Senior communication officer jobs

Full-time 35 hours per week. 2 year's fixed term

For the right candidate we are open to flexible working terms. Hybrid working is available, office based in Gloucester

Salary Band 5 (£30,961 – 33,682) per annum depending on experience

We are looking for a highly organised, experienced and exceptional administrator to work as a trusted partner to The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Church Development Agency (CDA). The CDA is a national organisation dedicated to supporting the Church in serving its communities through the delivery of affordable housing and community development projects, established in response to the Church of England’s “Coming Home” report.  

This key role within the CDA requires a thinker who can anticipate needs, manage priorities, and support The CEO in his leadership function and ensuring effective governance. The Executive Assistant (EA) will play a pivotal role in enabling the CEO to oversee a diverse portfolio of approximately 50 affordable housing projects. Most of the work is funded by the Oak Foundation, with a focus on achieving long-term sustainability.

The ideal candidate will have:

· Demonstrable experience of working as a high-level EA support to a CEO/Senior leader or equivalent

· Excellent time management and the ability to balance numerous priorities and deadlines

· A high degree of confidentiality and flexibility

Crucially, you will love to organise and drive forward actions while building meaningful relationships and enabling social impact.  If you are looking for a stimulating role where no day is the same, this could be the perfect job for you.

Closing date is 10 am on Monday 12th January 2026

Interviews in Gloucester on Thursday 22nd January 2026

Title: Safeguarding Officer

Location: Gilwell Park, E4 7QW (with Hybrid working ) 1 day present in office per week; that includes in person Team Meetings/Trainings

Salary: £39,560.00 Band F, Level 3 (Inclusive of Outer London Weighting)

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full-time (35 hours per week)

The Role

We are are seeking to appoint a full time Safeguarding Officer to join the team on a permanent basis, working on safeguarding, welfare and vetting cases as part of the delivery of Safe Scouting across the UK. The post is based at Gilwell Park, London.

As part of the Safeguarding Team, you would be responsible for giving support and advice to local volunteer managers in responding to concerns affecting the safety and welfare of young people; for progressing safeguarding, welfare and vetting referrals, assessing risk; and making the necessary referrals to statutory agencies where required. You would be able to manage a caseload and adhere to deadlines and procedural expectations in a fast-paced environment.

As our Safeguarding Officer, the Key responsibilities are:

• Assess safeguarding allegations made against those involved in Scouting’s work including young people
• Assess suitability of leaders where adverse information is shown on disclosure checks
• To operate within statutory guidance (UK wide) in relation to adults who hold a Position of Trust
• Provide support and guidance to senior volunteer managers

What we are looking for in our Safeguarding Officer:

• Good interpersonal skills
• Effective communication skills
• Able to work within a team
• Ability to work on own initiative
• Maintaining strategic partnerships with other agencies

Benefits:

• We are an award-winning Charity of the Year (Charity Times Awards 2022) with over 400 employees across multiple locations across the country.
• 28 days holiday and going up to 32 days after 2 years’ service plus additional days at Christmas
• Flexible working hours
• Work in a way that suits you, your role and your department
• Double matching pension up to 10% of gross salary

For a full list of our benefits click .

Closing date for applications: 11:59 pm Sunday 11th January 2026

Interviews will be held in person at Gilwell Park on Friday 23rd  January 2026

Strictly no agencies. 

The Scouts is an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. We offer flexible working arrangements to support diverse needs and lifestyles, ensuring that our teams can thrive both professionally and personally. We welcome and encourage applicants from all walks of life, believing that varied perspectives strengthen our innovation and community. Your unique experiences and ideas are essential to our success, and we look forward to hearing from all voices.

Your role

We are seeking a Digital Communication & Events Coordinator to support Design for Good’s programmes and initiatives. You will bring energy, ownership, and initiative to strengthen existing work and deliver new activities, working closely with our Communications & PR lead, programme staff, and senior management to execute our digital communications and events strategy.

The working environment is informal, multilingual, team-oriented, and encourages individual input, learning, and an entrepreneurial mindset. You will have the opportunity to showcase our international scope, activate a global network, and support the delivery of impact-driven programmes to improve life through design. This role reports to the Managing Director of Design for Good.

