Governance jobs

Abeona Housing Co-operative is looking for a skilled administrator to join our small, close-knit team on a freelance, interim basis. This is a hands-on project role with real ownership and variety, working at the heart of a democratic, resident-led community.

Over three months, you will lead five defined projects to build Abeona's administrative and digital infrastructure, including a cloud filing migration and housing management software transition, alongside core day-to-day housing administration. You will work closely with our Finance Officer, Maintenance Manager, and volunteer committees, with a high degree of independence and the potential for a permanent role.

This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced administrator who wants meaningful work in a values-led organisation, without needing prior housing experience. We will provide full support on the co-operative structure and governance.

21 hours per week, Tuesday to Thursday preferred. £25 to £27 per hour depending on experience. Immediate start.

Following the initial three month term, there is a genuine opportunity for the right person to move into a permanent position with the co-operative.

Purpose of the role

As Deputy CEO of Leeds Older People’s Forum, you will play a pivotal leadership role in driving our mission to ensure older people in Leeds have the opportunities, choices and support they need to live the life they want. 

Working closely with the CEO, you will shape organisational strategy, influence policy and system change, and build strong partnerships with decision‑makers, funders and our third sector member organisations. 

What’s involved? 

The Deputy CEO will support the CEO drive LOPF’s mission and lead delivery of its key outcomes for older people in Leeds. The role combines strategy, influence and leadership, including:

• Shaping and delivering LOPF strategy and developing new ideas that improve the lives of older people.

• Influencing policy and system change by building strong relationships with decision‑makers and ensuring the third sector has a voice at city‑wide boards.

• Supporting and strengthening our third sector members through learning, grant‑making, network support and helping members access funding.

• Responsibility for managing staff, budgets, projects and funder relationships.

• Ensuring impact, keeping work aligned to LOPF’s priorities and involving older people and member organisations in everything we do.

Skills and experience

The skills and experience we are looking for include:

• Senior leadership experience with strong strategic thinking and decision‑making skills.

• Excellent relationship‑builder able to influence policymakers, funders and partners.

• Strong understanding of the third sector and the diverse needs of older people.

• Proven operational management, including staff leadership, budgets and project delivery.

• Confident communicator who can represent LOPF and engage stakeholders effectively.

• Change‑focused mindset, able to innovate, improve and respond quickly to emerging issues.

• Values‑driven, with a genuine commitment to improving life for older people.

Please note this role is fixed term until March 2028 subject to identifying further funding

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Location: London, UK (Hybrid – 50% office attendance)

Summary Purpose - what you will be achieving:

The Policy Directorate brings together the Academy’s policy, analysis and external affairs functions to address major science and health policy issues in the UK and internationally. The Directorate works as a single, coordinated team, focusing resources on priority areas, applying strategic approaches, generating high-quality evidence and insights, and engaging effectively with government, stakeholders and partners to inform decision-making and influence policy.

You will lead and integrate the Academy’s external affairs function—spanning policy influence, parliamentary and government engagement, and sector engagement through FORUM—to strengthen our reach, visibility and impact.

By drawing on the Academy’s Fellowship, networks and reputation, you will ensure coherence across all external-facing policy activities and play a senior leadership role in delivering the Academy’s transformation priorities. You will position the Academy as an authoritative voice on medical science and health, and ensure that our external engagement is strategic, aligns with the wider organisation’s approach to stakeholder management, and strengthens our influence.

About the Role

Strategic leadership across external affairs

• Lead and integrate policy engagement and relationships to deliver a coherent external affairs strategy.
• Ensure alignment between external affairs activities related to policy and wider Academy strategic priorities (through COO).
• Provide strategic advice on public affairs opportunities, political risk, reputational management and external positioning.

Team leadership, governance and performance

• Lead a unified external affairs team, embedding KPI-driven planning, performance management and evaluation.
• Build capability, progression pathways and consistent project management approaches within the team.
• Manage political risk on behalf of the Academy, ensuring effective governance, narrative discipline and coherent external messaging.
• Ensure cross-Academy planning and alignment between external affairs, policy development, policy analysis, communications and engagement functions.

Strategic programme and portfolio leadership

• Oversee priority influencing programmes, ensuring coherence, sequencing and impactful delivery.
• Provide external-facing leadership for high-profile programmes.
• Support cross-sector initiatives and commissions by providing strategic political insight and external influence.

