At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a charity supporting vulnerable children and young people, ensuring impactful services and sustainable funding.
- Company: Safe and Sound, a well-established charity in Derby with a strong community focus.
- Benefits: Opportunity to make a real difference, work with a committed team, and foster a positive culture.
- Other info: Engaging role requiring visibility and presence within the community.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a charity and deliver lasting impact across Derby.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership skills, experience in income generation, and strong relationship-building abilities.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Safe and Sound is a well-established Derby-based charity supporting vulnerable children and young people affected by exploitation and risk across the city and county. For over two decades, we have worked to prevent, support and help rebuild lives to a point where we are no longer needed, no matter how long that takes. We do this work by engaging local communities to deliver education, intervention and recovery services that change lives. Safe and Sound has built strong foundations over recent years, with a stable financial position, strengthened governance and a committed team delivering meaningful outcomes for vulnerable young people across Derby. Following a period of development and investment, the organisation is now entering a phase of consolidation, focused on sustaining impact and ensuring long-term resilience.
About the role
We are seeking a Chief Executive who can lead Safe and Sound through its next phase with confidence, creativity and purpose. This is a broad and visible leadership role, combining strategic oversight with hands-on engagement. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, you will take overall responsibility for the organisation’s leadership, performance and long-term sustainability. You will ensure the continued delivery of high-quality, outcomes-focused services that make a meaningful difference to children, young people and families. At the same time, you will lead on income generation, developing sustainable funding streams and building strong relationships with key funders, partners and supporters to secure the charity’s future.
As Chief Executive, you will act as the public face of Safe and Sound, representing the organisation across Derby and Derbyshire’s business, public and voluntary sectors. Building strong local relationships and networks will be central to strengthening the charity’s profile, influence and impact. Internally, you will lead and support a committed staff team, fostering a positive, inclusive and high-performing culture where people feel valued, supported and empowered to deliver their best work. We are proud of the culture we have built. Recent staff survey results highlight a highly engaged and supported team, with 100% of staff saying they are proud to work for Safe and Sound and strong scores across trust in leadership, wellbeing and inclusion.
You will also ensure the organisation remains responsive and resilient in a changing environment, maintaining strong oversight of risk, safeguarding and governance, while adapting to the evolving challenges facing young people. The voices of young people and parents are important to us and drive change for partner organisations and us. This is a role that requires both strategic thinking and visible leadership, offering the opportunity to shape the future of a well-established charity and deliver lasting impact across Derby.
Who we are looking for
We are looking for a values-led leader who can combine strong operational leadership with a confident and credible external presence. You may already be a chief executive or a senior leader ready to step into your first CEO role. What matters most is your ability to lead with purpose, build trust and deliver impact in a complex, people-focused environment. We are particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate:
- The ability to lead and inspire teams, creating a positive, high-performing and supportive culture.
- Experience in securing income and developing sustainable funding models.
- Strong relationship-building skills, with the confidence to represent an organisation publicly and act as an effective ambassador.
- A sound understanding of governance, safeguarding, financial management and organisational risk.
Alongside this, you will bring resilience, emotional intelligence and a collaborative leadership style, with the ability to navigate challenge and support others through change. A strong connection to Derbyshire, or the ability to quickly build credibility and networks locally, will be important. This is not a remote role; the successful candidate will need to be visible, present and embedded within the community.
Applications close at 9 a.m. on Friday, 22nd May. Please visit our website for more details.
Chief Executive Officer in Leicester employer: Peridot Partners
Safe and Sound is an exceptional employer, dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable children and young people in Derby. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing and a culture that values inclusivity and support, staff members report high levels of engagement and pride in their work. The organisation offers unique opportunities for professional growth and community involvement, ensuring that employees can thrive while contributing to a vital cause.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer in Leicester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the charity sector, especially those involved with youth services. Attend local events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself – you never know who might have a lead on your next big opportunity.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the cause! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or at interviews, make sure to share your genuine enthusiasm for supporting vulnerable children and young people. Your commitment to their mission can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Be visible and engaged! If you're eyeing a role like Chief Executive, it’s crucial to demonstrate your presence in the community. Volunteer, attend meetings, and engage with local stakeholders to build your reputation as a leader who truly cares about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through our platform, so make sure you submit your details directly. It shows you’re serious about joining us and helps us keep track of all the amazing talent looking to make an impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic:When you're writing your application, let your true self shine through. We want to see your passion for supporting vulnerable children and young people, so don’t hold back on sharing your personal connection to the cause.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Chief Executive role at Safe and Sound. Highlight your leadership experience and how it aligns with our mission to create a positive impact in Derby.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Use concrete examples to demonstrate how you've led teams, secured funding, or built relationships that made a difference. We love seeing tangible results!
Follow Our Application Process:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us in the right format. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Peridot Partners
✨Know Your Mission
Before the interview, dive deep into Safe and Sound's mission and values. Understand how they support vulnerable children and young people in Derby. This will help you articulate how your leadership style aligns with their goals and demonstrate your commitment to their cause.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to lead and inspire teams. Think about times when you've fostered a positive culture or navigated challenges. Be ready to discuss how you can build trust and deliver impact in a complex environment, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Build Relationships
Since relationship-building is key for this position, come prepared with ideas on how you would engage with local communities and stakeholders. Share your strategies for developing sustainable funding models and how you plan to strengthen partnerships that benefit the charity.
✨Understand Governance and Risk
Brush up on your knowledge of governance, safeguarding, and financial management. Be ready to discuss how you would maintain oversight of these areas while adapting to the evolving challenges facing young people. This shows you’re not just a visionary but also grounded in practicalities.
