​​For nearly 50 years, Solace Women’s Aid has worked to end the harm done through violence and abuse. As the largest provider for survivors of male violence against women and girls (MVAWG) in London, and one of the largest in the country, they support more than 30,000 people a year and their turnover is around £16m.

Solace saw a sharp increase in the need for their services during lockdowns, and since the pandemic, times have got harder and harder for women and children. Worryingly, pressures on the cost of living and other structural factors mean that the indicators are not looking good for the next few years.

As a result, there’s never been a more important time to join Solace as their Chief Executive. This is a fabulous opportunity for a woman who can see the extraordinary potential for Solace – not only in supporting survivors of violence and abuse, but increasingly by working in partnership with the wider sector to reduce and prevent MVAWG. It’s an ambition they take very seriously, and they need an impressive leader who will strive, lead and inspire others to drive forward this ambition.

You’ll be at the point in your career where you’ve led (or been close to the leadership of) a mid-size or large organisation, probably within the sector. As well as the full professional repertoire (strategy, finance, fundraising, governance, people and operations), you will have developed a strongly values-based, feminist philosophy of service provision. A total commitment to intersectionality and inclusion is essential, and you’ll bring a track record of leading complex change processes with emotional intelligence and a generous, reflective and person-centred approach. Personally resilient, and adept at building and sustaining partnerships and coalitions, you’ll grasp the scale of our influence and potential, and will have the pragmatic, collaborative skillset needed to realise it.

Solace values diversity, promotes equality and challenges discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from women of all backgrounds. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and is open to women only (exempt under the Equality Act 2010).

To find out more, please visit www.solacewa-ceo.co.uk.

For a confidential, informal conversation, please contact Cadence Partners at solacewa-ceo@cadencepartners.co.uk.

If you require candidate materials in an alternative format, please request these at your initial contact.