Legal intern jobs in London

This is a new position within CWJ, and will involve working with our CEO, Harriet Wistrich, on potential miscarriages of justice relating to women who have offended in response to male violence. Cases will range from convictions arising from coerced offending, counter allegations, victims of trafficking and grooming gangs, to advising on appeals by those convicted of murder or manslaughter at the CACD and CCRC.

We would consider the role at 30 hours per week.

Role Purpose

To lead and supervise legal work challenging the criminalisation of women who have been prosecuted for offences that have arisen as a result of male violence, coercion or abuse. The role will provide expert oversight of complex criminal appeals and review cases, ensuring that women’s experiences are properly recognised within the legal process and that cases are progressed to the highest professional standard using a feminist, trauma‑informed approach.

Key Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and supervise criminal appeals and reviews for women prosecuted in the context of male violence, coercion, or abuse.

• Manage a caseload of strategic criminal appeals, ensuring trauma-informed and feminist legal practice.

• Maintain Legal Aid Agency supervisor status and compliance.

• Supervise and support junior legal staff.

• Collaborate with partner organisations and contribute to CWJ’s litigation strategy.

• Engage in training, media, and sector-wide advocacy.

Essential Criteria:

• Qualified solicitor or barrister (England & Wales) with at least three years’ post-qualification experience.

• Meets Legal Aid Agency criteria for criminal appeals supervisor.

• Strong experience in criminal law, especially appeals and legal aid casework.

• Commitment to CWJ’s feminist values and anti-oppression approach.

• Excellent communication and self-management skills.

• Understanding of issues affecting disadvantaged and marginalised groups, especially violence against women and girls.

*Women-only: We deal directly with victims of sexual violence, therefore it is a genuine requirement that this is role is carried out by women only - Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR), Schedule 9 (Work; Exceptions), Part 1 (Occupational Requirements), of the Equality Act (2010) applies

JRS UK is recruiting a full-time Senior Fundraising and Communications Officer, responsible for helping to build our support base, especially among the Catholic community. 

This is a senior role, reporting to the Head of Communications, Fundraising and Advocacy and working closely with the Fundraising and Communications Manager. It will involve developing and delivering our strategy for recruiting supporters in parishes and other settings, as well as delivering a range of fundraising initiatives including our challenge events programme. We are seeking someone with a proven track-record in fundraising and community outreach, as well as a good understanding of the Catholic community in the UK.

You’ll be part of a mission that restores dignity, hope, and agency to people rebuilding their lives after displacement. Whether you're introducing our mission to parishes, representing us at national events, or recruiting participants for our challenge events, your work will have real impact. If you're passionate about justice, have a strong knowledge of fundraising and want a role that improves the lives of people seeking sanctuary, this is your chance to make a difference every single day. 

Job description 

1. Developing and leading JRS UK’s parish engagement plan: 

• Strategic development of JRS UK’s long-term approach towards engaging parishes in our mission 

• Arranging and delivering fundraising appeals, talks, and engagement with parish groups 

• Ensuring that parishes supporting our mission are kept up to date with our work and opportunities to get involved 

• Building sustainable relationships with at least 20 parishes annually by year two

2. Expanding JRS UK’s outreach in the Catholic and wider Christian community: 

• Identifying and delivering opportunities to share our mission with others and involve them in our work including:

                  i. representing JRS UK at national events 

                  ii. leading our engagement with other Jesuit organisations and Catholic organisations such as the National Justice and Peace Network

                  iii. Producing resources tailored to different audiences such as Catholic youth groups, Justice and Peace groups, and non-churchgoing Catholics 

3. Leading recruitment of regular donors: 

• Utilising the opportunities outlined here to engage new regular/committed supporters

• Recruiting at least 120 new regular supporters annually by year 2

• Working with the Fundraising and Communications Manager on our process for welcoming and stewarding regular supporters 

