Governance and policy officer jobs

Who we are –

Home-Start Portsmouth is a local family support charity based in Portsmouth, providing outreach services, free Stay & Play groups and working within the Portsmouth Family hubs as part of the Best Start in Life offer in the city. Portsmouth is one of the most deprived cities in the country, and many of the families we support are living with many adversities.

We are a volunteer led service providing parents and carers with the support and guidance they need to ensure the best possible outcomes for their children and their family. We empower families to thrive by providing child-centered family support and in 2025 we supported 1000 unique families across our 12 projects with the support from our 110 volunteers.

Our impact is measured and significant for the families we support and as a result, children will experience improved wellbeing and development. Our focus is to build a compassionate community of support for families, parents and children – because childhood can’t wait.

Our next chapter -

We are at a pivotal moment in the journey of Home-Start Portsmouth. After 25 years of exceptional service, our current CEO is stepping down, marking the end of an era and the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the charity. Over the past few years, we have grown to more than three times our original size, expanding our reach, services, and impact across the community.

Rising levels of need, increasing pressure on family services, and evolving external factors mean that demand for our support is growing. To meet these challenges, we are committed not only to sustaining our growth, but to strengthening it in a purposeful, strategic way by exploring new delivery models, new funding streams, and new partnerships that will secure the future of the organisation.

The new CEO will shape and inspire this next phase of development, whilst embodying the values and ethos of the charity.  They will drive our future sustainability, develop strong external partnerships, and increase our influence locally ensuring that the charity remains resilient, relevant, and impactful.

Why this role matters -

Changing children’s futures is at the heart of everything we do. Families today are facing unprecedented pressures. Home-Start Portsmouth exists to stand alongside these families by providing practical, emotional, and relational support at the earliest possible stage, helping parents build confidence, resilience, and stability so children can thrive.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a transforming charity with extraordinary potential. The CEO will play a defining role in shaping the next era of Home-Start Portsmouth, ensuring that our mission is not only protected, but reinforced. The role directly influences the lives of children and families where the decisions made, the culture shaped, and the partnerships built by the CEO will determine how many families we can reach, how well we can support them, and how lasting that change will be. This is leadership with purpose where strategy, compassion, and impact come together to create lasting change.

Role Purpose  

To provide inspirational, and strategic leadership to Home-Start Portsmouth (HSP), ensuring the charity delivers on its mission that no parent is unsupported in raising children and giving them the best start in life. The CEO is accountable for organisational performance, culture, sustainability, safeguarding, and impact, working in close partnership with the Board of Trustees. 

Location: Home-Start Portsmouth 

Reports to: Board of Trustees

Hours: 32-37 hours pw (over 4-5 days) 

Salary: £57, 000

Main Responsibilities 

1. Strategic & Executive Leadership 

• Lead the development, delivery and review of HSP’s vision, strategy and long-term business plan in partnership with the Board. 

• Translate strategic priorities into measurable operational plans and outcomes 

• Anticipate changes in policy, funding and the wider operating environment 

• Champion innovation, continuous improvement and effective use of technology 

2. Organisational Leadership & Culture 

• Build, lead and inspire a high-performing Senior Leadership Team 

• Shape a values-led, inclusive and accountable organisational culture 

• Oversee performance management, succession planning and leadership development 

• Act as a visible, approachable leader and role model across the organisation 

3. Service Delivery & Impact 

• Hold overall accountability for safe, high-quality and cost-effective services 

• Ensure services are responsive, evidence-led, and meet the needs of families and children 

• Oversee delivery against contracts, KPIs, budgets and timelines 

• Ensure robust impact measurement and reporting to funders, partners, and trustees 

4. Governance, Safeguarding & Risk 

• Work closely with the Chair and Board to maintain the highest standards of governance 

• Lead a strong safeguarding culture and ensure full regulatory compliance 

• Identify, manage, and escalate organisational risks appropriately 

• Ensure policies, controls, and assurance frameworks are robust and current 

5. Financial Leadership & Sustainability 

• Secure and diversify income through bids, partnerships, and fundraising 

• Set and manage budgets, ensuring strong financial control and value for money 

• Provide clear, timely financial and performance reporting to the Board 

• Ensure the long-term financial sustainability of HSP 

6. External Relations & Influence 

• Act as the public face and lead spokesperson for HSP 

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with funders, commissioners, partners, and supporters 

• Lead key partnerships and commissioning relationships 

• Strengthen HSP’s reputation, profile, and influence locally and nationally 

7. Authority & Accountability 

• Full executive accountability for organisational performance and delivery 

• Authority to make operational decisions within agreed strategy, budgets, and policies 

• Responsibility to escalate significant risks, safeguarding, HR, and governance matters to the Board 

The post holder may be required to undertake any other duties that fall within the nature of the role and responsibilities of the post as detailed above. 

