Strategic planner jobs in Edinburgh

Join us at a pivotal moment for the education sector.

ISBL is launching a major new initiative – the Centre for Education Operational Excellence – designed to transform how schools and trusts operate. We are seeking a proactive and strategic Business Development Lead to help shape, drive, and deliver this ambitious programme from inception.

About ISBL

ISBL has a 30‑year track record of supporting and developing a unique cadre of education professionals: school business leaders. Our work is underpinned by nationally endorsed professional standards and our OpEx for Education™ framework, placing us at the heart of sector improvement and operational excellence.

We serve a community of approximately 24,000 schools within a sector worth more than £80 billion, giving us significant reach, influence, and opportunity. Our core services span institute membership, professional development, research, events, sector innovation, and the sharing of best practice – creating a rich platform for partnership growth and impact.

Introducing the Centre for Education Operational Excellence

The Centre represents the next evolution of our work, extending ISBL’s focus from individual professional development to whole‑organisation operational excellence across schools and trusts.

It brings together three interconnected hubs:

• Solutions – Practical, high‑impact services and tools that support operational improvement.
• Research – Evidence‑based insights that shape best practice and drive innovation.
• International – Collaboration across global education systems to raise operational standards worldwide.

Working alongside ISBL, these hubs form a powerful ecosystem that connects practice, research, and international learning – strengthening organisational performance and, ultimately, educational outcomes.

About the Role

As Business Development Lead, you will play a central role in shaping the Centre’s commercial strategy, building new partnerships, and driving sustainable growth. This is a rare opportunity to influence a nationally significant initiative.

Full role details are available in the attached job description.

Department: COO’s Office
Contract type: Permanent
Salary: Up to £110,000 per annum
Location: Home Based (UK wide travel as required)
Reports To: Chief Executive and Council Chair

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to help lead the organisation through the next phase of its development. Reporting to the Chief Executive and Council Chair, Phil Garrigan, and working closely with the Board of Trustees, the COO will play a critical role in driving organisational transformation and delivery. This will ensure NFCC is well positioned to achieve its ambitious new three-year strategy and delivery plan, including preparations for the proposed College of Fire and Rescue in 2029.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a professional, responsive and agile organisation that is focused on making a real difference to public safety.

NFCC is a charity and membership organisation dedicated to making communities safer by providing national leadership, coordination and professional expertise across UK fire and rescue services. Working at NFCC offers a unique opportunity to contribute directly to public safety, national resilience and the continuous improvement of an essential public service.

Operating at the intersection of operational practice, policy, assurance and system leadership, NFCC supports fire and rescue services to collaborate effectively, respond to complex and emerging risks, and maintain the highest professional standards. We work closely with government, regulators, emergency service partners and sector stakeholders to ensure that the collective voice of fire and rescue leaders is influential, credible and evidence-led.

As a values-driven organisation and registered charity, NFCC is committed to ethical leadership, transparency and public benefit. We foster a culture that is inclusive, collaborative and rooted in service to communities. Our people are trusted professionals, empowered to lead, innovate and deliver meaningful impact, supported by robust governance, assurance and accountability frameworks.

NFCC is a modern, agile organisation with a fully remote workforce. This enables us to attract and retain talented individuals from diverse professional backgrounds, while supporting flexible, inclusive and high-performing ways of working. We place strong emphasis on wellbeing, professional development and continuous learning, recognising that our effectiveness depends on the capability, integrity and commitment of our people.

Joining NFCC means working on issues of national significance, influencing the future of fire and rescue services, and helping to strengthen the resilience and safety of the communities we serve. If you are motivated by public service and professional excellence, have a strong focus on delivery and impact, and bring experience in leading business transformation and organisational change, this role offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to operate at the highest level of leadership.

The Selection Process

How to apply:

If you are interested in this role and think you have the skills and experience we need, please do look at the Job description on the NFCC website.

Candidates are invited to submit their CV and a covering letter setting out how they can meet the requirements set out in the job description. Please email this to the Recruitment mailbox (details found on the NFCC Website) by 23rd April 2026.

