Chief Operations Officer (Volunteer) Full Time NEW

Job Title

Chief Operations Officer (Volunteer)

Location

Remote Position

Hours

7.5 Hours per Week (flexible hours)

Purpose of the Role

To lead and optimise organisational operations, ensuring efficient, effective, and compliant systems, processes, technology, infrastructure, and people management that support the strategic objectives of IfS.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Develop and implement operational strategies aligned with organisational goals.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives across all operational functions.
• Ensure effective delivery of organisational services and support functions.

Human Resources

• Oversee workforce planning and organisational development.
• Ensure compliance with employment law and HR best practice.
• Promote staff wellbeing, engagement, diversity, and inclusion.
• Lead recruitment, performance management, and workforce development strategies.

Information Technology and Digital Services

• Oversee IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital transformation initiatives.
• Ensure systems support organisational effectiveness and data protection compliance.
• Drive innovation and technology adoption.

Infrastructure and Facilities

• Ensure safe and effective management of premises and assets.
• Maintain business continuity and disaster recovery arrangements.
• Oversee procurement and contract management.

Governance and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and organisational policies.
• Lead operational risk management activities.
• Lead organisational safeguarding responsibilities.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications

• Degree-level qualification or equivalent professional experience.

Essential Experience

• Experience within the charity, safeguarding, education, healthcare, or public sectors.
• Significant senior operational leadership experience.
• Experience managing organisational support functions.
• Experience leading organisational change and transformation.
• Experience managing budgets and resources.

Essential Knowledge

• Employment legislation and HR best practice.
• Safeguarding governance frameworks.
• Organisational risk management.
• IT governance and cybersecurity principles.
• Data protection and information governance.

Essential Skills

• Strategic leadership and decision-making.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills.
• Strong people management and coaching abilities.
• Problem-solving and analytical thinking.
• Effective stakeholder management.

Desirable

• Professional qualifications in HR, operations, or project management.
• Relevant management or operational leadership qualification.
• Experience managing HR and IT