CEO
Action for Children
Flexible, with time at our Watford head office and regular travel, including overnight stays.
c.£185,000
We help children across the UK to grow up safe and happy. We offer practical and emotional support to families. And we’re working with decision-makers to make sure government policies protect children, now and in the future. Our support for children began more than 150 years ago in 1869, when Reverend Dr Thomas Bowman Stephenson took action to help children living on the streets.
We now operate 342 services across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. We have 4,000 staff and 500 volunteers who work tirelessly for children and young people. When we see problems we take action early to help children, young people and families trapped in poverty, and facing other challenges before things get worse. We teach young people important life skills and help build their resilience. And we listen to what children want and take their concerns to government, campaigning for better support and resources.
THE ROLE
We are looking for a values-driven leader who has led a complex organisation at chief executive or executive director level and has the breadth to take on a role of this scope, whether from the charity, public or wider purpose-led sector. You will be commercially minded, listen carefully and lead with warmth, humility and clarity. You will also be confident and outward looking, making the case for children with those who shape their lives. Above all, you will share our ambition for children and young people.
As Chief Executive, you’ll provide inspiring and compassionate leadership to a large workforce delivering over 342 services across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Our 4,000 staff and 500 volunteers are dedicated to delivering high quality services, influencing meaningful policy change, and creating a positive impact on the lives of children and their families. You’ll bring insight into the challenges, the opportunities and quality care in children’s services.
INFORMATION
Download the candidate brief to find out about the role.
DOWNLOADTimeline
Closing date: Monday 16th November 2026
Preliminary interviews with Starfish: Week commencing 30th November 2026
Conversations with the Chair and Interim Chief Executive: Week commencing 7th December 2026
Final interviews: Week commencing 14th December 2026
How to apply
To make an application, please click on the apply now button below, with the following prepared:
- Your CV, of no more than three sides of A4.
- A covering letter of no more than two sides of A4, setting out your motivation for the role and how your experience meets
the person specification.
Action for Children wants its leadership to reflect the children, young people and families it supports. Black and Global Majority and disabled people are currently under-represented in the organisation, and we would particularly welcome applications from them. If you would like to talk about any adjustments that would help you at any stage of the process, please let us know.
We would be grateful if you would complete the equality and diversity monitoring form as part of the online application. This information is used for monitoring purposes only and does not form part of your application.
Apply