Finance Officer Jobs

Here for the Blue Light community  

The Role and the Team 

Blue Light Card Foundation is seeking an experienced and innovative Charity Chief Executive Officer who's passionate about supporting the mental health and wellbeing of the blue light community by developing the charity’s strategy, to enable it to grow and flourish in supporting its mission.

Blue Light Card Foundation want every member of the blue light community to know that they have support, and to know where to find it in their time of need. 

We fund projects across the UK to provide those that deal with the most challenging situations with quality resources, connected environments, and places that support their wellbeing.

What You’ll Do  

• Develop and implement strong strategic plans and put these into action in a scalable and sustainable way 

• Foster a collaborative and supportive work environment by actively engaging in mentoring initiatives, empowering colleagues to reach their full potential, and contributing to a culture of continuous learning and professional development 

• Create strategic relationships, collaborative partnerships outside the charity and act as an ambassador and advocate for Blue Light Card Foundation 

• Represent Blue Light Card Foundation at senior meetings within the blue light sector 

• Oversee and implement recruitment, selection, training, development and performance management of colleagues 

• Monitor the effectiveness of Blue Light Card Foundation’s work in making a difference and implement change in response to feedback and data 

• Ensure the health and safety and safeguarding of the blue light community is supported by Blue Light Card Foundation programmes 

• Ensure that Trustees are kept well-informed of key developments in Blue Light Card Foundation and provided with sufficient financial and management information to enable them to exercise their statutory responsibilities 

• Manage the charity budget and produce regular financial reports and forecasts

• Implement sound, sustainable funding plans, oversee fundraising activities ensuring these meet the needs of the foundation 

• Develop and implement integrated campaigns, effective marketing channels and media strategy, reporting on impact and raising the charity presence and profile

• Ensure full and accurate reporting including the preparation of an annual report and financial statements to the Charity Commission 

What You’ll Bring  

• Senior leadership experience within the charity sector including leading teams in demanding public-facing roles 

• Experience of growing and managing charity programmes, strong governance skills, communications, events and fundraising oversight 

• Experience of developing strong external public relationships promoting and representing an organisation 

• Experience securing funds and working with funding partners and knowledge of funding methodology and related financial issues 

• Grant management and grant making decisions and oversight

• An understanding of the key measures of financial management and control in a challenging environment 

• Strategic thinking with sound strategic planning, ability to articulate a clear vision and a track record of achieving targets 

• Strong stakeholder management skills and a management style which encourages, motivates, inspires, supports, and develops colleagues 

• Commitment to relevant legislation and good practice in relation to equality and diversity and safeguarding and promoting good mental health and wellbeing in the blue light sector 

• Experience within the blue light sector would be an advantage

Our Culture 

Blue Light Card Foundation culture is built around our members, who are at the heart of everything we do. Our people are integral to helping deliver life-enhancing local and national projects, through grants, to support the wellbeing of the incredible Blue Light community.

Blue Light Card Foundation allows us to go further in helping our members. We’re committed; we’re supportive; we empower, and we understand. Our values underpin our vision; working towards a future where every member of the Blue Light community, both past and present, feels empowered, supported and heard. 

We work as a team and try to have a bit of fun while we do it, and we recognise the importance of culture and the positive impact it can have on performance for you, the team, our organisation and our members. We believe in attracting the best talent no matter where you are, and have a hybrid working model, with colleagues based in London, the East Midlands and around the country. 

What We Offer 

• Hybrid working and flexible hours 

• Free parking and EV charging onsite

• 25 days plus public holidays and an additional day off for your birthday 

• Great social events e.g., Christmas party, family fun day, summer party, sports matches 

• Relaxed dress code and modern office space (games area, chill-out areas, book club, free coffee/tea/soft drinks/snacks)

• Onsite gym (including access to free HIIT & stretch classes)

• Learning and development opportunities 

• Group auto-enrolment pension plan

• Enhanced maternity, paternity, sick pay

• Company funded private medical insurance

• Healthcare cashback plan 

• Employee assistance programme (including mental health support) 

• 35 hour working week

This unique position will contribute to the strategic development of the charity, allowing the right individual to bring expertise from previous roles to expand external partnerships and influence.  Keychange is a Christian Charity working in elderly social care and homeless communities.  Keychange provides care, support, development, and well-being services across nine sites in England, consisting of seven residential Care Homes for older people and two Housing Communities for young people, with an additional housing site in development. Our office in London provides a support function of central services to our communities to enable them to operate at the most effective level with a focus on delivering quality care and support.

