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- Tasks: Lead a passionate team to transform lives and drive sustainable growth for children and families.
- Company: CANW, a respected charity with a rich history of supporting communities for nearly 140 years.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, strong leadership support, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a leading charity and impact thousands of lives across the North West.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and a commitment to improving outcomes for children and families.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with a clear vision and a focus on care, not profit.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Child Action Northwest (CANW) has been helping children, young people, families and communities to thrive for nearly 140 years. Our purpose has remained constant: to ensure that everyone gets the support they need, when they need it, to navigate life’s challenges and reach their full potential.
We are now seeking an outstanding new Chief Executive to lead our next phase of growth and development. With a turnover of £8m and services spanning fostering, family support, emotional health and wellbeing, restorative justice, and young carers’ programmes, CANW is a trusted delivery partner for local authorities and commissioners across the North West and beyond.
Our holistic, trauma-informed approach sets us apart — combining care, therapeutic support and community connection to create stability and lasting impact for the people we support. You’ll be joining a passionate and values-driven team of over 300 colleagues, supported by a refreshed and ambitious Board of Trustees.
Together, you’ll build on a strong foundation: a recent Ofsted ‘Good’ for our fostering service, major national contracts with MoJ and Cafcass, and exciting developments including expanding our children’s residential provision. With strong reserves and a clear strategic direction, CANW is well placed for sustainable growth — developing new income streams and growing and diversifying support so that surpluses can be reinvested directly into children, families and communities.
Care, not profit, is at the heart of everything we do, and you will have the autonomy and support of the Board to shape how that growth happens. We are seeking a collaborative and values-driven leader who can balance strong people leadership with sound commercial judgement.
You will bring the ability to steward a complex organisation, build trusted relationships with commissioners and partners, and shape a clear, future-facing vision for CANW. While experience in children’s services or regulated environments would be valuable, we are open to leaders from a range of backgrounds who share our commitment to improving outcomes for children, young people and families.
This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of one of the North West’s most respected children’s charities. You will inherit a financially stable organisation with a strong leadership team, engaged workforce and committed trustees. From this strong foundation, you will guide CANW confidently through its next chapter of impact and sustainable growth, shaping services that improve the lives of thousands of children and families across the region.
To apply, please submit an up-to-date copy of your CV (three sides of A4 maximum), along with a supporting statement (three sides of A4 maximum) detailing your experience, achievements and addressing the key criteria for the role. Applications should include:
- Full contact details
- Names, positions, organisations and contact details for two referees
- Details of your notice period
- Notification of any dates when you are not available for an interview
At Tile Hill, we are committed to inclusion and accessibility. We champion and support all individuals to ensure everyone feels valued, listened to and motivated to get the very best out of each recruitment process.
Chief Executive Officer employer: Tile Hill Executive Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Tile Hill Executive Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the charity sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching CANW's values and recent projects. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role, but that you genuinely care about the mission and vision of the organisation.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate how your experience aligns with CANW’s goals. We want to hear how you can contribute to our mission of supporting children and families.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at CANW.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Chief Executive Officer at CANW. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant achievements that align with their mission of supporting children and families.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to detail your experience and how it relates to the key criteria in the job description. Be specific and use examples to demonstrate your impact.
Keep It Concise: Remember, both your CV and supporting statement should be a maximum of three sides of A4. Be clear and concise, focusing on the most relevant information that showcases your fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your documents and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at CANW.
How to prepare for a job interview at Tile Hill Executive Recruitment
✨Know Your Purpose
Before the interview, take some time to really understand CANW's mission and values. Reflect on how your own leadership style aligns with their commitment to improving outcomes for children and families. This will help you articulate your vision and demonstrate that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the organisation.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your ability to lead complex organisations and build trusted relationships. Think about times when you've successfully navigated challenges or implemented growth strategies, especially in environments similar to children's services. This will give the interviewers confidence in your capabilities.
✨Engage with the Team's Values
During the interview, emphasise your collaborative approach and how you value team dynamics. Discuss how you plan to support and empower the passionate team at CANW. This will show that you’re not just focused on the bottom line, but also on nurturing a positive workplace culture.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of CANW's current position and future goals. Inquire about their strategic plans for growth and how they envision the new CEO contributing to that vision. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.