Chief of staff jobs

Join VAST and lead the mission committed to developing a thriving VCSE sector across Stoke-on-Trent to improve the quality of life for local communities.

We are looking for a reliable and proactive leader with senior leadership experience and strong partnership development skills. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of strategic planning, organisational leadership, and managing change, as well as good understanding of financial management, and significant knowledge of charity governance, funding environments, and commissioning landscapes.

The Chief Executive will provide the professional, strategic and leadership expertise required to direct and manage VAST, ensuring the organisation achieves its strategic aims and objectives. The postholder will lead the organisation’s staff and volunteers and ensure that the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector in Stoke‑on‑Trent can contribute fully to strategic planning, regeneration, inclusion and the wellbeing of local people.

We are looking for our next Chief Executive,  This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in a small organisation where they can combine strategic leadership with practical delivery. 

Feeding Coventry is a small but ambitious charity dedicated to providing relief to people in need in Coventry and Warwickshire, specifically providing new and alternative ways to support people with the complex issues behind their reasons for experiencing hardship.

We are looking for a strategic and hands-on leader who can work closely with our Board of Trustees, staff, volunteers, and partners to deliver meaningful impact for the communities we serve. The role is part-time and can be worked flexibly over 5 days.The role will be primarily based in Foleshill Community Centre but with an opportunity for some hybrid working. 

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

Catalyst is looking to recruit an exceptional leader to be our next Chief Executive.

Candidates should be values-driven, with a passion for leading an organisation which supports the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise sector (VCSE). As Chief Executive, you must have the skills and experience to lead the dedicated, professional staff and volunteers in developing our services based on the needs of the sector, fulfilling the requirements of our funders, and actively seeking other opportunities for partnership work with statutory, private and VCSE partners.

The successful candidate will combine strategic and operational skills and have experience of effective leadership, including facilitating change in this sector. The role is offered at a salary of £51,500, plus pension and 28 days holiday a year.

You can find out more information and how to apply at Catalyst Chief Executive – Catalyst Stockton

Are you an inspirational leader looking for your next challenge? Would you like the opportunity to guide a respected mental health charity through the next exciting stage of its journey?

York Mind is a vibrant and compassionate organisation dedicated to promoting recovery from mental ill-health, improving emotional wellbeing and supporting independent living. Through a wide range of services, including 1:1 support, advocacy, social activities, training and workplace wellbeing programmes. York Mind provides both face-to-face and digital support to people across the region.

Driven by the belief that mental health matters and that everyone has the right to thrive, York Mind works tirelessly to challenge stigma and ensure that support is accessible to those who need it. Last year alone the organisation supported more than 4,500 people experiencing mental health challenges, helping them move towards healthier and more fulfilling lives. Guided by values such as Being Brave, Standing Up, Developing Together, Actively Seeking and Being Pragmatic, the team is united by a shared commitment to making a genuine difference.

We now have a career-defining opportunity for a new Chief Executive Officer to lead York Mind into its next chapter, strengthening its impact and ensuring more people receive the support they deserve.

The Role

The Chief Executive Officer will report to the Board of Trustees and will be responsible for the overall strategic leadership, management and development of York Mind.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Providing clear strategic leadership and direction for the organisation in line with its vision, mission and values.
• Working closely with the Board of Trustees to shape and deliver the long-term strategy and ensure effective governance.
• Leading and inspiring a committed team to deliver high-quality services that support recovery, wellbeing and independence.
• Ensuring strong financial management and sustainability, including developing income streams and funding opportunities.
• Building and maintaining positive relationships with partners, commissioners, local authorities, communities and the wider voluntary sector.
• Championing mental health awareness and advocating for the needs of people experiencing mental ill-health across the region.

The Person

We are looking for an inspiring and values-driven leader who is passionate about improving mental health and wellbeing. The successful candidate will bring the credibility, energy and vision required to lead a growing and impactful charity.

Key skills and experience include:

• A strong track record of senior strategic leadership, ideally within the charity, public or health sector.
• Experience of working effectively with Boards or Trustees to deliver robust governance and organisational oversight.
• Demonstrable financial and organisational management experience, ensuring sustainability and operational excellence.
• Excellent networking, partnership and influencing skills with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders.
• Outstanding communication skills, with the ability to inspire staff, partners and the wider community.
• A genuine commitment to York Mind’s mission and values and to improving mental health outcomes.

