Chief Executive Officer
Circa £50,000
Edinburgh / Hybrid with flexible arrangements
More information on the role and Easy Read documents please view our dedicated recruitment microsite at:
Disability Equality Scotland (DES) is a membership organisation representing a broad and diverse community across Scotland. Through engagement, consultation and influencing activity, DES ensures disabled people’s voices shape policy and practice at national level.
The organisation works collaboratively across sectors and is recognised as a constructive and influential voice within Scotland’s disability landscape.
The Role
Disability Equality Scotland (DES) is entering an exciting new phase and is seeking an ambitious and strategic Chief Executive Officer to build on the organisation’s significant progress and national influence.
Over recent years, DES has strengthened its position as one of Scotland’s leading disability organisations, with a strong and engaged membership base, established partnerships and secure funding in place. The organisation is now looking for a confident and connected leader who can shape its next stage of development and further amplify its voice at a national level.
Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive will provide strategic leadership across the organisation, ensuring strong governance, financial stewardship and continued impact.
The Opportunity
This is a high-profile leadership role with responsibility for:
1. Providing clear strategic direction and delivering the organisation’s vision and business plans
2. Acting as principal ambassador and spokesperson for DES
3. Influencing policy and building constructive relationships with Scottish Government, partners, funders and stakeholders
4. Leading a senior management team and fostering a culture of professionalism, inclusion and accountability
5. Ensuring robust financial management across a circa £500k turnover organisation
6. Supporting a period of organisational development and structural refinement
7. Working closely with the Board to ensure strong governance, compliance and risk management
DES is in a stable financial position, with secured funding in place for the current and forthcoming year. This provides a strong platform from which the next CEO can focus on strategic growth, innovation and long-term sustainability.
The Person
The Board is seeking a credible and inspiring leader who can operate confidently at a national level.
You will bring:
8. Significant senior leadership experience within a charity, not-for-profit or aligned environment
9. A strong track record of working effectively with a Board
10. Strategic thinking combined with the ability to deliver operationally
11. Financial literacy and experience of organisational budget oversight
12. Experience influencing policy and engaging constructively with government and sector partners
13. Excellent public speaking and communication skills
14. A collaborative mindset – someone who sees partnership, not competition, as key to progress
15. A clear commitment to advancing disability equality in Scotland
Knowledge of Scottish policy development, equality and human rights legislation, accessibility principles and community engagement will be highly valuable.
Lived experience of disability is particularly welcomed (although not essential), as is experience within membership-based organisations.
Commitment to Accessibility and Inclusion
DES is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and actively welcomes applications from disabled people and individuals from all backgrounds. We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is accessible. Adjustments are available at every stage, please advise us of any requirements.
For a confidential discussion,