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About School of Hard Knocks
School of Hard Knocks (SOHK) is one of the UK’s leading education charities, working in 29 secondary schools across England, Scotland, and Wales. Using rugby as a key delivery tool, we support young people who are struggling to engage in early secondary education - often because of anxiety, low confidence, disrupted home lives, or behavioural challenges rooted in trauma. For many of the children we support, life has already brought more hardship than most adults experience in a lifetime. Our purpose is clear: to help young people facing complex challenges break the cycle and move towards a safer, stronger, more hopeful future.
The SOHK Schools Programme is a two-year intervention working with cohorts of around 20 pupils from Year 7 through to Year 9. Pupils are selected by the school and are typically among the hardest to reach young people. Each week, we deliver half a day of rugby training and classroom sessions built around our 3Cs framework, covering topics such as growth mindset, goal setting, and decision-making, alongside monthly one-to-one sessions with every pupil. The programme’s impact is evaluated by SOHK staff, teachers, parents, and the pupils themselves.
90% of our participants report feeling more confident and more engaged with school after taking part, with long-term effects on attendance, attainment, and life outcomes. Find out more about our Schools Programme.
Since 2023, SOHK has been proud to partner with Impetus, a charity that invests in and supports organisations helping young people from disadvantaged backgrounds succeed. This partnership combines investment with strategic and organisational development support, helping to strengthen our impact and set SOHK up for sustainable growth.
We are proud to be delivering long-term programmes that meaningfully reach hundreds of young people each year - but the societal need is vast. Our ambitious four-year strategic plan targets growth, aiming to bring our impactful programme to hundreds more young people each year.
“Despite the usual challenges that every education or sport for development charity faces, School of Hard Knocks really is unique. It is not so much what we deliver at a programme level (which is of course brilliant) but who we are as a team. If you are a values-led leader and love the idea of ‘team’, then School of Hard Knocks is the place for you.”
- Ken Cowen, Founder and outgoing CEO
The Role
The CEO is the public face and leader of SOHK, responsible for the overall strategic direction, vision, and management of the charity - ensuring SOHK meets its mission and strategic objectives while maintaining strong relationships with Trustees, staff, supporters, and the wider SOHK community. We’re looking for a mission-driven charity leader and effective fundraiser, capable of building a sustainable growth model.
Strategy and Direction
● Be the face and voice of the charity - its principal ambassador
● Lead the development and periodic review of SOHK’s strategy with the Trustees and Senior Management Team
● Translate the 2026-30 strategy into organisational priorities, plans, and goals
● Ensure safeguarding, wellbeing, and the lived experience of young people remain central to every decision and growth plan
Programme Delivery, Quality and Impact
● Hold a high bar for programme quality and outcomes for young people
● Line-manage and support the Director of Programmes, working with delivery teams and partners to build a world-class, evidence-based intervention
● Ensure SOHK can evidence the impact of its programmes, with insights feeding back into constant improvement
Income Generation, Fundraising and External Relations
● Lead income generation across trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, individual giving, and challenges and events
● Line-manage and support the Head of Fundraising in executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy
● Hold senior relationships with funders and partners, building SOHK’s brand, reputation, and profile
Leading People, Culture and Operations
● Build and lead a high-performing Senior Management Team
● Foster a positive, inclusive, high-performing culture aligned with SOHK’s values
● Line-manage and support the Director of Finance & Operations, ensuring operational excellence
Governance and the Board
● Act as the primary link between the organisation and the Trustees
● Attend all Trustee meetings (held quarterly) and provide timely, accurate reporting
● Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and Charity Commission requirements
About You
Essential
● Proven senior leadership experience in the charity, education, youth, or social impact sector - whether as CEO or as part of an executive team - including working directly with a Board of Trustees
● Demonstrated success in building or significantly growing an organisation, programme, or initiative
● A collaborative and values-led leadership style, with the ability to inspire trust, hold people to account, and build high-performing teams
● Strong track record of income generation, including securing significant funding from trusts, foundations, corporates, or major donors
● Experience of financial oversight, budgeting, and organisational planning at a senior level
● Strategic thinker, able to translate vision into clear plans and delivery
● Strong relationship-builder and communicator, confident with a wide range of stakeholders
Desirable
● Previous charity CEO experience - a bonus, but not essential; we know brilliant candidates come from a wide range of backgrounds
● Direct classroom, youth work, or education leadership experience
● Knowledge of the UK education system and youth policy landscape
● Experience of scaling a multi-site delivery organisation and working with local authorities
Personal Attributes
● Deep commitment to improving outcomes for young people, especially those facing disadvantage
● Resilient and persistent, able to work under pressure and navigate setbacks
● Collaborative, open, and reflective leader who seeks feedback and learns from it
Terms of Appointment
Contract type
Full-time, permanent
Location
Greater London, with offices in Edinburgh & Cardiff
Salary
£85,000 – £90,000 per year + £5,000 PRP
Reports to
Chair of the Board of Trustees
Direct reports
Director of Programmes; Head of Fundraising; Director of Finance & Operations
Travel
Regular UK travel, primarily to Edinburgh and Cardiff. Occasional evenings for stakeholder engagement and fundraising events
Trustee meetings
Quarterly, in London, in the evening, plus ad hoc subcommittees
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
An exciting opportunity!