Person Specification 

Experience & Knowledge

• Experience leading organisations at CEO or senior level; able to translate vision into measurable plans and respond to change. 

• Strong understanding of charity governance and safeguarding 

• Experience of financial management and income generation 

• Knowledge of services for children and families (Desirable) 

Abilities and Skills 

• Strategic leadership and sound judgement 

• Ability to lead, motivate and develop senior teams 

• Build and run a motivated and effective team 

• Manage performance, direct reports, set objectives, monitor, feedback, appraise 

• Network across sites, manage communications and standards 

• Coach and develop others 

• Excellent communication and influencing skills 

• Strong stakeholder and partnership management skills 

Attitude 

• Leads with integrity, transparency, and authenticity 

• Values-led and committed to equality, diversity, inclusion, and safeguarding 

•  Inspires trust, confidence, and high performance in others 

• Resilient and adaptable, able to lead calmly through change and uncertainty 

• Approachable, visible, and engaged with staff, volunteers, and partners 

• Courageous in decision-making and willing to challenge constructively 

• Balanced and fair, applying consistent judgement while remaining flexible 

• Passion to help families and children

Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment 

Home-Start Portsmouth is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and families and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake safer recruitment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and any other checks relevant to the role. 

Harris Hill is delighted to be working with Camphill Devon to recruit its new Chief Executive Officer.

Camphill Devon is a long-established charity providing supported living, residential care and meaningful community for adults with learning disabilities. Set within a unique rural environment featuring multiple residential houses and a 100-acre working farm, Camphill Devon offers a blend of care, independence, therapeutic activity and community living.

The charity provides a vibrant and wholesome environment where people can enjoy the freedom of their rural surroundings, access craft, land and community activities, and play a part in the running of where they live. We are committed to providing the necessary support and facilities through which everyone can choose to live their life, their way.

As Chief Executive, you will:

• Provide strategic, operational and cultural leadership for Camphill Devon, ensuring high-quality, person-centred care, strong governance, financial sustainability and organisational resilience.
• Drive forward organisational improvement, prepare for regulatory scrutiny, and embed a culture of empowerment and accountability across the charity.

If you are inspired and excited by what Camphill Devon does, we’d love to hear from you.

Job title: Chief Executive Officer

Salary: circa £80,000 p.a.

Contract: Permanent / Full-time

Location: Hapstead Village, Camphill Devon Community, Buckfastleigh, Devon, TQ11 0JN

How to apply:

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

Closing date for applications: 9am, Friday 13th February 2026

Both Camphill Devon 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.

Job Title: Policy and Advocacy Manager

Position Type: Maternity Cover

Reports to: Founder/Chief Executive

Based at: School Food Matters, Blackfriars Settlement 9 Rushworth Street SE1 0RB

Salary: £40,500

Working Hours: 9am-5pm (flexible)

Pension: School Food Matters pays pension contributions at 7% of pensionable earnings

Holiday: 31 days including bank holidays

School Food Matters is closed between Christmas and New Year

Job Purpose

· To lead and shape School Food Matters’ policy and advocacy strategy, ensuring our voice influences national and local decision-making on school food and food education

· To design and deliver campaigns that support and advance SFM’s mission

· To line manage the Policy and Communications Assistant and Press and Communications Officer

Key Tasks

· Lead and provide strategic input to campaigns, convene groups and partnerships

· Represent SFM at external meetings and coalitions such as the School Food Review

· Monitor, analyse and interpret relevant research, policy developments and news, identifying implications or opportunities for SFM

· Oversee the strategic direction of SFM’s external affairs and communications, ensuring all policy, campaigns, and public messaging align with the charity’s mission and priorities

· Provide policy research and analysis to support the activities of the School Food Review

· Oversee meetings and governance for the School Food Alliance

· Provide policy and communications expertise for the Food Education Network workstreams

· Represent SFM at relevant policy consultations, meetings and conferences to influence and inform policy discussions, and deliver presentations as required

· Lead drafting of responses to government consultations

· Working closely with the Press and Communications Officer, provide insights to inform timely media responses to policy developments

· Ensure colleagues are regularly briefed on policy activities, priorities and messages, and run internal workshops to keep them up to date with the school food sector

· Provide strategic input to meeting content for the School Food Review, and support the Policy and Communications Assistant to organise meetings for workstreams

· Oversee the development web content, articles, blogs and newsletter content by the Press and Communications Officer and the Policy and Communications Assistant

· Keep up to date with safeguarding requirements and reporting procedures

· Maintain the ethos of the charity and positively promote our work at all times

· The Policy and Advocacy Manager will also undertake any other tasks relevant to the affairs of SFM that may arise from time to time.  Therefore, being flexible and approaching the job with an open and positive mindset is essential!

