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- Tasks: Lead a national charity supporting victims of crime and influence justice reform.
- Company: Victim Support Scotland, a leading independent charity with a strong public presence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, impactful leadership role, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Shape the future of victim support and advocate for victims' rights in Scotland.
- Qualifications: Proven strategic leader with experience in public accountability and governance.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to making a tangible impact every day.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 110000 £ per year.
Victim Support Scotland (VSS) is the leading independent charity supporting people affected by crime across Scotland. Every year, thousands of victims, witnesses and families rely on us for emotional, practical and financial support during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
But we are more than a service provider. We are a national voice. A critical friend to government. An advocate for victims’ rights. A catalyst for justice reform.
We are now seeking an exceptional Chief Executive to lead our organisation into its next chapter.
The Opportunity
This is one of the most significant CEO roles in Scotland’s third sector. Reporting to the Chair and Board, the Chief Executive will provide visible, values-led leadership to an organisation of national scale and influence. You will lead more than 100 staff and hundreds of volunteers, steward significant public funding, and represent VSS at the highest levels of government, justice agencies, regulators and the media.
You will ensure that Victim Support Scotland remains:
- A trusted, influential voice within Scotland’s justice landscape.
- A high-performing, trauma-informed organisation.
- Financially sustainable and operationally robust.
- Governed to the highest standards of charity law and regulatory compliance.
Above all, you will ensure that victims and witnesses remain at the heart of everything we do.
About You
We are looking for a proven, strategic leader with experience operating at Chief Executive (or equivalent senior) level within a complex, publicly accountable environment. You will bring:
- Experience leading organisations with public profile and reputational sensitivity.
- The credibility and presence to operate confidently at national level.
- Demonstrable experience working closely with Boards and Trustees.
- Strong knowledge of governance, risk and regulatory frameworks.
- A track record of influencing senior stakeholders and policy-makers.
- Experience overseeing the development, delivery and evaluation of services to ensure consistent, measurable impact at local and national scale.
You will combine strategic judgement with emotional intelligence. You will be politically astute, externally influential and values-driven and you will lead with compassion in a sector that demands resilience, clarity and integrity.
Why This Role Matters
Crime affects lives in profound and lasting ways. The next Chief Executive of Victim Support Scotland will help shape how Scotland responds - not only through high-quality support services, but by influencing how justice is delivered, how policy evolves, and how victims’ rights are upheld. This is leadership with purpose, responsibility and national significance.
If you are motivated by the opportunity to lead an organisation that makes a tangible difference every day - and to shape the future of victim support in Scotland - we would be delighted to hear from you.
To apply for the post, please send a tailored CV and covering letter to by midnight on Sunday April 12, 2026. Please note that the covering letter should be no more than two pages of A4 and should summarise your relevant skills and experience and motivations for applying for this role.
If you would like a confidential, informal discussion about the role then please contact Fizza Islam, LHH on +44 (0)141 220 6460 or email the above address.
Chief Executive Officer in Paisley employer: VICTIM SUPPORT SCOTLAND
Contact Detail:
VICTIM SUPPORT SCOTLAND Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer in Paisley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the charity sector, especially those who have experience with organisations similar to Victim Support Scotland. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation's recent projects and challenges. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about the mission of supporting victims and influencing justice reform.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your vision for the organisation and how your leadership style aligns with their values. We want to hear how you plan to make a tangible difference in the lives of victims.
✨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, it shows us you’re serious about joining the team at Victim Support Scotland.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer in Paisley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored specifically for the Chief Executive role at Victim Support Scotland. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant achievements that align with the job description. We want to see how your background makes you the perfect fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should be no more than two pages of A4, so make every word count! Summarise your skills, experience, and motivations for applying. We’re looking for passion and clarity, so let your personality shine through while keeping it professional.
Showcase Your Impact: When detailing your experience, focus on the impact you've made in previous roles. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead and influence at a national level. We love seeing measurable outcomes and how you've shaped services or policies.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Victim Support Scotland. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at VICTIM SUPPORT SCOTLAND
✨Know Your Impact
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your past experiences and how they’ve shaped your leadership style. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've influenced policy or improved services in previous roles. This will show that you understand the significance of the position and can articulate your vision for Victim Support Scotland.
✨Understand the Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current issues facing victims and witnesses in Scotland. Research recent developments in justice reform and be prepared to discuss how you would navigate these challenges as CEO. This demonstrates your commitment to the role and your proactive approach to leadership.
✨Engage with Emotional Intelligence
As a leader in a sensitive sector, it’s crucial to showcase your emotional intelligence during the interview. Think about how you can convey compassion and understanding in your responses. Share stories that highlight your ability to connect with diverse stakeholders and lead with empathy.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with insightful questions for the panel. Ask about their vision for the future of Victim Support Scotland and how they see the role of the CEO evolving. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values and goals.