Tests for shortlisted candidates are likely to be Week commencing 4th May 2026

Interviews taking place on the 18th & 19th May 2026

NFCC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults and will require a DBS check to be completed prior to commencing in post.

NFCC is committed to being an inclusive employer. We comply with the Equality Act 2010, and we believe that everyone deserves to work in safe environments that are free from bullying, harassment and discrimination, abuse, and harm, where they feel supported, welcome, and able to thrive.

NFCC acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard, protect and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice, all staff are expected to share this commitment.

About us

We're a not-for-profit firm of accountants and technical advisors with a shared vision: to see finance and accountancy used as a force for good. Our mission is to resource and empower people and good causes – by providing them with the very best financial and technical support, at a price they can afford.

We believe accountancy is more than numbers and profit. It’s about providing crucial infrastructure and enabling growth. Our services range from bookkeeping and management accounting to strategic planning, data analysis, systems audits, tax advice and process automation. If you’re technically skilled, purpose-driven, and passionate about making finance meaningful, we’d love to hear from you.

About the Role
We’re looking for a proactive and passionate Finance Manager to join our growing team. You’ll work closely with a portfolio of inspiring clients, providing high-quality financial information and insights to help them thrive. You’ll be part of a supportive team of technical practitioners and bookkeepers, contributing to a mission that matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, review and deliver high quality financial information to a diverse portfolio of clients

• Explain and interpret financial reports clearly and accessibly to people from a variety of backgrounds

• Review and maintain good accounting systems, policies & practices

• Manage monthly financial cycles, including management accounts, payroll, and VAT returns

• Support clients with budgeting, planning and forecasting  - for day-to-day operations and special projects

• Contribute to the development of our internal finance processes and practices

• Collaborate closely with other team members to deliver excellent client outcomes

What We’re Looking For

• Experience with Xero and/or QuickBooks Online (QBO)

• Strong understanding of financial reporting for charities including Charity SORP

• Excellent communication skills, especially in translating financial concepts for non-financial audiences

• Confidence with Excel and other Microsoft Office tools

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines

•  A self-starter who enjoys working in a collaborative environment

• Relevant financial qualification

• Experience in a fast paced or multi-client environment is a bonus

What We Offer

• 25 days annual leave (pro-rated), plus bank holidays and Christmas leave

• Commitment to CPD and on the job training

• Flexible working arrangements

• Meaningful work with purpose-led clients

• A supportive and values driven team environment

Please Note: You will not be eligible to apply unless you hold the L2 Award in Instructing Cycle Training and have worked for 5 years in cycle training. If you do not hold this qualification your application will automatically rejected. 

• Lead the Trust’s strategic development work supporting our 2025–2035 strategic ambitions.
• Drive innovation across the Bikeability programme — including training guidance, evidence-based pilots, and digital learning products.
• Use your expertise as a qualified cycle training instructor to shape improvements to national training delivery.
• Support research, evaluation and evidence generation to ensure the programme remains future-focused and impactful.
• Represent the Trust at national forums, government meetings, conferences, and sector events.
• Manage development budgets, oversee project governance, and contribute to strategic decision-making.
• Ideal for someone with quality assurance experience, a strong background in qualification design and evaluation, and a proven track record of delivering innovative, high-impact projects.

We expect to hold interviews on either 10th or 13th April but we may do rolling interviews. 

At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.

We’re looking for a motivated Research Manager to lead research excellence across identification, conversion, and retention workstreams to maximise supporter value through the Relationship Management pipeline model.

This role will drive intelligence gathering that enables Cancer Research UK to identify, cultivate, and retain high-value supporters through prospect research, data-driven insights, and collaborative practices within the centralised  Relationship Management pipeline model .

What will I be doing?

• Lead a team of researchers to deliver high-quality intelligence supporting all three workstreams of the RM pipeline model (identification, conversion, retention). 

• Collaborate closely with the Senior Opportunity Development Manager to design and implement research approaches that directly support pipeline optimisation, prioritising efforts based on data-led analysis and potential supporter value. 

• Develop and maintain comprehensive management information systems across all RM audience groups, providing intelligence that informs strategic decision-making within the centralised pipeline management approach. 

• Oversee the delivery of detailed supporter profiles and research insights that enable personalised interventions at key decision moments across the supporter journey. 

