Specialist support workers jobs

A great opportunity to join our Sussex focussed charity as we embark upon a new 4 year strategy.

This is a senior, high-impact post. You will lead on business development and income generation — writing bids, building partnerships and developing strategy — working closely with the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team.

A key part of the role is dedicated to securing funding for our Lost Woods Project, a multi-agency community development initiative running until November 2027.

Key responsibilities include:

• Designing and driving an organisational Business Development Strategy
• Writing and submitting high-quality grant applications and competitive tender bids (including £150k+ bids)
• Maintaining a strong pipeline of funding and contract opportunities
• Building and sustaining strategic partnerships across the public, voluntary and private sectors
• Leading on AirS communications, marketing and profile-raising
• Supporting smooth handover of awarded contracts into delivery

What We're Looking For

Essential:

• Proven track record of securing grant funding and winning contracts, including large bids of £150,000+
• Experience of collaborative bidding and partnership development
• Management experience in a similar organisation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience of CRM systems
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills
• Knowledge of the national and local funding landscape and public sector commissioning
• Educated to degree level or equivalent

Desirable:

• Knowledge of the voluntary and community sector in Sussex
• Experience of Social Value and Theory of Change impact evaluation
• Formal fundraising or project management qualification
• Knowledge of community asset development, rural housing or nature-based solutions

Personal attributes: You are self-motivated, highly organised, calm under pressure, and a genuine completer-finisher. You can write compelling bids, build trusted relationships, and present confidently to a range of audiences.

Accountable to: Head of Finance and Operations Staff responsibilities: None initially (line management potential)

Salary: £45,000 (pro rata) Hours: 35 hours per week (part-time considered at 28 hours) Contract: Permanent Location: Lewes, Sussex — hybrid working.

AirS is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.

SMART is hiring!

SMART is a warm and welcoming mental health charity that provides a holistic programme of support to the people we serve.

We have a vacancy for a full time Mental Health Community Navigator. The Navigators support people with serious mental illness, with a range of issues including: housing, benefits, finance and social isolation. Please refer to the attachments below for the full job description and person specification. 

We offer a friendly, collaborative, hybrid and integrated work environment in partnership with the NHS and other voluntary sector services, We have a strong focus on staff well-being including a 35 hour working week, 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays, a wellbeing hour, regular clinical supervision, an Employee Asisstance Programme and an annual schedule of training and events designed to support personal and professional progression

Ideally you will have experience of working within mental health/vulnerable adult services, working within multi-disciplinary teams, knowledge of the issues people face with housing/benefits etc and liaising with other services and professionals on service users behalf.

Mental Health Navigators make a real difference to people's lives.

Application Deadline: 12th May at 23:30. PLEASE NOTE: We may interview before the closing date if we receive enough suitable applications

Feedback: Unfortunately, we are not able to give feedback to candidates not shortlisted. If you have not heard from us within a week of the closing date, please assume your application has not been shortlisted at this time.

Your new role
We are seeking an experienced Interim HR Manager to provide hands-on support while we recruit a permanent post holder. This is a key role within the not-for-profit organisation, ensuring continuity across the HR function while also leading on several priority improvement areas.
A significant focus of the role will be reviewing and strengthening recruitment processes and updating HR policies, alongside delivering a high-quality, pragmatic HR service to managers and employees.
Overview of the Role

• Review and assess current recruitment processes, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, consistency, and candidate experience
• Update, review, and implement HR policies and procedures, ensuring they are compliant, clear, and fit for purpose
• Act as a trusted HR lead, providing operational advice and guidance to managers across the employee lifecycle
• Manage and advise on employee relations matters, including absence, performance, disciplinary and grievance issues
• Oversee end-to-end recruitment activity, from role scoping through to onboarding
• Ensure HR processes are applied consistently and in line with employment legislation and best practice
• Maintain accurate HR records and contribute to basic HR reporting and insights
• Support and stabilise the HR function, ensuring a smooth handover to the incoming permanent HR Manager

What we are looking for

• Proven experience in an HR Manager or senior HR generalist role
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and operational HR best practice
• Confident reviewing and improving processes, policies, and ways of working
• Comfortable operating in a hands-on, fast-paced environment
• Able to build credibility quickly with stakeholders at all levels
• CIPD qualification or equivalent experience desirable

What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk

Your new company
A public sector organisation, in a pivotal phase, is seeking to strengthen its internal audit function. The business places a strong emphasis on governance, risk management and continuous improvement, offering a collaborative and professional culture with exposure across multiple operational areas. This role is a 2-year fixed-term contract.

