Closing Date: noon on Thursday 11th October 2018

Salary negotiable

The Independent Children’s Homes Association (ICHA) is the voice of independent providers of residential children’s homes in England. It has over 180 member organisations, running over 1,100 homes and providing more than 5,700 beds for children and young people.

A not-for-profit membership body, ICHA performs a critical role in the lives of looked-after children; its mission is to support and represent the independent residential child care sector and promote quality child care nationally.  ICHA provides critical advice and guidance to members to ensure they are child centred, commercially sustainable and meeting quality standards. It undertakes research, convenes members to discuss key issues and share learning, represents the sector to government and takes an active role in shaping policy and practice in residential child care in England.

Given the critically important function they provide for their members, ICHA expects that the new CEO will further enhance its profile and its potential to make a difference to the range, quality and sustainability of its members.  The CEO will build strong relationships with those in the sector, as well as regulators, local authorities, charities and senior stakeholders across Whitehall and Westminster. Developing and nurturing the small staff team and ensuring the organisation is commercially sustainable will also be key priorities.

Candidates will bring to the role a deep commitment to improving the experience of children in residential care and ideally a knowledge of policy and practice in the sector. ICHA is looking for someone with proven strategic and operational leadership experience, effective communication and influencing skills and the personal energy and drive to run a small organisation.  The role will be predominantly home based, with travel required throughout the UK.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the ICHA on this appointment.  For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference JABATA. Applications should be received by noon on Thursday 11th October 2018.