General Secretary/CEO in London

General Secretary/CEO in London

London Full-Time 68663 - 73212 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
CSPA (Civil Service Pensioners' Alliance)

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 London employer: CSPA (Civil Service Pensioners' Alliance)

The Civil Service Pensioners’ Alliance (CSPA) is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead a respected organisation dedicated to advocating for the rights and interests of retired Civil Servants. With a strong commitment to employee development, a collaborative work culture, and generous benefits including 30 days of annual leave and a contributory pension scheme, CSPA fosters an environment where leaders can thrive while making a meaningful impact on the lives of older people across the UK.
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 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 applications alone can't.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by knowing your stuff! Research CSPA’s campaigns and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. Be ready to discuss how you can lead and support their strategic direction effectively.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership skills! Whether it’s through volunteering or past roles, highlight experiences where you’ve successfully managed teams or projects. We want to see how you can inspire and develop others at CSPA.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team and contributing to the important work we do.

We think you need these skills to ace General Secretary/CEO in London

Strategic Leadership
Campaign Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Policy Influence
Team Management
Negotiation Skills
Relationship Building
Volunteer Engagement
Knowledge of Pension Issues
Understanding of the Age Sector
Communication Skills
Adaptability to Emerging Challenges
Experience in Membership Organisations

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 and vision 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 reaches us directly and is considered in the selection process. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need there!

How to prepare for a job interview at CSPA (Civil Service Pensioners' Alliance)

✨Know Your Organisation

Before the interview, dive deep into understanding the CSPA's mission, values, and recent campaigns. Familiarise yourself with their key issues, especially those affecting older people. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your vision aligns with theirs.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience

Prepare specific examples from your past roles that showcase your leadership and management skills. Think about times when you successfully led a team or influenced policy changes. Be ready to discuss how you can apply these experiences to lead the CSPA effectively.

✨Engage with Current Issues

Stay updated on current affairs related to pensions, social care, and the age sector. Be prepared to discuss how these issues impact the CSPA's members and suggest potential strategies for advocacy. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and readiness to tackle challenges head-on.

✨Build Rapport

During the interview, focus on building a connection with the panel. Show enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Ask insightful questions about their goals and challenges, which will not only reflect your interest but also help you gauge if this is the right fit for you.

General Secretary/CEO in London
CSPA (Civil Service Pensioners' Alliance)
Location: London

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