Head of Foundation

Oliver Cookson Foundation: Head of Foundation   Empowering communities. Saving lives. The Oliver Cookson Foundation (OCF) is seeking an exceptional Head of Foundation to lead the next phase of growth for Cookson First Aid, a proven life-saving charity that has already trained over 23,000 people in essential first aid skills. This is a unique opportunity for […]

Oliver Cookson Foundation: Head of Foundation  

Empowering communities. Saving lives.

The Oliver Cookson Foundation (OCF) is seeking an exceptional Head of Foundation to lead the next phase of growth for Cookson First Aid, a proven life-saving charity that has already trained over 23,000 people in essential first aid skills.

This is a unique opportunity for a strategic, execution-focused leader to build on strong foundations and drive both national expansion and the development of a new digital platform to take the programme global.

You’ll work directly with founder Oliver Cookson, translating his vision into operational excellence, and ensuring every element, from governance and delivery to digital innovation, runs with precision, transparency, and impact.

The Head of Foundation will:

• Lead national operations of Cookson First Aid, ensuring high-quality, free training reaches more communities across the UK.
• Implement the Foundation’s digital expansion plan, building a scalable model for online learning and global outreach.
• Strengthen governance, compliance, and funding structures, working closely with the Trustee Board.
• Develop and empower a small, high-performing team (c.5 people) to deliver ambitious goals with clarity and accountability.
• Represent the Foundation externally with partners, media, and government to build sustainable strategic relationships.

What We’re Looking For:

• A proven charity or social impact leader with a track record of turning strategy into results.
• Strong operational, financial, and people management skills.
• Experience scaling programmes, ideally including digital transformation or online education initiatives.
• A collaborative leader who thrives in a fast-moving, founder-led environment, bringing structure, accountability, and calm under pressure.
• Passion for social impact and the belief that first aid should be free and accessible for everyone.

Reporting to: Chair of the Trustee board.

Location: Manchester/National.

Team Management: Overseeing a team of approximately 5 employees.