Job Title:
Director
Props Charity (associated with the Bristol Charities Group)
Bristol
The Vassall Centre, Gill Avenue, Fishponds, Bristol, BS16 2QQ
Props Board of Trustees with management report to Bristol
Organisation:
Location:
Based;
Reports to:
Charities CEO
Works closely with: Bristol Charities Executive Team
Team Size:
Salary:
Hours:
Annual Leave:
Interview Dates:
Approx. 75 staff
£60-65k per annum
37.5 hour per week
31 days including bank holidays
27th and 28th November 2025
About Props Charity: Props Charity is a unique and much loved charity dedicated to
developing work and social skills for adults with learning disabilities, creating
employment pathways, and fostering a supportive and inclusive community. Our
mission is to empower individuals through creative and practical work experiences,
enhancing their quality of life and promoting independence. With a fantastic legacy to
build on, we have reached an exciting stage in our development and we are currently
going through a process to become a part of the Bristol Charities Group to support our
ambitions to scale up our operations, grow our reach, and enhance our impact.
Role Purpose
We are now looking for an enterprising and ambitious Director to lead the charity into a
new chapter. This is an exciting opportunity for an exceptional leader to shape the future
of a dynamic and values-driven charity, building on strong foundations while unlocking
new potential for growth, innovation, and impact. The Director will provide strategic
leadership and operational oversight for Props Charity, ensuring the delivery of high-
quality services and sustainable social enterprises. The role involves managing a
diverse team, overseeing enterprise, training, creative and sports projects, and working
in close partnership with Bristol Charities to align with broader organisational goals. The
Director will secure the viability and sustainability of current operations whilst exploring
future opportunities for growth in trainee numbers, scaling up social enterprises, and
bringing forward Business Plans for new ventures.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
• Develop and implement the strategic vision and direction of Props in
collaboration with the Board of Trustees and the Bristol Charities team.
• Ensure robust safeguarding processes and controls.
• Alignment with the mission and values of Bristol Charities.
•
Identify, develop, and deliver opportunities for growth, innovation, and
partnership.
• Perform role of Strategic Lead in Bristol Charities group for Education, Training
and Employability, supporting the wider work of the Group and developing
opportunities for integrated working, joint ventures/projects and fundraising, and
economies of scale.
Service Delivery & Programme Oversight
• Oversee the delivery of services that support adults with learning disabilities in
developing independence, life, social, work and employment skills.
• Ensure all operations are fully compliant, safe, and delivered to a quality that
would impact Trainees and secure the support of funders, commissioners, and
parents.
• Ensure programmes are person-centred, inclusive, and outcome focused.
Enterprise Management
• Lead and support the management and development of Props’ social
enterprises, including:
o Two community cafés
o A bakery
o A creative hub
o Horticulture projects
o Life skills programmes
o Sports and cycling initiatives
• Regularly review existing enterprises and bring forward proposals for any
potential expansion opportunities.
• Horizon scan for opportunities to start up or add new social enterprises,
including potential partnership opportunities, ensuring any new ventures have
robust Business Plans, forecasts for sustainable income streams, and budgets.
• Ensure these enterprises are financially sustainable and provide meaningful
opportunities for service users.
People Leadership
• Lead, inspire, and manage a team of approximately 75 staff and 80 Trainees
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive organisational culture.
• Oversee recruitment, development, and performance management.
Financial & Operational Management
• To support management of financial planning, budgeting, and reporting.
• Ensure robust governance, compliance, and risk management practices.
• Work closely with Bristol Charities on shared services and strategic initiatives.
Stakeholder Engagement
• Act as the public face of Props, building relationships with funders, partners, and
the wider community, raising the profile of Props amongst key constituencies.
• Cultivate, secure, and retain engagement from a wide range of stakeholders, to
support sustainable growth of the charity’s services.
• Report regularly to the Board of Trustees and maintain strong communication
with Bristol Charities.
Person Specification
Criteria
Essential
Desirable
Degree-level education or
equivalent professional experience
Qualifications
Relevant professional
qualification (e.g., social care,
education, business
management, charity leadership)
Experience
Proven senior leadership
experience within a charity, social
enterprise, education, or
care/support organisation
Experience of managing services
for people with learning
disabilities or other support
needs
Strong financial management,
including budgeting, reporting, and
strategic planning
Experience within a federated or
group charity structure
Demonstrated ability to lead and
motivate multidisciplinary teams
and oversee complex operations
Knowledge of social enterprise
models and income generation
in the third sector
Skills &
Abilities
Experience working with Boards of
Trustees and external stakeholders
Excellent communication and
interpersonal skills, with the ability
to engage and influence a wide
range of stakeholders
Strong strategic thinking and
decision-making abilities
Ability to manage change and lead
organisational development
Personal
Attributes
Commitment to inclusion,
empowerment, and person-
centred approaches
Experience developing new
income streams and
partnerships with local
authorities or community
organisations
Understanding of safeguarding
and regulatory frameworks in
adult social care
Familiarity with impact
measurement and evaluation
tools
Knowledge of the local voluntary
and community sector (e.g.,
Bristol and South Glos)
Innovative and entrepreneurial
mindset
High integrity, professionalism, and
resilience
Passion for social justice and
community development
Collaborative and adaptable
leadership style