Chief Executive Officer

Background
Freeda supports women, children and families affected by domestic abuse through refuge accommodation, outreach services, advocacy, counselling, therapeutic support, education, training and community engagement.
Our vision is a society free from domestic abuse, where individuals can live safely, recover fully and thrive.
As the organisation has evolved, Freeda has expanded beyond crisis intervention to include prevention, recovery, education, therapeutic services, advocacy and systems change. The CEO plays a critical role in ensuring the charity delivers high-quality, trauma-informed services whilst influencing wider cultural, social and policy change.

The CEO is responsible for providing visionary, values-led leadership to Freeda, ensuring the organisation delivers outstanding support, protection and recovery services for people affected by domestic abuse while leading efforts to prevent future violence through education, advocacy, research and systems change.
The CEO is accountable to the Committee for the overall leadership, performance, sustainability and reputation of the charity. Working through a skilled Senior Management Team, the CEO will provide strategic direction, ensure effective governance and financial stewardship, develop high-impact partnerships and influence public policy to improve outcomes for survivors and communities.
The CEO acts as Freeda’s principal ambassador and spokesperson, championing the rights, safety and wellbeing of survivors whilst positioning the organisation as a leading voice on domestic abuse and violence against women and girls in Jersey.

The CEO provides leadership, support, mentoring and accountability to the Senior Management Team:

· Business Services & Partnerships Manager
· Service Manager / Registered Manager
· Counselling & Holistic Therapies Hub Manager
· Clinical Counselling Service Development Lead (currently a secondee from GoJ)
· Education & Community Engagement Facilitator (currently sits outside of the SMT)

The CEO may also provide direct leadership to strategic projects, consultants, volunteers and future service leads as required.

1. Strategic Leadership and Organisational Development
1.1 Lead the development, implementation and evaluation of Freeda’s 3-year strategic plan, ensuring organisational priorities remain aligned to the needs of survivors, communities and stakeholders. Submit the 3 -year plan and an annual update to the Freeda Committee for approval.
1.2 Provide visionary leadership that inspires staff, volunteers, partners and supporters and promotes a culture of promotes a culture of empathy, accountability, innovation and continuous learning, grounded in a strong commitment to survivors.
1.3 Ensure the voices and experiences of survivors inform strategic planning, service development and organisational decision-making.
1.4 Identify emerging trends, risks and opportunities relating to domestic abuse, violence against women and girls, safeguarding, social inequality and community wellbeing.
1.5 Lead organisational growth and innovation, identifying opportunities to develop new services, partnerships and initiatives that strengthen Freeda’s impact.
1.6 Promote organisational excellence through effective leadership of change, continuous improvement and evidence-informed decision making.

2. Leadership of Services and People
2.1 Provide leadership, support and accountability to the Senior Management Team, ensuring effective team work across all services and functions by promoting close integration and collaboration across all crisis, support, counselling, therapeutic and prevention services.
2.2 Maintain strategic oversight of all service provision, keeping abreast of the day-to-day running of all services and ensuring they remain safe, effective, trauma-informed and aligned with organisational objectives.
2.3 Support the growth and impact of Freeda’s education, training and awareness programmes.
2.4 Promote community engagement, early intervention and prevention initiatives.
2.6 Support the development of evidence-based pathways to healing that meet the diverse needs of survivors, including Freeda’s counselling, therapeutic and wellbeing services.
2.8 Support innovation in trauma recovery, wellbeing and holistic approaches that strengthen outcomes for survivors.
2.3 Ensure appropriate governance, assurance and performance frameworks are in place to monitor quality, safeguarding, outcomes and impact.
2.4 Nurture a positive organisational culture that promotes wellbeing, inclusion, professional development and psychological safety.
2.5 Support succession planning, leadership development and workforce sustainability.
2.6 Lead on complex organisational matters, significant risks and major change initiatives.

