JOB TITLE: Chief Executive Officer, Citizens Advice Wokingham

SALARY: circa GBP50,000

HOURS: Full or part time with some flexible working arrangements.

CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent

CLOSING DATE: 7th January 2023.

INTERVIEW DATE: Week commencing 15th January.

LOCATION: Wokingham

Citizens Advice Wokingham is looking for a new Chief Executive Officer to bring a fresh vision and approach to the organisation, putting the client and the team first. This is an exciting opportunity to support what is working well and continue to make further changes to update our strategy, strengthen the focus on client delivery and improve efficiency.

The role involves leading a team of passionate staff and volunteers with the opportunity to set a positive culture where everyone feels motivated, informed and able to deliver their best.

This opportunity would suit someone looking to consolidate their career with a local charity that makes a vital difference to the community, or who is looking to develop their career and take up their first CEO role. Could this be you?

Citizens Advice Wokingham (CAW) has been supporting residents of Wokingham Borough since 1977. We have very good relationships with the local council and other key funders. Since lockdown we have provided the One Front Door Service for the Borough, acting as the first point of contact for residents, and signposting them to other organisations or offering advice and support.

Significant recent achievements include;

During 2022, the Bureau helped 1 in 20 households in the borough. CAW's income at the end of the 2022/2023 financial year will have increased by 184% since the 2018/19 financial year. In 2022 CAW helped 5,663 unique clients - a 148% increase in the number of people helped since 2018/19.

CAW has secured changes and influence locally - there is now a council tax protocol in place, and the Bureau was part of a 5-strong partnership co-producing and signing the Borough's Tackling Poverty Strategy.

CAW is active in 17 town and parishes in the borough, with its Mobile Advice Unit as well as two offices.

We are now looking for a Chief Executive who will build on these successes and lead our team to achieve even more.

The CEO will be supported by a highly committed Board of Trustees who are keen to promote a positive working environment with a focus on honest, open communication.

Key Responsibilities:

Working with the Board to develop a strategy that reflects the mission, vision, and values of CAW and delivers the organisation's services across Wokingham Borough and in partnership, where appropriate, with other organisations. Establish sustainable and diverse funding opportunities and ensure all human and financial resources are managed properly and effectively. Provide high quality leadership and develop a positive and inclusive organisational culture that promotes teamwork, creativity, and collaboration. Promote the interests of the charity at local and national levels and forge strong links and partnerships with funders and key stakeholders. Lead and oversee the day-to-day operations of the organisation, ensuring high quality services are delivered to clients and compliance with all relevant legislation, regulations, and best practice. Develop and improve the efficiency of the services within the organisation and across the area of Wokingham Borough. Ensure the financial stability and sustainability of the organisation through effective budgeting, resource management and financial controls. Deliver regular and accurate reports to the Board of Trustees to enable them to have clear oversight of the business performance, risks & issues. Essential criteria:

Understanding of the Voluntary and Community sector and, in particular, knowledge of the strategic and policy environment that the advice sector operates within. Understanding of, and a commitment to, the Aims and Principles of the Citizens Advice service, including the service's equality and diversity policies. Demonstrable experience of leading a team that motivates and develops all staff and volunteers to their full potential, with experience of developing a positive culture. Demonstrable track record of financial management and budgetary control and the ability to prepare and manage a budget. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with an ability to develop strong and lasting relationships with a broad range of stakeholders including funding bodies and donors using open and honest communication skills. Track record of successful income generation through fundraising, commissioning, grants and marketing activities. Desirable criteria:

Experience of working with the Citizens Advice service Demonstrable understanding of the operations of local and national government, the administration of public and legal service services, and commissioning. Hold a full UK driving licence. If you have a passion for making a difference and have the skills and experience to lead Citizens Advice Wokingham, we would really like to hear from you.

If you'd like to have an initial conversation about the role, please get in touch with our interim CEO, Bill Feeney on or .

To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter (no more than 2 pages) explaining your suitability for the role by an email.

The closing date for applications is Sunday 7th January 2023.

Citizens Advice Wokingham values diversity and promotes equality and challenges discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic people, as they are currently under-represented in our workforce.