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Basingstoke Counselling Service

CEO

Basingstoke Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible

At a Glance

Tasks: Lead a passionate team to deliver impactful counselling services and training.
Company: Basingstoke Counselling Service, a respected charity focused on mental health.
Benefits: Opportunity to shape community services and make a real difference.
Why this job: Be at the forefront of mental health support and drive positive change.
Qualifications: Experience in health, social care, or counselling with strong leadership skills.
Other info: Join a growing organisation committed to diversity and inclusion.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Job Description

We are working in partnership with Basingstoke Counselling Service (BCS), a registered charity, who are a highly regarded training providers and counselling service. Their aim is to provide affordable counselling and training services to the community of Basingstoke and the wider areas of Hampshire.

They offer one-to-one and couples counselling for adults, via a team of counsellors who provide a professional and affordable service. Their counsellors are supervised and practise within the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions. They also provide a range of training courses for those interested in supporting others with mental health difficulties and have a long heritage of running highly regarded courses from one-day CPD workshops through to a three-year BACP Accredited Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling.

The Board of Trustees are seeking a new CEO to lead and be accountable for all aspects of operational delivery, ensuring that targets are met while enabling the Board of Trustees to fulfil its strategic and governance responsibilities. Working with the Board to review the medium- and longer-term strategy for the organisation to continue to deliver high-quality services to their users and to develop and grow the service during this time of sustained growth.

Required experience and skills:

Successfully managing a small highly motivated group.
Experience ideally in health and social care, counselling, or wider mental health.
Solid engagement skills with the ability to build confidence across a wide range of stakeholders quickly.
Proven expertise in the development and implementation of business plans to capitalise on opportunities.
Experience of effectively managing resources and budgets.
Proven financial management skills, with previous P&L accountability.

For more information, please contact Sandra Smith, Associate Director, Charisma Charity Recruitment. Applications should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and supporting statement.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.

Closing date: 12 October 2025

First interview date: w/c 27 October 2025

Please note: Charisma interviews must be completed by 16 October, prior to shortlisting

CEO employer: Basingstoke Counselling Service

Basingstoke Counselling Service (BCS) is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a strong commitment to delivering high-quality counselling and training services, BCS offers unique opportunities for career development in the mental health sector, alongside a collaborative culture that values diverse perspectives and encourages innovation. Located in the heart of Basingstoke, employees benefit from being part of a respected charity that makes a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying a fulfilling and rewarding career.

Contact Detail:

Basingstoke Counselling Service Recruiting Team

View Basingstoke Counselling Service Profile

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land CEO

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the health and social care sector. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that CEO role!

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your leadership skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience managing teams and driving results. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led projects or initiatives in the past.

✨Tip Number 3

Research is key! Familiarise yourself with Basingstoke Counselling Service and their mission. Understand their challenges and think about how you can contribute to their growth. This will help you stand out during interviews and show your genuine interest.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application via the Charisma website. Make sure your CV and supporting statement are tailored to the role, showcasing your relevant experience and passion for mental health services.

We think you need these skills to ace CEO

Leadership Skills

Operational Management

Strategic Planning

Stakeholder Engagement

Financial Management

Business Development

Resource Management

Counselling Knowledge

Health and Social Care Experience

Team Management

Budget Management

P&L Accountability

Communication Skills

Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of CEO at BCS. Highlight your experience in health and social care, and any relevant leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission!

Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about counselling services and how you can help BCS grow. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the job description.

Showcase Your Engagement Skills: We’re looking for someone who can build confidence across various stakeholders. In your application, share examples of how you've successfully engaged with different groups in the past. This will show us you’re the right fit!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through the Charisma website! It’s the best way for us to receive your CV and supporting statement. Plus, it keeps everything organised on our end!

How to prepare for a job interview at Basingstoke Counselling Service

✨Know the Organisation Inside Out

Before your interview, make sure you research Basingstoke Counselling Service thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and the services they provide. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the role.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience

As a CEO, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to manage and motivate a team. Prepare specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a group, managed resources, or implemented business plans. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.

✨Engage with Stakeholders

Highlight your engagement skills during the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've built relationships with various stakeholders in previous roles. Think of examples where you’ve had to communicate complex ideas clearly and build confidence among diverse groups.

✨Prepare for Financial Questions

Given the financial management aspect of the role, brush up on your knowledge of budgets and P&L accountability. Be prepared to discuss how you've managed finances in the past and any strategies you've used to ensure financial sustainability in an organisation.

CEO