Key requirements

• 3+ years’ experience in Business, Communications, Marketing, Design, or a related field, with a strong interest in digital communications and events.

• Excellent written and spoken English; additional languages a plus.

• Highly organised, detail-oriented, able to structure, prioritise, and meet deadlines consistently.

• Comfortable working independently in a remote, international team.

• Able to manage multiple priorities and support planning and coordination of digital and in-person events.

• Creative and confident using design skills for social content, presentations, and basic animations (a strong plus).

• Proactive, with strong ownership, follow-through, and a practical “can-do” mindset.

• Curious and people-oriented, motivated to build and nurture relationships across partners, volunteers, and collaborators.

• Passion for social and environmental impact; non-profit experience is a plus.

Key responsibilities

Digital Communications & Social Media

• Support development and execution of social media strategies to expand reach and impact.

• Schedule, publish, and manage content across social and email channels.

• Create social media assets (graphics, animations, reels, videos).

• Monitor, analyse, and report monthly on performance.

• Ensure consistency across all digital communication channels.

• Support creation of the Annual Review, including content coordination and internal reviews.

• Develop and adapt presentations for partners, funders, events, and internal use.

• Prepare briefings and communication materials for stakeholders and events.

Website Development & Maintenance

• Manage website content via CMS (Squarespace experience a plus).

• Gather, create, and post relevant content.

• Analyse and report key platform metrics monthly.

Online and In-person Events

• Support planning and delivery of webinars, Q&A sessions, and other online events.

• Moderate live chats and Q&A sessions, including Slack and Teams.

• Upload and manage event recordings on YouTube.

• Assist coordination of in-person events, including the annual global gathering and CDO roundtables.

Preferred skills and qualifications

• Ability to translate complex topics into clear, engaging content.

• Experience supporting events beyond logistics, including participant engagement and follow-up.

• Interest in ethical, person-first, inclusive storytelling across cultures and regions.

• Confidence experimenting with new digital formats (carousels, short videos, interactive presentations).

• Experience working with volunteers, pro bono partners, or multi-stakeholder collaborations.

• Exposure to or experience in international culture, creativity, or sustainability initiatives.

• Comfortable using engagement metrics to improve communications.

• Proactive, accountable, and able to follow through on commitments.

• Ensure all communications reflect Design for Good’s tone, values, and visual identity.

Race Against Dementia is a global charity founded by three-time Formula 1 World Champion Sir Jackie Stewart OBE to find preventions, treatments and cures for dementia – faster.

We fund and support pioneering early-career scientists around the world, giving them the tools, mentoring and Formula 1-inspired mindset to accelerate breakthroughs. From the UK to the USA, Australia to South Africa, our researchers are rethinking how dementia research is done – applying data science, AI and engineering to neuroscience in bold, collaborative ways.

This role sits within Race Against Dementia’s small, dynamic Fundraising and Marketing team, which raises income in the UK from individuals, major donors, trusts and foundations, and community fundraisers. The team works closely together to build awareness, inspire support, and deliver exceptional experiences for our donors and supporters.

Purpose of the Role

The Fundraising Officer plays a key role in delivering Race Against Dementia’s fundraising and marketing activity, helping to grow income and strengthen supporter relationships. The role combines operational excellence with creativity: managing systems, data and platforms to ensure effective delivery, while producing engaging content and stories that inspire action.

Duties and Responsibilities

Marketing and Communications

• Manage incoming communications to the fundraising team, ensuring timely, professional responses
• Maintain the CRM with up to date and accurate supporter information, and act as organisational lead on CRM best practice and management
• Set up dashboards and reporting systems in the CRM to monitor donor behaviours and patterns Provide regular updates and reports to the fundraising team on supporter behaviours, channel performance, trends etc. to inform strategy

Fundraiser communications and events

• Act as first point of contact for individuals and organisations fundraising for the charity
• Record and track all fundraising events and activities, implementing communication plans to welcome, support, and thank participants
• Work with the Public Fundraising and Marketing Lead to build digital and automated onboarding and stewardship journeys for community fundraisers
• Oversee the delivery of excellent stewardship for community fundraisers through responsive support, proactive communication and effective use of automated journeys to enhance their experience and results
• Build strategies to maximise fundraiser income, including targets, incentives etc.
• Lead on the planning and execution of fundraising engagement events, optimising the on-site experience and income generation potential.
• Support and coordinate fundraising volunteers for key engagement events, building a stewardship programme across the year

