CEO

CEO

We are seeking an exceptional Chief Executive to lead a local, independent, self-funded charity that exists to improve the lives of older people in Lewisham and Southwark, through its next chapter of strategic growth and community impact.

Position: Chief Executive Officer

Salary: £70,000 – £80,000 per annum (depending on experience)
Location: London, with services based in Lewisham and Southwark (hybrid working available)
Hours: 35 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Closing date: 11 May 2025 (we encourage early applications and reserve the right to close the recruitment early should we find the right candidate prior to the closing date)

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a respected, independent local charity that makes a lasting difference to the lives of older people in Lewisham and Southwark. As Chief Executive, you will set the strategic direction, ensure operational excellence, and act as a passionate advocate for older people.

You will work closely with the Board of Trustees, senior leadership team and staff to lead and grow a diverse portfolio of services – including health and wellbeing, social prescribing, outreach, advice and day care. Your leadership will ensure the charity remains responsive, financially sustainable, and rooted in the needs of the communities we serve.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing clear, inspiring leadership aligned with our mission and values
• Developing and delivering strategic plans in collaboration with the Board
• Maintaining strong financial oversight and income generation strategy
• Leading and supporting our staff team and dedicated volunteers
• Building effective partnerships across health, social care and the voluntary sector
• Ensuring high standards of service delivery, governance and safeguarding
• Responsible for an annual income and expenditure of around £2.3m-£3m and a workforce of 50-100 staff and 100-200 volunteers.

About you:

You are a values-driven leader who brings strategic thinking, a collaborative approach and a strong track record of delivering impact. You understand the challenges facing older people and have the credibility to build partnerships across sectors. Positive and proactive, you will have a passion for creating inclusive communities where older people can thrive.

You’ll bring:

• Senior leadership experience in a charity, public or social care setting
• Strong people management and communication skills
• Strong experience in fundraising, income generation, and financial management.
• Experience in financial planning, budget oversight, and driving long-term financial sustainability.
• Proven track record of managing change and organisational resilience.
• A commitment to equity, inclusion and co-production
• Passion for empowering communities and improving later life

The charity is committed to being an inclusive organisation that actively values diversity. The CEO will play a leading role in embedding equitable and inclusive practices across the charity, ensuring that services are accessible and responsive to the needs of all older people in their communities.

They welcome applications from individuals with lived experience or backgrounds that are underrepresented in leadership roles, including but not limited to people from Black, Asian and Global Majority communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ people, and people with experience of socio-economic disadvantage.