Governance officer jobs

The Vacancy

The Bar Council represents the nearly 16,000 barristers in England and Wales. It promotes the Bar’s high quality specialist advocacy and advisory services; fair access to justice for all; the highest standards of ethics, equality and diversity across the profession; and the development of business opportunities for barristers at home and abroad.

The Bar Council is the governing body and the Approved Regulator for the Bar of England and Wales. It discharges its regulatory functions through the independent Bar Standards Board.

We are seeking a proactive, highly organised and personable executive assistant to support our new Chief Executive in their first year at the Bar Council. Working with our executive office and governance team, the successful candidate will be responsible for planning and delivering a comprehensive induction programme for the new CEO, to include arranging and facilitating meetings and briefings with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, as well as providing ongoing high-level administrative and organisational support to the CEO.

This is an exciting opportunity to provide support at the highest level of the organisation and encompasses diary management, stakeholder liaison, producing briefing documents and papers, minute-taking at meetings, arranging complex travel and itineraries and expense monitoring. From time to time, the postholder may be required to assist other members of the Senior Management Team and the wider executive office.

Ideally, we are looking for a EA with experience providing comprehensive support to a high-level executive, who can “hit the ground running”, manage a busy diary and prioritise complex and conflicting demands whilst planning ahead with a strategic mindset. The successful executive assistant will need to evidence a collaborative and solutions-focussed approach to work. A willingness or desire to learn about the legal sector would be beneficial.

In return the Bar Council offers excellent terms and conditions of employment, including: 

• 27 days annual leave
• Up to 12% employer’s pension contribution 
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay 
• Life cover, and more 

For full details of the role, please refer to the job description.

The Bar Council is part of the ‘Disability Confident’ scheme. Candidates with a disability who meet the essential criteria for this role will be guaranteed an interview under this scheme. 

Closing Date: Monday 5 January, 2026 at 23:59

Proposed Interview Date: Week commencing 12 January 2026

Yeldall Manor is seeking a visionary, faith-driven, and servant-hearted Chief Executive Officer to lead our Christian charity into its next chapter.

Yeldall Manor is a Christian residential rehabilitation centre supporting men who are struggling with addiction. Rooted in our Basis of Faith, Ethos Statement, and Values, we offer hope, healing, and transformation through Christ-centred care.

For nearly 50 years, Yeldall has been a place of restoration and new beginnings — helping men break free from addiction and rebuild their lives with dignity, purpose and faith.

As CEO, you will work closely with the Board of Trustees to provide strategic leadership, spiritual guidance, and compassionate oversight across all aspects of the organisation. You will bring the experience, insight, and communication skills needed to inspire and equip our dedicated staff, volunteers, and partners — ensuring that Yeldall continues to flourish in its mission and ministry.

We are seeking a visionary leader with a committed Christian faith — someone who can uphold and model the ethos and values of Yeldall Manor while supporting residents in their spiritual journey. You will be an experienced and compassionate leader, able to guide teams through change and growth, and a gifted communicator who can inspire trust and collaboration across staff, residents, and external partners.

A passion for supporting individuals in recovery and personal transformation is essential. If you are in recovery yourself, you must have a minimum of two years’ clean time.

Yeldall Manor is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its residents. The successful candidate will be required to undergo a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.

This is a permanent position, available on a full-time or part-time (0.8 FTE) basis. We are happy to be flexible for the right candidate.

If this opportunity excites you and you feel called to lead and serve in this way, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role.

We would like to fill this post as soon as possible, so please apply by 12pm on Sunday 7th December 2025. 

Join us at Yeldall Manor — and help shape a future of hope, healing, and lasting change.

Multi-Story Orchestra is seeking a dynamic and experienced Executive Director to see us thrive in our next phase.

Multi-Story Orchestra is seeking a dynamic and experienced Executive Director to lead our next chapter. After 15 years, our visionary Co-Founder and Artistic Director, Kate Whitley, will step down in early 2026. This marks an important and carefully planned transition for the organisation. Alongside the new Artistic Director, the Executive Director will have a unique opportunity to forge Multi-Story’s future.

Since 2011, we’ve pioneered youth-led orchestral music that challenges conventions, tells urgent real-life stories, and amplifies unheard voices. Today, young people aged 14-18 are at the heart of our creative process, working with professional musicians to create original works across a range of genres, from soul and R&B to classical and choral. The result is music that’s fresh, relevant and powerful.

We are seeking someone who shares our commitment to:

• Strengthening our organisation through strategic leadership and sound governance.

