Operations manager volunteer jobs in Ascot, berkshire

Enjoy variety and learning new things? Want to work for an organisation making a difference in our local community? Thrive in a busy environment?

Resourceful and solution-focused, you will contribute to a working environment which encourages teamwork, energy and creativity. You will use your excellent problem-solving and communication skills and be confident in taking responsibility for new tasks.

You’ll be digitally literate, numerate and happy dealing with members of the public.

The role will work cooperatively with colleagues at all levels of the organisation and closely with staff working in other back-office functions: CRM (Customer Relationship Management system– Salesforce), HR and volunteer management. A key relationship will be with our outsourced accounting provider.

Citizens Advice Surrey Heath (CA-SH) is an independent local charity and a company limited by guarantee.

We provide free, confidential, impartial, and independent advice and information for the benefit of the local community, to exercise a responsible influence on the development of social policies and to ensure individuals do not suffer through lack of knowledge or an inability to express their needs effectively.

The Role

Reporting to the Chair of the Trustee Board, the Chief Officer

● Is responsible to the Trustee Board for the management and leadership of Citizens Advice Surrey Heath.

● Represents Citizens Advice Surrey Heath to funders, partners and stakeholders.

● Ensures the delivery of a high quality, impartial and confidential service, utilising both paid staff and volunteers.

● Is responsible for the continuing funding, planning and financial management of the service.

● Represents the organisation in Surrey Heath and contributes to the overall provision of strategic advice services in the borough.

In particular, the priorities for the Chief Officer in 2026 will be to

● Manage CA-SH’s external relationships, with our funders and the Surrey Heath community generally, to ensure satisfaction with the delivery of current projects.

● Build on the current income base, in terms of increased existing project budgets, new projects, and diversifying the income base.

● Explore opportunities to potentially integrate with other local Citizens Advice in Surrey to ensure long-term sustainability and strengthen our impact, in line with the new Unitary Authority structure.

The role requires working closely with the Operations Manager, who will be responsible for staff, volunteers, and, generally, the internal CA-SH operation.

Person specification

Essential

1. Understanding of the voluntary sector and, in particular, knowledge of the strategic and policy environment in which the advice sector, and particularly Citizens Advice operates.
2. Proven ability to devise and implement strategic development and resource plans, particularly in the area of service development, staff development and the management of change.
3. Demonstrable track record of successful income generation and diversification, through promoting services, fundraising, and other activities.
4. Proven track record of devising funded projects, setting them up for delivery and delivering them against agreed targets.
5. Proven ability to lead, motivate and contribute to a team.
6. Demonstrable track record of financial management and budgetary control.
7. Effective communication and presentation skills in person and in writing, to include researching and interpreting complex information and producing clear verbal and written reports, both internally and externally.
8. Proven ability to earn and maintain the trust of stakeholders.
9. Track record in project management.

Desirable

1. Understanding of, and commitment to, Citizens Advice aims, principles and policies.
2. Broad understanding of the operation of local and national government, and the administration of public and legal services, including an understanding of commissioning.
3. Demonstrable ability in people management, particularly in the voluntary sector.
4. Ability to create a positive working environment in which equity and diversity are well managed, and staff are empowered and motivated to do their best.
5. Ability to communicate and work well with a governing body.
6. Track record of managing ICT in a working environment, including ICT business planning, managing information and supplier relations.
 

Staff Benefits

● 6% Employer Pension Contribution
● A company that is committed to its employees, valuing their knowledge, creativity, and flexibility
● Flexible, hybrid working
● Free parking
● Ongoing personal training and development
● The chance to work with amazing people and a nationally recognised charity.

Make a Difference Where It Matters Most 

At Home-Start Richmond, Kingston and Hounslow, we believe that childhood can’t wait. We’re a vibrant, community-rooted charity supporting families through the critical early years of parenting. Our volunteers and staff work side-by-side with families, offering emotional and practical support, building confidence, and creating lasting connections. 

We are now seeking an Impact and Operations Manager to join our passionate team and shape the future of our services. 

