As one of the UK’s oldest charities, we’re proud to serve Bath and the surrounding area. Yet we’re still facing many of the same problems today as we have throughout the centuries.

It’s a dilemma that prompted us to launch our Best Start in Life initiative (formally known as the Foundation Fund) in 2020. This work focuses on making sure every child under 12 has the chance to grow up as a healthy, happy, and educated member of our community; that they have the support they need to lead fulfilling, independent lives beyond school and into older age.

THE ROLE

Following the retirement of our previous Chief Executive we are now seeking a new leader to take us forward into our next phase. At a time of significant change this is an opportunity for a values driven leader to lead our strategic growth and development; importantly focusing on developing both our core almshouse provision and creating new opportunities for delivering impact across Bath and North East Somerset. We are mid-way through our 10 year strategy and therefore this is an exciting time for a new chief executive to join us. We have major capital projects underway as well as plans to broaden our reach and impact with partners across the region and you will quickly establish yourself in the role, delivering existing projects and creating new opportunities to change lives, for good. We are also seeking a new Chair and therefore this is a unique opportunity for a refreshed leadership of the Foundation to reconcile our distinctive heritage with the modern role we must play in the context of changing needs and pressures.

You’ll bring strategic leadership experience in a not for profit context and a deep commitment to working with a dedicated Board and executive team to deliver social impact. We are looking for a versatile and agile leader who can bring a creative approach to our work recognising where the levers are for delivering change and how to create
the highest quality services for our stakeholders and partners. We have two commercial ventures as well as our endowment and you will be financially able with a keen eye on how to deliver financial returns and maximise the impact of our money. For 850 years we have been known for pioneering approaches to addressing need and we will be looking to you to continue this approach, working with like-minded charities and donors across BANES to deliver and evidence how our work truly changes lives.

Our people are critical to our success and you will be an established leader of people who enjoys being both strategic and hands on. We are a small close knit team and you will bring exceptional interpersonal skills – able to work closely with the staff team, our Board and our myriad of external stakeholders. Your unwavering commitment to creating an inclusive culture will be key in your ability to lead our team with integrity. The Foundation will always consider applicants who have lived or have personal experience of poverty or other challenges faced by our beneficiaries.