At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational management and governance for a charity focused on heart, chest, and lung surgery.
- Company: Join the Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery, dedicated to improving surgical outcomes.
- Benefits: Voluntary role with reasonable expenses reimbursed and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth and impact in a meaningful cause.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare while gaining valuable leadership experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in operational leadership and strong organisational skills required.
Voluntary, Part time & Time-limited
Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery in Great Britain & Ireland (SCTS) - “Making Heart, Chest & Lung Surgery Better”
Closing Deadline: Monday 25th June 2026
Location: Hybrid – London (1–2 days per week) and remote working
Time Commitment: Approximately 0.5 WTE (flexible).
Remuneration: Voluntary (reasonable expenses reimbursed)
Reporting and Accountability
- Reports to: President, SCTS
- Accountable to: Board of Trustees
- Works closely with: Honorary Secretary, Senior Leadership Team (SLT), Secretariat, and external providers
Role Overview
SCTS is seeking to appoint an interim voluntary, part-time Chief Operating Officer & Charity Secretary to provide consistent operational leadership and governance support and focus on some key deliverables to be agreed with the successful candidate. This is a new delivery-focused role, responsible for the day-to-day operational running of the Society, coordination of its administrative functions, and support of its governance processes. The role is not responsible for setting strategy. The strategic direction remains led by the President and SLT who are in turn responsible to the Trustees. The purpose of the role is to ensure that agreed priorities are translated into structured, reliable delivery.
Purpose of the Role
- Provide day-to-day operational oversight of the Society
- Oversee and support the SCTS secretariat/administrative team
- Act as the central point for coordination, prioritisation, and follow-through
- Work in close liaison with the President, Honorary Secretary, and SLT
- Support the Society in meeting its governance and statutory obligations
- Strengthen organisational systems, processes, and accountability
The Society’s overarching strategy remains unchanged. This role is intended to support its delivery, with a particular focus on:
- Strengthening fundraising to ensure the long-term sustainability of the charity
- Advancing clinical transformation to improve patient outcomes
- Support the needs of our members.
Scope of the Role
Operational Management
- Oversee the day-to-day operational running of the charity
- Coordinate the work of the Secretariat and administrative functions
- Maintain a clear view of priorities, timelines, and responsibilities
- Support effective communication across committees and workstreams
- Ensure effective communication and coordination across committees, SLT, and workstreams
- Introduce and maintain clear systems for tracking delivery, performance, and accountability
- Ensure resources are deployed efficiently and in line with agreed plans and budgets
Fundraising and Development Support
- Support the development of a practical fundraising approach
- Assist with coordination of fundraising initiatives and partnerships
- Contribute to development of Friends of SCTS / Foundation activities
- Maintain oversight of fundraising pipelines and provide clear reporting to SLT on income and opportunities
Governance and Charity Secretary Responsibilities
- Support delivery of core governance processes and compliance requirements
- Maintain oversight of statutory obligations and filings
- Support preparation and follow-up of Trustee and Executive meetings
- Ensure governance documentation is maintained, accessible, and up to date
- Support a proactive approach to risk identification and management, ensuring issues are escalated appropriately
Coordination and Delivery
- Track and support delivery of SLT and Trustee priorities
- Ensure actions are followed through and progressed
- Identify and flag risks, delays, or gaps in delivery
- Provide continuity across leadership transitions
- Act as a central coordination point across governance and operational activity
Events and Operations
- Support operational delivery of Annual Meeting (which is led by the Meetings secretary), AGM, and key events
- Coordinate logistics, timelines, and external providers
- Support post-event review and organisational learning
Organisational Development
- Introduce simple, effective systems for tracking and reporting
- Support development of clear roles and ways of working within the Secretariat
- Improve coordination with external providers and partners
Financial Oversight and Controls
- Support the Treasurer and Board in maintaining robust financial systems, processes, and controls
- Contribute to annual budgeting, monitoring expenditure, and financial reporting
- Ensure compliance with relevant financial regulations and best practice
- Support oversight of contracts, suppliers, and external providers to ensure value for money
Working Approach
The role will operate within existing SCTS structures, including:
- Weekly SLT meetings (primary operational alignment)
- Admin team meetings
- Regular liaison with the President and Honorary Secretary
- Support to Trustee and Executive cycles
- Quarterly review of progress and priorities
Person Specification
Essential
- Commitment to the mission and values of SCTS
- Experience in operational, managerial, or organisational leadership roles
- Ability to manage day-to-day organisational delivery
- Strong organisational and coordination skills
- Team-player
- Ability to work effectively with senior stakeholders and clinicians
- Sound judgement, reliability, and discretion
- Experience of overseeing budgets, financial processes, or resource allocation
- Demonstrable experience of implementing plans and driving delivery against agreed priorities
Desirable
- Experience in the charity or not-for-profit sector
- Understanding of governance and compliance requirements
- Experience in fundraising or partnership development
- Experience within healthcare or membership organisations
Term of Appointment
Initial appointment: up to 12 months (voluntary)
Progress reviewed quarterly
Role scope to be refined based on organisational need
Positioning Statement
This role provides operational leadership and organisational continuity, ensuring that the Society’s priorities are delivered in a structured and sustainable way. It is intended to support, not replace, the leadership of the President, Trustees, and Senior Leadership Team.
Core KPIs (12 months, quarterly review)
- Operational Delivery ≥90% of SLT/Trustee actions tracked and progressed on time
- Live 90-day priority plan and delivery dashboard in place (by 3 months)
- Fundraising Enablement Fundraising plan/pipeline in place (by 6 months)
- Support delivery of initiatives with quarterly pipeline reporting
- Secretariat and Efficiency Clear Secretariat roles and processes agreed (by 3 months)
- Improved responsiveness (actions acknowledged within 3 working days)
- Financial Oversight Support Quarterly financial reporting aligned with Treasurer
- 1–2 efficiency or cost-saving opportunities identified
- Governance and Compliance 100% of statutory and governance requirements delivered on time
- Papers circulated ≥5 days in advance in >80% of meetings and 7 days for SCTS executive
- Events and Continuity Successful oversight of Annual Meeting (run by meeting team and Meetings secretary), Unit representatives and AGM
- Post-event review completed within 6 weeks
- Clear coordination and continuity across SLT transitions maintained
Voluntary Interim Chief Operating Officer & Charity Secretary in London employer: Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery in Great Britain and Ireland
The Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery in Great Britain & Ireland (SCTS) is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to the improvement of heart, chest, and lung surgery while working in a flexible hybrid environment in London. With a strong commitment to employee growth, SCTS fosters a collaborative work culture that values operational excellence and governance support, ensuring that every team member plays a vital role in advancing clinical transformation and enhancing patient outcomes. This voluntary position not only allows for meaningful engagement with senior stakeholders but also provides a platform for professional development within the charity sector.
Contact Detail:
Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery in Great Britain and Ireland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Voluntary Interim Chief Operating Officer & Charity Secretary in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the charity sector or healthcare field. Let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities like the Interim Chief Operating Officer role at SCTS. You never know who might have the inside scoop!
✨Tip Number 2
Get your pitch ready! When you land that interview, be prepared to talk about how your experience aligns with SCTS's mission. Highlight your operational leadership skills and how you can help strengthen their fundraising efforts.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! Make sure to express your commitment to improving heart, chest, and lung surgery. Share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your dedication to the cause and how you can contribute to SCTS's goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the role and want to be part of the SCTS team. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Voluntary Interim Chief Operating Officer & Charity Secretary in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to support our mission at SCTS.
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for the charity sector and the specific goals of SCTS shine through. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference in heart, chest, and lung surgery!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and experiences are easy to spot and understand.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery in Great Britain and Ireland
✨Know the Mission
Before your interview, make sure you understand the mission and values of the Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery. Familiarise yourself with their goals, especially around improving heart, chest, and lung surgery. This will help you align your answers with their objectives and show your commitment to their cause.
✨Demonstrate Operational Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience in operational or managerial roles. Prepare specific examples that highlight your ability to manage day-to-day organisational delivery and how you've successfully implemented plans in the past. This will showcase your suitability for the role of Chief Operating Officer.
✨Showcase Your Coordination Skills
Since this role involves a lot of coordination across various teams, think of instances where you've effectively managed multiple stakeholders or projects. Highlight your organisational skills and how you ensure clear communication and follow-through on tasks. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
✨Prepare Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful queries about the Society's current priorities, challenges they face, or how they measure success in this role. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the position aligns with your expectations.
