Chief Executive Officer

Why we’re needed

Across the UK, over 4 million children are currently living in poverty, driving increasing demand for essential items and support for families with young children. In 2024 alone, baby banks supported over 219,000 families, a 35% increase on the previous year.

And demand is outpacing supply. Many baby banks are being forced to turn families away.

Baby banks are community-led organisations that provide essential items such as clothing, nappies and equipment to families with young children experiencing poverty or crisis. They operate in diverse ways and often offer support and signposting in addition to the material goods, reflecting the needs of their local communities. Baby banks have grown rapidly over the past decade in response to rising levels of need. However, this growth has largely been organic and fragmented.

BBA exists to support, unite and advocate for baby banks: strengthening collective impact, unlocking national opportunities, and helping a fast-growing and diverse movement operate with greater voice, reach and resilience.

The Baby Bank Alliance (BBA) was co-founded by Purposeful Ventures, Save the Children UK, Little Village and the Bristol Baby Bank Network. Since its founding, BBA has built strong national partnerships, secured significant funding and goods for baby banks, and raised the profile of the sector through national media and corporate partnerships (including with organisations such as IKEA).

Currently incubated by Purposeful Ventures and Save the Children UK, BBA is now moving into its next phase: in Summer 2027 we will become an independent organisation and are on the journey to build the national recognition, scale and sustainability to meet growing need.

BBA continues to work closely with its co-founders and incubating partners, who are expected to remain important collaborators as the organisation transitions to independence.

The Opportunity

This is a rare opportunity to lead a high-impact organisation at a pivotal moment.

BBA’s achievements to date:

• A national member network of 256+ baby banks

• Current income of ~£1m, with clear ambition to grow significantly

• Grants of >£650k in unrestricted funding to members, with more to follow in Summer 2026

• Distribution of significant gift-in-kind: 13 electric vans; 326 laptops; >£400k worth of toiletries; hundreds of pieces of equipment like prams and high chairs; thousands of toys, nappies, and books

• National media coverage, including features in the Independent, a leading segment on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, plus coverage on BBC News, BBC Breakfast, the One Show, ITV Calendar News, Radio 5 Live, Times Radio and local BBC radio stations

• Confirmed and in-principle support commitments from key partners, including support expected through the current strategy period, providing a strong platform for growth

We are looking for a CEO who can:

• Secure major income and strategic partnerships

• Build BBA’s profile and credibility as the national voice of baby banks

• Lead the successful transition to independence and long-term sustainability

• Keep baby banks and the families they support at the heart of BBA’s work

Job Description

Initially, this role will be employed by Purposeful Ventures. Once BBA becomes independent, the CEO and other members of the BBA team will transfer to direct BBA employment under TUPE. Your terms and conditions of employment will remain unchanged.

What success looks like:

• Income growth: 50% increase in income by 2028, enabling increased funding to member baby banks and investment in BBA’s own capability and resilience.

• Public awareness: increased awareness of baby banks, driving stronger partnerships, broader public support and greater ability to unlock income and influence.

• Independence: a successful transition to an independent organisation in Summer 2027, retaining strong relationships with co-founders and incubating partners.

• Organisational leadership: a small but highly effective central team, operating in line with BBA’s principles and with the needs of baby banks at the heart of decision-making.

Purpose of the Role

The Chief Executive Officer will lead the Baby Bank Alliance through its transition to independence and into its next phase of growth.

This is a unique opportunity to shape a growing national organisation — building long-term sustainability, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring BBA can continue to support baby banks across the UK.

The role is externally focused, with a strong emphasis on growing income, building partnerships and raising BBA’s profile, alongside leading a small, committed team. Working closely with the co-founders and incubating partners, drawing on their expertise and networks, will remain crucial in the transition to independence and beyond.

Please download thefull job descriptionon the Purposeful Ventures website.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising & Income Growth

• Lead an ambitious approach to income growth, increasing and diversifying funding to support BBA’s long-term sustainability

• Build and secure high-value, multi-year partnerships across corporate, philanthropic and trust audiences

• Develop and manage a strong pipeline of opportunities, ensuring consistent progress from relationship-building to secured funding

• Oversee national funding and goods partnerships that unlock resources for baby banks at scale

Strategic Leadership & Independence

• Lead BBA’s transition from incubation to independence, shaping its future model, governance and direction

• Refine and deliver the organisation’s strategy, turning priorities into clear and achievable plans

• Ensure BBA has a clear and confident position within the child poverty and voluntary sector landscape

External Profile & Sector Leadership

• Build BBA’s reputation as the trusted national voice of baby banks

• Develop strong relationships with funders, partners, government and sector organisations

• Represent BBA externally, helping to grow awareness of baby banks and the role they play in supporting families

Governance & Board Partnership

• Work closely with the Chair and Board to ensure strong governance and accountability

• Support the Board’s development as BBA becomes independent

• Provide clear and useful insight to support good decision-making

Organisational Leadership & Delivery

• Provide clear, values-led leadership, creating a supportive and collaborative culture

• Work closely with the Exec Lead to ensure continuity and strong delivery during the transition period

• Put in place the systems, structures and ways of working needed for a growing organisation

Safeguarding, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

• Ensure safeguarding is appropriately embedded in BBA’s work, with clear oversight and proportionate approaches

• Champion equity, diversity and inclusion in how BBA works internally and supports baby banks across the UK

Financial Stewardship

• Hold overall responsibility for BBA’s financial sustainability

• Oversee budgeting, financial planning and resource allocation

• Ensure funds are used effectively to deliver the greatest possible impact

Person Specification

Essential Experience

• Senior leadership experience (CEO, Director or equivalent) within a charity or social impact organisation

• A strong track record of securing funding and building partnerships

• Experience of working with Boards and leading organisational growth or change

• Experience in child poverty, family support, community-based services, membership or network organisations, or closely related fields

Essential Skills & Attributes

• Strong strategic thinking with a practical, delivery-focused approach

• Confident and credible communicator, able to represent BBA externally

• Strong relationship builder, comfortable working across different stakeholders

• Strong financial acumen, with experience in leading budgeting, forecasting and strategic decision making

• Comfortable working in a developing organisation and able to bring structure, clarity and pace

• Collaborative, values-led leadership style

• Motivated by the impact of baby banks and the families they support

Desirable

• Experience of organisational spin-out or transition to independence

• Experience within a membership or network organisation

• Experience working in or alongside baby banks