Political, parliamentary and institutional influence

• Lead the Academy’s UK parliamentary and government engagement strategy, including select committee interactions, parliamentary briefings and relationship building with MPs, Peers and parliamentary staff.
• Position the Academy as an authoritative voice on medical science, policy priorities and the wider health system.
• Build and sustain high-level influencing relationships across parliament and political parties, national bodies, arm’s-length agencies, health systems and sector leaders.

FORUM and commercial

• Oversee and evolve the Academy’s FORUM to align with policy priorities and maximise its impact as a neutral, cross-sector convening space exploring scientific innovation, technological trends and strategic priorities shaping UK healthcare.
• Lead the transformation of FORUM into a leading UK convenor, including membership growth, securing contributions from organisations, and delivering at least six high-quality convenings per year.
• Contribute to income-generating initiatives within approved budgets and ensure external-facing activities support organisational sustainability.

Leadership within the organisation

• As a member of the Academy Leadership Team (Heads and Directors), contribute to organisational strategy, cultural development and the transformation programme.
• Provide senior leadership on organisational measurement, impact reporting and securing external funding.

Financial and governance responsibilities

• Oversee budgets associated with external affairs and related programmes.
• Ensure compliance with governance processes, financial controls and risk management.

Requirements

• Strong track record in public affairs, political strategy or policy influencing, with demonstrable success securing policy adoption and measurable outcomes.
• Experience leading communications, media or public-facing activity in a complex environment.
• Understanding of the UK science, research and public health landscape, including inequalities, national strategies and institutional dynamics.
• Proven experience managing teams, building capability and integrating multidisciplinary functions.

Benefits

We provide our staff with a comprehensive benefits package outlined as follows:

Competitive rewards

• Generous pension scheme with flexible contributions – we contribute between 8% - 13% of your gross salary (with employee contributions of 3% - 8%).
• Life assurance at three times your salary.

Work-life Balance

• Hybrid and agile working. 50% office attendance.
• 26 days annual leave, plus Christmas closure days and bank holidays.
• Buying and selling leave.
• Family-friendly policies including enhanced maternity and paternity leave (subject to a qualifying period).

Wellbeing and Development

• Complimentary subscriptions to Headspace and Classpass to support your physical and mental wellbeing.
• Support through tailored learning and development.

Additional Benefits

• A range of enhanced benefits become available once you’ve completed your probation period.

For more information and to apply, please visit our careers portal.

Closing date: 9:00am on Monday 22 June 2026.

Interviews will likely be held w/c 6 July 2026.

Camden Disability Action (CDA) is seeking an exceptional Chief Operating Officer (COO) to play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering our mission as a leading user-led charity for Disabled people.

As COO, you will provide strategic leadership and operational excellence across the organisation, ensuring CDA delivers high-quality, accessible, and impactful services. You will translate our vision and strategy into effective day-to-day operations, driving performance, consistency, and continuous improvement across all areas of delivery.

As a key member of the senior leadership team, you will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer and Board of Trustees to support organisational strategy, governance, and long-term sustainability. You will bring strong strategic insight, alongside the ability to lead people, systems, and services with confidence and clarity.

You will have responsibility for core operational functions, including HR, Finance, Health & Safety, Data Protection, and Communications, as well as oversight of service delivery and contract management across CDA’s portfolio. You will ensure our infrastructure and processes are robust, compliant, efficient, and aligned to our values.

The successful candidate will be a confident and experienced leader, able to balance strategic thinking with strong operational delivery. You will also act as deputy to the CEO when required, providing trusted leadership across the organisation.

Due to the nature of the Chief Operating Officer role and the space-based approach of the Greenwood Centre, it cannot be delivered remotely. The post requires regular in-person operational delivery. However, we are open to offering one day of remote working per week, where practical.

CDA is committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We particularly welcome applications from Disabled people, people from Black, Asian and other minoritised communities, LGBTQ+ people, and others who are underrepresented in the charity sector and leadership roles. We are also open to considering flexible working arrangements, including job shares, where this can support the successful delivery of the role.

This is a new role, expanding the management team in our Services team, and providing some additional focus for our grant making, commissioning and direct service provision work.

This is an exciting time to be joining our team. Our grant making work is providing support for wellbeing services across the county, in addition to the £5m Sunflower Appeal, which will provide a major capital grant for a new cancer centre at the Princess Royal Hospital, Telford. We have recently begun commissioning services directly, with our counselling service for family and carers of cancer patients being our first step into this way of working.

There are huge opportunities to develop our work further. Our Bins for Boys project launched in 2024, and we want to see Bins for Boys venues across our region by 2028. Our monitoring, evaluation and impact work is building, and there is grant potential to shape how we report on the value our work has to the communities around us.

