We are seeking an outstanding and empathetic leader to become the Chief Executive Officer of East Sussex Community Voice (ESCV), working with our directors, staff, and volunteers to further develop our organisation and make a real difference for people across East Sussex. As an ambitious Community Interest Company (CIC), we seek someone with strong leadership qualities who can ensure ESCV continues to be an effective and independent agent of local change, whilst diversifying and evolving our business.
Working pattern: Flexible, 28 to 35 hours per week We are open to discussing working patterns and welcome applications from candidates seeking substantial part-time or reduced full-time hours.
Salary: £52,000 to £55,000 per annum, pro-rata depending on agreed hours and experience, plus 6% employers pension contribution
Annual Leave: 26 days per year, plus Bank Holidays (pro-rata)
Contract duration: Permanent (subject to funding) Location: Hybrid working at the ESCV office in Eastbourne and remote working/working from home, with travel to other locations as required.
Since 2013, ESCV has enabled people in East Sussex to have their voices heard in the design, commissioning, and delivery of services by putting communities at the centre of everything we do. Our work includes delivering an award-winning Healthwatch, leading large-scale public engagement and community development projects, and hosting the East Sussex Voluntary, Community & Social Enterprise (VCSE) Sector Alliance. With imminent changes to Healthwatch and national legislation, we are entering a period of transformation.
We are looking for an experienced and inspiring leader who can guide our team through this change, someone who empowers others, builds confidence, and sustains a positive, collaborative culture. You will be a strategic thinker and relationship builder at a senior level, with a track record of delivering strategies, operational plans, and projects that achieve tangible outcomes. You will also bring excellent interpersonal skills, experience in leading high-performing teams, and the ability to manage staff effectively.
In addition, you will have experience managing and developing high-level relationships with key decision makers and demonstrate extensive knowledge of public engagement, the health and social care landscape, company governance, business development and income generation, and financial control. If you share our passion for empowering communities and want to lead a dedicated team making a real difference across East Sussex, we would be delighted to receive your application.
“East Sussex Community Voice is an Equal Opportunities and Diversity employer and welcomes candidates from all sections of the community.”
How to apply: For further details about this exciting opportunity and an application pack please visit www.escv.org.uk/work-with-us and download the Job Description/Person Specification for this post and follow the instructions posted. Applications require a CV and a personal statement (maximum of 500 words) and only applications with both will be reviewed. Please upload these via the ESCV job application link provided for the post you are applying for. If you require an application in another format, please do get in contact using the details below. In your personal statement please refer to the job description & person specification to tell us about any relevant skills and experience and why you are applying for the role.
Deadline for applications: Midnight on Sunday, 22nd February 2026
Interview date: Interviews will be held in the week commencing 2nd of March 2026 at the ESCV offices in Eastbourne.
Contact Us: If you wish to discuss this role further, please contact Veronica Kirwan, ESCV Chief Executive, via [email protected] or call 07794 100 291
For any further information or queries related to the application process please contact: Tahlia Lippett, Business Support Officer via [email protected] or call 07495 444 007.