The Director of Strategic Partnerships reports to the CEO and is a part of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) along with the Director of Finance, the Director of Operations and Facilities Business Manager.  The SLT is responsible for the leadership, culture and oversight of Keychange in the Central Office and Community Sites.

Key focus of this role:

• Driving external partnership growth, including instigating national and local partnerships
• Advocacy and influence, including understanding local and national government and policy targets and sector themes and trajectories
• Maximising current impact and opportunities and developing new sites
• Communications, Marketing, and Fundraising
• Member of the Senior Leadership Team providing leadership in areas of vision, values, culture and mission.

Please refer to the job description for full remit and expectations for this role, together with essential experience and person specification, and outline how you fulfil these within your cover letter.

Resurgo’s mission is to inspire and equip organisations to bring about ambitious and sustainable social change through our expertise in coaching, impact management and programme delivery. We’re a bold and innovative organisation with the ambition to transform society.

We are looking for a capable and creative individual to join the leadership of Resurgo, with oversight of strategy development and implementation, finance and governance. As a strong leader and people manager with experience across strategy and finance, you will have an ability to lead projects with multiple complex priorities through to completion, be a confident decision maker and communicator, and be passionate about social transformation.

The important stuff 

Salary: from £65,000, flexible dependent on experience

Contract: Minimum 6-12 month fixed-term contract

Hours: 5 days per week (4 considered), 9.30am – 5.30pm, with occasional evening work for events such as our Spear Celebrations.

Location: Hammersmith, London – we are an office-based organisation with some work at home possible in agreement with the line manager

Closing date: Friday 3rd May, 09.00am (We are interviewing on a rolling basis and might close the application early if we find the right candidate).

Interviews: We anticipate interviews to commence from w/c 6th May. 

Application Pack: Have a look at our application pack for more information.

Person Specification 

• An active Christian, passionate about personally representing the values and beliefs of Resurgo, and a demonstrated commitment to social impact and our mission to play a meaningful part in the repair of our social fabric
• Strong strategic thinking and business and financial acumen – experience in a management consulting or financial management role is essential
• Self-motivated forward planner with the ability to navigate complex fast-moving environments, adapt to changing circumstances, and exercise initiative, with a track record of driving growth and achieving results
• Financially literate, with experience overseeing strategic financial processes, e.g., budgeting, financial management and resource allocation
• Good IT skills with a working knowledge of Salesforce and Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint. An awareness of charity regulatory and compliance requirements is beneficial
• Strong proven leadership skills and the ability to relate confidently to a range of audiences
• Relational team player with high emotional intelligence, a sense of humour and fun, and the ability to inspire and motivate diverse teams

Key Responsibilities
 

Strategy Development and Implementation

• Leading the organisation through the iterative development and implementation of strategic projects to serve the ambition of Resurgo, to “inspire and equip organisations to deliver ambitious and sustainable social change”
• Provide direction and support to Heads of Department, setting them up to succeed in the implementation of ambitious plans
• Line management of the Strategy Managaer, who project manages and drives the delivery of annual departmental targets and strategic projects across the organisation.

