Chief Executive
Salary: Circa £80,000 per annum plus pension & benefits
Hours: 37 hours per week
Flexible Working: Flexible working available – hybrid working options apply to this role with location, but regular attendance at our Head Office in Newton Aycliffe, Team Events, Board Meetings and to meet with partners is expected

About us

Groundwork aims to be the UK’s leading environmental and regeneration charity, working through partnership to create communities in which people are proud to live and work.

The Groundwork movement began 40 years ago at a time of political, social and economic challenge as an experiment to help communities cope with change and work together to make their lives and neighbourhoods better. That experience and that spirit of enterprise and innovation have never been more needed than now. What drives us is the recognition that in every community there are deep reserves of pride in the local area and people with the passion and ideas to improve their circumstances and surroundings. Groundwork NE & Cumbria exists to harness that pride and unlock that passion through services, projects and programmes that change people’s lives now but also make our communities across our region more resilient for the future. We support hundreds of disadvantaged communities creating opportunities for positive change and raising aspirations.  When all that local activity is added together, it becomes a major force for regional change.

We know that many people face multiple challenges–living in isolation or with significant health issues in communities with few facilities and limited employment prospects. We work with partners to address these challenges in three ways: we create better places, we improve people’s prospects, and we promote greener choices.

After 30 years our current Chief Executive is standing down, creating this exciting and rare opportunity to lead a successful charity working across our region and as part of a national federation of Groundwork Trusts. Groundwork NE & Cumbria employs over 250 people working from local bases across the region.

About the role

Working with our Board and Executive Team you will be responsible for leading the strategic development and management of the charity, directing a business plan which underpins our sustainable future and bringing together collaborative partnerships that create a fresh, positive and inspiring approach to our operational programmes.

You will enhance and maintain the reputation, profile and performance of our Trust ensuring its regional influence and role in community based environmental regeneration through partnership building.

Providing inspirational leadership as our Chief Executive you will build high performing teams, maximizing capability within an inclusive culture. Your participation within the Groundwork Federation will drive our region’s voice in national policy and involvement in national activity.

The Candidate

Our new Chief Executive will be an experienced senior leader who has worked in complex, dynamic environments and with senior stakeholders from a range of sectors.

You will be inspiring, engaging, visible and strategic, able to persuade and influence others, creating a culture which is open to change, opportunities and innovation.

Able to demonstrate understanding and commitment to the key role a leading charity plays within the community you will be passionate about making a real and lasting difference to the people and places across the North East and Cumbria.

Closing date: Noon on Monday 16^th May 2022

To Apply and for More Information:

If you would like to apply and find out more about this position, please click the apply button to be directed to our website. 

Groundwork NE & Cumbria strive to have a diverse and inclusive workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. We want you to be yourself at Groundwork and we value everything that makes you unique. We recognise and celebrate your difference and together we make Groundwork a special and great place to work.

Groundwork NE & Cumbria is committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

This role is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure endorsed by the Disclosure and Barring Service.

No agencies please.