• Driving ambitious fundraising and sustainable financial planning

• Championing equity, diversity and inclusion across all areas of our work.

• Sustaining a strong sense of organisational cohesion through sound team and operational management.

The Executive Director will work in close partnership with the Artistic Director and Board of Trustees to champion the organisation’s vision, drive fundraising initiatives, extend our partnerships, fulfil commitments to funders, and ensure Multi-Story Orchestra thrives in its next phase. The Executive Director and the Artistic Director together fulfil the CEO function for Multi-Story Orchestra.

The Vacancy

Job Title: CEO YMCA Newcastle

Location: Newcastle

Salary: TBC

Weekly Hours: TBC

Reference: YMC1157145

About YMCA Newcastle
YMCA Newcastle is part of the global YMCA Movement — one of the world’s oldest and largest youth organisations — and has been empowering young people in the city for over 170 years. As an independent local charity, we deliver a diverse range of youth and community services across Newcastle, including youth work, housing and social enterprise. Our housing portfolio includes supported accommodation and outreach programmes, alongside private rented flats, managed in partnership with a local managing agent,.

Our mission is simple but powerful: to empower young people and strengthen communities so that everyone can belong, contribute and thrive.

The Role
We are seeking a visionary, compassionate and inspirational Chief Executive Officer to lead YMCA Newcastle into its next chapter. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the CEO will provide strategic and operational leadership, ensuring that our organisation continues to deliver high-quality, impactful services while remaining financially sustainable.

Key responsibilities include:

Leading the strategic development and operational delivery of YMCA Newcastle’s youth, housing and community services.

Managing supported housing provision.

Acting as the Ofsted Responsible Officer and ensuring full compliance with regulatory standards.

Overseeing financial management, budgeting, reporting and income generation.

Building strong partnerships with funders, local authorities, and community stakeholders.

Promoting, developing and expanding youth work provision across Newcastle – and, in time, Gateshead.

Leading and developing a multidisciplinary team, fostering a culture of inclusion, safeguarding and continuous improvement.

Managing commercial interests, including a block of 22 flats in partnership with a managing agent.

About You
You’ll be a dynamic, values-driven leader with at least five years’ senior management experience in a complex or multidisciplinary organisation. You will combine strategic vision with hands-on operational understanding and have a track record of managing services for young people and/or housing provision. Financial acumen, excellent interpersonal skills, and a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion are essential.

Why Join Us?

Lead a historic and impactful charity with a bold vision for the future.

Work alongside a dedicated team and supportive Board committed to positive social change.

Enjoy flexible working arrangements and a collaborative, values-based culture.

Make a lasting difference to the lives of vulnerable young people across Newcastle.

YMCA Newcastle is an equal-opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.

Are you ready to stabilise ECT Charity - the sector-leading community transport charity - through a rapid transition and prepare it for longer-term leadership?

Interim Chief Executive — ECT Charity

Location: London (Greenford / Ealing) with regular travel to Dorset, Cheshire and partner sites (on-site presence required)
Salary: circa £80,000
Contract: Fixed-term (3–9 months), full-time - immediate start desirable

About ECT Charity

About ECT Charity

ECT Charity is a leading specialist community transport organisation enabling mobility and social inclusion across London, Dorset and Cheshire. We deliver essential door-to-door transport and influence sector policy with partners such as TfL and the GLA, including through the use of our pioneering CT Social Value Toolkit. Facing reduced statutory income, operations changes, lease negotiations and contract retendering, we need to stabilise cashflow and protect services. Significant opportunities include leveraging our resources and networks for training and consultancy, leveraging strategic partnerships to generate earned income, and using Dorset as a demonstrator site to pilot sustainable, mission-aligned commercial models.

Key responsibilities (first 100 days)

• Stabilise cashflow: short-term budget, scenario planning and conservative forecasts.
• Maintain core services and compliance while managing depot/contract transitions.
• Lead staff and stakeholder communications and wellbeing support.
• Negotiate estate and contract outcomes; protect the Toolkit product and rebuild business development.
• Report regularly to the Board and prepare a clear handover pack.

Who you are

• Experienced in turnaround and operational leadership in constrained finances.
• Strong crisis management, negotiation and trustee reporting skills.
• Able to start immediately or with short notice (early January preferred).
• Hands-on, mobile between sites; driving licence preferred.
• (Desirable) Community transport knowledge or productisation/licensing experience.

Why ECT?