Finance

• Line management of Head of Finance, providing strategic leadership in the development of the finance function and oversight of organisational financial management
• Lead the annual planning process, working with the Head of Finance and Director of People, Culture & Operations to shape and deliver annual financial planning

Oversight of Governance, Risk and Opportunity

• Executive Chair of the Strategy, Finance and Risk steering group, owning the most significant risks and opportunities facing Resurgo at an organisational level, ensuring actions are taken to mitigate risks and that we are set up to maximise opportunity
• Responsible for overseeing governance structures and ensuring they are fit for purpose as the organisation develops and grows
• Supporting the Executive Assistant to the CEO in the facilitation of the effective running of the Boards of Resurgo Trust and Resurgo Consulting, including planning and overseeing Board and key Steering Group meetings.

Active Participation in and Support for Resurgo’s team and mission

• Help build and develop Resurgo’s ethos and Christian life as a team member, including leading and contributing to daily team prayer meetings as an integral part of Resurgo’s operation and for the success of its mission

Please feel free to let us know if you may require any reasonable adjustments to participate fully in our recruitment process.

Harris Hill is recruiting for a Head of Finance for this well-established Charity based in Manchester (Hybrid)

• Reporting to: COO
• Position: 5 days a week position
• Hybrid: 1 day a week is required at their offices in Manchester
• Salary: to £54,600pa

The Head of Finance is required to provide excellent leadership skills and oversight to a transforming finance function, including team mentoring, embedding improved financial management processes and systems, and making sure that Charity meets financial and legal obligations.

Purpose of role

• You will be part of the SMT with responsibility of providing timely and accurate financial information and strategic analysis to inform and influence discussion.  
• Maintain an effective working relationship with the COO, SMT and the Board, Audit and Risk.
• Review, develop and implement improved financial management processes to support the financial management, including assessing opportunities for cost reduction and surplus improvement.
• Provide an external interface with key stakeholders such as banks, auditors, insurers, pension funds, consultants, and charity finance specialists
• Take the lead role in developing close working relationships with the auditors and the bank and other external partners
• Prepare the organisation’s annual financial statements in time for external audit
• Ensure full reconciliation of balance sheet accounts are completed on monthly basis
• Prepare the organisation’s annual budget, ensuring it aligns to the organisation’s strategy and business plan.
• Ensure that management accounts and forecasts are produced monthly

A fantastic opportunity has arisen with a medical charity for a Finance Director, on a full-time, permanent basis. You will develop and control all financial services and financial administration of the charity. You will also be responsible for supporting the CEO take the organisation through the next stage of growth.

Please note, this role is office based.

As Finance Director, you will:

- Support the CEO in the development of a 2024/5 Business Plan that will support both short and long-term success

- Review the monthly management accounts, identifying trends in month and in year performance that may be a risk to the organisation

- Provide timely, accurate, and insightful financial analysis to support decision-making and drive organisation performance improvements

- Develop a robust audit program to demonstrate effective financial governance

The successful applicant will:

- Have significant demonstrable experience in finance within the charity sector, in a similar role

- Be fully qualified (hold a Professional Chartered Accountancy Qualification)

- Have demonstrable experience of excelling in audit and financial control

- Have strong technology skills, including computerised financial systems

- Have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

If this sounds like you and you're keen to hear more, please do get in touch ASAP!

Please note, only successful applicants will be contacted with further information.

Harris Hill Charity Recruitment Specialists operates an equal opportunity policy and commits to treating all of our candidates and jobseekers fairly. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partners.

Senior Finance Business Partner
Permanent, Full-time
£60,000 - £65,000
Hybrid working 3 days in office
Location: Central London

My client is a world-leading arts not-for-profit organisation that works to push the boundaries of the arts and work tirelessly to produce new shows. As part of the organisation’s ongoing growth plans, they are currently in the process of improving the commercial arm of their business and explore new avenues for revenue. This has led to a need to recruit a senior finance business partner in support of this ambitious plan. As the senior finance business partner you will work closely with the wider team as well as moulding the department and building relationships with senior stakeholders.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop strong working relationships with key stakeholders and work in partnership with other teams providing data and analysis relevant to the business strategy.
• Use data from various data sources to understand historic trends and use this information to create financial models and presentations to inform budget decisions.
• Create income and cost Key Performance Indicators and research other organisations to measure performance.
• Provide timely and accurate monthly management accounts including income and expenditure, balance sheet reconciliations and Key Performance Indicators.
• Prepare budgets according to timelines in discussion with the team and Chief Financial Officer.
• Prepare monthly rolling forecasts of income and expenditure, working closely with other members of the Team,
• Undertake monthly reviews with budget holders to review income and direct costs  and feedback to key stakeholders where necessary.
• Take an active role in aiding senior managers and team members understanding of their financial responsibilities.
• Working with the Financial Accounts Team, ensure complete and accurate transaction processing.

