Part-Time Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer

Commonwealth Heritage Forum

Lead a £12.26 million Commonwealth-wide heritage skills programme and shape the next chapter of an ambitious international charity.

Salary

£60,000 full-time equivalent; £48,000 actual salary for 30 hours per week

Hours

30 hours per week, normally over four days, with flexibility over working pattern

Location

Remote within the UK, with occasional UK and overseas travel

Contract

Three-year fixed-term employment contract, subject to a six-month probationary period

Reporting

To the Founder and Head during transition, then to the Chair of Trustees

Closing date

5.00pm BST, Monday 7 September 2026

Interviews

28-30 September 2026

Preferred start

Mid-November 2026, subject to the successful candidate's notice period

The opportunity

The Commonwealth Heritage Forum (CHF) is seeking a strategic and operational leader to deliver its 2026-2030 strategy, lead its flagship heritage skills programme and strengthen the charity's long-term sustainability.

This is a hands-on chief executive role. The successful candidate will combine credible heritage-sector leadership with rigorous programme delivery, financial oversight, governance, fundraising and relationship management. They will work with Trustees, the Founder and Head of CHF, funders, delivery partners and a small distributed team operating across the UK and the Commonwealth.

About the Commonwealth Heritage Forum

CHF is a membership organisation for people and organisations committed to conserving the built heritage of the Commonwealth. Guided by the Commonwealth Charter, it works with partners to raise awareness, share skills and expertise, support education and improve livelihoods. Its geographical remit includes the UK Overseas Territories.

CHF's Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Commonwealth Heritage Skills Training Programme was launched in 2022. Under the Commonwealth Coronation Agreement funded by The Vinehill Trust, the programme represents a total investment of £12.26 million and aims to train more than 3,500 young people in heritage skills in countries where capacity to address heritage at risk is limited.

What you will lead

• Delivery of CHF's 2026-2030 strategy and all aspects of the charity's work.
• Effective, timely and financially controlled delivery of the £12.26 million heritage skills training programme.
• CHF's relationship with The Vinehill Trust, including grant commitments, progress reporting and maintenance of funder confidence.
• Board reporting, charity governance, legal and regulatory compliance, risk management, budgets, payments, audit and annual accounts.
• A small remote team of employees and specialist consultants, with clear priorities, accountability and high standards of delivery.
• Partnerships with Commonwealth bodies, academic institutions, delivery partners, sector organisations and an active International Advisory Committee.
• A fundraising and income-diversification strategy, including sponsorship, partnerships, membership and other sustainable revenue streams.
• CHF's external profile, communications, media engagement, website, social media, lectures, newsletters and representation at selected events.

What you will bring

You will be able to demonstrate:

• Senior-level experience in the heritage sector and/or heritage skills training.
• Strong leadership and management experience, including working effectively with a Board, a founder and a distributed team.
• Strategic judgement combined with a demonstrable record of operational delivery to deadlines.
• Sound financial, budgetary, governance and risk-management capability.
• Experience of developing fundraising, partnerships or other income streams.
• Excellent organisational, systems, interpersonal, presentation and written communication skills.
• The independence, resilience and cultural awareness required to lead international work across varied operating environments.
• A clear commitment to the values and principles of the Commonwealth Charter.

The following would be advantageous:

• Overseas experience and broad cross-cultural awareness.
• Knowledge of the history and heritage of the Commonwealth and UK Overseas Territories.
• An established network in heritage, conservation, training or skills.
• Media, communications or public-engagement experience.

Terms and benefits

• £48,000 actual annual salary for 30 hours per week, based on a £60,000 full-time equivalent salary.
• 20 days' annual leave for the four-day working pattern, in addition to UK bank/public holidays.
• Employer pension provision.
• Flexible remote working within the UK.
• Reimbursement of approved travel and subsistence in line with CHF policy.
• The appointment will be for a fixed term of three years and will be subject to a six-month probationary period. Any renewal will be by mutual agreement and will not be automatic.
• Notice will be one month during the probationary period and three months thereafter.

How to apply

Applicants must be based in the UK and have the right to work in the UK.

Please download the full Job Description and Person Specification and the CEO Application Form from the vacancy page at www.commonwealthheritage.org.

Email the completed application form and a CV of no more than two sides of A4 to Francis Maude at fm@commonwealthheritage.org, using the subject line “CHF CEO application - [your name]”. A separate covering letter is not required.

Applications that exceed the stated word limits may not be considered.

The closing date is 5.00pm BST on Monday 7 September 2026.

Shortlisted candidates should keep 28, 29 and 30 September available. The selection process is expected to include a Trustee panel interview and a presentation and discussion with members of the CHF team.

Inclusive recruitment

CHF welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and is committed to a fair and accessible recruitment process. Reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled candidates and others who need them. Recruitment information will be handled in accordance with CHF's candidate privacy notice.

For more information about CHF, visit www.commonwealthheritage.org.

The final appointment will be subject to satisfactory references and confirmation of the right to work in the UK.

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