Fundraising Operations

• Manage our major fundraising platforms (e.g. Just Giving) to ensure data accuracy and compliance
• Support the management of our legacy and in memory donations, delivering thoughtful and sensitive  supporter communications
• Work with the Finance Manager on monthly direct debits and income reconciliation.
• Undertake research to identify new supporter, donor, trust/foundation and HNW prospects aligned with our mission

Logistics and Administration

• Maintain records of fundraising materials and merchandise, reordering stock as needed.
• Oversee the relationship with the fulfilment house to ensure smooth delivery of goods and supporter packs
• Track and manage auction items and raffle prizes, monitoring usage and income
• Support the delivery of key Race Against Dementia events, providing logistical support and ensuring excellent supporter experiences
• Maintain team calendars, campaign planners, and shared resources to support smooth team operations

We’re looking for an organised and person centred leader who can join our leadership team to support the quality, growth and sustainability of Stomping Grounds North East CIO.

The Deputy CEO will support the CEO by planning, overseeing, monitoring, reporting and taking appropriate action to deliver the service, business and financial strategies ofStomping Grounds North East CIO, with a focus on developing people, business and safeguarding and ensuring management capability across the organisation. It is key that the successful candidate can work at least some of the school holidays. 

Reports to: CEO

Hours of work :35 hours per week (1 FTE)

Remuneration: TBD

Main responsibilities 

• To ensure projects and delivery adheres to the Company’s vision, mission and values. 

• To oversee the development and implementation of new projects and sessions to meet the Company’s aims and objectives. Specifically, to ensure that:

  • Appropriate risk assessments are undertaken and documented in line with Stomping Grounds Risk Assessment procedure

  • Appropriate communications to and involvement of communities, parents and schools are delivered effectively

  • High quality Forest School provision is delivered, in line with the Stomping Grounds NE vision

• To proactively manage the financial performance of projects and the business overall, including overseeing the planning and delivery of fundraising and donations

• To oversee, monitor and report on all aspects of business governance including health and safety, safeguarding and employee wellbeing.

• To work with line managers to develop their managerial capabilities and performance, with a focus on team development. As part of this, to ensure that:

  • Regular meetings of the team leaders are organised to share information on business performance, plans and issues and to create action plans as appropriate

  • Appropriate observations are conducted, documented and shared

  • PDRs are completed in line with company policy

  • To ensure training is up to date and relevant

  • To ensure that company policies are up to date and relevant and are reviewed as required

• To be proactive and maintain requirements for governing bodies, associations and memberships

• To develop and support the implementation of effective evaluation and impact monitoring processes, including annual reporting of the impact of Stomping Grounds work. 

• To attend meetings of the Board of Trustees and report progress against the business plan

• To carry out other duties compatible with the role purpose as reasonably required or as directed by the CEO.

Person Specification 

Essential 

• Proven exceptional leadership skills

• Experience of leading and developing a diverse staff team

• Excellent communication skills 

• Excellent organisational skills 

• Extensive project management experience

• Excellent understanding of neurodivergence 

• Excellent business management skills 

• Flexibility to work during school holidays 

• Ability to travel to our multi region sites including but not restricted to: Prudhoe, Haltwhistle, Chopwell, Leadgate, Benwell and Gateshead Riverside Park

• Commitment to Stomping Grounds Mission and Values

Desirable 

• Experience with Ofsted

• Experience of working in the charity sector

• Experience of working with children and young people, particularly those with neurodivergence and/or who are not currently thriving in mainstream schools

• Experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead

• Experience of leading teams through change and growth

We abide by Safer Recruitment guidelines and therefore we only accept application forms.

This is a very special role with huge potential for the right candidate to deliver transformational impact in our communities in Somerset.

The Opportunity

There is significant potential for growth, particularly through gifts in Wills, working in partnership with professional advisers and growing high-value fundraising. We’re also broadening our appeal to a wider range of donors and partners having launched our Collective Giving Funds, which offer a compelling way for anyone to give strategically to the causes and places they care about in Somerset

As our Philanthropy and Marketing Director you will be at the forefront of this ambition. We’re looking for a strategic leader who can balance vision with execution to deliver great results. You’ll need to be a credible, emotionally intelligent and authentic relationship builder, adept at building trust, genuinely passionate about our mission and have strong alignment with our values.