4. Leading our challenge events programme: 

• Recruiting and stewarding our teams for the TCS London Marathon, London Landmarks Half Marathon, and Vitaly 10k ensuring all participants are supported, equipped, and celebrated 

• Keeping past participants up to date with our work and the impact of their support 

• Promoting opportunities for supporters to undertake their own fundraising events

• Raising a net income of £20,000 annually through challenge events by year 2

Other responsibilities  

• Working with the Fundraising and Communications Manager on our schools and universities engagement plan

• Ensuring good quality supporter records are kept in compliance with data processing requirements 

• Periodic management of interns or volunteers 

• Other duties as required by the Head of Communications, Fundraising and Advocacy

This role presents opportunity to work innovatively & responsively, creating new, unique, & informative LGBTQ+ affirmative resources, providing crisis support, prevention & wellbeing initiatives; along with having a developmental role in upskilling & supervising sessional staff, trainees, interns & volunteers. 

This is an exciting job opportunity to join a dynamic & committed team, in a key frontline role working directly within our Heads-Out mental health service, which provides individualised mental health plans, crisis safety plans and support, mental wellbeing workshops, varied mental health support groups including for those seeking asylum, a trans & non-binary group; LGBTQ+ mental health group, and LGBTQ+ social connections & activities group. 

Opportunities will include delivery of specialised interventions, taking direct referrals and helping to support & stabilise those at heightened risk and/ or living through mental health crisis, plus psychoeducation workshops and group programmes will further enable you to engage, empower & support participants to build confidence, develop skills, strategies & achieve goals to improve, maintain & best manage mental health, increase mental wellbeing, and reduce and/ or prevent future crisis.

elop is a well established thriving and award-wining London based community-led LGBTQ+ mental health & wellbeing charity offering a range of high-quality and professional mental health, counselling and wellbeingsupport services to lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBTQ+) communities. 

There will be one regular evening/ week and occasional other evenings and weekend working required.

NB: There will initially be both in-person office-based working with some remote home-based working required whilst we’re awaiting completion of building works and relocation to new premises

Interviews will take place Friday 26 June 2026 between 9.30am – 15.00 pm

Make a real impact in South Kilburn!  The OK Club is hiring a CEO to manage and lead the organisation as we continue to develop our presence and impact in our neighbourhood.

Thanks to funding from John Lyon’s Charity, we’re looking for a visionary leader, who is motivated by their Christian faith and who can inspire and equip our team and work with us to develop and deliver our strategic development plan.  If you’re someone who loves young people and community, and is passionate about seeing people flourish, we want to hear from you! 

Started by students and graduates of Oxford University (hence the OK in our name - Oxford Kilburn) The OK Club has been providing activities for children and young people for the past 60 years and we have exciting plans for our next phase of development.

As well as continuing our programme of youth and children’s activities, over the last couple of years we have also expanded our provision to make the club building available to the wider community.  Taking an asset based approach, our Community Animator enabled us to open our doors and connect in a new way with our neighbours.

As CEO you will be responsible for overseeing three key areas -

1. our youth & children’s work,
2. our community engagement, and
3. our building.

Applicants will have proven experience of leadership in a charity or community context.  The ability to work positively with young people is essential, and experience of managing a building and budgets is also important.

Our funding from John Lyon is initially for three years but we anticipate that, with a brilliant new CEO our funding will grow to make the post sustainable.

The OK Club is located in South Kilburn, North West London.  We currently find ourselves in the middle of a building site (quite literally) and that our neighbourhood is changing drastically. Brent Council are continuing their massive regeneration project - demolishing all existing tower blocks and replacing them with new ones, with a greater number of housing units.  While much around us is changing, our desire to support children and young people with play and development opportunities is as strong as ever.

The OK Club currently has:

• A part time Youth Work Development Officer who oversees our youth work programme.

• A part time Building Manager.

• A part time Community Animator.

• A part time Children's Worker.

