Chief Executive Officer

Reports to: Chair of the Board of Trustees

Salary: £70,000 to £75,000

Terms: Full time

Leave: 26 days holiday per annum, plus Bank Holidays

Location: Bargoed office

Citizens Advice Caerphilly Blaenau Gwent is seeking to appoint a new Chief Executive Officer, who will focus on ensuring that CACBG continues to thrive and grow and develop the services it delivers locally and nationally.

An independent charity and part of the nationwide network of over 200 Citizens Advice organisations across England and Wales, CACBG has, over the 25 years since its formation, grown to be the largest agency in the Citizens Advice network.

CACBG is an organisation of two halves, our local services are at the heart of the community, working closely with our local authorities and our voluntary sector partners and our 150 seat multi-channel contact centre delivers multiple services across England and Wales

We are looking for an individual who will bring;

• Significant senior leadership and management experience in a comparable organisation.
• Knowledge of the third sector, the not-for -profit advice sector and, ideally, contact centre operations.
• Proven track record of securing strategic growth and building financial sustainability through strategic planning, business development, income generation and financial management.
• Strong track record of collaboration including identifying key partners and building and sustaining relationships.

In return, we offer:

• A salary range of £70.000-£75,000
• A generous annual leave package
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to a 24/7 GP telephone service
• A workplace pension scheme
• Life Assurance cover, and
• eye care vouchers

Purpose of Job:

Citizens Advice Caerphilly Blaenau Gwent is seeking to appoint a new Chief Executive Officer, who will focus on ensuring that CACBG continues to thrive and grow and develop the services it delivers locally and nationally. The CEO will lead the management of the organisation; advise the Trustees on the strategic direction of the organisation, implement Board decisions and will promote CACBG and its values, aims and objectives in everything they do. Reporting directly to the Chair of the Board of Trustees, the post will play a critical role in the overall leadership and management of CACBG and will be vital in securing the future success of the organisation.

Principle Duties

Supporting the Board and enabling good governance

• Ensure the Board is provided with all the necessary information and guidance it requires in order to fully and effectively discharge its responsibilities, including the evolving operating environment, policy trends, opportunity and risk appraisals, human resources and the financial health of the charity.
• Work with the Board to ensure that the charity’s overall governance structure, policies and procedures are appropriate and effective, taking remedial measures and implementing changes as necessary
• Ensure Board Members (individually and collectively) have access to the training, development, advice and support necessary to enable them to perform their roles as well as possible
• Attend all Board meetings (Trustee Board, Finance & Personnel Committee, Performance, Risk and Compliance Committee each meet 4 times a year) and report to the Board on progress against the business plan and agreed objectives.
• Ensure the Board’s responsibilities under company and charity law and the Citizens Advice Membership Scheme are met and are in line with governance best practice.
• Ensure that all major risks are identified and regularly reviewed and that systems and procedures are in place to mitigate all such risks; be responsible for the development and implementation of the charity’s Risk Register.

Leading on the development of the organisation’s strategy

• Liaise with the Board in relation to the development of the charity’s strategic vision and be responsible for leading the implementation of it.
• Be responsible for the development and delivery of CACBG’s agreed business plans.
• Identify and assess strategic risks, issues and opportunities and take responsibility for initiating and leading associated action.
• Seek out and implement opportunities for innovation and ensure that CACBG remains at the forefront of positive change in the not-for-profit advice sector.
• Maintain an awareness of the operating environment such as those legislative developments, social trends and local needs likely to affect demand for advice and opportunities for service development.
• Seek out, develop and nurture beneficial partnerships with supporters, funders, other charities and all relevant authorities/organisations.
• Work towards the achievement of long-term sustainability, developing CACBG’s business model and maximising income, for example from fundraising, service contracts and earned income.
• Adopt a creative and innovative approach to development, remaining open to new ideas and opportunities.
• Ensure that CACBG continues to play a lead role in the continued development of the Citizens Advice South East Wales consortium.
• Participate in Citizens Advice initiatives as appropriate and contribute to the work of national and regional committees and working parties.

Developing a compelling narrative and being a spokesperson on key issues

• Proactively represent and lead the organisation within the Citizens Advice Network.
• To drive commitment to the vision, values and business plans of the organisation.
• Ensure that the CACBG’s internal and external communications strategies are robust and provide up to date information needed for all employees, trustees, volunteers and other stakeholders.
• Promote and protect the aims, principles, policies, interests and reputation of the Citizens Advice service both locally and nationally.
• Ensure the development of CACBG’s research and campaigning in line with the research and campaigns requirements of the Citizens Advice Membership Scheme.
• Oversee appropriate publicity through effective relations with the media and other community organisations.
• Develop effective relations with appropriate authorities, agencies, organisations and individuals at local and national levels, including councillors, MPs, MSs and local and national statutory and non-statutory organisations.
• Liaise with Citizens Advice and contribute to its work at regional and national levels where appropriate.

