Charity People
City Of Westminster, London
Lead an organisation that transforms lives through literacy Executive Director Time Commitment: 3-4 days per week Location: Primarily home based, with regular meetings across London Salary: £75,000 FTE (pro rata), plus pension and holiday entitlement About the charity The charity believes that reading is a right, not a privilege. Today, more than 8 million adults in the UK struggle with functional literacy, limiting their access to education, employment, independence and opportunity. The charity exists to change that. Founded in 2021, they provide personalised, one to one reading support for disadvantaged adults across some of London's most deprived communities. Volunteer Reading Coaches help learners build confidence, unlock opportunities, and rewrite the narrative of their lives. Retention among learners and volunteers is exceptionally high, and demand for the programme continues to grow. Why This Role Matters As Executive Director, you will shape a charity with the potential to change many lives. You will: - Drive strategic growth by leading an exciting expansion that will see the charity scale its programme across London and beyond. - Champion the cause nationally, raising their profile and influencing the policy landscape around adult literacy. - Strengthen organisational foundations to ensure robust governance, financial sustainability, and operational excellence. - Build powerful partnerships with funders, adult learning providers, policymakers, and community organisations. - Lead and empower a small, talented team - cultivating a culture of collaboration, commitment and learner centred impact. - Amplify learner and volunteer voices by ensuring that those directly affected help shape our work. What Makes This Opportunity Inspiring - Improving literacy delivers life changing outcomes: employment, wellbeing, independence, confidence and community connection. Every adult who learns to read improves their own life chances and that of their family. - The charity has a proven model, a solid funding base, excellent evaluation, a committed volunteer base, and a highly engaged Board (including trustees with lived experience). - They are poised to expand rapidly and influence systemic change within the adult learning ecosystem. - This role combines strategic leadership with hands on delivery. Perfect for someone who thrives in mission driven, entrepreneurial environments. Ideal Candidate Profile Skills and Experience - Strategic leader with experience spanning operations, external affairs, and organisational growth. - Proven fundraising track record, especially securing multi year grants; experience with major donors beneficial. - Skilled relationship builder able to represent an organisation with credibility and warmth. - Experience of financial management, governance, and compliance within a charity setting. - Understanding of adult learning, literacy or education is desirable, but not essential. Personal Attributes - Visionary and adaptable, with strong strategic insight. - Empathetic, collaborative and grounded in purpose. - Excellent communicator, comfortable representing the charity publicly. - Practical, hands on leader with a positive, solutions focused mindset. - Deeply committed to equity, inclusion and community empowerment. Recruitment Timeline To ensure equitable access to information and uphold the charity's commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, the charity will be hosting a Q&A webinar in place of individual informal calls with the Chair. We encourage all interested candidates to submit questions in advance, which will be addressed during the session. Please register your interest in attending this webinar on Wednesday 4th March 2026 and we will send you a link. Application Deadline: 5pm Wednesday 18th March 2026 First Interviews: w/c 6th April 2026 Final Interviews: w/c 13th April 2026 How to Apply Charity People Ltd is acting as a recruitment agency advisor to the charity on this appointment. Interested candidates are invited to submit a CV to and request a candidate pack in the first instance. For an informal conversation about the role or if you have further questions prior to applying, please contact Fabrice Yala on or We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so we can help make the application process work for you. C harity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.