The successful candidate will be a fully qualified accountant with a desire to drive change in an organisation, influencing senior stakeholders at multiple levels. Additional skills include highly developed interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to liaise and work across different teams.

My client is fully open to sector experience and committed to delivering a first-class training and induction programme. As such we welcome candidates from industry, charity or practice backgrounds

We are seeking an experienced leader with a deep commitment to care, creativity, curiosity and inclusion to work closely with the Chief Executive of this vibrant social enterprise. The COO will oversee the company’s systems, finances and HR, and further build on our person-centred organisational culture.

At 64 Million Artists we believe that everyone is creative and that when we are creative we can make positive change in our lives and in the world around us. Over the last 10 years we have built a thriving business and a team of 11 working across the UK embedding creativity in communities, workplaces and universities. We have built an inclusive workplace culture of our own working a 4 day week and taking August off.

This role will lead our efforts to embed equity and inclusivity in everything we do, managing and supporting our team, our culture and our processes.

If you are passionate about the power of creativity, believe in building teams rooted in care and mutual support and can demonstrate how this belief can continually improve the way we work, then this could be the right role for you.

The New Economics Foundation, one of the UK’s leading progressive think tanks, is looking for an experienced strategic leader to help oversee its finance, operations and governance.

Our current Director of Finance and Operations, who leaves us in mid-2024, has worked hard to stabilise our finances, improve our systems, and promote an inclusive and productive workplace. We have a solid base to build from – whether it’s the long lease on our premises on Albert Embankment or several long-term programmes of work – and are looking for a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to help us improve our business model, support excellent financial and operational support, and deliver excellent project management and resourcing.

NEF offers generous terms and conditions, including a salary in the range of £78-87k per annum for a 32-hour working week that can be worked flexibly. Most colleagues work two days a week (usually Tuesdays and Wednesdays) in our office in central London, but that can be adjusted up or down depending on preferences. We offer 25 days leave, which increases the longer you are with us, a progressive pension/long term savings scheme and a host of other useful benefits.

A note from the CEO

I applied to join NEF because it is one of the UK’s largest and most-respected progressive think tanks, with a nearly 40 years track record of producing radical ideas and influencing policymaking to deliver a more just and sustainable world. From global debt justice to retrofitting homes, from the Happy Planet Index to campaigning for a 4-day working week, from promoting local economic development to championing the Green New Deal, NEF has been arguing for an economics as if people and planet mattered. 

Since starting at NEF in January 2024, I have been impressed by the quality of our work and people, the influence we have on policymakers and opinion-formers, and the respect we are held in. That said, from climate change to rising inequality, the challenges the world faces are immense. With the incoming Chair and colleagues, we are embarking on a strategy refresh to identify where and how NEF can make the greatest difference. I am confident that we will have a clear and compelling strategy by the second half of 2024.

I believe this is an excellent time to join the think tank sector. The world needs radical new ideas and workable solutions. I have found NEF to be excellent place to work, full of bright and passionate people, who are equally good at influencing the Westminster policy agenda as they are building power in communities across the country.

If this is a challenge that excites you, please do let us know!

I look forward to hearing from you,

Danny Sriskandarajah

CEO, New Economics Foundation

NEF wants to be an inclusive workplace with a diverse body of staff. We don’t want to conform to the traditional think-tank model where people from certain backgrounds are hugely under-represented. We know we have some way to go in this and are therefore genuinely keen to receive applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic people; women; neurodivergent people; disabled people; people who identify as LGBT+; people with experience of mental health problems; and people who identify as working class or have done so in the past.

