Head of Central Services

We are looking for an experienced, productive and organised manager with an excellent track record of managing central support in a similar charitable or non-profit setting. The postholder will need the energy and skills to introduce and maintain new systems that will enhance the excellent charitable services we offer to our local community. He or she will also have the ability to nurture and develop a growing central services team.

Job Purpose:   –To manage and develop YMCA Central Services to meet regulatory responsibilities and offer effective organisational systems, policies and support for staff and managers to achieve strategic aims.  To take on the strategic lead for HR, property management and development, IT, compliance and health and safety

Hours of work:  Monday to Friday 9am-5pm some flexibility required

Location:  YMCA East Surrey, YMCA Sports and Community Centre, Princes Road, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 6JJ

Annual leave:  Five weeks plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part time workers) Holidays increase after two years’ service to a maximum of six weeks after six years’ service.  (pro-rata for part time workers)

The holiday year runs from 1 April to 31 March each year.

  Benefits:

Free Gym Membership: The post holder will be entitled to free use of the YMCA East Surrey fitness centre in Redhill and half price YMCA childcare for dependents.

Free Parking: There is free parking available at all our delivery site. YMCA East Surrey also operates a Bike to Work Scheme.

Pension Scheme: There is a YMCA East Surrey pension scheme - details available on request.

Closing date & interviews: 

Closing date:  17th February 2025

Interviews:  24th February 2025

Main Responsibilities:

 Strategic Leadership and Management

–        To share responsibility for leading the strategic direction and success of YMCA East Surrey as part of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) together with the Head of Finance, Head of Housing, Head of Children and Young People Services and Deputy CEO.

–        To be the accountable and strategic lead for Central Services, working closely with other members of the SLT to deliver integrated support across areas such as HR, property management, IT systems, and compliance.

–        Take ownership of all aspects of operations policy and practice, and lead our approach to information management, data protection and risk management

–        To be responsible for line management and development of senior staff within Central Services including the HR Manager, Facilities Manager, Facilities Manager at The Old Pheasantry, Systems Analyst, Reception Manager and Volunteer Coordinator.,

–        To take on various project management tasks and to drive through transformation of systems and ways of working to improve the quality of services and help the YMCA achieve its charitable aims.

–        To play a supportive and collaborative role working alongside the wider YMCA staff team to meet our mission of helping people in East Surrey to ‘belong contribute and thrive’

Governance and Compliance

–        Fulfilling the role of Company Secretary and leading the delivery of all governance processes in line with policy, procedures and the memorandum and articles, including all charity and corporate law requirements.

–        To take the lead role on compliance, maintaining and developing a policy framework and working with Heads of Service to ensure that appropriate policies are drafted, reviewed and implemented and that the YMCA meets all its obligations under the relevant statutory and regulatory frameworks in which we work (Ofsted, RSH and possibly CQC in the future).

–        To provide or facilitate training and development activity to ensure that managers and staff are aware of, and are meeting, requirements laid down by relevant policies, legislation and regulatory bodies. 

–        To take on the role of Data Protection Officer and ensure that the YMCA complies with its statutory responsibilities under Data Protection Regulations

–        To be responsible for leading on quality management and maintaining our accreditation under Trusted Charity.

–        To work with Heads of Service, managers and trustees to ensure that effective risk management practice is embedded into decision making at all levels of the organisation.

–        To attend trustee meetings and to produce reports and help prepare agendas for the Governance and Risk Committee, a subcommittee of the main board.

IT

–        To be responsible for all IT hardware and software needs, to manage support contracts and develop new IT systems and use of technology to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Association (including mobile phones, laptops and other devices).

–        To work with other Heads of Service to develop and maintain new integrated IT systems that can manage data, and record, monitor and evaluate outputs and outcomes delivered by the YMCA’s diverse projects and services.

–        To work with the Systems Analyst and outsourced IT Support Company deliver ongoing digital transformation and promote the necessary training and policies to ensure that staff fully utilise the new technology.

–        To work with the Fundraising Manager and CEO to support the delivery of new projects especially the acquisition and development of new properties such as additional Move On accommodation for young people.

 HR

–        In conjunction with the HR Manager ensure the overall HR strategy of YMCA East Surrey is in line with the law, good practice and our values.

–        With the HR Manager, oversee the development of internal practices, policies and working culture in line with the overall HR strategy.

 Facilities

–        To line manage the Facilities Manager and to oversee the introduction and implementation of cyclical maintenance plans for all YMCA buildings.

–        To have oversight of the Facilities Manager’s responsibility of all insurances required by the YMCAES.

–        Oversight of the management and financial viability of The Old Pheasantry.

Budget and Finance

–        To work with the CEO and Head of Finance to prepare the annual budget for central services (including buildings) and to manage this budget throughout the year.

 In addition

–        Any other duties are required to be performed within the grade and renumeration of the role.

–        We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults. This role will require an enhanced DBS disclosure (with barred children/vulnerable adults).  We require you to understand and demonstrate this commitment and attend any required training