About the Richard Whitehead Foundation
At the Foundation, we believe in the impact of sport: the increased mental well-being; the confidence; the self-esteem; the social inclusion and employability which come from it. We want the disability community to be able to thrive and benefit from all these opportunities, and we have big ambitions for the future. We are listening to the disability community, learning from our projects, and are focused on our vision and purpose.
After an exciting first 4 years we are now looking for a dynamic and driven Chief Executive to take us on the next stage in our journey, updating our strategy and growing our reach. We are looking for someone who is self-driven and committed to our values; someone able to demonstrate their ability to grow a charity through fundraising, which they will have extensive experience and previous success in.
We are also looking for a dynamic individual who is confident communicating with people at all levels from volunteers to senior leaders, beneficiaries to funders, in order to build relationships and partnerships to take the charity forward.
If you want to make a real difference to the lives of disabled people, are inspired by the impact sport can have on people’s lives and can help us in building the relationships and partnerships we need to move forward, we would love to hear from you.
Role Details
Location: Home based, with regular UK wide travel where required. Although the charity has national reach there is a particular focus on activity in Nottingham, Richard’s home town.
Reports to: Board of trustees Responsible for: Project Managers x 2, Communications Officer, Fundraising Consultant, Volunteers
Hours: Part time – 22.5 hours per week
Flexibility: Flexible working is available; the role will require some evenings and weekends work.
Length of contract: Permanent
Salary range: c. £55,000 (FTE - 33,000 pro rata)
Job Summary
The CEO will be responsible for leading the strategic direction and overall management of the Richard Whitehead Foundation. They will ensure it has a positive impact on enabling disabled people’s ambitions by removing barriers to give disabled people access to the life-changing power of sport. The ideal candidate will be a driven and visionary leader with a strong passion for making a difference.
Key Responsibilities
- Work with the board to review and develop the strategic plan for the Richard Whitehead Foundation.
- Develop lead and manage an operational plan and budget to deliver the strategy
- Proactively build, develop and manage relationships with key stakeholders, including funders, beneficiaries, disability organisations, volunteers, and staff ensuring that the Richard Whitehead Foundation is able to deliver on its objectives.
- To be bold in our ambition to empower disabled people through the power of sport.
- Lead, motivate and inspire the Richard Whitehead Foundation to achieve its goals and objectives, ensuring that the organisation has the right talent and resources to achieve its strategic objectives.
- Develop and implement fundraising strategies to ensure the sustainability, development and delivery of the Richard Whitehead Foundation and future projects, diversifying our income streams and growing overall income. This will include supporter acquisition, funding applications, event management and donor stewardship.
- Develop and oversee a marketing and communications plans
- To have a hands-on approach to progressing the Richard Whitehead Foundation
- Regular contact with trustees most notably the Chair, and President.
- Ensure that the Richard Whitehead Foundation is compliant with all relevant regulations, including those related to fundraising, governance, and charity law.
Application
Valued Recruitment is working exclusively with The Richard Whitehead Foundation to recruit this pivotal position. We are an ethical recruitment company, intent on hiring inclusively and transparently.
To apply, we welcome a CV and a 2 page (maximum) covering letter addressing your motivation for applying and your experience that is relevant to the role.
Accessibility is incredibly important to us at Valued Recruitment and at The Richard Whitehead Foundation. If you would like any accessibility amendments or support throughout the application and interview stage, please don’t hesitate to let us know.
No question or request is too big or too small. We want this process to be comfortable and enjoyable and a chance for you to bring your best self to the process.
Thank you for your interest in the position of Chief Executive at the Richard Whitehead Foundation.
An ethical recruitment consultancy shaking up the not-for-profit sector. Recruiting without compromise and representing talent unapologetically.




The purpose of this role is to provide leadership, oversight and curation to the FYT Leadership Team, and to lead the smooth running of the FYT Organisation which supports the wider FYT Movement. This will include coordinating the delivery of the strategic plan, leading fundraising, and working closely with the FYT Board to oversee the smooth running of the organisation.
Hours: 22.5 hrs per week
Salary: £24,116 per annum (£40,194 pro rata) + 9% pension
Holidays: 5 weeks plus bank holidays and 3 additional days at Christmas
Location: Working from home, with nationwide travel expected
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the FYT Movement – Engage with movement members
- Listening
- Inspiring
- Taking inspiration from
- Facilitating collaboration and cross-pollination
- Lead the FYT staff team – supporting, supervising, enabling and encouraging and ensuring appropriate HR functions are carried out.
- Lead the fundraising strategy for the organisation, giving attention to securing grants, as well as donor fundraising . Report as necessary to funders.