About the Role 

This is a unique opportunity to lead our impact and operations strategy, ensuring we have the insight, tools, and systems to deliver high-quality support to families. You’ll play a pivotal role in measuring and communicating our impact, supporting strategic decision-making, and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead and manage data collection, evaluation, and reporting across all family support services 

• Develop tailored reports and insights for internal and external stakeholders 

• Collaborate on funding applications with the CEO and Head of Marketing & Fundraising 

• Oversee administrative systems and policies, including GDPR compliance and HR processes 

• Manage office operations, including tech support, premises, and general administration, and line manage operations and data & impact team 

• Contribute to strategic planning and service innovation using data and insight 

• Strengthen our presence across local and national networks in partnership with the Senior Management Team 

What You’ll Bring 

• Strong experience in managing and interpreting data to drive impact and inform strategy 

• Strategic thinking with the ability to manage multiple projects and deliver results 

• Confidence with technology and quick ability to learn new tools and systems 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build strong relationships 

• A curious, analytical mindset and a passion for telling the story of our work 

Why Join Us? 

• A flexible, hybrid working model co-designed with our team 

• A supportive, inclusive, and values-driven culture 

• A chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of local families 

• Excellent pension and generous annual leave 

Are you passionate about global women’s rights and would love to contribute to the cause? Are you organised, efficient and enjoy supporting colleagues in the smooth running of an organisation?

This is an exciting time to join The Circle as we take the organisation to the next level and the Team Co-ordinator will play a pivotal role ensuring smooth daily functioning by managing administration, CRM, IT, and HR support. This role is key in facilitating team collaboration, supporting onboarding, managing office systems, and handling financial tasks like invoices, working collaboratively to boost team efficiency.

We are open to different levels of experience – whether you are a seasoned hand in operations and team support or at the early stage of your career. The successful candidate will bring high levels of organisation, elbow grease, passion and commitment.

Job Description

• Administration & Systems Management

Managing supplies, equipment, and maintaining filing systems, records, and CRM database. Engage with and support running The Circle’s current operational systems, including Beacon CRM, Quickbooks, 1Password, Breathe HR, Microsoft 365 (including Microsoft Teams & SharePoint), FreshPay, Stripe, PayPal, Mailchimp, Wordpress, etc. Continue to develop and update systems.

• HR & Volunteer Support

Assisting with staff onboarding/offboarding, managing recruitment; Lead on health & safety, including having staff undertake regular risk assessments for home working and electronic device safety; ·

• Finance Support

Processing invoices, expenses, donations, and assisting with budget tracking. Management of monthly reconciliation with QuickBooks. Submission of Gift Aid claims and donation tracking using Beacon CRM

• Meeting, Event & Travel Support

Organizing team meetings, Board meetings, away days, overseas travel and coordinating event logistics.

• Communication & Compliance

Assisting with internal communication and ensuring Health & Safety, GDPR, and safeguarding compliance.

• CEO, Board and Governance Support

Support the Chief Executive and Board Secretary with quarterly Board meetings, sub-committee meetings; Manage policy renewal timelines, support on updating existing policy and drafting new policy where necessary, alongside the CEO & Board

Person Specification

Essential

• Excellent organisational skills and ability to juggle multiple priorities.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Some experience of finance systems, including supporting on reconciliation, budgets, and gift aid
• Good data management skills to support monitoring and evaluation work.
• Excellent Microsoft Office suite skills including Excel, SharePoint, and knowledge of other IT solutions to support effective operations.
• Proactivity: Strong "can-do" attitude, willing to take initiative and solve problems.
• Previous experience in administration, operations, or a, supportive, team-focused role

Desirable 

• Experience managing a CRM.
• Experience coordinating events, ideally both online and in person.
• A strong understanding of, and passion for, women's and girls' rights.
• Knowledge of specific systems used at The Circle: WordPress CMS systems, Mailchimp, QuickBooks, Beacon CRM, Breathe HR.
• Understanding of use of social media to engage with different audiences.
• Ability to represent The Circle to external audiences.
• Some experience of working with high profile names
• Experience supporting on policy writing
• Experience of providing basic HR support

Personal Characteristics

• Extremely organised and ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Attention to detail.
• An entrepreneurial and enterprising approach to work.
• Efficient, reliable, flexible and collaborative working style.
• A self-starter with the ability to anticipate requirements and act to provide workable solutions with limited budget.
• Team player who enjoys working collaboratively and flexibly to achieve outcomes.
• Keen to add value to the organisation’s culture and ethos.
• Interest in global women’s rights.

Hale Community and Youth Centre is a vibrant, inclusive charity at the heart of the local community. We provide a wide range of services, activities and meeting spaces for people of all ages - from our Community Fridge & Cupboard to community development projects, social activities and events.