• Four interns (two full time and two  part time, shared with churches), usually from abroad on gap year schemes.

• Christian Holt House which can accommodate up to five further individuals who live as part of the missional community and are required as part of their tenancy to contribute to Club activities.

• A small but important number of volunteers are recruited from among parents and the community generally.  We are keen to grow this team, particularly with older young people and other members of the local community.

Our site contains the following facilities:

• A sports hall

• 3 x activity spaces

• A kitchen

• Garden

• Two upper floors which are currently rented out to other organisations.

We have been funded by Brent Council to renovate our Sports Hall and have ambitious plans for our whole site development in the coming years.

The work of the OK Club is overseen by a Management Committee (Trustees) who meet every two months, and the post will be Line Managed by one of the Trustees.

Inclusion & Diversity:

The OK Club strives to be a diverse and inclusive place where we can ALL be ourselves. We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background. 

Safer Recruitment:

The OK Club is a Safe Recruiter and will require all applicants to undergo a DBS disclosure as well as taking three references. A criminal record is not necessarily a bar to working for us but must be declared on application.

Timetable: (subject to amendment)

• Post advertised - 18th May 2026

• Closing Date - 7th June 2026

• Shortlisting will take place in the following week and interviews will take place, week commencing 15th June.

The successful candidate may start as soon as they are available and appropriate checks have been carried out.

Application Process:

• Applications must be received by the deadline on our approved application form.

• Any expressions of interest received through Indeed, Charity Job or other online platforms will be sent the application form to complete and an application won’t be considered until a fully completed form is received.

• All applications will be acknowledged and considered in our shortlisting.

• Applicants who are shortlisted will be invited for an interview which will likely consist of a presentation, a task, and standard panel interview. 

• The recruiting panel reserves the right to request a second interview if they feel this is appropriate.

When you are completing the application form, please pay particular attention to the essay section which is where you can tell us how you fit the criteria listed in the person specification.

Compassion in World Farming International is a global movement transforming the future of food and farming. Help amplify powerful campaigns to end factory farming through compelling, purpose‑driven social media.

Social Media Manager

• Role type: Full-time; Permanent
• Location: Godalming, UK (hybrid working pattern 2x days a week in the office)
• Salary: £36,825-£41,000 per annum (depending upon skills and experience)   

About the role 

As our Social Media Manager, you’ll play a key role in raising Compassion in World Farming’s public profile and driving engagement with our UK campaigns. You’ll use social media to communicate our strategic objectives, inspire action, and support our mission to end factory farming by 2040.

As part of our UK Communications Team, this role blends strategy, creativity, and community engagement. You’ll work closely with campaigns, fundraising, supporter engagement, and HQ teams to deliver high‑quality, impactful social content.

As our Social Media Manager, you’ll be responsible for:

• Managing Compassion in World Farming’s UK social media channels, delivering engaging content and effective community management
• Inputting into and delivering the UK social media content, broadcast and engagement strategy
• Developing and overseeing creative social media content, including video, graphics, and live coverage from events
• Monitoring, analysing, and reporting on social media performance to inform continuous improvement
• Identifying trends, opportunities, and influencers to increase reach, relevance, and impact
• Supporting wider communications activity, including media content and campaign activations

About you

To succeed in this role, you’ll be an experienced and confident communicator with a strong understanding of social media. You’ll need to be comfortable managing multiple priorities, responding to fast‑moving opportunities, and tailoring messages for different audiences, all while staying aligned with our values and mission.

Skills and experience you’ll need to bring as our Social Media Manager:

• Previous professional experience of managing social media channels, with experience using social media management tools
• Excellent understanding of social media platforms, particularly Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok
• Experience creating and editing social media content, including video
• Strong knowledge of social media KPIs, analytics, and reporting
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to write compelling copy for different audiences
• Ability to work flexibly, manage competing deadlines, and remain calm under pressure
• A proactive, approachable, and collaborative working style

If you don’t meet every requirement but believe you could thrive in this role, we encourage you to apply.