This is a fantastic opportunity to lead a highly respected organisation making a tangible difference to people’s lives. As CEO of York Mind, you will have the chance to shape the future of mental health support across the region, working with a passionate team and committed trustees to expand the charity’s reach and impact.

If you believe you could lead York Mind through the next phase of its journey, we would love to hear from you.

Closing date: 10th April

Interviews: 27th and 28th April

For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Leanne at Charity Horizons.

To apply, please send a comprehensive CV and supporting statement outlining how your experience meets the person specification and your interest in the role.

Please note: If you would like to submit an application or express your interest in an alternative format, such as audio or video upload, please contact either Charlie or Leanne who will be happy to advise on this.

Please also be aware that Charity Horizons use anonymous recruitment methods when submitting shortlists for all our roles and we only work with organisations that are happy to engage with us in this way.

Charity Horizons is an equal opportunities employer and as such actively promotes equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from all suitable candidates irrespective of age, disability, hidden disability, race or national origin, religion or belief, gender, gender expression, political view, sexual orientation, medical condition and pregnancy.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Team Domenica
Location: Brighton & Hove (hybrid; 2-3 days per week on-site)
Salary: Circa £85,000
Contract: Permanent, Full time

Could you lead a warm, community-centred charity that turns specialist education and hospitality enterprises into sustained employment for young people with learning disabilities?

About Team Domenica

Team Domenica exists to help young people with learning disabilities build independent, fulfilling lives through sustained employment. Founded in 2016 by Baroness Rosa Monckton, the charity combines a Department for Education-recognised Specialist Further Education college, employment coaching and long-term employer support to achieve unrivalled outcomes for young people with learning  disabilities - around 80% of programme graduates move into paid work.

Over the last decade the organisation has supported more than 200 candidates and built a portfolio of social enterprises that provide genuine workplace training: Café Domenica and a coffee roastery. Most excitingly, we have recently opening The North Star pub. The North Star is a purpose-acquired, prime-location commercial venture adjacent to the Royal Pavilion, operating as a full-scale hospitality business (circa £1.3m turnover) and functioning as a peerless, day-to-day training environment for candidates while contributing vital unrestricted income. Now that the pub is fully up and running, it presents a major opportunity for commercial development. Growth to date has been rapid and successful, but the organisation now needs a Chief Executive who will consolidate operational foundations, secure sustainable trading and fundraising, and protect the quality and culture that make Team Domenica distinctive as we prepare for further growth.

As our next Chief Executive, you will:

• Strategic Leadership & Direction - Set and deliver a strategy that balances growth, financial sustainability and strong employment outcomes for candidates.

• Commercial & Social Enterprise Performance - Lead the charity’s commercial enterprises, primarily The North Star pub, but also Café Domenica and the roastery - ensuring strong commercial performance and high-quality training opportunities.

• Fundraising & Income Growth - Diversify fundraising beyond founder-led networks, building sustainable income from trusts, corporates, major donors and individuals.

• Education & Programme Quality - Work with the Executive Director for Education to maintain high-quality, compliant specialist FE and supported internship provision.

• Organisational Leadership & Infrastructure - Strengthen operational foundations across finance, HR, systems and communications to support a growing, multi-site organisation.

• People & Culture - Provide visible leadership that supports staff, strengthens management and protects the charity’s candidate-centred culture.

• Partnerships & External Profile - Act as ambassador, building relationships with employers, partners and supporters to expand employment opportunities.

• Governance & Board Partnership - Work closely with trustees and the founder to strengthen governance and ensure long-term sustainability.

Who you are

• Seasoned senior leader with experience of running organisations of similar scale and complexity, including multi-site operations.

• Proven strategist with a strong track record of delivering organisational change, restructuring and sustainable growth.

• Confident commercial leader with P&L ownership and demonstrable success improving trading performance in hospitality, retail or other trading businesses.

• Experienced income generator in the charitable sector - trusts, major donors, corporate partnerships and individual giving.

• Credible and committed to specialist education and employment pathways for people with learning disabilities.

• Strong communicator and public spokesperson, comfortable with high-profile fundraising and stakeholder engagement.

• Financially literate, resilient and emotionally intelligent; visible, hands-on and pragmatic as a leader.
Desirable: direct hospitality experience, experience scaling social enterprises or knowledge of FE regulation/Ofsted would be advantageous.

Why Team Domenica?

• A proven, distinctive model that delivers real, long-term employment outcomes for young people with learning disabilities.

