Chief Executive

Magistrates' Association

Hours
35 hours per week

Salary
£68,000 - £80,000 per year

About the Organisation

Magistrates’ Association is the membership organisation for magistrates in England and Wales. Magistrates are the backbone of our justice system, and we’re the only independent organisation that supports, champions, and advocates for them. One of the ways we do this is by sharing our members’ stories and achievements, as well as their concerns and issues, with key decision makers, the media, and the wider public.

About the role

The chief executive is responsible for the day-to-day management of the MA. The post is responsible to the board of trustees for all operational functions, including developing and delivering the work programme, financial planning and financial management, staffing, and internal and external communications. This post is responsible for advising the board of trustees and for carrying out all functions set out in the scheme of delegation. The chief executive is also responsible for all legal and financial matters, including statutory reporting.

Responsibilities

Strategy and Management:

• Working with the board of trustees to set the MA’s strategic direction and to ensure that the organisation is run effectively.
• Managing the organisation to ensure the delivery of organisational priorities, including ensuring the delivery of annual work plans.
• Leading and developing the staff team, in line with the MA’s objectives.
• Working with the MA’s treasurer and director of finance and resources to develop the MA’s financial strategy and annual budget, ensuring that resources are aligned with the organisation’s priorities, and that financial management and reporting are robust and fit for purpose.

Membership and Development:

• Leading the development and execution of a membership recruitment and retention strategy.
• Identifying opportunities to develop the MA’s portfolio of work, reach and influence, and developing and implementing plans to capitalise on these opportunities.
• Undertaking fundraising activity and leading the MA’s work to increase and diversify its income.

Relationships and Profile:

• Overseeing the work to grow the MA’s membership and increase the levels of member engagement.
• Fostering positive relationships with the MA’s membership, including attending and speaking at local and national events for MA members.
• Building and managing effective relationships with the MA’s key stakeholders, including in the Ministry of Justice, HM Courts and Tribunals Service, and the Judicial Office.
• Promoting the MA and the magistracy in the media, online, and at events.

Governance, Equality & Diversity:

• Providing advice and support to the board of trustees to enable appropriate governance of the charity.
• Ensuring the development of an inclusive culture across the MA that respects and promotes diversity across the organisation and in the wider magistracy.

Skills, Competencies & Experience

Essential:

• Proven ability to provide strategic leadership in a senior management role
• Track record in developing and implementing organisational strategy
• Strong competence in business planning, financial management, and budget control
• Evidence of success in growing membership/sales/income
• Experience in leading major projects to achieve organisational objectives
• Skilled in managing change and improving service delivery
• Experience in building, motivating, and developing high-performing teams
• Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills
• Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills to resolve complex issues constructively
• Ability to deliver high-quality work under pressure and to tight deadlines
• Skilled at building and maintaining effective relationships with trustees, staff, members, and external partners
• Self-motivated, with initiative and drive to achieve results
• Flexible and creative, able to generate realistic and innovative solutions
• Clear commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion
• Alignment with the aims and objectives of the MA
• Ability to influence and establish credibility with senior stakeholders, including government, judiciary, and media
• Experience as a spokesperson or media representative for an organisation
• Experience in supporting and advising a board of trustees and ensuring good governance
• Understanding of the charity sector and its operating environment

Desirable:

• Knowledge of the magistracy and the wider criminal justice system
• Experience working within a membership organisation

Compensation & Benefits

• 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays
• Enhanced employer pension contributions of 10% of salary when employee contributions are at least 5%
• Season ticket loan and cycle-to-work scheme
• Employee assistance programme
• Enhanced sickness and maternity policies
• Probationary period of three months
• Volunteering days
• The opportunity to be involved in high-profile policy work within a small, supportive, and dynamic team

Conditions of employment

• You must have the right to work in the UK

Working locations

• 10A Flagstaff House, St George Wharf, London, SW8 2LE
• Occasional travel, weekend working, and overnight stays.

How to apply

• Please forward the following to [email protected] by 9 am on Monday, 27th October 2025.
  • Your CV (max. three sides of A4)
  • A supporting statement (max. three sides of A4) that sets out why you think this role is the right move for you and how you meet the criteria in the person specification
• If you have questions about the role or the recruitment process, please contact the MA’s chief executive, Tom Franklin, at [email protected] to discuss the position informally.
• If you are not available on the interview dates, please let us know when you submit your application.

Interviews

• Shortlisted candidates contacted by w/c 3rd November
• First stage interviews w/c 10th November
• Final candidates meet with staff w/c 17th November
• Second stage interviews w/c 1st and 8th December

Policies

The Magistrates’ Association is committed to promoting equality and diversity within our workforce and eliminating all forms of discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative of all sections of society and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. As we focus on becoming an organisation that more closely reflects the society we live in, we especially welcome applications from underrepresented groups.

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