• Maintain a comprehensive overview of market trends and competitor analysis to inform strategic planning and identify new opportunities for supporter engagement across all pipeline stages. 

• Communicate and present research findings in a compelling manner to colleagues, leadership, and the wider RM function to drive evidence-based decision making. 

• Work collaboratively within the matrixed structure, partnering with Governance and Stewardship Managers to increase knowledge sharing and optimise the supporter journey. 

• Lead on developing pipeline monitoring and reporting systems to track performance across identification, conversion, and retention stages, supporting continuous improvement. 

• Guide the implementation of research approaches that directly contribute to tactical, data-led personalised interventions to maximise pipeline value. 

What are we looking for?

• Comprehensive understanding of relationship management pipelines and the role of research in supporting the optimisation of supporter journeys. 

• Advanced analytical skills and ability to translate complex data into actionable recommendations that support personalised supporter engagement. 

• Proficient in the use of CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce), data visualisation tools, and research databases to extract and present meaningful insights. 

• Excellent organisational and people management skills – able to lead a team while operating effectively within the matrixed workstream structure. 

• Innovative approach to research with ability to identify opportunities for process improvements across the supporter journey. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to present complex information clearly to diverse audiences. 

• Experience with data protection regulations and their application throughout the research process. 

The funding environment has shifted fast. Alexandra Rose needs to be sharper, more strategic and more commercially literate than the traditional charity model allows. This role exists to make that happen.

We are looking for a senior funding leader who is comfortable operating as a “department of one” within a small but ambitious organisation. Trusts and Foundations prospecting and bid writing will form a core part of the role, working closely with the CEO and senior team. Beyond that, you will build and steward high-value funder relationships, develop and secure corporate partnerships aligned with our values, test new income models, and help us adapt confidently to a fast-changing landscape.

This is a senior leadership position. You will work closely with the CEO and Head of Finance to shape organisational direction and build a resilient, full-cost-recovery funding model that protects quality, depth and long-term impact.

This is a remote role, with a requirement to regularly attend meetings and events (mainly London but on occasions project areas elsewhere in the UK).

Key Responsibilities

 Strategic leadership

• Deliver the current funding strategy, which includes Trusts & Foundations grant funding, corporate donations, and testing new potential ways to generate income.
• Monitor sector trends, opportunities and risks, and reposition the charity as needed.
• Work closely with the CEO and Head of Finance to align income planning with organisational priorities and financial forecasting.
• Build simple, effective systems for pipeline development, forecasting and reporting.

 Trusts & Foundations

• Lead the trusts and foundations portfolio, working closely with the CEO to secure multi-year, core and expansion funding, including directly leading on the writing of funding bids. This will be a core part of the role.
• Develop compelling, well-evidenced funding proposals rooted in our mission and impact.
• Build strong, long-term relationships with funders.

 Corporate Donations & Partnerships

• Manage and grow existing corporate relationships, ensuring partnerships remain values-aligned, purposeful and mutually beneficial.
• Identify and develop new appropriate corporate donors and partners, informed by research into corporate giving, ESG and CSR trends.
• Shape and evolve a clear, credible and cost-effective corporate engagement offer that supports long-term organisational sustainability.

 New income streams

• Scope, test and (if viable) deliver new earned-income models, such as corporate engagement models.
• Develop proof-of-concept approaches and evaluate their feasibility.
• Support the organisation to diversify and strengthen its income base.

 Collaboration & leadership culture

• Serve as a key member of the Senior Management Team, contributing to organisation-wide strategy and decision-making.
• Build a transparent, mature, collaborative culture around income generation.
• Ensure the wider team understands funding opportunities, constraints and strategic choices.

Why join us?

• This is a chance to have real impact in an organisation that works practically and strategically to remove the barriers of affordability and accessibility to good food, with a focus on fruit and veg.

• A senior leadership role with real influence over the charity’s direction and sustainability.
• The chance to build and shape a future-facing income strategy in a charity committed to genuine systemic change.
• Remote working and genuine flexibility.
• Work that directly contributes to a fairer, healthier and more dignified food system.