Ensuring the organisation is in good operational shape, including fundraising and finance

• Line manage the Senior Management Team.
• Take executive responsibility for all functions including advice services, administration, health & safety, finance, fundraising, communications, and IT.
• Ensure the organisation has the appropriate policies and procedures in place to comply with the legal, financial and regulatory requirements laid upon it.
• Ensure that CACBG contracts and projects are delivered to the highest standard with due regard for timescales, targets and budgets.
• Oversee the implementation of all CACBG’s operational plans.
• Ensure the development of common practices to ensure that standards of service delivery are met and appropriate systems are in place for staff supervision, case recording, statistics, follow-up work and quality control.
• Lead and direct the financial planning, forecasting, control, reporting and management of the organisation's finances and resources, to include support for Board and sub-committees to ensure regulatory compliance and sustainable organisational growth.
• Ensure that the organisation’s financial resources are managed effectively and that CACBG remains in good financial health, identifying risks and taking appropriate action.
• Maintain effective financial management and control systems; ensure delivery within budgets and performance targets and oversee production of management accounts, statutory accounts and annual reports.

Building the cultural framework and lead by example

• Lead by example, instilling a culture of professionalism and inclusion, supported by coaching, training and development.
• Create a positive working environment in which equality and diversity are well-managed, dignity at work is upheld and staff can do their best.
• Ensure the effective performance management and development of all staff, through regular supervision sessions and the appraisal process.
• Lead and develop the Senior Management Team to motivate staff and maximise their potential.
• Ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is integral to the culture at Citizens Advice Caerphilly Blaenau Gwent.
• Lead any required business transformation and cultural change initiatives in an inclusive manner.
• This job description cannot cover every issue or task that may arise within the post at various times and the post-holder will be expected to carry out other duties from time to time which are broadly consistent with those in this document. This job description does not form part of the contract of employment.

Person Specification

Knowledge and Experience

• Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level within a comparable organisation. Already a trusted and respected leader you will bring a track record of achievement as CEO including practical experience of working as part of a Board to shape and set strategy and an understanding of Charity governance.
• With strong experience of inspiring and maintaining a motivated and cohesive workforce you will bring a strong track record of delivering high performance. You will also have organisational leadership and delivery experience that enables you to set the agenda, monitor deliverables and provide effective oversight.
• You will understand the role that organisational culture plays and offer experience of leading and managing teams in a way that fosters collaboration, unlocks potential and is transformative in impact.
• Experience of partnership working and the delivery of shared services both as the lead and as a subcontractor.
• Experience of identifying opportunities and leading on funding bids.
• You will have a track record of persuading and influencing key stakeholders, including policy makers, politicians, partners and stakeholders.
• Good understanding of technology and the role of ICT systems in delivering services.
• Ideally, you will have experience of both the not-for-profit social welfare law advice sector and knowledge and experience of contact centre operations.

Skills and Abilities

• Communication and engagement skills that inspire change in outlook and thinking. Able to present in an impactful and effective manner with different audiences including the media.
• Outstanding leadership skills with the ability to develop and implement vision and strategic plans.
• Interpersonal and influencing skills that secure trust and confidence.
• Strategic planning abilities, with the financial awareness and acumen to translate strategy into performance and to make relevant connections.
• Able to manage complexity and to operationalise business ideas and strategies.

Leadership Style and Personal Attributes

• Credible and approachable leadership style.
• A personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusivity.
• Uses emotional intelligence to build connection and win loyalty from others.
• Flexible and adaptable when leading and delivering change.
• Natural collaborator and alliance-builder, who is open minded and willing to question the status quo and to explore new options.
• Simplifying style, with developed business acumen and a balanced risk appetite.

How to apply

If you would like to apply for this position please submit your CV together with a 1,500 word personal statement focusing on how your experience aligns with the criteria outlined in the Person Specification.

Applications should be submitted by 5pm on 27th November 2024, to watersj@cacbg.org.uk

Shortlisting will take place shortly after the closing date and interviews are scheduled for Wednesday 11 December 2024.

If you require a reasonable adjustment or other assistance to apply for this role please contact Jane Waters on 01443 878052, or email watersj@cacbg.org.uk