CEO
Second Step
Bristol
c.£110,000
Thank you for your interest in becoming the next Chief Executive of Second Step.
For nearly 40 years, Second Step has been a pioneer in the South West, putting mental health first for thousands of people. We began in the mid-1980s with a simple but radical premise: that people need more than just clinical care – they need a home, a community, and a “second step” toward a positive future.
Today, we are the leading voluntary sector mental health and multiple disadvantage provider in Bristol and the West of England. We are proud of our deep-rooted partnerships with the NHS and local authorities, and prouder still of our unique approach to recovery – trauma-informed, co-produced with our clients, and led by the powerful empathy of peer support.
This is a pivotal moment for Second Step. Our long-standing CEO is moving on after leading a period of significant growth, and as the world around us continues to change, the need for our services has never been greater. The ongoing impacts of the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis mean our communities are facing a significant increase in mental health needs.
We are nearing the end of our “Succeeding Together” strategic plan (2023-2026). This has been more than just a document; it’s our roadmap for building an inclusive culture, embedding trauma-informed practice at every level, and ensuring that lived experience is at the heart of everything we do. You will be coming in at a perfect time – to build on the incredible success we have achieved to date and help shape our future.
THE ROLE
We need a leader who shares our core values – hope, courage, trust, diversity, and a commitment to learning – someone who can manage the real complexities of a major service provider without ever losing sight of and connection with the people we exist to serve. We are seeking a leader who can guide our 350-strong team with strategic clarity, operational excellence and compassionate leadership.
You will join an organisation committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and high-performing culture, where fairness, accountability and continuous improvement underpin everything we do. Together, we strive to create a safe and supportive environment in which every colleague is valued, able to contribute fully, and has the opportunity to thrive.
If you believe like us that everyone affected by mental health can create a positive future, and you have the leadership experience to help us drive system-wide change and make us operationally fit for the future, I look forward to hearing from you.
INFORMATION
Download the candidate brief to find out about the role.
DOWNLOADHow to apply
To make an application, please click on the apply now button below, with the following prepared:
- Your CV (no more than three sides).
- A supporting statement (no more than two sides) that sets out why you think this role is the right move for you and how you meet the knowledge and experience criteria.
We would also be grateful if you would complete the Equality and Diversity monitoring form on the online application process. This form is for monitoring purposes only and is not treated as part of your application.
Closing date: Friday 17th July 2026
Preliminary interviews: w/c 27th July 2026
Final Panel interviews: w/c 10th and 17th August 2026