REDCAN Development Director

REDCAN is a collaboration of eight regional eating disorders charities. Our goal is to deliver expert-by-experience eating disorder services closer to those in need. For many years, people affected by eating disorders (EDs) have struggled to access specialist support. The sector faces numerous challenges, including inadequate funding, lack of understanding of EDs, and a 'postcode lottery' for both VCSE and NHS services. This restricts the availability and quality of services, leaving many service users without the support they need, and allowing their ED to escalate and become entrenched. Systemic change is necessary to address these issues effectively. REDCAN seeks to address these challenges and strengthen the VCSE eating disorder sector so everyone can access specialist support when they need it, and the profound impact of eating disorders on individuals and their families is reduced.

REDCAN seeks a Development Director to accelerate and amplify the impact of the Network to ensure more individuals and their families can receive our evidence-based care and support closer to where they live and work. The Development Director will:

• establish a collective vision, and agree objectives and a strategy for REDCAN
• facilitate the ongoing sharing of information, knowledge and tools between REDCAN members
• support members in meeting the immediate challenges of growing demand

Main responsibilities

• Meet with each REDCAN network member and map their services, challenges, priorities and ambitions.
• Give an objective assessment of each member's strengths and weaknesses and how REDCAN can support their development.
• Plan and deliver face to face planning days to co-develop a vision, aims and strategy for REDCAN.
• Establish Terms of Reference including expectations of members.
• Facilitate regular meetings to share information, knowledge and tools between members (CEOs, clinical, fundraising)
• Support individual members with immediate challenges by
  • Connecting them to other REDCAN members with relevant experience and expertise
  • Researching sources of funding & support suitable for REDCAN members
  • Finding and sharing examples of best practice between members

• Mapping potential partners / funders for the future and opening conversations with them

This role requires someone who can shape the network's ambitions into a strategy for REDCAN, with excellent project management skills and the ability to balance multiple strands of work. You will also need to be a strong strategic thinker, able to build connections across the network and with potential partners, and take advantage of new opportunities as REDCAN develops.

REDCAN has secured 9 months funding for this post, which is an opportunity to invest in the development of the network and secure funding for its ongoing development from existing and new partners. You'll need to be a natural collaborator with a track record of bringing diverse partners together to develop and achieve shared goals. You will also be someone who can bring their own ideas to help develop the future ambition and resourcing of this work. The post will be hosted by SWEDA, a member of the network supporting people with eating disorders across the South & West. The CEOs of the REDCAN network will direct and oversee the role while SWEDA will provide infrastructure, day to day supervision and support.

If you're interested in the role, we just need you to send us your CV, together with a covering letter (no more than two sides of A4) that explains how your skills, experience and knowledge make you the right person for this role.

If you would like an informal chat about this role before putting in your application, please contact and we will arrange a suitable time for a member of the team or the REDCAN network to speak with you.

The deadline for getting your application to us is midday on the 3rd February.