Person Specification

Essential

· Experience of research and analysis, ideally in a policy environment

· General knowledge of issues around school food, children’s health and food education

· Comprehensive understanding of the UK’s political system

· Experience of coordinating policy/research-based projects

· Experience designing, coordinating and delivering campaigns

· Experience of working in coalitions

· Strong interpersonal skills and ability to maintain relationships with a range of individuals and organisations

· Confident and competent IT skills across Office suite of programmes

· Exceptional oral and written communication skills in fluent spoken and written English, with strong attention to detail and the ability to translate complex data and policies into accessible language and engaging stories and communication materials

· Strong understanding media landscape and social media platforms to oversee the communications activity of the organisation

· Ability to work independently, with high levels of self-motivation

· Good project management, time management and organisational skills and the ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines

· Energy, enthusiasm, creativity and tenacity

Desirable

· Strong knowledge of the public health, food and education policy landscape

· Experience managing others

· Experience managing projects

· Experience managing meetings

· Experience of working with Drupal CMS

· Experience of working within a network or coalition of campaigning organisations

· Established contacts with media outlets/journalists/bloggers

· Digital campaigning and social networking skills

· Experience writing news articles and blog posts with clear structure, purpose and an engaging narrative

· Experience managing or supervising team members to deliver communications projects effectively

We are seeking a leader with a hands-on approach to lead our small team of administrative staff and support our Board of Trustees and members to help shape and implement our strategy for the future. You will manage the day-to-day operations of the organisation, translating the strategy into practice to help the organisation grow and deliver real value to our members.

About Us
ACAT is a charity dedicated to advancing Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) through training, accreditation and the provision of continuous professional development to CAT Therapists. Also, through research and promotion of CAT as a valuable and valued talking therapy.

About you
We are looking for someone who is an experienced leader with a knowledge of and understanding of CAT who is:
A strategic thinker
Able to set, manage and report on budgets
An excellent communicator with a proven track record of implementing change

Why Join ACAT
The opportunity to work with dedicated professionals to develop CAT training and the governance of CAT therapists
30 days annual leave for FTE (Pro Rata)
Flexible working arrangements with both home working and some team-based hours each month at the office in Dorchester, Dorset, and attendance at ad hoc meetings and events in person within the UK from time to time.

This is a permanent contract; part-time flexible 14 hours per week subject to successful completion of a 6-month probationary period.

Closing date: Wednesday 11th February 2026

Harris Hill is delighted to be working with The Camelia Botnar Foundation to recruit its new Chief Executive Officer.

The Foundation was created to support young adults aged between 16 and 21 who are disadvantaged or in problematic situations. The Foundation provides residential training and work experience, helping young people to learn a skilled trade, embark on a useful career path and successfully make their own way in life.

As Chief Executive, you will:

· Provide strategic leadership of the Foundation.

· Have oversight of the charity’s financial position, including budget setting and regular management accounts.

· Grow and diversify income to strengthen financial resilience.

· Develop strategic partnerships and act as the public face of the organisation.

If you are inspired and excited by what The Camelia Botnar Foundation does, we’d love to hear from you.

Job title: Chief Executive Officer

Salary: £90,000 plus annual bonus (pro-rated for part time applicants).

Contract: Permanent / full-time or part-time (minimum of three days a week).

Location: Maplehurst Road, Cowfold, West Sussex RH13 8DQ.

How to apply:

Please review the Recruitment Pack for further information about The Camelia Botnar Foundation, the CEO position and for details on how to apply.

Closing date for applications: 9am Monday 9th February 2026

Both The Camelia Botnar Foundation 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.

The Multiple System Atrophy Trust (MSA Trust) is the UK and Eire’s leading national charity offering vital support to people affected by MSA.  We are entirely funded through voluntary income. Most of our supporters are already familiar with our cause and need guidance and empathetic stewardship to maximise their fundraising in memory or in support of their loved ones.  