The UK Health Alliance on Climate Change (UKHACC) is a registered charity that brings together the UK’s leading health organisations, representing more than one million health professionals, to advocate for responses to climate change that protect and promote health. Through coordinated, collective action, the Alliance communicates the relationship between health and climate change to government, the public and other health professionals.

We are seeking a dynamic, motivated, and professional Director with excellent policy, project management, and interpersonal skills, experience in strategic communications and change.  The right candidate ideally also has experience in advocacy, and a track record of building consensus and leading campaigns.  .

The Director will be responsible for the Alliance’s overall strategy, oversight of the communications, policy and public affairs programmes, projects, and engagement with Alliance members and key external stakeholders. They will work closely with the Chair and trustees and develop good working relationships with senior leaders and public affairs and communications teams from the membership organisations that make up the Alliance. As the sole employee, the Director needs the professional capacity to coordinate strategic and operational delivery across all areas of the charity and ability to manage multiple stakeholder relationships. They will develop and lead a strategic focus to increase income generation and build a small team of staff to enable the organisation to continue to grow.

We are looking for a warm, organised and proactive Membership and Individual Giving Manager to help us deepen relationships with our members and supporters. This role is central to building a sustainable income base that allows EDS UK to continue providing vital support, information and advocacy for people living with EDS and HSD.

As part of a small team, you’ll enjoy a varied role that blends hands-on delivery with strategic thinking. You’ll lead our membership scheme, grow regular giving, and ensure every supporter feels valued, understood and connected to our mission. You’ll bring empathy, clarity and creativity to supporter communications, recognising the diverse needs of our community.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who wants to make a tangible difference every day and help shape the future of EDS UK’s supporter experience.

Are you a fundraising expert intrigued by the idea of transforming healthcare through the power of volunteering? If so, we have an incredible opportunity for you! 
 
Helpforce is on a mission to revolutionise health volunteering, and we’re looking for a dynamic, strategic, and results-driven Head of Business Development & Fundraising to lead this work. This is your chance to shape the future of a award-winning national charity at the intersection of innovation, impact, and social good. 
 
You will develop and deliver an integrated strategy across philanthropic fundraising (grants, trusts, high-net-worth donors) and revenue-generating business development. Reporting to the CEO/SMT and working closely with Communications, Finance, and Programme teams, you’ll ensure strong prioritisation, clear pipeline management, and robust forecasting to support decision-making. 

You’ll also play a visible external role, representing Helpforce at events, building strategic relationships, and identifying new opportunities through proactive networking. 

Since our launch in 2017, we’ve championed a vision where volunteering is integral to healthcare at its best. We work with NHS Trusts and healthcare organisations to co-create volunteering models that address key challenges, while building evidence of their impact. Our insights help health leaders invest in solutions that improve patient experience, ease pressure on staff, and deliver meaningful benefits for the volunteers who give their time and talents. 
 
This is not just any job, this is a chance to make a tangible difference to the lives of millions who receive and deliver healthcare. 
 
Key Responsibilities 
Strategy & Leadership  

• Lead the development and delivery of an integrated income-generation strategy. 
• Identifyand assess new fundraising and business development opportunities. 
• Work with the CEO and SMT to set annual revenue targets, KPIs and income projections, ensuringaccurateandtimelyforecasting. 
• Utilise your senior level networks toidentifynew areas Helpforce canoperatein. 
• Ensure all income-generating activities align withHelpforce’sfinancial strategy andcomply withinternal governance and approval processes.

 
Fundraising  

• Develop and manage a healthy pipeline of funding prospects including trusts, foundations, institutional funders, and HNWIs. 
• Shape and oversee compelling value propositions, funding proposals, donor reports, and stewardship plans – incorporating storytelling into high-calibre content. 
• Manage relationships with existing funders, ensuring high-quality communication and reporting. 
• Ensure full compliance with restricted fund terms and grant agreements, working with Finance tomonitorallocation and utilisation of funding. 
• Uphold ethical fundraising standards and ensure alignment with the Fundraising Regulator Code of Practice. 
• Deliveryearonyeargrowth in fundraising income against agreed targets.