This is a rare and genuinely exciting opportunity to lead the UK's only dedicated charity supporting children, adults and families affected by MPS, Fabry disease and related lysosomal storage disorders. Following the current Chief Executive's planned move to become Managing Director of Rare Disease Research Partners (RDRP) in January 2027, the incoming CEO will take the helm of an organisation with over forty years of history, a trusted national reputation and a growing role on the international rare disease stage. The successful candidate will shape the strategic vision for more than 1,800 families, oversee the close partnership between the Society and its research subsidiary RDRP, and champion the patient and family ethos that sits at the heart of the organisation's work. It is an opportunity to combine ambitious strategic leadership with deeply meaningful, human impact, working alongside a committed Board, Senior Leadership Team and wider community of clinicians, researchers and pharmaceutical partners.
As our next Chief Executive, you will
- Define and deliver the MPS Society’s strategic vision.
- Provide confident oversight of governance, finance, compliance and reporting.
- Effectively manage the operational alignment between the MPS Society and RDRP.
- Always keep the members and family voice at the heart of strategy, service design and decision-making.
- Build and maintain senior-level relationships with statutory bodies, government agencies, pharmaceutical partners, clinical expert centres and other key stakeholders to support the Society’s objectives, influence policy and practice, and protect its professional reputation.
- Act as a visible and credible public voice to raise awareness, improve visibility, support, treatment access and outcomes for people affected by MPS, Fabry disease and related conditions.
- Collaborate with other rare disease bodies, patient organisations and other key audiences.
- Lead and empower the senior leadership team through effective delegation, early involvement in strategic discussions, clear accountability and support for individuals to flourish.
- Encourage an open, supportive work environment allowing creativity and building staff confidence.
- Help shape the future of the MPS Society.
About you
- Self-motivated, with the drive to lead the organisation through a period of change and transition.
- Unquestionable probity and personal integrity, given the trust placed in the CEO by families, trustees and partners.
- Exemplary written and verbal communication skills, able to convey complex scientific and clinical information to audiences ranging from clinicians to families with no prior knowledge of MPS disorders.
- Strong self-awareness, with insight into their own leadership style and impact on others.
- Emotional resilience, able to sustain performance while supporting a community facing life limiting conditions.
- A collaborative and empowering leadership style, able to build trust, delegate effectively and help individuals across the organisation flourish.
- Genuine passion for the Society's mission, with a family and member-first ethos.
- Confidence to build relationships across a wide range of stakeholders, from beneficiaries and Trustees to politicians, media and pharmaceutical partners.
- A proactive, positive approach, comfortable reacting to change and organising their own work to meet deadlines.
- Confidence speaking publicly on behalf of the organisation and the people it represents.
Why join us?
A close-knit, values-led culture. With just over thirty staff across the Society and RDRP combined, this is a place where the CEO can know the team personally, work closely with families day-to-day, and see the direct results of decisions rather than managing at a distance through layers of bureaucracy.
- Genuine autonomy to shape direction. The Board is explicitly looking to the new CEO to bring fresh thinking on technology, AI, and digital tools, and to give real freedom to modernise fundraising, services, and engagement rather than simply maintaining what already exists.
- A stable foundation to build from over forty years of track record, trusted relationships and a strong national reputation mean the incoming CEO can focus energy on vision and growth rather than firefighting or rebuilding credibility from scratch.
- Proximity to cutting-edge science: the Society's close relationship with RDRP gives the CEO regular exposure to advances in rare disease research and treatment access, while day-to-day research leadership sits with the RDRP Managing Director, allowing the CEO to focus on strategy, people and sustainability.
- A high-visibility, high-influence platform. Regular contact with government, pharmaceutical companies, clinicians and international rare disease bodies offers strong opportunities to build a public profile and personal network well beyond the charity sector.
- A team that already shares the mission. Staff are described as passionate about the Society's aims, and as having a family-first ethos, so the new CEO inherits a culture to lead and empower rather than one that needs to be built from the ground up.
- Work with a different kind of return. Beyond salary and career progression, this role offers the less tangible reward of knowing that strategic and financial decisions translate, into better support for families facing some of the rarest conditions in the country.
Benefits
Join us and you will be working for a caring charity offering:
- A competitive salary
- Generous annual leave
- Extra leave between Christmas and the New Year
- Contributory pension
- Life assurance (subject to the conditions of the scheme)
- Employee assistance programme offering support 24/7
Further information
The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the UK.
