Research governance officer jobs

Manchester Central Foodbank is a busy Trussell Trust-affiliated food bank, with centres in Central, North, and East Manchester. We were established in Ardwick in 2013 by students at the Manchester Universities’ Catholic Chaplaincy, making us the first student-led food bank in the country. Since then we have grown significantly, expanding our weekly sessions into Harpurhey and Openshaw.

Our core aims are to deliver the best quality support that we can to the largest number of our neighbours in need, while working with partners and influencing and organising at a neighbourhood and citywide level to reduce and end the need for food banks in Manchester.

We currently support 16,000 people per year with nutritionally balanced 3-day food parcels. This is double the number of people we supported in the first year following the Covid-19 pandemic, and four times the number supported in 2019. We also provide financial inclusion support with advice workers in public sessions, access to energy vouchers, SIM cards, and other voucher or material support. We coordinate across a network of 200 active front-line referral agencies with the aim of ensuring everyone who accesses our service has appropriate, specialised, and ongoing support alongside the material provision that we provide.

We are active leaders in anti-poverty organising and community development, as convenors of the citywide Building an Anti-Poverty Community collective and aim to be key shapers and influencers of new strategies and policies, working closely to support and influence local government, NHS, education and research agendas in Manchester and more widely building upon our track record of successful anti-poverty partnership work, social value impact and Parliamentary influencing. Our core values are: care, partnership, dignity, partnership, anti-stigma and rights-based.

Key responsibilities
As Chief Executive Officer you will be the key senior staff leader for the charity. You will lead the team to ensure they have the resources, frameworks, and support to effect smooth day-to-day running of our frontline support service. You will provide a strong business management focus, through supporting the financial process, overall metrics and reporting, day to day HR and input for the external Payroll Team, Health and Safety, appropriate working conditions, and strategic planning and communications. 

As the senior lead you will also facilitate and support the Board of Trustees to develop and lead strategic development objectives and plans for transformation, and ensure the delivery and implementation of the charity’s overall strategy and specific focused strategies. You will develop and manage strategic relationships with stakeholders including Council, NHS, and other statutory partners and funders, corporate and social value funders and partners, and high-value and donors. You will also plan and lead fundraising strategies. 

You will be a key external interface for our community and partners.  You will do this by:

Staff/Board Leadership and Governance:

• Line managing a current team of operations staff, including those supporting the recruitment, training, and management of a large team of volunteers. 

• Building team spirit and employee engagement and offer.

• Leading and delivering regular staff performance and development reviews.

• Developing and delivering robust metrics and reporting to the board and staff team, through consistent monthly and quarterly reporting packs to the board of trustees.

• Ensuring all staff and volunteers are familiar and engaged with the charity’s long-term goals and objectives, and know how their work helps to implement these on the ground. Leading the development of induction packages and ongoing offers for staff and volunteers. You will be responsible for writing, implementation, and update of institutional policies as needed to staff and volunteers.

• Leading targeted volunteer recruitment strategies to maximise core delivery capacity through volunteer roles and prioritise staffing capacity to core charity operations.

• Ensure policies are kept current.

• Ensure recording and management of absence/leave.

• Ensure Health and Safety aspects of all organisational operations are compliant, in collaboration with the Board sponsor.

• Manage day to day financial input, through the Xero app, and ensure accurate and up-to-date financial reporting for the Board/Treasurer. This includes administering monthly payroll requests.

• Oversee training and personal development plans for staff and volunteers, as appropriate.

• Working with the Chair of Trustees to implement the charity’s strategic plan and structural development objectives.

• Develop and implement ongoing plans and actions to ensure operationally-appropriate and safe office, warehouse, and working spaces.

• Lead on development, modelling, and maintenance of service delivery standards, quality control, and ensuring frontline teams have the appropriate resources, support, and frameworks to deliver high quality and consistent support offers.

Foodbank Management:

• Support the Operations and Project Lead to deliver the smooth running of food bank sessions across multiple centres, ensuring an excellent standard of service across all centres, and seeking to continually develop our service in line with our goals to support the largest number of people with the best support we can while working to reduce and end the need for food banks in Manchester.

• Develop and build a new Delivery Strategy with the Chair of Trustees and Operations and Project Lead.

• Support the Operations and Project Lead and Warehouse and Logistics Coordinator to safely store and maintain optimal stock levels, maximise food donation levels and reduce food spend, develop and maintain relationships with community donors, and record incoming and outgoing stock, with the aim of ensuring that all centres are well stocked to provide as many varied, balanced, and nutritious and culturally-appropriate food parcels as necessary.

• Ensure compliance with the procedures set out in Manchester Central Foodbank’s policies, the Trussell Trust’s Operating Manual, and relevant statutory requirements at all times.

• Ensure our food bank centres provide a safe and dignified environment for clients, free from discrimination, judgement, and stigma.

Strategy and External Relationships:

• Working with the Chair of Trustees on development, monitoring, and implementation of the core charity strategy and sub-strategies. Ensuring the involvement and participation of the food bank’s staff, volunteers, external partners, and service users in all strategic planning and decision making, where appropriate.

• Support the Operations and Project Lead to work build strong relationships with referral partners and wider community and statutory networks of collaborators and support to ensure that our service users are able to access the maximum amount of support before, during, and after accessing our service to minimise the length and severity of financial crisis, maximise their incomes, and provide pathways to ongoing and longer-term support.

• Play an active role in strategic and convening spaces around our city and neighbourhoods to present the foodbank’s approach, bring more partners into our network, and influence policy and funding frameworks.

• Develop and manage a Corporate Relationships and Social Value strategy, including communications, networking, and relationship management.

• Lead on directing the charity’s external communications, including social media, in person, newsletters, company visits, and other content.

• Manage internal communications, including developing and delivering two-way team briefings with the board and staff/volunteers, biannual town halls or away days with board members and staff/volunteers, newsletters, and an open and collaborative, person-focused, and developmental culture within the organisation.

About you

Essential Experience and Knowledge:

• 5 years’ experience of leading a similar profiled charity or organisation and successful Board interaction.

• Experience of leading successful transformation and change for a charity and a strong developmental mindset and focus.