Why join us

This is a meaningful opportunity to use your skills and passion to create real impact for animals, people, and the planet.

We offer a supportive, flexible workplace with a strong focus on wellbeing and development, including: 

• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays 
• Health Cash Back Plan and 24/7 GP access 
• Employee Assistance Programme and MHFA support 
• Premium Calm App subscription 
• Electric car scheme available
• Defined contribution pension scheme 
• Enhanced discretionary sick pay 
• Hybrid working model (role and location dependent) 
• Free onsite parking and office next to mainline station 
• Cycle Benefit scheme and other savings options 
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities 

How to apply and key dates

If you’re ready to make a global impact, we’d love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining how you meet the Person Specification. To support a fair and unbiased recruitment process, we kindly ask that you do not include a photo in your CV. 

Please note that we may begin interviews on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged. 

Closing date: 10am Friday 5 June

1st Stage (Teams) Interview, with task: Wednesday 10 June

2nd Stage (Face to Face at HQ) Interview: Monday 15 June

“Join us in building a more compassionate future for animals, people, and the planet.”

As part of Stage 1 interviews, shortlisted candidates may receive pre‑shared, values‑based interview questions to support a positive candidate experience. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know, we’re always happy to support candidates.

About Compassion

Compassion in World Farming International is a leading global organisation working to end factory farming. Founded in 1967 by British farmer Peter Roberts, we’ve spent over 50 years driving change, successfully campaigning to ban cruel practices such as barren battery cages, veal crates, and sow stalls across the UK and Europe.

Our work combines advocacy, campaigning, and collaboration with policymakers and businesses to promote animal welfare and sustainable food systems. We envision a future where animals are treated with compassion, and farming supports both people and the planet. To learn more about our mission, culture, and opportunities, please explore our Candidate Pack and Careers Page. 

To comply with legal requirements in the UK and internationally, all applicants must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the country where the role is based. Compassion in World Farming is absolutely committed to providing equal opportunities for everyone regardless of their background.  We value diversity and live experience and acknowledge the underrepresentation of people from certain backgrounds, both within our organisation and across the sector.  We welcome applications from underrepresented groups, whether these be of ethnicity, gender, identity, religion, physical ability, sexual orientation or other.

Job Title: Safety and Security Specialist

Location: London, UK preferred, or Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Accra, Ghana; Beirut, Lebanon; or Kampala, Uganda (Only candidates who are eligible to work legally without work visa sponsorship in the country will be considered.)

Contract Type: Full-time (40 hours per week), long-term engagement

Hiring Salary: This is a national position. Please refer to Appendix I for the hiring salary for each country.

Target Start Date: As soon as possible

Application Closing Date: June 9, 2026 23:59 GMT

This job advert is for an existing vacancy.

About Right To Play:

For more than 25 years, Right To Play has been protecting, educating, and empowering millions of children each year to rise above adversity through the power of play.

We offer programs in 13 countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and North America, reaching millions of children each year in some of the most difficult places on earth, helping them to stay in school and learn, overcome prejudice, heal from trauma, and develop the skills they need to thrive. We do this by harnessing play, one of the most fundamental forces in a child's life, to teach children the critical skills they need to dismantle barriers and embrace opportunities, in learning and in life.

This work is supported by our two global offices in Toronto, Canada and London, UK; and seven National Offices in North America and Europe.

Benefits Highlights:

• Connect and collaborate with a global team who are passionate about protecting, educating and empowering children and youth using the power of play!
• Culture premised on our Culture Code (accept everyone, make things happen, display courage, demonstrate care, and be playful)
• Paid leaves
• Competitive benefits
• Learning opportunities and 5 learning and development (L&D) days per year
• More information on what we offer is available on our website.

Application Method:

Apply with your resume and cover letter in English via the application link.

Right To Play provides equal employment opportunities to employees regardless of their gender, race, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation or marital status. We strongly encourage groups who have been historically disadvantaged with respect to employment to apply for positions at Right To Play.

As part of our selection process, final candidates will be required to complete security checks and Vulnerable Sector Check or equivalent criminal record check as a condition of the offer. More details about our recruitment process are available here. Safeguarding information is available here.

As part of our recruitment and selection process, Right To Play uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) - assisted tools to support the assessment of candidates or applications. This may include but not limited to generating and editing of job adverts, assessment and interview questions, scheduling, translation, transcription, note taking, etc. Our Applicant Tracking System (ATS), VidCruiter, also use AI-powered ChatBot to answer candidates' enquiries. These tools are used only to assist human reviewers in evaluation and do not make selection or screening decisions. All hiring decisions are made by human reviewers. All AI-assisted processes comply with applicable privacy and data protection regulations, including GDPR and PIPEDA. For more information, please refer to RTP AI Policy and our Best Practice: Use of AI in Recruitment.

We value and promote a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We are committed to providing accommodations to candidates with disabilities during the recruitment and selection process, and thereafter. Please reach out to the People & Culture team by email. All information provided will be treated as confidential and used only to provide an accessible candidate experience.

Job Description:

Job Title:  Safety and Security Specialist

Grade: 9

Reports to: Chief People and Culture Officer (CPCO)

Location: London preferred or Ethiopia, Ghana, Lebanon or Uganda

Direct Reports: None

Indirect Reports: Technical oversight of the in- country Safety and Security Focal Points (SSFP)

Department: People and Culture

1-Purpose:

Safety and Security Specialist safeguards Right To Play (RTP)’s people, assets, and operations by leading effective safety and security risk management across all contexts. The role ensures appropriate policies, preparedness, and incident response frameworks that enable programs to operate responsibly in volatile environments while advising leadership and fostering a strong culture of safety and accountability.

2- Accountability & Responsibilities:

Work to deliver against a set of KPIs in security overseen by RTP's Executive Team (ET) by: (25%)

• Lead on the continued development of adaptable security measures for RTP's different methods of programme delivery.
• Mentor and developing a network of Safety and Security (S&S) Focal points to deliver in-country security procedures with Country Directors
• Regularly monitor and audit of security KPIs at country level
• Support ET members integrate security measures/considerations in the areas they oversee
• Promote security measures at country level and developing a culture of security across RTP's global programmes.

Security Management (25%)

• Develop and oversee global S&S policies, standards, roles and responsibilities and minimum requirements including Risk Assessments (SSRAs) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all areas of operation.
• Ensure implementation and consistent application of RTP S&S Principles, standards, and KPIs
• Ensure alignment with humanitarian principles and international best practice
• Monitor and report on S&S implementation for RTP, through regular external audits or self-assessments
• Advise ET on all aspects of S&S helping them to understand what risks are acceptable, under what conditions and actively promotes a strong culture of S&S among the RTP team

Incident Management (20%)

• Coordinate all S&S incident responses and promptly report incidents to the CPCO
• Advise and review contingency plans, including hibernations, relocations and security or medical evacuations.
• Monitor and support the effective use of all communication systems (HF, VHF, satellite phones, mobile phones and the internal security information tree) and procedural compliance.
• Lead or coordinate responses to serious incidents (e.g. staff injury, kidnapping, detention, attacks) and Act as a central coordinating point during major crises
• Ensure clear incident reporting, investigation, and learning

Information Collection, Analysis and Sharing (15%)

• Collect information on safety and security issues relevant to RTP and share with the country leadership team and Global Crisis Management Team (GCMT)
• Disseminate information on safety and security to RTP staff
• Compile monthly reports on safety and security and share with the CPCO, Unit leads CD and RTP SSFP
• Participate in networking with other NGO and UN safety and security representatives and fora

