At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a respected charity supporting adults with learning disabilities through innovative programmes and community engagement.
- Company: Garvald Edinburgh, a values-driven charity with a focus on creativity and community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join us at a transformative moment for Garvald, making a lasting impact in the community.
- Why this job: Shape the future of an impactful organisation while fostering a culture of respect and creativity.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic leadership, financial sustainability, and stakeholder engagement.
The predicted salary is between 67500 - 82500 £ per year.
Garvald Edinburgh is a long-established Scottish charity supporting adults with learning disabilities through creative day opportunities, workshops, community participation, and public-facing social enterprise activities. Rooted in the principles of social therapy inspired by Rudolf Steiner, Garvald places creativity, respect, rhythm, individuality, and community at the centre of personal development.
The organisation exists to offer adults with learning disabilities meaningful opportunities to develop skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging, achieved through purposeful creative work, strong community integration, and innovative social enterprise. Operating across multiple sites in Edinburgh, Garvald employs approximately 180 staff and has an annual turnover of over £4.5 million.
The organisation is entering a period of important development, guided by a multi-year strategic plan that includes organisational review, enhancing financial stability, facilities planning, digital transformation, and the continued growth of social enterprise activity. This is a pivotal moment in Garvald's history, offering the opportunity to shape the organisation's future while strengthening its values-driven culture.
The Board of Trustees is seeking a Chief Executive Officer to lead Garvald through this next phase. The CEO will provide strategic, operational, cultural, and organisational leadership, ensuring that Garvald continues to deliver high-quality, ethical, and person-centred services across all sites. Reporting to the Chair and supported by a strong Senior Management Team, the CEO will shape and implement long-term strategy, embed a distributed leadership model, oversee financial sustainability, and strengthen governance, compliance, and risk management.
The successful candidate will be someone who can hold complexity without losing clarity, lead change without compromising care, and inspire confidence and trust through their presence, integrity, and values-led approach. You will be confident in leading a large, multi-site organisation, with a strong understanding of regulation, finance, workforce dynamics, and governance.
You will have experience of strategic leadership, organisational change, and financial sustainability, alongside the ability to engage effectively with all stakeholders—from trustees and commissioners to staff, members, and families. Above all, the next CEO will be someone who combines strategic rigour with emotional intelligence, humility, and steadiness.
This is a rare opportunity to lead a respected, innovative, and values-driven organisation at a transformative moment, ensuring that Garvald Edinburgh continues to be a place where adults with learning disabilities can reach their fullest potential and make a lasting contribution to the wider community.
How to Apply: Please email us to request an information pack and job description. 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: Friday 23rd January 2026
Interview Date: WC 2nd February 2026
This search is being conducted exclusively for Garvald Edinburgh by BTA (Bruce Tait Associates). Our leadership team have all worked extensively in and with the voluntary sector and academia and we use this experience to match organisations and individuals to create great appointments.
Chief Executive Officer in Glasgow employer: BTA
Social Enterprise Academy is an exceptional employer that champions social change through its commitment to learning, collaboration, and inclusivity. Located in the vibrant city of Edinburgh, the Academy offers a hybrid work model that fosters flexibility while providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Employees are encouraged to thrive in a supportive environment where their contributions directly impact communities, making it a truly rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer in Glasgow
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by BTA.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like BTA.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at BTA.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at BTA. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer in Glasgow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of BTA. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Chief Executive Officer, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at BTA
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of BTA. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