We are now looking for a dynamic, values‑driven Centre Manager to lead the day‑to‑day running of the Centre and help shape its future.

You will: 

• Lead the smooth, safe and effective running of the Centre, including the Youth Centre
• Manage and support staff, contractors and volunteers
• Oversee safeguarding, Health & Safety, GDPR and compliance
• Build strong relationships with partners, families and the wider community
• Lead income generation, fundraising and marketing activity
• Support the delivery of high‑quality projects and services
• Promote the Centre’s profile, visibility and impact

You are: 

• A proactive, compassionate leader
• Experienced in managing people and projects
• Skilled in fundraising, marketing or income generation.
• Confident building relationships with diverse groups
• Organised, adaptable and community-minded
• Experienced with your services is desireabl

Why Join Us?

• Supportive and inclusive culture
• Real autonomy and community impact
• Flexible working
• A much-loved community and youth facility

How to Apply

The full Job Description and Person Specification are available to download from our website - please read them before applying.

Closing date: Monday 20th April
Interviews: w/c Monday 4th May

African Revival is a small, passionate charity based in Surrey. For more than 20 years we have been dedicated to building schools and improving access to education for children in some of the most disadvantaged communities in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Our vision is an Africa where every child has equal access to quality education, as we believe education is the key to overcoming poverty. Since 2005, we have worked with over 300 primary and nursery schools in Uganda, South Sudan and (until recently) Zambia, to allow over 120,000 children to fulfil their potential. We don’t just provide infrastructure; we empower whole communities — pupils, teachers, and parents — to transform schools into thriving learning environments that build brighter, better futures.

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Executive Director to lead and grow African Revival. This is an opportunity for a hands-on charity leader to strengthen our operations and governance, build sustainable income through fundraising and partnerships, and help expand our impact for children and communities.

Key responsibilities

• Governance & operations: ensure statutory and other reporting requirements are met in the UK and overseas; establish and maintain appropriate policies and procedures; manage day-to-day organisational administration; coordinate and attend Board and committee meetings and prepare papers.
• Leadership & stakeholder management: build and maintain close working relationships with UK and in-country staff, volunteers, trustees, donors and partners; champion a positive, inclusive culture. Help shape the charity’s strategic growth and long-term sustainability
• Finance oversight: uphold rigorous financial controls in partnership with the Finance Manager; support budgeting and forecasting (e.g., cashflow, movement in funds, in-country budgets); approve expenditure and monitor budget versus actuals, keeping the Treasurer and trustees appropriately informed.
• Fundraising & external relations: lead the coordination and delivery of key fundraising activity (including major events such as our annual Ball and Golf Day); research and submit applications to trusts and foundations; act as a public representative and ambassador for African Revival.
• Programme support & impact: work with UK and in-country teams to identify priorities, design and cost activities, and monitor progress and impact; strengthen monitoring, evaluation and learning so we can evidence outcomes and continuously improve.
• Communications: oversee communications and reporting to donors and stakeholders, and support an engaging online presence across our website and social channels.

About you

Essential

• Senior leadership experience (in a charity, social enterprise, or non-profit organisation preferred but not essential).
• Proven ability to build and deliver fundraising activity (events, trusts & foundations, major donors and/or corporate partnerships).
• Strong operational and governance capability, including working effectively with a Board of Trustees.
• Sound financial oversight skills, with the ability to understand budgets, forecasts and financial controls.
• Excellent communication skills—able to represent African Revival credibly with donors, partners and stakeholders.
• Highly organised, hands-on and comfortable working in a small team with competing priorities.
• Commitment to safeguarding and to creating an inclusive, respectful working environment.

Desirable

• Experience in international development and/or working with partners in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Experience strengthening monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL/MEAL) and using impact evidence to improve programmes.
• Confidence using digital tools (including CRM, Microsoft 365 and social media) and interest in using AI responsibly to improve productivity.
• Willingness to undertake occasional overseas travel for monitoring and donor engagement.

This role offers the chance to play a leading part in creating educational opportunities for children who need them most—working with a committed Board, a dedicated UK team and experienced in-country colleagues.

African Revival is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. Appointment will be subject to appropriate pre-employment checks. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to equal opportunities. Applicants must be resident and have Right to Work in the UK.