Lead an organisation that transforms lives through literacy Executive Director Time Commitment: 3-4 days per week Location: Primarily home based, with regular meetings across London Salary: £75,000 FTE (pro rata), plus pension and holiday entitlement About the charity The charity believes that reading is a right, not a privilege. Today, more than 8 million adults in the UK struggle with functional literacy, limiting their access to education, employment, independence and opportunity. The charity exists to change that. Founded in 2021, they provide personalised, one to one reading support for disadvantaged adults across some of London's most deprived communities. Volunteer Reading Coaches help learners build confidence, unlock opportunities, and rewrite the narrative of their lives. Retention among learners and volunteers is exceptionally high, and demand for the programme continues to grow. Why This Role Matters As Executive Director, you will shape a charity with the potential to change many lives. You will: - Drive strategic growth by leading an exciting expansion that will see the charity scale its programme across London and beyond. - Champion the cause nationally, raising their profile and influencing the policy landscape around adult literacy. - Strengthen organisational foundations to ensure robust governance, financial sustainability, and operational excellence. - Build powerful partnerships with funders, adult learning providers, policymakers, and community organisations. - Lead and empower a small, talented team - cultivating a culture of collaboration, commitment and learner centred impact. - Amplify learner and volunteer voices by ensuring that those directly affected help shape our work. What Makes This Opportunity Inspiring - Improving literacy delivers life changing outcomes: employment, wellbeing, independence, confidence and community connection. Every adult who learns to read improves their own life chances and that of their family. - The charity has a proven model, a solid funding base, excellent evaluation, a committed volunteer base, and a highly engaged Board (including trustees with lived experience). - They are poised to expand rapidly and influence systemic change within the adult learning ecosystem. - This role combines strategic leadership with hands on delivery. Perfect for someone who thrives in mission driven, entrepreneurial environments. Ideal Candidate Profile Skills and Experience - Strategic leader with experience spanning operations, external affairs, and organisational growth. - Proven fundraising track record, especially securing multi year grants; experience with major donors beneficial. - Skilled relationship builder able to represent an organisation with credibility and warmth. - Experience of financial management, governance, and compliance within a charity setting. - Understanding of adult learning, literacy or education is desirable, but not essential. Personal Attributes - Visionary and adaptable, with strong strategic insight. - Empathetic, collaborative and grounded in purpose. - Excellent communicator, comfortable representing the charity publicly. - Practical, hands on leader with a positive, solutions focused mindset. - Deeply committed to equity, inclusion and community empowerment. Recruitment Timeline To ensure equitable access to information and uphold the charity's commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, the charity will be hosting a Q&A webinar in place of individual informal calls with the Chair. We encourage all interested candidates to submit questions in advance, which will be addressed during the session. Please register your interest in attending this webinar on Wednesday 4th March 2026 and we will send you a link. Application Deadline: 5pm Wednesday 18th March 2026 First Interviews: w/c 6th April 2026 Final Interviews: w/c 13th April 2026 How to Apply Charity People Ltd is acting as a recruitment agency advisor to the charity on this appointment. Interested candidates are invited to submit a CV to and request a candidate pack in the first instance. For an informal conversation about the role or if you have further questions prior to applying, please contact Fabrice Yala on or We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so we can help make the application process work for you. C harity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.
Russam
The Organisation LawCare is the mental health charity for the legal sector, providing free, confidential emotional support and information to people working in law across the UK, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man. While our primary focus is on direct support services, we also play a leading role in advocating for improved mental health practices within legal workplaces and driving cultural transformation through education, training, and research. Established in 1997, we have spent almost 30 years supporting legal professionals by offering a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space to talk, whether individuals are experiencing day-to-day pressures or more complex, enduring challenges. Our team of Champions, over 100 volunteers, and staff bring lived experience of the legal sector, enabling us to provide informed, empathetic support grounded in a deep understanding of the profession's unique demands. We serve all branches of the legal community, including barristers, solicitors, in-house teams, chartered legal executives, and business and support staff. From early-career professionals facing bullying or imposter syndrome to