This senior leadership role also holds strategic responsibility for marketing and brand positioning, enabling us to unlock the full potential of philanthropy in Somerset to drive change in our communities. We’ve recently invested in the growth of our Philanthropy and Marketing Team, and have welcomed a specialist marketing Trustee on to our Board.

We’re looking for an experienced and inclusive manager, confident at providing a balance of coaching and mentoring to help our talented team to develop and shine. And as an active and engaged member of our Senior Leadership Team, you’ll share our passion for continuous improvement, help to drive organisational growth and development, and provide expert advice and guidance to our Board of Trustees.

The impact we make as a charity is achieved largely through our funding programmes. You must have an appreciation of the role that community-led charities and groups play in creating positive change locally. And the role we, as a place-based funder, can play to support that work. You do not, however, need experience of working for a funder previously.

Download the recruitment pack to see the roles full responsibilities and required skills, knowledge and experience.

About Somerset Community Foundation

Somerset Community Foundation (SCF) (charity no.1094446) is a grant-making charity that helps build strong communities where everyone can thrive. We do this by funding local charities and facilitating local giving.

We provide simple, rewarding and impactful ways for donors to give locally, guided by research and our unrivalled local knowledge.

For small, local charities, community groups and social enterprises, we provide vital funding and support to help their organisations flourish. We raise and distribute between £4 million and £5 million of funding to local groups every year. We’re also building an endowment for long-term investment into our communities, which is currently valued at around £11 million.

By inspiring local giving and funding social action, we support local communities to drive change and realise their dreams.

SCF is part of a network of 47 Community Foundations operating throughout the UK. Together we are one of the largest funders of communities across the nation.

Individual Giving Officer

Location: Bristol (Hybrid Working, Mon to Fri)

Salary: £28,500 to £30,030 per annum

Contract: Full-time 35 Hours per week, Permanent

About our Organisation 

The Soil Association, formed in 1946, is the only UK charity which works across the spectrum of human health, the environment and animal welfare. That’s because we cannot tackle these issues in isolation.

We campaign for change, we support farming innovation, we serve healthy food in communities, we support and grow the organic market, and we protect forests. We couldn't do any of this without our supporters, partners, donors and dedicated staff. We make a difference in the world where it’s needed the most. 

About the Opportunity

Join our ambitious fundraising team and play a vital role in retaining and developing supporters to raise income for the Charity. You’ll have a passion for donor centric communications and enjoy working across multi-channel campaigns. You’ll bring experience in excellent supporter stewardship and writing for different audiences across both print and digital formats.

About you 

You've gained experience within a fundraising team and have knowledge about the needs of charitable donors. Understanding of a CRM or database is essential in order to deliver supporter journeys and manage donor data. You'll have worked in a similar role previously where you've written for a variety of audiences across multiple channels. Experience of end of end project management for delivering a printed magazine is essential, as this is a large part of this role. As well as working knowledge of email marketing tools and analytics.

Our Benefits 

• We offer a range of financial and lifestyle benefits to all our employees, including:
• 27 days annual holiday increasing to 30 days with length of service plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time) 
• Pension scheme with ethical investment options and employer contribution increasing with length of service 
• Free membership of the Soil Association and discounts on organic produce 
• Volunteer days to give back to the local community or support green initiatives 
• Family friendly policies and flexible working
• Cycle to work scheme 
• Sociable and engaging workplace of professionals that share a passion for healthy, sustainable lifestyle and produce.

To Apply 

Please check your junk/spam folder if you do not receive a confirmation email upon submitting your application. All candidates will subsequently receive an email to confirm whether they have made it through to interview stage. 

Please note we do not accept CVs or Cover Letters. 

We know the value of diversity in nature and want it in our organisation. We recognise that diverse backgrounds and experiences will bring a fresh perspective to our work. If you're not sure about applying, please get in touch with us for a chat. 

Thank you for your interest in supporting our work at the Soil Association. 

This role supports Kate Varah, as Executive Assistant to the Executive Director and Co-Chief Executive (EAED), providing proactive, discreet, senior-level support within a busy office and theatre environment.