The Estate & Facilities Manager is responsible for the effective management, upkeep and maintenance of the St Stephen’s estate (comprising of the Church , Crossway, office building & 4 residential properties), ensuring that the estate is safe, compliant, well maintained and fit for ministry and community use.

The role oversees estate administration, building services and residential property maintenance, maintaining accurate records and contractor documentation. The post holder manages the annual maintenance programme, quinquennial inspection process and capital works projects, coordinating contractors and suppliers to ensure work is delivered safely, efficiently and within budget.

The Estate & Facilities Manager also leads on Health & Safety across the estate, ensuring that appropriate policies, risk assessments, fire safety procedures and statutory compliance requirements are in place and implemented, working closely with the Director of Operations.

If you feel called to this role but do not meet each requirement to equal levels, we warmly encourage you to apply.  We are open to considering compressed hours where needed.

Lightbox Gallery & Museum is entering an ambitious new phase as we prepare for our 20th anniversary in 2027. This role offers an exciting opportunity for an experienced and initiative-taking fundraiser to help shape the organisation’s future by developing new income streams and leading our anniversary campaign, Lightbox20.

You will take ownership of the campaign activity across the organisation - developing strategy, building relationships with donors and partners, and delivering income to agreed targets. At the same time, you will manage the practical detail that underpins successful fundraising, including stewardship and our CRM system.

Key priorities are developing and delivering the Big Give campaign this year, capital fundraising for the garden and our 20th anniversary Lightbox 20.  

This role will suit someone who thrives in a small organisation, understands the unique challenges and opportunity this brings and who is self-motivated to build an ambitious campaign from the ground up. The successful appointee will combine strategic thinking with direct delivery, collaborating closely with the Director and Trustees to secure the next chapter of Lightbox Gallery’s success.

We are seeking an experienced and committed Youth Work Programme Manager to join The Kite Trust. This is an exciting opportunity to lead and develop impactful programmes that support and empower LGBTQ+ young people. The successful candidate will provide strategic oversight of our youth work provision, manage and support a dedicated team, and work collaboratively with partners to ensure our services remain inclusive, responsive, and effective. If you are a thoughtful and motivated leader with a strong commitment to high-quality youth work and creating safe, supportive spaces for young people, we would welcome your application.

This is a remote position but will require travel across Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, and the surrounding areas.

Contract Type: This is a full-time permanent position, working 32 hours within a 4-day working week. We are happy to discuss and explore flexible options and job share opportunities.

Salary: £34,936 – £40,311 depending on experience.

To find out more about the role, please review the application pack detailing the job description and person specification and apply via the link on our website.

About the role

As our Office Experience and Facilities Manager, you will help create a warm, organised, spiritually aligned space where every staff member, volunteer, and visitor can thrive. If you are passionate about hospitality, enjoy making things run smoothly, and are energised by leading people well, we would love you to apply.

Role information

Location: Office‑based contract, working from Compassion House, Barley Way, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 2UT

Hours: 35 hours per week across four days (Monday to Thursday), with a daily start time of 7:30 

How you’ll make an impact:

• Set a warm, professional, and hospitable tone for staff, volunteers, and visitors, making the office easy to navigate with clear information, helpful signage, and simple processes.
• Lead the day to day running of Compassion House, coordinating building services and supplier partnerships, and planning preventative maintenance.
• Uphold health, safety, and security by partnering with our Health and Safety Officer, leading audits and training, and responding calmly and decisively to incidents.
• Lead and develop the Office Experience team and volunteers through clear communication, coaching, and supportive direction.
• Oversee post room operations to ensure sponsorship correspondence and profiles are processed and redistributed on time.
• Steward budgets wisely, review supplier value and quality, and document decisions transparently.
• Be personally committed to the Christian faith. There is an occupational requirement for this role to be held by a practising Christian, in order to promote Compassion’s ethos and support others to experience, explore, and express the faith‑based motivation of our work. (You can read more about this in our Policy on Posts to be Held by Christians.
• For the full breakdown, please refer to the job description.
  

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and warmly welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. Please note that we can only consider applicants who presently have the right to work in the UK, without the need of sponsorship!

Key Dates — Please Plan Ahead

• Apply by: 9:00 am, Monday 13 April 2026
• Shortlisting: 13 and 14 April 2026
• Interviews: In person, week commencing 20 April 2026

Please submit your application as early as possible.
Compassion UK reserves the right to close this vacancy early. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and an appointment may be made before the closing date.  
It’s not uncommon for us to hold two rounds of interviews, depending on the role and the stage of the process.