• Have led a team of 5 or more staff members to successful performance, demonstrating experience of coaching and individual development skills.

• Experience in developing and leading successful and engaged volunteering programmes and support.

• Full valid driving licence. 

• Proven experience of leading the development and delivery of strategy and sub-strategies to successful conclusion and fashioning evidenced business cases for current and new development projects.

• Leading multiple complex projects or services, balancing the needs and interests of a range of stakeholders.

• Experience of implementing rigorous reporting and evaluation practices on operations.

• Experience of managing day-to-day financial administration and reporting.

• Evidence of delivering clear metric dashboards and reports.

• Experience of high-quality implementation of Health and Safety and Safeguarding policies and a leadership practice that centres care for staff, volunteers, and service users. Safeguarding lead qualification is desirable but will provide training if not.

• Demonstrable knowledge and experience in HR processes and management.

• Experience in building and delivering strategic plans.

• Proven experience of effective problem solving and responding to crisis situations.

• A good working knowledge of the social welfare and political landscape in Manchester – or demonstrable experience in similar expertise and networking and an openness to learn and develop sector-specific knowledge.

• A nuanced and sensitive understanding of the complex reasons people attend food banks.

Desirable Experience and Knowledge:

• Partnering with and building relationships with Council, NHS, and other statutory partners and funders, corporate and social value partners and funders, high net worth donors, and fundraising through grant applications and individual/community donors.

• Experience of working collaboratively with stakeholders from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, faiths, and views. 

• Experience of handling safeguarding incidents, follow-ups, and debriefs with staff, volunteers, and service users.

• Demonstrated success in delivering communications strategies for internal and external stakeholders, including social media and press content and campaigns.

Personal Skills and Attributes:

• An individual who embodies the values of Manchester Central Foodbank in their core professional practice and personal approach to their work.

• An empathetic and care-centred approach and the ability to centre the experience and outcomes of people from marginalised or socially-excluded backgrounds in core decision-making and prioritisation.

• A leader who takes ownership, accountability, and responsibility to drive an organisation and team forward with a developmental mindset.

• A highly self-motivated and proactive person who centres collaboration and consensus with the staff team, volunteers and Board of Trustees in their approach.

• Able to develop strategy and plans and translate strategy to actionable delivery and developmental projects.

• A high level of literacy and communication.

• A high level of numeracy and ability to analyse data.

• Strong leadership attributes to build engagement and performance with the team.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to motivate, persuade, and coach staff and volunteers.

• Excellent personal organisation skills and the ability to manage multiple conflicting priorities and deadlines.

Lead Software Engineer - FTC

As the UK’s leading dementia research charity, we’re determined to stop this from becoming a reality. We’re working to revolutionise the way we treat, diagnose and prevent dementia. But we will not stop there. With your support, we will keep going until every person is free from the heartbreak of dementia. We exist for a cure. In order to make this happen, we need to operate with best in class Digital and Technology tools and platforms.

So, join us as we embark on a major journey of transformation across our digital, data, and technology offering! The Lead Software Engineer will play a critical, hands-on role in shaping this future.

We are investing in a new website platform that will provide an improved user experience, be built and operated using modern Tech (e.g. React, headless CMS, CI/CD) and be a foundation for continued future optimisation. The website will unlock the ability to attract more users (via increased visibility on search engines and repeat visits) and increase the number of people donating online for a cure.

This role will be the senior technology team member on the new website project team, ensuring that the solution designed and delivered primarily by our website development partner is using modern approaches and tools. In addition, this person will actively take part in the development and test of the website platform and ultimately be the internal technical owner of the platform for ARUK.  

The post holder will report into the CIO but work day to day with the Digital Engagement team to deliver the new website platform.

This is a 24-month fixed term contract.

Key Responsibilities:

· Act as the internal technical owner of the new website platform, providing strong technical leadership, governance, and assurance across its design, build, and operation.

· Provide technical oversight and direction to the appointed Digital / website development partner, ensuring best practice engineering approaches, tooling, and standards are applied throughout delivery.

· Own and make key technical design decisions, ensuring the website platform:

o Uses modern web and cloud‑native technologies (e.g. React, headless architecture).

o Uses modern technical approaches for code management, build and deployment pipelines (CI/CD).

o Aligns with Alzheimer’s Research UK’s broader enterprise architecture, security standards, and technology roadmap.

o Integrates effectively with existing and future Alzheimer’s Research UK’s systems (e.g. CRM, fundraising, analytics, marketing platforms).

· Actively contribute as a hands‑on software engineering individual contributor during the build and test phases, including:

o Reviewing and contributing to code where appropriate.

o Supporting technical problem‑solving and performance optimisation.

o Participating in testing, release, and deployment activities.

· Work closely day‑to‑day with the Digital Engagement team, ensuring technical delivery supports user experience, content, fundraising, and optimisation objectives.

· Establish and embed good engineering practices for the platform, including documentation, environment management, deployment, monitoring, and support handover.

· Take technical ownership of the platform post‑launch, supporting continuous improvement, optimisation, and future enhancements.

Knowledge, skills and experience needed:

· Strong professional experience as a senior software engineer / lead software engineer working on modern website or digital platforms.

· Ideally a full stack engineer with strong front-end skills (our main languages/ frameworks are React and Python/Django).

· Proven experience with modern front‑end and web architectures, including:

o React (or comparable modern JavaScript frameworks).

o Headless CMS and API‑driven architectures.

o CI/CD pipelines and automated testing practices.

· Experience acting as a technical owner or lead for an app or website.

· Experience working with modern code management tools e.g. github, bitbucket) and of version control/code branching approaches.

· Experience using AI tools to improve engineering efficiency e.g. Cursor, Claude code, github copilot.

· Knowledge of code build and deployment processes

· Solid understanding of cloud‑hosted, scalable, and secure web platforms, including performance, resilience, and security considerations.

· Experience integrating websites with wider digital ecosystems (e.g. CRM, analytics, marketing automation, donation/payment platforms).

· Ability to operate effectively as both a hands‑on contributor and a senior technical advisor, balancing strategic oversight with practical delivery.