The EAED will support Kate in delivering their role efficiently and effectively, focusing on significant and complex diary management to ensure smart and strategic prioritisation. They will source and / or draft correspondence, research notes, speeches and briefings as needed; develop, implement, and maintain systems as necessary; arrange local, national and international travel; co-ordinate the sector-wide leadership network that the NT provides administration support to; support a collaborative and values-driven working atmosphere within a dynamic environment.

As an engaged and diplomatic communicator, they would act as first point of contact for all matters relating to the ED, working in partnership with colleagues in the Directors’ Office, Senior Leadership Team, and more widely across the organisation, as well as with artists and external parties. The EAED would be trusted to support or lead on projects as required, and act as an effective bridge for all relevant communications to ensure Executive awareness and involvement as necessary.

The successful candidates will have the following:  

• Experience in an assistant role within an Executive-level environment (corporate or charity sector)
• Exceptional written and administrative skills, with a focus complex and strategic diary management
• Excellent communication (in all mediums), interpersonal, and organisational skills, including building and maintaining key relationships in a senior space
• Proven experience in safeguarding sensitive and confidential information accordingly, with a core understanding of prioritisation
• Experience in minuting and report drafting

If that sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you!

The closing date for the receipt of a completed application is Monday 19th January 2026 at 12 noon

This is a rare opportunity to join the Scottish Wildlife Trust at a transformative time and play a leading role in one of our most ambitious fundraising initiatives.

For over 60 years, the Trust has championed healthy, resilient ecosystems across Scotland’s land and seas.

We are now creating the role of Major Gifts Manager. Joining our Development Team, and managing our Development Officer, you will lead philanthropic giving, with a particular focus on securing the Inverbroom Endowment – a multi-million pound campaign to safeguard the long-term future of our newest and largest wildlife reserve.

Working closely with an external fundraising agency, senior staff and volunteer leaders, you will manage and grow a portfolio of high-net-worth individuals, secure major gifts (including six-figures and above), and develop compelling cases for support that bring complex conservation challenges to life.

We are looking for a confident fundraiser with at least five years’ experience in philanthropy, ideally within the environmental NGO sector. You will have a strong track record of meeting financial targets, managing prospect pipelines, and stewarding long-term donor relationships.

If you are a confident relationship builder who acts with integrity, thrives on collaboration and wants your work to deliver real, lasting impact for nature, we would love to hear from you.

Job Overview

To support the Head of Finance in providing the organisation with a timely, accurate and relevant financial management service. This will be undertaken by ensuring the accounting system and financial records are updated and controls and procedures are maintained. This will enable the Senior Management Team and the Board of Trustees to use financial information to assess results and performance and make informed, strategic decisions, assuring compliance with statutory and corporate requirements.

Doctors of the World UK intends to grow its programme and advocacy impact. In this dynamic, exciting environment, an experienced Bookkeeper will help facilitate the organisation’s further growth and will work closely with senior Managers to enable them to manage their programme budgets, including by supporting them to report to donors.

You will demonstrate openness, responsiveness and cheerfulness in the role and possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills. You will be a self-starter who thrives on the challenge of being in a dynamic organisation that works at home and abroad.

You will be driven to excel in your work and thrive in a fast-paced environment and supportive team that is committed to the highest levels of personal and team performance.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your CV & Covering Letter. Your CV and cover letter should be clearly tailored to the position and should reference points from the person specification section of the role profile.

Applications which do not demonstrate the essential skills, knowledge, experience and competencies will not be shortlisted.

Closing Date: 1700hrs Wednesday 14th January 2026

Please note, if you have not been contacted within 7 days of the closing date, your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. Due to the high number of applications received, we are unable to provide individual feedback.

Would you like to become a vital part of our collaborative and innovative team to make a lasting difference to families?

We are looking for a Social Worker or Senior Social Worker to join our team, based from either Milton Keynes or London.

We believe that every child deserves a loving and supportive home. We are committed to providing the highest quality services to help make that a reality, and we are proud of our three successive outstanding ratings with Ofsted.

Position: Social Worker or Senior Social Worker

Location: Based in either our Milton Keynes or our London team, with hybrid working arrangements in place for both home and office working, and travel covering Milton Keynes, North London and surrounding areas.