Your new role
As an Internal Auditor, you will be responsible for planning and delivering high-quality audits across a range of operational and compliance areas. You will evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls, identify risks and inefficiencies, and provide clear, practical recommendations to senior stakeholders.
The role offers broad exposure across the organisation, involvement in assurance frameworks, support on major projects, and the opportunity to contribute to group-wide audit initiatives. This position suits a proactive, analytical professional with a passion for adding value and improving processes.

What you'll need to succeed

• A relevant professional qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or IIA)
• Degree-level education, ideally in Finance, Accounting or a related discipline
• Experience planning and delivering internal audits in line with professional standards
• Strong technical understanding of internal audit methodologies and risk-based auditing
• Ability to assess and evaluate risks and controls within an operational or commercial environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and confidence presenting findings to senior stakeholders
• High levels of integrity, professionalism and attention to detail

What you'll get in return

• Salary c.£50,000
• Hybrid working - 2 days per week in London office
• Flexible working options available
• Competitive pension scheme

What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV in Word.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk

Location: Hybrid working – Royal Hospital for Children & Young People and from Home

Today, 12 children and young people will be diagnosed with cancer. We’ll stop at nothing to make sure they get the right care and support at the right time.  

Change lives in a life-changing career

When a child or young person is diagnosed with cancer, their whole world can feel like it’s falling apart. Independence is taken and confidence is stolen. Stability no longer exists. The future suddenly feels uncertain.

The impact of cancer on young lives is more than medical. That’s why we exist. Our specialist social workers help children and young people with cancer and their families navigate the emotional and practical impact of cancer. We remove barriers, solve problems and prioritise wellbeing. And we stop at nothing to make sure they get the right care and support at the right time.

We challenge the systems and policies that surround children and young people, we highlight gaps and campaign for change. Because we know what a better future could look like. And we know what we need to do to make that future a reality. We need to push harder, reach further and work smarter. And we need the right people on our team to help us get there. People like you.

About the role

We’re looking for a Social Worker to support children and young people diagnosed with cancer in our Scotland Team. 

We pride ourselves on delivering the highest quality support tailored to the needs of the children and young people and their families using a needs based assessment framework. The work we do is rewarding but also complex and demanding. You will be part of a close-knit Young Lives vs Cancer social work team, working with an established NHS multi-disciplinary team and services in the community.

This role is part home, part site-based. Your contractual base will be both Home and Hospital.

This role is subject to a criminal record check. In the event of a successful application, an enhanced criminal record check will be completed. A previous conviction is not necessarily a barrier to employment. We encourage qualified applicants to apply, and we will consider each case individually.

This role is also subject to a Social Work Registration, with Social Work Scotland.

What do I need? 

The key skills we’re looking for in this role are:

• A recognised Social Worker qualification and current registration with Social Work England/ Scottish Social Services Council/Social Care Wales/Northern Ireland Social Care Council
• Experience working with children, young people and their families/carers in a social care setting.
• Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary environment, ideally in an NHS setting.
• Sound knowledge of child and young people development.
• An understanding of the impact of serious illness for children, young people and their families.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.

What will I gain?

For people to reach their full potential, they need the right environment. As a member of Team Young Lives, you’ll be made to feel supported, valued and appreciated. Here’s how we do it:

• Flexible working: we’re open to working hours outside of 9 - 5 and we can talk through your flexibility requirements at interview stage
• Wellbeing days: four days a year to do what works for you – from catching up on training to going for a walk
• Generous annual leave allowance
• Great family/caring leave entitlements
• Enhanced pension
• Access to our employee savings scheme

To find out more about our benefits package, have a look on our website.

Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At Young Lives vs Cancer, we recognise that opportunities for too many people remain a condition of their sex, ethnicity, class, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation – or a combination. This has never been acceptable to us as an organisation. We don’t just accept difference, we value it, celebrate it, nurture it and we thrive because of it.

We’re on a journey to be reflective of the diverse children, young people and families we support. We know we aren’t there yet, and we’re passionately committed to taking actions and making changes to be a truly diverse, inclusive and equitable organisation. This includes taking anti-oppressive action and removing barriers in our recruitment practices. We particularly welcome applications from members of minoritised communities. Our Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging strategy will tell you more.