· Experience working in an agile environment using development workflow tools such as JIRA.

· Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly to non‑technical stakeholders

Additional Information:

Ways of working: As part of our Agile ways of working you will be required to work approximately 2 days a week from the office, which is subject to the requirements of the role and the business needs. Flexibility on where you work can be split between working from home and our office.

Roles that are classed as part of the Agile ways of working are not able to claim any costs for Mileage/Travel on Public Transport, Accommodation and/or Meals.  This includes when attending the office for various meetings/events.

Our Office: Our office is at 3 Riverside, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AD. 

Salary: Circa £63,000 per annum, plus benefits

Please download the Vacancy Pack on our website for more information.

The closing date for applications is the 21st June 2026, with interviews being arrange once shortlisting has been completed. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity, as on occasion we may have to bring forward the interview date and/or the closing date based on the needs of the business. Although a possibility, this will only happen in exceptional circumstances. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential.  We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, particularly from those in the global majority, those with disabilities, men and those from the LGBTQIA+ community. Any offer of employment is however subject to you having the right to work in the UK.

As part of our commitment to being an inclusive employer and ensuring fairness and consistency in our selection process, we will handle your CV and application with the utmost confidentiality. Should you require any adjustments at either the application or interview stage, please contact us via our website. 

How to apply: Please create an online account using our Online Recruitment Platform which can be accessed through our Job Vacancies page. You will be able to attach your CV to your application and track the status of your application.

About Alzheimer’s Research UK: Alzheimer's Research UK is the UK's leading dementia research charity. Our mission is to accelerate progress towards a cure.  Today 1 in 2 people will be impacted by dementia, either through caring for a loved one, developing it themselves or tragically both. But there is hope. 

Duchenne UK works tirelessly to challenge barriers, deliver practical solutions, and speed up progress for families affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The charity collaborate with leading researchers, clinicians, industry and charity partners to deliver hope and measurable progress for people living with DMD in the UK.

Founded by two mothers whose sons were diagnosed with DMD, the charity has raised more than £34 million to accelerate research, improve care and help transform outcomes for families affected by this life-limiting condition.

As the charity enters a new phase of growth, it is investing in the structures, stewardship and fundraising expertise needed to build on that success while preserving the entrepreneurial spirit and close community connections that have made it so successful.

A newly created role, the Head of Relationship Fundraising will lead a diverse portfolio spanning Family & Friends fundraising, community fundraising, mid-value and major donor relationships, charity partnerships and corporate fundraising opportunities. Reporting to the Director of Income Generation, you will inherit an established portfolio of supporters and partners while identifying new opportunities for growth across the Duchenne community and beyond.

A key focus will be Duchenne UK’s Family & Friends Funds programme, a nationwide network of more than 50 family-led funds. You will combine ambitious income generation with exceptional supporter care, building trusted relationships with families, supporters, partners and donors whose connection to DMD is often deeply personal.

Working closely with the Director of Income Generation, CEO and co-founder Emily Reuben OBE, co-founder Alex Johnson OBE, and wider senior leadership team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future direction of relationship fundraising and helping to build a more strategic and sustainable fundraising programme for the years ahead.

As Head of Relationship Fundraising, you will:

• Lead delivery of Duchenne UK’s relationship fundraising strategy, driving sustainable income growth across multiple income streams
• Develop and grow Family & Friends fundraising, community fundraising, mid-value, major donor, partnership and corporate fundraising opportunities
• Build and steward a pipeline of supporters and prospects, developing meaningful long-term relationships
• Develop the Family & Friends Funds programme, ensuring excellent and compassionate supporter experiences
• Develop supporter journeys, stewardship plans and relationship management processes that increase engagement and retention
• Strengthen fundraising systems, processes and ways of working to support future growth
• Operationally lead relationships with charity partners and key stakeholders
• Monitor fundraising performance, pipeline activity and KPIs
• Line manage the Community & Events Fundraiser and help shape the wider fundraising function’s future direction, structure and growth

Essential skills and experience:

• Significant experience in relationship fundraising, with a track record of delivering sustainable income growth
• Experience managing complex supporter or donor relationships in emotionally sensitive or values-led environments
• Experience working with high-value supporters or philanthropy audiences
• Experience developing community, peer-to-peer, high-value or partnership fundraising relationships
• Demonstrable success in achieving income targets and building fundraising pipelines
• Strong relationship management and influencing skills, with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders
• Experience developing supporter journeys and stewardship approaches that improve engagement and retention
• Strong financial awareness, including pipeline management and forecasting
• Excellent communication skills and experience using CRM systems effectively
• Exceptional emotional intelligence, empathy and a commitment to outstanding supporter care
• A proactive, entrepreneurial and solutions-focused approach

Desirable:

• Experience within a health, medical research or disability-related charity
• Experience of diagnosis-led, in-memory or bereavement-related fundraising
• Knowledge of fundraising regulation, GDPR and Gift Aid
• Experience using Salesforce

Employee benefits

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata)
• Summer Fridays – half days on Fridays in July and August (pro rata)
• Team wellness day and team away day
• Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support

The British Academy – the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences - is seeking a Governance Officer to join our CEO’s Office, providing key support in the delivery of our EDI Strategy and governance functions.

The role

This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the centre of The British Academy to support our equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and governance activity. This varied role will support the delivery of the Academy’s EDI Strategy and action plans, helping drive meaningful initiatives across the organisation while also contributing to the smooth running of the Academy’s governance structures.

You will work closely with colleagues across the Academy, Fellows, senior stakeholders and external partners, playing an important role in supporting projects, events, communications and committee activity. From helping shape EDI initiatives and building relationships across networks to coordinating governance processes and supporting high-level meetings, this role offers the opportunity to support work that has an impact across the Academy and contribute to EDI best practice in the research sector.

This role would suit someone who is highly organised, proactive and collaborative, with excellent communication skills. You may already have experience in EDI work, governance, higher education or membership organisations. A commitment to EDI is essential and an understanding of the broader context and regulatory landscape surrounding EDI would be valuable. You will be comfortable using Microsoft Office 365 and working collaboratively across teams, bringing a positive, and respectful approach to your work.

