At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a national charity to transform the response to domestic abuse and drive systemic change.
- Company: SafeLives, a UK-wide charity dedicated to ending domestic abuse for everyone.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of c£110,000, hybrid working, and impactful leadership role.
- Other info: Inclusive organisation welcoming diverse perspectives, especially from those with lived experiences of domestic abuse.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of survivors and shape national policy on domestic abuse.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience, strong policy influence, and commitment to equity and inclusion.
Ensure you read the information regarding this opportunity thoroughly before making an application.
Organisation: SafeLives
Location: Hybrid with regular travel to London and across the UK
Remuneration: c£110,000
We are SafeLives, the UK‑wide charity dedicated to ending domestic abuse, for everyone and for good. We work across the whole system, with government, public services, practitioners and the voluntary sector, to transform the national response to domestic abuse. We listen to survivors and put their voices at the heart of everything we do. We look at the whole picture for each individual and family, ensuring people get the right help at the right time so that families everywhere can be safe and well.
Domestic abuse remains one of the most urgent and complex challenges facing our society. Last year, more than two million adults, and many more children, experienced domestic abuse. For over 20 years, SafeLives has driven national change by combining survivor voice, robust evidence, multi‑agency working and a compelling case for system reform. We have helped shape a whole‑family approach, ensuring that adults, children and those who harm are all part of a coordinated, effective response.
We are now entering a pivotal moment. With our 2025–2028 strategy Find what works. Help it happen. underway, we are sharpening our focus, deepening our partnerships and strengthening our role as a national system leader. To take us into this next chapter, we are seeking an exceptional Chief Executive.
Our new CEO will bring bold, visible and intellectually rigorous leadership, refining our strategic direction, accelerating innovation, and consolidating SafeLives’ position as a trusted, authoritative voice in domestic abuse system change. You will lead a talented and committed team, work closely with our Board and Survivor Councils, and represent SafeLives nationally with credibility and influence. You will help shape how the UK understands and responds to domestic abuse for years to come.
We are looking for a leader who can hold complexity, make difficult strategic choices, and inspire confidence across a wide range of partners. You will bring experience of senior leadership in a multi‑stakeholder environment, a strong track record of influencing policy and system reform, and a deep commitment to equity, inclusion and survivor‑centred practice. You will be comfortable navigating ambiguity, driving organisational discipline, and championing innovation, including digital, data and AI‑enabled approaches. Most importantly, you will share our values: Human, Rigorous and Brave.
We are committed to being an inclusive organisation, and we particularly welcome candidates who bring perspectives and experiences that are under‑represented in leadership roles across the sector. We warmly welcome applications from people whose lives have included an experience of domestic abuse, directly or indirectly.
If you are motivated by purpose, driven by evidence, and ready to lead an organisation with a powerful platform for national impact, we would be delighted to hear from you. To find out more, please click on ‘apply’. If, after reading the person specification, you would like a confidential discussion, please contact our recruitment advisers at GatenbySanderson: Stephanie Crossland, Researcher – Liz Dean, Principal Consultant – Closing Date: 9am on Monday 15th June.
Chief Executive Officer employer: SAFELIVES
SafeLives is an exceptional employer dedicated to ending domestic abuse, offering a unique opportunity for the Chief Executive Officer to lead a passionate team in a hybrid work environment with regular travel across the UK. Our inclusive culture prioritises survivor voices and fosters professional growth through collaboration with diverse stakeholders, ensuring that every employee can contribute to meaningful change while enjoying a supportive and innovative workplace. Join us in shaping the future of domestic abuse response and making a lasting impact on society.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those connected to SafeLives. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding SafeLives' mission inside out. Show us how your values align with ours and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to ending domestic abuse in the UK.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently when it’s your turn to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their applications.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start writing your application, make sure to thoroughly read the job description. It’s crucial to understand what SafeLives is looking for in a CEO, so you can tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills.
Showcase Your Leadership Experience:As a potential CEO, we want to see your leadership chops! Make sure to include specific examples of your senior leadership experience, especially in multi-stakeholder environments. Highlight how you've influenced policy and driven system reform in your previous roles.
Emphasise Your Commitment to Inclusion:SafeLives values equity and inclusion, so don’t shy away from sharing your commitment to these principles. Talk about how you’ve championed diversity in your past roles and how you plan to continue this at SafeLives.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it’s a great way to show your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation!
How to prepare for a job interview at SAFELIVES
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into SafeLives' mission and values. Understand their approach to domestic abuse and how they work with various stakeholders. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your vision with theirs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a potential CEO, it's crucial to articulate your leadership philosophy. Be ready to discuss your experience in multi-stakeholder environments and how you've influenced policy changes. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to navigate complexity and inspire teams.
✨Emphasise Equity and Inclusion
SafeLives values equity and inclusion highly. Prepare to discuss how you've championed these principles in your previous roles. Share experiences where you've made a tangible impact on diversity and inclusion, especially in leadership contexts.
✨Be Ready for Tough Questions
Expect questions that challenge your strategic thinking and decision-making skills. Think about scenarios where you've had to make difficult choices and how you handled them. This will demonstrate your ability to hold complexity and drive organisational discipline.