To ensure fairness and consistency to select the best candidate for this role, all our applications are anonymised up until an interview has been confirmed. We recognise the benefits of AI, but if you're considering using it to submit your application, we encourage you to reflect on the value AI adds. AI tools often lack the personal touch and authenticity that set candidates apart. We want to hear your unique perspective, experiences, and skills, so we encourage you to tell us about your skills and experiences in your own voice.

Accessibility

We’re committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always aim to be as accommodating as possible.Please let us know in your application form of any adjustments or access requirements we could make to help you with the application process and interview.

To arrange an informal chat, please contact Louise Dolphin.

Closing date: 25.05.26

Interview date: 11.06.26

#ShowTheSalary

Finance Business Partner (Qualified Accountant)
9-Month Contract, Maternity Cover

A faith-based charity is seeking a qualified accountant to join as Finance Business Partner for a 9-month maternity cover. This role sits within the organisation's programme development unit and plays a key part in supporting teams that secure and manage institutional income, including large and complex government-funded contracts.

About the role
You will act as a strategic partner to non-finance colleagues and provide high-quality financial insight across programme development activities. The role combines analytical rigour with close collaboration across the organisation, ensuring strong financial planning, compliant management of restricted funds and effective support on major bids.

Key responsibilities include:
* Leading budgeting and forecasting for programme development teams and ensuring accurate financial planning.
* Providing financial support during the development and review of bids for institutional and government funding.
* Monitoring financial performance, analysing variances and presenting clear insights to senior stakeholders.
* Supporting budget holders to strengthen financial capability and ensure compliance with internal controls and donor requirements.
* Contributing to financial modelling for new programme concepts and funding opportunities.
* Ensuring robust financial management of restricted institutional income and large government contracts.

About you
* Fully qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent).
* Charity sector experience desirable.
* Restricted funding experience.
* Confident communicator with proven business partnering experience.
* Skilled in budgeting, forecasting and financial analysis.
* Comfortable working collaboratively across a diverse and fast-paced charity environment.

Salary and benefits
* Circa £60,000 per annum
* 10 percent employer pension contribution (non-contributory)
* 25 days annual leave per year, pro rata, plus bank holidays and Christmas leave

Location and working pattern
* Hybrid model with the majority of work completed remotely (2 days per month in the office)
* In office requirement of just two days per month

This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified finance professional to contribute to impactful international development work during a key maternity cover period.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk

Accommodation-Based Services Manager

We are looking for an Accommodation-Based Services Manager to lead and shape an award-winning service supporting women to live free from abuse.

This is a rare opportunity to take on a senior leadership role within an award-winning, specialist organisation at the forefront of supporting Black and minoritised women and children affected by domestic abuse, including forced marriage and honour based abuse.

Please note that due to the nature of this role, we can only accept female applicants.

Position: Accommodation-Based Services Manager

Location: West Midlands (Birmingham/Walsall)

Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week)

Salary: £40,000

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: 25th May 2026

You will not only manage services, you will shape, strengthen and lead high-quality accommodation-based provision, ensuring it is safe, responsive and impactful. This role is ideal for a confident and values-driven Services Manager who is passionate about delivering excellence and driving meaningful change.

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, ensuring all women are treated with dignity, fairness and respect. Safeguarding is central to everything we do, and this role is critical in embedding safe, high-quality practice across our services

The Role

As Accommodation-Based Services Manager, you will lead the operational delivery of the refuge and accommodation services across the West Midlands.

You will provide strategic and operational leadership, ensuring services are safe, compliant and survivor-centred. You will oversee staff teams, safeguarding practice, housing management, and quality assurance, while contributing to the ongoing development of services.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage accommodation-based services, ensuring safe, high-quality and effective delivery
• Line manage the Senior Support Workers and provide overall leadership across accommodation services, including recruitment, supervision, performance management, training and rota/on-call cover
• Take overall responsibility for safeguarding practice, including oversight of high-risk cases
• Ensure robust risk assessment, safety planning and casework standards
• Oversee referrals, admissions, occupancy and move-on processes
• Ensure effective housing management, including rent systems, housing benefit and arrears monitoring
• Maintain oversight of health and safety, property compliance and refuge security
• Lead on quality assurance, audits, monitoring and continuous improvement
• Ensure accurate reporting to funders, commissioners and senior management
• Manage budgets and monitor expenditure
• Develop strong partnerships with relevant stakeholders, attend multi-agency meetings and represent the organisation externally

About You

You are an experienced and confident leader with a strong track record in managing accommodation-based or refuge services.