• A rare leadership role that combines mission-driven practice with commercial stewardship across cafés, a roastery and a training pub.

• Hybrid working with regular on-site engagement at Pavilion Buildings and social enterprise sites, offering visible day-to-day impact.

• The opportunity to shape national growth, with London the priority for careful expansion and a high-profile platform to influence practice nationally.

For full details of the role including how to apply, please download the full appointment brief. For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny Hills at Harris Hill via the apply button with times to speak and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile which will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 6th April 2026

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

Job Title: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Contract: Permanent, 0.8-1.0 FTE

Location: Office (Stirling) or Hybrid

Salary:£55,000-62,000k FTE

Benefits: Generous Pension (up to 12% Employer + 6% Employee) & Holiday (full time holiday allowance starting at 28 days plus six bank holidays)

Closing Date:Thursday 30 April 2026

Interview Dates: Online – Friday 15 May 2026. In person, Stirling – Thursday 28 May 2026.

Circular Communities Scotland is a small but rapidly growing national charity, with a staff team of 12 and income of £527k last year. We are a membership network with a vision for a thriving circular economy in Scotland with local communities benefiting from the social, environmental, and economic outcomes. With a growing membership of over 270 charities, social enterprises and community groups we are always looking for new ways to support the reuse, repair and recycling Third Sector and see our vision become a reality.

Our outgoing CEO has taken Circular Communities Scotland to a strong position as a thriving charity with a strong track record of delivery. Are you the inspirational leader who can take forward our vitally important work in member support and representation in a challenging external environment?

We are determined to get the right person to join our strong team which is why we are open to exploring different options regarding place of work (office or hybrid) within Scotland. Post holders should be able to travel to our Stirling Office and central belt-based stakeholders about two days per week. At all levels of the organisation, we are strongly committed to staff wellbeing, equality, diversity and inclusion and we welcome and encourage candidates from underrepresented groups.

Full details about the role can be found in the job description and person specification which can be found on our website.

We ask applicants to submit a tailored 2-page CV and a 1-2 page covering letter setting out how you meet the requirements for this role. We want to hear your authentic voice in the application and would therefore discourage use of any AI generated content.

Applications should be uploaded to our recruitment portal before the closing date Thursday 30 April 2026. We would also appreciate the completion of our Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form and submitting it as detailed in the portal.

Department: COO’s Office
Contract type: Permanent
Salary: Up to £110,000 per annum
Location: Home Based (UK wide travel as required)
Reports To: Chief Executive and Council Chair

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to help lead the organisation through the next phase of its development. Reporting to the Chief Executive and Council Chair, Phil Garrigan, and working closely with the Board of Trustees, the COO will play a critical role in driving organisational transformation and delivery. This will ensure NFCC is well positioned to achieve its ambitious new three-year strategy and delivery plan, including preparations for the proposed College of Fire and Rescue in 2029.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a professional, responsive and agile organisation that is focused on making a real difference to public safety.

NFCC is a charity and membership organisation dedicated to making communities safer by providing national leadership, coordination and professional expertise across UK fire and rescue services. Working at NFCC offers a unique opportunity to contribute directly to public safety, national resilience and the continuous improvement of an essential public service.

Operating at the intersection of operational practice, policy, assurance and system leadership, NFCC supports fire and rescue services to collaborate effectively, respond to complex and emerging risks, and maintain the highest professional standards. We work closely with government, regulators, emergency service partners and sector stakeholders to ensure that the collective voice of fire and rescue leaders is influential, credible and evidence-led.

As a values-driven organisation and registered charity, NFCC is committed to ethical leadership, transparency and public benefit. We foster a culture that is inclusive, collaborative and rooted in service to communities. Our people are trusted professionals, empowered to lead, innovate and deliver meaningful impact, supported by robust governance, assurance and accountability frameworks.

NFCC is a modern, agile organisation with a fully remote workforce. This enables us to attract and retain talented individuals from diverse professional backgrounds, while supporting flexible, inclusive and high-performing ways of working. We place strong emphasis on wellbeing, professional development and continuous learning, recognising that our effectiveness depends on the capability, integrity and commitment of our people.

Joining NFCC means working on issues of national significance, influencing the future of fire and rescue services, and helping to strengthen the resilience and safety of the communities we serve. If you are motivated by public service and professional excellence, have a strong focus on delivery and impact, and bring experience in leading business transformation and organisational change, this role offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to operate at the highest level of leadership.

