporate partners, government members and other stakeholders.

• Represent the charity at meetings, conferences, and partnership events as required.

• Support collaborative working across sectors to maximise impact.

Risk Management

• Identify operational risks and implement mitigation strategies.

• Ensure appropriate safeguarding, health and safety, and information security practices are maintained.

• Develop and oversee business continuity and crisis management procedures.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Significant leadership and campaigning experience within the charity, public, or private sector.

• Demonstrated success in operational management and organisational development.

• Experience managing budgets and financial planning.

• Strong understanding of governance and regulatory compliance.

• Proven ability to manage change and deliver organisational improvements.

• Excellent project and programme management skills.

Knowledge

• Charity governance and best practice.

• Financial management principles.

• Human resources and employment legislation.

• Risk management and organisational compliance.

• Monitoring and evaluation frameworks.

• Safeguarding and data protection requirements.

• Racial, social and gender justice.

Skills

• Strategic thinking with strong operational delivery.

• Outstanding leadership and people management.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Effective stakeholder engagement and partnership development.

• Excellent organisational and decision-making skills.

• Ability to balance strategic priorities with operational detail.

What We Offer

• An opportunity to shape the future of The Vavengers alongside inspiring leaders

• A Central London workspace

• Professional development opportunities

• A collaborative, led-by and for values-driven working environment in the gender justice sector

• The chance to lead positive change for the communities we serve

• A flexible working opportunity with an appropriate London living wage

• Staff wellbeing programmes

Equal Opportunities

The Vavengers Charity is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from people from all walks of life and are committed to creating an environment where everyone is respected, valued, and able to thrive. We are a led-by-and-for movement, and we encourage those with lived experience of Gender-Based Violence to apply for paid and unpaid positions in our organisation.

The Vavengers is an equal opportunity employer. In line with legal requirements and the nature of the work required for this role(running women-only safe spaces), we are seeking women-only applications as an occupational requirement under Schedule 9 Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010.