Chief Executive Officer

MERSEYSIDE SOCIETY FOR DEAF PEOPLE

396 Queens Drive, Queens Drive Retail Park, West Derby, Liverpool, L13 0DJ

Full-time

22nd May 2026

Listed today

Chief Executive

Candidate brief

April 2026

Contents

3 Welcome

About Merseyside Society

for Deaf People

12 Context for the appointment

14 Our organisational structure

Job description

18 Person specification

Terms and conditions

20 How to apply

Merseyside Society for Deaf People • Chief Executive • April 2026Welcome

Thank you for being interested in the role of Chief Executive
at Merseyside Society for Deaf People (MSDP).

Since 1864, MSDP has been at the heart of the Deaf
community across Merseyside, and our purpose has
remained constant: to ensure that Deaf, Deaf Blind, and
hard-of-hearing individuals can live full, connected, and
confident lives, free from barriers that restrict opportunity.
Today, we are proud to be a values-driven organisation
with a rich heritage, a trusted reputation, and a clear
vision for the future.

Our work is wide ranging. From specialist frontline support
to British Sign Language (BSL) training, Deaf awareness
training, and vibrant community spaces. Everything we do is
shaped by the needs and experiences of the people we serve.
Many of our staff bring lived experience, which continues to
strengthen our culture, insight, and impact.

The need for our work is growing. Hearing loss affects
about one in five people on Merseyside, and too many still
face avoidable barriers in everyday life. MSDP plays a vital
role not only in providing support, but in driving change –
amplifying Deaf voices, influencing systems, and working
with partners to build a more inclusive society.

I am immensely proud of what our team achieves every day.
We are entering a period of both challenge and opportunity:
rising demand, shifting funding landscapes, and a growing
recognition of the importance of accessibility across all
sectors. Thanks to our outgoing CEO’s leadership and our
staff’s dedication, we are in a strong position–healthy
reserves, a prominent profile, and a renewed organisational
structure designed for the future.

We are now seeking an exceptional leader to guide MSDP
into its next chapter. Someone who combines strategic vision
with deep commitment to our mission and values; who can
work collaboratively with our Board, staff and community;
and who will build on our strong foundations while helping
us extend our reach and influence.

Merseyside Society for Deaf People • Chief Executive • April 2026WELCOME JOB DESCRIPTIONORGANISATIONAL STRUCTUREPERSON SPECIFICATIONABOUT USTERMS AND CONDITIONSHOW TO APPLYCONTEXT FOR THE APPOINTMENTOur CEO role provides a rare opportunity to lead an organisation
with a powerful legacy, a passionate community and a clear sense
of purpose. If you share our commitment to equality, empowerment
and inclusion, we would be delighted to hear from you.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, many thanks again for your
interest in MSDP.

Elaine McDonald
Chair of Trustees

Introduction

MSDP has been supporting and empowering Deaf, Deaf Blind and hard-
of-hearing people since 1864. We are one of the oldest Deaf charities
in the country and an important part of the Deaf community on
Merseyside.

We are a local charity with a national outlook. Campaigning, advocacy
and practical support are all central to who we are. We work to
advance equality for Deaf, Deaf Blind, and hard-of-hearing people by
raising awareness of the barriers they face and providing accessible,
high-quality services that promote independence, inclusion, and well-
being.

We are a “lived experience”- led organisation and work in partnership
with Deaf, Deaf Blind, and hard-of-hearing communities to design and
deliver services that reflect real needs and lived realities.

In May 2023, MSDP became a founder member of the British Deaf
Association’s BSL Alliance, which brings together Deaf-led organisations
from across the UK and contributes to the Government’s BSL Advisory
Group in support of the BSL Act 2022.

Being Deaf on Merseyside

There are 11 million Deaf or hard-of-hearing people in the UK,
and 70,000 BSL users. Many Deaf people don’t view their hearing
impairment as a disability, and they are proud to be part of
a community with such a rich cultural heritage.

However, Deaf people in the UK are at a huge disadvantage compared
to the hearing population, and this disadvantage starts at a young
age. The vast majority of Deaf children have parents who can hear,
and as many parents do not learn BSL, this can make communication
very difficult.

This problem is exacerbated by a lack of support within the school
system, the consequence of which is a big gap in educational
attainment between Deaf and hearing children. This makes
Deaf people less employable and less able to fulfil their potential.

Merseyside Society for Deaf People • Chief Executive • April 2026WELCOME JOB DESCRIPTIONORGANISATIONAL STRUCTUREPERSON SPECIFICATIONABOUT USTERMS AND CONDITIONSHOW TO APPLYCONTEXT FOR THE APPOINTMENTFor most Deaf people, BSL is their first language and, as such, it can
be a challenge to engage with written English. This means that there
is a huge amount of information that is just not available to Deaf
people, which impacts all aspects of their lives.