If you are disabled and have the essential skills and experience to do the job we will invite you to an interview. If you need information in a different format please let us know.

We will make use of positive action to select between candidates of equal merit as a way to address under-representation in our workforce.

Application Deadline: 20 May 2024, 9 am.

First round interview Date: 24 May 2024 (these interviews will be online)

Start Date: Late June or as soon after that as possible

Staff are expected to spend two days a week in our central London office, but we will explore different arrangements with individuals where this is helpful to support making reasonable adjustments for those with protected characteristics and/or caring responsibilities.

You must be eligible to work in the UK, we are unable to sponsor visas.

To apply and to see more details see the ‘about us/job vacancies’ section of our website.

Director of Operations

Oversee the efficient and effective functioning of key operational areas, including Operations, People management, Finance, Security and Compliance. 

Responsible to: CEO 

Responsible for: HR Business Partner, Operations Officer, Finance Lead, Finance Officers 

Working with: Senior Management team and Programmes teams, colleagues in other departments and stakeholders as necessary. 

Grade and Salary: Up to £70,000 

Location: Hybrid, London, UK 

Post: Full-time, permanent 

REDR UK AND THE WORK WE DO  

RedR UK is an international NGO and learning provider that develops capacity and supports aid workers, organisations, and communities to prepare for and respond effectively to crises within humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding contexts. Our work builds resilience, primarily in low and lower middle-income countries worldwide. We have 40 years’ experience responding to disasters.  RedR UK has offices in London and Amman and maintains a large pool of highly qualified trainers and experts who go through a rigorous certification and selection process. Our work is overseen and supported by a Board of Trustees with wide experience, in the humanitarian sector and other fields. RedR is a Membership organisation with a global network of 1,800 Members, all of whom are experienced humanitarian professionals. 

Our values are vitally important to us as individuals, teams and to RedR UK as a whole. We are committed to a continuous process of strengthening our culture, maintaining the high standards required to work together effectively, and delivering first class advice and service to those with whom we work. 

ABOUT THE ROLE 

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Director to oversee the efficient and effective functioning of our organisation's key operational areas, including Operations, People management, Finance, Security and Compliance. The Director will play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth implementation of our humanitarian programs while upholding the highest standards of excellence, accountability, integrity, collaboration and lifelong learning. 

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES 

1. Strategic Leadership: Provide strategic direction and leadership to the organisation's operational functions, aligning them with the overall mission and objectives. 
2. People Management: Develop and implement HR policies and procedures to support a diverse workforce including employees, consultants and Associate Trainers. Manage any organisational change management processes and ensure that RedR UK’s culture and values are embedded across the organisation. 
3. Financial Management: Oversee budget planning, financial reporting, and internal controls to ensure fiscal responsibility and compliance with donor regulations and legal requirements. Analysing financial data to provide insights for decision making, leading policy reviews to improve procedures, and overseeing external audits. 
4. Operations Management: Streamline and optimise operational processes and systems to enhance efficiency, quality, and scalability while availing technological advancement. This includes systems, IT, CRM, Facilities and vendor management. 
5. Security and Risk Management: Ensure security protocols are adhered to and risk management strategies are in place to safeguard staff, assets, and programme operations. Ensure that RedR’s Global Safety and Security Policy meets international standards, dealing with security concerns and incidents that arise and raising these as necessary. 
6. Resource Utilisation: Analyse resource requirements and utilisation across programmes, providing insights and recommendations; collaborate with programmes to develop strategies for optimising resource allocation and utilisation. Establish mechanisms for ongoing monitoring of resource allocation and utilisation across programmes. 
7. Compliance and Reporting: Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and donor requirements; maintain and periodically update RedR UK organisations policies and associated processes, ensuring RedR UK is compliant with relevant legislation in its countries of operation. Development and management of the risk management framework to identify and mitigate potential risks to the organisation's operations. 

