Chief Executive Officer Full Time

Talkback is an autism and learning disability charity that creates unique pathways for neurodiverse young adults and people with learning disabilities to ensure a positive transition to adulthood and forms of employability.

We are on a mission to provide autism and learning disability services that empower individuals to grow, build meaningful friendships, and embrace new experiences with confidence—at any stage of life. Everyone who walks through our doors will receive the support and tools they need to thrive in whatever way matters most to them.

About the role

We are seeking a CEO with passion, energy and the ability to collaborate to springboard Talkback upwards and onward for the next phase of its evolution.

We are looking for a leader with the emotional intelligence, initiative, and confidence to listen, understand, and drive Talkback’s strategic and operational planning. This individual will play a key role in decision-making, helping us achieve our ambitious goals and expand our support for our growing community, including the launch of a specialist alternative education provision.

You will be working with a skilled and talented team of 70 dedicated staff members. Our staff are passionate about making a difference. We foster a culture of trust, creativity, continuous improvement, and responsibility. Guided by a person-centred, solutions-focused approach, we believe in valuing people for who they are—not the labels society may place on them.

We are looking for:

• Experienced senior leader who can lead strategy, generate income and manage and motivate a large staff team.
• Good understanding of the education sector and its funding mechanisms and the experience and confidence to lead Talkback to be a flagship provider supporting the needs of SEN children and young adults locally and nationally.
• Proven experience in strategic growth planning & implementation, delivering business plans, working to budgets and leading change in a complex organisation.
• Track record of building productive, impactful relationships with a range of stakeholders, including commissioners, agencies, influencers and partners.

How to Apply

Eastside People is supporting Talkback in the recruitment of this role. Please ensure you read the full candidate information pack before applying.

Please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter (in word doc format). Please use the cover letter as an opportunity to add to the information you have shared in your CV, and ensure that you cover the following (max 2 pages):

• Why you are interested in the CEO role at Talkback and how the position is a good fit for your skills and approach.
• Your experience of working at a strategic level and leading an organisation or large team.
• Key experience/knowledge in relation to the other essential skills and experience specified in the job description and person specification.

If you would like a call to discuss the role in more detail, please email Paul Venning at our recruitment partners Eastside People to arrange a convenient time at p.venning@eastsidepeople.org . Having a call of this kind will not influence the success or otherwise of your application.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential and are happy to discuss any assistance or adjustments to make the application process work for you.

The closing date for applications is Wed 9th April 2025, and interviews with Eastside People will take place that week and the week after. Interviews with Talkback will take place towards the end of April.

And finally, we understand AI can be a helpful tool, but please use it with caution and ensure your application is personalised and accurate.

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