The main duties, responsibilities and requirements of this role can be viewed in the job description on our website.
Salary to be agreed depending on experience and will be pro-rata for part time hours.
This is an essential car user post. The applicant must hold a current UK driver’s licence, with no more than 6 points, have access to a car and be able and willing to drive UK wide as required.
This senior role requires flexibility in working hours and location. It is primarily offered on a hybrid basis with a minimum of 2 days in our Amersham, Buckinghamshire, office each week. As part of the role, UK and overseas travel is necessary, which may on occasion include early morning and/or evening working and sometimes overnight stays. We have policies in place to ensure that any unsociable hours worked over the weekend are fairly compensated through TOIL.
This role will require an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring check (DBS) details of which can be found in the job description.
For an informal discussion about the role or the work of the MPS Society, please contact Dr Fiona Stewart. Contact details can be found on the full job description. Kindly note, meetings with other relevant people will be available to shortlisted candidates at interview stage.
Please include your CV with a supporting statement of no more than 800 words. Your supporting statement should include an answer to the question below:
The MPS Society supports individuals and families affected by mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) and related disorders. What interests you about coming to work in this area, and what motivates you to contribute to supporting individuals and families affected by these conditions?
To transform lives through specialist knowledge, support and advocacy, and research.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are seeking an experienced, inspirational and forward-thinking Head of Dog Training & Client Services to lead one of the charity's most important service areas.
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and forming part of the Senior Leadership Team, this role provides strategic and operational leadership across our Training Department, including Puppy Development, Dog Supply, Instructor Services and Client Services functions.
This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated individual to shape the future of our training and client services, lead a dedicated team of professionals, and ensure the highest standards of support for both our beneficiaries and assistance dogs.
As Head of Dog Training & Client Services, you will be responsible for the overall leadership, performance and development of the Training Department.
You will work closely with senior staff to ensure the successful delivery of our assistance dog programmes, while driving continuous improvement, innovation and organisational growth.
The role combines strategic leadership with operational oversight and is ideal for someone who is passionate about achieving excellent outcomes for both people and dogs.
To provide assistance dogs to support those with disabilities and long-term medical conditions leading to safer and more independent lives.
With a 110-year history, we are proud to be able to say that the WI continues to be the largest and most influential UK women’s organisation, with over 170,000 members. Our campaigns push for change on the issues that matter to women and their communities, from equal pay to climate change, mental health and violence against women. The WI has brought about real change, and this record of action shows that we are as relevant today as we were in 1915.
The National Federation of Women’s Institutes (the NFWI) is responsible for running the organisation and provides support and advice to members at both regional and local levels.
About the Innovation and Project Officer role
Supporting innovation across the organisation, you will help to develop and deliver programmes that grow our membership, reach and influence. You will lead the day-to-day management of pilot projects that test new initiatives and engagement opportunities with new audiences, monitoring and evaluating outcomes to capture insights and valuable learning that helps shape the direction of the organisation. This role will involve developing project plans, timelines and key deliverables to monitor project progress and ensure success. You will carry out qualitative and quantitative research to identify the current and changing needs of women to support organisational decision-making and drive innovation in everything that we do.
Location: Hybrid working, with one day per week at our London, Oxfordshire or Wales office.
About you
You should be experienced in supporting organisational development within membership settings, and skilled in project design and delivery. You will have strong data analysis and interpretation skills, with the ability to communicate your findings to diverse audiences. You should have a methodical approach to project management, and be able to confidently engage and build relationships with stakeholders and different audiences. Familiarity in overseeing budgets would be beneficial, as would some knowledge of the trends affecting the voluntary sector, but above all a passion for supporting initiatives that contribute to organisational growth and change will be key to your success in the role.
How to apply
For further information about this Innovation and Project Officer role, please download the recruitment pack which includes the job description and person specification.
To apply, please submit your current CV with a covering letter clearly explaining why you would be suitable for the role to the HR department.
Closing date: 15 September 2026.
First-round interview (virtual): w/c 21 September 2026.
Second-round interview (in-person): w/c 28 September 2026.
No other media or agencies, please.
The WI is proud to be an equal opportunities employer and values diversity. Reg. Charity No. 803793.
This is a rare and rewarding opportunity to lead a well-established and highly respected charity, dedicated to improving the lives of adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse, sexual violence and rape.
S.H.E. UK is seeking an exceptional, community-focused leader with a strong track record in fundraising, relationship building and organisational development. At an exciting point in our journey, we are looking for a CEO who can strengthen and sustain our foundations, inspire support across our communities, diversify income streams, and translate our ambitious new strategy into meaningful action.
You will bring proven experience of securing sustainable funding from a range of sources, including grants, donors, community supporters and strategic partnerships. Equally important is your ability to lead with compassion, champion survivor-centred services, and build trust with a wide range of stakeholders.