The Selection Process

How to apply:

If you are interested in this role and think you have the skills and experience we need, please do look at the Job description on the NFCC website.

Candidates are invited to submit their CV and a covering letter setting out how they can meet the requirements set out in the job description. Please email this to the Recruitment mailbox (details found on the NFCC Website) by 23rd April 2026.

Tests for shortlisted candidates are likely to be Week commencing 4th May 2026

Interviews taking place on the 18th & 19th May 2026

NFCC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults and will require a DBS check to be completed prior to commencing in post.

NFCC is committed to being an inclusive employer. We comply with the Equality Act 2010, and we believe that everyone deserves to work in safe environments that are free from bullying, harassment and discrimination, abuse, and harm, where they feel supported, welcome, and able to thrive.

NFCC acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard, protect and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice, all staff are expected to share this commitment.

Harris Hill is delighted to be partnering with Emmaus Hastings & Rother to recruit an inspiring and values-driven Chief Executive.

Location: St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex (TN37)
Salary: circa £55,000 per annum

This is a rare opportunity to lead a truly unique organisation supporting people who have experienced homelessness through community, purpose and meaningful work.

About the organisation

Part of the wider Emmaus UK federation, Emmaus Hastings & Rother offers more than accommodation — it provides a home, belonging and opportunities to rebuild lives through its social enterprise. The community supports up to 23 companions working across two retail sites.

About the role

As Chief Executive, you will provide strategic, operational and cultural leadership, ensuring the organisation delivers on its mission while remaining sustainable and forward-thinking.

You will work closely with the Board of Trustees, staff, volunteers and companions to create a safe, inclusive and empowering environment, while leading on:

• Strategic planning and governance
• Financial sustainability and organisational performance
• Social enterprise growth and innovation
• Safeguarding and regulatory compliance
• Community development and companion support
• External partnerships and stakeholder engagement

This is a hands-on leadership role where visibility, compassion and strong decision-making are key.

About you

We are seeking a confident and empathetic leader with a strong track record in senior management.

You will bring:

• Proven senior leadership experience in a charity, social enterprise or complex organisation
• Experience managing budgets, operations and organisational risk
• Strong people leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and develop teams
• Confidence working with boards and governance structures
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities
• A strong alignment with the Emmaus ethos of solidarity and community
• Emotional intelligence, resilience and a practical, hands-on approach
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

Experience in homelessness, supported housing or social enterprise is desirable but not essential.

To receive the full job pack or arrange an informal discussion, please submit your CV.

Please note, CVs are reviewed on a rolling basis, and due to the high volume of applications, only suitable candidates will be contacted with further information. The deadline for full applications is 13th April, so please express your interest before this date.

 As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

Chief Executive Officer

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to take on the executive leadership of a highly respected and effective charity working within and around Cambridge.

Join a charity that aims to protect, enhance and celebrate the landscape, heritage and nature that make Cambridge a special place, for today and for generations to come.

Position: Chief Executive Officer

Location: Cambridge/Hybrid (1 day per week working from home)

Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week (part-time or job share considered)

Salary: £65 - £75k dependent on skills and experience. 

Contract: Permanent

Benefits: 33 days annual holiday entitlement pro rata, includes allowance for Bank Holidays.  Pension contribution of up to 5% of gross pay. Flexible delivery of hours. Remote working options. Free on-site parking

Closing Date: 5pm on Monday 13 April.

The Role

This charity is a small but complex organisation. It owns greenspaces, nature reserves and historic properties that welcome thousands of visitors every year; it runs a busy outdoor education and events programme and delivers civic initiatives such as the Blue Plaque scheme for Cambridge; it is a driving force in the Cambridge Nature Network; it responds to hundreds of planning proposals that could have a harmful impact on Cambridge’s landscapes, nature or special character and runs major campaigns when needed. It combines hands-on land and property management with being a highly respected and effective voice influencing the sustainable development of Cambridge.

The CEO is responsible for ensuring that all green spaces and historic buildings in the charity’s care are protected and enhanced, and that the influence on the development of the greater Cambridge area is as strong as it can be. Balancing demands across all areas of the charity’s work is a major part of the role, informed by a strategy and strategic plan that guides prioritisation and focus in any given year. You will play a primary role in local advocacy, influence and the development of external partnerships and opportunities, and support the staff team in delivering the other areas. 

