It is with excitement and eager anticipation that I extend a warm welcome on behalf of Upbeat Communities. We are delighted that you are considering the role of Chief Executive Officer at this key moment in our journey.
Our current CEO, Andrew Jackson, has decided to step down after 7 highly effective and successful years to pursue other interests. Andrew leaves behind a significant legacy and much scope for the future.
We are a creative, innovative and ambitious charity, focused on empowering refugees to thrive as they rebuild their lives in the UK. Our mission is rooted in hope, inclusion, and transformation—principles that have driven us for almost 20 years.
Our name reflects our ongoing vision to see thriving, positive communities, where every refugee can contribute and make the most of their opportunities. We continually strive to hear the voice of the people we work with, to better understand the challenges they are facing, and to learn from them how best to meet their needs.
Founded in 2005, Upbeat Communities has become one of the East Midland’s largest refugee charities, supporting over 1,500 people (and growing) each year, as they integrate into their new lives in the UK.
Our work was initially developed in response to the needs of refugees arriving in the UK, and the stories they shared of previous lives and often perilous journeys. Through building strong relationships with those from refugee communities, we were able to meet those needs and identify the best ways to respond.
We consider Derby to be our home, but we do work across the region, focusing on 4 key areas – welcome, integration, empowerment and awareness. We provide a range of tailored services for those seeking sanctuary in the East Midlands, as well as wider community engagement initiatives.
Upbeat Communities’ Christian ethos is the motivation for our work, but we support people whatever their faith, religion or beliefs, and have a staff and volunteer team made up of people of all faiths, or none.
We are currently progressing our 10-year strategy, with the focus on innovative and sustainable approaches to refugee support in Derby and beyond. We demonstrate compassionate, people -centred support, ensuring those with lived experience of forced migration shape our work. Our creative income generating strategies ensure impact for the long term.
As we look to the future, we seek a leader who shares our passion for empowering displaced people and strengthening communities. This is an opportunity to build on the remarkable work that has already been done, whilst shaping the next chapter of our story. We are looking for someone with vision, compassion, leadership skills and the strategic acumen to build confidence in an ever-changing landscape.
You will be joining an amazingly dedicated and talented team, supported by an engaged board of trustees, together with a vibrant community of partners, beneficiaries and supporters. Together, we can continue to innovate, advocate, and create spaces of belonging and opportunity for those who need them most.
If you are inspired by our mission and feel called to lead with purpose, we encourage you to explore the CEO role further. We look forward to meeting you and discovering how your experience, values, and leadership abilities can help shape the future of Upbeat Communities and the people we serve.
Dave Priestley
Chair of Trustees