Capacity Strengthening, Learning and Compliance (15%)

• Design, coordinate, and oversee organizational safety and security training, including core learning for staff and coaching SSFPs to deliver context‑appropriate training.
• Establish and maintain safety and security orientation processes for new staff, interns, volunteers, and visitors, including travel protocols and arrival briefings.
• Build leadership and staff understanding of individual and collective safety and security responsibilities, reinforcing a culture of shared accountability and duty of care.
• Monitor overall compliance with S&S policies and procedures, identifying trends, gaps, and risks, and escalate concerns to line management and leadership as appropriate.
• Provide technical guidance and support to managers on addressing non‑compliance, including recommendations for corrective actions when needed.
• Ensure systems are in place for reporting work‑related injuries, accidents, security incidents, and fatality risks, and promote timely and accurate reporting.
• Provide functional oversight and guidance for contracted or assigned security personnel (e.g. guards), where applicable, in collaboration with operations and management teams.

Perform other duties as assigned.

3- Scope (geographical and/or functional), Impact and Autonomy

This is a global role that has an oversight on all S&S work within RTP and ensures support and guidance are provided to country teams and all other global units including security in travel.

4- Leadership and Staff management

• Coach and support the development and building of a high performing team of around 12 S&S focal points and advice ET, Country Directors and Unit leads on Security matters.
• Support the recruitment and onboarding of colleagues that act as S&S focal points or have key responsibilities on S&S according to the framework.

5- Information requirement for decision-making

• Make decisions/recommendations based on the documentation/data/information shared by the country offices and global units and cross referencing the same with the RTP network information/ government sites/ manuals/globally accepted practices and principles.
• Require sometimes consolidation and analysis of information from all countries requires to reach decisions that are linked to organization’s priorities and values.
• Information may not always be readily available and may require ongoing effort to stay updated in order to provide accurate and timely advice withing tight deadlines and sensitive environments at times.

6- Innovation and Improvements

Keep track of innovations in security practices including new tools and efficiencies in risk mitigations. Continuously innovate security measures in response to evolving RTP governing model. Monitor and proactively facilitate after action reviews for incidents and shares findings and action plans that drive improvements to the overall S&S practices

7- Relationships & Communications: Internal / External

Work closely with the Global Crisis Management Team, Global Director Country Offices, Logistics and Operations Manager, Unit leads and S&S Focal Points on Safety and Security matters.  Maintain a professional and friendly relationship with all RTP team.  Externally form part of security networks and manage key providers

8- Expertise (Certifications / Education, Professional Experience/Language)

• Security and Risk management qualification or equivalent experience and up to date training certificates in hostile environment training (HEAT), crisis management training, stress and resilience.
• Extensive experience of security management in at least 3 of the following regions: Africa, Americas, Asia, Middle East or Europe, ideally in multiple countries with varied risk profiles, and in the context of NGO, INGO, news media or inter-governmental agency operations
• Proven experience developing and implementing non-standard security policies, frameworks and practices. This includes delivering security measures across a mixed portfolio of programmes.
• Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and a strong understanding of the legal, moral, and contractual duty of care obligations required of humanitarian and international organizations with devolved accountability and responsibilities.
• Strong understanding of an organization’s duty of care requirements and how this will integrate with other good security and safeguarding practices, health and safety legislation and organizational needs in various countries.
• A strong and well-developed network of contacts with relevant external providers, as well as key professionals working with these providers
• Experience of hostile or complex operating environments with a demonstrable understanding of the challenges faced by international organisations and the NGO sector
• Good communication skills in spoken and written English essential. Including experience of writing and reviewing policies, procedures and plans. Knowledge of other languages spoken in the region would be a significant plus.

