Chief Executive Officer
Paul’s Place
Yate, South Gloucestershire (Hybrid – minimum 3 days onsite)
£65,000 | Full-time (35 hours per week) | Permanent
After 30 years of impact — and with a new purpose-built Hub — Paul’s Place is ready for its next chapter.
Following the retirement of our CEO, we are seeking an exceptional charity CEO to guide us into an ambitious future — expanding services, strengthening partnerships and ensuring more disabled adults can live life to the full.
About Paul’s Place
Paul’s Place is a respected South West charity supporting physically disabled adults to connect with others, build confidence and participate fully in society.
From our fully accessible Hub in Yate, we deliver:
- A specialist Day Opportunity Service
- Evening and social programmes
- Short breaks
- Vocational skills training
- Step Ahead transition support
- Inclusive sports activities
We are financially secure, with strong reserves and a diverse funding base. Our new Hub — developed in collaboration with our members — positions us strongly for thoughtful, sustainable growth.
Disabled people are at the heart of everything we do. We are disability-led, needs-led and committed to achieving excellence.
The Opportunity
As Chief Executive Officer, you will provide both strategic and operational leadership to a well-established, values-driven organisation.
The Chief Executive Officer will work closely with the Board of Trustees to deliver our strategy and shape the next phase of development, while ensuring robust governance, strong financial management and continued income growth.
The Chief Executive Officer will lead and develop a committed Senior Leadership Team, build influential relationships with commissioners and partners, and raise the profile of Paul’s Place locally and nationally.
This is a visible role requiring someone equally comfortable in the boardroom and engaging directly with members.
Who We’re Looking For
We are seeking an experienced charity leader with:
- CEO leadership experience within the voluntary sector
- A strong track record in income generation and contract negotiation
- Experience of working constructively with Trustees to deliver strategy
- Strong financial oversight experience
- Knowledge of governance, safeguarding and regulatory compliance
- Experience leading organisational growth
- Understanding of health and social care commissioning
A genuine commitment to disability inclusion and empowering disabled adults is essential.
Further Information
For full details of the role, responsibilities, person specification and our strategic priorities, please download the Recruitment Pack.
The pack provides comprehensive information about Paul’s Place, our services, financial position, governance structure and ambitions for the future.
We strongly encourage candidates to review it before applying.
Terms
Salary: £65,000
Location: Paul’s Place Hub, Shire Way, Yate, Bristol BS37 8YS
Hybrid working (minimum three days onsite)
28 days annual leave + bank holidays
5% matched pension contribution
Closing date for applications: Thursday 2nd April 2026
Shortlisting: Wednesday 8th April 2026
Interviews: Week commencing Monday 13th April 2026
(Interviews are likely to take place on Thursday 16th April 2026
at Paul’s Place Hub)
#Chief Executive officer #CEO #Strategy
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Help transform global care systems so children can grow up in safe, loving families, not institutions.
Join Lumos at a pivotal moment as we scale our global ambition to reform childcare systems and improve the lives of millions of children worldwide.
Lumos Foundation is an international NGO working to end the institutionalisation of children and support governments and partners to build sustainable, family-based care systems. Founded by J.K. Rowling, Lumos works across Europe, Africa, Latin America and beyond to drive lasting systemic change for children and families.
As our Senior Technical Advisor, you will play a critical global role providing expert leadership on child protection and childcare reform across Lumos programmes and partnerships. This is an opportunity for an experienced specialist to influence national reform processes, strengthen programme quality, and support governments and partners to deliver meaningful change at scale.
You will work closely with country teams, senior stakeholders and international partners, ensuring that Lumos’ programmes reflect global best practice while responding to local contexts.
What you will do
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Provide high-level technical expertise on child rights, child protection and care reform
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Support the design, implementation and evaluation of country and regional programmes
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Deliver technical advice and capacity building to governments, partners and Lumos teams
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Develop guidance, training materials and learning products
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Support evidence generation and knowledge sharing across programmes
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Contribute to donor proposals and programme reporting
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Represent Lumos in international technical networks and partnerships
About you
You are a collaborative and experienced professional with deep expertise in childcare reform or child protection programming and a strong commitment to children’s rights.