• Protect vital services across Dorset, Cheshire and London while shaping commercial routes.
• Influence sector conversations and build partnership income from a stable Dorset base.
• Work with an engaged Board through a fast, high-impact transition.

For full details, please contact Jenny Hills via the apply button to request the full appointment brief that covers both the interim and permanent positions.

How to apply:

Please email the address in the appointment brief with Interim CEO – ECT Charity in the subject line. Attach an up-to-date CV and a Supporting Statement (max 2 x A4) showing how you meet the Person Specification (in the appointment brief) and your interest.

As you can read in the full appointment brief, we welcome applications for both the interim and permanent positions if you are interested in both roles. Please request and read the full brief for details.

For an informal and confidential conversation contact Jenny Hills at the same address with suitable times.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 8th December 2025.

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.

Are you passionate about improving technical education? Gatsby Charitable Foundation is looking for a highly organised Project Officer to play an integral part in its programme delivery, with a particular focus on T Level industry placements.

Location: Manchester (On-site Tuesday-Thursday)

Applications close at 9 a.m. Friday 12th December.

Who we are

In 1967, David Sainsbury wrote out a cheque for five pounds to establish the Gatsby Charitable Foundation. Lord Sainsbury has since given Gatsby more than £1 billion to distribute to charitable causes in fields he is passionate about, including neuroscience, plant science, development in East Africa and public policy.

Gatsby established a small team focused on education policy in England almost 40 years ago. The team’s priorities have typically mirrored and sought to address the policy challenges of the times, from addressing the uptake of engineering degrees in the 1980s to our commitment to the improvement of the nation’s technical education and career guidance systems today. While priorities have changed and evolved, our approach has been consistent: we aim to be more than a funder. We act as an enabler for projects, working with partners in designing, developing, and, in some cases, delivering activities. We take a long-term view as we do not think much can be achieved by short, one-off projects.

We believe that a strong technical education system can open up good career opportunities for young people and adults, as well as drive greater national productivity and economic competitiveness. That is why our current work is focused on supporting the implementation of technical education reforms and the embedding of a stable career guidance system in England.

About the role

Gatsby is seeking a proactive and curious Project Officer to support the delivery of work that strengthens T Level implementation and expands high-quality industry placements across England. Working in the Industry Placement Team, you will help manage grants and contracts, coordinate employer-facing projects, organise events and networks, and capture insights and outputs to inform future activity. You will contribute to developing training and support for industry placement coordinators, produce case studies and blog content, and build relationships with providers, employers and sector partners.

This role works across several T Level subject areas. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience in or adjacent to further education, strong organisational and communication skills, and an enthusiasm for supporting technical education.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the job description and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Friday 12th December.

Bring your drive and passion to lead CPRE London towards its vision of a greener city and manage its strategic direction and delivery. This is a rare, part time opportunity to lead an organisation at the cutting edge of policy regarding green spaces and the environment, housing and planning. You will manage a small but motivated team of staff and dedicated volunteers. We are looking for candidates with the confidence to pitch for new funding and prioritise projects, coupled with a track record of liaison work across the environmental space ideally drawing on a background in planning.

CPRE London is a leading environmental charity in the capital, an independent charity and the London regional branch (1 of 42) of the national CPRE organisation, ‘The Countryside Charity’.

The focus of our campaigning is to make London a well-planned, greener, climate-resilient and nature rich city, which benefits everyone.

Skills in leadership, oversight of income and expenditure, communication, negotiation, and project management are needed to run our operations. In addition to leading CPRE London you will also work closely with a supportive board of trustees.

Currently at the exciting stage of developing the London Tree Ring project, additionally we are involved in many more initiatives such as Healthy Streets Scorecard and GoParksLondon and supporting local campaigns to protect our precious green spaces from development. 

Further details available on our website: Get Involved: Jobs and Volunteering Tab.

About This Job

This is an exciting training role in Army Cadet Headquarters responsible for the coordination, development and implementation of strategic training policy across the Army Cadets.

We are looking for a training professional to bring their skills, enthusiasm, and personal credibility to the team and lead on the training governance, strategic policy, and implementation of training requirements across both our volunteer staff and employed workforce.

This role is key to ensuring Army Cadets training meets the governance requirements of the MOD, and follows required process and procedure, whilst forging its own dynamic and flexible youth training policies to meet the needs of a modern youth organisation.

This position is a permanent full-time post (40 hours per week) which will be office based in Cadets Branch, HQ Regional Command in Aldershot, however significant homeworking will be permitted.  The starting salary for the post will be £32,600 per annum.