senior leaders managing risk, regulatory pressures, or professional isolation, we are a trusted and independent source of support. In addition to our direct support services - including helpline, live online chat, and email support - we provide peer support and maintain a substantial, regularly updated online library of resources, including articles, personal stories, research, and multimedia content designed to promote mental health awareness and resilience across the sector. We also deliver training on mental wellbeing, management and supervision, vicarious trauma, and the new SRA workplace behaviour standards, and offer online sessions for legal workplaces and organisations to explain the support we provide. By combining frontline service delivery with sector-wide advocacy, LawCare is uniquely positioned at the intersection of individual wellbeing and organisational cultural change. We are supported by a strong, capable team and a committed Board of Trustees, enabling us to continue making a meaningful impact across the legal profession. The Role LawCare is seeking an inspiring and values-led Chief Executive to lead the charity into its next phase of development at a pivotal moment for the legal profession. As the public face and strategic leader of the organisation, the Chief Executive will champion LawCare's mission - ensuring the continued delivery of high-quality, confidential support services while strengthening its voice and influence across a rapidly evolving and increasingly commercial mental health landscape. This is an exciting opportunity to build on strong foundations, guiding a respected and independent charity through a period of significant sector change. Working closely with staff, volunteers, funders and partners, the Chief Executive will drive sustainable growth, deepen impact, and help shape a more compassionate and mentally healthy legal culture for the future. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Impact Lead delivery of LawCare's forthcoming strategy (2026 onwards), translating vision into measurable impact. Ensure LawCare sharpens its positioning and messaging in a crowded mental health marketplace. Balance direct support services, research, education and influencing work to maximise impact. Identify what the charity should prioritise and where it should collaborate rather than deliver directly. External Relations & Sector Influence Act as the primary ambassador and spokesperson for LawCare across the legal sector in the UK, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man. Build and maintain senior relationships with: Professional bodies Regulators Law firms and chambers Legal educators Funders and charitable trusts Speak regularly at conferences, sector events, roundtables and award ceremonies. These are primarily London based, however, there will be occasions where representation is required across England, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Build alliances to influence policy, regulation and workplace practice around mental health and wellbeing. Position LawCare as the authoritative, evidence-informed voice on mental health in law. Service Oversight & Quality Ensure the continued delivery of high-quality, confidential helpline and peer support services. Maintain robust safeguarding, confidentiality and data governance practices. Oversee volunteer recruitment, training and engagement. Ensure services evolve in response to emerging issues (e.g., stress, anxiety, workplace conflict, regulatory pressure, AI-related disruption). Financial Sustainability & Governance Lead financial planning and sustainability, working closely with the Treasurer and Board. Manage relationships with core professional body funders and diversify income streams. Develop compelling funding cases and annual pitches to key stakeholders. Strengthen reserves and long-term financial resilience. Ensure strong governance, compliance and risk management. Support and work closely with the incoming Chair and a refreshed Board. Research, Education & Prevention Build on the impact of the Life in the Law research programme. Promote preventative approaches for firms and educators. Strengthen LawCare's role in vocational education and regulatory conversations. Ensure research informs policy influence and funding opportunities. Organisational Leadership Lead, support and develop a small, experienced and fully remote team. Foster a culture of trust, collaboration, wellbeing and accountability. Provide clarity and reassurance during a period of leadership transition and financial strengthening. Ensure operational efficiency and effective use of technology in a remote environment. The Person LawCare is seeking a credible, strategic and values-driven leader with a deep understanding of the legal profession and the pressures shaping it today. You will bring senior leadership experience, strong commercial and financial acumen, and the ability to balance operational excellence with sector-wide influence. An authentic and compelling ambassador for mental health and wellbeing, you will be an exceptional communicator who builds trust with ease. Emotionally intelligent, resilient and grounded, you will combine empathy with clarity and conviction, guiding the organisation confidently while remaining steadfast in your commitment to improving mental health across the legal community. Essential Professional Background Prior professional experience in the legal sector is required. Experience working in a qualified or regulated professional role is desirable. Deep, intrinsic understanding of