Advertised from 2 March 2026

Role

With an annual turnover of approximately £2.5–3 million and a workforce of over 100 staff LASC is a community-based charity delivering childcare, young people’s services, and wider community benefit across multiple sites. We are seeking a Chief Executive Officer to provide strategic leadership and executive accountability at a pivotal moment for the organisation. 

This is a senior leadership role focused on clarity, sustainability, and good governance. The CEO will work in close partnership with the Board to co-create organisational strategy, lead a capable senior team, and ensure the organisation remains financially resilient, well governed, and compliant within a regulated environment. 

This is not a hands-on operational role. We are looking for a leader who can operate at the right altitude, bring sound judgement, and create the conditions for others to succeed. 

About the role 

The Chief Executive Officer will: 

• Work in partnership with the Board to co-create strategic direction and lead delivery of agreed priorities 
• Provide executive leadership across a multi-site organisation with a strong community presence 
• Hold accountability for financial sustainability, organisational risk, and regulatory confidence 
• Lead and support senior staff, shaping a professional, fair, and resilient organisational culture 
• Represent the organisation externally and build confidence with key stakeholders and partners 
• Lead senior relationships with public sector partners and commissioners, including negotiation of sustainable funding and fee arrangements

The role is offered on a three day per week basis with flexible and hybrid working. The postholder will be expected to be locally based, or able to attend sites and meetings as required, with presence focused on where it adds the most value. 

About you 

You will be an experienced senior leader who brings: 

• Experience working effectively with a Board or governing body 
• Accountability for organisational performance, budgets, or outcomes 
• Confidence leading teams through change, growth, or financial constraint 
• Strong judgement, calm leadership, and the ability to influence at senior level

You do not need to come from the childcare or voluntary sector. We are actively interested in candidates who bring transferable leadership experience from other public, regulated, or community facing environments. 

If you are interested in this role but do not feel you meet every requirement, we would still encourage you to apply. 

What we offer 

• A senior, part time leadership role with genuine flexibility 
• Hybrid working and an outcome-focused approach to hours 
• Employer pension contributions 
• A values-led organisation with a strong community purpose 
• The opportunity to shape the future of a well-established local charity

Our commitment to inclusion 

We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We recognise that leadership experience can be gained in many different ways and value varied career paths. We particularly encourage applications from women and individuals from under-represented groups and are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments and flexible working needs as part of the recruitment process.

Application notes

Applications should be submitted in two parts: 

• Complete the online application form
• Email your CV and a cover letter of no more than two pages to ceo@lasc.org.uk

Please use the subject line: CEO Application – [Your Surname] 

Your cover letter should clearly address the essential criteria in the person specification. 

Closing date: 31st March 

Interviews are anticipated to take place week beginning 13th April. 

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Jennifer, interim Chair of Trustees, at ceo@lasc.org.uk .  

LASC is not currently able to provide visa sponsorship. Proof of right to work in the UK will be required prior to appointment.

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