Chief Executive Officer

Invest Impactly; City of London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading non-profit organization in the United Kingdom is seeking a Chief Executive Officer to drive the mission of enhancing social value standards. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership experience, a proven track record in income generation, and a deep understanding of social value or ESG practices. This role offers a competitive salary, hybrid work flexibility, and the opportunity to engage with diverse stakeholders across various sectors.

Benefits

Competitive salary with review after the first year

Hybrid work environment

Engagement with diverse stakeholders

Qualifications

• Proven senior leadership in standards, accreditation, or membership-based organization.
• Strong record of income generation and business development.
• Deep understanding of social value or ESG practices.

Responsibilities

• Translate ISV’s vision into a practical program of standards, accreditation, and membership.
• Lead refinement of ISV’s business model for balanced growth.
• Oversee high-quality training and CPD.

Skills

Leadership in standards and accreditation

Income generation

Stakeholder management

Understanding of social value or ESG practices

Job description

About Institute for Social Value

The Institute for Social Value (ISV) is a prominent non‑profit organization dedicated to advancing social value in the United Kingdom. The organization serves as an independent entity, fostering standards and professionalism within a fragmented sector influenced by varying definitions and commercial interests. Since its formation, ISV has successfully brought together leaders across government, business, and civil society to unite forces towards clear, credible, and impactful social value practices. The Institute is instrumental in convening working groups comprised of practitioners, commissioners, and academics to co‑create standards, learning paths, and integrity mechanisms. Its mission extends towards setting the UK as an international leader in social value through collaborations with entities like Social Value International, HACT, and the Social Value Portal. The ISV maintains its independence, ensuring the integrity and evidence‑based development of social value frameworks.

About this Role

The Institute for Social Value is embarking on an exciting new phase and seeks a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead this journey. This role involves leading the consolidation of social value standards, growing membership and partnerships, and amplifying professional practices across various sectors. The successful candidate will convert existing goodwill into a clear, sustainable offer while stewarding a capable team and engaging with an active Board and working groups. The role involves strategic leadership focused on translating ISV’s mission into practical programs, leading the refinement of business models, and aligning UK standards with international practices. The CEO will ensure financial stability, oversee training and pathways for accreditation, and represent ISV in public arenas, advocating for professionalism in social value across policy and procurement landscapes.

Responsibilities

• Translate ISV’s vision into a practical program of standards, accreditation, and membership.
• Shape positioning away from general advocacy towards standards and professionalisation.
• Lead refinement of ISV’s business model for balanced growth.
• Finalize and launch a Social Value Standards Framework.
• Design and implement accreditation pathways.
• Grow membership base focusing on long‑term organizational members.
• Oversee high‑quality training and CPD.
• Work closely with working groups to co‑design standards and policies.
• Lead a high‑performing team ensuring financial management and governance.

Requirements

• Proven senior leadership in standards, accreditation, or membership‑based organization.
• Strong record of income generation and business development.
• Deep understanding of social value or ESG practices.
• Ability to define organizational identity and focus.
• Excellent stakeholder‑management and influencing skills.
• Experience working with a non‑executive board or similar governance body.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with review after the first year.
• Hybrid work environment with remote flexibility.
• Opportunity to lead a respected organization in a crucial sector.
• Engage with a diverse group of stakeholders across various industries.