Contract: Permanent full time – 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

Salary Ranges: Social Worker - Salary in the range of £34,053 - £41,620 per annum. Senior Social Worker - Salary in the range of £39,292 - £48,022 per annum.  If based from our London office, a location allowance of £3,299 per annum will be payable.

About the role:

Our Social Worker/Senior Social Worker’s role is a pivotal one within our Adoption service.  Some of your responsibilities will include:

· undertaking ‘home study’ assessments (PARs) and present these to the adoption panel

· support families throughout the matching process and once children are placed, up until the Adoption Order

· participating in recruitment activities and training for prospective adopters

About you:

As a Social Worker, you’ll bring a minimum of 2 years post qualification experience in childcare social work and as a Senior Social Worker, a minimum of 3 years post qualification experience. You’ll have an understanding of child development and the impact on behaviour of interrupted development. You’ll have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and demonstrate a commitment to equality, diversity, equity and inclusion within service delivery.

If this sounds like you then visit our website to apply today to join a dedicated team who are part of something truly meaningful. We look forward to hearing from you!

If you would like to arrange an informal discussion about the role, please visit our website for contact details for our Adoption Team Manager.

Early applications are encouraged as we may review and appoint on an earlier basis if a successful candidate is secured.

Closing date: 9am, Tuesday 06 January 2026

Interviews will be held on: Tuesday 13 January 2026

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Adoption Social Worker, Adoption Senior Social Worker, Adoption Support Social Worker, Independent Social Worker, Fostering Social Worker, Independent Reviewing Officer, Supervising Social Worker, Children’s Social Worker, Child Protection or Safeguarding Hub Social Worker, Looked After Children’s Social Worker, etc. 

Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do at PACT. We have robust measures and best practices in place to safeguard and protect the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we take pride in maintaining outstanding safeguarding standards.

Anyone joining our team is subject to PACT’s safer recruitment pre-appointment enquiries, including a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS). The role description provides information on what our safer recruitment enquiries include and the level of DBS required to work in the role.

All opportunities with PACT are based in the UK.

Thank you for taking the time to explore the role of Marketing and Communications Manager at the Family Holiday Charity. We're here to help families facing some of life's toughest challenges to experience the anticipation, joy and impact of a break from the day to day. Can you help us spread the word?

This role is an important one to help us build brand and awareness around our mission and goals  - in simple terms, helping more families to get away and ensuring that every family has the chance to go on holiday.

At its heart, this role is about storytelling and our ability to tell stories that capture hearts and minds. Taking ownership of the full story capture and storytelling process, you'll use this output to help build our brand, fundraise and tell our advocacy story. What's new for us in this role is PR - it's just not something we've done before, so you'll build relationships, networks and opportunities with earned media. You'll work with talented fundraisers, partnership builders and operational delivery colleagues to ensure we're sharing a cohesive and coherent message that supports all our audience goals and targets. And you'll get to work with a talented Comms Officer who delivers on our social, email and web activities. 

This role is key to helping us make sure we're doing our best for families and putting our best foot forward every time. 

It's a varied and fast-paced role (Comms roles are, right!?) that means you'll be involved in planning, creating and managing activities, so you'll need to have some awesome planning skills and be good with interpersonal relationships.

We're a small but flexible team - just like our approach to work. This is a hybird role, and you'll need to come into the office periodically (but none of that performative days a week nonsense!).

It's vital that you're happy and confident in making your next career move, so let's take the time to chat if you'd like to!

Chief Executive Officer

Salary: £49, 282 - £54,495 per annum

Location: Gorse Hill Studios, Trafford, Manchester (Some remote working will be considered)

Contract Type: Full time, permanent

About Gorse Hill Studios

Gorse Hill Studios is a dynamic and ambitious youth and community arts charity. At the heart of our organisation is a belief that all young people deserve to feel valued, supported and inspired. We work with young people to build confidence, creativity and community connections, ensuring they have the opportunities and encouragement they need to thrive.

We believe that creativity can transform lives, and we are committed to placing young people at the centre of everything we do. Their voices, ideas and experiences help shape our programmes, partnerships and strategic direction.