the culture, pressures and structural dynamics of the profession. Senior leadership experience with responsibility for strategy, people and budgets. Leadership & Influence Credible, visible and compelling leader with presence. Exceptional communicator - confident public speaker and strong writer. Knowledge of mental health systems, workplace wellbeing or addiction support. Able to influence senior stakeholders and bring sceptical audiences "on the journey." A credible ambassador for mental health and wellbeing - knowledge of mental health systems, workplace wellbeing or addiction support. Comfortable operating at Board level. Organisational Capacity Experience managing and motivating high-performing teams (ideally remote). Financial acumen, including budget oversight and income generation. Fundraising experience, particularly with trusts, foundations or membership bodies. Ability to balance operational delivery with strategic influence. Skilled at prioritisation in resource-constrained environments. Personal Qualities Authentic commitment to mental health and wellbeing. Emotionally intelligent, empathetic and values-driven. Resilient and calm under pressure. Able to navigate sensitive conversations with discretion and diplomacy. Desirable Experience within the charity or not-for-profit sector. Experience working with regulators or professional bodies. Understanding of research commissioning or evidence-led advocacy. Further information For further information about LawCare, the scope of the role and the person specification, please download the Candidate Briefing Pack . How to Apply If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please provide the following with your application: An up to date CV, with the details of two referees (we will not contact them without your prior permission). A supporting statement outlining how you meet the criteria set out in the Person Specification, along with your motivation for applying for the role. Closing date for applications: Monday 30th March 2026 Preliminary interviews with Russam: Wednesday 8th & Thursday 9th April 2026 Interviews with LawCare: Week commencing 20th April 2026 We look forward to receiving your application.
The Organisation LawCare is the mental health charity for the legal sector, providing free, confidential emotional support and information to people working in law across the UK, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man. While our primary focus is on direct support services, we also play a leading role in advocating for improved mental health practices within legal workplaces and driving cultural transformation through education, training, and research. Established in 1997, we have spent almost 30 years supporting legal professionals by offering a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space to talk, whether individuals are experiencing day-to-day pressures or more complex, enduring challenges. Our team of Champions, over 100 volunteers, and staff bring lived experience of the legal sector, enabling us to provide informed, empathetic support grounded in a deep understanding of the profession's unique demands. We serve all branches of the legal community, including barristers, solicitors, in-house teams, chartered legal executives, and business and support staff. From early-career professionals facing bullying or imposter syndrome to senior leaders managing risk, regulatory pressures, or professional isolation, we are a trusted and independent source of support. In addition to our direct support services - including helpline, live online chat, and email support - we provide peer support and maintain a substantial, regularly updated online library of resources, including articles, personal stories, research, and multimedia content designed to promote mental health awareness and resilience across the sector. We also deliver training on mental wellbeing, management and supervision, vicarious trauma, and the new SRA workplace behaviour standards, and offer online sessions for legal workplaces and organisations to explain the support we provide. By combining frontline service delivery with sector-wide advocacy, LawCare is uniquely positioned at the intersection of individual wellbeing and organisational cultural change. We are supported by a strong, capable team and a committed Board of Trustees, enabling us to continue making a meaningful impact across the legal profession. The Role LawCare is seeking an inspiring and values-led Chief Executive to lead the charity into its next phase of development at a pivotal moment for the legal profession. As the public face and strategic leader of the organisation, the Chief Executive will champion LawCare's mission - ensuring the continued delivery of high-quality, confidential support services while strengthening its voice and influence across a rapidly evolving and increasingly commercial mental health landscape. This is an exciting opportunity to build on strong foundations, guiding a respected and independent charity through a period of significant sector change. Working closely with staff, volunteers, funders and partners, the Chief Executive will drive sustainable growth, deepen impact, and help shape a more compassionate and mentally healthy legal culture for the future. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Impact Lead delivery of LawCare's forthcoming strategy (2026 onwards), translating vision into measurable impact. Ensure LawCare sharpens its positioning and messaging in a crowded mental health marketplace. Balance direct support services, research, education and influencing work to maximise impact. Identify what the charity should prioritise and where it should collaborate rather than deliver directly. External Relations & Sector Influence Act as the primary ambassador and spokesperson for LawCare across the legal sector in the UK, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man. Build and maintain senior relationships with: Professional bodies Regulators Law firms and chambers Legal educators Funders and charitable trusts Speak regularly at conferences, sector events, roundtables and award ceremonies. These are primarily London based, however, there will be occasions where representation is required across England, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Build alliances to influence policy, regulation and workplace practice around mental health and wellbeing. Position LawCare as the authoritative, evidence-informed voice on mental health in law. Service Oversight & Quality Ensure the continued delivery of high-quality, confidential helpline and peer support services. Maintain robust safeguarding, confidentiality and data governance practices. Oversee volunteer recruitment, training and engagement. Ensure services evolve in response to emerging issues (e.g., stress, anxiety, workplace conflict, regulatory pressure, AI-related disruption). Financial Sustainability & Governance Lead financial planning and sustainability, working closely with the Treasurer and Board. Manage relationships with core professional body funders and diversify income streams. Develop compelling funding cases and annual pitches to key stakeholders. Strengthen reserves and long-term financial resilience. Ensure strong governance, compliance and risk management. Support and work closely with the incoming Chair and a refreshed Board. Research, Education & Prevention Build on the impact of the Life in the Law research programme. Promote preventative approaches for firms and educators. Strengthen LawCare's role in vocational education and regulatory conversations. Ensure research informs policy influence and funding opportunities. Organisational Leadership Lead, support and develop a small, experienced and fully remote team. Foster a culture of trust, collaboration, wellbeing and accountability. Provide clarity and reassurance during a period of leadership transition and financial strengthening. Ensure operational efficiency and effective use of technology in a remote environment. The Person LawCare is seeking a credible, strategic and values-driven leader with a deep understanding of the legal profession and the pressures shaping it today. You will bring senior leadership experience, strong commercial and financial acumen, and the ability to balance operational excellence with sector-wide influence. An authentic and compelling ambassador for mental health and wellbeing, you will be an exceptional communicator who builds trust with ease. Emotionally intelligent, resilient and grounded, you will combine empathy with clarity and conviction, guiding the organisation confidently while remaining steadfast in your commitment to improving mental health across the legal community. Essential Professional Background Prior professional experience in the legal sector is required. Experience working in a qualified or regulated professional role is desirable. Deep, intrinsic understanding of the culture, pressures and structural dynamics of the profession. Senior leadership experience with responsibility for strategy, people and budgets. Leadership & Influence Credible, visible and compelling leader with presence. Exceptional communicator - confident public speaker and strong writer. Knowledge of mental health systems, workplace wellbeing or addiction support. Able to influence senior stakeholders and bring sceptical audiences "on the journey." A credible ambassador for mental health and wellbeing - knowledge of mental health systems, workplace wellbeing or addiction support. Comfortable operating at Board level. Organisational Capacity Experience managing and motivating high-performing teams (ideally remote). Financial acumen, including budget oversight and income generation. Fundraising experience, particularly with trusts, foundations or membership bodies. Ability to balance operational delivery with strategic influence. Skilled at prioritisation in resource-constrained environments. Personal Qualities Authentic commitment to mental health and wellbeing. Emotionally intelligent, empathetic and values-driven. Resilient and calm under pressure. Able to navigate sensitive conversations with discretion and diplomacy. Desirable Experience within the charity or not-for-profit sector. Experience working with regulators or professional bodies. Understanding of research commissioning or evidence-led advocacy. Further information For further information about LawCare, the scope of the role and the person specification, please download the Candidate Briefing Pack . How to Apply If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please provide the following with your application: An up to date CV, with the details of two referees (we will not contact them without your prior permission). A supporting statement outlining how you meet the criteria set out in the Person Specification, along with your motivation for applying for the role. Closing date for applications: Monday 30th March 2026 Preliminary interviews with Russam: Wednesday 8th & Thursday 9th April 2026 Interviews with LawCare: Week commencing 20th April 2026 We look forward to receiving your application.