For example, navigating the benefits system, dealing with utility
companies and getting financial advice can be extremely challenging
as these services are rarely accessible in BSL. Moreover, a general
lack of Deaf awareness amongst the general public can also mean
that Deaf people feel socially isolated and marginalised.

Merseyside Society for Deaf People • Chief Executive • April 2026WELCOME JOB DESCRIPTIONORGANISATIONAL STRUCTUREPERSON SPECIFICATIONABOUT USTERMS AND CONDITIONSHOW TO APPLYCONTEXT FOR THE APPOINTMENTThis is the reality for many Deaf people in Merseyside and across the
UK. At MSDP, we do not think this is acceptable, and we are devoted
to helping Deaf, Deaf Blind, and hard-of-hearing people achieve a full,
active and influential role in mainstream society.

Our mission

Our mission statement says:

To work in partnership, bringing together Deaf and hearing
communities to create more accessible, high-quality services.

(For MSDP, “Deaf” includes Deaf, Deaf Blind, and hard-of-hearing people.)

MSDP exists to advance equality for all Deaf, Deaf Blind, and hard-
of-hearing individuals by increasing awareness of the barriers they
face and promoting independence through accessible services and
better opportunities to contribute in a full, active, and influential role
in mainstream society.

We achieve this by working in partnership, bringing together Deaf,
Deaf Blind, and hard-of-hearing communities to create more
accessible, high-quality services that safeguard and enhance the
lives of service users and promote independence and inclusivity.

Our aim is to address the many barriers and inequalities experienced
by Deaf people, Deaf Blind people and the hard-of-hearing and
to serve as an ambassador for change.

We want the people and communities we serve to play a full, active,
and influential role in society. We want to help people access the
services they need and secure the opportunities they seek. We aim
for everyone to realise the career prospects they deserve, without
unnecessary obstacles limiting their participation or potential.

Our values

Our Board, staff and volunteers are committed to the organisation’s
core values, which underpin everything we do and are captured in
PROUD:

We honour our principles of:

PROFESSIONALISM

RESPECT

OPEN
COMMUNICATION

UNIQUE –
CELEBRATING
DIFFERENCE

DEAF
FIRST

Our services

We deliver a wide range of services.

Support services

We deliver individual support packages to the Deaf and Deaf-Blind
community, covering translating letters, making telephone calls,
providing information and advice, and signposting to other agencies.
We also work in partnership with statutory and other agencies to help
members of the Deaf community.

Environmental aids

We help people to live safely and independently at home by providing
equipment such as amplified or flashing alert systems, vibrating pagers,
loop systems and television aids.

Training and development

We provide Deaf awareness training and BSL training for individuals,

Workplace and organisational support

We advise employers and service providers on improving accessibility
and communication for Deaf, Deaf Blind, and hard-of-hearing people,
conduct workplace audits, and provide tailored support.

Community activity and connection

Through our centres in Liverpool and Birkenhead, we provide
community space, social opportunities and activities to reduce
isolation, build confidence and strengthen connections.

MSDP is home to one of the largest Deaf clubs in the UK, with more
than 300 members, and we regularly welcome Deaf visitors from
around the world.

Digital inclusion and targeted projects

We deliver projects that increase independence, improve digital
access, reduce isolation and support specific groups, including
Deaf refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants.

Our strategic priorities

Over the last year, we have made significant progress against
our 2024– 2027 strategic goals:

1. To develop MSDP’s position in the local community

• Reintroduced a family service for Deaf children, engaging 30 families

in the first year.

• Expanded the Deaf Migrant Project with an online Welcome Pack

and new referral pathways into the service.

• Strengthened our influence through partnerships with NHS Trusts,

local authorities, and community organisations.

• Delivered high visibility community events, including BSL walking

groups, museum tours, football club events, and Heart Health Checks.

and Healthwatch forums.

2. To increase revenue and develop the organisation

• Achieved strong financial performance: increasing training income
by 43%, interpreting income by 30% and support services income
by 10%.

• Delivered a small operational surplus and maintained our target

reserves level of three months' operating costs.

• Reduced long term costs through utilities separation with tenants

at Queen’s Drive.

• Strengthened governance through an updated Memorandum

of Association and improved induction processes.

• Invested in workforce development, including the progression of
Deaf staff into leadership roles and by providing comprehensive
training programmes.

3. To extend the customer base and increase participation

in the wider community

• Delivered 616 Deaf Awareness/Intro to BSL sessions and enrolled

73 accredited BSL students.

