At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic operations in finance, IT, governance, and safeguarding to drive social change.
- Company: St Giles Trust, a national charity transforming lives through lived experience.
- Benefits: Impactful work with a focus on empathy, trust, and community support.
- Other info: Inclusive environment welcoming applications from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while shaping the future of a leading charity.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and experience in operational management.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 € per year.
St Giles Trust is a national charity and a global leader in using lived experience to drive meaningful social change. For over 60 years, they have worked with people held back by poverty, exploitation, abuse, or the criminal justice system, supporting them to transform their lives and build a positive future.
As a national organisation working across England and Wales with offices in London, Norwich, Cardiff, Leeds, Coventry and Wolverhampton, and with a turnover of around £17 million, they deliver life-changing services through three key pillars of work:
- Poverty: Tackling the root causes of poverty, providing both emergency relief and long-term support to help people move towards independence and employment.
- Violence & Exploitation: Supporting those affected by violence, abuse, and exploitation, and preventing future harm through credible, empathetic intervention.
- Justice System: Helping people in prison and in the community to break the cycle of disadvantage, rebuild their lives, and access positive opportunities.
They have a proud 60-year history of helping people who have faced the toughest challenges in life; people who have been marginalised or held back by poverty, violence and exploitation, to build better futures for themselves and their families. Their approach is informed by the people they serve. The majority of their team have lived experience of the issues their clients face. They have been there, they understand, and they use that insight every day to offer credible, compassionate, and life-changing support.
Independent research has shown that for every £1 invested in St Giles’ work, society benefits by £10. That’s impact that transforms lives, families, and whole communities. As they deliver their ambitious five-year strategy, they are determined to continue growing their reach, impact, and ability to change lives through empathy, trust and opportunity.
In order to realise this ambition, they are seeking a new Chief Operating Officer. Their new Chief Operating Officer will provide strategic leadership and operational management for Finance, IT, Governance and Safeguarding, Central Services (including property & facilities, Health and Safety and Office Management), Data Protection/Information Security, procurement and contract management. They will play a key role in supporting the CEO, Board, and Leadership Team to deliver the charity’s vision and strategic aims, with a primary emphasis on financial leadership.
The St Giles Trust are committed to providing equal opportunities for everyone. They acknowledge that people from certain backgrounds are under-represented within the third sector and are committed to doing what they can to correct this. They especially welcome applications from people with Lived Experience, as this perspective strengthens their services and keeps their work authentic, informed, and impactful.
To find out more, please visit our microsite via the Apply Button. For an informal conversation about the role or process please contact our Executive Search Partners, Green Park, on rebecca.hopkinson@green-park.co.uk. Closing date: 11:59pm Sunday 7th June 2026.
Chief Operating Officer - Legal in London employer: ST GILES TRUST
St Giles Trust is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values lived experience and promotes meaningful social change. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the organisation offers numerous opportunities for professional development while making a tangible impact on the lives of those facing adversity. Working across various locations in England and Wales, employees benefit from a collaborative environment where their contributions are recognised and celebrated, all while being part of a mission-driven charity that transforms communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer - Legal in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those connected to St Giles Trust. 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 their mission. Dive deep into their work on poverty, violence, and the justice system. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re someone who truly gets what they do.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a mate to do mock interviews with you. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently, making you stand out 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 noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer - Legal in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and mission of St Giles Trust. Highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with their work in tackling poverty, violence, and supporting those affected by the justice system.
Showcase Your Lived Experience:If you have lived experience related to the issues St Giles Trust addresses, don’t hesitate to share it! This perspective is invaluable and can really strengthen your application, showing that you understand the challenges faced by their clients.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. This will help ensure that your key messages come across effectively and make a strong impression.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people and shows your enthusiasm for joining the St Giles Trust team!
How to prepare for a job interview at ST GILES TRUST
✨Know the Mission
Before your interview, dive deep into St Giles Trust's mission and values. Understand their approach to tackling poverty, violence, and the justice system. This will not only help you align your answers with their goals but also show your genuine interest in their work.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
As a Chief Operating Officer, your operational management skills are crucial. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your financial leadership and strategic thinking. Tailor your experiences to reflect how they can benefit St Giles Trust.
✨Emphasise Empathy and Lived Experience
Given the importance of lived experience at St Giles Trust, be prepared to share any personal insights or experiences that relate to their mission. This could set you apart and show that you understand the challenges faced by their clients.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about their five-year strategy and how the COO role fits into it. This shows you're not just interested in the position but also in contributing to their long-term vision.
