Chief Executive Officer

Rossie Young People's Trust is a well-established Scottish charity dedicated to supporting vulnerable young people by providing high-quality care, education, and other services. It is one of the leading and longest-standing providers of such services in the UK. Rossie Secure Accommodation Services, its operating arm, provides secure and close support residential services to young people, boys and girls, aged 10-18 years old, who have been exposed to multiple adverse childhood experiences resulting in many complex needs and vulnerabilities.

Regulated by Scottish Ministers, the Care and Education Inspectorates, the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), and the Office of the Scottish Charities Regulator (OSCR), Rossie Secure Accommodation Services is accountable to a voluntary Board of Governors and is led in day-to-day operations by the CEO and a professionally qualified and experienced Senior Leadership Team. Rossie’s Vision is to change young people’s lives through a trauma-informed approach, which focuses on keeping them safe, enhancing wellbeing, building confidence and resilience, and preparing them for the future.

The role seeks an exceptional, values-driven Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to build on the achievements of the current postholder, who is retiring this year. This is a rare opportunity for a well-qualified and experienced individual to continue and develop an organisation dedicated to high quality provision and continuous improvement. The CEO will work with the Board in shaping and delivering its Mission and Strategic Plan, providing exceptional care, trauma-based interventions, and education in a safe and supportive environment, through visible leadership and the ability to recruit, motivate and develop staff. They will embody and promote Rossie’s values, nurture and strengthen key partnerships—including with the Scottish Government—and ensure long-term sustainability.

With a strong focus on high quality services through sound business planning, continuing professional development of more than 170 staff, and strong financial management, the CEO will ensure that the successes of recent years are built upon and that Rossie is able both to lead and respond nimbly to change.

The ideal candidate for the role of CEO will have strong leadership skills, a degree-level qualification, and sound knowledge of care services for children and young people, including sectoral and social policies. A relevant advanced or postgraduate degree would be desirable as would post-qualifying training in areas such as social work, child protection, or a SEN Certificate or Diploma. With extensive relevant professional experience in a senior leadership role, the candidate will demonstrate strong understanding of safeguarding, secure care services, and childcare legislation in the different parts of the UK. They will also have a proven track record in recruiting, leading, motivating and retaining senior staff. Experience of working with vulnerable and young people in a residential setting will be an advantage.

The CEO will be comfortable in a regulated environment, skilled at working with a non-executive Board, highly effective in budgeting and financial control, and adept at managing change. Crucially, the CEO will be values-driven, resilient, open to ideas and opportunities and capable of fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead Rossie’s Secure Accommodation Services in its ambition to make a lasting impact on the lives of children and young people in a safe and secure environment, in which their needs are assessed and addressed with compassion and commitment. If this appeals to you, and you are keen to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you and encourage your application.

You can contact Lauryn Pringle or Debbie Shields at Aspen People for a confidential discussion about the role on 0141 212 7555. The successful candidate would be expected to live within a reasonable distance of Montrose. Reasonable relocation expenses to enable that will be available, if applicable. More information can be found on our dedicated recruitment microsite.

Closing date for applications: Tuesday 22nd of April. To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter (as one document) via the apply button. If you are unable to combine your documents, then please email your cover letter separately. Offers of appointment are subject to the receipt of satisfactory references and proof of eligibility to work in the UK.