 
Business Development  

• Identifyand develop new markets, partnershipmodelsand products offerings. 
• Leverage the excellenttrack recordand reputation of Helpforce, using our sector-leading evidence of impact to generate new opportunities. Lead the preparation of bids, tenders, proposals, and commercial negotiations, ensuring all opportunities are assessed for fit, feasibility, pricing, and margin. 
• Collaborate with programme managers to package services for sale or partnership. 
• Conduct due diligence on prospective partners and commercial clients to ensure values alignment and manage reputational risk. 

 
Relationship Management  

• Build andmaintainrelationships with donors, funders, corporate partners, and public sector stakeholders. 
• Represent the organisation at external events, conferences, and networking opportunities to raise visibility and strengthen the organisation’s profile. 
• Support senior-level relationship-building with strategic funders and institutional partners, working alongside the CEO and Trustees whereappropriate. 
• Maintain a focused approach to cultivatinga number ofhighpotentialrelationships positioned forlongtermor multiyear support.

 
Finance & Reporting  

• Set, monitor, and report on income targets, pipeline health,ROIand overall income performance against agreed KPIs. 
• Develop budgets and financial forecasts for all income streams ensuring accuracy, transparency, andtimelyupdates for senior decision-making. .
• Liaise with the Finance team to ensureaccuratetracking, reporting and audit-readiness. 
• Collaborate with Finance to ensureaccuratefunder-specific financial reporting, including restricted/unrestricted income reporting and grant reconciliations. 
• Monitor income and expenditure related to income generation activities, support financial planning, and advise on funding risks and sustainability. 
• Provideclear insights into income confidence levels, timelines, risks, and mitigation actions. 

 
Person Specification  
Essential  

• 5 years of senior-level experience in fundraising, business development, or strategic partnerships. 
• Proventrack recordof raising significant funding (6–7 figure). 
• Demonstrated experience developing and delivering successful income-generation strategies. 
• Above excellent written communication and document design skills (grant writing, proposals, reporting). 
• Strong negotiation, commercialawarenessand contract management skills. 
• Highly confident in face-to-face relationship building, networking and able torepresentHelpforce effectively at external meetings, events, and conferences. 
• Proven ability toidentifyand build new strategic relationships across diverse sectors, including government agencies, NHS, philanthropy, and corporate partners. 
• Ability to work with resilience,maintainmomentum under pressure, and adapt quickly to evolving opportunities. 

 
Desirable  

• Experience in a non-profit, NGO, social enterprise, or impact-driven business. 
• Knowledge of CRM systems and fundraising databases. 
• Sector knowledge: [e.g. healthcare]. 

 
Equality and Diversity 
Helpforce encourages applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries. We're committed to having a team that has diverse skills, experiences and abilities. We actively encourage BAME and disabled applicants and value the positive impact that difference has on our organisation. We are committed to equality and diversity within our workforce and all opportunities provided by Helpforce. 

Location
Remote, but travel to the London office will be required, as will UK wide client meetings. 
 
Closing date for applications is 9th April 2026. Please use the application link to send us your CV and a covering letter to support your application. Applications submitted without a covering letter may not be considered. 
 
REF-227 559

This is a a unique opportunity has arisen within a national breastfeeding charity to support the organisation through an exciting new phase of development. 

The ABM is a small but growing national charity. To support our expanding activity, we are creating a new role that provides comprehensive administrative and operational support across the organisation. The Team Support Officer will ensure the smooth running of core processes while also assisting colleagues working across all functions, including but not limited to, fundraising, communications, training, governance, and events.

This new post integrates and expands on previous administrative functions, providing flexible operational support across all areas of ABM’s work. It replaces the former Administrator and Admin Assistant roles, bringing together core administrative functions with additional capacity to support ABM’s strategic growth.

Self-Employed Chartered Surveyors Sought

 Based in the Midlands and North of England

Flexible, Project-Based Consultancy Making a Difference

Are you an experienced Chartered Surveyor, seeking meaningful work on a flexible basis? Do you want to use your skills to help amazing organisations doing good in the world?