We are looking for someone who is a confident communicator, able to develop strong partnerships and has the skill to understand and interpret new project ideas. A clinical background is not a requirement, but a genuine interest in how we can make a difference for people living with cancer is essential.

Our ideal candidate will have an understanding of managing grant-funded projects, a creative approach to challenges and a supportive attitude to managing others. They will be able to navigate complex governance and work with internal and external stakeholders effectively. They will have the ability to see and realise opportunities for income generation to support their work.

This role will work alongside the Head of Services (Cancer Awareness), and there is an expectation of close collaboration and cross-working between the two sides of the team. It will also form part of the wider Lingen Davies management team, attending senior team meetings and collaborating with others to ensure smooth running and development across the charity.

Please note, this role requires travel across our large, rural region. Therefore, a UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle is essential.

Lead change through music. Shape young lives.

Chief Executive - AudioActive

Location: Sussex (Brighton & Worthing base, with regional travel)
Salary: c. £65,000
Contract: Full-time, permanent

About AudioActive

AudioActive is an ambitious youth music charity using creativity to transform young people's lives. Working across Sussex, they support young people - particularly those facing disadvantage - to build confidence, find their voice and progress into education, employment and the creative industries.

With strong local roots and growing national recognition, AudioActive combine youth work, music culture and evidence-led practice to create lasting social impact.

The Opportunity

AudioActive are seeking a new Chief Executive to lead the organisation into its next phase of impact and growth.

Reporting to the Board, you will set strategic direction, strengthen financial sustainability and lead a values-driven organisation through a period of transition and opportunity. This is a high-impact role combining strategy, cultural leadership, external influence and hands-on organisational leadership.

What You'll Do

• Set direction - lead and deliver a clear, ambitious strategy
• Lead people and culture - foster an inclusive, high-performing and youth-centred organisation
• Drive sustainability - develop income, partnerships and long-term resilience
• Champion safeguarding and inclusion - ensure young people remain safe, heard and at the heart of decisions
• Be our voice - represent AudioActive with funders, partners and across the sector
• Deliver impact - strengthen evidence, learning and outcomes for young people

About You

You are a values-led, emotionally intelligent leader with the credibility and judgement to lead a mission-driven organisation.

You will bring:

• Senior leadership experience with strategic and operational responsibility
• A track record of leading change, growth or organisational development
• Experience of fundraising, business development or income generation
• Strong financial and governance oversight
• The ability to build partnerships and influence at a senior level
• A deep commitment to young people, inclusion and safeguarding

A connection to music, youth or creative sectors is highly valued.

Why Join

• Lead a respected, high-impact organisation at a pivotal moment
• Shape strategy and growth with real autonomy
• Work at the intersection of youth, culture and social change
• Make a tangible difference to young people's lives

Recruitment Timeline:

To ensure equitable access to information and uphold AudioActive's commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, the charity has hosted a Q&A webinar in place of individual informal calls with the Chair/Outgoing CEO.

Application Deadline: 5pm, Monday 15th June 2026

First Interviews: w/c 6th July 2026

Final Interviews: w/c 13th July

How to Apply

Charity People Ltd is acting as a recruitment agency advisor to AudioActive on this appointment. Interested candidates are invited to submit a CV to Senior Appointments at Charity People and request a candidate pack in the first instance. For an informal conversation about the role or if you have further questions prior to applying, please contact Fabrice Yala or Tiku van Houtem or send an email to Senior Appointments at Charity People

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

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment

Any offer of employment will be made subject to the receipt of satisfactory references and, where relevant, a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check in line with our Safer Recruitment Policy.

AudioActive operates within robust safeguarding standards and procedures. We are fully committed to creating a safe environment for the children, young people and communities we work with. As such, we carry out comprehensive checks on all potential new staff to deter individuals with harmful intentions and reduce the likelihood of unsafe practice.

All staff who work directly with children, young people, or have access to confidential information will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check. In line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, applicants are required to disclose any unspent criminal convictions. Certain roles, particularly those involving work with children and vulnerable people, are exempt from the Act and may require disclosure of all convictions, including those that are spent. This will be clearly outlined in the recruitment materials for such roles.

Chief Executive Officer

Salary: £50,000 – £60,000
Location: On-site, East Manchester

We are looking for an inspiring and values-driven Chief Executive Officer to lead Oasis and shape its future. This is a rare opportunity to make a meaningful impact in East Manchester, working alongside a passionate team dedicated to improving the wellbeing of local people.