You will:

• Have Level 3 qualification in Health & Social Care, Housing, Management (or equivalent experience) plus evidence of continuous professional development
• Bring significant experience of services management within the domestic abuse or VAWG sector, including managing accommodation-based or refuge services
• Have strong expertise in safeguarding and managing high-risk cases
• Be able to lead, motivate and develop teams to deliver high standards
• Have experience managing compliance and complex operations within housing services and knowledge of benefits and refuge processes
• Be confident managing competing priorities and driving service improvement
• Be a strong communicator with the ability to influence and build partnerships
• Be committed to equality, diversity and anti-discriminatory practice
• Have strong organisational, leadership and IT skills (Microsoft Office and case management/ database systems)
• Ability to participate in an on-call rota and work flexibly

Why Work Here

• Be part of an award-winning, specialist “by and for” organisation
• Take on a senior leadership role with real influence and impact
• Lead services that directly change the lives of women and children
• Work within a supportive, experienced and values-driven organisation
• Access ongoing professional development and opportunities to shape services

Important Information

• This post is restricted to women under Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010
• Enhanced DBS check required
• The organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. All staff are expected to share this commitment

You may also have experience in roles such as Housing, Housing Officer, Housing Adviser, Housing and Homelessness Advisor, Housing Support Officer, Housing Support, Refuge Housing, Emergency Housing, Service Manager, Abuse, VAWG, IDVA, Domestic Abuse, Abuse Case Worker. #INDNFP

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client – Not For Profit People.

To provide strong, visible leadership and strategic oversight of a 40-bed nursing and residential care home specialising in dementia care. The Operations Manager will ensure the delivery of high-quality regulatory compliance, financial sustainability, and continuous service improvement.

Key Responsibilities

1. Leadership & Management

• Provide clear leadership to the administrative and domestic team
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and accountable workplace culture
• Oversee recruitment, retention, and development of staff
• Implement systems and processes to support high quality care and improve operational efficiency
• Ensure effective use of clinical systems and digital services
• Lead on policies and HR processes

2. Strategic Oversight

• Contribute to and implement the organisation’s strategic plan
• Identify growth opportunities and service improvements
• Monitor performance against KPIs and drive continuous improvement
• Lead change management initiatives

3. Quality & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards (e.g. Care Quality Commission requirements)
• Oversee audits, inspections, and action plans
• Maintain high standards of clinical governance and safeguarding
• Ensure robust policies and procedures are in place and followed

4. Operational Management

• Ensure safe staffing levels and effective rota management for the administration and domestic team
• Monitor occupancy levels and admissions processes
• Manage incidents, complaints, and risk effectively

5. Financial Management

• Manage budgets, financial planning and reporting
• Monitor income streams including OCC contracts and self-funding residents.
• Work with accountants and the finance officer to ensure financial stability
• Ensure efficient use of resources without compromising care quality
• Identify opportunities to improve income generation and operational efficiency.

6. Procurement & Resource Management

• Lead procurement strategy for equipment, supplies, and services
• Negotiate contracts and maintain supplier performance
• Ensure value for money and compliance with procurement policies

7. Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong relationships with families, and external partners
• Liaise with local authorities
• Represent the organisation professionally in all interactions

8. Safeguarding & Risk Management

• Ensure robust safeguarding practices are embedded
• Lead on risk assessments and mitigation strategies
• Promote a culture of safety and transparency

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Proven experience in a senior management role within health or social care
• Strong knowledge of regulatory frameworks (e.g. Care Quality Commission standards)
• Demonstrable experience in staff leadership and team development
• Experience in financial management and budget control
• Experience in procurement and contract management

Desirable

• Management qualification (e.g. Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health & Social Care)
• Experience managing care services

Skills & Competencies

Leadership

• Strong, confident, and empathetic leadership style
• Ability to motivate and inspire teams

Strategic Thinking

• Ability to think long-term and align operations with organisational goals
• Data-driven decision-making

Communication

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders

Operational Excellence

• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage competing priorities

Financial & Commercial Awareness

• Understanding of budgets, cost control, and financial reporting
• Commercial awareness in procurement and service delivery