Key competencies 

1. Achieving Results: 

• Drives strategy decisions to make significant gains   
• Demonstrates resilience and persistence in the face of challenges, ensuring timely delivery of results.  

2. Engaging with Stakeholders: 

• Cultivates strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including donors, partners, government agencies, and communities. 
• Collaborates collaboratively across teams and functions to achieve shared goals and foster a culture of cooperation. 

3. Humanitarian Learning Principles and Practices: 

• Advocates for the importance of key humanitarian principles within the organisation and among stakeholders.  
• Promotes a culture of continuous learning and adaptation within the organisation. 

4. Managing Projects: 

• Leads the planning, implementation, and evaluation of projects and initiatives. 
• Identifies and mitigates project risks, ensuring compliance with donor requirements and organisational policies.

5. Demonstrating Leadership: 

• Inspires and motivates staff to perform at their best, fostering a culture of Collaboration, excellence, accountability, and integrity. 
• Leads by example, demonstrating ethical leadership and a commitment to the organisation's mission and values. 
• Provides mentorship, coaching, and professional development opportunities to staff, empowering them to grow and succeed. 

PERSON SPECIFICATION  

Essential  

• Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of RedR UK and a deep understanding of key humanitarian principles. 
• Proven track record of senior management expertise spanning Operations, HR, and Finance. 
• Proficiency in data analysis with a keen understanding of performance and operational metrics. 
• Exceptional people management skills, encompassing reward systems, remuneration strategies, retention initiatives, and engagement methodologies in international contexts. 
• Extensive experience in contracting, project funding, and security management within the humanitarian sector. 
• Familiarity with systems like Salesforce and QuickBooks. 
• Ability to navigate and thrive within a dynamic environment, exhibiting flexibility and resilience during periods of heightened work pressure within a small organisation.  

Could this be you?

Please send your CV and one-page cover letter

One of the UK’s largest and highest profile groups of schools is looking to recruit a new Head of Operational Finance - to work from their head office in East Croydon (3 days per week in office). This is a fantastic opportunity to have a real impact with an organisation whose purpose is to make life fairer for children in and around London. Focusing on the most challenging schools and turn them into exceptional places of learning where everyone – staff and students – thrive.

Job Purpose

To manage the internal financial operational processes and reporting for the Federation, ensuring timeliness, accuracy and completeness. To provide financial support and advice to Head Office departments and schools, including the Federation Senior Leadership Team. To provide support to the Financial Controller and Director of Finance as required.

The Federation is going through an exciting period of change and this role represents an excellent opportunity to be part of driving improvements within a large organisation, as part of a compact and high-performing central finance function.

Main Areas of Responsibility

• Oversee all income processing for the schools and federation.
• Oversee all payroll processing for the schools and federation,
• Manage the BACS and manual payment process
• Review central processing for best practice.
• Oversee Balance sheet reconciliation for the schools and federation monthly
• Maintain the finance handbook and other published guidance
• Work with FC and Systems team to implement month end timetable
• Develop and implement a training for Finance Officer’s, Management Accountant’s and Accounts Payable team
• Work with the Financial Controller on producing and reviewing consolidated monthly accounts
• Work with partnership team to incorporate proposed adjustments to Month end and Year end accounts in line with the timetable.
• Prepare all consolidated submissions to the Department for Education
• Prepare year end papers and supporting schedules for head office activities
• Liaise with the Internal Audit team and External auditors
• Assist with various ESFA submissions and audits
• Oversea Reconciliation and review of monthly inter-academy recharges
• Review of monthly journals (e.g. prepayments, deferred income, academy recharges)
• Identify and evaluate opportunities for improving value for money
• Work closely with other departments and Hubs within the central federation such as procurement to ensure that we have clear and smooth processes between departments
• Ad hoc tasks as required by the DF and FC

An exciting opportunity to help lead The Maypole Project into our next exciting phase of growth and development; an opportunity not only to help shape the future of the charity, but in turn transform the lives of hundreds of children and young people with complex medical needs. 