Can you help?  We are looking for a caring, friendly and innovative Fundraising Officer who will be the first point of contact for our donor base and can cultivate long term relationships with them.

Reporting to our Senior Fundraising Engagement Officer this role would be ideal if you:

• Have experience of supporter care and stewardship in the voluntary sector
• Have experience in compassionate communicating (written and verbal)
• Are looking for your next step on the ladder and want to learn about the complete supporter journey in a dynamic, friendly and growing charity.
• Are looking for a chance to use your creativity and enthusiasm to develop initiatives allowing a good degree of autonomy.

With plenty of scope for personal development through on-the-job learning opportunities as well as more formalised training and development, this role provides a unique opportunity to harness the power of fund and awareness raising to support more people with MSA.

Additional benefits: 33 days annual leave entitlement (inc bank holidays), TOIL provided for out of office hours, free eye check-up, free tea and coffee!  

We are a small friendly team at our London office so we are looking for a person who can fit in well and be prepared to go the extra mile.

The role requires some occasional travelling around the UK to our various fundraising events and Support Groups, but own transportation is not needed.

Closing date: 28th February, however shortlisting and interviewing will be done on a rolling basis. If you have not heard from us within one week of the closing date please assume that unfortunately you have not been successful. Interviews will be online in the first instance. 

Harris Hill is delighted to be working with Citizens Advice Westminster to recruit its new Chief Executive Officer.

Citizens Advice Westminster provides free, independent, confidential and impartial advice and information to local residents, some of whom are the most vulnerable in society. We value diversity, promote equality and challenge discrimination.

We work with local community organisations to make a difference to the lives of people in Westminster through advice, research and campaigning. Citizens Advice Westminster delivers a high quality, agile advice service which reflects the issues and needs of our communities, and which puts clients first.

As Chief Executive, you will:

•Lead and manage the work of Citizens Advice Westminster in its mission to improve the lives of residents through delivery of a comprehensive information, advice, and casework service across the City of Westminster.

•Collaborate with the Board of Trustees to shape the organisation’s strategy, direction, and policies.

•Provide a strong and influential voice for Citizens Advice Westminster as the ‘public face’ of the organisation.

If you are inspired and excited by what Citizens Advice Westminster does, we’d love to hear from you.

Job title: Chief Executive Officer

Salary: £67,991 p.a. (The salary is on a progressive pathway)

Contract: Permanent / Full-time

Location: The Stowe Centre, 258 Harrow Road, London W2 5ES

How to apply:

Please review the Recruitment Pack for further information about Citizens Advice Westminster, the CEO position and for details on how to apply.

Closing date for applications: 9am Friday 20th February 2026

Both Citizens Advice Westminster 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.

The Multiple System Atrophy Trust (MSA Trust) is the UK and Eire’s leading national charity offering vital support to people affected by MSA – a terminal neurodegenerative disease. 

About the Role

To lead on the Trust’s Policy and Communications work. To ensure our strategy and work in this area is led by the specific needs of people affected by MSA. This will require effective contact between the Trust and people affected by MSA, a range of health and care professionals; in order to develop their engagement in a professional and supportive way. To be an ambassador for change in wider society, working in the best interests of people affected by MSA. To develop and ensure effective external communications and dialogue with people affected by MSA and facilitate positive collaboration with other relevant agencies and policymakers. To co-ordinate marketing and clear messaging to key stakeholders.

To promote the development of this element of work within the MSA Trust, which may include future line management responsibility as the work develops.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work with the CEO, internal teams, Services Committee, and other colleagues to set and deliver an integrated Policy and External Communications strategy for the MSA Trust. 
• Be responsible for the development and delivery of an operational plan with targets and be accountable for the budget in this area.
• Lead on policy and campaigning work, ensuring priorities reflect the views of people with MSA.
• Be responsible for the Trust’s external communications and messaging.  
• Be responsible for ensuring that the development and output of our communications and policy work are inclusive and reflect the diversity of our MSA community.
• Play a key role in the development and effectiveness of national and local voluntary networks that support shared ambitions for the neurology sector.
• Play a key role in the production of MSA News – the Trust’s flagship publication for members.
• Work closely with colleagues to ensure our services are compliant with relevant policies, procedures and relevant legislative frameworks.
• Create positive relationships with MSA Trust colleagues, Trustees, and external networks to share knowledge, insight and evidence.