9-  Core Competences

• Collaboration: Display calm and credible leadership under pressure, communicate and deliver on a clear course of action in effective collaboration with colleagues. Able to influence change with individuals unfamiliar with security or where security has not been understood as a priority.
• Growth Mindset: Establish a culture of feedback and opportunities for continuous learning and skills development, encouraging new ideas and new approaches for improvement. Creative and flexible in developing and implementing practical solutions to challenges
• Resilience: A high level of resilience and drive, able to be flexible, adapt to change as required. Excellent political judgment, responsiveness, ability to provide leadership and support for security-related emergencies
• Professionalism: Demonstrate alignment with the organization’s Culture Code; works respectfully and with cultural sensitivity across contexts. Is comfortable operating in a diverse, anti‑racist, female‑led organization grounded in humanitarian principles.
• Management and Interpersonal Skills: Mentor diverse teams with influence, fostering trust, high performance, and shared ownership of outcome

10- Additional Information

The role requires travel to RTP countries and may travel to HQs, along with flexibility to work outside standard business hours to collaborate effectively with country and global teams from multiple time zones.

Appendix I: Hiring Salary for Each Country

Hiring salary is dependent on the successful candidate’s location. This is a national position and salary will be paid in the local currency. Please note that this salary will be subject to the usual deductions, including required taxes.

• Ethiopia: ETB 323,718 per month
• Ghana: GHS 20,636 per month
• Lebanon: USD 4,758 per month
• Uganda: UGX 12,675,067 per month
• United Kingdom: GBP 63,618 per annum

This is an exciting and engaging job opportunity to join elop’s dedicated and enthusiastic team in a central coordination and development role within elop’s youth and community services. You’ll have an active role providing LGBTQ+ affirmative support for LGBTQ+ children and young people. 

Working alongside the senior leadership team you will have a key role in identifying and actively contributing to and supporting the attainment of strategic objectives, sustainability, future service development, service standards and delivery strategy of elop’s youth and community services.  This will include overseeing and ensuring efficient, effective, and smooth operations; maintaining accountable, professional, safe, and well administered services; service promotion, monitoring and evaluation; maintaining and developing new cross-sector networks, partnerships and collaborative relationships; ensuring services continue to meet existing and emerging needs and positively impact and make a genuine difference to those using them. 

Our youth service includes age restricted youth groups, 1:1 mentoring, some school-based delivery with occasional training workshops; and our community services include delivery of an LGBTQ+ community forum, community events, social groups, and volunteering programmes.

Working both in-person office based, with some remote home-based working (particularly required whilst awaiting completion of building works and relocation to new premises) you will be required to work one late evening a week and occasional other evenings and weekends when required.

Full time: 37 hours per week

Salary: £34,000 inclusive London Weighting

This role is part funded by the Mercers Charitable Foundation and initially funded to 31 March 2028.

Closing deadline for submission of application: 10.00am Monday 1 June 2026

Interviews will take place Wednesday 17 June 2026 between 9.00am – 3.00pm

What does it take to lead the national voice for special schools at a time of real change?

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – National Association of Special Schools (NASS)

National – home-based, with regular travel across England and Wales, particularly London

£90,000–£110,000 per annum

Full-time, permanent.

About NASS 

The National Association of Special Schools (NASS) is the membership association for special schools in England and Wales. We bring together independent special schools, non-maintained special schools, special academies, maintained special schools and multi-academy trusts with specialist provision.

We exist to inform, support and represent our members, helping specialist schools improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND and secure the place of specialist provision within the wider education system. NASS is known for being accessible, responsive and personal, combining national influence with practical support that members value as timely, human and trustworthy.

This is a pivotal moment for the organisation. In February this year, the Department for Education published a major white paper on SEND reform which will require NASS to both influence national policy on behalf of our members and children and young people, as well as support them to navigate the changes. Our new CEO will need to review our strategy while building on our strong platform and momentum to further deepen our influence and strengthen our internal capacity.

