CANDIDATEINFORMATIONPACKCHIEF EXECUTIVE 2026WELCOME STATEMENT FROMTHE CHAIRDear Prospective Candidate,Thank you for your interest in the Chief Executive Officer role atWomenCentre. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am delighted to welcomeyou to this exciting opportunity to lead an organisation that is deeplycommitted to making a meaningful difference in the lives of the women andgirls we support. WomenCentre’s CEO of 15 years will be leaving her role in 2026 having guidedthe organisation to the strong position it is in today.1WomenCentre has been working across the Calderdale and Kirklees communitiesfor 40 years and more recently in Bradford. We have a proud history and have madepositive changes to the lives of women and girls supported by dedicated staff andvolunteer teams, members and wider supporters. We are now looking for a newleader to continue to take WomenCentre forwards. As the CEO, you will have thechance to deliver our ambitious and exciting strategy, maintain and develop ourstrategic partnerships, and champion our work with women and girls keeping ourvalues and ethos at the heart of everything we do. This will also include overseeingthe governance and development of our sister charity, WomenCentre Homes. www.womencentrehomes.comWe are seeking someone who has a real understanding of the importance of ourwork with local women and girls alongside a track record in strategic leadership.You can learn more about our work and our achievements by visiting our websitewww.womencentre.org.uk.If you are inspired by our work and want to be part of a charity that is ready tocontinue its growth and impact, we would be delighted to hear from you.Thank you again for considering this opportunity and we look forward to receivingyour application.BACKGROUNDMel John Ross Chair of WomenCentre’sBoard of Trustees 2ABOUTWOMENCENTREWomenCentre is a charitable values-based organisation that has beenworking in West Yorkshire for 40 years.We work operationally in the threeareas of Bradford, Calderdale andKirklees as well as influencingregional and national agendas thatfocus on women and girls to ensurethat women and girls feel safe andthat their voices are heard so that theycan thrive. We offer trauma informed women-centred services focussing onprevention, intervention, recovery andempowerment.We are a membership organisationthat wants to encourage local womento help and support women and girlsof all ages in the communities wherewe have services. Supporting and empowering women toachieve a better quality of life, throughprevention, intervention, and recoveryservices.Women are free and feel safe to leadfulfilled and meaningful lives.OUR MISSIONOUR VISION3We have real understanding about the lives of womenand girls. We are able to put ourselves into their shoes and to feeltheir pain allowing us to offer genuine support and encouragement.COMPASSIONOUR VALUESOur culture of honesty is displayed through our work. We endorse an environmentof openness that develops trusting relationships. HONESTYWe recognise that adversity can build us up instead of tearing us down. Byempowering each other we can find moments to help every person we work with andalongside to gain their own sense of self-worth, and to persevere through allobstacles.RESILIENCEWe aim to treat each other with respect and kindness andacknowledge all accomplishments, no matter how smallthey may seem. RESPECTWe foster inclusion both within our organisation and externally that allows everyonewith different backgrounds, characteristics, and ways of thinking, to work effectivelytogether to fulfil their potential in society and their local community.Inclusion is about embracing diversity, enabling all women and girls to be and feelincluded, proactively removing barriers they may experience. especially for thosewho face additional discrimination.INCLUSION4“It was an amazing day, well organised, good information provided, Thanks.”“Wonderful, inclusive afternoon. Great to know more about the admin side ofWomenCentre. Also to hear women’s stories.”“I don’t think I would’ve been able to fight for any longerwithout the support of yourself, you helped me build my lifeback on track and I was able to get support around housing,food, finances, court and how to manage my children.”In our 2025 staff survey, 95% of staff strongly agreed that their role makes a differenceto service users.Over 95% agreed or strongly agreed that the care of service users is WomenCentre’s toppriority and over 97% agreed or strongly agreed they would be happy to recommendWomenCentre to a friend or relative if they needed support. QUOTES FROM VOLUNTEERS FOLLOWING OURSTAFF AND VOLUNTEER AWAY DAY IN NOVEMBERWHAT STAFF SAY ABOUTWOMENCENTRE AND THEIR ROLEQUOTE FROM A WOMAN5WHO WE ARE LOOKING FORWe are seeking an inspiring and visionary leader to join our organisation asChief Executive Officer (CEO). The CEO will be responsible for driving thestrategic direction, leadership and overall management