Whether you’re looking to build your experience in governance or EDI and want a role where you can make a real contribution across the Academy, we’d love to hear from you.

About the Academy

The British Academy is the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences, established by Royal Charter in 1902. We mobilise these disciplines to understand the world and shape a brighter future. Today’s complex challenges can only be resolved by deepening our insight into people, culture, and societies. With a Fellowship of around 1,700 leading national and international academics, the Academy invests in researchers and projects across the UK and overseas; engages the public with fresh thinking and debates; and brings together scholars, government, business, and civil society to influence policy.

The Academy currently has five directorates: Communications & Marketing; Development; Policy; Research; and Resources, plus a small Governance & Fellowship Team.

Working at the Academy

Our senior management team have worked with staff to foster a culture of collaboration, respect, and empathy, in which all contributions are recognised as we work towards our common goals. Our people strategy and working practices focus on building strengths and sharing insights, with learning & development, wellbeing, and equality, diversity & inclusion at the centre of how we operate as an organisation. Investing in our staff and encouraging a healthy work/life balance is central to our success, as we move forward and continue to grow.

Terms and conditions

The British Academy is based at 10-11, Carlton House Terrace, London SW1, a Grade 1 listed building. We offer a competitive benefits package including a 35-hour working week, with hours and location worked flexibly under our hybrid-working policy; 34 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays; a subsidised canteen and an excellent occupational pension.

How to apply

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, in line with our commitment to create a diverse and inclusive working environment, promote equal opportunity, and address under-representation. We will make reasonable adjustments to support disabled job applicants and offer an interview to those meeting the minimum selection criteria.

To apply, and to see the full job description and our workplace values, please follow the apply link to visit our recruitment platform. 

Closing date: Midday on 17 June 2026.

For over 60 years the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) has been building a better childhood for all.

Senior CPD and Learning Officer (Adults)
Contract: Permanent
Work Pattern: Part Time, 28 hours per week (0.8 FTE) (We are open to flexible hours and working patterns, including accommodating part-time and compressed hours where possible).
Salary: £32,684 per annum
Location: Belfast BT15 + Northern Ireland / Newton Abbot TQ12 + Devon/Sheffield S1 or Remote UK homebased.

The Vacancy

Research in Practice has supported evidence-informed practice in adult social care for 21 years. We now have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Continuing Professional Development and Learning Officer to join our adult’s team.

This senior role is ideal for an experienced facilitator who has substantial experience in adult social care or related sectors. While the position requires engagement with, and understanding of, research it is not a primary research role.

The successful candidate will have experience designing and delivering programmes, whole day workshops, webinars, and other events for a range of audiences, including senior leaders. The role requires a strong understanding of research, policy, ethical and legal frameworks relevant to practice and the ability to translate complex evidence into accessible learning. Strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills are essential.

We are keen to hear from potential candidates who have detailed expert knowledge of adult social care and related adult services; knowledge of learning theory and its application to the development of learning activities; experience of developing and facilitating all-day workshops and other learning programmes and events with social care professionals; experience of leading quality assurance of learning activities and ensuring the quality of the work of others; a commitment to developing the work of others and sharing learning; a personal commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and anti-discriminatory practice, and in involving people with lived experience in effective, ethical and evidence-based ways; and experience of writing successful bids and tenders.

We are actively seeking to broaden the diversity of our staff group and warmly welcome applications from candidates underrepresented in the charity sector, including those from Black and Global Majority communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with lived experience of the issues NCB works on.

Research in Practice

Research in Practice is part of the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) family. For over 60 years, the NCB has been building a better childhood for all.

Research in Practice works with organisations across the adults and children’s social care, health and criminal justice sectors, supporting them to develop an evidence-informed approach to their work. This role is focused on our work with Adults. Our focus is on using evidence from research, practice and lived experience, to provide resources that improve policy and services, in order to achieve positive outcomes for people of all ages.

About NCB

For more than 60 years, the National Children’s Bureau has championed the rights and amplified the voice of children and young people in the UK. We interrogate policy and uncover evidence, blending in lived and learnt experience to shape future legislation and develop more effective ways of supporting children and families.

Bringing people and organisations together is fundamental to how we improve the systems that babies, children, young people and their families rely on to thrive. We push boundaries, even looking beyond childhood itself to consider transitions into adulthood and the impact of childhood issues on an entire lifespan. We are united for better childhoods and brighter futures.

The Benefits

• 30 Days Annual Leave
• Generous Pension Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Flexible Working
• Winter Holiday Closure & Break
• Employee Assistance Programme

Closing date: 8am, Tuesday 30th June 2026
Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications as soon as possible

Interested?

If you would like to apply and find out more about this position, please click the apply button to be directed to our website.

We are actively seeking to broaden the diversity of our staff group and warmly welcome applications from candidates underrepresented in the charity sector, including those from Black and Global Majority communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with lived experience of the issues NCB works on.

No agencies please.

Chief Executive, Cavernoma Alliance UK
Home-based within the UK
28 hours (including some evening and occasional weekend work)
Actual salary: £35,840 to £38,079
Equivalent full-time salary: £48,000 to £51,000

Cavernoma Alliance UK is a well-established UK charity supporting people affected by cavernoma, a rare condition involving clusters of abnormal blood vessels in the brain or spinal cord.

Founded in 2005 by people with lived experience of cavernoma, we provide peer support, trusted information, awareness raising and research advocacy for the cavernoma community. We also work closely with leading neurologists, neurosurgeons and researchers across the UK to help improve clinical care, information and research for people affected.

We are now looking for a new Chief Executive to lead and be an ambassador for the work of CAUK. This is a meaningful and varied role in a small charity where your contribution will be visible. It would suit someone looking for a senior charity role with real purpose, flexibility and a close connection to the community they support.

You will be joining an organisation with a supportive Board of Trustees, a staff team that cares deeply about the community we serve, highly committed volunteers, and strong clinical and research partnerships.

We are in the second year of our five-year strategy, ‘Together For a Cure - 2025 to 2030’, and are making good progress across our priorities. The current Chief Executive is leaving after three and a half years in post to take up a new opportunity, and the charity is in a positive and stable position.