Personal Attributes

• Compassionate and values-driven
• Resilient and adaptable
• High integrity and professionalism

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Regulatory inspection ratings (e.g. Care Quality Commission)
• Occupancy rates
• Staff turnover and retention
• Budget adherence
• Resident and family satisfaction

Working Conditions

• On-site role, with participation in the on-call rota out of hours

Other Requirements

• Enhanced DBS check
• Right to work in the UK

Vale House is a not-for-profit Dementia Care Home specialising in the highly skilled care required for people who have complex needs arising from dementia. Its specialist care is much sought after and is provided in a light bright building which was purpose built in 2012 just outside Oxford, between Littlemore and Sandford-on-Thames. The forty individual en-suite rooms, which are all outward looking, are built around a figure of eight with internal courtyard gardens where residents can walk safely and securely. Founded in 1990 Vale House has one clear purpose: to care for people with dementia however severe or complicated, and to support their families. The quality of the work of Vale House rests on the skill and commitment of the staff who are chosen with care, well taught and then helped to learn further and work closely as a team.

Support for families is a defining characteristic of Vale House, and unusually Vale House has dedicated family support workers, committed to supporting the family and friends of each resident. This commitment contributes greatly to the inclusive friendly environment which so many family and visitors comment on.

Vale House is registered as an independent charity with the Charity Commission and with Companies House and conforms to the standards and procedures required by those two bodies. It is governed by a committed Board of Directors (unpaid) who are also the Trustees of the charity.

Services Coordinator
Hours of work: Full-Time, 37.5 per week (5 days per week)
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £28,000 per annum
Location: Overstream House, Cambridge CB4

About Us

Wintercomfort works with people who are homeless, at risk of homelessness or with a history of homelessness. We provide services to aid every stage of recovery - from immediate basic welfare needs to long term help in identifying and dealing with the problems which are undermining their stability, and enabling them to engage with education, employment and specialist health services.  National statistics rank the numbers of rough sleepers in Cambridge within the highest 20 UK local authorities.

Wintercomfort is the only day-time service in the city, providing year-round advice and support for homeless or vulnerably housed people. Over the past three decades Wintercomfort has continued to grow and adapt to meet the needs of the homeless community.

About you and the Role

As the operational lead of the services area at Overstream House, the Services Coordinator ensures the seamless delivery of daily welfare services (inductions, showers, meals, laundry, activities) while providing proactive, trauma-informed caseload management to transition service users from crisis to stable housing.

This role bridges immediate care with long-term strategic action, developing partnerships, signposting, improving service efficiency, and fostering positive, sustainable life changes for Cambridge’s homeless community.

Key Responsibilities

• To work alongside the Services Manager to coordinate, maintain and further develop a service user led, trauma informed support and welfare service, often coordinating the functioning of the services area to ensure all runs efficiently, as well as contributing to the development of new and ongoing activities timetables.
• Provide welfare and accommodation-based support to service users including those that have complex needs, to help them build independence.
• Conducting inductions and needs assessments, creating individualised support plans, liaising with project worker team and monitoring progress for service users, including those with complex needs.
• Source safe accommodation, actively prevent homelessness through advocacy and signposting.
• To develop, promote partnerships with external agencies to help connect service users to essential services, promote Wintercomfort services to stakeholders through professional forums and meetings.
• Leading a daily team briefing with Services Manager overseeing the session providing a structured approach that balances operational updates, strategic oversight, raising concerns and discussing awareness of priorities, adhering to safeguarding procedures for vulnerable adults and managing challenging behaviour.
• To support the delivery of Wintercomforts learning and development service providing opportunities for service users to access to employment, learning and cultural opportunities that help promote self development
• To work in partnership with other organisations to deliver or to facilitate the delivery of services to meet the needs of service users for improved health and wellbeing, housing support, debt support and improved quality of life.
• To work with the Services Manager, CEO and other Managers to ensure that the delivery of the service meets funders requirements, achieves agreed outcomes and to assist with the timely delivery of monitoring reports for funders and stakeholders
• Maintaining accurate records that are uploaded to Inform in a timely way, documenting the support service provided to Wintercomforts service users.
• Ensure that record keeping meets the requirements of internal and external monitoring of outcomes, assisting with reports to funders and supplying timely information to support funding applications.
• One of our core values at Wintercomfort is to recognise and reward our staff as our greatest asset. We realise that it's our people who have helped us to become a well-respected charity that helps to make a positive change to homeless people’s lives. We want to continue to deliver excellent, relevant services for the homeless in Cambridge by attracting and retaining talented and motivated people.