General Responsibilities

• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the level of the role.
• Embrace diversity and share in the MSA Trust’s commitment to equality of opportunity and to eliminating discrimination.
• Work closely with the Fundraising Team to build fundable propositions and build relationships with supporters.
• Use the charity’s resources efficiently and effectively to ensure that our financial resources are demonstrably used for the benefit of our service users.
• Ensure that information is obtained, used and stored in accordance with our Data Protection and Confidentiality policies.
• Maintain compliance and adherence with all processes to ensure good governance.
• Develop a deep understanding of the issues facing people affected by MSA across the UK and Ireland, including the Health, Social Care and Welfare landscape.

We will not accept applications without a covering statement. Please ensure in your covering letter you mention any dates you might not be available for interview.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Harris Hill is delighted to be working with Liverpool Zoe’s Place (LZP) to recruit its first Chief Executive Officer.

Zoe's Place was founded in Liverpool in 1995 as the first hospice in the UK specifically providing for the needs of babies and younger children. Liverpool Zoe’s Place (LZP) was established in December 2024 and took over full responsibility for the management of the hospice on May 1st 2025. In late 2024 the people of Liverpool, the North West, and even further afield helped us to raise more than £7,000,000 to secure the future of our hospice, and to build a state-of-the-art new facility in West Derby.

Our team of specialist nurses and healthcare assistants are supported by a wide range of other healthcare professionals to provide respite care, therapies and bereavement care to babies and children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, and their families.

As Chief Executive, you will:

· Bring inspirational leadership to the LZP.

· Manage, plan and implement LZP’s strategy.

· Ensure the Hospice provides and promotes excellent clinical care.

If you are inspired and excited by what Liverpool Zoe’s Place does, we’d love to hear from you.

Job title: Chief Executive Officer

Salary: £75,000 - £80,000 p.a.

Contract: Permanent / Full-time

Location: Zoe's Place, Yew Tree Lane, West Derby, Liverpool, L12 9HH

How to apply:

Please review the Recruitment Pack for further information about Liverpool Zoe’s Place, the CEO position and for details on how to apply.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Friday 13th February 2026

Both Liverpool Zoe’s Place 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.

Purpose of the role

The Legal Director provides strategic leadership on immigration, economic migration, asylum and nationality for ILPA, with a primary focus on legal policy, legislative analysis, member engagement and public influence.

The role is responsible for shaping ILPA’s legal positions, overseeing the quality and coherence of legal analysis across the organisation, and maintaining ILPA’s standing as the leading professional membership body in immigration and asylum law.

Key responsibilities

1. Legal strategy and leadership

In collaboration with the Trustees and Chief Executive, the Legal Director will:

a. Develop and maintain ILPA’s short-, medium- and long-term legal strategy in line with ILPA’s charitable objectives.

b. Identify emerging legal, policy and practice issues affecting immigration, asylum and nationality law.

c. Engage with ILPA members to understand frontline impacts and systemic concerns.

d. Advise the Trustees and Chief Executive on legal policy priorities, organisational positioning and risk.

e. Translate member insight into clear legal and policy positions.

f. Lead ILPA’s legal responses to legislative proposals, consultations and policy initiatives.

g. Ensure ILPA’s legal work remains focused, authoritative and aligned with ILPA’s strategic plan.

2.       Policy, parliamentary and public influence

a. Lead ILPA’s engagement on legal and policy matters with government departments, Parliament and public bodies.

b. Draft and oversee consultation responses, parliamentary briefings and policy submissions.

c. Represent ILPA at meetings with Ministers, officials, parliamentarians and sector partners.

d. Provide expert evidence to parliamentary inquiries and committees.

e. Support the Chief Executive in high-level advocacy and external relations where appropriate.

f. Maintain ILPA’s reputation as a trusted expert voice on immigration and asylum law.

3.       Member support and legal expertise

a. Maintain expert-level knowledge of UK and international immigration, asylum and nationality law.

b. Monitor and analyse developments in legislation, case law and policy.

c. Oversee the accuracy and quality of legal information provided to members.

d. Support ILPA’s thematic and regional working groups, including attendance and follow-up actions where appropriate.

e. Build and maintain relationships with NGOs, migrant organisations and advice-sector partners.

f. Strengthen member engagement through high-quality legal leadership and insight.

4.       Relationship with litigation and advice functions

a. Work collaboratively with the Director of Strategic Litigation and Advice to ensure consistency between ILPA’s policy positions and litigation strategy.

b. Provide legal policy insight to inform litigation priorities where appropriate.