A major focus for the role over the coming years will be supporting delivery of a five-year UK-wide clinical trial starting in August 2026. This study could potentially identify the first medication treatment for cavernoma.

Alongside this, the role will focus on maintaining sustainable income, supporting high quality peer-led services through our Head of Volunteering and Member Services and volunteer team, and continuing to grow CAUK’s reach and awareness, particularly online.

We would particularly welcome applications from people with previous charity management experience, whether within a small charity or in a more senior role within a larger organisation. We are also open to applicants who can demonstrate a strong understanding of the charity sector through trustee, professional or voluntary experience.

This is a home-based role with flexibility, although there will be occasional travel across the UK, typically every 1 to 2 months, including meetings in London.

If you would like an informal conversation about the role before applying, we would be happy to arrange this with the current Chief Executive and/or Chair of Trustees.

Key dates

Applications open: 27 May 2026
Closing date: 9am, 22 June 2026

Stage 1 interviews will be held virtually during the last week of June.
Stage 2 interviews will be held in person shortly afterwards.

How to apply

To apply, please read our Recruitment Pack carefully and then complete our online application form using the link below. You will also need to email your CV to us using the contact details provided in the Recruitment Pack.

Please note that applications submitted without both a completed application form and CV will not be considered.

We are unable to accept enquiries or applications from recruitment agencies.

Operations Coordinator 

Location: Hybrid (London office and home) 

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Four–day working week (32hours)

Reporting to: Head of Operations & Strategy

Salary: £30,000

About Spinal Research 

Every two hours, someone in the UK becomes paralysed. Globally, more than 15 million people live with paralysis. At Spinal Research, our vision is a world where paralysis can be cured. We fund groundbreaking research to deliver life-changing treatments for people with spinal cord injuries. By backing the brightest minds and fostering innovation, we are driving progress towards what could be the medical breakthrough of the 21st century: curing paralysis. We will not stop until that future is achieved.

The Role 

We’re looking for a proactive and highly organised Operations Coordinator to support the smooth running of the organisation. 

This is a varied role at the heart of a small charity, spanning governance, HR, finance and operations. You’ll work closely with the Head of Operations & Strategy and support colleagues across the organisation to ensure systems, processes and compliance run effectively. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Support board and governance processes, including meetings and record-keeping 

• Provide HR and finance administration, including recruitment coordination and invoice/expense processing 

• Help manage day-to-day operations, including office coordination, IT and suppliers 

• Act as Health & Safety Coordinator 

• Support data processes alongside the Data Manager 

• Contribute to cross-team projects and general organisational support 

About You 

• Experience in an administrative or operations role (charity or small organisation desirable) 

• Highly organised, detail-oriented and able to manage multiple priorities 

• Proactive, reliable and collaborative 

• Strong communication skills and discretion with confidential information 

• Comfortable working across a broad and varied remit 

Experience in HR, finance, governance or CRM systems is helpful but not essential. 

Working for Spinal Research 

We are a collaborative, mission-driven team committed to advancing research and improving outcomes for people living with spinal cord injury. We offer a supportive and inclusive culture, opportunities for connection and development, and a four-day working week to support wellbeing and flexibility. 

Ready to help us deliver life-changing impact?
Apply now to join Spinal Research and play a key role in our mission to cure paralysis.

Please send your CV and a cover letter outlining why you would like to work for Spinal Research, and why you would be a good fit for the role.

The Sentencing Academy, established in 2019, has made significant strides in advocating for effective sentencing practices and enhancing the understanding of sentencing among professionals and the public. We are now looking for a visionary leader to join us as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This pivotal role will oversee the strategic direction of the charity, strengthening future sustainability and marking a new chapter in its mission to promote evidenced-based approaches to sentencing to help reduce re-offending, provide justice to victims and improve public confidence.

About the Role

This key position offers the chance to shape and develop the future of the Sentencing Academy and its commitment to enhancing sentencing practices and research in England and Wales. It is a leadership opportunity that involves executing a strategic plan that supports the charity's longevity. It is a role that not only focuses on organisational growth and influence but also emphasises the importance of operational compliance, financial health, and fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders and partners. The budget for 2026/27 is fully funded but there is a need to significantly widen the organisation’s funding base to ensure its sustainability beyond the current financial year.

About You

We are seeking a passionate, and experienced leader with a proven track record in the non-profit sector to join our team as CEO. You will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with an interest in sentencing and the wider criminal justice system. Your background will include strategic planning, governance, and financial management, with a strong ability to secure funding through grants and partnerships.

You will inspire and lead a diverse team, with expertise to build and maintain strong relationships, and represent our organisation in public forums and the media. As a forward-thinking leader you will demonstrate strong analytical problem-solving skills, and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure.

What We Offer

The post is offered on a 0.5 to 0.8 FTE basis (18.75 to 30 hours per week) on a permanent basis. An attractive package is offered alongside flexible hybrid working arrangements. The Sentencing Academy is currently a remote organisation although attendance at regular meetings in London will be essential. The salary for this post is £70,000 pro rata.

As the UK’s leading dementia research charity, we’re determined to stop this from becoming a reality. We’re working to revolutionise the way we treat, diagnose and prevent dementia. But we will not stop there. With your support, we will keep going until every person is free from the heartbreak of dementia. We exist for a cure.

The Paralegal will support the Legal team by providing high-quality legal and governance assistance across a broad range of matters, including commercial contracts, data protection, charity governance, and compliance. This role will help ensure the organisation operates effectively, ethically, and in accordance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements, while supporting the charity’s wider mission and strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

· Support the Legal & Compliance team with commercial contracts, including drafting, reviewing, redlining, and contract lifecycle management.

· Assist with data protection compliance and related processes, including maintaining confidentiality and supporting GDPR obligations.

· Support governance, company secretarial, and charity law related matters as required.

· Conduct legal and regulatory research on matters affecting the charity and non-profit sector.

· Maintain accurate legal records, filing systems, and documentation.

· Assist with the preparation and management of policies, agreements, and governance materials.

· Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders across departments, escalating legal or compliance risks appropriately.