About the Role

As CEO, you will provide strategic leadership while ensuring the organisation remains rooted in its core values and mission. You will work closely with Trustees, staff, volunteers, and external partners to build a strong, sustainable future for Oasis.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a team of 18 staff and 70 volunteers, fostering a positive, high-performing culture
• Champion and embed Oasis’ culture, ensuring it remains aligned with its biblical values
• Ensure the organisation is financially resilient, sustainable, and well structured for long-term success
• Maintain strong relationships with the Board of Trustees, supporting effective governance, communication, and decision-making
• Support the Founder and Fundraising Team in developing high-level relationships with funders and strategic partners
• Take overall responsibility for financial management, including budgets and long-term financial planning
• Help shape and deliver a clear, ambitious long-term vision for Oasis

About You

• A strategic and values-led leader with strong organisational and financial management experience
• Passionate about community impact and improving lives
• Experienced in building partnerships and engaging stakeholders at a senior level
• A confident communicator, able to inspire trust and provide clear direction
• Committed to the mission and ethos of Oasis

About the role

We’re looking for an experienced, highly organised Operations & Office Coordinator to play a central role in keeping our London office running smoothly and supporting our wider organisation.

This is a varied and hands-on role, with responsibility across office operations, governance coordination, and senior leadership support. You’ll be a key point of contact for colleagues and trustees, helping ensure everything runs efficiently behind the scenes.

Flexible working that works for you

This role is designed to be genuinely flexible.

• 21 hours per week, with flexibility over how these are worked
• We’re open to a range of working patterns (e.g. school hours, shorter days across the week, or compressed hours)
• Hybrid working, with two days per week in our London office

We aim to agree a working pattern that provides consistency and predictability, while fitting around your other commitments.

We particularly welcome applications from experienced candidates returning to work after a career break, including parents and carers.

What you’ll be doing

This is a broad and rewarding role with real ownership. You will:

• Support governance processes, including Board and Committee meetings and documentation
• Provide administrative and coordination support to the CEO and senior leadership team
• Maintain and improve systems and processes, with the opportunity to shape how things are done
• Coordinate IT support, equipment and asset management
• Coordinate logistics for meetings, events and travel
• Take ownership of the day-to-day running of the London office, ensuring it is organised, efficient and welcoming
• Act as the main point of contact for facilities, suppliers and office-related queries

About you

We’re looking for someone who brings strong prior experience and enjoys working in a role with variety and responsibility.

You will likely have:

• Experience managing or coordinating a busy office or operational environment
• Confidence working independently and taking ownership of tasks and processes
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to work with senior stakeholders
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft 365
• A proactive approach and the ability to juggle competing priorities

Why join us?

• A genuinely flexible, part-time role designed to support work-life balance
• A supportive and collaborative working environment
• The opportunity to take ownership of a varied and important role
• The chance to contribute to an organisation delivering meaningful impact

About Farm Africa

Farm Africa is a leading charity working with smallholder farmers and small businesses in eastern Africa to improve incomes while protecting the environment.

We combine expert knowledge with practical solutions to create lasting change for farmers, their families, and the ecosystems they depend on.

How to apply

We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly welcome those returning to work after a career break.

More information about the role can be found on the jobs page of our website. 

We're looking for an organised, kind and resilient Support Worker to join our Learning disabilities service in Hertfordshire.

£28,808.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week.

Want to feel like you have an exciting future? You'll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

Our benefits include:
* Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
* Free DBS
* Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
* Fully paid induction programme and further training
* ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
* Cycle to work scheme
* Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
* Online wellbeing resources
* A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
* Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

The service is staffed 24/7 and this post-holder will be required to cover an average of at least one sleep-in per week (pro rata).

Rota pattern, covering early and late shifts, 7 days per week. Also sleep-in duties.

What you'll do:
- If a need arises, deliver all aspects of support to enable a customer to develop independent living skills as appropriate to the individual needs of the customer. This includes delivering personal and physical care as appropriate;
- Support customers to undertake all domestic tasks wherever possible, including practical assistance where they have not yet developed the skills, to ensure customers enjoy a high quality of accommodation;
- Participate in support planning and risk management, of named customers, as directed by the service management;
- Ensure the safety and security of the customers and the premises whilst on shift;
- Enable customers to make full use of community facilities by providing support that enables maximum external engagement;
- Report any observations relating to customers welfare

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead

About you:
- Prefers working as part of a group or team
- Flexible
- Open to feedback and self development
- Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments
- Is respectful and sensitive in style of communication
- Non-judgemental outlook
- Ability to cope positively with challenging and diverse behaviour

What you'll bring:
Essential:
- NVQ Level 2 or equivalent or experience within charity/social care sector
- Ability to complete written records of support to customers
- Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and able to input information clearly and in good English
- Ability to communicate with colleagues, customers, family members and partner agencies, as required

Desirable:

- Experience of working with people with Learning Disabilities and Autism
- Experience of working with vulnerable adults in a residential setting.
- Knowledge of safeguarding policies and procedures and how to raise a concern
- Experience of co-producing support plans and individual risk assessments with vulnerable adults.

