At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic direction and campaigns for the Civil Service Pensioners’ Alliance.
- Company: Join a respected organisation representing retired Civil Servants across the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 30 days annual leave, pension scheme, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Full-time role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on issues affecting older people and Civil Service pensions.
- Qualifications: Management experience and strong relationship-building skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 68663 - 73212 £ per year.
We are seeking a new General Secretary to take up this pivotal, lead role in our organisation in Summer/Autumn 2026. This is a senior leadership position and as General Secretary, you will lead the organisation’s strategic direction, campaigning activity and day-to-day operations, ensuring we continue to effectively represent and support our members.
You will work closely with the elected Executive Council and play a leading role in shaping and delivering campaigns agreed by members. You will represent CSPA at the highest levels, engaging with the Cabinet Office, pension administrators, MPs and sector partners to influence policy and protect the value of Civil Service Pensions.
- Campaign on matters of interest to older people such as the State Pension, Pensioner Taxation, Digital and Social Exclusion and access to Public Transport.
- Support and advise the Executive Council and its committees.
- Manage and develop the team of 10 head office staff.
- Monitor and respond to policy and legislative developments affecting pensioners.
CSPA is uniquely recognised by the Cabinet Office as a stakeholder representing those in receipt of a Civil Service Pension. You will lead negotiations with Scheme Managers at regular Cabinet Office meetings to ensure members’ interests are protected. You will also play a key role in responding to emerging challenges, including ongoing issues affecting Civil Service Pension administration, and contributing to the organisation’s future development.
The Civil Service Pensioners’ Alliance (CSPA) is a respected, independent and non-political membership organisation representing retired Civil Servants across the UK. We have existed for over 70 years to protect the value of Civil Service Pensions and to campaign on issues that matter to our members and older people more widely, ranging from the State Pension and taxation to health, social care, and digital inclusion.
You’re someone who can build strong working relationships and a positive work environment at our Head Office, across the CSPA, and with other partner organisations in the Age Sector. You’ll have prior management and leadership experience ideally gained within a membership or similar organisation and a strong track record in successful volunteer engagement would be an advantage. Prior knowledge of the age sector, the political environment, Civil Service and State Pension issues would be an advantage, however they are not essential.
The position is full-time and the current salary offered is £68,663 per annum on entry, rising to £73,212 after completion of one year’s satisfactory service. We offer 30 days of annual leave, plus Bank Holidays and the Christmas closure, as well as a contributory pension scheme.
General Secretary/CEO in City of London employer: CSPA (Civil Service Pensioners' Alliance)
Contact Detail:
CSPA (Civil Service Pensioners' Alliance) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land General Secretary/CEO in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the sector. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current or former employees of CSPA. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation inside out. Understand their campaigns, values, and recent developments in the Civil Service Pension landscape. This will not only impress your interviewers but also help you articulate how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss your management experience and how you've successfully led teams in the past. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to create a positive work environment and drive strategic initiatives.
✨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, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace General Secretary/CEO in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the General Secretary role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant campaigning activities you've been involved in.
Showcase Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for the role and the mission of CSPA. Share why you care about issues affecting older people and how you can contribute to our goals. A personal touch can really make your application stand out!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We want to understand your qualifications without wading through unnecessary fluff!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people and helps us keep track of all applications efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at CSPA (Civil Service Pensioners' Alliance)
✨Know Your Organisation
Before the interview, dive deep into understanding the Civil Service Pensioners’ Alliance (CSPA). Familiarise yourself with their mission, values, and recent campaigns. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your vision aligns with theirs.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
As a candidate for a senior leadership role, be ready to share specific examples of your management experience. Highlight situations where you've successfully led teams, shaped strategic directions, or influenced policy. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Engage with Current Issues
Stay updated on current issues affecting pensioners, such as State Pension changes or digital inclusion challenges. Be prepared to discuss these topics during your interview, showcasing your awareness and readiness to tackle them head-on in your role.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Establishing a connection with your interviewers can set you apart. Be personable, ask insightful questions about their experiences at CSPA, and express your enthusiasm for working collaboratively. This will demonstrate your ability to build strong relationships, which is crucial for the role.