As Chief Executive Officer, you will provide strategic, operational and financial leadership, ensuring the charity remains resilient, impactful and well governed. Working closely with the Board of Trustees, you will maintain the highest standards of safeguarding, governance and service delivery, while creating the conditions for long-term sustainability.
This is an exciting opportunity for an inspiring and compassionate leader to build on our achievements, bring our strategy to life, and help shape the next chapter of S.H.E. UK's development. This is a hybrid role, with a minimum of three days per week working in person from our Mansfield base.
If you are passionate about creating lasting change, have a proven track record of leadership, and are committed to improving the lives of survivors, we would love to hear from you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Citizens Advice Bury & Bolton (CABB) is a leading provider of legal advice and information, supporting thousands of clients every year. We are a busy, client focused and dynamic service with a track record of delivering high-quality advice face to face, over the phone and digitally.
There’s no ‘average’ case – our advice is tailored, but our standard of excellence is identical for every client. You will play a key role in ensuring that our services are community focused, impactful and sustainable.
As a newly created position, this role offers a unique opportunity to shape its direction, innovate, and directly define its success. You will operate with high levels of autonomy, while being fully backed and championed by Trustees and the wider Senior Leadership Team (SLT), consisting of:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Head of People, Culture & Resources
- Head of Advice Standards & Delivery
- Head of Partnerships, Data & Impact.
The Head of Partnerships, Data & Impact will provide strategic leadership for CABB’s generalist and community-based advice services, while driving organisational growth through strategic partnerships, data analytics and social impact storytelling. This role bridges operational delivery with external system integration, using hyper-local data to ensure our services directly meet the evolving needs of residents in the specific communities where help is needed most. By leveraging client insights to drive Research & Campaigns activity and inform strategic funding bids, you will articulate our organisational impact using partner-aligned terminology – translating advice outcomes into language that directly resonates with health, statutory and VCSE stakeholders (such as health inequalities, demand management, Marmot principles, and prevention) – to build strong, collaborative pathways.
Key elements and tasks within this role include:
- Data insight & impact strategy development with organisational data analysis, trend forecasting, research & campaigns and evidencing social return on investment. Leverage client data to produce high-impact insight reports, drive local, regional and national campaign work.
- Shape the future of service delivery by embedding sustainable ways of working, processes and performance frameworks, leading evidence-based recommendations that support CABB’s long-term operating model and growth ambitions, to meet client demand.
- Collaborate and build relationships across VCSE/statutory, health and wider systems, including colleagues across CABB and wider stakeholders, build positive and professional relationships with partners and contract/ funder relationships within the scope of this role. Foster positive relationships with Head of Advice Standards & Delivery, and wider SLT, deputising as required.
- Support community & generalist services through senior oversight of generalist advice teams and managers, but frame responsibilities around high-level service performance, governance and client outcomes, aligned to advice standards.
- Drive service improvement & innovation using data and technology to support continuous improvement, contribution to organisational strategic pillars and values.
Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (EDI&B):
We believe inclusion is a social justice issue - a principle that underpins our EDI&B work. To that end, we particularly welcome applications from local individuals who are representative of the local communities we serve - this is not just a matter of diversity but of strategic importance to ensure our services are grounded in the realities of our communities.
Benefits
We value the people who work here. The following are included within the employee remuneration packages as standard;
A flexible 35 hour working week (for full time employees)
Generous holiday entitlement – starting at 25 days per year, increasing to 30 (in addition to bank holidays), pro-rata for part time
Additional day off for your birthday
5% employer contribution pension scheme
Access to 24/7 confidential telephone counselling and structured counselling support
Access to online GP and telephone counselling services
Enhanced family friendly leave and occupational sick leave
Access to ‘Blue Light Card’ and other charity discount schemes
Citizens Advice Bury & Bolton (CABB) is a leading provider of legal advice and information, supporting thousands of clients every year.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Business Development Manager
Hours: 37.5 hours per week (full time)
Contract: Fixed Term 12 months
Salary: £40k per annum
Reporting to: Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships
Youth Business International is a global network supporting young entrepreneurs to start, grow and sustain successful businesses. We bring together organisations around the world to deliver practical support, share expertise and create opportunities for young people to thrive.
We are looking for an ambitious Business Development Manager to help us grow and diversify our income and build new, long-term funding partnerships.
Working closely with the Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships, you will play a central role in identifying new opportunities across trusts and foundations, corporate partners and major donors.
We are looking for someone with a strong track record in fundraising, business development or partnership development, particularly in generating new opportunities and managing a pipeline through to successful outcomes.
If this sounds like you, you can find the full information in the job pack and we look forward to receiving your application.
To apply
- Please submit your CV (maximum 2 x A4) and a cover letter (max 2 pages). Your cover letter must address how you meet the person specification.
- You must ensure that these documents clearly demonstrate the expertise, skills, experience and competencies required for this role as they will be used to shortlist you.
- Closing date: Midnight 20th September 2026.