Essential Skills

· Experience of delivering strategic training policy for a large organisation

· Risk Management or Safety qualifications.

· Experience in delivering training.

· Demonstrable success in establishing effective working relationships across a range of organisations.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, effective interpersonal skills, and emotional intelligence.

Please refer to the attached Job Description for further information.

Our charity

ACCT UK is a national youth charity dedicated to improving the life chances of young people. The Combined Cadet Force Association (CCFA) is a charity dedicated to the promotion of the ideals and activities of the Combined Cadet Force in schools. Together, in both charities we want to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to learn new skills, build confidence and be inspired through their cadet experience.

We want to develop the youth leadership and training abilities of adult volunteers whilst also helping young people to access cadet activities through fundraising, grant-making, developing new resources and direct support.

We strongly believe that everyone benefits when you help young people to develop their character and values through activities that stretch and mature them. We also know that when young people engage with others at a range of levels in their communities it builds confidence and improves empathy for other’s lives.

Who we are

You will enjoy being part of our small team who work very happily together. By joining ACCT UK, you will help us to reach more young people and make a greater difference, and we look forward to working with you. We actively promote and encourage you to explore ideas that improve all aspects of the charities’ work in pursuit of their charitable aims.

What we can offer you

In addition to your salary, we offer all staff:

· Flexible working arrangements (you agree a working pattern with your line manager).

· The ability to work both from home and from our Aldershot office.

· Personal Accident Insurance, including loss of earnings cover and death benefit.

· 15 days of sick pay in any 12-month period (after 12 months employment - pro-rata for part time staff).

· A contributory pension scheme (you contribute at least 5% and we will contribute 10%).

· Good leave allowances (which are offered pro-rata for part time staff):

o 20 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays.

o Additional privilege leave, on set days each year, such as between Christmas and New Year.

o An additional five days of volunteering leave.

· Support for qualifications and personal development.

· Employee Assistance Programme.

· Season ticket loan.

· Railcard (if you are eligible)

· A caring and supportive team environment.

How to apply

Please send a covering letter that details how you meet the requirements of the job description along with a CV by Sunday 21st December 2025.

Please note, AI should not be used to produce either the covering letter or CV.

Interviews will be held in Holcombe Moor Training Camp, Spenleach Ln, Bury BL8 during the week commencing Monday 12th January 2026.

Please note that as charities dedicated to improving the lives of young people, we require staff to make a declaration about any relevant convictions, undergo both a Disclosure and Barring Service check and a Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) check (one of the requirements being that applicants must have been resident in the UK for 3 years). In addition, we will follow up references.

We reserve the right to close the role advertisement early if we receive a large number of applicants.

We are seeking a Deputy Chief Executive Officer to support the current Chief Executive Officer and strengthen the senior leadership of our charity. Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Managers and Trustees, you will play a key role in driving our long term strategic goals and ensuring our values remain at the heart of everything we do.

Are you...

• A passionate, dedicated leader?
• Committed to our ethos, values and mission?
• Skilled in mentoring, supporting and empowering others?
• Looking for a leadership role within the charity sector?
• Ready to take on a new and rewarding challenge?

You will provide strong effective leadership to service managers and operational teams, ensuring decisions are made responsibly within available financial and organisational resources. This role is central to maintaining high quality services and supporting the continued success and sustainability of Health for All.

The ideal candidate will bring...

• Significant senior level management experience
• Proven people management experience
• A collaborative, adaptable and inclusive leadership style
• Excellent communication and relationship building skills
• The ability to develop partnerships that enhance our work and impact

There is scope for this role to evolve over time into the Chief Executive position, offering an exciting development opportunity for the right candidate. 

The main purpose of the role:

• To act as a Deputy to the Chief Executive Officer
• To lead the operational management team, mentor, support and empower managers to achieve objectives.
• To play a key role as a member of the senior leadership team.
• To identify and inspire process improvements, collaborating with team members to implement good practice.
• To develop and represent the charity in building strategic relationships.

Hours and contract period:
Full time, 35 hours per week, normally Monday to Friday but flexibility is required given the seniority of the post. There may be some need to work outside normal office hours and may include some weekend work. This post is offered on a permanent contract with a 6 month probationary period. This post will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service
check and satisfactory references.
Location:
Based at Tenants Hall Enterprise Centre in Middleton, Leeds, the role involves regular travel to other Health for All centres and locations. It is desirable that the successful applicant is a car driver with access to a suitable vehicle. Mileage and travel costs will be reimbursed through expenses. Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK.

