VISION West England – VWE - Chief Executive Role

Do you have the passion and drive to make a real difference to the lives of Blind and Partially Sighted People?

  • VWEis a new charity whose aim is to support Blind and Partially Sighted people and those at risk of Sight Loss in Bristol, Bath, South Gloucester, Wiltshire and Swindon.
  • VWEwill work closely with local and national charities to develop links and explore collaborative working.
  • VWE is governed by a board of trustees, with representatives from the key funder organisations as well as independent members.
  • The charity is registered as a CIO with Charity Commission.
  • The first tasks for the CEO will be to implement the business plan effectively, grow the membership, developing its own and collaborative services and put the charity on a sustainable footing.

Job Description

Job Title: Chief Executive

Reporting to: VWE Board

Responsible for: All staff and activities – Direct reports service development manager and Business and Innovations Manager

Location: Bristol or Devizes Wiltshire. However extensive travel will be required throughout the region.

Salary: Fair and competitive

Primary Purpose:

  • The CEO is responsible for providing inspirational leadership including commercial development, staff leadership, management and administration of the Charity. She/he will take the lead in developing an organisation that improves the outcomes available to Blind and Partially Sighted People and those at risk of Sight Loss across Bristol, Bath, South Gloucester, Wiltshire and Swindon.
  • The CEO will work with the Chair to ensure that the Board of Trustees adopts and regularly reviews the organisation’s mission and strategic plan; monitors annual plans and targets; and receives appropriate advice and information on all relevant matters to enable it to fulfill its governance responsibilities.

Accountabilities:

Working with the Board

  • Ensure appropriate presentation and reporting on the progress of the organisation and on all matters relevant to the discharge of its responsibilities.
  • As agreed with the Chair, develop policy proposals for Board discussion and decision.
  • Support the Chair in ensuring the continued engagement/involvement of all members of the Board.
  • As appropriate, monitor and advise on the composition of the Board of Trustees, its committees and the process of self-assessment and development.
  • Ensure the annual calendar of meetings of the Board and its principal sub-committees is in place, liaise with the Chair on the agenda for Board meetings and attend as appropriate.
  • Develop the knowledge and skills of Trustees.
  • The CEO will ensure that any Board request is delivered as agreed.

Leading and managing the organisation

  • Ensure that a long-term, commercially- oriented strategy is in place which will guide the organisation in achieving objectives.
  • Enable the organisation to articulate its corporate philosophy and value base to all stakeholders.
  • Liaise, build strong relationships with and meet reporting requirements of funders.
  • Be responsible to the trustees for the overall financial health of the organisation: ensuring that expenditure is controlled in line with budgets as approved by the Board.
  • Ensure the organisation discharges its constitutional and legal obligations.
  • Provide commercial leadership to the senior management team, review performance and regularly appraise the work of staff reporting directly to the CEO.
  • Ensure that the organisation has the resources (human, material and financial) to operate as effectively as possible.
  • Establish and maintain an HR system which ensures leadership, maximises the potential of staff through a formal appraisal process and is in keeping with the mission and values of the organisation.
  • Develop the knowledge and skills of volunteers.
  • Show a passion and drive for making a real difference to the lives of Blind and Partially Sighted people
  • Drive improvements to the relevance, efficiency and quality of services provided by the charity.

Promotion of the organisation

  • Maintain and develop effective networks with all principal supporters, stakeholders, funders and voluntary sector organisations.
  • Raise the profile and reach of the charity with Blind and Partially Sighted People and those at risk of Sight Loss across Bristol, Bath, South Gloucester, Wiltshire and Swindon.
  • Establish closer relationships with other voluntary sector organisations in order to co-ordinate service delivery, collaborate in potential commercial ventures and increase their collective voice and influence.
  • Identify, recommend and develop commercially oriented opportunities and partnerships designed to support a sustainable business model and future for the Charity.
  • Seek opportunities to expand and promote the role of the organisation in meeting the needs of Blind and Partially Sighted People and those at risk of Sight Loss across Bristol, Bath, South Gloucester, Wiltshire and Swindon.
  • Ensure the organisation is presented in an appropriate and professional manner to its stakeholders, supporters, funders and other voluntary sector organisations.

Person Specification

The CEO is likely to have held responsibility at first or second tier in a voluntary or statutory organisation, preferably in the field of social welfare, or have transferable skills and experience gained from a senior position within the private sector to meet the requirements of the role.

The kind of individual who would fit the brief is likely to have the following experience and skills:

  • Demonstrable experience and capability in identifying and developing the kind of commercial opportunities, funding and partnerships that would support the growth and sustainable future of the Charity
  • Ability to develop relationships with stakeholders and promote the organisation to funding bodies, local businesses, the council/local Government, other charities and service providers, voluntary organisations
  • Skills in spanning the dynamics between third sector, government and private sector partners
  • Capability to help the Charity respond effectively and proactively to the impact of changes in funding, regimes and the third sector generally
  • Strong leadership and people management skills, with empathy to drive the organisation forward strategically and operationally
  • Ability to engage with and influence others, showing political insights and sound judgement
  • An understanding of how to influence culture within a changing environment
  • A leadership style which builds consensus but is prepared to take tough decisions.

Personal Attributes and Skills (General)

  • Excellent interpersonal skills and a participative management style
  • Innovative and positive approach to solving problems
  • Appreciation of the impact of sight loss on family life
  • Commitment to improving the lifestyle of Blind and Partially Sighted People
  • Ability and willingness to adopt best practices that can benefit the organisation and its beneficiaries
  • Ability to manage a complex workload
  • Integrity, honesty and fairness
  • Strong influencing and networking skills.

Working with the Board

Able to:

  • Formulate appropriate policies, strategies and objectives for the organisation
  • Develop and maintain an effective working relationship with the Chair
  • Communicate effectively with the Board of Trustees
  • Provide succinct written reports, including the Annual Report and Accounts, Business Plan, Budget and regular progress reports.

Leading and Managing the Organisation

Able to:

  • Implement agreed policies, strategies and objectives for the organisation
  • Build and develop the team, utilising performance appraisal to continuously develop their abilities and skills
  • Recognise and develop the potential of all staff, in keeping with the mission and value base of the organisation
  • Understand, utilise and convey complex management information
  • Effectively manage human, material and financial resources
  • Ensure compliance with all regulatory and legal requirements.

Promotion of the Organisation

Able to:

  • Identify, develop and maintain strong and constructive relationships with all stakeholders
  • Be politically sensitive whilst maintaining the focus of the organisation
  • Work in partnership with people with sight loss to ensure that due regard is given to their views when policies of the Charity are developed, changed or amended.

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