5. Management and organisational leadership

a. Line manage the Senior Legal Officer and support the Chief Executive’s HR management function for the Senior Legal Officer

b. Provide strategic direction and professional support to the legal function without direct responsibility for operational casework or project delivery.

c. Contribute as a senior member of ILPA’s management team.

d. Support organisational planning, risk management and reporting.

e. Act as a senior ambassador for ILPA internally and externally.

6. Cross-organisational working

a. Work with the Training Manager to identify emerging legal training needs and priority topics for members.

b. Contribute to the development of training programmes, events and conferences by advising on content and legal accuracy.

c. Support identification of suitable speakers and trainers from within ILPA’s membership.

d.  Work with the Content and Digital Services Manager to ensure legal content is accurate, accessible and up to date across ILPA’s digital platforms.

e. Contribute legal expertise to funding bids and project reporting where required.

f. Support organisational strategy development and review.

g. Undertake other reasonable duties consistent with the seniority of the role.

Accountability and relationships

Reports to: Chief Executive

Direct reports: Senior Legal Officer

Key internal relationships:

· Director of Strategic Litigation and Advice

· Training Manager

· Content and Digital Services Manager

· Trustees and Chief Executive

Person specification

Essential

· Substantial expertise in immigration, asylum and nationality law

· Strong understanding of public law and human rights frameworks

· Proven experience of legal policy development and advocacy

· Excellent analytical and drafting skills

· Experience managing senior legal staff

· Authority and credibility with Parliament, government and the profession

Desirable

· Experience within a membership organisation or charity

· Understanding of litigation governance structures

· Experience contributing to digital legal resources

· Familiarity with training design or professional education

Why work at ILPA

• National profile and respected reputation

• High-impact policy and legal work

• Flexible and supportive working culture

• Collaborative, expert-led organisation

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced leader to join our organisation as Chief Executive Officer to play a pivotal role in delivering the strategic aims of the organisation and making a lasting impact on the community we support.
 
Position: Chief Executive Officer
Salary: £55,000 - £57,000 dependent on experience
Hours: 35 hours per week
Location hybrid: Nottingham City office base (Dryden Enterprise Centre) and community-based across the City, with flexible home working options.
 
Are you a dynamic and experienced leader passionate about strengthening the voluntary and community sector? Nottingham Community and Voluntary Service (NCVS) is seeking a visionary Chief Executive Officer to lead our dedicated team and drive our mission forward.
 
Established in 1875, our fundamental aim is to enhance the quality of life for people in Nottingham by bolstering the voluntary and community sector.
 
NCVS provides crucial support in three key areas:
• Volunteering: We strive to improve the quality and diversity of volunteering opportunities throughout the city.
• Voluntary Sector Development: We strengthen the capacity of the voluntary sector through promoting best practices, offering funding advice, and providing essential training.
• Voices: We champion the voluntary sector on critical issues, ensuring its access to and influence upon key decision-makers.
 
About the role
 
As Chief Executive Officer, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for NCVS, working closely with the Board of Trustees to deliver the organisation’s vision, ensure long-term sustainability and maximise our impact across the city.
 
You will lead a committed team, oversee the development of our programmes and services, and act as NCVS’ principal ambassador – building strong relationships with partners, funders and networks locally, regionally and nationally. A key part of the role will be securing income, championing the VCSE sector, and ensuring NCVS continues to respond effectively to the changing needs of communities and organisations in Nottingham.
 
This is a broad, influential role suited to a leader who is equally comfortable setting strategy, representing the organisation at senior levels, and rolling up their sleeves when needed.
 
What you’ll be responsible for
 
• Providing clear strategic leadership and direction for NCVS, translating vision into delivery
• Ensuring the organisation’s long-term financial stability through income generation, grants and partnerships
• Leading and developing the senior team, fostering a collaborative, values-led culture
• Working with Trustees to maintain strong governance, performance management and accountability
• Representing NCVS externally and strengthening our profile with funders, partners and decision-makers
• Championing the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector through advocacy, collaboration and engagement
• Overseeing budgets, resources and organisational infrastructure to support effective delivery
 
What we’re looking for
 
You will be an experienced senior leader, ideally from the voluntary or community sector, with a strong understanding of how local infrastructure organisations support communities and volunteering in Nottingham/Nottinghamshire.
 
You’ll bring a track record of developing strategy, securing funding and building effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. You’ll be confident influencing at senior levels, while remaining approachable, hands-on and values driven.
 