Benefits:

• 31 Days annual leave plus bank holidays
• 5% Employers Pension Contribution
• Free Parking at Health for All centres
• Mindful Employer Plus employee assistance programme

Reports to:
Chief Executive Officer.
Responsible for:
Operational Service Managers (6 Managers)

Application closing date: Friday 19th December 2025

First Interviews: Early January 2026

To apply please download the application pack from our website and complete an application form, please note we do not accept CV's.

We are seeking a Community Development Officer to lead a major in-progress project improving recognition, support, and care for people with smell and taste disorders at a local level across England. 

This three-year, volunteer-led programme, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund has achieved significant success in its first eighteen months. We are now recruiting a new postholder to take this strong foundation forward through the next phase of delivery. 

Over the past eighteen months, we have recruited and established a thriving network of volunteers and local groups across England. This momentum is expected to continue. The Community Development Officer will work closely with existing volunteers and groups, primarily remotely, while also attending in-person events and meetings in different parts of England as needed. 

The postholder will lead the ongoing recruitment, training, and support of volunteer groups, working with them to identify opportunities for local outreach and engagement. Together, you will ensure that more people affected by smell and taste disorders access the information, support, and recognition they need, while continuing to raise awareness of these often-unrecognised sensory impairments. 

Our volunteer groups bring together people with lived experience alongside experts from the food, beverage and fragrance sectors, and other relevant fields. 

We are looking for a motivated, forward-thinking individual with experience in leading and inspiring others. You will bring energy, creativity, and excellent communication skills to drive the project forward and help build an innovative, sustainable programme of volunteer-led activity, supporting our volunteers to influence change within their communities. 

You will empower volunteers to play an active role in transforming public understanding of how essential smell and taste are to our lives, whether they are running peer support groups, organising local events, delivering talks in community settings, or representing the charity at information days. 

You will join a small, friendly and ambitious team committed to your professional development as the charity continues to grow. 

If you are passionate about making a difference, enjoy working with people, and want to contribute to a pioneering and collaborative organisation that values and empowers its community, we would love to hear from you. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. 

Are you a commercially minded, senior leader with strong experience in operations, company management, partnership building and income generation?

VDT is seeking an experienced Head of Operations and Business Development to spearhead the implementation of our ambitious new Commercial Strategy, driving growth and expanding income streams.

This is a crucial, high-impact role for someone who thrives on operational excellence, has excellent management skills and a passion for strategy implementation. It is ideal for someone with strong experience in partnership building, negotiating contracts, lead generation and organisational development.

Working closely with the Chief Executive / Artistic Director, the role works collaboratively across the small staff team to deliver the company’s Business Plan, Funding Agreement, Mission and Values. You will identify opportunities, generate new leads and manage the company’s wide range of production, participation and continued professional development programmes. You will grow a new customer base for our online training and E-learning and develop income from within arts academic and social enterprise settings. You will track progress and ensure the company is run in line with best practice. 

You might not have worked in the arts or creative industries before. If you have experience as a Business Manager, Operations Director, Executive Director or Senior Producer within or outside of the cultural / charity sector, then you’ll have the core skills we are looking for.

Closing date for applications: Midday Tuesday 6 January 2026

Interview Date: Thursday 15 January 2026 (possible second interview 23 January 2026).

Location – Remote, with occasional travel required

Salary – Circa £55k per annum (pro rata)

Contract – Part-time 14-21 hours per week (flexible across the week), Permanent

Farms for City Children offers children and young people a week in the heart of the British countryside staying on one of our farms, where they are immersed in the natural world of food, farming, and country life.  During their stay, they participate in the seasonal tasks of the day: sowing, growing and harvesting in our kitchen gardens, caring for livestock and looking after the land, and a variety of tasks designed to build greater connection with the natural world.

We are looking for a Head of Finance to join our friendly team.

About the Role

The Head of Finance forms part of our Senior Leadership Team and leads the financial management of our charity. This is the most senior finance role in the organisation, responsible for ensuring robust financial oversight, compliance, and governance. The role also encompasses broader corporate responsibilities, including supporting the Board, strengthening governance frameworks, and overseeing data protection and information governance.

For full details about the role, please see the Job Description and Job Information Pack.

What we Offer

In return you will receive a salary circa £55k per annum (pro rata) and a range of benefits, which include:

· 25 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays (pro rata)

· 6% employer contribution to NEST pension scheme

· Employee Assistance Programme

How to Apply

To apply, please download and fill out our application form that is located at the bottom of the page. Once completed, click on the Apply button, fill in your details and upload the application form. You may also wish to fill out and upload our equal opportunities monitoring form. 