You will likely bring:
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Significant experience working in child protection, care reform or related international development programmes
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Experience working with governments or large institutional partners
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Strong analytical, facilitation and communication skills
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Experience developing training, technical guidance or policy materials
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Ability to work effectively across cultures and global teams
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Excellent written and spoken English
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Willingness to travel internationally when required
Additional languages and experience working across multiple countries are an advantage.
Salary: Competitive, depending on experience.
The advertised salary range applies to candidates based in the UK. For candidates exceptionally appointed in another Lumos country office (Colombia, Kenya, Moldova or Ukraine), salary will be benchmarked and aligned with local market conditions and Lumos’ country-specific salary framework.
Location
London (UK) preferred. Exceptional consideration may be given to candidates based in Lumos country offices in Kenya, Colombia, Moldova or Ukraine.
Candidates must have the right to live and work in the country from which they apply.
Contract
Fixed-term until 31 December 2027, aligned with Lumos’ current strategy, with potential extension subject to funding.
Why join Lumos?
This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a bold global mission during a period of organisational growth and impact. You will work alongside passionate international colleagues committed to ensuring children grow up in families and supportive communities.
Benefits vary by location and include flexible working arrangements, generous leave provisions, learning and development opportunities, and wellbeing support.
Safeguarding and Inclusion
Lumos is committed to safeguarding children and adults at risk and operates a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, exploitation and harassment. Employment is subject to appropriate checks and references.
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
How to apply
Please submit your CV and cover letter through the application portal. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
To realise every child’s right to a family by transforming care systems around the world.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Key Information:
LOCATION: Bristol, Newcastle, Nottingham, London and Manchester (hybrid working pattern). We are prioritising applications for the Nottingham and Newcastle locations in line with our regional development strategy.
HOURS: 37.5 hours per week (flexible working around core hours of 10am-4pm)
START DATE: 10th August 2026
DURATION: 18-month graduate programme with optional apprenticeship opportunity upon completion. Permanent contract from August 2026.
SALARY: £27,375 per annum (Bristol, Manchester, Nottingham and Newcastle), £30,025 (London).
DEADLINE: Thursday 2nd April at 12pm (noon).
The application process: written application > video interview > assessment centre.
Assessment Centres will take place between 20th April and 8th May 2026. They will be conducted on Zoom and consist of 3 tasks: An interview, a written exercise and a group task (with up to 3 other candidates)
In keeping with upReach's mission and values we would particularly encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented groups and those with lived experience of barriers to social mobility.
We encourage all applicants to review our Application Pack before submitting your application.
About upReach
Do you think that your socio-economic background should determine your career prospects?
upReach’s vision is of a society in which everybody has an equal opportunity to realise their full career potential. Our work is important because right now a student from a disadvantaged background who gains a first-class degree from a top university is less likely to secure an elite job than a more privileged student with a 2.2.
We are an award-winning charity employer working to address this issue in partnership with employers and universities. We help undergraduates from lower socio-economic backgrounds achieve their career potential by providing an intensive programme of support that addresses socio-economic barriers to graduate employment.
To find out more about how we support our students, visit our website and read our Annual Report, and Impact Report.
About the FCLP
upReach is recruiting for our unique Future Charity Leaders Programme (FCLP). This is a great opportunity for anyone who is passionate about social mobility, and looking to gain exposure to various aspects of charity management whilst working with university students who are exploring their career options. We welcome applications from those in the corporate world who are looking for a career change as well as recent graduates wanting to kick-start their career in the third sector.
upReach’s Future Charity Leaders Programme (FCLP) combines delivery work (supporting our Associates) with exposure to a range of aspects of charity management.
As a Programme Coordinator on the FCLP, you will deliver personalised, employment-focused support to a cohort of approximately 80 Associates, helping to transform their lives by equipping them with the necessary skills to secure a top graduate job. During a typical week, you should expect to be working across a range of projects including:
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1:1 undergraduate coaching
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Events organisation
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Application support
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Partnership management (with university partners or employer partners)
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and more!
In addition to this, the programme offers the opportunity to develop skills in key areas of charity management by participating in 3 rounds of six-month 'rotations' across different functions. After your initial 18 months and the completion of 3, six-month rotations, you will have the opportunity to undertake an apprenticeship in Leadership and Management to further develop your skills and gain a level 3 qualification.