You’ll also bring:
• Strong financial and organisational management capability
• Experience leading, coaching and motivating teams
• Insight into the policy, funding and partnership landscape affecting the VCSE sector
• A collaborative, solutions-focused mindset with the confidence to lead change
• Flexibility to work across Nottingham and occasionally outside standard office hours. The Chief Executive Officer is expected to attend in-person meetings in and around Nottingham 1 to 3 days a week, on average.
 
Why join NCVS?
 
This is a rare opportunity to lead a respected, long-established organisation at the heart of Nottingham’s voluntary and community sector. You’ll have the chance to shape strategy, influence decision-making, and make a tangible difference to communities across the city.
 
Application Process: Closing date: 8am Monday 16th February. Interviews will be held 11th and 12th March.
 
By clicking on the link to apply for this role you will be able to read the job description and person specification in full and view our CEO recruitment video.
 
Thank you for considering NCVS as your next professional home and we look forward to receiving your application.
 
You may also have experience in the following: Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Executive, Chief Executive – Charity / Non-Profit, Charity Chief Executive, Non-Executive Director / Chief Executive, Director of a Charity / Voluntary Organisation, Managing Director – Charity / Third Sector, Executive Director – Non-Profit, Voluntary Sector Chief Executive, VCSE Chief Executive, Third Sector Chief Executive, Director of Voluntary Services, Head of Charity / Head of Non-Profit, Social Impact Chief Executive, Community Services Chief Executive, etc
 
REF-226 014

Seeking an enthusiastic, dynamic, dedicated yet compassionate leader to drive the charity forward with a fresh strategy, new ideas and a bold vision. As CEO you will provide visionary, strategic, and operational leadership to the Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Association, ensuring we fulfil our mission and grow sustainably. You will act as a key ambassador, building partnerships and maintaining our reputation for excellence ensuring we move forward with impact sharing the strength and passion that we have continued to experience for almost 70 years.

Key Responsibilities (see breakdown within attached job specification)

• Strategic leadership
• Operational Management
• External Engagement
• Governance and Board Relations
• Team Leadership
   

What we do
IA offers peer-to-peer support to those with, or about to have, either an ileostomy or an internal pouch. We also help fund research into bowel disease and other conditions leading to the removal of the colon, as well as providing relevant information to interested parties using a range of channels.

Our strapline, “Because we know, we care”, sums up our whole ethos. Individuals can join either their local IA member organisation, or the IA national charity, and in either case, gain access to a range of services and support, including our flagship quarterly Journal, local and national meetings and information events, and other services such as our One2One peer support and Support Through Therapy services.

What you offer

Essential
• Proven senior leadership experience, ideally as a CEO or Director in the charity or social enterprise sector
• Demonstrable experience of strategic planning and implementation
• Excellent communication skills with ability to engage effectively with stakeholders, professionals and volunteers both internally and publicly
• Work empathetically with vulnerable adults employing working knowledge of safeguarding
• Financial management and budget oversight
• Demonstrable experience of implementing and monitoring services based on financial benefit and social benefit
• Track record of income generation and fundraising
• Demonstrable experience of operating within a governance and regulatory framework
• Experience of developing, managing and supporting high performing teams with a strong growth mindset
• Builds effective relationships with a strong network instilling confidence and trust
• Experience of leading a team delivering effectively against objectives

Skills and Qualities
• Visionary and values-led leadership
• Ethical decision-maker
• Strong, confident and decisive performing well under pressure
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Resilience, adaptability, empathy and emotional intelligence
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

What we offer
Contract: Part time 60% FTE – flexible over 3-5 days, permanent role.
Location: Remote (with regular travel to National Office (Rochford, Essex) and other UK locations, as required)
Salary: £80,000 - £85,000 equivalent FT (pro-rata 60%), commensurate with experience plus benefits

Please see further information about us, what you will offer and who we are looking for within the attached role profile.

The opportunity

We are seeking an experienced and values-led Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead East London Waterworks Park in this next phase of our development. This is a rare opportunity to shape the first paid executive leadership role in a pioneering environmental charity.

The CEO role is wide-ranging and dynamic, and will evolve as East London Waterworks Park grows. The CEO will provide strategic leadership to help realise our ambition to purchase the Thames Water depot site in East London, while strengthening our capacity to deliver community-led rewilding and nature-recovery projects across London in partnership with landowners, local authorities and other stakeholders.