We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis starting from 9th December 2025; as such we reserve the right to close this advert early due to the volume of applications.

Please note that first interviews will be held online, second interviews will be held in person.

We are unable to accept just cover letters and CVs.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE – DIRECT RECRUITMENT ONLY

Secretariat – Reading Students’ Union

Location: University of Reading, Whiteknights Campus, Reading, Berkshire

Salary: £30,981.64 per annum 

Contract: Permanent, full-time (35 hours a week)

'Governance that matters - because students matter'

About Reading Students’ Union

We are a dynamic, student-focused organisation dedicated to empowering students and enhancing their university experience. Our vision is to be a place for everyone, we inspire and empower students to change the world. 

The Role: Secretariat

As our Secretariat Officer, you’ll be the heartbeat of our governance and democratic life. You’ll make sure everything runs smoothly, transparently, and in line with our charitable purpose. From supporting our CEO and Board of Trustees to guiding student leaders, you’ll be our trusted expert.

What You’ll Do

• Act as the go-to expert for governance and democracy queries, providing timely, accurate advice an training  to trustees, student leaders, and staff. You’ll keep us compliant with charity law and sector best practice, and lead governance reviews to drive continuous improvement
• Own the annual cycle of Board and committee business—schedule meetings, prepare agendas, write clear and accurate minutes, and track actions. You’ll also coordinate trustee inductions and training, building strong relationships that enable effective decision-making
• Facilitate democratic processes, from elections to policy development. You’ll guide student candidates and elected officers, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge to lead confidently. You’ll design and deliver induction programmes for our elected sabbatical officers, setting them up for success
• Provide high-quality support to the CEO and Senior Management Team—managing diaries, inboxes, and meetings, and ensuring smooth communication across the organisation
• Maintain governance records, policy schedules, manage statutory filings, and oversee the student complaints process
• Identify opportunities to streamline governance systems and introduce digital tools that make processes more accessible and efficient
• Analyse governance and democratic participation data to produce reports that inform strategy and improve engagement. You’ll turn numbers into actionable insights that enhance student representation

About You

You’re passionate about governance and thrive in roles where precision, integrity, and impact matter. You’ll bring a mix of expertise, confidence, and curiosity to help us deliver exceptional governance and democratic processes for our students.

You’ll have:

• Proven experience in governance, democratic processes, or charity administration
• Knowledge of charity law and governance best  practice
• A track record of supporting senior leaders or Boards—minute-taking, meeting coordination, and managing confidential information
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to juggle calendars, inboxes, and complex projects in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including clear, accurate minute writing
• Excellent stakeholder management skills
• Experience designing and delivering training in all things governance

Desirable:

• Experience managing complaints
• Charity experience in an education or student-focused environment
• Knowledge of Student Unions, university structures and student representation systems

Why Join Us?

• Inclusive and supportive team culture
• Flexible working options
• 35 days annual leave including Christmas and Easter closure days
• Professional development opportunities
• Unique working environment in the heart of a vibrant Student’s Union, set on a stunning, green campus

Ready to make an impact?

Apply today and help us bring our ambitious new strategy to life with sector-leading governance!

Committed to equality, celebrating diversity, and embedding sustainability — building an inclusive workplace and a brighter future for all.

Social Development Direct is a mission-driven, international development consultancy with a global reputation for excellence in gender equality and social inclusion. As a social enterprise subsidiary of Plan International UK, we combine commercial agility with a deep commitment to social change.

We are seeking a Managing Director who will lead the next phase of SDDirect’s development, advancing the organisation’s influence and impact. 

The Managing Director will report into the CEO of Plan International UK and the SDDirect Board, and will provide inspirational leadership to SDDirect’s talented and motivated executive and staff, ensuring the organisation continues to deliver excellent technical quality alongside sustainable commercial performance.

This role offers a unique opportunity for a dynamic, values-led and engaging leader, with drive, resilience and commercial acumen.A high level of commercial awareness combined with a social justice technical background, and a proven track record of successfully leading and managing a commercial enterprise, consultancy or similar organisation or unit in the international development sector, is highly preferable for this position.

For more information about the company, role and responsibilities, please find the full job description and person specification below. 

How to Apply: Please click 'Redirect to recruiter' for details on how to apply for this position.

If you would like a confidential discussion about the role, please get in touch with Sue Griffiths, Managing Director, to arrange this. Contact details can be found in the job description.