· Liaise with external legal advisers, regulators, trustees, and other stakeholders where necessary.

· Monitor legal and compliance deadlines to ensure timely action.

Knowledge, skills and experience needed:

· Law degree (or equivalent) and at least 2 years’ Paralegal or relevant legal support experience.

· Experience supporting commercial contracts.

· Sound understanding of data protection principles and confidentiality requirements.

· Strong organisational skills with excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage competing deadlines.

· Good judgement, including the ability to assess legal or operational risk and escalate appropriately.

· Confident user of Microsoft Office and comfortable working with legal processes and documentation.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

· Collaborative, proactive, and service-oriented approach.

Additional Information:

Ways of working:

As part of our Agile ways of working you will be required to work approximately 2 days a week from the office, which is subject to the requirements of the role and the business needs. Flexibility on where you work can be split between working from home and our office.

Roles that are classed as part of the Agile ways of working are not able to claim any costs for Mileage/Travel on Public Transport, Accommodation and/or Meals.  This includes when attending the office for various meetings/events.

Our Office: Our office is at 3 Riverside, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AD. 

Salary: Circa £40,000 per annum, plus benefits.

Please download the Vacancy Pack on our website for more information.

The closing date for applications is the 7th June 2026, with interviews being arrange once shortlisting has been completed. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity, as on occasion we may have to bring forward the interview date and/or the closing date based on the needs of the business. Although a possibility, this will only happen in exceptional circumstances. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential.  We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, particularly from those in the global majority, those with disabilities, men and those from the LGBTQIA+ community. Any offer of employment is however subject to you having the right to work in the UK.

As part of our commitment to being an inclusive employer and ensuring fairness and consistency in our selection process, we will handle your CV and application with the utmost confidentiality. Should you require any adjustments at either the application or interview stage, please contact us via our website. 

How to apply: Please create an online account using our Online Recruitment Platform which can be accessed through our Job Vacancies page. You will be able to attach your CV to your application and track the status of your application.

About Alzheimer’s Research UK: Alzheimer's Research UK is the UK's leading dementia research charity. Our mission is to accelerate progress towards a cure.  Today 1 in 2 people will be impacted by dementia, either through caring for a loved one, developing it themselves or tragically both. But there is hope. 

Chief Executive Officer

British Liver Trust (transitioning to Liver UK)
Location: Hybrid (UK based, with monthly travel to Winchester)
Salary: circa £90,000, dependent on experience

Lead the next chapter for liver health in the UK

This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected and financially stable health charity at a pivotal moment of transformation.

Following a successful merger, the organisation is preparing to launch as Liver UK, bringing together services, information and advocacy across all ages. With a clear, trustee-approved strategy for 2026–2032 already in place, the next Chief Executive will focus on delivery, growth and national influence.

A strong platform and a planned transition

This role comes at a natural and positive point within a planned leadership transition.

Our current Chief Executive has provided long-standing, successful leadership and is excited to deliver the final phase of the rebrand before handing over. The incoming CEO will inherit a well-led organisation with strong governance, a clear strategic direction, and real momentum.

About the role

As Chief Executive, you will lead delivery of an established strategy, ensuring the organisation continues to grow its reach, impact and income.

You will work closely with an engaged and supportive Board of Trustees to maintain high standards of governance, regulatory compliance and risk management, while strengthening the charity’s voice in national policy and public affairs.

This is a role that balances external influence with internal leadership, ensuring both impact and organisational resilience.

Key responsibilities

• Deliver a trustee-approved long-term strategy, refining priorities as needed
• Ensure robust governance, legal and regulatory compliance
• Lead policy, public affairs and national influencing activity
• Maintain financial sustainability and drive income growth
• Lead and develop a high-performing Senior Management Team
• Oversee delivery of high-quality services and information

About you

You are a credible and values-driven leader with senior experience in the charity, health or related sectors.

You will bring:

• Proven senior leadership experience at Director or CEO level
• Strong understanding of governance, finance and regulatory compliance
• Experience influencing policy and working with senior stakeholders
• A track record of delivering organisational growth and impact
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• You will be confident working with a Board of Trustees, able to build strong relationships, provide clear advice, and operate effectively in a governance-led environment.

You will be motivated by improving health outcomes and confident leading an organisation with both national influence and strong operational delivery.

Why join us?

• A clear, trustee-approved strategy ready for delivery
• Strong governance, financial stability and organisational foundations
• A positive and well-managed leadership transition
• The opportunity to shape a newly unified, UK-wide charity
• A chance to make a meaningful difference in an under-recognised area of health
• A strong, engaged and motivated Board

A competitive salary will be offered, reflecting the experience, skills and leadership qualities of the successful candidate.

The COO will translate BLiM's mission and strategy and ensure its well-run, properly resourced, with its ambitious day-to-day delivery. You will free the CEO to focus on strategic leadership and external influence by owning operations, people management, financial oversight and internal systems.

The COO will be a senior leader who shapes organisational culture, makes operational decisions, manages complex stakeholder relationships and drives the performance of a passionate, high-commitment team. You will be the person the organisation looks to when it needs clarity, stability and momentum.

The COO joins at a moment of leadership transition following the departure of BLiM's co-founder and Director of Operations.

Why Join Us:

Black Lives in Music (BLiM) is a not-for-profit dedicated to advancing racial equity across the UK music industry. We amplify the voices of Black artists, music professionals and communities; drive systemic change; and hold the industry accountable for meaningful progress. Through research, advocacy, programming and strategic partnerships, BLiM creates the conditions for Black talent to thrive.

BLiM has published ground-breaking research including the Being Black in the UK Music Industry report, produced the UK's first Black classical music festival in Classically Black, influenced government policy on live music licensing, and built a network of over 100 partner organisations across the four nations. BLiM is now entering a new phase of its development, with a strengthened leadership team, a Target Operating Model designed to carry the organisation beyond its founding era, and an ambition to become the UK's most influential voice for racial equity in music.

Person Specification 

Essential

• Significant experience in a senior operational leadership role, ideally as a COO, Head of Operations or Director of Operations in a charity, social enterprise or purpose-driven organisation.

