Chief Executive Officer

We are working in partnership with The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), the charity and membership led organisation that enhances communities, so everyone can enjoy being in, on and around water, safely. RLSS UK has a proud history of helping to save the number of lives lost to drowning, which still stands at an average of 312 lives lost to accidental drownings in the UK and Ireland, each year. Their mission is to be the leader in lifesaving and lifeguarding in the UK and the Republic of Ireland, sharing their expertise and knowledge with as many people as possible, giving everyone the potential to save lives and enjoy water, safely.

The charity has used their extensive, world-leading knowledge of water safety and training to develop a comprehensive range of vocational qualifications and a series of awards and education programmes, which all have the ultimate aim of preventing drowning and stopping unnecessary loss of life. Their portfolio includes the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) - the premier lifeguard training programme.

RLSS UK is seeking to appoint a new CEO, who will be responsible for the leadership and smooth and effective running of RLSS UK. The CEO will have oversight of all departments, with overarching accountability for strategic financial management, income development and diversification, ensuring annual organisational targets are met, and will be responsible for high level relationship management, working as an effective ambassador for RLSS UK.

The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate:

• An inspirational, decisive, and entrepreneurial leader, ideally with experience gained in the charity/non-profit sector and/or in membership or volunteer focused organisations.
• Track record of leading cohesive and high-performing teams, including experience of engaging a volunteer network as well as managing a staff team.
• Experience of working with a Board with an elected membership element and respectful of the different dynamic this creates.
• Proven financial management and governance experience.
• Experience of building high level organisational partnerships, optimising existing income streams, and developing additional revenue sources.

We are seeking an individual with a strong strategic and commercial mindset, excellent engagement skills with the ability to build confidence, persuade and influence across a wide range of stakeholders, and high levels of emotional intelligence, integrity, and personal drive.

For more information, please contact Katherine Anderson-Scott, Associate Director, Charisma Charity Recruitment. Your application should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and supporting statement.
We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.

Closing date: 27 June 2024

First stage interviews with RLSS UK (virtual): Mid-late July

Second stage interviews with RLSS UK (in-person): 9 August

Charisma vetting interviews must be completed by 4th July prior to shortlisting on the 5th.