About us:
Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.

We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:

We focus on Excellence and innovation.
We are Caring and Compassionate.
We are Inclusive and Trusted.
We work in Partnership and are One-Team.

Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

Please see our website for full job description

�� Could you be the next Chief Officer of Just Drop-In?

We're looking for an inspiring, values-driven leader to guide our much-loved charity in Macclesfield into its next chapter.

For 25 years, Just Drop-In has been a lifeline for young people 11–24yrs old across the north of Cheshire East. Every year, we support more than 1,000 children and young people through our Counselling, Mentoring, Wellbeing, and Parent Support Services — and the need has never been greater.

We're looking for someone who brings:

✅ Strong leadership experience

✅ Business awareness

✅ Safeguarding knowledge and experience

✅ Experience of working with children and young people and a genuine passion for helping them thrive

This is a rare opportunity to lead an organisation with deep roots in its community and a team that truly believes in its mission.

If this sounds like you — or someone you know — we'd love to hear from you.

�� Please see further information and how to apply by downloading the attached document or clicking redirect to recruiter. 

#Hiring #ChiefOfficer #Charity #YouthWork #Macclesfield #NonProfit #Leadership #JobOpportunity

Lead a Movement Advancing Universal Energy Access

Chief Executive Officer - SolarAid

Location: UK - hybrid
Travel: c. 8-10 weeks per year (Africa programmes, partners, global forums)
Salary: ~£100k
Type: Full-time

About SolarAid

SolarAid is an ambitious international charity working to achieve a world where everyone has access to clean, renewable energy. With a strong track record of impact across sub-Saharan Africa, SolarAid has helped transform access to energy through solar solutions that improve lives, livelihoods and the environment.

Today, SolarAid is entering a pivotal new phase. Building on proven delivery models, the organisation is shifting towards systems change - scaling impact through partnerships, influencing markets, and shaping policy to accelerate universal energy access. Alongside this, SolarAid retains active operational programmes in countries such as Malawi and Zambia, ensuring deep, real-world insight informs its work.

This is a rare opportunity to lead an organisation with both credibility on the ground and growing influence at the highest levels.

What You Can Look Forward To

As CEO, you will lead SolarAid through an exciting transition - balancing external influence and internal leadership to unlock its next phase of impact.

You will:

• Shape and Deliver Strategy
  Bring clarity, focus and prioritisation to SolarAid's ambitions, ensuring resources are aligned to the highest-impact opportunities
• Drive Global Influence
  Act as SolarAid's primary ambassador, building credibility with governments, funders, multilaterals and partners
• Scale Impact Through Partnerships
  Expand and strengthen partnerships to deliver scalable, replicable models across sub-Saharan Africa

Why This Role Matters

• You will lead a mission that is fundamental to human development and climate progress
• SolarAid combines proven delivery with growing global influence
• You will have the opportunity to shape the future of energy access at scale

About You

SolarAid is seeking an experienced, credible and decisive leader - someone equally comfortable representing the organisation externally and leading it internally through change.

Skills and Experience

• Proven senior leadership experience (CEO, Executive Director or equivalent) within international development, social enterprise or a related field
• Experience of programme delivery in sub-Saharan Africa, with a deep understanding of operating contexts
• Demonstrable ability to build credibility and influence with governments, funders, and global partners
• Track record of leading organisations through complexity, change or transition
• Strong strategic judgement, with the ability to prioritise and align ambition with capacity

Highly Desirable:

• Relevant sector expertise - in energy access, climate, or adjacent sectors

Personal Attributes

• Decisive and empowering, able to lead with clarity and confidence
• Credible and articulate ambassador, with presence at senior levels
• Emotionally intelligent, able to build trust and stability in a mission-driven culture

Recruitment Timeline

To ensure equitable access to information and uphold SolarAid's commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, the charity hosted a Q&A webinar in place of individual informal calls with the Chair/Outgoing CEO.

