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- Tasks: Lead Asylum Aid in delivering vital legal services and driving systemic change.
- Company: A dedicated charity with over 30 years of experience supporting vulnerable asylum seekers.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous annual leave, hybrid working, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of those seeking protection and justice.
- Qualifications: Leadership experience in the charity sector and knowledge of asylum and human rights law.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to inclusive leadership and professional development.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 75000 £ per year.
For over thirty years, Asylum Aid has been providing legal representation to some of the most vulnerable people seeking asylum. We have built an expert service, delivering vital and life‐saving services in some of the most complex legal cases, with a particular speciality working with unaccompanied children, survivors of trafficking, torture or other forms of human cruelty, and stateless people. Our vision is that all those in need of protection from persecution and other forms of human cruelty in the UK can obtain it, and are treated fairly and with dignity.
Since August 2020, Asylum Aid has been part of the Helen Bamber Foundation Group. Asylum Aid operates as an independent charity, led by its own Director within the group structure, and is ambitious about growing its impact and reach in the future to ensure protection from persecution for those who need it.
This is an exciting opportunity to steer Asylum Aid at an important time in its 30-year existence. As Executive Director you will be responsible for delivering on our strategy for impact. You will oversee our work to increase access to expert, trauma‐informed legal representation to those in the asylum, trafficking and statelessness systems and lead our policy and strategic legal work to achieve systemic change that contributes towards our vision.
You will line manage the Director of Legal Casework to oversee the provision of supportive and enabling leadership to Asylum Aid caseworkers so that they can continue to deliver high quality expert advice in complex cases, while being supported in their professional development and wellbeing. You will also manage and develop the work of our welfare advice team within the Westminster Advice Services Partnership and beyond, and work collaboratively with colleagues in the sector to build capacity and increase our impact.
The ideal candidate, who may be legally qualified, will have experience of leadership in the charity/NGO sector and a sound understanding of the asylum, human rights and trafficking processes in the UK and the legal frameworks which govern the protection of refugees, survivors of trafficking and stateless people, and of the role of law in achieving system change.
We are looking for someone who is strategically minded and passionate about providing supportive and inclusive leadership to our expert team. You will be committed to our objectives and to the role which expert legal representation plays in enabling people in need of protection in the UK to obtain it.
As is the nature of this sector, the role may be exposed to a high volume of traumatic and distressing material and, whilst they will be supported by the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO and surrounding team, the candidate should also be able to demonstrate knowledge of good self‐care principles in an intense work environment and dissemination of those principles to junior members of the team.
Salary: £65,000 - £70,000 per year depending on experience
Hours: Full Time (37.5 hours per week)
Annual leave: 27 days plus bank holidays (increasing to 29 days after three years of service, and up to 30 days after five years of service) plus up to 4 discretionary days for the winter closure period
Winter closure period: two week winter closure period where the charity is closed
Pension: 4% matched contribution by the Helen Bamber Foundation Group
Employee Assistance Programme
Hybrid working: 40% office presence
How to Apply: The first stage is to complete on our online application form on our website by 10am on Monday 26th January 2026.
Executive Director in London employer: Helen Bamber Foundation
Contact Detail:
Helen Bamber Foundation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Director in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the charity and NGO sector, especially those who have experience with asylum and human rights. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights and even job leads.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Asylum Aid and its mission. Show us that you’re not just passionate about the role but also understand the complexities of the legal landscape surrounding asylum seekers.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership pitch! As an Executive Director, you’ll need to demonstrate your vision and how you plan to support your team. We want to hear how you’ll inspire and guide others in this vital work.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our mission at Asylum Aid.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director in 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 Executive Director role. Highlight your leadership experience in the charity sector and your understanding of asylum and human rights processes.
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for the mission of Asylum Aid shine through in your application. We want to see your commitment to providing support and legal representation to vulnerable individuals, so share any relevant experiences that demonstrate this passion.
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out the application form, keep your responses clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to convey your ideas effectively, as we appreciate clarity in communication, especially in a role that involves complex legal matters.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website by the deadline! This ensures that your application is processed correctly and gives us the best chance to review your qualifications thoroughly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Helen Bamber Foundation
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the asylum, human rights, and trafficking processes in the UK. Brush up on the legal frameworks that govern these areas, as well as Asylum Aid's mission and recent initiatives. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your passion and commitment during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As an Executive Director, your leadership approach is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your experience in leading teams, especially in the charity or NGO sector. Share specific examples of how you've supported and developed team members, particularly in high-pressure environments, to show that you can provide the supportive leadership Asylum Aid needs.
✨Emphasise Self-Care Strategies
Given the nature of the work, it's important to highlight your understanding of self-care principles. Discuss how you manage stress and support your team in doing the same. This will show that you’re not only aware of the challenges but also proactive in ensuring a healthy work environment.
✨Align with Their Vision
Familiarise yourself with Asylum Aid's vision and objectives. During the interview, express how your values align with theirs and how you plan to contribute to their mission. This connection will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the organisation's impact.