If you choose to come and work with us, you will find that we offer:

• Benefits – You will be eligible for benefits and services, including pension scheme, death in service benefit and free counselling and clinical supervision.
• A supported work environment - You will receive a comprehensive induction, and you will have a probation period to provide a supportive framework for reviewing your progress and discussing your training and development needs. You will be expected to have developed the skills to fulfil all role requirements within this period. Appropriate objectives will be discussed, agreed and reviewed regularly with your Line Manager so that your performance can be measured against these.
• Training- We recognise the importance of having a motivated and effective staff team. We offer on-going training to support you in your role.

Closing date: Monday 18th May, 2026
Interviews will be taking place between the 26th - 29th May 2026

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

This role requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

We are committed to a proactive approach to equality, which includes supporting and encouraging all underrepresented groups, promoting an inclusive culture and valuing diversity. We make selection decisions based on personal merit and an objective assessment against the criteria required for the post. We do not treat job applicants or members of staff less favourably than one another on the grounds of sex (including gender reassignment), marital or parental status, race, ethnic or national origin, colour, disability (including HIV status), sexual orientation, religion, age or socio-economic factors.

No agencies please.

Caroline Chisholm School is partnering with Robertson Bell on a retained basis to appoint a Chief Finance Officer on a permanent basis. This is a pivotal leadership role within a high-performing and ambitious organisation, offering the opportunity to shape financial strategy, lead transformation, and support the school’s evolution

Caroline Chisholm School is a high-achieving, values-led all-through school with a strong reputation for academic excellence, staff engagement, and community impact. Already operating at a scale and complexity comparable to a multi-academy trust, the organisation is entering an exciting new phase of growth, with plans to expand into primary provision and formally develop as a MAT.

This is a unique opportunity to join a forward-thinking leadership team and play a central role in driving financial sustainability, operational transformation, and long-term strategic growth.

The role

• Partner with the Principal, Trustees and Senior Leadership Team to develop and deliver a long-term financial strategy, supporting the school’s growth ambitions.  
• Lead financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and reporting across a complex and evolving organisation, ensuring strong financial control and sustainability.
• Take ownership of a significant transformation agenda, including digital system implementation (Bromcom), contract optimisation, and operational redesign.
• Support with the operational re-design of financial systems providing strategic oversight of major projects such as introduction of Bromcom for financial processes, ensuring robust due diligence, and stakeholder  management.
• Act as a key advisor to Trustees, auditors and external stakeholders including the DfE and Local Authority.
• Drive value for money through effective procurement, contract negotiation and cost optimisation initiatives.
• Lead and develop the finance function, fostering a high-performing, collaborative and forward-thinking team culture.
• Support wider organisational leadership, overseeing linked operational areas including IT and educational visits.
• Identify opportunities for income generation, funding and financial innovation to support future growth.

The organisation

Caroline Chisholm School is a school with a strong ethos centred on kindness, curiosity and integrity. With a highly engaged workforce and a 96% positive staff survey rating, the school offers a collaborative and ambitious working environment.

The organisation has successfully navigated recent financial pressures, delivering significant savings while maintaining educational excellence. With a clear financial sustainability plan in place and strong governance support, the school is now well positioned for its next phase of growth.

Alongside this, a major digital and operational transformation programme is underway, modernising systems and infrastructure to support long-term efficiency and scalability.

Essential criteria

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent)
• Proven experience in a senior financial leadership role within a complex organisation
• Strong track record of leading financial strategy, planning and reporting
• Experience managing multi-million-pound budgets and driving financial sustainability
• Demonstrable experience leading transformation projects (systems, operations or organisational change)
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at Board and executive level
• Commercial mindset, with the ability to identify efficiencies and funding opportunities
• A collaborative and adaptable leadership style, aligned to a values-driven environment

Apply now

If you are a strategic and forward-thinking finance leader looking to make a tangible impact within a high-performing and ambitious organisation, we would love to hear from you. This role requires primarily on-site working during term time, with some flexibility available.

Applications close on the 24^th May but will be reviewed on a rolling basis.