Chief Executive

Lead change. Tackle poverty. Build community.

East Durham Trust is looking for a visionary and dynamic Chief Executive Officer to lead our organisation into the next chapter.

We are the flagship voluntary and community sector organisation for East Durham – one of the UK’s most disadvantaged communities – and we exist to fight poverty, support vulnerable people, and empower local residents to thrive.

In 2025, our work spans:

• Crisis Support Services – providing emergency food and energy support and tackling the root causes of poverty.
• Information, Advice, and Guidance Services – including community-based advice support and the East Durham Debt centre working in collaborative community and VCSE partnerships
• Community Energy Initiatives – including PowerED (Power East Durham), Horden Heat and Energising East Durham, a 5-year programme driving forward local renewable energy solutions and fuel poverty reduction.
• No More Nowt – an Arts Council England funded programme bringing cultural opportunities to local people.
• Volunteering and Social Action Programmes – engaging and supporting a network of volunteers to strengthen local communities. Including a range of community-based services and opportunities.
• Community House – providing managed workspace, community hub facilities, and hosting co-located partner organisations.
• Other targeted projects funded by national, regional, and local funders.

About the role

As CEO, you’ll provide strategic leadership and vision, ensuring the Trust remains financially sustainable, digitally equipped, and impactful in addressing the challenges our communities face.

You will:

• Inspire and lead our staff and volunteers.
• Drive forward income generation and financial stability (we use Xero).
• Oversee effective service delivery, using digital referral systems and our Charity Log CRM to measure and grow impact.
• Represent East Durham Trust with funders, policymakers, partners, and the media.
• Lead innovation and ensure our work remains rooted in the needs of local people.

About you

We’re looking for a leader who combines passion with professionalism. You’ll bring:

• Senior leadership experience in the voluntary, community or social sector.
• A track record in securing funding and leading organisational growth.
• Strong financial management skills, with experience of digital systems.
• Outstanding communication and partnership-building skills.
• A deep commitment to tackling poverty and inequality.

Why join us?

This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected community anchor organisation with a national profile and a local heart. You’ll be part of shaping solutions to the cost-of-living crisis, fuel poverty, and social disadvantage – while ensuring local people have a strong voice and real opportunities.

Apply now and help us power change in East Durham.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Chair of Trustees

Closing Date: 6th October 2025

Interviews Week Commencing: 13th October 2025