- Please note you must have an existing right to work in the UK as YBI is not able to sponsor visas.
Please ensure your cover letter addresses the person specification as that will be used alongside your CV to make shortlisting decisions.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Partnerships & Development Manager
Hours: 37.5 hours per week (full time)
Salary: £40k per annum
Contract: Maternity Cover Fixed Term Contract (currently until July 2027)
Reporting to: Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships
Youth Business International (YBI) is looking for a Partnerships & Development Manager who combines programme management expertise with partnership development and income generation.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys working across effectively managing an established portfolio of global programmes, donor partnerships and identifying, developing new funding opportunities.
Working closely with the Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships, YBI’s global network, internal teams and external partners, you will help connect impact with investment – using insight from an effectively managed programme portfolio and stakeholder intelligence to help shape innovative partnership models.
You will need to be self-motivated, adaptable, very organised and comfortable working with high levels of autonomy and pace.
If this sounds like you, you can find the full information in the job pack and we look forward to receiving your application.
Please note you must have an existing right to work in the UK as YBI is not able to sponsor visas.
To apply
- Please submit your CV (maximum 2 x A4) and a cover letter (max 2 pages).Your cover letter must address how you meet the person specification.
- You must ensure that these documents clearly demonstrate the expertise, skills, experience and competencies required for this role as they will be used to shortlist you.
- Closing date: Midnight 20th September 2026.
Please ensure your CV and cover letter adequately demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the role as they are used to make shortlisting decisions.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Northern Ballet is looking for an organised, proactive and detail-focused Development Executive to join our friendly and ambitious fundraising team.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is a confident communicator, with experience in administration, fundraising or customer service who is looking to develop their career in arts fundraising. You’ll play an important role in growing support for Northern Ballet, nurturing relationships with our supporters and helping the Development team run smoothly.
What you’ll do
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Support the growth and administration of our Patron and individual giving programmes
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Help deliver engaging supporter stewardship
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Support donor and corporate events in Leeds and across the UK.
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Maintain accurate supporter and donor information within our Spektrix CRM database
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Support fundraising campaigns, appeals, trust and foundation applications, research and reporting
- Coordinate meetings, donor visits, backstage experiences, rehearsals and other supporter activities
- Provide high-quality administrative support and contribute to improving systems and supporter experience
- Work collaboratively across the organisation and support performances and events, including some evening and weekend work.
Why join Northern Ballet?
You’ll be part of a small, collaborative and purpose-driven team where your contribution really matters. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn, grow and make a meaningful impact through the work of one of the UK’s leading ballet companies.
Northern Ballet is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. We are a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria.
Northern Ballet is the UK's foremost narrative ballet company.



Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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
Community-driven, helping people live well, stay independent and connected. It’s simply about people.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
As part of the leadership team, you'll hold ultimate responsibility across our democratic lottery delivery teams, develop partnerships, and help shape where we go next as an organisation. You'll grow our opportunities through a considered and systematic approach to business development - new applications, bids and partnerships - and the revenue that comes with them, with support from the team.
This is a role for someone who's genuinely committed to democratic renewal, and good at bringing people together across different contexts and cultures.
Key Responsibilities
- Driving the organisation forward
- Working alongside the other directors to shape the organisation's strategy
- Imagining and developing new applications/markets for sortition and deliberation; translating ideas into concrete opportunities, bids, contracts, and revenue
- Spotting and pursuing new opportunities (bids including fundraising, partnerships, earned revenue) particularly at an international level, with the support of the team
- Leading the growth, sustainability and adoption of OpenDLP, our open-source democratic lottery software on a global scale (including but not limited to, building strategic partnerships, developing sustainable revenue models, and promoting adoption amongst users)
- Connecting the global sector
- Maintaining and developing relationships with key global partners, funders, and stakeholders
- Keeping up with what's happening in the deliberative democracy world and bringing relevant
opportunities back to the team - Sharing best practice across teams and helping raise standards across the sector
- Leading the team
- Strategic oversight of Democratic Lottery teams
- Line managing Heads of teams, one of whom is based in Australia which will require some flexibility in hours, and a few more team members
- Coordinating and facilitating budget proposals from the Democratic Lottery teams, making sure resources are allocated fairly and teams have what they need
- Contributing to a Working Group (to be decided)
Please see the recruitment pack for more details.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you an exceptional philanthropy leader with a track record of securing transformational seven-figure gifts? Do you combine outstanding relationship-building with the ability to lead talented fundraising teams and turn ambitious strategy into results?
We’re creating two new Principal Philanthropy Lead roles at GOSH Charity: Principal Philanthropy Lead – Best Chance and Principal Philanthropy Lead – Best Childhood.
These pivotal new positions will strengthen the leadership of our growing Philanthropy programme as we enter an exciting new chapter for fundraising at GOSH Charity.