Application Deadline: 5pm, Monday 22nd June 2026

First Interviews: w/c 6th July 2026

Final Interviews: w/c 13th July

How to Apply

Charity People Ltd is acting as a recruitment agency advisor SolarAid on this appointment. Interested candidates are invited to submit a CV to Senior Appointments at Charity People and request a candidate pack in the first instance. For an informal conversation about the role or if you have further questions prior to applying, please contact Fabrice Yala or Tiku van Houtem at Charity People

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

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

Making Music is the UK association for leisure-time music groups. We represent over 3,900 groups comprising around 200,000 musicians of all types, genres and abilities.

The Chief Executive provides strategic leadership for Making Music and its trading subsidiary, working closely with the Chair, Board of Trustees and Senior Management Team to develop and deliver the organisation’s mission, strategy, and long-term sustainability. The CEO oversees sound organisational and financial management, leads on governance and compliance, develops a motivated team, and champions best practice.

As a membership focused charity, Making Music places leisure-time music groups at its heart. The CEO ensures members’ voices inform strategy, services and advocacy, maintaining visibility and accessibility while fostering trust and engagement across a diverse national community.

The CEO leads external advocacy, lobbying, and partnership development, acting as an ambassador for Making Music and the wider leisure-time music sector. They represent the organisation and its members in the media, to policy makers, partners, stakeholders and funders; to strengthen recognition of the social, cultural, and wellbeing value of community music-making.

Battersea is seeking a Service Improvement Manager for a one-year opportunity leading meaningful change in our London cattery. This is an ideal role if you’re ready for a career change and want to make a real difference.

Our London cattery cares for over 130 cats every day, supported by a dedicated team of more than 45 colleagues working seven days a week across intake, welfare, and rehoming. Working closely with behaviour, clinical, and foster teams, the centre successfully rehomes at least 1,000 cats each year, offering a rewarding environment for anyone who wants to see the direct impact of their work.

We are now looking for an experienced leader to review how our service operates and improve the flow and efficiency of our processes. You’ll lead a programme of service evaluation and continuous improvement, driving practical changes that deliver better outcomes for cats and a more engaging experience for our teams. This role could be a great fit if you’re motivated by making a difference through improvement.

Reporting to the Head of Centre Operations and working closely with the London Centre Manager, you’ll shape and deliver improvements that align with Battersea's culture and long-term ambitions. This role combines strategic thinking with operational leadership, requiring someone who can bring people on the journey and embed lasting change.

You don’t need an animal welfare background, we welcome candidates from sectors such as health and social care, retail, or customer service. What matters is your ability to lead change, improve services, and your enthusiasm for making a positive impact. This role is a great opportunity for someone who loves animals and is looking for something more meaningful in your next role.

What we can offer you:

In return for your commitment to our cause and to recognise the value of our employees, Battersea offers a range of benefits to support the wellbeing of our employees. These include:

• 36 days of annual leave (inclusive of 8 days Bank Holiday leave allowance) per year for full time employees (pro-rated for part-time employees).
• Discounted gym memberships and cycle to work schemes.
• Employee Assistance Programme and access to Wellbeing Resources.
• Generous pension contributions - up to 10% employer contribution.
• Free healthcare cash plan, where you can claim for a range of treatment including dental, optical, physiotherapy, chiropody and acupuncture every year.

We are also committed to providing learning and development to our employees. During your time with us, we provide support for your professional and career development, including access to digital and in-person training programmes, leadership and management training, mentoring and much more.

Working with our animals:

Working with our rescues is a very rewarding experience. Your work plays a vital role in giving our dogs and cats a chance at finding their forever home. Everyday will be different and will come with its own unique challenges. We are looking for people with the resilience and adaptability to handle all aspects of this role. It is important to note that the role does involve a lot of physical tasks which are required to provide the exceptional standards of care to our animals.

Diversity and inclusion:

We are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive experience for all staff, volunteers and trustees and those hoping to join us. We operate an anonymised shortlisting process and actively seek to ensure our process is fair and equitable for all.

We understand the value of diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences to help us deliver even more for our dogs and cats, and we welcome applicants from all sections of the community.

As a Disability Confident Committed Employer we will ask about any adjustments you may need at application and/or interview stage, and if you are offered a role with us, we’ll talk to you about any workplace adjustments you may need to help you perform at your best. Greyscale copies of the recruitment pack are also available on request.

More about us:

At Battersea, we aim to never turn away a dog or cat in need of help. We give each one lots of love, expert care and get to know their characters and quirks so we can find them a new home that’s just right for them. Join us and help us be here for every dog and cat, wherever they are, for as long as they need us.

