Dear applicant
I am delighted that you are considering the role of Executive Director for UK Operations at the British Red Cross. We are at an exciting moment as we look ahead to implementing our bold Strategy 2030. This is a crucial senior leadership position which provides the opportunity to shape the direction of our UK services and to ensure we are fit for the future.
The British Red Cross has nearly 4000 staff and 18000 volunteers of which respectively 2400 and 9000 are in the UK Operations Directorate. Our organisation is diverse, complex, and ever changing: responding to crises where the need is greatest. We have all the advantages and disadvantages of being around for over 150 years. We have one of the best-known brands in the world and are part of the largest humanitarian network. We are a leading player in supporting people in crisis in the UK and globally. But as the Covid19 pandemic experience has shown, these are the most challenging of times. We are asked to change and adapt as quickly as needs require and technology enables. This is true for the organisation as a whole and the UK Operations directorate.
As a member of my Executive Leadership Team, the Executive Director for UK Operations as all Executive Directors has three types of accountabilities: for overall delivery of our mission and corporate strategic objectives; portfolio accountability for at least one cross-cutting agenda, from climate to keeping people safe; and responsibility for the well-being and performance of the directorate. The successful candidate for this role will have extensive organisational and programme leadership experience in both the field and head office combined with deep insight into the great humanitarian issues of our time.
This will be combined with the ability to influence at the highest levels of government and other partners. We are looking for a candidate who is a practised leader of people and developer of dispersed teams nationwide. The British Red Cross has been in a period of constant evolution which must continue, particularly given the pace of external change and the competitiveness of the funding environment. Therefore, clarity of vision, business acumen, and programme development ambition together with the ability to manage change, performance and risk will all be requirements.
The new Executive Director for UK Operations will orchestrate this work to ensure that we are there for the people who need us the most. The successful candidate will also act as a partner to me as Chief Executive, to the Executive Leadership Team colleagues and to our Board of Trustees.
It goes without saying that the successful candidate will share a commitment to our Fundamental Principles, humanitarian purpose and organisational values. If this sounds like you and you share my commitment to an inclusive, compassionate, courageous and dynamic organisation, we look forward to receiving your application.
Best wishes,
Mike Adamson
Chief Executive