• Launched BSL Level 4 and maintained excellent learner feedback

(98% rating tutors “excellent”).

• Delivered 11,831 hours of community support and 1,947 duty

sessions (+34%).

• Completed 1,254 Environmental Aids home visits (+14%).

• Expanded reach through partnerships with Liverpool FC, Everton FC,

Specsavers, Edge Hill University, and LGBTQ+ networks.

4. To enhance technology to improve service delivery

• Completed a full IT upgrade and installed dedicated public Wi-Fi

in the community room.

• Rolled out digital HR, client management and learning

management systems.

• Delivered digital inclusion sessions supporting Deaf BSL users

with online banking, email, and everyday digital tasks.

• Launched a community broadband hub with strong

early engagement.

5. To undertake a person-centred approach to all service provision

• All Advice and Support services delivered in BSL, ISL and Deaf Blind

Tactile Signing.

• Strengthened safeguarding, risk assessment, bereavement support

and confidentiality practices.

• Increased ISL capability to support Deaf migrants.

• Embedded user led engagement, with Deaf staff and community

voices shaping service design.

• Continued support for Wirral Deaf Community through room hire

and drop in services.

Overall, we have strengthened our financial resilience, expanded
our reach, deepened our partnerships, and enhanced our digital
and organisational capabilities – all while maintaining a strong
commitment to Deaf-led, person-centred service delivery.

MSDP is proud of its history, reputation and impact. We are financially
sound, with commissioned income and healthy reserves, but we are
operating in a challenging environment.

Demand for our services is growing. The needs of Deaf, Deaf Blind,
and hard-of-hearing people continue to evolve, and support systems
do not always keep pace. Rising delivery costs, pressure on public
funding and the need to diversify income all make this a pivotal
moment for the organisation.

We see major opportunities ahead. These include:

• growing our grant and fundraising income, and expanding

commercial and traded services

• making the best use of our property and other assets

• further enhancing our profile, regionally and nationally

• making better use of technology, while helping shape its
development in ways that reflect the realities of Deaf
communication and culture

• further extending our support for children, young people and families

• responding to the needs of an ageing population and people

with more complex needs.

This is an opportunity for a new Chief Executive to lead MSDP through
its next phase of development: building resilience, deepening impact
and ensuring the organisation continues to be a powerful voice for
the communities it serves.

Lead our next chapter

MSDP is a widely respected charity that improves the lives of Deaf
people across the region. We’re proud of our impact – but we’re also
looking ahead. Our next Chief Executive will help shape our future by
expanding the high-quality services that make a real difference every
day. diversifying our income, strengthening our culture and raising
our external profile.

We’re looking for an inspiring, values-led leader who can combine long-
term vision with day-to-day delivery. You’ll work closely with the Board
of Trustees to steer our business strategy, ensuring both sustainability
and innovation.

You will lead teams with compassion and purpose, embedding
Deaf culture and equality at the heart of everything we do. As our
ambassador, you’ll also influence partners, funders, and policymakers
to broaden our reach and impact.

In summary, you will lead MSDP through its next chapter by:

• delivering the strategy and shaping future direction

• ensuring strong governance, compliance and financial stewardship

• supporting and developing staff and organisational culture

• diversifying income and strengthening sustainability

• raising MSDP’s external profile and influence

• championing accessible, high-quality services.

About you

You will bring strategic leadership experience with a proven record
of accountability, financial stewardship, strong governance, and
organisational growth. You’re a confident communicator and influencer,
comfortable building partnerships and leading campaigns. Above all,
you share our values of inclusion, integrity, and community.

We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in one
or more of the following fields:

• charity and voluntary sector leadership

• deaf, disability or sensory loss services

• community-based services

• social care, health or education

• campaigning, advocacy or social justice work.

Why join us?

This is a rare opportunity to lead an established and trusted charity
into its next phase of development: secure in its foundations, ambitious
for its future, and deeply connected to the people it serves.

We employ 27 staff working
across a variety of departments
and services. Here’s an overview
of the structure of the team.

Board of
Trustees

Chief
Executive
Officer

Business and
Operations
Manager

Finance and
Governance
Manager

Community
Engagement
Manager

Support
Service
Manager

Rehabilitation
Officers

Advice and
Support
Manager

Lead
Administrator

Training
Project
Lead

Community
Development
Officer

Support
Workers

Advice and
Support
Officers

Administrator

Trainee
Tutor

Volunteers

Job title

Chief Executive Officer

Salary

£60,000 pa

Location

396 Queens Drive, Queens Drive Retail Park,
West Derby, Liverpool, L13 0DJ

Hours

35 per week

Responsible to

Board of Trustees

Responsible for

Overall Organisational Leadership

Purpose of the role

The Chief Executive Officer provides strategic, visionary, and
accountable leadership. Working in partnership with the Board, the
CEO ensures the charity’s long-term sustainability, strong governance,
excellent service delivery, and cultural integrity. The CEO will inspire
staff, volunteers, and stakeholders around a shared vision and drive
operational excellence through effective planning, management,
and innovation.