This is a unique opportunity to use your gifts and play a vital role in strengthening Compassion UK’s mission. If you’re passionate about seeing children released from poverty in Jesus’ name, this could be your calling.

We are seeking a dynamic Head of Housing Support to lead our national Housing Support Services, ensuring clients receive exceptional, trauma‑informed care in safe, compliant and high‑quality homes. This is a pivotal role that influences service delivery, operational performance, and the long‑term vision for Life’s housing provision.

As Head of Housing Support, you will:

Lead & Inspire

• Provide strategic leadership for Housing Support Services across the UK.
• Manage and motivate Support Services Managers and Tenancy Sustainment Officers to deliver outstanding client‑focused support.
• Embed a culture of collaboration, high performance and trauma‑informed practice.

Drive Operational Excellence

• Oversee the implementation of the Housing Strategy, ensuring the safety, compliance and quality of all homes.
• Work closely with the Estates Team to maintain high housing standards and meet regulatory obligations.
• Oversee tenancy management, rent setting, arrears management and income recovery.

Shape the Future

• Influence policy, develop best‑practice procedures and contribute to organisational strategy.
• Build strong partnerships with local authorities, housing developers and external stakeholders.
• Represent Life at networking events and act as an ambassador for the charity.

Lead with Purpose

• Champion safeguarding, ensuring training, oversight and adherence to all safeguarding policies.
• Produce reports and KPIs for the Board, Senior Leadership Team and Operational Leadership Team.
• Support the financial sustainability of the Housing department, including budget management and cost‑saving initiatives.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is:

• A values‑driven leader committed to Life’s mission and vision.
• Experienced at senior management level within supported housing (multi‑million‑pound scale desirable).
• Skilled at leading high‑performing teams and developing individuals.
• A confident communicator with excellent relationship‑building and presentation skills.
• Knowledgeable in tenancy support, housing compliance, safeguarding and quality service delivery.
• Highly organised, strategic, creative and able to work under pressure.
• Passionate about trauma‑informed practice and delivering outstanding client outcomes.

Relevant housing or management qualifications (such as CIH Level 4) are desirable but not essential with strong experience.

About Life:

Life is a national pregnancy support charity that helps over 60,000 people a year. Through our services, we help people – whoever they are – to meet pregnancy or pregnancy loss with courage and dignity so they can flourish.

Our services include

• Supported housing and community support
• Counselling and skilled listening
• Free pregnancy tests and baby supplies

Our values

All our work is underpinned by the following universal human values:

• Humanity – All people are special and equal
• Solidarity – We’re with you and for you
• Community – We’re better together
• Charity – Doing good for one another
• Common good – Building a better world

Information about the role:

For further information, please see the attached job description.

Please note, driving licence and own vehicle are required.

Salary: £45,655 per annum

Hours: 35 hours per week, 5 days per week

Location: Home Based with Extensive Travel across Midlands and South East

Benefits

At Life we are passionate about providing our employees with a supportive and engaging environment. As well as ongoing development and training, we offer our:

• Generous holiday allowance, starting at 25 days per year, plus 8 Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time hours)
• Birthday Leave (applicable after 1 years service)
• Extra annual leave for long term service
• Company Pension Scheme
• Signed member of the Menopause Workplace Pledge

Safeguarding and Equality

Life is committed to protecting all staff, volunteers and service users from harm of any kind. Life expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct.

We are committed to ensuring diversity and equality within our organisation by encouraging applications from all backgrounds.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks. Life takes its obligation to protect the rights of children and vulnerable people very seriously; therefore, the successful candidate for this post will be also subject to extensive background checking, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS) which is paid for by the Charity.

We are looking for an inspiring Support Services Manager to lead our supported housing schemes, ensuring high‑quality, person‑centred support for women and children across our services.

If you are passionate about transforming lives, improving service quality and leading dedicated teams — we’d love to hear from you.