As our next Chief Executive, you will:

• Strategy & Impact: Lead NASS through a period of policy and structural change, ensuring the organisation remains clear on purpose, responsive to members and influential in the SEND landscape.
• Governance & Finance: Work closely with the Board of Trustees to provide strong governance, prudent financial stewardship, robust risk management and clear strategic oversight.
• Operational Leadership: Provide confident leadership to a small, remote team, strengthening collaboration, accountability, resilience and a positive, high-trust culture.
• Income Generation: Oversee budgeting, planning and reporting while developing thoughtful opportunities to diversify income through membership, partnerships, events and related activity.
• Community & Partnerships: Build and sustain trusted relationships with government, parliament, regulators, sector bodies and member schools, ensuring NASS remains relevant and well connected.
• Member Services: Protect and enhance the practical offer to members, from briefings and special interest groups to conferences, webinars, training and peer-to-peer learning.
• Brand & Profile: Act as a credible public ambassador for NASS, helping to modernise communications and broaden the organisation’s voice beyond a founder-shaped model.
• Future Growth: Shape a distributed leadership profile and support a more varied, accessible and engaging approach to membership, advocacy and communications.
• A seasoned senior leader with experience in a charity, membership body, education or public sector setting, and a clear track record of leading through change.
• A strong strategic thinker, able to absorb complex information quickly and translate it into clear, practical direction.
• A confident communicator with the gravitas to represent NASS with members, staff, trustees, MPs, peers, media and national partners.
• A politically astute relationship-builder, comfortable navigating a complex and fast-moving external environment.
• Experienced in governance, with a sound understanding of working with boards or trustees and supporting effective decision-making.
• Numerate and commercially minded, with experience of budgets, financial planning, income generation or partnership development.
• Credible, approachable and resilient, with the emotional intelligence to lead well in a high-profile, remote and sometimes uncertain context.
• Direct SEND experience would be a significant advantage, alongside understanding of specialist education or similarly complex stakeholder environments.

Why NASS?

• This is a chance to lead a respected, member-led organisation with a strong national reputation and a clear public purpose.
• You will help shape the future of specialist education at a time when SEND reform is high on the agenda.
• NASS has a loyal, experienced and collegiate remote staff team, supported by an active Board of Trustees.
• The organisation offers a genuinely influential platform, with strong connections across the sector and with government.

Application

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 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 8th June 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.

You will provide clinical direction and maintain oversight of elop’s counselling services, bringing understanding and experience of delivering trauma-informed approaches to support the emotional health and psychological wellbeing of LGBTQ+ people.

You will oversee and contribute to clinical operational responsibilities, service coordination and delivery, ensuring a professional, safe, smooth running, efficient and well managed service is maintained.   You will work alongside the senior leadership team across both strategic and clinical operational levels ensuring lead responsibilities for our counselling teams and services. Working collaboratively with the senior leadership team, implementing clinical delivery decisions, ensuring the counselling service effectively maintains ethical and professional standards of practice and communication across key staff, other agencies and service users. 

You will proactively contribute to building a robust and compelling evidence base that continues to demonstrate impact, improved wellbeing, and increased resilience, and have a key role in monitoring, evaluation, and supporting the wider counselling team with reporting and using data to drive operations, and evidence-based best practice. 

Your role will also include overseeing referrals and allocation of clients; undertaking client assessments; providing role-management, and clinical support and supervision to trainee and sessional counsellors; line-management of key service personnel; some clinical support work with more complex or acute needs clients; recruiting, inducting and training key staff and volunteers; and liaising with the clinical supervision team. 

Full Time: 37 hours per week

There will be one regular evening/ week, and occasional other evening and weekend working required. 

Salary: £34,000 inclusive London Weighting

Closing deadline for submission of application: 10.00am Monday 1 June 2026

Initial Interviews: taking place Wednesday 10 June between 9.00am – 3.00pm

N.B. at this current time all elop services are operating via a mix of in-person and remotely via online platforms, whilst we await completion of building works and relocation to new premises.