• Demonstrable track record of building and improving operational infrastructure: systems, processes, policies and ways of working that make organisations more effective and resilient.

• Proven people management experience, including line management of senior staff, performance development, recruitment and team culture-building.

• Strong financial literacy, including experience of budget management, grant compliance, financial reporting and working with a board finance function.

• Experience of leading or supporting governance processes, including board reporting, risk management and compliance.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex operational information into clear, accessible reports and presentations for senior stakeholders.

• A genuine, demonstrable commitment to racial equity and an understanding of the specific systemic barriers faced by Black professionals, artists and communities.

• The emotional intelligence and interpersonal skill to lead with care, build trust quickly and navigate complex relationships under pressure.

• The resilience and adaptability to thrive in a small, fast-paced, mission-driven organisation where the work is varied, the stakes are high and no day is the same.

Desirable

• Experience of working in or with the music industry, creative industries or arts and culture sector.

• Familiarity with Arts Council England funding frameworks, charity law and the regulatory environment for non-profit organisations.

• Experience of implementing or managing a CRM system, project management platform or other operational technology.

• Knowledge of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) frameworks and how to embed inclusive practice into operational systems and culture.

• Experience of leading an organisation through a period of significant change, transition or growth.

• An existing network within the UK music sector, creative industries or racial equity and social justice space.

At BLiM, we're interviewing on a rolling basis, so we'd encourage you to apply sooner rather than later!

To be considered for a first interview, please include a Cover Letter with your application. This initial conversation will be relaxed and informal, and we'll take you through the full interview process together so you know exactly what to expect at every stage.

Project & Finance Officer

Location: London (Hybrid working – minimum 3 days per week in the office)
Salary: £30,000-£34,000 per annum, depending on experience
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time
Reports to: Director of Finance & Administration

About the Changing Markets Foundation

The Changing Markets Foundation was formed to accelerate and scale up solutions to sustainability challenges by leveraging the power of markets. We work to expose unsustainable corporate practices and drive systemic change across sectors, helping to shift markets towards more sustainable models. Through research, advocacy, communications and coalition-building, we work with partners around the world to influence businesses, policymakers and consumers.

We are a small, dynamic and mission-driven team, committed to creating meaningful impact. This is an exciting opportunity to join a collaborative organisation working at the forefront of sustainability campaigning and market transformation.

About the Role

We are seeking an organised, proactive and detail-oriented Project & Finance Officer to support the smooth day-to-day running of the organisation across finance, project coordination, fundraising administration and office operations.

This is a varied and hands-on role suited to someone who enjoys working across multiple priorities in a small, fast-paced NGO environment. The successful candidate will play an important role in supporting financial processes, grants administration, campaign delivery and organisational coordination, ensuring strong internal systems and effective operational support across the team.

The role requires excellent organisational skills, strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple workstreams independently.

Key Responsibilities

Finance & Administration

• Process staff expenses, credit card reconciliations and invoices in a timely and accurate manner.
• Support payment processing, including setting up bank payments as part of internal dual-control financial procedures.
• Assist with maintaining accurate financial records and supporting internal financial controls.
• Support during the audit by collating documentation, schedules and supporting information.
• Draft service agreements and support contract administration, including maintaining organised records and tracking approvals.
• Support organisational governance, including preparation for Board meetings, drafting agendas, compiling papers and taking minutes.
• Assist with general financial and administrative processes to support the smooth running of the organisation.

Fundraising & Grants Administration

• Set up, maintain and monitor a fundraising and grants calendar, including proposal deadlines, grant start and end dates, as well as financial and narrative reporting deadlines.
• Support donor communications, including individual giving administration and correspondence.
• Track grant and subgrant agreements, monitor signature status, and ensure fully executed agreements are appropriately stored and accessible.
• Support correspondence and administration relating to US foundations and other funders.
• Maintain accurate grant records and filing systems to ensure compliance and effective reporting.

Project & Campaign Support

• Support the delivery of the organisation’s campaigns and advocacy projects, primarily on methane, including coordination across workstreams and follow-up on agreed actions.
• Assist with website updates, newsletters and other communications materials.
• Manage correspondence with companies, policymakers, partners and other external stakeholders.
• Support campaign launches, including coordination of logistics, report production and visual materials.
• Help organise events, workshops and webinars, including technical and logistical support.
• Support partnership working on joint campaigns and advocacy activities, including administration of subgrants and partner coordination.

Office Operations

• Support the smooth day-to-day running of the London office.
• Organise internal meetings, staff activities and office logistics.
• Liaise with building management and service providers as required.
• Coordinate office procurement, supplies and mailings.

Person Specification

Essential

• At least 2–4 years’ relevant professional experience, ideally within an NGO, charity, public interest or mission-driven organisation.
• Experience supporting financial administration, including invoices, expenses, payment processing or financial record-keeping.
• Experience of project coordination, grants administration or organisational operations.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent IT skills, including Microsoft Office, including Excel/Google Workspace, and confidence working with databases and online systems.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative and problem-solve in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively within a small team.

Desirable

• Experience working in an NGO, campaigning or sustainability-focused organisation.
• Familiarity with grants cycle, donor reporting or fundraising administration.
• Experience supporting events, webinars or stakeholder engagement.
• Experience of board administration or governance support.
• Interest in sustainability, environmental issues or public-interest advocacy.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to contribute to high-impact sustainability and advocacy work.
• A collaborative and supportive working environment within a small, international team.
• Hybrid working arrangements (minimum three days per week in our London office).
• 25 days annual leave plus UK Bank Holidays
• Employer pension contributions of 4% of eligible salary
• Annual personal Health & Wellbeing budget (after probation)
• Private health and life insurance benefits reimbursement (after probation)
• Opportunities for professional development and learning.

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, communities and experiences.

We're looking for an exceptional Partnerships & Philanthropy Manager to work in the Fundraising Unit for a passionate and growing organisation.

Proposed salary: £65,000 - £75,000 depending on experience plus a generous benefits package. 

If you are interested in this position but salary or location is a barrier to applying, please get in touch with our team to discuss, as we may be able to offer some flexibility based on individual circumstances.

