Job Context

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The Queen's Commonwealth Trust ("QCT") has been established in perpetuity in recognition of The Queen's lifetime of service to the Commonwealth and her belief in young people as a force for good.  It counts senior members of the Royal Family among its stakeholders. QCT promotes, funds and supports, for charitable purposes, young social entrepreneurs, change-makers and philanthropists across the Commonwealth making a practical difference to improve the lives of those around them. It is operating with partners based world-wide and has grown rapidly in just one year. It is still an early stage start-up so resources are lean and the pace is fast. The Senior Management Team ("SMT") work collaboratively, entirely aligned behind the mission. The success of the organisation depends on its founding leaders and the COO plays a key role. 

 

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Job Purpose

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The COO is accountable for the day to day operational control of QCT, particularly for delivery of the annual operating plan. The potential is enormous and this role is highly likely to grow in time as the organisation evolves. The COO runs the business and is responsible for identifying, shaping, implementing and strengthening the organisation’s policies, processes and infrastructure to support QCT's growth. The COO will work collaboratively with the senior leadership team in the development of strategy and the future direction of QCT.

 

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Responsibilities

 

• Enable the Board to have clear oversight and control of the operation of QCT through an effective system of governance and delegated authority;

• Lead the secretariat to the Board and Senior Management Team, ensuring effective agendas, timely circulation of papers and minutes and follow-through of actions;

• Create and deliver a business plan and financial strategy, robust and effective financial control framework to include areas of required investment, KPIs and milestones;

• Ensure the provision of regular, accurate, timely information to the Board, including accurate and timely management accounts, covering key indicators of the organisation’s impact, financial health and the risk environment;

• Accountable for the overall risk management framework, including safeguarding, grant-making, due diligence, insurance, health and safety, and GDPR;

• Oversee and ensure effective operation of the Customer Relationship Management system;

• Ensure the organisation has effective systems in place in relation to all HR, remuneration and talent development matters;

• Manage all administrative matters in relation to the office: (payroll, preparation of VAT, accounts, etc) in conjunction with the Head of Administration;

• Lead the external audit and produce the Annual Report and Accounts;

• Oversee all legal matters and act as Company Secretary;

• Ensure ongoing maintenance and update of information systems and security;

 

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Person Specification

 

Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience

• Educated to degree level (or equivalent) with proven previous experience in a leadership role;

• Proven experience in developing and implementing strategy;

• Qualified Accountant with understanding and experience of strategic risk management and internal controls;

• Experience of charitable accounting desirable but not essential;

• Proven experience at Board level and ability to work in collaboration with Trustees and colleagues;

• Self-motivated, pro-active and able to use own initiative and work as part of a team;

• Proven ability to work under pressure, prioritise workload, and meet tight deadlines;

• Creative approach to work, with the ability to develop innovative solutions and use initiative in problem solving;

• Excellent interpersonal, advocacy and communication skills, written and oral.

 

Technical Competencies

• Excellent IT skills with a thorough knowledge of MS Office packages and accurate typing skills

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Additional Information

 

The organisation has an agile working policy although the COO will be expected to be office based at least 3 days a week. The role is full-time. Standard working hours are 9:00 to 17:00 although reasonable flexibility is required in order to ensure core objectives are achieved. 

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