An important aspect of the role will involve introducing a sustainable staffing model that complements and develops East London Waterworks Park’s existing volunteer ecosystem, and strengthens our culture, vision and values. The CEO will be supported in this work by long-standing volunteers at both trustee board and operational level, who believe in the benefits this organisational change will bring.

About East London Waterworks Park

East London Waterworks Park is a community-led charity working to reconnect people and nature. Starting from nature-first principles, and with inclusivity at the heart of everything we do, we work with communities to co-design spaces to unlock a chain of positive changes that culminate in the long-term transformation of people and place.

Our work includes:

• co-designing East London Waterworks Park with the East London community, working towards purchasing a 14-acre Thames Water depot in Waltham Forest and transforming it into a biodiverse urban park with free, accessible wild swimming and welcoming community spaces

• co-designing other nature-first spaces on disused or brownfield land in London, returning land to nature in collaboration with local communities to encourage long–term community stewardship

• hosting engagement, education, and empowerment activities that build skills, confidence and deeper connections to nature.

East London Waterworks Park is a sociocratic organisation, with a decentralised organisational structure and a transparent and collaborative approach to decision making. We have grown organically since 2019, responding flexibly to the challenges we have encountered but always committed to our core vision: creating a new kind of urban green and blue space: one that is ecologically rich, inclusive, and shaped by the people and wildlife who use it.

East London Waterworks Park is currently entirely run by volunteers but we recognise the need to transition to a more sustainable structure. We want to introduce paid employees to ensure we can deliver the exciting projects planned in 2026 and beyond, while retaining our strong community-led ethos.

More information

If this sounds exciting, please review the attached recruitment package.

Chief Executive - Help & Care
Location: Home-based within easy reach of Dorset (regular travel across the region)
Salary: circa £85,000 per annum
Contract: permanent, either full-time basis (37 hours per week) or part-time (30 hours per week). We are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements for part-time hours, including how these are worked across the working week.

Are you an innovative leader who will put communities and social justice at the heart of transforming how health and social care is delivered in Dorset and the south of England?

Help & Care has been supporting communities across Dorset and the south coast since 1985. We deliver person-centred services that promote dignity, independence and connection - from dementia coordination and health coaching to our award-winning Roots gardening programme and social prescribing partnerships. Working with over 25 partners across health, housing and the voluntary sector, we co-produce services that make a real difference to older people, those with long-term conditions, carers and people at risk of isolation.

As our new Chief Executive, you will collaborate with a dedicated Board and a strong, highly motivated team focusing on the following key areas of responsibility:

• Strategic leadership: Define an ambitious, values-led strategy and deliver it, securing long-term impact alongside sustainable financial growth.
• Values leadership: Place Help & Care’s values - social justice, innovation, personal and collaborative - at the heart of decision-making and model them through visible leadership.
• Growth & income diversification: Lead business development to diversify income streams, winning commissioned contracts and developing social-enterprise opportunities to reduce reliance on public commissioning.
• Partnerships & advocacy: Strengthen and sustain senior-level relationships across the NHS, local authorities, commissioners and the voluntary sector; represent Help & Care across systems, media and stakeholder networks.
• Service quality & impact: Embed rigorous monitoring and evaluation so outcome evidence drives commissioning decisions, improves financial performance and enhances the organisation’s reputation.

• People leadership: Inspire, retain and develop a high-performing, compassionate leadership team and workforce, focused on talent development, wellbeing and accountability.
• Governance & financial stewardship: Provide the Board with timely, high-quality reporting, oversee financial recovery or sustainability plans as required, and ensure robust risk, compliance and governance arrangements.

Who you are:

• An experienced CEO or senior director from complex, multi-service health, social care or community organisations, with experience of developing and delivering multi-agency contracts.
• Proven track record of securing commissioned contracts, leading tendering and contract oversight, and developing income diversification, including social-enterprise opportunities.
• Comfortable driving strategic transformation and financial sustainability, with demonstrable expertise in strategic financial management.
• A values-led, collaborative and visible leader with high emotional intelligence and resilience, committed to social justice, person-centred practice and co-production; an effective public representative and mentor.

Why Help & Care?

• Lead a highly respected regional provider with an outstanding track record of co-production and innovation.
• Shape an organisation poised for growth and greater regional influence.
• Hybrid, home-based working, regular travel across Dorset, and the chance to safeguard vital services for local communities.

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

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 23rd February 2026. Interviews and assessments on 3rd, 4th and 5th March.

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.