At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead governance and planning to support our charity's mission and high-profile trustees.
- Company: Join a 140-year-old charity dedicated to supporting civil servants.
- Benefits: Enjoy a health cash plan, generous leave, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of civil servants while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Project management experience or relevant qualifications; strong organisational skills required.
£45,000 per annum
Full time – 35 hours per week
Permanent
Location: Hybrid – Minimum 2 days per week in Head Office in Cheam, Surrey (including Tuesdays)
The Charity for Civil Servants sits at the heart of the UK Civil Service. While we can’t always prevent the tricky, stressful, sad stuff from happening, when it does happen, we help current, former and retired civil servants get the best support. We’re 140 years old in 2026 and we’ve got big ambitions to ensure we are there for those who need us for generations to come.
We are now recruiting for a Governance and Planning Manager, a key role responsible for ensuring strong governance, business planning and project management across the Charity. You will also, crucially, help us to ensure that our high-profile trustees are supported effectively.
Reporting to the Head of People and Governance, you will be working with colleagues across the Charity to provide guidance on trustee governance and business planning. You will be demonstrating your experience in project management and helping to bring together our diverse and dedicated teams to support collaboration and a ‘one Charity’ approach.
To be successful in this role, you’ll be organised with strong attention to detail and ideally be qualified in a project management discipline, although we’ll also consider candidates with demonstrable experience in lieu of a qualification. You’ll be an excellent minute-taker with strong report writing and business planning skills.
You will also have strong influencing and interpersonal skills and be able to build accountability across individuals at all levels of the Charity to meet our collective targets and business objectives.
In return, we can offer you a supportive, inspiring and friendly team culture and excellent benefits including a health cash plan, Headspace, life assurance, excellent pension, generous annual leave, birthday leave, a cycle to work scheme and an electric vehicle scheme.
To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter that states why you would be suitable for this role. The closing date for applications is 23:59pm on 18 October 2026.
First stage interviews will be held online on 27 or 28 October. Please let us know in your covering letter if either of these dates would be difficult for you or if you need any adjustments to enable you to perform to your best at interview.
The Charity for Civil Servants are committed to building and developing a workforce which reflects the diversity of the civil service community that we support. We seek to ensure all job applications are treated fairly, with respect and without bias and we encourage applications from suitably experienced candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion or belief, or any other factor.
Governance and Planning Manager in Cheam employer: The Charity for Civil Servants
The Charity for Civil Servants is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inspiring team culture that prioritises employee well-being and growth. With excellent benefits such as a health cash plan, generous annual leave, and opportunities for professional development, this role in Cheam, Surrey, allows you to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a balanced work-life through hybrid working arrangements. Join us in our mission to support civil servants and be part of a legacy that spans over 140 years.
Contact Details:
The Charity for Civil Servants Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Governance and Planning Manager in Cheam
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Governance and Planning Manager at The Charity for Civil Servants!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like The Charity for Civil Servants or be willing to refer you for that Governance and Planning Manager position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from The Charity for Civil Servants who’s on the lookout for their next Governance and Planning Manager star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Governance and Planning Manager role at The Charity for Civil Servants!
We think you need these skills to ace Governance and Planning Manager in Cheam
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at The Charity for Civil Servants. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Charity for Civil Servants
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at The Charity for Civil Servants. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