of the charity.Reporting directly to the Board of Trustees, the CEO will play a key role insustaining our local, regional and national reputation and profile as one of theleading voices for the Women and Girls’ Sector.6Hours: 28 hours a week  Salary: Full time salary £48,587 to £51,627 (actual pro rata salary £36,769 to£39,069) plus pension.Based in: Calderdale but working across Kirklees and Bradford with somenational meetings. Overall purpose of the job Implement WomenCentre’s vision and strategy in partnership with theBoard of Trustees and senior management team.Communicate our vision to all key stakeholders, increasing widercontribution and ensuring organisational longevity, reputation and success.Lead and manage the charity, acting as ambassador and spokesperson.Grow opportunities and strengthen reputation as a leading voice for womenand girls.Keep women and girls’ voices central to all work and decisions.Ensure effective financial, legal, and moral governance.Develop new funding opportunities and income streams.Foster collaborative partnerships across sectors.Ensure that the Board and sub-committees receive timely, accurate,relevant and transparent information in relation to opportunities and bids.Build and lead the senior leadership team for impactful, safe and effectiveservice delivery.7JOB DESCRIPTION8JOB DESCRIPTIONKey Responsibilities• Work with the Board and SMT to deliver strategic plans aligned with WomenCentre’sethos and values. • Provide strategic leadership and accountability for governance and financialsustainability.• Represent WomenCentre publicly and engage with local, regional, and nationalstakeholders. • Lead safeguarding policy development and ensure compliance. Ensure an effectivesafeguarding framework is in place across the organisation with effective and ongoingtraining.• Maintain risk management systems and business continuity plans.• Develop and review organisational policies for fairness and transparency.• Oversee operational and strategic activities to ensure capacity and quality.• Manage financial health, budgets, and reserves.• Drive income generation and explore new models.• Monitor external strategies and policies impacting women and girls.• Ensure compliance reporting to the Board and funders• Promote voice and engagement of women in co production of service design andstrategies.• Ensure the participation of staff, volunteers and beneficiaries is core to the coproduction and development of our services and strategies. • Identify areas that require development and improvement in the delivery of thestrategic plan.• Ensure a high quality volunteer offer is embedded within WomenCentre.• Understand and navigate the challenges of charity funding in difficult economiccircumstances and times of political change.• Improve and develop funding opportunities for the organisation to generateunrestricted funds for the WomenCentre by attending external events to give talksand to raise the profile of our work whilst promoting our mission and values. 9JOB DESCRIPTIONLeadership and Staff Management• Build and line-manage the senior management team in a collaborative leadershipstyle, fostering and ensuring a healthy and safe working environment.• Ensure effective HR processes are in place. • Implement succession planning and staff development opportunities including rolemodelling.• Ensure quality assurance is embedded organisation wide and with impact andoutcome reporting to the Board.• Support and oversee the governance and development of WomenCentre Homes. General Duties• Work in accordance with WomenCentre policies and procedures.• Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.• Participate in supervision and team meetings. • Undertake training for ongoing professional development to increase knowledge,skills and awareness. • Carry out any other duties requested by the Chair or TrusteesSupervision Received - Supervision will be provided by the chair of the WomenCentreBoard or a nominated Board representative. Supervision Given to - WomenCentre’s Deputy CEO, Finance and HR Manager,Communications Fundraising, Marketing Manager and WomenCentre Homes HousingDevelopment Manager Responsibility for Budget and Assets -  The postholder will have access toconfidential and sensitive information.Internal Contacts - Staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, service users, young peopleand children.External Contacts - Representatives from voluntary and statutory organisations,members of the public, Charity Commission and Companies House.10PERSON SPECIFICATIONQualificationsDegree or equivalent in health and social care, leadership and management,or substantial related training.Good general level of education (e.g., GCSEs, A levels).Essential experience, knowledge and skillsExperience in a Chief Executive or Senior Management role with supervisoryresponsibilities including in the charitable sector.Experience working within women-only environments or similarorganisational