As a Principal Philanthropy Lead, you’ll join the Philanthropy leadership team, lead a team of eight colleagues including three Senior Managers, personally secure significant philanthropic investment and act as a deputy to the Head of Philanthropy.
Principal Philanthropy Lead – Best Chance will lead philanthropy across pioneering medical research, innovation and new treatments, as well as our growing US Giving programme. The role will help shape our next major fundraising campaign, significantly increasing our ambition for philanthropic investment in research and innovation. It will also offer senior leadership for Fundraising Research, our prospecting, insight and due diligence service across Relationship Fundraising.
Principal Philanthropy Lead – Best Childhood will lead philanthropy across our hospital environment, capital infrastructure and patient and family experience, including senior leadership of the final phase of our £300m Build It. Beat It. appeal and the transition towards our next major campaign. The role will also offer senior leadership for Stewardship across Relationship Fundraising, supporting exceptional supporter experiences, impact reporting, recognition and engagement.
Salary
The salary for these positions is £71,831 per annum.
In line with our EDI strategy and Total Reward policy, we calculate our salaries based on benchmarking data across the charity sector. To ensure fairness for existing staff and new joiners, we do not offer salaries above the advertised rate.
We operate a hybrid working policy of a minimum of 2 days per week in the office with Monday as the fixed in-person Philanthropy team day.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead philanthropy fundraising across Best Chance or Best Childhood, shaping strategy and securing transformational support for GOSH Charity’s most ambitious priorities.
- Lead and develop a high-performing team of eight colleagues, including three Senior Managers, fostering collaboration, ambition and exceptional performance.
- Personally deliver an annual fundraising target of £2m+, managing high-value relationships and securing significant gifts from philanthropists, trusts and foundations.
- Act as a deputy to the Head of Philanthropy, contributing to overall philanthropy strategy, business planning and performance, while building influential relationships with senior volunteers and stakeholders.
- Provide senior leadership for key strategic priorities:
For Best Chance: the transition to our next major campaign, US Giving and Fundraising Research across Relationship Fundraising;
For Best Childhood: the final phase of Build It. Beat It., transition to next campaign and Stewardship across Relationship Fundraising.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Significant experience leading philanthropy, major gifts or principal gifts fundraising, with a proven track record of income growth and securing seven-figure+ gifts.
- Exceptional relationship-building and influencing skills, with experience engaging philanthropists, high-net-worth individuals, trusts and foundations, senior volunteers and executive stakeholders.
- Strong strategic and people leadership, with experience developing high-performing teams and translating organisational priorities into ambitious fundraising plans.
- Experience managing and soliciting a portfolio of high-value donors and prospects, alongside strong judgement, resilience and the ability to lead through complexity and change.
- Relevant large-scale fundraising experience: for Best Chance, research fundraising, international philanthropy or similar programmes; for Best Childhood, capital or major fundraising appeals.
About the team
You’ll join our ambitious Philanthropy team, working with high-net-worth individuals, charitable foundations and other influential supporters to secure transformational investment in the research, innovation, capital and patient experience projects at the heart of GOSH Charity’s work.
The team secures a significant number of £1m+ gifts and is at the forefront of delivering some of the Charity’s most ambitious fundraising priorities.
This is a particularly exciting time to join us. Alongside completing the £300m Build It. Beat It. appeal to help deliver the world-leading Children’s Cancer Centre at Great Ormond Street Hospital, we are shaping the next chapter of philanthropy fundraising.
Our new strategy is centred around two pillars – Best Chance and Best Childhood – which will form the foundation of an exciting new fundraising appeal. Our Philanthropy team will play a central role in bringing this ambition to life and securing the transformational support that helps give every seriously ill child the best chance, and the best childhood, possible.
The creation of these two Principal Philanthropy Lead roles represents an important investment in the team’s future: increasing our leadership capacity, strengthening day-to-day leadership and creating clearer development and succession pathways as our programme grows.
DBS - note a basic DBS check is required for this role
How to Apply
Please click on the apply button in the top right-hand corner where you will be taken to a short application form to complete.
Closing date: 23 September 2026
First interviews will be held: Tues 6 / Wed 7 October
Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and we reserve the right to close the roles prior to the closing date should suitable applicants be found. Therefore, you are encouraged to apply early to avoid disappointment.
We are Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity. We stop at nothing to help give seriously ill children childhoods that are fuller, funner and longer.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Lead a Transformational Fundraising Vision – Shape the Future of Epilepsy Research
Epilepsy Society is entering one of the most ambitious chapters in its 130‑year history. A landmark planning decision has unlocked an anticipated £93 million to accelerate pioneering research, advanced diagnostics and scientific innovation, enabling us to become the world’s largest epilepsy research centre. We are now seeking a Director of Fundraising & Marketing who can turn this moment into momentum.
This is a strategic leadership role for someone who excels at setting vision, building capability and inspiring others. You will define the fundraising and marketing strategy for a new era, shaping the propositions, partnerships and profile that will fuel discovery and deliver impact for the 630,000 people living with epilepsy across the UK.
