Chief Executive Officer

About Institute for Social Value

The Institute for Social Value (ISV) is a prominent non profit organization dedicated to advancing social value in the United Kingdom. The organization serves as an independent entity, fostering standards and professionalism within a fragmented sector influenced by varying definitions and commercial interests. Since its formation, ISV has successfully brought together leaders across government, business, and civil society to unite forces towards clear, credible, and impactful social value practices. The Institute is instrumental in convening working groups comprised of practitioners, commissioners, and academics to co create standards, learning paths, and integrity mechanisms. Its mission extends towards setting the UK as an international leader in social value through collaborations with entities like Social Value International, HACT, and the Social Value Portal. The ISV maintains its independence, ensuring the integrity and evidence based development of social value frameworks.

About this Role

The Institute for Social Value is embarking on an exciting new phase and seeks a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead this journey. This role involves leading the consolidation of social value standards, growing membership and partnerships, and amplifying professional practices across various sectors. The successful candidate will convert existing goodwill into a clear, sustainable offer while stewarding a capable team and engaging with an active Board and working groups. The role involves strategic leadership focused on translating ISV's mission into practical programs, leading the refinement of business models, and aligning UK standards with international practices. The CEO will ensure financial stability, oversee training and pathways for accreditation, and represent ISV in public arenas, advocating for professionalism in social value across policy and procurement landscapes.

Responsibilities

• Translate ISV's vision into a practical program of standards, accreditation, and membership.
• Shape positioning away from general advocacy towards standards and professionalisation.
• Lead refinement of ISV's business model for balanced growth.
• Finalize and launch a Social Value Standards Framework.
• Design and implement accreditation pathways.
• Grow membership base focusing on long term organisational members.
• Oversee high quality training and CPD.
• Work closely with working groups to co design standards and policies.
• Lead a high performing team ensuring financial management and governance.

Requirements

• Proven senior leadership in standards, accreditation, or membership based organisation.
• Strong record of income generation and business development.
• Deep understanding of social value or ESG practices.
• Ability to define organisational identity and focus.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Experience working with a non executive board or similar governance body.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with review after the first year.
• Hybrid work environment with remote flexibility.
• Opportunity to lead a respected organisation in a crucial sector.
• Engage with a diverse group of stakeholders across various industries.