- Work with the Finance Officer to manage the budget and finances within the parameters agreed by the Board.
- Facilitate the effective function of the Leadership Team, enabling the smooth and efficient carrying out of the strategic priorities.
- Provide Line Management support and supervision to the other members of the Leadership Team.
- Develop, implement and monitor FYT’s strategic plan in partnership with the FYT team and board
- Engage in practical theological reflection on FYT’s mission and how it is expressed.
- Attend and contribute as required to Board meetings, working closely with the Chair and Board to ensure that appropriate issues are raised, and that any agreed action is put into effect.
- Be an advocate for marginalised young people, the issues they face, and youth workers and projects working with them (pursuing prophetic mischief, provocation, and taking up our unique space in the youth ministry community).
- Make links with appropriate Christian, voluntary and statutory bodies and to represent FYT in appropriate forums and pursue opportunities for collaborative working.
- Support the active promotion of the FYT training and resource offer.
- Lead the monitoring and evaluation (impact assessment) of FYT’s work
Other functions:
- Meet regularly with Line Manager for supervision.
- Undertake administration and keep necessary work records.
- Comply with all FYT policies and procedures.
- Work collaboratively with the FYT leadership team and Board to ensure that organisational policies are regularly reviewed.
- Engage in CPD/lifelong learning.
- Undertake any other tasks that may be requested, commensurate with the nature and level of the post and as may be required by the Board of Trustees.
Additional Information
- The Leadership Team is supported by a contract with Giraffe HR that assists in the day to day running of the organisation, primarily managing the finances of the organisation.
- Engagement in ongoing, regular youth work with marginalised young people is not a requirement of this post, but encouraged. FYT will be flexible where possible in order to facilitate this.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Join our friendly and mission-driven team at NFER, where you’ll help bridge the gap between research and classrooms. This is your chance to bring vital insights directly to schools – raising awareness of the NFER Classroom brand and increasing the reach and impact of our research findings within the education community.
Pay: £36,000 - £40,000 (FTE)
Contract: 18-month fixed-term contract
Hours: Part-time (21 hours)
Location: Remote within the UK, with occasional visits to our Slough office (approx. 6 times per year)
Annual Leave: 30 days plus 4 paid closure days FTE
Pension Contributions: 10% employer contributions
Family Support: Enhanced maternity/parental leave and paid compassionate leave
What you’ll be doing
In this role, you’ll be at the heart of our mission to connect schools with powerful, practical research. You’ll take a leading role in shaping how NFER communicates with educators, using your creativity and insight to bring our work to life across digital channels.
One day you might be crafting social media content that sparks conversation among teachers, the next, you’ll be writing an email newsletter that lands just right with a headteacher seeking evidence-based ideas. You’ll help turn research into engaging, accessible summaries, so schools can quickly grasp key insights and put them into action.
You’ll also update and improve our For Schools website pages, ensuring every word is useful and user-friendly. Behind the scenes, you’ll track performance using analytics, learning what works and what could work even better. And throughout it all, you’ll collaborate with researchers, designers, and communications experts to deliver thoughtful, impactful campaigns that schools actually want to read.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential skills and experience:
- Experience in marketing communications or a related role
- Excellent writing skills and creative flair
- Confidence using digital tools such as social media platforms, Canva, Google Analytics and CRM systems
- Strong time management and the ability to work independently
- A collaborative approach and a clear focus on impact
- Experience working in or with schools is a bonus, but not essential.
If you meet only 70% of our essential skills, still apply; you may have skills we didn’t know we needed.
Other roles you may have experience of include: Marketing Executive, Marketing Officer, Marketing Assistant, Marketing Coordinator, Marketing Specialist, Brand Executive, Communications Executive, Digital Marketing Executive, Social Media Executive, Content Marketing Executive, Email Marketing Executive, SEO Executive
WHY NFER?
At NFER, we are recognised globally for providing trusted research, resources and insights that drive meaningful change. By joining us, you’ll contribute to a mission that prioritises impact over profit, working in an environment where collaboration, flexibility, and inclusion are valued.
What we offer:
- A supportive and inclusive workplace culture.
- Opportunities to develop your skills and advance your career.
- Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance from day 1.
- The chance to make a real difference in the education sector.
APPLICATION PROCESS
We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis and encourage you to apply early. Shortlisting will commence from 23rd June 2025.
We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require any adjustments or accommodations at any stage, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to support
you and ensure a positive experience. For further details, please review the Job Information Pack.
If you’re ready to bring your skills and passion to a role that makes a difference, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and start your journey with NFER.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.