RSPCA Little Valley Animal Shelter is seeking an exceptional Chief Executive Officer to guide us through an exciting period of growth, transformation and renewed strategic ambition.
At Little Valley, our purpose is clear: to promote kindness, prevent cruelty, and provide outstanding welfare for the animals who rely on us. Our next Chief Executive Officer will inspire staff and volunteers, strengthen community partnerships, and lead with clarity, compassion and courage.
About the role
Our team is united by our compassion, collaboration, integrity, excellence and deep connection to our community - values that guide every decision we make. We are looking for a Chief Executive Officer who will champion these values in everything they do.
We are in a pivotal moment of investment and cultural renewal, with major developments underway - including improved facilities, modernisation of systems, strategic income growth and strengthened community engagement. This is your opportunity to lead an ambitious and much‑loved charity into its next chapter.
Key Responsibilities
(Full Job Description and Person Specification attached.)
- Lead the organisation’s strategic direction, ensuring alignment with our mission, values and long‑term goals.
- Drive high‑quality, compassionate animal welfare services across all operational areas.
- Provide visible, empathetic leadership that supports a positive culture for staff and volunteers.
- Ensure strong financial stewardship, diversifying income and securing long‑term sustainability.
- Strengthen partnerships, community profile and external relationships across the region.
- Champion innovation, operational excellence and continuous improvement at every level.
About You
You’ll bring proven senior leadership experience, exceptional communication skills, strong financial and governance capability, and the emotional intelligence needed to lead a complex and values‑driven organisation. Above all, you’ll bring a genuine passion for animal welfare and a commitment to ensuring values remain at the heart of everything we do.
Why join us?
As our Chief Executive Officer, you will lead a dedicated team, steward an organisation with strong foundations, and be at the forefront of shaping a more compassionate future for animals across Devon. This is more than a leadership role - it’s a chance to create lasting impact.
How to apply
Please submit your CV and a supporting statement (maximum two pages) outlining how your experience, leadership and values make you the right person to become our next Chief Executive Officer.
Application deadline: Tuesday 7 April, 5pm
We encourage applications from leaders who are motivated by purpose, committed to impact and inspired by the opportunity to shape the future of Little Valley Animal Shelter.
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Registered Charity
21 - 50
Our mission is to offer compassionate care and facilitate the rehabilitation and rehoming of animals across Devon.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Location: HMP Ashfield
Department: Prison delivery
Salary: £29,264
Hours: Full time (35 hours)
Contract Type: Permanent
Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy levels amongst people in prison?
Shannon Trust are delighted to be working with His Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) to provide peer-led learning programmes at HMP Ashfield. Working closely with the prison and their staff, people in prison, Shannon Trust volunteers and mentors, this post will lead the delivery and development of our literacy and numeracy programmes at HMP Ashfield, maximising opportunities for people in prison to learn. This role also includes providing daily assistance in the running of the prison library and of library outreach including facilitation of activity groups.
Ideally you will have some experience working within a prison environment, underpinned by the ability to build relationships and personal qualities that include resilience, determination and a problem-solving approach. You will have a love for reading and be able to help inspire others (including those who find reading difficult) to enjoy all of the benefits of reading for pleasure.
The role is prison-based. Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme. The biggest benefit though is our culture – our people really want to work for the organisation.
?We welcome job applications from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system and do not routinely ask for details of any criminal convictions. These roles do require prison security clearance, so we will need to ask for details of any relevant criminal convictions before an offer of employment is finalised.
?Interviews are planned for 9th April 2026
REF-226 987
