Interim CEO - Talkback

Lead a charity changing lives through confidence, opportunity and inclusion


Could you lead a respected charity through an important period of change while continuing to create opportunities for autistic people and people with learning disabilities to thrive?
About Talkback
Talkback is an ambitious autism and learning disability charity supporting people of all ages to build confidence, develop skills, access employment, create meaningful relationships and live fulfilling lives. Every year, our programmes help autistic people and people with learning disabilities overcome barriers, discover their potential and achieve outcomes that matter to them.

We are proud of our person-centred approach, our committed staff team and the positive difference we make across Buckinghamshire and surrounding areas.

Following a change in leadership, we are seeking an experienced Interim CEO to provide stability, maintain momentum and help prepare the organisation for its next permanent leader.

Interim CEO role at Talkback

The Interim Chief Executive Officer will lead Talkback through an important phase in our development. This is an opportunity for an experienced, values-driven leader to make a lasting impact by supporting our people, strengthening our organisation and helping shape the foundations for our next chapter.

Working closely with the Board, leadership team and staff, you will provide confident leadership, maintain strong organisational performance and help position Talkback for long-term success. You will strengthen stakeholder relationships, oversee financial sustainability and support the organisation through an important period of change.

This role would suit an experienced senior leader who combines strategic thinking with practical delivery and who can quickly build trust with trustees, staff, funders, commissioners and partners.

We are looking for someone who has:
 

• Significant senior leadership experience within the charity, public or social impact sectors.
• Experience of leading organisations through periods of transition, change or organisational development.
• A track record of strengthening organisational performance, culture and sustainability.
• An ability to build trust quickly, listen well and bring people with you through change.

Most importantly, you will believe in Talkback's mission and share our commitment to inclusion, opportunity and empowering people to reach their full potential.
Why join Talkback?
This is an opportunity to lead a well-established charity with:

• A strong reputation and a clear social purpose.
• The opportunity to make a tangible difference to the lives of autistic people and people with learning disabilities.
• A skilled and committed team of around 70 colleagues.
• Strong relationships with commissioners, partners and local communities.
• The chance to help shape the organisation's future at a pivotal moment.

As Interim CEO, you will have the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the lives of autistic people and people with learning disabilities while helping shape the future direction of a highly respected organisation.

Safeguarding

Talkback is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

The successful candidate will be subject to appropriate pre-employment checks, including references and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.


How to apply

Please make sure you read our Candidate Information Pack before applying. It contains important details about the role and our organisation.

Don’t think you quite meet all the specifications? Please don’t count yourself out. We’d still love to learn more about your interest in joining Talkback.

Eastside People is supporting Talkback in the recruitment for this role. Please apply by submitting a CV and a cover letter both in Word doc. format.

Please use the cover letter (max 2 pages) as an opportunity to add to the information you have shared in your CV and ensure that you cover the following:

• Why are you interested in the interim Chief Executive Officer role at Talkback?
• What recent experience do you have which is relevant for the role?
• Your availability, notice period and any information you would like us to take into account during the recruitment process.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. If you have a disability or require reasonable adjustments during the application/interview process, please contact us so we can support you appropriately.

The closing date for applications is Monday 14 September, with online shortlisting interviews with Eastside People taking place throughout the advertising period and the week after. Interviews with Talkback will take place on the 21st or 22nd September. The role is due to start at the beginning of October.

Eastside People is fully committed to equality of opportunity and diversity. We work closely with our clients to recruit inclusively and widen representation in leadership roles.

Finally

We recognise that AI can be a helpful tool, but please use it with care and ensure your application is accurate, personal, and genuinely reflects you. We do not use AI in our sifting or selection process - a human reviews every application!

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