Chief Executive

The Chief Executive reports directly to the Council of Management and provides overall strategic, operational, and cultural leadership for Garvald. The role involves working collaboratively with the Business Team (Chief Executive, Residential Manager, Day Service Manager, Finance Manager), House Managers, Maintenance Supervisor, Council of Management and external stakeholders to ensure:

• The organisation remains true to its mission, ethos and Steiner-informed principles.
• High-quality care and meaningful work opportunities are delivered for adults with learning disabilities.
• Long-term financial viability is secured.

Key responsibilities and tasks

• Provide strong collaborative leadership to the whole organisation.
• Provide strong, values-led collaborative leadership that motivates and supports staff in achieving Garvald’s mission and strategic goals.
• Lead and line manage the Business Team (BT), ensuring members have the skills, resources, and confidence to fulfil their roles and support their own teams effectively.
• Maintain oversight of BT performance and work with house managers to form a cohesive, well-aligned leadership group.
• Engage and consult with employees, day service users, and residents to ensure their voices inform organisational practice.
• Monitor external risks and influences that may impact the organisation.
• Foster an inclusive, purposeful culture where staff and residents feel valued, supported, and connected to Garvald’s ethos.
• Commit to ongoing professional development, including deepening understanding of Garvald’s culture and anthroposophical principles, staying informed about relevant national and local initiatives, and strengthening collaborative leadership skills.

Operational management

• Uphold Garvald’s ethos and values, contributing to festivals and organisational events.
• Provide operational leadership and oversee day-to-day service delivery.
• Line-manage the Maintenance Supervisor, Administrators, Finance Manager, Day Service Manager and Residential Manager, deputising as required.
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels, skill mix and team structures to meet service needs.
• Lead safe and fair recruitment processes.
• Act as the organisation’s lead for HR and SSSC compliance.
• Modernise and streamline digital and data systems across the organisation.
• Oversee and monitor health and safety compliance.

Strategic Direction

• Develop proposals for Garvald’s future direction in collaboration with the BT and house managers presenting these to the Council of Management for approval.
• Attend Council of Management meetings, providing strategic advice, guidance, and regular reports to support compliance with plans, policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Translate Garvald’s mission, values, and strategic objectives into effective operational practice.
• Lead and manage development projects.
• Maintain and develop Garvald’s guiding principles based on social therapy.
• Develop and implement service strategies that improve outcomes for individuals.
• Ensure the organisation remains responsive to developments in social care.

Financial oversight

• Oversee financial planning, management, and reporting in compliance with Care Inspectorate requirements and relevant legislation.
• Provide strategic financial leadership in collaboration with the Finance Manager to ensure long-term sustainability and resilience.
• Together with the BT, prepare the annual budget for consideration and approval by the Council of Management.
• Secure sustainable funding sources and maximise income generation to support current and future organisational needs.
• Review all commercial contracts on a regular basis.
• Lead fee negotiations with local authorities.
• Collaborate with the fundraiser to set funding priorities and develop proposals for capital grants and service development.

External relationships

• Represent Garvald at strategic forums and events across local, regional and national levels.
• Act as an ambassador for Garvald, building strong relationships with stakeholders across public, private, media and third-sector organisations.
• Build strong effective partnerships with external organisations to help facilitate the development and delivery of Garvald’s unique service.
• Engage and communicate with key decision makers in government, local authorities, the NHS and other partners.
• Lead external communications and public relations, increasing organisational visibility to support recruitment and strengthen Garvald’s profile within the wider community.

Governance, compliance and quality assurance

• Support the Council of Management to fulfil its governance responsibilities by providing reports, insights and recommendations.
• Work with the Chair to maintain an appropriate mix of trustee skills and experience.
• Act as Company Secretary, submitting annual reports and accounts to Companies House.
• Ensure organisational compliance with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator, Care Inspectorate, health and social care standards, Health and Safety legislation, employment law and General Data Protection Regulation requirements.
• Review and develop organisational policies and procedures to maintain legal compliance and regulatory alignment.
• Ensure implementation of all policies and procedures across the organisation.
• Lead organisational quality-assurance systems.
• Ensure effective safeguarding systems are implemented and adhered to.
• Lead organisational risk-management processes, ensuring regulatory compliance.