The Ethical Property Foundation is the UK’s only dedicated property advice charity serving the voluntary sector. (Registered Charity Number 1101812) Each year, we provide over 900 organisations with expert, independent property advice and education. We are now looking for one or more self-employed Chartered Surveyors - general practice surveyors and building surveyors to join our team and help deliver affordable consultancy services to the voluntary sector.

About the Role

This is a self-employed, project-based opportunity. Assignments typically require 4-5 days of work (not full-time) and include:

· Lease renewals and rent review advice

· Development of client property strategies

· Options appraisals

· Property acquisition advice

· Property disposal advice

You may also have opportunities to design and deliver property-related webinar training.

Our Associate Property Advisers work flexibly from home, with occasional client site visits across England, Wales, and Scotland.

What we’re looking for

We’re seeking Chartered Surveyors (or equivalent) with:

• Strategic thinking and reporting skills
• Specialisms such as facilities management and / or architectural experience
• General practice skills
• We also have opportunities for building surveyors who can offer a charity rate on their standard fee.

You’ll need excellent communication skills to engage and empower our clients—many of whom support vulnerable people in challenging circumstances—and the ability to investigate, analyse, and propose practical property solutions.

Why join us?

Our clients support a diverse range of causes and manage every type of property imaginable. In the past year, we’ve advised on office buildings, church premises, oast houses, former schools, libraries, theatres, fields, industrial units, and more.

You’ll be part of a team of extraordinary senior property professionals who share a passion for making a positive impact.

Key details

• Day Rate: £220
• Working Hours: Flexible, variable based on agreed project deadlines
• Location: Work from home with travel as required for site visits
• Professional Indemnity Insurance: The post holder falls within the definition of ‘Person Employed’ and are therefore included within EPF’s PI insurance.
• DBS Clearance: Provided by EPF
• Reporting To: Head of Property Services

Start date

By mutual agreement.

Interested in using your property expertise to make a difference? 

Role Overview

This is an exciting opportunity to shape Shine’s strategic direction while managing the operational delivery of our services for children, young people, and families aged 0–25. Building on the success of our Little Stars/Ser Bach programme for members aged 0–12 and the development and extension of the FIRE (Friendship, Independence, Resilience, Empowerment) programme for those aged 13–25, you will play a key role in shaping the future of our support for children, young people and their families.

Working across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, you will lead the delivery of an established, evidence-based programme that improves health, social, and emotional outcomes for those living with spina bifida, hydrocephalus, and associated conditions.

You’ll lead a passionate team and work closely with Shine’s Adult Services Team (25+), Health Team, Wales and Northern Ireland Managers and wider colleagues across the organisation to ensure work is coordinated, complementary, and beneficial to members. At the same time, you’ll forge strong partnerships with NHS professionals, statutory services, and voluntary organisations—driving collaboration that will support our vision of providing consistent, high-quality support for children, young people and families nationwide.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Team Management
• Programme Development & Delivery
• Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting
• Member Support & Engagement

Please see the full Job Description & Person Specification below and on our website. 

Benefits to working at Shine:

• Competitive salary: Review due April 2027
• Regular working hours, and no shift work (some very occasional weekends or evenings)  
• 3% pension contribution
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with additional discretionary leave between Christmas and New Year
• Additional annual leave awarded for ‘long service’
• Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave
• Broadband allowance for home-based roles
• Life insurance after 12 months’ employment  
• Access to our Employee Support Programme and Mental Health First Aiders 
• Support to learn and develop 

How to apply 

Shine is a Disability Confident employer and will offer guaranteed interviews if a disabled applicant meets the minimum criteria for the job. 

If you would like to discuss the role with our Deputy CEO, Gill Valentine, please contact Shine to arrange a convenient time for a call. 

To apply please submit your CV and supporting statement, which should outline your interest and explain how you meet the role criteria. 

We understand that you may wish to use AI tools to help you with some aspects of your application but we do expect tailored applications which are personalised to your experiences and not generic applications which are completely AI generated. We encourage candidates to be transparent about AI usage in their applications. 

*Please note applications without a supporting statement will not be accepted* 

Closing date: Thursday 16th April 2026 at 11pm 

Interviews:  Monday 27th April 2026  

Please note: we reserve the right to interview suitable candidates before the closing date, therefore we encourage applications as soon as possible. 

