Chief Executive Officer

South Yorkshire Eating Disorders Association

About the Organisation

South Yorkshire Eating Disorders Association (SYEDA) is a well-established regional charity providing therapeutic support and early intervention for individuals affected by eating disorders, along with assistance for their carers and families. The organisation also offers training for professionals and promotes awareness to aid in early recognition and prevention. Originally founded as a small self-help group 30 years ago, SYEDA has developed into a key provider across the region. The organisation has recently secured a five-year contract to deliver evidence-based therapies to adults with mild to moderate eating disorders throughout South Yorkshire.

Clinical services include CBT, CBT-T, counselling, occupational therapy, and group support, such as the “Treading on Eggshells” programme for carers. Additional grant funding has been awarded to support the development of services for individuals with ARFID, as well as early intervention initiatives in schools and community settings. With the current CEO stepping down after a successful 12-year tenure, the organisation is seeking a visionary and emotionally intelligent leader to guide the next phase of SYEDA’s growth. This is an opportunity to build on a strong foundation, shape strategic development, influence policy, and expand the charity’s impact across the region.

About the role

To lead SYEDA in delivering its mission through strategic direction, operational excellence, sound governance, and inclusive people management. The CEO will work closely with the Board of Trustees, staff, and stakeholders to ensure financial sustainability, high-quality service delivery, and an organisational culture that champions diversity, equity, and inclusion. This is a hands-on leadership role that requires balance: from strategy development and staff support to managing funder relationships, clinical oversight, governance, and external representation.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

• Enable and facilitate the development and implementation of SYEDA’s 5-year strategic plan and ensure alignment with commissioning outcomes.
• Use insight from staff, service users, and carers to inform strategic thinking.
• Ensure the organisational vision, mission, and values are embedded throughout the organisation.
• Translate strategic goals into operational plans with clear KPIs and outcomes.
• Represent SYEDA in regional and national forums, including REDCAN and the APPG on Eating Disorders.
• Monitor external trends (commissioning, policy, funding, changing clinical need) and position SYEDA to respond proactively, identifying opportunities for innovation and sustainable growth.

Operational Management:

• Oversee the high-quality delivery of SYEDA’s commissioned services and grant-funded projects.
• Ensure contract milestones, especially with commissioners, are met and reported on accurately and promptly.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement, client-centred service, and excellence.
• Oversee day-to-day operations across HR, quality, safeguarding (alongside the Clinical Lead), data protection, and health & safety.
• Ensure that Clinical Teams are led safely and effectively with robust clinical governance arrangements in place.

People and Culture:

• Lead and develop a team of ~20 staff, including therapists, trainers, and operational staff, ensuring excellent communication and clear accountability.
• Promote a healthy, inclusive, and productive workplace where wellbeing and performance go hand in hand, fostering a psychologically safe environment.
• Lead on organisational EDI, embedding inclusive policies, practices, and monitoring frameworks, championing the voice of underrepresented communities and service users in decision-making.
• Review and oversee recruitment, pay banding, and staffing structures to meet evolving needs.
• Provide guidance and ensure that appropriate line management is in place for all staff within the organisation, fostering a collaborative leadership culture. 

Governance and Compliance:

• Support the Board to fulfil its governance responsibilities, providing high-quality advice, reporting, and strategic insight.
• Attend and support board subgroups, particularly around policy review, finance, and service development.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory bodies (Charity Commission, Companies House, GDPR, Safeguarding) and act as Company Secretary and a signatory to the organisation’s finances and policies. 
• Guide the annual review and revision of policies, including safeguarding, risk management, HR, and finance, in partnership with the Board.

Financial Oversight:

• Work with the Treasurer, Business Manager, and bookkeeper to lead and prepare the annual budgeting process and monitor income/expenditure.
• Provide regular financial reports to the Board with commentary on trends and risks.
• Ensure a sustainable funding mode, including grant applications, partnership bids, and income diversification.
• Ensure robust financial controls and risk management procedures are in place.

Risk and Quality Management:

• Review and maintain SYEDA’s risk register, ensuring risks are identified, mitigated, and communicated.
• Lead on quality assurance initiatives, engaging with recognised frameworks such as PQASSO or NICE guidance.
• Ensure organisational learning from complaints, incidents, and audits is captured and embedded.

External Engagement and Influence:

• Be the public face of SYEDA, representing us at regional and national levels, including NHS networks and the APPG on Eating Disorders.
• Build strategic partnerships with the NHS, local authorities, community organisations, and funders.
• Actively seek opportunities to communicate SYEDA’s impact through public speaking, media, and advocacy.

Skills, Competencies, & Experience

Experience:

• Substantial experience at a senior management or executive level in a values-driven organisation
• Proven experience of developing and delivering organisational strategy, ideally within a health, mental health, or social care setting
• Experience working in the charitable sector with a Board of Trustees or equivalent governance body
• Proven success in managing staff teams, including clinical and non-clinical professionals
• Experience leading organisations or teams through change and growth
• Experience developing and monitoring budgets and managing financial risk
• Experience in income generation through grant applications, tenders, or partnership bids
• Experience working with NHS commissioning or in partnership with statutory health bodies
• Experience in campaign, advocacy, or influencing roles related to health or social care
• Understanding of eating disorders and/or mental health

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into deliverable plans and measurable outcomes
• Excellent people management and leadership skills, with the ability to develop and inspire staff
• Strong understanding of equality, diversity, and inclusion in both the workforce and service delivery
• Confident communicator and public speaker, able to represent the organisation at high-profile forums
• Understanding of safeguarding, risk management, and organisational governance in a charity setting
• Financially literate with the ability to interpret and report on complex financial data
• Ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including funders, service users, clinicians, and local leaders
• Able to manage competing priorities and work effectively under pressure
• IT literate and able to use Microsoft Office and data management systems

Personal Attributes:

• Warm, approachable, and compassionate, with a collaborative leadership style
• Commitment to SYEDA’s values and mission
• Adaptable, resilient, and solutions-focused
• Other Requirements 
• Able to work flexibly, including occasional evenings/weekends
• Based in or able to commute regularly to Sheffield/South Yorkshire
• Clean enhanced DBS check

Required Qualifications

• Degree-level education or equivalent experience, Management qualification or equivalent leadership training (CQSW, OT IR Mental Health Nursing, and/or MBA, or ILM Level 5 or 6), Membership of a relevant professional body (HCPC, BACP, or BASW)

Working locations

• Hybrid model, working in the Sheffield office and remotely

How to apply

• Application Form and Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form
• Applications for this position are via completion of an application form. For a copy of the recruitment pack, which includes the full job description and application form, please email [email protected]. Completed applications should be returned to [email protected]
• For an informal chat about this role, you are welcome to contact Maggie Young (Chair of the board of trustees on 077805 61477.

Interviews

• The interview will be held on Friday, 13th June 2025

Policies

• SYEDA welcomes applications from all sections of the community and particularly encourages candidates from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. The organisation is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in both the workforce and the services it provides.

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