3. Public Affairs, Advocacy and Systems Change
3.1 Act as the principal spokesperson and public representative for Freeda.
3.2 Build and maintain influential relationships with Government Ministers, elected representatives, statutory agencies, regulators and strategic partners.
3.3 Advocate for policy, legislative and cultural changes that improve outcomes for survivors and address the root causes of domestic abuse and violence against women and girls.
3.4 Represent Freeda on strategic boards, forums, partnerships and working groups.
3.5 Position Freeda as a trusted thought leader through public speaking, media engagement, consultation responses and strategic campaigns.
3.6 Support research, learning and evidence generation that contributes to improved policy and practice locally and beyond.
3.7 Champion a public health approach to preventing domestic abuse and violence against women and girls.
3.8 Support the development of innovative partnerships that address wider issues including gender inequality, healthy relationships, wellbeing and social inclusion.

4. Partnerships, Fundraising and Sustainability
4.1 Lead the development and delivery of Freeda’s long-term sustainability strategy and annual impact report.
4.2 Develop and maintain relationships with funders, donors, sponsors, corporate partners and philanthropic supporters, and support and enable the Business Services & Partnerships Manager in their work.
4.3 Identify opportunities to diversify and grow income streams, including grants, commissioned services, corporate partnerships and community fundraising.
4.4 Support the development of compelling funding propositions and strategic funding bids.
4.5 Ensure partnerships are aligned with Freeda’s values, mission and strategic objectives.
4.6 Champion collaborative approaches that maximise impact across the community and voluntary sector.

5. Governance, Risk and Compliance
5.1 Ensure Freeda meets all constitutional, legal, regulatory and charitable obligations.
5.2 Maintain effective relationships with the Committee, providing timely information, advice and assurance regarding organisational performance.
5.3 Lead the development and implementation of robust governance, risk management and assurance frameworks.
5.4 Ensure safeguarding remains central to organisational governance and accountability.
5.5 Oversee, in close coordination with the Committee, compliance with charity regulation, employment legislation, data protection requirements and relevant sector standards.
5.6 Ensure organisational policies, procedures and systems remain fit for purpose and reflect best practice.

6. Financial Stewardship
6.1 Maintain overall accountability for the financial sustainability and resilience of the organisation.
6.2 Work closely with the Treasurer, Committee and Business Services & Partnerships Manager to develop and monitor financial plans and budgets. Submit annual budgets for Committee approval.
6.3 Ensure resources are allocated effectively to maximise organisational impact.
6.4 Maintain appropriate financial controls, reporting and accountability mechanisms.
6.5 Support the development of long-term financial strategies that enable sustainable service growth.

· Significant senior leadership experience within the charity, public, health, social care or related sectors.
· Proven experience leading organisational strategy, change and growth.
· Experience of managing senior managers and multidisciplinary teams.
· Demonstrable success in fundraising, income generation and partnership development.
· Experience working with Boards, Committees or Trustees.
· Experience influencing senior stakeholders and decision-makers.
· Strong financial and governance experience.

· Understanding of domestic abuse, violence against women and girls and safeguarding.
· Understanding of trauma-informed practice and survivor-centred approaches.
· Knowledge of charity governance and regulatory requirements would be desirable.
· Understanding of organisational development and culture change.
· Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and social justice.

· Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
· Strong leadership and relationship-building abilities.
· Well developed communication and public speaking skills.
· Ability to influence and negotiate at senior levels.
· Skilled in partnership development and stakeholder engagement.
· Strong financial and commercial awareness.
· Ability to lead through complexity, ambiguity and change.
· Ability to inspire confidence, trust and commitment.

· Values-led and highly ethical.
· Courageous and resilient.
· Compassionate and emotionally intelligent.
· Collaborative and empowering.
· Innovative and forward-thinking.
· Authentic and self-aware.
· Committed to learning and reflective practice.
· Passionate about Freeda’s mission and vision.