You will work at the intersection of science, philanthropy and influence: partnering with world‑leading researchers, engaging major donors and foundations, and elevating Epilepsy Society’s voice as a leader in neurological research and innovation. Your leadership will ensure we have the visibility, credibility and investment required to accelerate breakthroughs and improve lives.
If you are energised by building something significant, we would be delighted to hear from you.
About Epilepsy Society
Epilepsy Society is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to transforming the lives of people affected by epilepsy through world‑class research, specialist medical care and trusted information. Our partnership with UCL places us at the forefront of global scientific discovery, while our clinical services, advocacy and support ensure that lived experience shapes everything we do.
We are now embarking on a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to expand our research and medical centre, invest in cutting‑edge technology and accelerate personalised treatment for people with the most complex needs. Realising this potential requires deeper partnerships, greater visibility and sustainable income growth.
About You
You are a strategic fundraising and marketing leader who brings:
- A track record of shaping high‑value fundraising strategies and securing transformational support.
- The credibility to influence at Board, executive and senior stakeholder level.
- Experience building ambitious teams, cultures and capabilities.
- The ability to translate scientific innovation into compelling, investable propositions.
- A strategic mindset paired with the judgement, presence and relationship‑building skills needed to operate at the highest levels.
You thrive in environments where you can build, shape and lead, and where your work directly accelerates scientific progress and improves lives.
If you want to play a part in creating a future where people with epilepsy are understood, supported and empowered, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Closing date: Tuesday 29th September at 9am
Join Our Leadership Team: Head of Service Delivery, Quality and Standards
Location: Eyre Street, Sheffield (with flexible/hybrid working)
Hours: 36.25 per week, Monday to Friday (flexible between 8am–6pm)
Salary: 42,000- 45,000 based on experience
Contract: Permanent
Are you a passionate, innovative leader looking for your next challenge in the charity or social care sector? Do you want to make a real and lasting impact in the lives of older people across Sheffield?
At Age UK Sheffield, we’re not just a service provider—we’re an organisation that puts older people at the heart of everything we do. We are now recruiting for a strategic, forward-thinking Head of Service Delivery, Quality and Standards to join our Senior Management Team and lead the evolution of our services at a time when older people need us more than ever.
About the Role
This is a rare opportunity to join an innovative, award-winning charity that prides itself on delivering excellence. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive and working closely with our Board of Trustees, you will have overall responsibility for the quality, delivery, development and strategic leadership of a diverse portfolio of services, including:
· Independent Living Coordination
· Hospital Discharge
· Dementia Support
· Information & Advice
· Paid-for Home Support Services
You will provide leadership to managers and teams working across multiple locations and community settings, ensuring services are safe, effective, person-centred and financially sustainable. You will lead on safeguarding, health and safety, quality assurance and continuous improvement, helping us maintain high standards and achieve excellent outcomes for older people.
About You
You will be an experienced senior leader with a background in social care, health or the voluntary sector. You will have a proven track record of managing multiple services through others, balancing strategic leadership with strong operational oversight.
You will be comfortable leading managers and geographically dispersed teams, ensuring consistent standards, strong performance and a positive culture across a complex service portfolio.
You're equally at ease presenting performance reports and strategic proposals to trustees as you are engaging with frontline staff, volunteers and older people using our services.
You'll Bring
· Significant experience of leading multiple frontline services, ideally across different locations or community settings.
· Experience of managing and developing managers, team leaders and remote or dispersed teams.
· A strong understanding of safeguarding, governance, quality assurance, health and safety and risk management.
· Experience of external audits and working within quality frameworks, with a good understanding of regulatory standards continuous improvement.
· Strong operational and contract management skills, including performance monitoring, KPI reporting and service development.
· Excellent leadership and relationship-building skills, with the ability to inspire, support and develop others.
· Strong IT and data literacy, using information and insight to drive decision-making and improve outcomes.
· A collaborative, flexible and values-driven approach to leadership.
Why Work With Us?
- You’ll be part of a visionary, supportive, and diverse organisation committed to making Sheffield a great place to grow older.
- We offer flexible working hours and hybrid working options following a comprehensive induction.
- 30 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
- Age UK Sheffield is proud to be a Mindful Employer and a Disability Confident Employer. We warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ and Black and ethnic minority communities.
Ready to Lead Change?
If you’re excited by the opportunity to shape and deliver outstanding services that make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply by: 9am on Monday 14th September. Interviews will be held during week commencing Monday 21st September
Join us. Lead with heart. Deliver with purpose
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
LCH Charity is one of the East Midlands' fastest-growing children's charities.
In just five years, we have grown from an annual income of £70,000 to a forecast £1.2 million by August 2027. We have expanded our reach across the East Midlands, built strong partnerships with schools, businesses and communities, and supported tens of thousands of children and families experiencing poverty.
