Our client is the UK’s leading road safety charity. Their role is simple, yet vital – to make journeys safer for everyone who uses the road.
Between four and five people lose their lives on UK roads every day, and more than 75 are seriously injured in collisions. Each death leaves a family grieving, and every serious injury can change lives forever.
The charity is working to change this through education and training programmes, alongside campaigning for policy reforms to make roads safer for everyone.
Chief Executive Officer
£110,000 + benefits
Hybrid working – At least 3 days in the office, Welwyn Garden City area
Joining the organisation in its 70th anniversary year, the new Chief Executive Officer will provide inspiring, person-centred leadership to their committed teams and volunteers.
They will work closely with members, partners, and stakeholders to influence policy, behaviour, and public understanding of road safety, while applying strategic and commercial expertise to secure long-term financial sustainability, diversify income, and maximise charitable impact.
We are seeking a proven senior leader, ideally from a membership, not-for-profit, or service-led organisation. Knowledge of the road safety or transport sector is desirable but not essential. The successful candidate will have a strong track record of delivering commercially sustainable growth, sound financial stewardship, and influencing policy, government, or regulatory stakeholders.
Key responsibilities include:
- Ensure financial sustainability through budgeting, forecasting, risk management, and investment planning.
- Lead the development and delivery of the strategic plan with the Board.
- Drive growth across membership, training, fundraising, and commercial activities, including partnerships and sponsorships.
- Enhance the organisation’s influence, visibility, and impact in road safety and driver/rider training.
- Serve as the chief ambassador and spokesperson to members, partners, government, and media.
If you are passionate about making our roads safer and enhancing driver education, we would love to hear from you.
For further details and information on how to apply, please visit our dedicated microsite.
How to Apply
To apply for the role, please upload your CV together with a supporting statement (of no more than 1000 words) onto the Prospectus website via the link below.
Please ensure that you have included a telephone number, as well as any dates when you will not be available or might have difficulty with the recruitment timetable.
If you wish to apply using an alternative format, please contact Prospectus.
If you would like to have an informal conversation about the role, please contact our retained partners, Jane Ray and Tammy Stewart.
At Prospectus we believe passionately that a truly inclusive workplace leads to increased social impact. We are committed to supporting our clients to build more inclusive teams. To understand how we are performing, we ask that you kindly complete the brief equal opportunities questionnaire when you submit your application via our website. Please be assured that your responses are kept confidential, separate from your candidate record, are not part of any application you make, and that the consultants never see individual responses to the questionnaire.
Recruitment Timetable
Deadline for applications: Sunday 29th March (midnight)
Interviews with Prospectus: w/c 13th April
Interviews with the charity: 30th April and/or 1st May
The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) represents over 10,000 members across the UK and beyond, championing excellence in small‑animal veterinary practice through education, science, and community. As the leading membership association for vets working with companion animals, we provide world‑class professional development, publish respected clinical resources, and convene the profession through influential scientific events and networks.
The Association is now at a pivotal moment. We are undergoing a Programme of Change to redefine how BSAVA operates—modernising our systems, transforming member experience, and strengthening our role as a trusted, forward‑looking voice for the profession.
As we approach our 70th anniversary in 2027, we are building an organisation that is more adaptive, more connected, and more responsive to the changing needs of veterinary professionals.
Chief Executive Officer
Quedgeley, Gloucestershire, with hybrid working. Relocation package available.
Circa £110,000 per annum
This is an exciting time for a new Chief Executive to join us and lead BSAVA into its next chapter.
The Opportunity
Working closely with our President, Board, partners, staff, volunteers and our members, the CEO will be the visible voice of BSAVA—shaping our strategy, driving influence across the sector, and ensuring operational excellence. You will own the Programme of Change and lead its successful delivery, strengthening our organisational culture, systems and practices, while ensuring BSAVA continues to thrive as a values‑driven, evidence‑led and member‑centred Association.
The CEO will broaden our reach and impact, champion member value, and strengthen relationships across academia, industry, the wider veterinary profession, and international networks. You will position BSAVA as a modern, relevant, and agile organisation—one that supports veterinary professionals to deliver outstanding care and sustain fulfilling careers.
About You
We are looking for an inspirational and strategic leader who brings:
- A track record of shaping and delivering organisation‑wide strategy and growth at a senior level.
- Experience of leading complex change, with the ability to unite people behind a compelling vision.
- Commercial acumen and an entrepreneurial mindset, with the ability to develop and diversify income streams.
- Outstanding leadership credentials, with the ability to motivate, empower and develop high‑performing teams.
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to build trusted relationships across diverse groups.
- Confidence navigating ambiguity, making measured decisions, and driving clarity and focus through times of transformation.
We are open to candidates from all sectors and whilst experience within membership associations or the non‑profit/charity sector is beneficial it is not essential. What matters most is your ability to influence, collaborate, innovate, and champion a profession that plays a vital role in improving the health and welfare of small animals.
How to Apply
For further information, to access the appointment brief and to apply, please visit the Prospectus website.
If you would like an informal conversation about the role, please contact our retained advisors Anna Gardet or Erica Ritchie.
Recruitment Timetable
Deadline for applications: Sunday 29th March 2026
Interviews with Prospectus: 2nd – 13th April 2026
Interviews with BSAVA: w/c 4th May 2026