Location: Flexible location within the UK, with the expectation of attending our central London office on Mondays.

Reports to: Strategic Partnerships and Philanthropy Lead.

Deadline: We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis, with a deadline of 9am, Monday 22nd June 2026.

We reserve the right to close applications early should we receive a substantial number of applications from outstanding candidates.

About CLTR

The Centre for Long-Term Resilience (CLTR) is a UK-based, non-profit and independent think tank with a mission to transform global resilience to extreme AI and biological risks. We achieve this by working with governments and institutions, offering targeted, evidence-based advice designed to enhance understanding, decision-making and governance.

The Role

The Centre for Long-Term Resilience is looking for a full-time Strategic Partnerships and Philanthropy Manager with knowledge of CLTR's areas of policy focus (AI safety and biosecurity) and with strong fluency in the conventions, expectations, and writing styles of philanthropic funders focused on extreme risks.

The Strategic Partnerships and Philanthropy Manager will play a central role in CLTR’s Fundraising Unit, holding day-to-day responsibility for a portfolio of significant funder partnerships and prospects, and supporting the organisation's long-term fundraising strategy. This is a hands-on role requiring excellent relationship management and project management skills, outstanding written communication skills, and the ability to work effectively across teams in a fast-paced environment. 

The role works closely with CLTR's policy unit leads, who are responsible for accuracy of programme content in fundraising materials and, where needed, providing direction on content and structure based on their own knowledge of specific donor preferences. 

What You'll Do

• Hold day-to-day responsibility for a portfolio of funder relationships, maintaining an up-to-date picture of each funder's priorities, renewal timelines, and grant spend down for discussion with CLTR’s Strategic Partnerships and Philanthropy Lead, CEO and policy unit leads.

• Project manage the delivery of donor-facing materials, including complex proposals, reports, and updates. This involves working in close partnership with policy units to agree on a structure, gathering relevant content, ensuring the framing of policy work is reflected appropriately (and contributing to this framing through donor-specific intelligence and relationship insight), coordinating with external contractors for strategic writing support, and enabling policy unit involvement throughout this process. 

• Coordinate with our finance team on proposal budgets for major funding bids, ensuring asks are financially robust and aligned with organisational planning.

• Track and communicate proposal and reporting timelines, ensuring clarity around deadlines and required inputs.

• Conduct research on donors and prospects and help to build a pipeline of donors interested in funding work in the extreme risks space, working with senior stakeholders to identify relationship entry points and brief policy units to prepare for meetings.

• Oversee due diligence for your caseload, coordinating with external contractors as needed.

• Work with senior colleagues, including policy unit leads, to engage funders on the organisation's work and coordinate communications when navigating multi-stakeholder relationships.

• Support effective grant management and compliance in coordination with the Operations Unit.

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in CLTR's CRM system. 

• Suggest areas for process and systems improvement.

• Actively feed into income forecast projections, monitor progress against forecast, document changes and risks.

• Stay abreast of developments in the extreme risks funding landscape, feeding relevant intelligence into strategic planning.

• Attend relevant events and conferences to represent CLTR, expand our network and raise the profile of the organisation.

What You'll Bring

Essential

• Exceptional project management skills, highly organised and able to manage multiple deadlines across a complex portfolio.

• Strong knowledge of CLTR's areas of policy focus, particularly AI safety and biosecurity.

• Written fluency in theory of change articulation, prioritisation frameworks, explicit reasoning about cost-effectiveness and counterfactual impact, and calibrated communication of uncertainty

• Strong familiarity with extreme risk philanthropy, including its key funders and the norms and expectations of this funding ecosystem.

• Demonstrable experience of managing senior stakeholder relationships.

• Excellent proposal and report writing and editing skills, with the ability to translate complex policy content into clear and compelling donor-facing materials.

• Confidence working with financial information, including grant budgets and financial reports.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with confidence working alongside senior internal and external stakeholders and confidence to “manage upwards”.

• Strong listening and relational intelligence - able to pick up on what funders care about from calls, meetings and informal interactions, and translate this into clear, actionable input to inform proposal development and stewardship strategy.

• A collaborative, low-ego approach, with the ability to build strong relationships across a small, busy team.

• A calm and solution-focused approach under pressure, with flexibility and agility when priorities shift.

• Ability to handle highly sensitive information discreetly and professionally. 

Desirable

• Experience of managing high-net-worth donor relationships.

• Experience of working in a policy, research, or advocacy context.

• Familiarity with CRM systems such as Copper or similar.

• Strong ability to use frontier AI tools to enhance the efficiency and quality of your work.

• Experience of using Asana or similar project management tools.

• Experience of managing contractors or freelancers.

Salary and Benefits

£65,000-£75,000, depending on experience.

In addition to your salary, CLTR offers a generous benefits package which includes:

• 30 days annual leave, plus public holidays;

• £5,000 (before tax) annual wellbeing budget, for you to spend at your discretion on items such as gym membership, therapy, meditation, etc.;

• £3,000 annual learning and development budget, plus up to five days paid work time;

• £2,000 onboarding grant for equipment and supplies;

• A pension contribution scheme (up to 7% employer-matched contribution);

• Private health insurance;

• Group life insurance;

• Generous parental leave benefits; and

• Paid office lunches twice a week, including on Mondays.

Working with CLTR also comes with a commitment to caring deeply about your wellbeing, career development and overall experience working with our team, and to respecting your preferred working patterns, including flexible working hours as agreed with your line manager, wherever possible.

Location and Travel Requirements

Flexible location within the UK, with the expectation of attending our central London office once a week, on Mondays. We may be open to exploring fully remote working arrangements in exceptional circumstances for a limited period of time.

How to Apply

Please visit our website to submit your CV and cover letter (no more than one side of A4) by 9am, 22nd June 2026. Please use your cover letter to explain your interest in the role and how you meet the person specification. Further details on the application process are available there. 

If you are unsure about applying or have questions about the role or process, we encourage you to get in touch with us. 

Diversity and Inclusion

As an employer, we encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply and do not discriminate based on age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We also warmly welcome applicants returning to work after career breaks.

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.