Main areas of responsibility include:

• Inspiring and Supportive Leadership
• Strategy Development and Delivery
• People and Organisation Development
• Finance and Governance
• Influence and Advocacy

About You

With sound finances and a small but effective staff team, we are looking for an inspirational and supportive leader who has the experience and knowledge required to help the charity flourish and rise to the opportunities and challenges of the coming years.

You will bring with you the following key skills and experience:

• Degree or equivalent higher professional qualification, in management or a subject relevant to the role.
• Experience managing a team at a senior level.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a senior team.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills across multiple audiences.
• Proven ability to network, advocate and positively influence at a high level.
• Experience of collaborative and partnership working to achieve more impact.
• Good professional understanding or experience of managing either natural habitats or built heritage, or both. 
• Experience in strategy development and delivery, turning an ambitious vision into actionable plans.
• Experience of developing projects and project management, delivering practical outcomes to time and to budget.
• Experience in budgeting and financial management across multiple work areas.
• An understanding of town planning issues and the English development process, or willingness to learn.
• A good negotiator who can listen, influence, respond and follow up appropriately.
• High levels of self-awareness, emotional intelligence and empathy.
• Competency with a range of IT software and communications mechanisms.

Our ideal candidate will live within Cambridge or the surrounding region and have had senior management experience in a relevant organisation. If this sounds like you then apply today!

A full clean driving licence and proof of the right to work in the UK are required for this role.

When applying you will be asked to submit a CV and Cover Letter. Please note that we are unable to consider anyone for the role if they haven’t submitted both documents.

About the Organisation

The charity cares for the green setting of Cambridge and its most valuable landscapes and is working to enhance and connect them for nature and people. They inspire people of all ages to get outdoors and help them to enjoy, learn about and get involved with their local environment, heritage and culture.

You may also have experience in roles such as CEO, Chief Exec, Managing Director, Head of Operations, Deputy CEO, Deputy Chief Exec, Chief Executive Officer, Department Head, Head of. #INDNFP

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client – Not For Profit People.

Creative Land Trust secures permanent affordable workspace in London for artists and creatives. We connect property developers, government authorities and studio providers forging valuable new collaborations, facilitating placemaking and actively participating in the development of policy in both the property and arts sectors.

Founded by the Mayor of London with expertise from Outset Contemporary Art Fund, and additional funding from Arts Council England and Bloomberg Philanthropies, we use our extensive knowledge of how the property and arts sectors interact to provide a way for donors, developers and investors to contribute to arts and culture at a systemic, infrastructure level.

We measure our impact in terms of community interaction, social benefit, wellbeing and employment; engaging expert studio providers for day-to-day management.

We are actively seeking funding from new donors and long-term partnerships with property owners that will lead to more stable space for arts and culture, improving the opportunities for creative practises to thrive and for communities to become more connected. In return we contribute to place making and community cohesion.

We are a small team with big ambitions seeking an experienced and motivated finance director who will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer and other members of the team to ensure that the Creative Land Trust works efficiently and effectively, making the best use of all its assets. The post holder will manage and have responsibility for the oversight of financial systems, reporting and analysis, as well as acting as Company Secretary and leading the delivery of good governance. This is a senior role and the post holder will have influence at trustee and team levels.

Manager (Chief Executive) – Chorlton Good Neighbours
Location: Chorlton, Manchester
Salary: £35,000 - £40,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent, full time

Could you be the steady, friendly, hands-on leader who helps more people in Chorlton feel connected, fulfilled and valued?

About Chorlton Good Neighbours
Chorlton Good Neighbours is a small, well-loved neighbourhood charity with roots back to the late 1960s, working to reduce loneliness and support older people across Chorlton and adjacent neighbourhoods. Our work is local, practical and volunteer-led: befriending, home visits, transport, weekly activities, monthly teas, intergenerational groups and occasional day trips are all delivered with warmth and care.

Our volunteer base is extraordinary - around 100 volunteers support drivers, befrienders, activity leads, admin roles and trustees - and in 2024–25 we supported 474 people in total. Funding is a mixed model of public grants, local donations and modest earned income and the charity holds healthy funds to deliver our work.

This is a practical, hands-on, delivery-focused leadership role: you will lead a neighbourhood organisation through planned transition, preserving the community culture that makes CGN trusted, while introducing proportionate systems and succession approaches that secure its future. You will also spend substantial time supporting and supervising volunteers and facilitating activities alongside strategic duties.

As our next Manager (Chief Executive), you will:

• Strategy & Impact: Lead the development and delivery of a clear long-term strategy that sustains CGN’s neighbourhood impact and reduces social isolation amongst older people.