The Maypole Project has, for over 20 years, been supporting families through the toughest and most stressful periods of their lives following a child’s diagnosis with complex medical needs.  The diagnosis of a complex need in childhood can affect people from all walks of life, can impact all aspects of their lives, and brings with it a lifetime rollercoaster of events and emotions.  The Maypole Project promises to be alongside every family member, every step of their way to help them live their lives to the fullest.

To fulfil our five-year strategic development plan, we are seeking key skills in our new CEO which will be increasing our ability to reach out to as many people in need of The Maypole Project expertise in psychological and social support by creating new partnerships, new support networks and reaching into new geographical areas, 

Reporting directly to the Chair of the Board of Trustees and with the support of Head of Developments, the CEO will lead the management of the organisation, drive its strategic development and, together with the Board, secure the future success of the organisation.

The post holder will promote The Maypole Project, its ambitions, values and objectives through every aspect of their work. 

This is a newly created role and there is a great deal of untapped potential here for a proactive leader to support the CEO and SLT to create efficiencies in how we manage our internal infrastructure (IT Systems and processes), Finance and charity Governance, and HR/people to ensure we maintain and develop a thriving and nurturing working environment. The individual will have significant involvement in the strategic vision of the organisation as a whole. With a broad portfolio, the role combines both operational and strategic elements and must be able to flex up and down accordingly. 

For more than 50 years, the British Dyslexia Association (BDA) has been the voice of people living with dyslexia. We aim to influence government and other institutions to promote a dyslexia friendly society that enables dyslexic people of all ages to reach their full potential. The BDA is established as the leading dyslexia charity in the UK.

Unfortunately, the need for our support and services is high. Although awareness of dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties has grown, there are ongoing and widening gaps in access to the identification of dyslexia and the provision of expert learning support. Our national Helpline is busier than ever, supporting almost 5,500 people each year, reminding us on a daily basis why we must keep fighting for the rights of our beneficiaries.

Against a challenging backdrop for so many organisations, last financial year we saw continued growth in income from fundraising and training. We invested in growing our team and identified five strategic objectives for the period 2023-2026, and activities are currently underway to deliver these priorities. Our next CEO will continue to oversee these whilst laying the foundations for our next strategy cycle which we intend to publish in 2026. As such, the timing of this appointment allows the successful candidate the opportunity to work with the Board and other key stakeholders to articulate the long-term vision for our charity, establishing a plan that enables us to expand our reach and deepen our programmes.

The role of CEO at the BDA is one of both challenge and immense reward, offering the chance to lead a passionate and skilled team dedicated to making a tangible difference in society. The ideal candidate will bring strategic thinking, leadership experience and a commitment to promoting inclusion for our beneficiaries in education, in work and in life. The successful candidate will also need to demonstrate their financial acumen and business development and delivery skills, as achieving our mission will depend on financial security and sustainability.

We are excited about the next stage in our development as a charity and the opportunity to support even more people with dyslexia to reach their full potential. If you would like to be part of that journey, then we would love to hear from you.

To download a full copy of the candidate brief and learn more about the role, please click the ‘Apply’ button, where you will be redirected to the website of our recruitment partner, Tall Roots.  If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please email Mark Crowley or Natalie Sanders at Tall Roots.

About the post of CEO

You will report directly to the Board of Trustees, ensuring excellent governance of the Charity, regulatory compliance with the Charity Commission and Companies House, and will collaborate with Trustees on designing and executing the 2024-2027 strategy. You will lead and support a team of seven staff, supporting 500+ older and disabled Neighbours annually with a large team of volunteers. You will ensure excellent management of charity’s finances and that adequate funding is in place to maintain all charitable activity, monitoring and evaluation. You will ensure that the charity maintains its reputation and develops its exposure and standing. 

About you

You will have strategic leadership experience and have previously led teams. You will have a strong understanding of charity governance and will have demonstrable fundraising knowledge and/or experience. You will be passionate about supporting older and disabled people and will have a strong understanding of their needs. You will be equipped to represent the Charity both internally and externally.  

