Location: London Borough of Bromley (Hybrid) 

Salary: £50,000.00 (0.8FTE) 

Contract: Permanent 

Deadline: 29th January 2025  (Interviews will be held via Zoom on either Friday 31st January or Monday 3rd February) 
 

The Orpington and Bromley Gateway Club is a social and support club for adults (16+) with learning disabilities/difficulties and has been running for over 50 years.  

We are looking to recruit an experienced, dynamic and motivated new Chief Executive Officer. Following the organisation’s recent growth, the charity’s trustees are wanting to appoint a senior leader who is able to take us on the next part of our journey. 
 

Answering to the charity’s Chairman and in turn Board of Trustees, the CEO will be responsible for delivering the strategic objectives of the charity as well as providing clear leadership and direction. The successful applicant will be required to lead on the growth and scope of our portfolio as well as take an active role across our offers/sites including our newly acquired horticultural training centre, The Scadbury Centre. 
 

The CEO will be required to work closely with our members (adults with learning disabilities/difficulties) to further enhance their membership experience and also look for opportunities to develop stronger relationships and partnerships both internally and externally. ​

Job Description
Key Responsibilities: 

Strategic Leadership 

• Develop and execute the organisation’s strategic plan in collaboration with the Board of Trustees. 

• Identify opportunities for growth across all areas of the organisation, including memberships, income streams, and partnerships. 

• Represent the organisation in external forums, building strong relationships with stakeholders, funders, and local communities. 

Management of The Scadbury Centre 

• Oversee day-to-day operations of The Scadbury Centre, ensuring high-quality service delivery and compliance with all regulatory requirements. 

• Drive initiatives to increase income and membership attendance through innovative programming, partnerships, and marketing efforts. 

• Plan and implement improvements to the site, including infrastructure, facilities, and service offerings. 

• Manage, support, and develop the staff and volunteer team at The Scadbury Centre, fostering a positive and inclusive work environment. 

Management of Clubs 

• Oversee the successful delivery of club activities, ensuring they are accessible, engaging, and aligned with the organisation’s mission. 

• Expand club offerings to attract new members and retain existing ones, using feedback to guide service improvements. 

• Work closely with club managers and volunteers to ensure consistent quality and operational excellence. 

Financial Oversight 

• Develop and manage the organisation’s budget, ensuring financial sustainability and alignment with strategic goals. 

• Identify and pursue funding opportunities, including grants, donations, and partnerships. 

• Monitor financial performance and report regularly to the Board of Trustees. 

Team Management 

• Lead, inspire, and manage a diverse team of staff and volunteers across all operations. 

• Establish clear goals and expectations, providing ongoing support and professional development opportunities. 

• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. 

Operations and Compliance 

• Ensure all organisational activities comply with legal, regulatory, and ethical standards (including Charities Commission, HMRC and Local Authority returns). 

• Implement robust policies and procedures to safeguard the welfare of members, staff, and volunteers. 

• Maintain and update organisational risk assessments and business continuity plans. 

• Ensuring adherence to compliance standards. 

Other Responsibilities 

• Act as a liaison between the Board of Trustees and operational teams, ensuring alignment and effective communication. 

• Provide regular performance updates to the Board, highlighting achievements, challenges, and strategic recommendations. 

• Undertake any additional duties as required to support the growth and sustainability of the organisation. 

Person Specification 

ESSENTIAL 

        Leadership and Management: 

• Proven experience in a senior leadership role within the learning disability sector. 

• Demonstrable ability to inspire and lead teams, driving a positive and inclusive organisational culture. 

• Experience in strategic planning, organisational development, and change management.
  
  Stakeholder Engagement: 

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build meaningful relationships with diverse stakeholders, including people with learning disabilities, staff, trustees, funders, and external partners. 

• Demonstrated ability to represent the organisation at local, regional, and national levels. 
  
  Financial Acumen: 

• Experience in managing budgets, financial planning, and ensuring organisational sustainability. 

• Ability to secure funding through fundraising, grants, or partnerships. 
  
  Communication: 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to advocate effectively for the charity's mission and values. 
  
  Commitment to Values: 

• Deep commitment to promoting equality, diversity, inclusion, and the rights of individuals with learning disabilities. 

 

DESIRABLE 

Networks and Partnerships: 

• Established networks within the learning disability or wider third sector. 

• Ability to build networks in local communities. 

• Experience collaborating with local authorities. 
  
  Innovation and Growth: 

• Experience in developing innovative programs or services that address unmet needs. 

• A track record of leading organisational growth and expansion. 

• Ability to work with limited resources. 
  
  Media and Public Relations: 

• Experience in public speaking, media engagement, or social media strategy. 

• Ability to act as a public ambassador for the charity. 
   

***Please note, all appointments will be subject to an enhanced DBS check***
 

How to apply: 

Please send your cv and a covering letter of no more than 500 words outlining your suitability for the role against the essential criteria to info@orbgateway.club 
 

If you would like to speak to a serving member of the board prior to applying, please let us know as soon as possible.