Acceptable use of AI:

At Battersea, we value expertise. We recognise each candidate that applies to us will have a range of expertise they can offer us, so we want to hear about this in your own words. We understand the support that generative artificial intelligence (AI) software can offer but it can also lead to numerous applications presenting as generic and impersonal. This makes it difficult to gain understanding of your unique experience.

To best showcase yourself, we encourage you to write your responses without the assistance of AI. If you require the use of AI software to aid in completing your application, we ask you use the generative responses as a prompt for writing your answers and avoid copying and pasting. You must also ensure the information presented in your application accurately reflects your experience.

Closing date: 18th June 2026. Shortlisting will take place on 19th June.

All applications must be submitted before the closing date advertised. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received.

Interview date(s): First Stage Interview (Online): 23rd June 2026. Second Stage Interview (In-Person): 30th June 2026

For more information about the role, please download our Recruitment pack.

About the role

Venture Associates play a key role in delivering our strategy, supporting our portfolio of over 30 organisations to help create a fairer society where all young people thrive. This is a hands-on role suited to someone who has developed a foundation in a structured and analytically rigorous environment, has a demonstrable interest in working in the charity sector or the education sector, and is excited to combine analytical problem-solving with mission-driven work.

You will work across the full investment lifecycle - from portfolio strategy setting, to sourcing and due diligence through to capacity building (such as strategy and business planning support) and grant management. This includes working closely with colleagues, charity partners and our incubations to understand complex challenges, develop clear and structured approaches to solving them, and support the development of mission driven organisations. The role requires both analytical thinking and the ability to build trusted relationships with stakeholders and communicate clearly and effectively with a range of audiences.

You will gain experience across investing, strategy, and capacity building our portfolio organisations -developing core skills in problem-solving, analysis, stakeholder management, and delivering high-quality outputs. Over time, you will work across different programmes and portfolios, building a broad and practical understanding of how to select, fund, and strengthen organisations working to improve the lives of children and young people.

Examples of projects undertaken by Venture Associates include supporting an early years charity to reach more children, working on a fund for schools to improve maths outcomes, and helping an early-stage incubation to launch a competition around ways in which AI could support the education ecosystem.

This is an opportunity to apply and further develop your skills in a context where your work contributes directly to meaningful, long-term change for children and young people across systems that shape their lives, for example education and care systems. You will be supported by a dedicated line manager, with opportunities to build your skills through on-the-job experience, training, and exposure to senior leaders and partners. We see this role as a springboard for your career, whether that is within Purposeful or beyond.

Why apply for this role?

This is an opportunity to do impactful work on complex challenges affecting children and young people — and to do it at an organisation that combines rigour and evidence with a deep commitment to long-term change. You will:

• Gain practical experience and build your skills: gain experience across the full venture lifecycle, building a strong foundation in strategy, investing, and organisational development
• Work on meaningful challenges: apply structured problem-solving to complex issues that contribute to long-term, system-level change
• Develop trusted relationships: work closely with founders, partners, and senior colleagues, building your ability to influence and collaborate effectively
• Build a platform for your career: benefit from dedicated support, broad exposure across programmes and portfolios, and pathways for progression or future opportunities

Job Description

Purpose

Venture Associates play a key role in delivering our strategy, supporting our portfolio of over 30 organisations to help create a fairer society where all young people thrive. Venture Associates work across the full investment lifecycle - from portfolio strategy setting to sourcing and due diligence through to capacity building (such as strategy and business planning support) and grant management, and may also have the opportunity to take on strategic and/or operational roles for our incubations.

Responsibilities and duties

Support the design and refinement of our investment strategy

You will contribute to shaping where and how we deploy funding and support, ensuring our work is grounded in robust analysis and a clear understanding of impact opportunities.

• Conduct structured research into priority sectors, including market dynamics, policy context, key stakeholders, and barriers to change.
• Identify and map high-potential opportunities for intervention, including emerging organisations and unmet needs.
• Work with Venture Partners and Portfolio Leads to synthesise insights into clear recommendations that inform investment priorities and strategic focus areas.

Build pipelines for our investment strategies and conduct due diligence on specific organisations

You will help identify, assess, and prioritise organisations for partnership and investment.

• Proactively source and build a pipeline of organisations aligned with our strategy, through direct research, expert conversations and potentially designing open application processes.
• Conduct initial due diligence assessments, including mission alignment; strategy, business model and financial sustainability, assessment of programme design and evidence of promise, monitoring and evaluation processes, and capacity for partnership and investment.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders to develop and test hypotheses and understand key risks.
• Produce clear, concise materials (reports, presentations) to support decision-making.