JOB DESCRIPTION

Strategy and Operations

1. Develop, implement, and lead execution of the charity's annual operational plan and 3-year strategic plan.

2. Identify appropriate level of staffing, volunteering, ensuring that all staff and volunteers are appropriately interviewed, vetted, inducted, trained, developed, and supported to deliver against their objectives.

3. Ensure appropriate upkeep, security, and management of the charity’s premises, including all relevant contracts and payments.

4. Ensure that the charity’s IT systems are fit for purpose and compliant with relevant law.

People

5. Line management of seven staff members, and responsibility for staff and team development, cohesion and appraisals.

6. Recruit and support social club facilitators and appropriate consultants to provide additional resource to the charity as required.

7. Lead staff member for safeguarding, liaising directly with Hammersmith and Fulham Adult Social Care.

8. Ensure appropriate mechanisms and safeguards are in place to support up to 100 regular volunteers, and up to 100 additional corporate/student volunteers.

9. Ensure appropriate mechanisms and safeguards are in place to support up to 500 beneficiaries and additional attendees at FGN events.

Finance and Fundraising

10. Develop, implement, and lead charity’s financial and fundraising planning and management, ensuring that the charity operates at least at break-even, ideally with a small surplus.

11. Ensure that the charity has a diverse range of income across various streams, inclusive of (but not limited to) public sector, trusts and foundations, corporate income, events, and online giving.

12. Ensure that the charity is receiving value for money with all expenditure, ensuring contract review on a timely basis as appropriate.

13. Ensure appropriate cashflow projections so that expenditure does not exceed income in any one year unless pre-agreed with trustees.

14. Ensure that appropriate financial controls are in place so to protect charity and anyone handling money on behalf of the charity.

15. In conjunction with the finance administrator and hon. treasurer monitor all income, expenditure, accounts, funding investments and budgets.

Governance

16 Ensure compliance with charity and company law, inclusive of writing, presentation and filing of annual report and accounts and other Company Secretary duties.

17 Organise, attend, record and report at board meetings every two months, inclusive of finance and operations reporting and the regular cycle of governance reviews.

18 Plan, organise and attend AGM and annual strategy session.

19 Ensure appropriate level of risk management and insurance are in place for the charity.

20 Ensure all relevant policies, procedures and financial controls are in place, inclusive of annual review.

Communications and Impact

21. Represent and promote the charity in public, sourcing media opportunities as appropriate so to increase visibility.

22. Represent the charity on appropriate networks and forums so to develop stakeholder relationships and source opportunities for cross-partner collaboration.

23. Ensure positive, fit-for-purpose, internal and external communications, inclusive of monthly newsletters, social media presence and other marketing materials.

24. Ensure appropriate monitoring and evaluation of projects and develop relationships with academic institutions and/or research consultancies where possible so to elicit external perspectives and scrutiny of the charity’s work.

25. Build relationships with local stakeholders and businesses.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential requirements

1. Senior management experience within the charity sector or similar

2. Experience of working at a senior level with and under the direction of a board of trustees

3. Experience of successfully applying for grant funding, and/or other income generation  

4. Financial acumen including financial reporting

5. Experience of successfully delivering strategic plans

6. Experience in publicity and marketing

7. Experience in management of staff and volunteers

The post is subject to:

· right to work in the UK check

· satisfactory disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service

· two satisfactory references

Salary will be c. £54,000 and is set in line with NJC pay scales 2024/25.

Working hours are 35 hours over 5 days per week. The postholder will be based primarily on site but with the possibility of up to one day per week remote working by agreement.

Pension: there is a 5% employer’s pension contribution

You will receive 28 days of annual leave, and option to buy/sell three days annually. We have additional benefits, which include eye vouchers and cycle to work scheme.

Interviews will be held at Rosaline Hall, Fulham, London SW6 on 13 and 14 May. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. No recruitment agencies to apply.