1. Strategic and long-term leadership

• Lead the evolution and delivery of a clear, future-focused vision

and strategy over three, five and 10 years.

• Translate strategic goals into robust operational delivery

and performance management plans.

• Build and sustain a purposeful organisational culture that motivates

staff around shared values and priorities.

• Anticipate future trends in the deaf, disability, and charity sectors

and position the charity to thrive in a changing environment.

2. Accountability and sustainability

• Ensure the charity meets all legal, regulatory, and ethical standards.

• Oversee effective financial management and ensure long-term

sustainability through diversified income streams.

• Identify and mitigate organisational risks, providing assurance

to the Board of Trustees.

• Monitor organisational performance against targets and

act decisively to address underperformance.

• Foster transparency, integrity, and accountability in all operations.

3. Communication, influence, and external engagement

• Build strong stakeholder relationships locally and nationally,

representing the charity with credibility and influence.

• Lead campaigns, partnerships, and collaborations that advance

the rights and opportunities of Deaf people.

• Engage effectively with the media, policymakers, funders,
and community leaders to raise awareness and support.

• Develop and oversee marketing and communications strategies

to enhance visibility and reputation.

• Use political and sector networks to advocate for positive policy

change and resource opportunities.

• Provide visible and values-based leadership across the organisation,

promoting inclusion, respect, and innovation.

• Support and empower staff and volunteers through effective

management, development, and recognition.

• Lead organisational development and transformation initiatives

with clarity and compassion.

5. Governance and board relationship

• Work constructively with the Board of Trustees, supporting

them to fulfil their governance responsibilities.

• Provide clear, timely, and accurate information to support

strategic and financial decision-making.

• Champion the Nolan Principles of Public Life in all aspects

of leadership and decision-making.

Essential

• Proven strategic leadership and long-term planning experience

with demonstrable impact over multi-year horizons.

• Strong record in regulatory compliance, financial management,

and organisational risk management.

• Evidence of achieving sustained performance improvement and

financial or service growth.

• Skilled communicator and influencer with experience in stakeholder

engagement, external partnerships, and advocacy.

• Track record of leading change and transformation, motivating

teams through shared purpose and strong culture.

• Board-level experience or substantial exposure to charity

governance and accountability.

• Demonstrated commitment to community consultation, co-

production, and inclusive growth.

• Alignment with the Nolan Principles of Public Life and high

personal integrity.

Desirable

• Previous experience as a CEO or equivalent leadership role.

• Management experience in the charity sector.

• Knowledge or background in deaf, disability, health, community,

or social care sectors.

We offer

Salary

£60,000 pa

Holiday entitlement

27 days annual leave per year, rising to
32 days per year after five years’ service.

Healthcare

Membership of the Medicash Employee
Assistance Programme with cashback
on a range of healthcare costs.

Flexible working

Opportunity for flexible working, although
this role is predominantly based within
our community hub on Queen’s Drive.

Benefits

Automatic enrolment and contribution
to workplace pension with 3% employer
contribution.

Opportunities for continuing professional
development, including BSL training and
apprenticeship pathways.

Five days paid study leave.

Generous sick pay package.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact
our recruitment partner, NFP Consulting:

Simon Lloyd Director | NFP Consulting

07961 988 523 simon.lloyd@nfpconsulting.co.uk

To apply, please submit your CV and a supporting statement explaining
how you meet the requirements of the role to [contact details].
Applications in written English, BSL video, or other accessible formats
are welcomed. As a general guide, your Supporting Statement should
be around two sides of A4.

Please apply online with Word Documents at:
www.nfpconsulting.co.uk/msdp or email to info@nfpconsulting.co.uk

Closing date: Friday 22nd May

Selection process and timescales

Stage 1 Week commencing 1st June

First round of screening interviews, these will be conducted
by NFP Consulting.

Stage 2 Week commencing 8th June

Candidates taken forward to the final interview stage will be invited
to visit us, see our set-up and meet informally with staff and parents.

Stage 3 Week commencing 22nd June

The final round of interviews will be held in person and on-site.

Please let us know if you have any special requirements which we might
need to consider in relation to the selection process, e.g. attending
interview, completing any part of the selection process. Any requests
will not be taken into account in the selection process.

MSDP is a Disability
Confident Employer

Connect with a cause that needs you!

Chief Executive Officer