About the Role

As Support Services Manager, you will:

Lead and develop high‑quality support services

• Provide operational leadership across supported housing schemes
• Ensure trauma‑informed, person‑centred support plans and risk assessments
• Monitor KPIs, contractual compliance and service performance
• Drive service improvement and co‑production with clients

Manage, motivate and develop staff

• Line manage Support Workers and Volunteers
• Ensure supervision, training and performance management
• Support recruitment and staff development across the region
• Build a strong, motivated and skilled team

Champion safeguarding & risk management

• Act as a safeguarding champion across supported housing
• Ensure robust risk assessments, incident reporting and GDPR‑compliant records
• Support staff to maintain the highest safeguarding standards

Ensure housing & compliance excellence

• Work closely with Estates teams to maintain safe, compliant accommodation
• Support quality improvements across physical properties and service delivery

Build impactful partnerships

• Liaise with local authorities, commissioners, health partners and referral agencies
• Represent Life at case conferences, multi‑agency meetings and contract reviews
• Identify and respond to new referral opportunities

Drive quality, governance & reporting

• Produce performance reports and maintain audit readiness
• Support strategic growth and contribute to the department’s business plan
• Promote Life Charity within local communities and public forums

Manage budgets & resources

• Monitor expenditure and support resource planning
• Support with funding bids and service redesign
• Work with finance teams to ensure clients receive appropriate financial support

We’d love to hear from you if you have:

Essential experience & skills

• Experience managing or delivering support and/or care services
• Understanding of supported housing and estates management
• Strong knowledge of support planning, risk assessment and safeguarding
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage at all levels
• Strong organisational, leadership and problem‑solving abilities
• Ability to work independently, handle pressure and prioritise workloads
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
• Full UK driving licence

Desirable

• Relevant housing qualification (e.g., CIH Level 4)
• Experience working in a charity environment
• Experience in troubleshooting or service improvement roles
• Good strategic awareness

About Life: 

Life is a national pregnancy support charity that helps over 60,000 people a year. Through our services, we help people – whoever they are – to meet pregnancy or pregnancy loss with courage and dignity so they can flourish. 

Our services include:  

• Supported housing and community support   
• Counselling and skilled listening   
• Free pregnancy tests and baby supplies  

Our values :

All our work is underpinned by the following universal human values: 

• Humanity – All people are special and equal 
• Solidarity – We’re with you and for you 
• Community – We’re better together 
• Charity – Doing good for one another 
• Common good – Building a better world 

Information about the role: 

For further information, please see the attached job description. 

Salary: £34,000 per annum

Hours: 35 hours per week over 5 days

Location: Home Based with Extensive Travel across the Midlands and South East England

Benefits:  

At Life we are passionate about providing our employees with a supportive and engaging environment. As well as ongoing development and training, we offer our:  

• Generous holiday allowance, starting at 25 days per year, plus 8 Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time hours) 
• Birthday Leave  (applicable after 1 years service)
• Additional annual leave for long term service  
• Company Pension Scheme  
• Signed member of the Menopause Workplace Pledge 

Safeguarding and Equality: 

Life is committed to protecting all staff, volunteers and service users from harm of any kind. Life expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct.   

We are committed to ensuring diversity and equality within our organisation by encouraging applications from all backgrounds.  

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks. Life takes its obligation to protect the rights of children and vulnerable people very seriously; therefore, the successful candidate for this post will be also subject to extensive background checking, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS) which is paid for by the Charity.  

Evolve Counselling is a long‑established Cambridgeshire charity providing professional, affordable mental‑health support to individuals, organisations and communities. Each year, Evolve delivers thousands of counselling sessions through a team of trained, accredited counsellors working across the East of England region.

Our mission is to deliver counselling services to adults at the lowest possible cost, wherever possible seeking to subsidise sessions for those on low incomes. We do this through a mixed model of commissioned services, private counselling, and grant‑supported provision. By working to grow and foster a membership body of professional counsellors, Evolve strives to improve access to quality counselling and psychotherapy for all, and to create a positive working environment for those in the profession.

The CEO role provides strategic and operational leadership to drive Evolve’s growth, sustainability and impact. The position delivers effective organisational management, high‑quality service delivery, robust governance, regulatory compliance, and a positive staff culture.  Working in conjunction with the board, this is an exciting opportunity to shape the organisation’s future, ensuring that Evolve remains a trusted, quality and sustainable source of mental health support for years to come. 

Following several years of successful internal stabilisation—strengthening governance, staffing, and operational systems—the charity is ready to enter a critical period of transformation and growth. Our current CEO plans to retire in September 2026, having laid strong foundations for what must come next.

Our new CEO will lead Evolve into this next phase—strengthening partnerships, expanding referral pathways, stabilising revenue streams, and championing accessible counselling across our communities.

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.