settings.Evidence of professional development and extensive experience in thecharitable sector.Demonstrable track record of success in a similar role (e.g.,health/youth/social care charity).Experience in strategic planning and negotiation. Experience in strategic partnership and collaborative working across sectorslocally, regionally, and nationally and across partnerships at all levels.Experience of influencing through public speaking, pitching, and networking.Experience of championing quality assurance and continuous improvement. Experience of working co-productively with staff, volunteers, service users,and other stakeholders. Experience of overseeing services that work across multiple sites.Proven record in contract management, compliance, budgeting, and achievingmeasurable outcomes.Comprehensive understanding of the impact of trauma on the lives of womenand girls.Strategic and operational knowledge of safeguarding processes.11PERSON SPECIFICATIONEssential experience, knowledge and skills continuedKnowledge and ability to appraise emerging strategy legislation and researchfor both its impact on and opportunities for the organisation.Sound knowledge of charity governance and safeguarding requirements.Ability to lead and develop services for maximum impact.Ability to balance the internal and external aspects of the role.Skilled in completing funding bids and applications and in attracting widerfunding.Strong presence and ability to engender respect from others.Essential Personal Skills and AttributesAbility to write high-level reports.Strong organisational and IT skills.Knowledge and commitment to applying equal opportunities.Ability to work independently and as part of a team.Effective time and workload management.Understanding of professional confidentiality.Commitment to personal development.Flexibility in working hours, including evenings/weekends.Non-judgmental, women-centred approach.DesirableFull driving licence.A supportive empowering working environment.Salaries - WomenCentre is a Living Wage Employer and offers competitive salaryrates.Hours of Work - full-time employment is 37 hours a week.Holiday Entitlement - for full time staff is 24 days per year, rising to 29 days after5 years’ service plus 8 public holidays each year and up to 5 additional closuredays. N.B (pro rata basis for part time staff.)Pension - WomenCentre is fully compliant with Auto Enrolment and the pensionprovider is Aviva. Sickness – entitlements reflect the length of service.Parental Leave - rights of pregnant women and primary adopters to leave andpay are in accordance with WomenCentre’s Parental Leave Policy.Other Leave - staff may also be entitled to Carer’s, Urgent Domestic Distress,Bereavement, Unpaid Leave and Time off for Dependents in line with statutoryminimums.Hospital Saturday Fund – health plan.Cycle to work scheme.WHY WORK FOR US12STRATEGICPRIORITESAwareness and understanding of issuesimpacting on women’s lives and why. We will listen to Women's voicesengaging with communities, influencingpolicy and increasing early interventions.EmpowermentRecoveryPreventionInterventionWomenCentreEnsuring services meet women’sneeds. We will support, listen and advocateby providing a range of traumainformed services and signposting toothers.Providing services to enable womento take back ownership of their livesby assessing needs and providingthe right service options.We will offer 1-1 and group work,Advocacy, Support, Signposting.Co-producing services,volunteeringopportunities, accessing learning andknowledge by offering women choicesand opportunities to develop.We will provide opportunities to increaseself confidence through creativity,volunteering, education/training andemployment.WOMENCENTRE PLAN ON A PAGE 2024-2029Our VisionWomen are free and feelsafe to lead a fulfilledand meaningful lives.Our ValuesCompassion, Honesty, Inclusion,Resilience, RespectOur missionSupporting and empowering women toachieve a better quality of life, throughprevention, intervention, and recovery services.Voice and Influence : Stronger voice through our established WomenCentre voice and influence strategyand groups. People: Increase personal development opportunities for staff, volunteers and the women we support.Impact: Collation of organisational impact data. Strong social media and media presence with clearbranding and calls to action. Individuals accessing services and reporting positive outcomes. Tracking ofwomen’s progression post services/interventions. Increased financial sustainability. Increase involunteers/peers supporting service delivery and fundraising activities. Sustainability: Sustainable growth in members/supporters /donors/legacies/corporates/matrons andambassadors. Consideration of the economic, social and environmental impact in all our work. What Success looks like13Tel: 01422 386500 info@womencentre.org.uk REGISTERED OFFICE23 SILVER STREET HALIFAX HX1 1JN www.womencentre.org.uk Charity Number 1118366 Company Number 06084795