We are entering an exciting phase of growth and development. Our team currently includes 20 core staff and a wider network of volunteers and creative practitioners, delivering a diverse portfolio of youth arts sessions, community engagement projects, creative wellbeing initiatives and partnership-led activity with local schools and organisations. The CEO will play a pivotal role in leading this portfolio, strengthening our impact, championing youth voice and ensuring young people continue to shape our future direction as we move into the next chapter of our development.

About the Role

As CEO, you will provide strategic, compassionate and visionary leadership, ensuring Gorse Hill Studios delivers its mission to empower and inspire young people. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, you will hold overall responsibility for the organisation’s performance, culture, operations and long-term sustainability. This role calls for someone who demonstrates strong strategic insight with the ability to influence and inspire others, using emotional intelligence and collaborative leadership to build positive internal and external relationships.

A fundamental part of this role is your commitment to embedding young people’s voice in decision making. You will champion their perspectives, ensuring programme development, strategy and organisational culture reflect the needs and aspirations of the young people we serve.

You will also be an ambassador for the charity, building trusted relationships with young people, partners, funders and the wider community. This role requires a leader who is values led, resilient and passionate about supporting young people through the arts and creative engagement.

Roles and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Governance

• Lead on the development and delivery of the charity’s long-term strategy, with young people meaningfully involved
• Ensure compliance with all statutory, regulatory and governance requirements, including Charity Commission expectations and safeguarding duties
• Provide clear, timely reporting to the Board
• Support the Board to operate effectively

Financial Management and Income Generation

• Oversee budgeting, financial planning and responsible management of all funds
• Lead a diverse income generation strategy
• Identify sustainable opportunities for organisational growth

Operational Management and Programme Delivery

• Oversee day to day operations and ensure systems are effective
• Ensure programmes are high quality, inclusive and reflective of young people’s needs and feedback
• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead, or ensure robust safeguarding practices across the organisation

People Leadership and Culture

• Inspire, support and lead a dedicated staff and volunteer team
• Champion a positive, inclusive and collaborative working culture
• Oversee recruitment, wellbeing and performance management

External Relations and Advocacy

• Act as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for Gorse Hill Studios
• Build strong relationships with partners, funders and stakeholders
• Advocate for and with young people locally and nationally
• Represent the charity confidently at events and in the media

Skills and Experience

Essential:

• Senior leadership experience in the charity, youth, arts or wider non-profit sector
• Strong financial management skills
• Proven success in fundraising or income generation
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement
• Knowledge of safeguarding practices in youth settings
• Experience leading teams and developing positive organisational cultures
• Strategic leadership experience

Desirable

• Experience in the youth arts or creative community sector
• Understanding of the Trafford community landscape

Values and Commitment

We are committed to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals who share these values and are passionate about empowering young people.

An enhanced DBS check will be required.

Application Details

To apply, please submit your CV and covering letter.

Closing date: 19 January

Interview date: 23 January at Gorse Hill Studios

Interviews will include a stakeholder panel and a formal interview.

REF-225 658

Barnet Mencap is a very well-established local charity which provides services and support for people with learning disabilities, autistic people, and their family carers, while also campaigning alongside them to improve their lives. The organisation aims to create a world where people with learning disabilities are valued equally, have their voices heard and are included in the community. 

We are looking to appoint a new CEO to lead the organisation and ensure it continues to provide its much-valued services.

The successful candidate will have: 

• Experience in a senior role in a relevant service i.e. Learning Disabilities, Children or Adult Services

• Experience of developing a strategy and monitoring framework in a similar environment 

• Experience of effective partnership working at a strategic and practical level 

• Proven track record of income generation and financial management 

• Knowledge of charity governance, regulation for a medium size charity, and working effectively with a board of trustees.

• Knowledge of the Health and Social Care environment, including key policies and legislation 

• Understanding of Health and Safety and Safeguarding in a service delivery environment 

• Understanding of the Social Model of Disability and how to apply it to deliver empowering person-centred projects and services 

Please read the full Job Description, Person Specification and Recruitment Pack for further information on the role. 

To apply, please send your CV alongside a covering letter explaining how you meet the criteria in the person specification. 

The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service application in line with Section 115 of The Police Act 1997.   

 Closing Date: 16th of January 2026 

Interview dates are planned for the 10th and 11th of February 2026.