Interim Chief Executive Officer in Surrey
Interim Chief Executive Officer

Interim Chief Executive Officer in Surrey

Surrey Full-Time 65000 - 67500 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Prospectus

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dedicated team to support survivors of domestic abuse and ensure compliance with regulations.
  • Company: A specialist charity focused on providing refuge and accommodation-based support.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and the chance to make a real difference.
  • Why this job: Be a stabilising force in a trauma-informed environment while leading impactful initiatives.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and knowledge of housing/property legislation required.
  • Other info: Opportunity for personal growth and to contribute to meaningful change.

The predicted salary is between 65000 - 67500 £ per year.

Annual salary: £65,000 – £67,500

Hours: 40 hours per week over 5 days (occasional evening and weekend work)

Contract length: 12 months

Place of work: Hybrid working with weekly attendance at two sites in the South East

We are supporting a specialist charity providing refuge and accommodation-based support to survivors of domestic abuse. The Board is seeking an experienced Interim Chief Executive Officer to provide confident and steady leadership. You will be accountable for a team of approximately 30 staff, reporting to a Board of seven trustees, and leading through three experienced direct reports (services, finance and fundraising).

This role combines organisational and people leadership with a strong and essential focus on legal and regulatory compliance. The primary focus of the role is to ensure the charity remains fully compliant with all statutory and regulatory obligations. The Interim CEO will hold executive oversight of property compliance, health and safety, risk management, audit assurance and data protection (including acting as DPO). This includes ensuring robust systems across fire safety, gas and electrical safety, asbestos management, insurance, lease oversight and broader organisational controls.

The successful candidate will bring:

  • Proven senior leadership experience, including working closely with a Board of Trustees
  • Executive-level experience overseeing property portfolios and safety compliance
  • Strong knowledge of housing/property legislation and health and safety regulations
  • Experience embedding risk management frameworks and audit oversight
  • Technical understanding of building maintenance and regulatory standards
  • Preferably, relevant professional or health and safety qualifications (e.g. IOSH or equivalent)

Alongside technical capability, we are seeking a leader with high emotional intelligence, integrity and resilience, someone able to build trusted relationships across staff, trustees and external stakeholders, and provide a stabilising presence within a trauma-informed, survivor-centred environment. Experience within domestic abuse or a commitment to learning about domestic abuse, coercive control and trauma-informed leadership is essential.

You must be available to commence by 1 May 2026. Closing date for applications is Wednesday 25th February 2026. Interviews for successful candidates will be held W/C 2nd March 2026. Applications should be submitted via CV only through the Prospectus website. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early application is encouraged. Candidates invited to interview will be asked to complete a short application form as a supporting statement. Applicants will need to demonstrate a commitment to equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practices. A full DBS check will be carried out for successful applicant. Female applicants only, exemption under the Equality Act 2010 pursuant to Schedule 9, Part 1.

Interim Chief Executive Officer in Surrey employer: Prospectus

As an Interim Chief Executive Officer at our specialist charity, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of survivors of domestic abuse. We offer a supportive work culture that values emotional intelligence and resilience, alongside opportunities for professional growth in a hybrid working environment across two sites in the South East. Join us in leading with integrity and compassion, ensuring compliance and safety while fostering trusted relationships within a trauma-informed framework.
Prospectus

Contact Detail:

Prospectus Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Interim Chief Executive Officer in Surrey

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the charity sector, especially those who have experience with domestic abuse services. A personal recommendation can make all the difference when you're aiming for that top spot.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of housing legislation and health and safety regulations. We want you to walk in feeling confident and ready to showcase your expertise in these areas!

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your emotional intelligence during interviews. Share examples of how you've built trusted relationships in previous roles. This is key for a leadership position, especially in a trauma-informed environment.

✨Tip Number 4

Don't forget to apply through our website! Early applications are encouraged, and we review them on a rolling basis. So, get your CV in as soon as possible to increase your chances of landing that interview!

We think you need these skills to ace Interim Chief Executive Officer in Surrey

Senior Leadership Experience
Board Engagement
Property Compliance Oversight
Health and Safety Regulations Knowledge
Risk Management Frameworks
Audit Oversight
Building Maintenance Understanding
Regulatory Standards Knowledge
Emotional Intelligence
Integrity
Resilience
Relationship Building
Trauma-Informed Leadership
Commitment to Learning about Domestic Abuse

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Interim Chief Executive Officer. Highlight your leadership experience, especially in compliance and risk management, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your skills and achievements.

Show Your Passion: We want to see your commitment to supporting survivors of domestic abuse. In your application, share any relevant experiences or insights that demonstrate your understanding of this important issue. Let your passion shine through!

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re a great fit for the role.

Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application! We review applications on a rolling basis, so applying early gives you a better chance. Head over to our website and get your CV in as soon as you can!

How to prepare for a job interview at Prospectus

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on the charity's mission and values, especially around domestic abuse support. Familiarise yourself with relevant housing and health and safety legislation, as well as the specific compliance requirements for the role. This will show that you're not just interested in the position but also genuinely care about the cause.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

Prepare to discuss your leadership experience in detail. Think of examples where you've successfully led teams through challenges, particularly in a charity or similar environment. Highlight your emotional intelligence and how you've built trusted relationships with staff and stakeholders, as this is crucial for the role.

✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle crises. Prepare scenarios related to risk management, compliance issues, or team dynamics. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly and effectively.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about the current challenges the charity faces or how they measure success in their compliance efforts. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values and leadership style.

Interim Chief Executive Officer in Surrey
Prospectus
Location: Surrey
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