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- Tasks: Lead VSA through strategic transformation and ensure high-quality service delivery.
- Company: VSA, the largest city social care charity in the UK with over 150 years of experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a historic organisation and leave a lasting legacy.
- Qualifications: Significant senior leadership experience in health and social care.
- Other info: Opportunity for meaningful change and community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 110000 - 115000 ÂŁ per year.
VSA is the largest city social care charity in the UK, with over 150 years of experience supporting vulnerable children, adults, and families across Aberdeen and beyond. The organisation delivers life‑changing services through residential care and community outreach, promoting physical, emotional, mental, and social wellbeing. VSA supports individuals facing complex challenges, including mental health diagnoses, additional learning needs, addiction, isolation, and poverty, with a focus on empowerment, compassion, and enabling people to live the best lives possible.
VSA is seeking an outstanding Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation through a period of strategic transformation within the Scottish social care sector. This is a pivotal opportunity to shape the organisation’s future, building on a long history of high‑quality service delivery while responding to evolving policy, funding frameworks, and community needs.
Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the CEO will provide overall leadership and direction for VSA, ensuring strong governance, effective risk management, and financial sustainability. They will work closely with the Executive Management Team to deliver the organisation’s strategic objectives, embed a culture of innovation and accountability, and maintain the highest standards of care for service users.
The CEO will represent VSA externally, engaging with government, regulators, and partners to ensure the organisation’s voice is influential in shaping the future of health and social care. Through effective advocacy and stakeholder management, the CEO will strengthen VSA’s position in the sector and secure opportunities for innovation and growth.
Candidates will bring significant senior leadership experience, ideally gained within a health and social care context, with a track record of leading complex, multi‑service organisations. They will demonstrate strong financial and commercial acumen, experience delivering sustainable change, and the ability to engage confidently with a wide range of stakeholders. Above all, they will be values‑driven, visible, and authentic leaders, committed to supporting staff and ensuring that service users’ needs remain central to decision‑making.
The successful CEO will guide VSA through this period of strategic transformation, ensuring the organisation remains resilient, sustainable, and well‑positioned to continue serving Aberdeen’s communities as it has for over 150 years. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of a historic, mission‑driven organisation, leaving a lasting legacy and making a meaningful difference to the lives of the people VSA supports.
How to Apply: Please email us at recruitment@brucetaitassociates.com to request an information pack and job description. After reviewing the pack, prospective candidates are encouraged to arrange an initial, confidential conversation with our CEO, Bruce Tait, who is leading this search. This discussion provides an opportunity to explore the role in more detail and consider its scope and impact. You are advised to get in touch well in advance of the closing date to give us time to consider your application and pre‑interview the strongest applicants.
Closing Date: 12pm Tuesday 17th March 2026
Interview Date: Thursday 26th March in Aberdeen
This search is being conducted exclusively for VSA by BTA (Bruce Tait Associates). Our leadership team have all worked extensively in and with the voluntary sector and we use this experience to match organisations and individuals to create great appointments.
Chief Executive Officer - VSA employer: BTA
Contact Detail:
BTA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer - VSA
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social care sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research VSA thoroughly, understand their mission, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Be ready to discuss how you can lead them through their strategic transformation.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with Bruce Tait or anyone from the team, let your enthusiasm for the role and the impact of VSA shine through. Authenticity goes a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the VSA team.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer - VSA
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know VSA: Before you start your application, take some time to really understand VSA's mission and values. This will help you tailor your application to show how your experience aligns with our commitment to supporting vulnerable individuals.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal and engaging, highlighting your leadership experience and how it relates to the challenges VSA faces. Don’t forget to express your passion for social care and community support.
Showcase Your Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on your achievements in senior leadership roles, especially in health and social care. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead change and engage stakeholders effectively.
Reach Out for a Chat: Don’t hesitate to arrange that initial conversation with our CEO, Bruce Tait. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions and get a feel for the role. Plus, it shows us your genuine interest in the position!
How to prepare for a job interview at BTA
✨Know VSA Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into VSA's history, mission, and the services they provide. Understanding their impact on the community will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your leadership can align with their values and goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to lead complex organisations. Highlight your experience in strategic transformation, financial sustainability, and stakeholder engagement, as these are crucial for the CEO role at VSA.
✨Engage with Current Challenges
Familiarise yourself with the current challenges facing the Scottish social care sector. Be ready to discuss how you would navigate these issues and propose innovative solutions that could benefit VSA and its service users.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions for the interviewers that reflect your understanding of VSA’s mission and the role. Inquire about their vision for the future, the culture within the organisation, and how they measure success in their services. This shows your commitment and strategic thinking.