• Governance & Finance: Strengthen proportionate financial controls, grant monitoring and reporting while working closely with trustees including the Treasurer.

• Operational Leadership: Manage day-to-day delivery of volunteer-led services and introduce accessible procedures and safeguarding arrangements.

• Income Generation: Support fundraising and bid activity to secure multi-year funding and diversify local income streams.

• Community & Partnerships: Act as CGN’s visible ambassador, maintaining and developing relationships with Manchester City Council, NHS partners and local organisations.

• Volunteer Development: Recruit, induct and support volunteers and facilitators, building a resilient volunteer pipeline and clear role pathways.

• Brand & Profile: Promote CGN’s offer across local channels to maintain footfall, attract new supporters and celebrate members’ stories.

• Premises & Risk: Work with trustees on lease and premises issues and maintain a robust risk register to protect continuity of service.

Who you are

• An experienced, hands-on manager with significant experience of running small, community-facing charities or local services and a hands-on approach to operational delivery.

• Demonstrable expertise in recruiting, supporting and retaining volunteers, with confidence in DBS/safeguarding practice and volunteer supervision.

• Highly organised with strong event/activity planning skills, practical problem solving and attention to detail.

• Financially literate - comfortable with budgeting, grant monitoring and basic financial controls and able to work with volunteer finance leads.

• An excellent communicator: approachable, diplomatic and skilled at building trust with older people, volunteers, trustees and statutory partners.

• Values driven, emotionally resilient and committed to inclusivity and dignity in later life.

• Desirable: experience of Age-Friendly programmes or befriending schemes and local credibility or knowledge of Manchester/South Manchester.

Why Chorlton Good Neighbours?

• Meaningful local impact - lead a well-regarded neighbourhood charity with deep community trust and a broad activities programme.

• Strong volunteer culture - join an organisation supported by around 100 committed volunteers and an engaged trustee board.

• Secure footing to build from - healthy funds and a clear focus on securing multi-year funding and premises.

• Hands-on role with strategic scope - keep delivery at the heart of the job while developing proportionate systems and succession planning.

• Supportive transition - trustees have planned a careful handover and you will be supported through induction and the subsequent recruitment of a part-time assistant.

For full details of the role including how to apply, please download the full appointment brief. For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny Hills at Harris Hill via the apply button with times to speak and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile which will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 13th April 2026

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

OTR is at an important point in its journey. We have a strong foundation, a dedicated team and an engaged Board, alongside a growing demand for our services and a changing external environment. This creates both opportunity and complexity.

We are looking for a CEO who can lead the organisation through this next phase, balancing strategic direction with a clear focus on what is realistically achievable. This includes strengthening how we align our services, delivery and resources to ensure we can continue to support young people in a sustainable way.

As CEO, you will lead a values-driven, person-centred organisation and work closely with the team and Board to provide clarity, direction and stability. You will build strong relationships with partners and stakeholders, and play a key role in shaping our approach to income generation and longer-term sustainability.

We are looking for a collaborative and thoughtful leader with senior experience in the third sector, who is comfortable operating in a complex and evolving environment. You will bring strong judgement, financial awareness and the ability to make and communicate clear decisions.

This is a significant leadership opportunity to shape the future of support for young people in BaNES, while ensuring the organisation remains grounded in its values and responsive to the realities it operates within.

The role

We are seeking an experienced and values-driven Chief Operating Officer to support our non-clinical operations.

Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will:

• Lead governance, compliance and risk management
• Ensure adherence to all regulatory and statutory requirements
• Drive operational performance, efficiency and continuous improvement
• Support delivery of strategic objectives and organisational growth
• Lead business continuity and organisational resilience planning
• Act as Data Protection Officer
• Work closely with Trustees, NHS partners and external stakeholders

This is a key senior leadership role, critical to ensuring safe, effective and sustainable service delivery.

About you

You will bring:

• Significant senior leadership experience in an operational role
• Strong expertise in governance, compliance and risk management
• Experience within a regulated environment (e.g. charity, healthcare, public sector)
• Strong strategic thinking with the ability to deliver operationally
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills

Why join us?

• A supportive, values-led organisation
• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference every day
• Generous annual leave (plus birthday off)
• Pension, EAP and life assurance
• Free on-site parking

Safeguarding & inclusion

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All roles are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS where appropriate.

We welcome applications from underrepresented groups and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce.