Chief Operating Officer Jobs in South Bank, Greater London

REIMAGINING GOVERNMENT FOR A CHANGING WORLD

Governments today face unprecedented challenges. From responding to climate change and tackling
inequality to managing public health crises, they are under immense pressure to meet the growing
demands of their citizens while maintaining trust and staying relevant. Yet, many of the systems and
structures that underpin government operations are no longer fit for purpose in our rapidly changing world.
At CPI, we believe it’s time to reimagine government so that it works for everyone. We envision a future
where governments are not just responsive but also resilient, inclusive, and adaptive to the complexities
of modern society. To make this vision a reality, governments must evolve—and CPI is here to help them
on that journey.

We act as a learning partner, empowering changemakers within and around government to think
differently, embrace new approaches, and create lasting, positive change. Our work is built on two core
practices: sensemaking and action-learning.

THE WORK WE DO

At CPI, we help governments transform in order to best meet the challenges of the 21st century. To do this, we focus on three core objectives:

1. Inspiring leaders to act: We cultivate visionary, empathetic leaders who are driven by a commitment to the public good. By mobilizing leaders around shared goals, we empower them to drive meaningful change, particularly in communities that have historically been underserved.
2. Innovating systems and services: We help governments and partners rethink how public services are designed and delivered. By embracing innovation, we create systems that are not only capable of solving today’s challenges but
are resilient enough to adapt to future societal, technological, and environmental shifts.
3. Integrating across boundaries: Collaboration is key to creating long-lasting impact. We help our partners break down silos and foster cross-sector partnerships, connecting ideas and people across diverse ecosystems. By doing so, we enable government leaders to continuously learn from others, improve their services, and deliver better outcomes for citizens.

At CPI, we don’t just advocate for change—we model it. Our core values—Curiosity, Courage, Collaboration, Empathy, and Equity—are at the heart of everything we do. These values shape our work culture, our partnerships, and how we engage with the world. By living these values, we create an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute to the positive
changes we want to see in government. Together, we believe that by reimagining government, we can build a future where public systems are not only more capable but also more equitable, responsive, and aligned with the needs of everyone they serve. Through partnership, learning, and experimentation, CPI is uniquely positioned to lead this charge and help shape
the future of government. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE CEO

1. Values – Shaping culture and people leadership

At CPI, we strive to “walk the talk.” Our ability to serve our partners effectively starts with living our values internally—creating a culture that encourages creativity, reimagining, and bold, generative work. To unlock truly innovative ideas and approaches with our partners, we must first embody the change we seek to bring about. This requires a values-based approach that not only challenges us but also inspires those we work with to think and act differently.

Our values are at the heart of everything we do:
Curiosity - We champion exploration and creativity.
Courage - We remain authentic and brave in our decisions and actions.
Collaboration - We share power and work together.
Empathy - We seek to understand others’ perspectives and experiences.
Equity - We challenge systemic barriers to foster inclusivity and opportunity.

Therefore, the CEO of CPI must:

• Model and steward our values: Lead with integrity, transparency, accountability, and humility. Ensure that every decision and action reflects CPI’s core values.
• Inspire a relational culture: Lead through authentic, people-centred leadership. Foster an environment of honest conversations, active listening, mutual support, and resilience. Show up with presence and patience, offering support when needed.
• Champion a culture of inclusivity: Foster an environment where everyone feels they belong by embedding inclusivity and equitable practices. Ensure power is shared, and all team members are valued and empowered to contribute their unique strengths.
• Nurture a learning culture: Promote continuous learning and reflection. Encourage experimentation, embrace failure as a learning opportunity, and challenge assumptions to strengthen the organization.

2. Vision– Re-imagining government through thought-leadership

The CEO will represent CPI’s vision for reimagining government, grounded in systems thinking and complexity theory. They will be an active thought leader driving the intellectual frontier forward. Through thought leadership—whether via podcasts, reports, conferences, or advocacy—the CEO will position CPI to attract partners, collaborators, and projects that align with our unique approach and capabilities. Beyond our project portfolio, the CEO will inspire and grow a broader movement of changemakers, expanding CPI’s influence and impact across sectors and geographies.

Therefore, we seek a CEO who will:

• Inspire big conversations and tell powerful stories: The CEO will reflect, imagine, and communicate boundary-pushing thought leadership that challenges teams and engages public and social sector leaders. By sharing the ideas, insights, and inspirations that emerge from CPI’s work through blogs, podcasts, conferences, and public speaking, the CEO will inspire external audiences and catalyze bold conversations. Through storytelling, the CEO will amplify CPI’s vision, challenging others to achieve greater impact and contributing to a global movement reimagining government across sectors and geographies.
• Support public service innovation and impact: Ensure CPI is designing creative programs with our partners that help civil servants excel as stewards of public resources
• Advocate for better governance: Promote policy and governance reforms that prioritise empathy, inclusivity, and trust, positioning CPI as a global thought leader in reimagining the role of government in society.
• Convene thought leaders: Recognising government reform is hard work and hugely complex, the CEO can leverage CPI networks to create meaningful spaces for shared learning and co- produced thought leadership.

3. Strategy- Positioning CPI, prioritising our focus areas, sequencing our organizational development

CPI’s approach starts with a shift in values and thinking before driving system change and service design. Our work spans thematic areas like democratic governance, climate change, AI, gender equity, public health, and more. We use diverse tools—from service design and challenge prizes to partnership- building and fund management. As CPI grows across regions like North America, Europe, and Asia, we need a leader who can balance visionary positioning with operational priorities.

Therefore, we need a CEO who can:

• Cultivate our strategy: Building on existing strengths, develop a long-term strategy for the organization that delivers on its mission and for its partners, while harnessing the full range of capabilities within the team. CPI has a regionally federated structure, with authority appropriately devolved to trusted leaders across the organization. The CEO will play a critical role in uniting these efforts by identifying CPI’s core strengths and focus areas and clearly articulating strategic priorities for both the short and long term. At the same time, the CEO must ensure that CPI remains agile and responsive to emerging opportunities for growth and impact.
• Communicate CPI’s identity: Clarify and strengthen CPI’s identity. Ensure that our work, though complex, is communicated boldly and clearly to raise our profile. Our recent re-brand is part of this, but our next CEO will help craft a bolder, sharper presentation of who we are and how we serve.
• Global perspective and leadership: Continue to build a truly global organization, with a presence across multiple regions. While much of our team, work, and revenue are currently concentrated in the United States, we are committed to maintaining and expanding our international presence. The next CEO must have a global outlook, be comfortable working across different cultures, and actively support CPI’s vision of remaining a diverse and internationally balanced organization. It will be crucial for the CEO to lead efforts to rebalance our organizational focus, ensuring that we continue to strengthen CPI’s work across the world.
• Strengthen our operational core: Build a cohesive and high-functioning foundation across Finance, People & Culture, and Communications. The next CEO will ensure that CPI remains adaptive and entrepreneurial while developing the robust infrastructure needed for sustainable growth. This includes strengthening key operational systems to support CPI’s long-term success without compromising its innovative spirit. The CEO will maintain a strong overview of the financial health and funding forecast for CPI.
• Partner with the Board: Maintain a strong, collaborative relationship with CPI’s Board of Directors, including regular updates on progress and co-creating strategies for future growth. Support the identification and onboarding of new Board members who bring diverse perspectives and are committed to CPI’s mission and values.

4. Partnerships – expanding and deepening our collaborations Collaboration is at the heart of CPI’s work. The CEO will be a bridge-builder across sectors, geographies, and themes, growing the community of those re-imagining government.

Therefore, we expect our next CEO to:

• Steward our partnership with BCG: With our branding recently shifting from “a BCG Foundation” to “founded by BCG,” we have a unique opportunity to further maximize the benefits of our heritage and deepen our partnership with BCG. As valued learning partners and collaborators, BCG has been a steadfast supporter and proud champion of CPI. While CPI operates independently, this exceptional partnership allows us to both benefit from and contribute to BCG’s expertise, creating mutual value and enhancing our collective impact.
• Foster our strategic relationships: Strengthen and deepen relationships with governments, foundations, corporates, and changemakers. Use these collaborations to extend CPI’s impact and mutual learning.
• Network and build partnerships: Act as an ambassador for CPI, catalyzing new partnerships and co-designing innovative solutions.
• Fundraise: Although we primarily operate under a contract-based business model, our recent rebranding presents a unique opportunity to expand our ambitions and elevate our funding strategy. The next CEO will have the chance to attract larger and more innovative funding partners who share our vision and ambition, enabling us to secure core funding that strengthens CPI’s long-term impact and reach.

EXPERIENCE WE SEEK IN OUR NEXT CEO

CPI is deeply rooted in our values. Our next CEO must not only embody Curiosity, Courage, Collaboration, Empathy, and Equity but also share their personal journey of growth and continuous learning as they strive to live these values. Leading by example, they will inspire others to embrace the same principles.

As a vision-led organization, CPI requires a leader who is already thinking expansively about the future of public institutions. The ideal candidate will be a thought leader—speaking, writing, and advocating for bold, creative solutions that deliver maximum impact from public services.

CPI operates at the intersection of sectors, so our CEO must bring credibility, humility, and learning from a diverse career. Ideally, they will have experience in government, not-for-profit leadership, and commercial sectors, providing a well-rounded perspective that enhances CPI’s unique positioning. CPI has enjoyed a truly remarkable founding decade and is now entering a pivotal phase of growth and maturity. We are beyond the start-up stage but still evolving, and we seek a leader who has successfully guided organizations through similar transitions. The ideal candidate will have a track record of strategic transformation, having helped previous organizations reach their full potential during key stages of development.

We are not a generic consultancy; we are systems-thinkers versed in complexity theory, and in particular, applied to the unique challenges of government and the wider public sector. The CEO will likely have immersed themselves in these disciplines, bringing a nuanced understanding of how to navigate complexity and apply systems thinking to large-scale challenges. Our CEO must be comfortable also sitting with uncertainty and ambiguity, letting solutions be emergent and co-created in a relational context, embracing experimentation’s iterative process.

CPI is an innovative and entrepreneurial organization. We need a leader who has thrived in such
settings, made bold decisions, taken calculated risks, learned from failures, and remains a progressive
thinker in areas such as organizational design, new management practices, creative financing, and
unconventional partnerships. As an increasingly international organization, we seek a leader who is passionate about cross-cultural leadership, managing a dispersed team, and bringing a wealth of experience, networks, and insights
from working across multiple regions.

REMUNERATION

At CPI, we are committed to aligning our compensation framework with the principles of fairness, equity, and transparency. We benchmark salaries using national, country-specific data and aim to offer compensation between the 50th and 75th percentiles for all staff roles. Additionally, we maintain a 5-to-1 ratio between the most senior and junior staff, ensuring that our compensation structure remains equitable across the organization.

For the CEO role, a competitive salary will be offered in line with local benchmarking for the country where the CEO is based. As a reference, in our two largest offices, the salary range for a UK-based CEO is £170,000-200,000, and for a US-based CEO, the range is $275,000-310,000. Beyond base salary, we take a holistic approach to compensation, offering a benefits package designed to support work-life balance. This includes a generous package and leave entitlement, comprehensive health care, and flexible working arrangements. CPI’s CEO would preferably be based in the US (East Coast) or Western Europe, but we are open to discussing other locations in an exceptional circumstance. Travel will be an important part of the role, with consideration given to climate impact and effective use of time and resources. Travel will include visits to team meetings, attending key global forums, client meetings, and events that showcase CPI’s vision and inspire the re-imagination of government.

We are seeking a part-time Head of Finance to join our Operational Leadership Team (OLT) for three days a week.

You will have a compassionate heart and be deeply motivated by your evangelical Christian faith, with a passion to serve your persecuted family in Christ.

You will work closely with the Chief Operating Officer (COO) to identify the level of internal and external resource that is required to develop a hybrid delivery model to operate financial management in the most effective and efficient way possible.

Your proven track record and experience of operational financial management will ensure the accurate delivery of this, as well as oversight of the day-to-day financial operations. Your clear communication skills and accounting qualifications, knowledge and experience will enable you to convey financial information in a practical and insightful way to a number of different audiences that have varying levels of financial understanding.

If you believe God may be calling you to fulfil this important new role and you understand the importance of excellence in the stewardship of our precious resources, then please apply for this part-time position which is based at our office in Orpington, Kent, with some agreed flexibility to work from home.

Applicants must be committed to Release International’s evangelical Christian beliefs (occupational requirement).

Position: Chief Operating Officer
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Hours: 35 hours per week (full-time) 
Contract: Permanent 
Location: London with hybrid working – flexible and home working policy   

We are seeking an operational and people focussed Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join our Executive Team. You will drive development of all financial and operational management, processes and reporting, overseeing the organisation’s day-to-day operations including the leadership of Finance, People, Governance, Fundraising, Marketing and Communications and Digital. 

The successful candidate will have held broad finance and operations positions, with a track record of interacting at Board level and presenting clear financial and management information. Whilst you don’t have to be financially qualified, we do need someone with strong financial acumen and demonstrable ability to monitor, interpret and communicate financial information effectively. You will have experience in implementing new and/or successful improvements to existing systems and processes, with a track record of driving organisational change. The post holder will have a good understanding of regulation and best practice alongside the ability to develop efficient processes and controls in line with our governance framework. Ensuring that people are at the centre of the Florence Nightingale Foundation (FNF) you will play a key role within the Executive team supporting the charity to achieve sustainable growth and delivery of efficient and effective services ensuring plans are developed and implemented, and targets are met. 

You will have a passion for our purpose, commitment to our mission and alignment with our organisational values. Whilst being robust about process, you need to be able to flex to changing circumstances and be skilled at getting the best out of people as well as driving a culture of continuous improvement and learning. Crucially, you will be wholly committed to driving forward the core infrastructure for our work supporting nurses and midwives in leadership development to improve health and care outcomes. 

This role provides a unique opportunity to inform, lead and shape the future of our impactful charitable mission and growth. 

Experience, Knowledge, and Skills 

• Proven experience as a senior leader in ideally a non-profit or public sector organisation

• Strong and extensive operations management experience, financial leadership and programme delivery 

• Experience of working on projects to integrate systems and improve processes / ways of working would be highly desirable 

• Demonstrated success in strategic planning, organisational development and stakeholder engagement 

• Excellent leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate staff 

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal abilities, capable of representing the charity effectively to external audience 

• Experience of working with a Charity Board of Trustees 

• Proven ability to develop a long term financial strategy and plans 

• Experience of developing and implementing processes and policies as well as setting standards and targets aligned to organisation objectives 

• A commitment to the charity's mission and values 

• Excellent numerical and analytical skills with the ability to distil and communicate complex financial information in a way that is easy to understand 

• Ability to think strategically, anticipating future trends and developing plans accordingly 

• Encourage innovation and seek to understand best practice from both inside and outside the sector 

• Strong financial acumen and demonstrable ability to monitor, interpret and communicate financial information effectively is essential 

• ACCA/CIMA/ACA or an equivalent finance qualification is desirable 

First interviews: Monday 2 December – face to face at our offices in London Bridge

Second interviews: Thursday 5 December – remote

This role is to ensure the College meets its strategic financial and planning goals and objectives by being responsible for the day-to-day operations, including finance, HR, IT, fundraising and development, secretarial & governance and administration. The role is a senior position and the successful candidate will be a member of the Senior Management Team.

About Leo Baeck College

Leo Baeck College is a preeminent institution of Jewish scholarship and learning, combining inspirational, high calibre teaching with a commitment to developing rabbis, other professionals, and lay leaders who will build sustainable, accessible, and thriving Progressive Jewish communities.

The College campus is situated on a seven-acre site in the heart of North London with good transport links to central London. On site, LBC occupies a Grade II listed building where classrooms, seminar rooms, student study rooms and offices are located, along with a cafe.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Finance - Oversee the charity's financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, student finances, financial reporting, preparing the content of the annual Trustees Report & management of the College’s investment portfolio. Supervise and manage third party finance services.
• Fundraising & Development - Support the Principal in developing and delivering the fundraising strategy. Maintain strong relationships with key partners, including donors, alumni and students.
• Strategic Planning & Implementation - Liaise closely with the Principal, Governors and Senior Management Team to develop and implement the strategic plan.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of Leo Baeck College, ensuring that all activities are aligned with the charity's mission and strategic objectives. Supervise one staff member in general administration and facilities management for the site & College premises.
• Governance & Compliance – Strategic oversight to ensure the College adheres to all relevant legal and regulatory requirements including, but not limited to, GDPR, Companies House & the Charity Commission. Liaise and deal with legal and insurance matters.
• HR – Responsible for all HR activities including, but not limited to, contracts, appraisals, performance management, payroll & recruitment. Management of the College’s HR system.
• IT – Responsible for the management of third party contractor ensuring the IT needs of the College are met.

This is a new role developed to support the CEO, The COO will be a key member of our leadership team The COO will work closely with the CEO and manage the SMT to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the charity by playing a pivotal role in overseeing various aspects of our operations, including compliance, safeguarding, operations and team management, finance, human resources, IT, and administrative functions.

Smyth & Co is delighted to be exclusively partnering with Art History Link-Up, a widening participation education charity to find a Chief Operating Officer (COO).  This role will play a crucial part in the strategic and operational leadership of Art History Link-Up. Reporting directly to the Founder & CEO, the COO will be responsible for overseeing the charity's day-to-day operations, ensuring that the organisation runs smoothly and efficiently, in addition to supporting capacity build.

This role will involve working closely with the small team of three employees, managing resources, and driving the successful implementation of the strategic plan for growth. The COO will also act as a key support to the Founder and CEO, providing guidance on organisational development and helping to steer the Charity towards its long-term goals.

Some key responsibilities:

• Operational Leadership - Oversee the day-to-day operations of AHLU, ensuring that all activities are aligned with the charity's mission and strategic objectives.
• Strategic Planning & Execution - Work closely with the Founder & CEO to develop and implement the strategic plan for growth
• Financial Management - Oversee the charity's financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. Support the CEO in developing and delivering the fundraising strategy
• Governance & Compliance - Ensure that AHLU adheres to all relevant legal and regulatory requirements.
• Stakeholder Engagement - Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including partners, funders and alumni students.

What you’ll bring to the team

• Proven experience in a senior operational role, from within the charity or education sector.
• Strong strategic thinking and planning skills, with a track record of successfully implementing growth strategies.
• Excellent financial management skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and workstreams simultaneously
• Leadership experience, with the ability to inspire and manage a small team.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Knowledge of governance and compliance requirements within the charity sector.

About Art History Link-Up

Art History Link-Up believes that art history shouldn’t belong to the handful of people who currently have the opportunity to study it, unfortunately currently, fewer than 1% of state schools offer History of Art A-level. To address this, AHLU has provided free courses in art history to over 500 students from over 300 schools across the UK. Their alumni are now studying art history at Russell Group universities across the UK, including the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge, and the Courtauld Institute.

Gambling with Lives (GwL) was founded in 2018 by the families and friends of people who had taken their own lives as a direct result of gambling. The charity supports people bereaved by gambling-related suicide, raises awareness of the devastating effects of gambling disorder and works to prevent gambling-related harm and suicide.

We are recruiting for a Chief Operating Officer to join us on a 14-month fixed term contract (maternity cover) to start in early 2025. Gambling with Lives operates as a fully remote working organisation however there will be some UK travel required as part of the role.

The Chief Operating Officer is the most senior staff role within the organisation, responsible for the day to day running of the charity and, in close coordination with GwL's co-founders, delivering the organisation's strategy. During this fixed term contract, the interim COO will be responsible for overseeing and managing the implementation of the charity's new strategy and operational plan (developed in late-2024). In addition the COO will ensure the ongoing delivery and quality of the charity's services and activities, and will lead and support GwL's expert and agile staff team.

The successful candidate will have significant experience in a senior leadership role within a small charity setting. You will have demonstrable experience leading, developing and nurturing teams including remote workers. Having worked successfully at a strategic level, you will be adept at delivering strategic and operational plans, and bring a project management mindset, with the ability to stay on top of all aspects of the organisation. In addition to the inward facing parts of the role you will also demonstrate the drive and experience to work externally, with a range of stakeholders and contractors. You will demonstrate passion for the GwL mission, operating with a strong political awareness and sensitivity around the subject area.

Gambling with Lives are partnering with Prospectus to recruit for this vacancy. To apply please submit your CV and a two page supporting statement, preferably in Microsoft Word/PDF format. The statement should outline your motivation for joining GwL and why you feel you would be a good fit for this role. You should also demonstrate your experience and skillset with examples relating to the Person Specification section in the Job Pack. If you have any further questions or would like to know more about this opportunity please contact Steven Fraser from Prospectus on 0207 405 4999 or

As a specialist Recruitment Practice Prospectus are committed to building inclusive and diverse organisations, and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Prospectus invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you in your application.

Leo Baeck College is the pre-eminent UK institution of Jewish scholarship and learning
that is the heart and lifeblood of the intellectual and spiritual life of the Progressive
Jewish community. Leo Baeck College combines inspirational, high caliber teaching with a
commitment to developing rabbis, other professionals, and lay leaders who will build
sustainable, accessible, and thriving Progressive Jewish communities.

The primary function of this role is to manage and maximise all categories of development
inclusive of grant writing, fundraising, events and communication activities for LBC and to
support the College and Board of Governors in identifying new opportunities to engage.with stakeholders and raise additional funds. Additionally, this role is to support the Principal, COO and members of the Board of Governors in their contact with major donors and other stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

· Continue to build our visibility and relationships with other organisations

· Research and prepare the submission of grant and trust applications

· Develop a “Friends of Leo Baeck College” programme, an “Alumni” programme, and a “Legacy” programme

The UK Men’s Sheds Association (UKMSA) is seeking a skilled and inspirational CEO to lead our charity through the next stage of its development and the continued delivery of our core mission of improving the lives and wellbeing of men (and women) through the Men’s Shed movement across the UK.

We are looking for a Chief Executive with the energy, vision and experience to take on the strategic leadership and direction of our well-respected and fast-growing national charity, which brings tangible benefits to men’s health, mental health and suicide prevention across the UK. Our strategy is one of ambitious targets to support the expansion, reach, diversity and sustainability of the Men’s Shed movement, in line with our vision of happier and healthier men by virtue of reduced loneliness, anxiety and depression, improved wellbeing, and saved lives.

Our new CEO will be a proven and exemplary strategic leader, who will head our mission, guide the team, represent our charity with partners, funders and politicians, and support the Shed Movement we exist to serve. Your track record of inspirational leadership and excellent communications skills will be a key part of building and diversifying our funding (including developing sustainable income growth strategies and bringing in commercial sponsorship), broadening and deepening our partnerships and our relationships with government, and driving our future success. Your experience in executive leadership in the nonprofit sectors will ensure the good management and statutory compliance of UKMSA. We recognise that you may not have a background in the Men’s Shed movement, but your strong emotional intelligence will enable you to quickly develop a good understanding of the community we serve.

Key Skills

• Leadership – the ability to motivate, develop, and deliver through a team of staff and volunteers such that the organisation meets its goals.
• Interpersonal & Communication Skills – these will need to be excellent (including written communication) in order to build rapport and effective relationships across a range of people, from our members to the general public, political figures and senior executives in other organisations. As UKMSA’s public face, the CEO must also be adept at showcasing our work, including in the media and to parliamentary and other government bodies.
• Financial Acumen – the CEO will be expected to operate the budget and develop our new strategy for ensuring sustainable income, actively leading the development of corporate sponsorships and other significant income streams.
• Flexibility & Adaptability – the new CEO will be expected to learn about the world of Men’s Sheds quickly, to be able confidently to represent UKMSA and to build strong relationships within the Men’s Shed community (both within the UK and internationally). And as we only have a staff team of 13 (geographically dispersed), it is expected that the CEO will actively engage in some of the more tactical work, including being ‘hands on’ at events.

Purpose of the job

Are you the right person to lead a team who are passionate about improving mental health and wellbeing for the people of Hammersmith, Fulham, Ealing, and Hounslow?

We are seeking an interim Chief Executive to cover maternity leave. This role will have shorter term goals namely:

1. Supporting the SLT
2. Developing an annual business plan
3. Reporting to the board
4. Identifying areas for growth and income generation
5. Recovering reserves to ensure financial resilience over the next year

With strong strategic and leadership skills to continue to support the charity, the interim Chief Executive will continue to lead and inspiring our passionate and dedicated team as we work through our 2023-2026 strategy. The interim Chief Executive will act as the main link between the charity and Board. Together with the Chair, they will enable the Board of Trustees to fulfil its duties and responsibilities for the proper governance of the charity.

The right candidate will have a strong focus on business development, financial stability, thinking creatively and courageously about opportunities for growth and new income streams. You will be a passionate advocate for mental health and wellbeing, ensuring the charity is a place where people feel valued, listened to, and supported.

About Hammersmith, Fulham, Ealing, and Hounslow Mind

We’re Hammersmith, Fulham, Ealing, and Hounslow Mind (HFEH Mind), part of Mind the mental health charity. We provide advice and support to empower anybody experiencing a mental health problem and we campaign to improve services, raise awareness, and promote understanding of mental health.

We work in Hammersmith, Fulham, Ealing, and Hounslow and have a range of services and products to help children, young people and adults maintain and regain their mental health. We work with employers, partners, community groups and other charities to achieve our aims.

Key Responsibilities​

• Strategy and Vision 
  • Ensure that business, operational, and annual plans to underpin the strategic plan are developed, agreed, and implemented.
  • Identify and assess strategic risks, issues and opportunities and take responsibility for leading an effective response to each.
• Organisational Development
  • Ensuring the charity has an appropriate organisation structure and management system to fulfil strategic objectives. 
  • Identifying and prioritising funding and commissioning opportunities.
  • Ensuring the charity is aware of best practice and maintains a high quality of work. 
• People & Culture
  • Continue building a staff culture where everyone is valued, clear on their role and equipped to do their job.
  • Provide leadership, supervision, annual appraisals and mentoring of the SLT. 
  • Maintain a diverse workforce that reflects the community, and working towards being a anti-racist organisation.
• Finance
  • Be responsible for overall financial health of the charity. 
  • Recover reserves and identify further areas of cost saving. 
  • Have an overview of finances and resources, ensuring to operate within agreed annual budget.
  • Ensure robust financial management of Charity's resources.
  • Consult with Board and Treasurer to prepare an Annual Budget, to be approved by the Board.
  • Ensure that there are effective mechanisms to ensure the robustness of external and internal controls (financial and non-financial).
• Governance, Reporting and Risk
  • Review major risks which charity is exposed to regularly by the Board and the management team. 
  • Ensure Board are appropriately informed and involved in organisational activities and the organisation benefits from their experience, skills and expertise.
  • Ensure that there are effective mechanisms to ensure the robustness of external and internal controls (financial and non-financial).
• External and internal relations
  • Foster good communication throughout charity and externally. 
  • Actively develop charity's public profile, professional networks and foster good relationships with external stakeholders.
  • Set up mechanisms for listening to the views of current and future beneficiaries. 
  • Regular one-to-one meetings with the Chair. 
• Legal and regulatory compliance 
  • Ensure charity fulfils all its legal, statutory, and regulatory responsibilities.
  • Engage with National Mind. 
  • Ensure organisation continues to deliver the Mind Quality Mark accreditation. 

The successful candidate will need to evidence the following:

You will have knowledge and experience in:

• Demonstrable track record of operating at CEO level or similar, managing, and embedding change.
• Proven track record of managing, growing, and developing support services in line with best practice in different and diverse communities, ideally in health or social care sectors (within Mental Health specifically preferred).
• Experience in recovering reserves and developing cost-saving efficiencies.
• Experience in restructures.
• Experience working with statutory and non-statutory bodies to achieve commissioning and grant targets and to grow the charity.
• Experience of working strategically to source and secure sustainable funding solutions working within tight financial constraints.
• Building effective partnerships with internal and external stakeholders including service users based on principles of co-production.
• Educated to degree level or equivalent, with demonstrable evidence of continuous professional and personal development.
• Excellent people management and conflict resolution skills, and the ability to lead, delegate appropriately, motivate and support the performance of staff. 
• Excellent understanding of safeguarding legislation and processes, safety, and quality management.

Your qualities will include:

• An inspiring and empathetic leader, strategist, and communicator, ideally from a mental health background, who can cultivate a culture of learning, creativity, inclusion, and excellence.
• Able to demonstrate passion and commitment for HFEH Mind’s mission (lived experience a plus).
• Strong financial experience and abilities.
• Clear and inspirational leadership and people management skills with the ability to build and lead teams across multiple locations.
• Ability to think and act strategically, developing practical, innovative, and creative solutions to the management of issues and complex problems.
• Ability to identify opportunities to improve business outcomes through partnership at all levels.
• Energy and passion to deliver at pace and cut through obstacles. 
• Highly effective influencing and negotiating skills, with the ability to develop partnerships and alliances across a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Politically astute and resilient, with the ability to manage conflict and ambiguity.
• Outcome focused, with the capability and tenacity to drive the agenda forward. 

Benefits & Support

We want all our team to thrive at HFEH Mind and we offer a competitive range of benefits, good work/life balance, and excellent learning and development opportunities.  We are proud of our organisational culture, and we offer a supportive, flexible, and enjoyable place to work.

Employee benefits include:

• Opportunities for flexible working
• 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) increasing with years of service up to 30 days.
• Workplace pension scheme
• Occupational sick pay scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Regular supervision
• A variety of learning and development opportunities
• Access to “Perkbox” employee benefits
• Cycle to Work Scheme

HFEH Mind are an equal opportunities employer; and are proud to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons from all backgrounds.

HFEH Mind are committed to creating and fostering a culture that promotes safeguarding and the welfare of all children and adults at risk. Our safer recruitment practices support this by ensuring that there is a consistent and thorough process of obtaining, collating, analysing, and evaluating information from and about candidates to ensure that all persons appointed are suitable to work with children and vulnerable adults.

Post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

At Refugee Action Kingston (RAK) we're dedicated to helping the successful integration of refugees and people seeking asylum into the local community. With over three decades of experience, we provide a comprehensive range of services including welfare support, immigration and legal advice, education, counselling, and career guidance.  

RAK employs 15 staff and currently has nearly 200 volunteers. In 2023/24 more than 2,000 people benefited from our services: 

• 1,171 clients accessed advice and advocacy services, including immigration advice 

• 305 clients attended our ESOL classes 

• 250 children, young people and families benefited from our after-school and family support services 

• 61 people were supported by our counselling team 

What we can offer you 

• Work in a highly respected organisation punching above its weight – providing quality support to over 2,000 individuals and families a year

• A friendly and supportive environment, with an experienced team of professional teachers, counsellors, solicitors and advisers working to quality standards 

• A collaborative approach to meeting fundraising targets, working with our new Fundraiser and our Partnership and Digital Marketing Coordinator 

• Flexible and hybrid working 

• A committed community in south west London that supports RAK through volunteering, sharing information about our work, and donations

• Real potential for growth and a clear and deliverable strategy already in place 

Our values  

• Empathy: we put ourselves in the shoes of those we work with.  

• Enterprise: we're innovative and resourceful in our approach to supporting refugees and people seeking asylum.  

• Empowerment: we strive to empower our clients, helping them achieve their aspirations.  

Role Overview

Location: We have an office in Kingston Upon Thames, greater London. Flexible and hybrid working is offered to all staff. 

Hours: 35 hours per week (including paid half-hour lunch break) 

Salary: £55,000 to £60,000 per annum permanent

Leave: 26 days per annum plus bank holidays 

Responsible to: Chair of trustees 

As the CEO of Refugee Action Kingston, you'll lead our organisation in supporting refugees and people seeking asylum in south west London to lead fulfilled and independent lives. Your responsibilities will include:  

Strategic leadership  

• Developing and implementing annual plans aligned with our strategy, in collaboration with the Board of Trustees, to achieve desired outcomes.  

• Maintaining efficient systems for the charity's operations, ensuring good governance and financial sustainability.  

• Overseeing all aspects of organisational management including finances, resources, services, and communications, in cooperation with trustees.  

 
Governance and organisational management  

• Working closely with trustees to direct and deliver RAK's objectives according to the charity's strategy.  

• Leading and supporting the RAK team to fulfil objectives, emphasising client needs, monitoring outcomes, and integrating learning into operations.  

• Ensuring compliance with governance requirements, supporting board responsibilities, and contributing to trustee meetings and reporting.  

 
Financial management and human resources  

• Ensuring effective financial management, leading finance and project management teams to maintain controls, preparing reports, and managing spending within budget.  

• Developing organisational structure and processes for positive people and service management, adhering to legislation and quality standards.  

• Fostering a healthy working culture that encourages staff and volunteers to excel, contribute ideas, and embrace diversity.  

 Fundraising  

• Developing and executing RAK's fundraising strategy, exploring new avenues to diversify funding sources.  

• Collaborating with RAK’s fundraiser to cultivate relationships with funders, submitting funding bids, and providing reporting.  

• Focus on growing unrestricted funds to reduce reliance on grants.  

Advocacy and influencing  

• Cultivating strong relationships with stakeholders to amplify the impact of RAK's work.  

• Advocating for the needs of our clients to local authorities, healthcare providers, and other relevant agencies.  

• Maintaining an effective advice and advocacy service, meeting quality standards (AQS & OISC) and regulatory requirements.  

 General duties  

• Undertaking any other related duties as required and appropriate to the role.  

Person specification  
Essential criteria  

1. Leadership and change management: proven track record of leading client-focused services, driving strategic development, and managing change effectively.  
2. Project and programme management: experience in creating and delivering complex projects aligned with strategic objectives.  
3. Fundraising expertise: understanding of fundraising importance in the charitable sector, with a history of successful and innovative fundraising initiatives.  
4. Digital proficiency: ability to harness digital tools so that roles are carried out efficiently and competently.  
5. Financial management: track record of managing budgets and contracts effectively.  
6. Analytical skills: experience in complex report writing and data analysis.  
7. Cultural awareness and commitment to EDI: a track record in promoting equality, diversity and inclusion, specifically in the context of working with refugees and people seeking asylum.  
8. Team leadership: excellent people skills, with the ability to empower and motivate staff and volunteers to operate effectively.  
9. Partnership building: strong ability to build partnerships, manage coalitions, and maintain positive relationships with stakeholders.  
10. Communication skills: excellent communication and persuasion skills, including experience in public speaking.  
11. Governance knowledge: understanding of governance principles in the voluntary or public sector.  
12. Safeguarding: experience in leading on safeguarding and health and safety.  

Desirable Criteria  

1. Asylum system knowledge: lived experience related to displacement and migration is highly desirable together with an understanding of the asylum system.  
2. Policy and advocacy: experience in asylum-related policy or advocacy work.  
3. Commercial awareness: experience in negotiating with statutory, local, or voluntary organisations/authorities.  

Our workplace 

We want RAK to be a great place to work and to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce. A vital part of this is ensuring we are a truly inclusive organisation that encourages diversity in all respects, including diversity of thought.

RAK is an equal opportunities employer.  We are committed to recruiting staff, trustees and volunteers who reflect the communities we serve and the wider community of London where we live and work. We particularly welcome applications from people: from Black, Asian and other minority-ethnic communities; refugee and migrant backgrounds; LGBTQ+ communities; with disabilities; and neurodiverse communities. 
 
Asking for adjustments - RAK is committed to making our recruitment practices barrier-free and as accessible as possible for everyone. This includes making changes for neurodiverse people, people with disabilities or long-term health conditions. If you would like us to do anything differently during the application, interview, or assessment process, including providing information in an alternative format, please get in touch via the contact details on our website. 
 
RAK is obliged to comply with the Asylum and Immigration Act (1996), and this requires certain documents to be presented by candidates before an offer of employment can be made. If you are invited to interview, we will ask you to bring these documents with you. For jobs which involve, for example, working with, or having access to children and/or vulnerable adults and their records, we will require an Enhanced Disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau and need to have information from you regarding any previous, existing, or pending convictions or cautions. This will form part of the recruitment process if you are successful after interview.

​

A rare opportunity for a Chief Executive Officer to join Vibrance. Due to the retirement of our current Chief Executive, we have an exciting opportunity for a new CEO, as we approach our 35th anniversary year and continue our mission to provide high quality, sustainable and viable person-centred services.

Vibrance is a registered charity supporting adults with a disability in London and Essex. We encourage a working environment that at its core is inclusive and pioneering. Vibrance is proud to have earned both the Investors in People Silver accreditation and ranked in the Sunday Times ‘Best Companies to work for’ list.

You will join us full-time, on a competitive salary of between £100,000 - £120,000. Flexible working, with the expectation for you to travel regularly to our services and attend regular meetings at our head office in Bethnal Green.

Skills and experience of our ideal Chief Executive Officer:
•  Extensive experience in a senior leadership role, preferably at CEO level, within the non-profit and/or Health and Social Care sectors.
•  Experience and involvement in successful capital campaigns and major fundraising initiatives.
•  Experience of working with a Board of Trustees.
•  A track record of organisational growth and development, with a focus on sustainability and impact.
•  Strong financial acumen, with experience in budget management and financial reporting.
•  Strong understanding of regulatory requirements such as those of CQC.
•  Strategic thinking: Ability to develop long-term goals, vision, and strategy for the organisation, aligning all activities toward achieving these objectives.
•  Performance management: Ability to set performance targets, monitor progress and implement corrective actions as needed.
•  Sector expertise: In-depth understanding of the sector in which Vibrance operates, including trends, challenges, and opportunities.

Personal qualities:
•  Visionary leadership: Ability to inspire and guide the organisation and all who work there toward growth and innovation, while remaining committed to its core mission and values, and to get the best out of a team of diverse and talented individuals.
•  Passion and commitment: A passion for supporting people with disabilities and a deep commitment to making a difference.
•  Empathy: Ability to understand the aspirations, needs and motivations of both those we support and work with us. 
•  Persuasiveness and effective communication: Ability to persuade and motivate stakeholders, including employees, Board members, donors, and external partners, and to convey complex ideas persuasively and clearly orally and in writing.
•   Emotional intelligence: Ability to understand and manage own emotions, as well as those of others, and to foster strong relationships and a positive organisational culture.
•  Dealing with conflict: Ability to navigate and resolve conflicts within the organisation effectively, ensuring a collaborative and productive work environment.
•  Adaptability and resilience: Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and unexpected challenges while remaining focused on long-term goals, and to remain focused, motivated, and effective in the face of adversity or setbacks.
•  Integrity: Unwavering commitment to ethical leadership, transparency, and accountability in all actions and decisions in line with our core values.
 

In return for your skills, knowledge, and experience, you’ll enjoy:
•  Generous holiday entitlement
•  Simply Health Optimise Health Plan
•  Membership of the SHPS Direct DC pension scheme
•  Mindful Employer Employee Assistance Programme (24 hours)
•  Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Pay
•  Flexible Working Options 
•  Learning & Development
•  Long Service Awards

Vibrance welcomes applications from all sections of the community including from people with disabilities. As users of the Disability Confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who satisfy the essential criteria for a job vacancy and consider them on their abilities.

