Chief Officer of Culture and Public Service Reform

At Catch22, we are proud of both our long history and reputation as an innovative and progressive employer. Our 1,300 colleagues and 300 volunteers work at every stage of the social welfare cycle, supporting over 60,000 individuals from cradle to career. Our work spans education, social justice and rehabilitation, children's social care, family support, social action and getting people into work.

As Chief Officer of Culture and Public Service Reform (CCR), you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Catch22 as a high-performing, inclusive and purpose-led organisation. A key member of the Chief Officer Group, working closely with the CEO, Board of Trustees and the People and Performance Committee, you will help ensure that our strategy, culture, leadership and influence reflect our values and strengthen our impact with and for the people and communities we serve.

You will provide executive leadership across People Operations and culture Communications and Marketing, and External Affairs, bringing these functions together to create a connected, value-driven and outward-looking organisation. This is a role for a leader who understands that strategy, culture, engagement, influence, and voice are central to achieving lasting change, with a clear ability to translate that belief into clear priorities, strong relationships and meaningful action.

Reporting to the CEO, you will be a trusted advisor and strategic leader, helping to shape the organisation's strategic direction, ensuring it is driven by social purpose, whilst strengthening performance and building confidence across Catch22. You will work with Chief Officer colleagues and external partners to ensure Catch22 remains a credible, compassionate and influential force for direct delivery and public service reform, while staying grounded in the values that define who we are and how we lead.

You will be assessed against the essential criteria listed in the job pack. Experience within the charity/third sector is not required; applicants who can demonstrate transferable skills from other industries are welcomed.

• Postgraduate qualification or equivalent executive-level leadership experience in a relevant field.
• A strong track record of strategic leadership within a regulated environment, with experience of managing performance, navigating complexity and delivering impact.
• Strong commercial judgement and organisational awareness, with the ability to translate insight into effective strategic decisions.
• A visible and credible champion of inclusion, equity and belonging, with the ability to shape a culture in which people feel respected, supported and able to thrive.
• Outstanding communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the credibility to build strong relationships and influence across functions, services and external partnerships.
• Digitally confident and data-literate, with the ability to use insight, technology and evidence to strengthen decision-making, performance and organisational impact.
• High levels of adaptability, resilience and sound judgement, with the ability to respond effectively to changing organisational and workforce needs.

• Significant executive-level leadership experience in organisational culture, public service reform or wider organisational enabling functions.
• A proven track record of strengthening organisational performance, delivering sustainable improvement and leading at scale.
• Substantial experience of leading governance, risk and assurance within complex organisations.
• Strong strategic and commercial acumen, with the ability to balance mission impact, affordability and organisational risk.
• Experience of shaping, implementing or operating within a clear organisational model aligned to strategic priorities and long-term ambition.
• A strong personal commitment to Catch22’s mission, values and belief in social justice and opportunity.
• Willingness to travel across services and sites, and ability to meet any role-specific requirements where applicable.
• Experience of influencing policy, shaping stakeholder agendas or driving system change at a senior level.

• 33 days annual leave (plus 8 public holidays)
• Approved workplace pension scheme with a matching employer contribution of 4%
• 3 x salary life insurance
• Employee Assistance Programme & GP helpline

You will be based in our London office at Pear Tree Street. The role will also involve regular travel across our services and office locations.

This is a full-time (37 hours per week) role, all flexible working arrangements will be considered. This role requires an enhanced DBS check.

We will stop accepting applications at midnight on 1 September 2026, so please ensure that you have reviewed all information and completed your application by this time. Please note that, if we receive an overwhelming number of applications, we reserve the right to bring the application deadline forward. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as early as possible to avoid missing out.

Unless otherwise stated, interviews will be arranged as suitable candidates are identified, so early application is strongly advised. We aim to review applications as quickly as possible. However, due to the volume of interest we receive, we may not be able to contact all applicants individually. If you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful this time.

At Catch22 we value equality, diversity and inclusion. We are wholeheartedly committed to the principle of equality of opportunity, both as an employer and as a provider of services. Diversity and Inclusion is part of what we do every day, working to deliver our vision to build a strong society where everyone has good people around them, a purpose, and a good place to live.

Catch22 is committed to rigorous safeguarding and safer recruitment practices; ensuring that every individual within the organisation has been safely and appropriately checked. Please note, we will conduct an online search as part of our due diligence checks for successful candidate(s). This will involve a search of all publicly available information online and in social media.