Our growth has been driven by innovation, ambition and a relentless focus on meeting the needs of children and young people. Through close collaboration with our school partners, we deliver practical support where it is needed most, helping children to thrive regardless of their circumstances.
While our impact within schools continues to grow, we know there is still enormous potential ahead. Awareness of our work beyond the education sector remains relatively low, and the opportunity to engage businesses, philanthropists, individual supporters, trusts and foundations across the region is significant.
We are now seeking an exceptional Director of Fundraising and Communications to help unlock that potential and lead the next phase of our journey.
The Opportunity
This is not a role focused on maintaining the status quo.
This is an opportunity to build on a proven success story and help shape the future of a charity with ambitious plans for growth.
This is a genuinely exciting opportunity that offers the freedom to be creative and ambitious, with the autonomy to shape, lead and deliver your own strategy.
Reporting directly to the CEO and serving as a member of the growing Executive Leadership Team, you will lead the creation, development and delivery of an ambitious fundraising and communications strategy that diversifies income, elevates our profile and strengthens our reputation across the East Midlands.
You will inherit an organisation with strong foundations, a compelling story and a highly successful fundraising model. Our flagship School Colour Dash programme currently generates approximately 70% of our income and has become a powerful platform for both fundraising and engagement.
The challenge, and opportunity, is clear.
We are looking for a dynamic and entrepreneurial leader who can develop sustainable income streams capable of matching, and ultimately exceeding, the success of our flagship event.
This is a rare opportunity to help create the next £1 million of income growth.
About the Role
As Director of Fundraising and Communications, you will:
- Lead the creation, development and delivery of a bold and ambitious fundraising and communications strategy.
- Diversify income across corporate partnerships, major donors, trusts and foundations, community fundraising, individual giving and philanthropy.
- Develop compelling propositions that inspire investment in our mission.
- Increase awareness, visibility and understanding of LCH Charity across the East Midlands.
- Strengthen and protect the charity's brand and reputation.
- Build strategic relationships with senior business leaders, philanthropists, partners and stakeholders.
- Identify and develop innovative new income opportunities.
- Lead and inspire a talented, committed and growing fundraising and communications team.
- Use insight, data and market intelligence to drive decision-making and growth.
- Act as a passionate ambassador and advocate for children, young people and families.
- Use systems to increase engagement across all supporters.
- Contribute to organisational leadership and strategic development as a member of the Executive Leadership Team.
Who We Are Looking For
We are seeking an ambitious, strategic and inspirational leader with a proven ability to deliver significant growth.
You will be someone who combines vision with action, enjoys building relationships, and thrives in environments where there is genuine opportunity to innovate and make a lasting impact.
You will bring:
- A successful track record of securing substantial fundraising growth.
- Experience working across a range of income streams, including corporate partnerships, trusts and foundations, philanthropy and individual giving.
- Strong commercial awareness and an entrepreneurial mindset.
- Exceptional communication, influencing and relationship-building skills.
- Experience of developing successful communications, marketing or brand strategies.
- Strong leadership experience and the ability to motivate and develop teams.
- The confidence to identify new opportunities and convert them into sustainable income.
- A genuine passion for improving outcomes for children, young people and families.
Most importantly, you will be excited by the opportunity to take an already successful charity to the next level.
Why Join LCH Charity?
This is a unique opportunity to join a charity that has already demonstrated what can be achieved through ambition, innovation and determination.
Over the last four years, we have transformed our income from £70,000 to a forecast £1.2 million, expanded our reach across the East Midlands and built a model that is changing lives every day.
Yet we believe we are only at the beginning of our journey.
We are looking for a leader who shares our ambition, who sees opportunity rather than limitation, and who wants to play a defining role in shaping the future of a growing and impactful organisation.
What Success Will Look Like
In this role, you will:
- Build income streams capable of matching the success of our flagship School Colour Dash programme.
- Secure transformational corporate, philanthropic and strategic partnerships.
- Significantly increase awareness and recognition of LCH Charity.
- Strengthen our influence across the East Midlands.
- Position LCH Charity as a charity of choice for businesses, donors and supporters.
- Help drive the organisation through its next phase of transformational growth.
- Enable thousands more children and families to access the support they need.
Join Us
We have grown from £70,000 to a forecast £1.2 million in just five years.
Now we are looking for an exceptional fundraising and communications leader who can help us do it again.
If you are ambitious, entrepreneurial and motivated by the opportunity to create lasting change for children and families, we would love to hear from you.
Join us and help build the future of LCH Charity.
We are looking for ideas as well as experience.
Please submit your CV together with a supporting statement (maximum two pages) outlining:
- Why this opportunity interests you.
- Why this role is the right next step in your career.
- What excites you most about the growth opportunity at LCH Charity.
Informal and confidential conversations with our Chief Executive Officer are welcomed and encouraged.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.