Throughout the programme, you will receive dedicated internal training developing your leadership skills and building your confidence in the role.Through our partnership with The Circle Line, you will be part of a supportive peer group, offered regular personal development training workshops online and in-person on their '12 Tools for Life'. You will also be able to choose your own practitioner to support you in 1:1 sessions throughout the programme to help you unlock more of your unique potential.
What will I be doing?
The FCLP is a fast-paced but rewarding role. Programme Coordinators spend 80% of their time (4 days per week) working directly with Associates to enhance their career knowledge and skills and 20% (1 day per week) on a charity management rotation (or an apprenticeship after 18 months). No two days are the same, but your responsibilities may include:
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Building and maintaining strong relationships with Associates, helping them to achieve their career goals
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Developing and delivering professional development-focused support
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Individual and small group work with Associates
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Assisting Associates with their applications to undergraduate positions and graduate jobs
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Developing sector and/or employability skill knowledge while building resources to aid all Associates
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Developing and maintaining strong relationships with university and/or employer partners
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Delivering informative workshops to enhance sector knowledge and employability skills
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Planning, delivering and reporting on events and workshops with partners
When applying for this role we ask that applicants are able to commit to the full 18-month training programme, and we encourage participation in the apprenticeship scheme beyond this. As you will be working directly with our beneficiaries throughout their degree, this consistency will allow you to build bonds with your Associates and ensure continuity, thus allowing us to have the most impact for the young people we work with.
What Skills and Experience do I need?
This programme would be suited to individuals who are committed to upReach’s mission, motivated to work with undergraduates and interested in learning about, and gaining experience in, charity management. We are looking for people who are passionate about social mobility and believe that background should not be a barrier to graduate employment.
Essential Skills/Experiences:
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Working in a fast-paced environment and working independently to find solutions to problems
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Strong organisational and time management skills with a keen eye for detail and the ability to manage a varied workload
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A University degree in any discipline, or equivalent experience
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Self-motivation and an ability to work in a small team as well as solo
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Excellent communication skills and strong written English
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The ability to engage and communicate confidently with undergraduates, corporate volunteers (mentors) and employers via phone, email, and in person
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Confidence with public speaking or facilitating workshops
Desirable Skills/Experiences:
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Knowledge of the graduate labour market in the UK and experience supporting individuals through an application process
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Working in one or more of the career sectors that upReach support Associates in applying to.
Team Culture & Benefits:
By joining the upReach team, you will be joining a team who are dedicated to encouraging you in your career journey and fostering an inclusive culture.
We offer:
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Flexible working, hybrid working and reduced Summer Hours (June-August)
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Statutory Holiday Entitlement of 25 days, plus bank holidays. (This increases to 27 days entitlement after 2.5 years and then to 30 days after 5 years of working with us)
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Enhanced Parental Leave beyond statutory requirements for all team members
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1 day of Birthday leave, 1 day of Volunteering leave and discretionary annual wellbeing days
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Optional extended unpaid leave
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3% Pension Contribution, this increases to 5% after 5 years of working with us
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Cycle-to-work scheme, Tech scheme
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Monthly socials, Annual in-person Team Day
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Dedication to Staff Wellbeing through our Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aid Training
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A range of discounts through the Charity Workers Discount and Tickets for Good websites
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The opportunity to participate in our fantastic staff networks:
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Disability and Inclusion Network
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Diverse Roots Network
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Green Network
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LGBTQ+ Network
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Mindfulness Network
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Parents and Carers Network
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Socio-Economic Background Network
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(Im)Migrants Network
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Ready to apply?
We are dedicated to making our recruitment process inclusive. All applications will be blind screened, and our job packs are available in Braille, large text or another format upon request. We can provide reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment application process and on the job, and we'll always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible.
Unfortunately, upReach is unable to offer Visa Sponsorship.
Applications close at 12pm on Thursday 2nd April
Equal Opportunities
At upReach, we are committed to being an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate in employment matters on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, disability, social background or any other protected class. We celebrate and value the diverse perspectives that people from all backgrounds bring to our team. We are passionate about creating a workplace that is inclusive and reflects the diversity of communities across the UK. Thus, we encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented groups, including Black, Asian and other ethnic minority backgrounds, those with disabilities, those who are care-experienced, those from low socio-economic backgrounds, and those who are LGBTQIA+.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.