Shape public policy. Safeguard professional standards. Lead a profession towards the statutory recognition it deserves.

Not every Chief Executive role involves influencing government, protecting professional standards and occasionally resolving a registrant query before the end of the day.

After seven years, Mike Orlov is retiring as Chief Executive and Registrar of the National Register of Public Service Interpreters. The Board is now seeking a successor who can continue strengthening the organisation and raising the profile and importance of professional interpreters working across public services.

NRPSI is the independent voluntary regulator and national register for public service interpreters in the United Kingdom. It sets professional standards, upholds accountability and provides assurance to public sector organisations, including the Ministry of Justice, the Metropolitan Police and NHS bodies, in settings where interpreters are relied upon in critical situations.

In these environments, clear communication is essential. When it fails, the consequences can affect legal outcomes, safeguarding decisions and, in some situations, lives.

The organisation is entering an important moment in its development. The House of Lords Public Services Committee’s 2025 report on interpreting services in the courts has brought renewed national attention to the role that professional interpreters play across justice, policing and healthcare. At the same time, NRPSI continues to advance the longer-term ambition of statutory regulation and protection of title for Registered Public Service Interpreters.

As Victor Olowe, Chair of NRPSI, puts it: “This is an important moment for NRPSI and for the wider profession, particularly following the House of Lords 2025 report and the government’s commitment to address some of its key recommendations.”

As Chief Executive and Registrar, you’ll engage with senior stakeholders across government and public services while leading a specialist, long-standing team responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Register and the standards that underpin it.

Drawing on your experience, you’ll help shape the organisation’s next stage of development and strengthen the role NRPSI plays in safeguarding the public through professional interpreting standards.

The Role

Stepping into this role, you’ll be accountable to the Board for the governance, strategic direction and operational leadership of the organisation.

This is a hands-on leadership role, working closely with the Chair and Board to shape the organisation’s strategy and priorities, while ensuring the Register continues to operate with credibility, integrity and independence.

You’ll have direct responsibility for the integrity of the Register itself. This includes oversight of registration, renewals, complaints and disciplinary processes, as well as responsibility for ensuring the organisation’s Code of Professional Conduct and regulatory framework remain robust and fit for purpose.

With your experience, moving between strategic and operational ground will come naturally to you. One week you may be engaging with senior civil servants or government departments about the importance of professional interpreting standards. The next you may be reviewing operational processes, supporting your team in the delivery of the Register’s core functions or ensuring the organisation’s financial position remains sustainable.

Your team works mainly remotely and are all long-standing, dedicated and experienced, responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Register. Working in a remote-first environment, continuing a culture of collaboration, accountability and professional development while ensuring the organisation continues to deliver high standards of service is high on the list of priorities.

Externally, you’ll act as the senior voice of NRPSI. What does this mean in reality? Engaging with stakeholders across justice, policing, healthcare and central government, representing the organisation’s perspective clearly and authoritatively. This could include contributing to sector discussions, building relationships with policymakers and making the case for why professional interpreting standards matter to public safety and effective public services, or posting on LinkedIn and social channels, giving updates or hosting town halls for registrants.

The role also sees you supporting the organisation’s longer-term ambition of achieving statutory regulation and protection of title for Registered Public Service Interpreters, a goal that will genuinely benefit from the right leader’s credibility and persistence.

Financial sustainability also sits within your remit. NRPSI is funded through registration fees paid by interpreters, and you’ll oversee the organisation’s finances while ensuring resources are used effectively to deliver its strategic priorities. Alongside this, you’ll maintain oversight of operational systems and processes, identifying opportunities to improve resilience, efficiency and the effective use of digital tools.

The Person

This is a role that calls for someone who has operated at senior or director level within a charity, not-for-profit organisation, professional body, regulatory organisation, membership association or comparable public service environment.

Someone who understands the responsibilities that come with leading an organisation whose work centres on professional standards, governance and public protection, and who brings the credibility, judgement and experience required to engage effectively with a diverse group of stakeholders including government departments, public sector organisations, registrants and sector partners.