Support the development of our partner organisations

You will work directly with funded organisations as they scale their impact, supporting strategic decision-making and organisational development.

• Working with Venture Partners and Portfolio Leads, build relationships with individual organisations and work closely with them to identify their most significant challenges and design the appropriate support model.
• Support capacity building projects for funded and incubated organisations across a range of topics (e.g. strategy development, business planning, operating and financial model design).
• Break down complex strategic questions into clear, structured workplans and analytical tasks.
• Gather and synthesise inputs from multiple sources, including data analysis, stakeholder interviews, and expert perspectives.
• Develop high-quality outputs (presentations, written documents, models) to communicate insights and recommendations.
• Contribute to board- and leadership-level discussions, ensuring recommendations are clear, evidence-based, and actionable.
• Provide ad hoc problem-solving support to funded organisations on key challenges (e.g. growth strategy, operating model, partnerships).

Support grant management and performance tracking

You will help ensure our portfolio is effectively monitored and supported to deliver impact.

• Collate, review, and analyse data from funded organisations for quarterly and annual reporting.
• Assess performance against agreed milestones, impact metrics, and financial targets.
• Identify risks, challenges, and opportunities by organisation, and across the portfolio, and flag these to the team.
• Support the preparation of internal and external reporting materials (e.g. updates for stakeholders, funders, or boards).
• Contribute to improving our grant management processes, tools, and frameworks over time.

The job description is subject to change and the postholder may be required to undertake tasks not specifically referred to above. Such duties, however, will fall within the scope of the job description.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for people who are motivated by our mission and excited to apply analytical, problem-solving, and relationship-building skills in a collaborative, purpose-driven environment. We recognise that strong candidates may bring a range of experiences and perspectives, and we encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds and career paths.

If your experience is not an exact match, but you believe you would thrive in the role, we would still encourage you to apply.

Key requirements

Essential

Behaviours and Ways of Working

• Passionate about creating a fairer society where all young people thrive.
• Motivated by Purposeful’s mission, with a clear and demonstrable commitment to contributing to meaningful, long-term change in support of children and young people.
• Curious and evidence-led, actively seeking out data, insights, and diverse perspectives to inform thinking.
• Takes ownership of your work, following through on commitments and delivering to a consistently high standard.
• Comfortable working in ambiguity, structuring your own work and adapting as priorities evolve.
• Collaborative and relationship-oriented, working effectively with colleagues and external partners.
• Builds open, respectful and trust-based relationships by acting with integrity, reliability, and transparency.
• Balances attention to detail with an understanding of the broader context and strategic goals.
• Open to feedback and committed to continuous learning and development.

Knowledge and Experience

• Experience working in a structured, analytical environment (for example, consulting, corporate strategy, investing, or similar), with exposure to project-based work involving multiple priorities and timelines.
• Strong grounding in core business concepts such as strategy setting, market sizing, business planning, and competitive dynamics.
• Demonstrated ability to build a working understanding of new sectors, topics, or contexts and to apply this to real challenges facing our portfolio organisations.
• Experience contributing to strategy development, due diligence, or complex problem-solving projects involving ambiguity and multiple stakeholders.
• Experience supporting financial analysis, reviewing financial information (for example, annual accounts) and assessing financial risk.

Skills

• Applies structured, analytical thinking to break down complex or ambiguous problems into clear components, hypotheses, and actionable approaches.
• Strong quantitative and qualitative analysis skills, including working with imperfect data, identifying key drivers, and drawing sound, defensible insights.
• Synthesises information from multiple sources into clear, well-structured outputs and recommendations.
• Clear, effective and nuanced communicator, both in writing and verbally, with the ability to produce materials suitable for senior audiences.
• Effective influencing skills, and the ability to adapt communication style and medium to the audience and context to achieve the best outcome.
• Effectively engages and manages relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Plans and manages their work effectively, taking ownership of workstreams and delivering high-quality outputs within timelines.
• Uses sound judgement to identify risks, assess trade-offs, and determine when to seek input or escalate.

General

• Right to work in the UK.

Desirable

Knowledge and Experience

• Understanding of the charity and/or education sectors gained, for example, through a previous work experience, pro-bono work, volunteer or trustee role.
• Experience of creating financial models to support budgeting and scenario planning; building income generation strategies.
• Understanding of or experience with programme design, monitoring and evaluation.