About the role: 

Reports to - Chair of Trustees 
Salary - £90,000 - £100,000 per year (pro-rata if part-time)
Contract - Permanent, 0.8FTE to 1.0FTE 
Location - London-based with some hybrid work possible. Travel within the UK as required by the role. 

Main purpose of the job:

The CEO is responsible for the growth, development and performance of the charity and for shaping and delivering an impactful and sustainable strategy in line with our mission and aims. They will be a key representative of Action Tutoring externally, including working to raise the profile of tutoring as an essential part of school education. 

Specific responsibilities relating to the role: 

Vision, Strategy and Delivery

• Working with the Board to agree the vision and mission
• Ongoing strategic development and delivery of the short term and long term strategic plans and vision
• Responsible for implementing the agreed strategy Ensuring the necessary organisation, systems and infrastructure are in place to meet the plans
• Working with the team to ensure delivery targets are met and that delivery is impactful and to a high standard

People and cultural leadership

• Overall people and cultural leadership, developing the team ensuring a positive working culture with behaviours that align closely to the charity’s values
• Ensuring operational excellence across the organisation Workforce planning so that we have the right people in the right roles to ensure successful delivery of the strategy
• Commitment to improving diversity, equity and inclusion across the organisation, drawing on best practice and leading on identifying areas for improvement

Finance and Fundraising

• Overseeing financial management of the charity
• Lead fund raising alongside Head of Philanthropy to ensure fundraising targets set by the Board are met
• Managing income and costs to secure the long term sustainability and viability of the charity

Advocacy

• Representing Action Tutoring externally to a range of stakeholders, including school leaders, policy makers, the media and funders, to raise the profile of Action Tutoring and awareness of the cause
• Contributing to government policies, helping to establish tutoring as an essential part of school education

Line Management

• Direct line management of the Senior Leadership Team and the Head of Philanthropy

Governance

• Working collaboratively with the Board to ensure the vision and mission are met and that the board is sufficiently informed to enable the Trustees to discharge their duties
• ​Ensuring robust and effective governance processes are in place and adhered to Responsible for Strategic Risk Management and reporting on this to the Board

Person specification:

• Proven track record as a CEO or Board-level senior leader, ideally in a non-profit organisation
• Experience in developing and executing strategic plans to achieve organisational vision and mission
• Strong communication and advocacy skills, with extensive experience representing organisations externally to various stakeholders (e.g. school leaders, partners policymakers, funders), and contributing to sector-wide policy discussions
• Understanding of the education sector, and the needs and drivers of stakeholders across the education space
• Commercial mindset, with proven success in fundraising to meet set targets and secure income for ongoing operations
• Experience in growing and evolving organisations to meet ambitious targets and in response to external changes, challenges and opportunities in your operating context
• Experience in an organisation with strong operational service delivery and an understanding of how to ensure quality, efficiency and impact in that context
• Ability to foster a positive working culture, aligned with Action Tutoring’s values
• Strong financial management skills, managing budgets, and ensuring long-term financial sustainability
• Knowledge of governance structures and experience in working closely with a board of trustees, including managing strategic risk
• Comfortable with data and committed to driving impact across the organisation

Personal attributes:

• Passion for addressing educational disadvantage and closing the attainment gap
• Collaborative mindset and the ability to build strong, constructive relationships with other organisations and charities, fostering collaboration and sharing of best practices
• High ethical standards and personal integrity, with a commitment to transparency and accountability in leadership
• Resilient and adaptable with the ability to thrive in an evolving and challenging external environment, and to adjust to shifts in the education landscape
• Strong commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive working environment

Please see the attached job pack for more information on Action Tutoring and our benefits. Applications are taken via GatenbySanderson only. 

Harris Hill is delighted to be working The Bridge Group to recruit its new Chief Executive Officer. The Bridge Group is a non-profit consultancy that uses research to promote social equality by supporting organisations of all kinds with independent expertise, research and practical know-how to enable them to make a real and lasting impact on socio-economic diversity and social equality.

The Bridge Group has been making change happen for a decade. However, there is still much to do, and trustees and the team have great ambitions for the charity’s next chapter.

You will work alongside a fantastic core team of nine, highly skilled and dedicated staff, and a wider network of Associate Researchers and Fellows. The charity also benefits from an engaged, expert and energetic Board of trustees who are from a diverse range of industries and backgrounds. Expansion of both the staff-base and the Board is planned over the coming year, and the CEO will lead us in realising this ambition. 
 
The role is an opportunity to lead the growth of an established charity with a national reputation, at a vital moment in its development. The postholder will demonstrate leadership, initiative and inclusivity – to put into action their passion for improving social equality across the UK. 
 
This is your chance to craft the next chapter for the Bridge Group. 

Job title: Chief Executive Officer
Salary: £76,000 to £96,000 Full Time Equivalent per annum depending on experience, paid pro rata as appropriate. 
Location: The Chief Executive Officer works remotely but they will regularly be required to attend face-to-face meetings and events in London and other UK locations as required. 
Contract type: This is a permanent contract, and the role is full time, with the possibility of working 0.8 – 0.9 FTE if preferred.

How to apply:
If you would like to receive an Information Pack on how to apply, please send a CV in confidence to Nick Shanks at Harris Hill via the apply button. 

For an informal and confidential conversation about the position, please contact Nick at the above address with your contact details, and suitable times to chat.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 25th November 2024

Both The Bridge Group and Harris Hill operate an equal opportunity policy and commit to treating all of our candidates and jobseekers fairly. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.