A collaborative, trust-based leadership style will be just as important: someone equally comfortable exercising independent judgement as they are balancing strategic thinking with practical delivery in a specialist organisation where both are needed in equal measure.

You’ll bring most of the following:

• Senior leadership experience at director level or above within a charity, professional body, membership organisation, regulatory body or public service environment
• Experience influencing government policy or engaging with commissioners of public spending
• Experience developing or improving regulatory, registration or accreditation processes
• The ability to represent an organisation clearly and confidently in public, including engaging with senior civil servants, sector stakeholders and the media
• Financial literacy and experience overseeing organisational budgets and sustainability
• Experience developing and delivering strategy and operational plans
• Confidence using digital systems, data and communication platforms to support organisational priorities
• Understanding of, or experience in, a registrar or equivalent function within a professional, regulatory or standards body, including accountability for the integrity of registration processes and criteria

Desirable

• Familiarity with public affairs, policy engagement or advocacy work would be advantageous, as would exposure to justice, policing, healthcare or public service environments.
• Experience navigating politically sensitive or contested professional environments, including managing public criticism, would also be beneficial.
• A second language would be welcomed.
• Above all, you’ll share a commitment to the public interest and the role professional interpreting plays in ensuring fair access to justice and public services.

A full candidate pack providing further information about the organisation accompanies this ad.

Key Information

NRPSI is working with Michelle Paoloni, Director at House Recruitment, on this appointment.

To apply, please submit a current CV and a supporting statement of no more than two pages outlining your relevant experience, where you saw the role advertised and what has prompted you to apply.

• Applications close at 5pm on Friday 10 April 2026.
• Discovery conversations with House Recruitment will take place on a rolling basis.
• Final interviews will be held in person in London on Wednesday 29 April 2026.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

NRPSI is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds and are committed to ensuring a fair and inclusive recruitment process.

Are you an experienced Project Manager with proven experience in property or estates project management? Have you successfully delivered large-scale installations or fit-out projects?

We’re excited to be recruiting a Property Project Manager to help lead one of the most impactful installation programmes in our Retail division. This fixed‑term role will take a central position in delivering the rollout of vital medical equipment (defibs) across our 670+ BHF retail locations, a project that will directly strengthen the safety and resilience of our shops, customers, volunteers and colleagues.

You’ll combine hands‑on project delivery with strategic oversight, working closely with teams across Retail, Estates and Property, as well as our external partners. Your leadership will ensure installations are delivered smoothly on time and within budget, while keeping disruption to retail operations to a minimum.

This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to a high‑profile programme that supports our mission and makes a meaningful difference across our estate.

You’ll deliver a full range of Project Manager services including:

• Managing end-to-end delivery of installations projects, from planning to completion.
• Developing and controlling project budgets, ensuring cost-effective delivery.
• Collaborating with internal teams (Retail, Estates, Facilities, Finance) and external contractors, consultants, and suppliers.
• Ensuring all works comply with health and safety legislation, building regulations, and BHF policies.
• Identifying and mitigating project risks, resolving issues promptly.
• Providing regular progress reports to senior leadership, including KPIs and strategic alignment.
• Overseeing project documentation and ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.

About you

We are looking for someone with proven experience in property or estates project management, ideally in a multi-site environment, such as retail. You'll have a demonstrable track record of delivering large-scale installation, fit-out or similar programmes, from planning to completion.

To be successful in this role, you'll have:

• Excellent organisational, communication, and negotiation skills.
• A qualification or relevant experience in Project Management, Construction, Surveying or related field, with membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. RICS) being desirable.
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building abilities.
• Proficiency in project management tools and software (e.g. MS Project, Asana).
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong understanding of building regulations, lease management, and health & safety compliance.
• Experience delivering large-scale installations or fit-out projects. 
• Experience managing budgets and working with multiple stakeholders.

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Working arrangements

Please note this is a 10 month fixed-term contract. This role will be home based and there will be some travel to our sites and office locations for meetings as needed.

Belonging at BHF 

We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. Embracing different perspectives and backgrounds strengthens our organisation and empowers us to make a real difference together. 

To hear from our people, check out Belonging at BHF.

Interview process

There will be a two stage interview process, via MS Teams shortly after the closing date.