Chief Executive

Barrow-in-furness, Cumbria
Vision Support Barrow & District
Chief Executive

Vision Support Barrow & District

35 hours per week, hybrid

Contract – Permanent

Salary – Competitive

Job Description

We are looking for a skilled and experienced person to become our new Chief Executive to lead the development of our charity to the next level. We are seeking an inspirational leader, who has significant senior management experience in an equivalent organisation.

Our charity is based in Barrow-in-Furness and we support over 850 visually impaired people across the SW area of Cumbria. Last year we celebrated our 100 th anniversary.

The post is also the nominated individual for our registered care home and it is important that the care of our Residents is paramount.

We support applications from visually impaired people who can demonstrate they have the necessary skills to lead a sight loss charity and a residential care home.

More information on our charity and the role can be found at

How to apply

Please send your CV and a short statement setting out why you feel that you are the right person for this position.

Send your application to

If you would like to talk confidentially with our Chair please contact us at and this will be arranged.

Closing date

17.00 on 28 Mar 24

Interviews

Interviews will take place in Barrow-in-Furness on 9 Apr 24

Vision Support Barrow & District

Job description

Job Title: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Responsible to: Board of Trustees

Main purpose of this role

The CEO will be responsible for providing leadership, developing and implementing VSBD’s strategic and operational plans, leading on partnership and business development, and being an effective advocate for the charity and its beneficiaries. He/she will lead a senior management team of two (Registered Manager and Service Manager), and will be responsible for ensuring financial control and supporting and advising on good governance across all aspects of the charity. This post is a first-tier post, directly responsible and reporting to the Board of Trustees.

Duties and responsibilities

Leadership:

• Be the face and voice of the charity – its principal ambassador. Lead, support and motivate all staff and secure their loyalty and commitment to the charity’s aims, objectives and ambitions.
• Seek out, develop and maintain effective working relationships with all relevant organisations and individuals to promote the work of the charity and facilitate the implementation of its strategic objectives.
• Lead by example, instilling a culture of professionalism and inclusion, supported by coaching, training and development.

Strategy:

• Liaise with the Board of Trustees in relation to the development of the charity’s strategic vision and be responsible for leading the implementation of it.
• Be responsible for the development and delivery of the charity’s agreed business plan.
• Identify and assess strategic risks, issues and opportunities and take responsibility for initiating and leading associated changes.
• Seek out and implement opportunities for innovation and ensure that VSBD remains at the forefront of positive change within the sector.

Partnership and Business Development:

• Lead the promotion and development of VSBD’s work, raising the charity’s profile and maximising its reach.
• Seek out, develop and nurture beneficial partnerships with supporters, other charities and all relevant authorities/organisations, including maintaining good working relations with pre-existing partnerships.
• Work towards the achievement of long-term sustainability, developing the charity’s business model and maximising income, for example from fundraising, service contracts and earned income.
• Adopt a creative and innovative approach to development, remaining open to new ideas and opportunities.

Operations

• Be responsible for the implementation of all the charity’s operational plans.
• Take executive responsibility for all functions including both sites, administration, finance, fundraising, marketing, communication and IT.
• Ensure that VSBDs services, contracts and projects are delivered to the highest standard with due regard for timescales, targets and budgets being mindful that we provide excellent services for our VIPs.
• Take overall responsibility for the recruitment, management and effective deployment of staff and volunteers; applying robust HR processes covering recruitment, performance management, appraisal and remuneration.
• Line manage the Senior Management Team.

Be responsible for the maintenance and efficient use of the charity’s assets.

Financial Control:

• Lead and direct the financial planning, forecasting, control, reporting and management of the organisation’s finances and resources, to include support for, and engagement of, Trustees and Board and sub-groups to ensure regulatory compliance and sustainable organisational growth.
• Take executive responsibility for the financial leadership of the charity, including forecasting and strategic budget leadership.
• Ensure the charity’s financial resources and managed effectively and that VSBD remains in good financial health, identifying risks and taking appropriate action.
• Liaise with the Trustees to develop and lead on the implementation of the charity’s financial plans, including setting budgets, formulating income generation strategies and overseeing all fundraising activities.
• Maintain effective financial management and control systems; ensure delivery within budgets and to performance targets and oversee production of management accounts, statutory accounts and annual accounts.

Governance and Compliance:

• Liaise with the Trustees to ensure the charity’s overall governance structure, policies and procedures are appropriate and effective, taking remedial measures and implementing changes as necessary.
• Attend all Trustee meetings (minimum monthly) and prepare a written report in advance of each meeting detailing matters of interest and concern regarding the charity’s activities during the previous period; ensure that the Trustees are made aware in a timely fashion of any matters requiring its attention.
• Develop and maintain effective operational policies and processes in all the charity’s functions.
• Review and update scope and content to meet legal, regulatory and best practice needs.
• Oversee the development and practical application of all organisational policies and procedures, e.g. with regards to health & safety, equality & diversity and safeguarding.
• Ensure that the charity complies best practice in all areas of operation including Health & Social Care.
• Ensure CQC standard is maintained with a “good” or above grading. Oversee the safeguarding of the vulnerable adults with whom the charity works through the rigorous DBS procedures.
• Ensure collection and protection of personal information complies with current Data Protection regulations.
• Ensure that the charity’s activities are conducted safely and that Health & Safety policies are understood and followed by everyone.
• Ensure that major risks are identified and regularly reviewed and that systems and procedures are in place to mitigate such risks; be responsible for the development and implementation of the Charity’s Risk Register.

General:

• Carry out any other duties as may be reasonably requested.
• Be conversant with all aspects of the charity’s operation and willing to cover and provide support should the need arise.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Desirable:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent personal qualification and evidence of CPD.

Experience

Essential:

• Significant proven record of achievement in a senior position within a charity/not for profit organisation.
• Experience of effective partnership working and development and external relationship management.
• Experience of managing, motivating and developing staff.
• Experience of business planning, business development and fundraising.
• Experience of project management and service delivery across multiple functions.
• Financial management skills including budgeting and delivery of cost and income targets.
• Robust approach to governance, controls and definition/implementation of new processes.
• Experience of financial and risk management. Desirable
• Experience of working with volunteers.
• Experience of managing organisational change.

Skills and Knowledge

Essential:

• Inspirational leadership, management and motivational skills.
• Highly organised and personally effective.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to persuade and influence, both face to face and in writing.
• Strong financial skills, including the ability to analyse budgets and accounts.
• Outstanding business development skills.
• A commitment to equal opportunities and inclusivity.
• Rigorous analytical skills. Desirable
• An understanding of the issues affecting visually impaired people. . click apply for full job details