The Attachment Research Community (ARC) is a charitable organisation (Charity Number 1172378) set up in 2017 by Virtual School Heads, School Leaders, Educational Psychologists, Training Organisations and Multi Academy Trusts, with a mission for:

‘Every school to be attachment and trauma aware’

ARC’s purpose is to support all schools and education settings to be attachment and trauma aware in their practice, for the benefit of all members of the learning community and particularly the most vulnerable, by bringing together, sharing and celebrating best practice. There is a growing need to connect education with other professionals in social care, health and the criminal justice system and to position ARC at the centre of this work.

ARC’s Purpose/Mission is for

· All schools Attachment & Trauma Aware

· Supporting Schools to Become Attachment & Trauma Aware

· Enhancing Existing & Potential Collaborative Communities of Support

· Collating & Providing a National Platform for Research & Practice

· Helping to Provide & Extend a National Voice for Attachment & Trauma

Chief Executive Officer

We are seeking an exceptional Chief Executive Officer of ARC. In this role, you will play a vital part in maintaining and building strong and collaborative relationships with a diverse range of external and internal stakeholders including Virtual Schools, Local Authorities, Multi Academy Trusts, schools and other educational establishments, Social Care, Health partners, Violence Reduction Partnerships & Criminal Justice System professionals and other voluntary organisations, ensuring the development and enhancement of the Attachment Research Community.

We are at an exciting crossroads for the charity, so you will have the opportunity to contribute and shape the direction ARC takes in the coming years, working with the dedicated Board of Trustees and the ARC team. The role we are seeking a Chief Executive Officer to lead the next phase of our strategic plan driving growth in income, strengthening the organisational capability, and positioning the UK as a leader for education, health, criminal justice, social care and beyond. The successful candidate will provide overall leadership of The Attachment Research Community, with a primary focus on fundraising, external engagement, and partnering. This is a hands-on leadership role, requiring both strategic clarity and operational execution. The Chief Executive Officer will work closely with the chair and Board of Trustees.

This is an exciting opportunity for a leader to make a real and lasting change to the lives of many, and to lead beyond the organisation and influence attachment and trauma informed practice and research to a national and international level.

Contract

Salary: 24 months, Fixed Term (in the first instance), salaried role c£55k [plus bonuses] (subject to references, checks and probationary period)

Hours: 140 days per year. This will include at least three days per week in term time. Flexibility is required to deliver the role effectively, and we offer flexibility to the right candidate to structure their week appropriately.

Expenses & Benefits: Agreed travel expenses covered

Location: Hybrid Working

Start Date: 1st November 2026, or before/later by agreement

This job description is not an exhaustive list of all areas of responsibility, but summarises the key aspects, and it is our expectation that you take appropriate responsibility for some areas not listed here.

Pay: Up to £55,000.00 per year

Benefits: