At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a team to support young people facing homelessness.
- Company: HELP is a dedicated organisation improving lives of 16-25-year-olds in Argyll and Bute.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, flexible hours, and a competitive salary of Β£45,000 β Β£49,000.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while driving innovation in youth support services.
- Qualifications: Experience in care or housing management and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Join a passionate team and help shape the future of youth support.
The predicted salary is between 39000 - 51000 Β£ per year.
Chief Officer Β£45,000 β Β£49,000 Dunoon, with regular travel to Rothesay / Hybrid and flexible working HELP (Argyll and Bute) Limited is a well-established third sector organisation supporting 16β25-year-olds who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or leaving care. Guided by its values β empathy, inclusivity, integration, personalisation, and professionalism β the organisation delivers housing support, skills development, health and wellbeing programmes, and information and advice services that make a lasting difference in young peopleβs lives. With the planned retirement of the Chief Executive Officer, HELP is now seeking an experienced and values-led Chief Officer to provide inspirational leadership to its committed team and to ensure the continued delivery and development of high-quality services. The Role Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Chief Officer will take lead responsibility for service delivery, ensuring the organisation meets and exceeds the National Care Standards. Working closely with Team Leaders, the post holder will support operational excellence, manage organisational budgets, and develop innovative models of practice. This is a strategic and outward-facing role, requiring the ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders, respond to policy changes, and identify opportunities for innovation and growth. The Chief Officer will also play a key role in workforce planning, recruitment, and staff development, ensuring that the team is confident, capable, and motivated. The Person The Board is seeking a confident, solution-focused leader with experience in managing services within a care, housing, or third sector setting. Candidates will bring a strong understanding of issues affecting young people β particularly around homelessness β and the ability to design and deliver effective programmes that address these needs. With excellent communication and relationship-building skills, the successful candidate will be adept at engaging with stakeholders, influencing policy, and representing HELP positively in the community. Experience of budget management, funding applications, and service development will be essential, alongside the qualifications required for SSSC registration (or the ability to achieve these within the specified timeframe). Membership of the PVG scheme is also required. The Opportunity This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of a respected and impactful organisation. The Chief Officer will have the scope to be creative and entrepreneurial, driving service innovation and ensuring HELP remains at the forefront of support for young people across Argyll and Bute. You can contact Lauryn Pringle or Debbie Shields at Aspen People for a confidential discussion about the role on (phone number removed). Closing date for applications: Monday 15th September 2025
Chief Officer employer: Aspen People
Contact Detail:
Aspen People Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Chief Officer
β¨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the third sector, especially those involved in youth services and homelessness. Attend relevant events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and stakeholders who can provide insights into the role and organisation.
β¨Tip Number 2
Research HELP (Argyll and Bute) Limited thoroughly. Understand their values, current projects, and challenges they face. This knowledge will help you engage meaningfully during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to their mission.
β¨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how it aligns with the values of empathy, inclusivity, and professionalism. Think of specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your ability to inspire and manage teams effectively.
β¨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the National Care Standards and current policies affecting youth homelessness. Being well-versed in these areas will not only prepare you for discussions but also highlight your proactive approach to the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Officer
Some tips for your application π«‘
Understand the Organisation: Familiarise yourself with HELP (Argyll and Bute) Limited's mission, values, and the specific challenges faced by young people in your target demographic. This will help you tailor your application to demonstrate alignment with their goals.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in managing services within a care, housing, or third sector setting. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully led teams, managed budgets, and developed programmes that address the needs of young people.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Clearly articulate your leadership style and provide examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in previous roles. Discuss your approach to workforce planning and staff development, as these are key aspects of the Chief Officer role.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure your application is tailored specifically for the Chief Officer position. Address the key responsibilities and qualifications mentioned in the job description, and explain how your skills and experiences make you the ideal candidate for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Aspen People
β¨Understand the Organisation's Values
Before your interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with HELP's core values: empathy, inclusivity, integration, personalisation, and professionalism. Be prepared to discuss how your own values align with theirs and provide examples of how you've demonstrated these in your previous roles.
β¨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Chief Officer, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership skills. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led teams, managed budgets, and developed innovative practices in your past positions. Highlight any experience you have in the care or housing sectors, especially related to young people.
β¨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Questions
Given the strategic nature of this role, expect questions about how you would engage with various stakeholders. Think about your past experiences in building relationships and influencing policy. Be ready to share strategies you've used to collaborate effectively with different groups.
β¨Discuss Your Vision for Service Development
The role requires creativity and innovation in service delivery. Come prepared with ideas on how you would enhance HELP's offerings for young people. Consider current trends in homelessness support and be ready to discuss how you would implement new programmes or improve existing ones.