The Trustees of the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (Princess Royal’s Volunteer Corps) (FANY(PRVC)) are seeking a new Commanding Officer.
This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of one of the UK’s most historic and extraordinary volunteer organisations, with a legacy of courage, service and resilience stretching back more than a century.
As Commanding Officer, you’ll lead a highly trained, all‑female rapid‑response Corps that deploys in support of a broad range of organisations across government, military and charity sectors.
See the job description information below for further details and how to apply.
Job title: Commanding Officer
Organisation: First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (Princess Royal’s Volunteer Corps)
Location: Wellington Barracks, Westminster, London & from home
Job type: Part-time 3 days per week plus evenings and weekends as required
Remuneration: £45,000 for the 3 days (£75,000 per annum pro rata) plus pension and benefits
Appointment: Initial appointment for 3 years with potential to extend to 5 years. Subject to SC vetting
CLOSING DATE: 4 MAY 2026
Start date: 1st October 2026
The organisation:
The FANY (PRVC) is a registered charity that directly contributes to national resilience by maintaining and deploying multi-faceted rapid response teams in support of civil and military organisations in times of crisis. FANYs train every week and are on call 24/7, 365 days a year to deploy in support of partner organisations including (but not limited to) the army, three police forces and local and national government. The Corps also deploys in support of non-emergency operations and routinely assists partner organisations with training. Founded in 1907, the FANY (PRVC) is an all-female voluntary association headquartered in London and, at any one time, is made up of circa 150 resourceful and unique women. There is also a large network of associate members who are no longer active, but who wish to remain connected.
Purpose of the role:
The CO acts as the Chief Executive of the Corps, responsible for providing the leadership required to ensure the Corps fulfils its commitments. They are the senior representative of the FANY ensuring the Corps is known and understood by those it supports and works alongside. The CO provides the operational oversight, volunteer management, and ensures that the Corps fulfils its charitable objectives as determined by the Trustees. The CO is responsible for ensuring the Corps continues to deliver with professionalism, credibility and readiness in an increasingly volatile and complex threat environment.
Key responsibilities
- Assisting the Trustee Board to set the strategic direction of the Corps
- Contributing to and delivering the strategic priorities of the Trustee Board
- Reporting and provide updates to the Trustee Board
- Leading, inspiring and sustaining a committed, high performing volunteer Corps
- Representing the FANY and liaison at senior levels across military, police, civic and charitable sectors
- Maintaining a close working relationship with Headquarters London District, the affiliated Military Headquarters for the Corps
- Oversight of training, deployment readiness, and operational planning
- Ensuring effective governance, reporting, and sound financial accountability
- Building and sustaining strategic relationships, networks and fundraising activity
- Leading and managing the employed Headquarters staff and volunteer officers of the Corps
- Overseeing the general administration and routine tasks of the Corps
Personal Specification
Essential criteria Leadership & Management
- Experience of working with Defence, Police or emergency services
- Proven ability to lead, manage and motivate teams in complex or high‑pressure environments
- Experience with voluntary and/or charitable organisations
- Proven ability to manage and influence senior stakeholders
- Strong decision-making abilities, including during uncertain or challenging circumstances
- Ability to influence strategic direction and translate it into operational delivery
Communication & Interpersonal Skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication
- Confident public speaking
- Ability to engage with individuals at all levels
- Skilled at managing sensitive conversations
- Strong mediation and conflict‑resolution skills
- Active, empathetic listening
Governance & Financial Acumen
- Experience of governance frameworks and structures
- Experience of budgetary oversight and financial planning
Judgement & Professionalism
- Demonstrate sound judgement, integrity and fairness
- Ability to remain calm and clear-headed under pressure
- Discretion and respect for confidentiality
- Experience of representing an organisation and networking in high‑profile settings
Desirable criteria
- Previous military or police/blue light service
- Experience in crisis management or incident response
- Experience overseeing organisational or IT change projects
- Ambassadorial or public‑facing experience
- Understanding of London civic structures
- Understanding of the City of London Livery companies
- Exposure to fundraising within the charitable sector
Aligning Values & Personal Qualities with the FANY values
- Selfless commitment
- Loyalty
- Integrity
- Discipline
- Respect for Others
- Sense of Humour
The commitment/Practical requirements:
This is a three-year appointment, based on a three-day working week. Attendance at our Westminster HQ is required on most Wednesdays for daytime business and members’ training evenings. The remaining two days – typically Tuesday and Thursday – are worked flexibly, either in the office, from home, or attending external meetings and events. Availability is expected for meetings outside of normal work hours to fit in with Corps volunteers’ schedules. The role also requires availability for a minimum of two weekends and two Saturdays per year, and on average an additional two evenings per month for partnership and social engagements.
In addition, the CO must be prepared to be available during emergency and nationally significant deployments, including Remembrance Sunday at the Cenotaph. It is advisable that the CO undertake the Corps First Aid qualification (if an equivalent is not already held) and potentially other relevant FANY training subject to prior experience.
The support and reporting lines:
The CO is accountable to the Trustee Board for the efficient and effective running of the Corps and is subject to an annual review. Trustees have a range of skills that can be drawn on to support the CO. Trustee meetings are held four times a year at which the CO reports to the board.
The CO is supported by four other part-time paid roles: Chief of Staff, Operations Officer, Membership Officer and Corps Secretary.
Members also take on a range of roles such as Communications, Training, Finance etc. There is a Regimental Board (Senior Leadership Team), made up of senior members, that meets four times a year and helps the CO to run the Corps.
For further information:
- The website www.fany.org.uk gives an overview of the Corps’ illustrious history as well as its current activities.
- Our podcast ‘Hello you, this is me’ includes interviews of previous FANY COs by our current CO.
- An insightful article on the FANY written last year: ‘Grit with Grace’.
The outgoing CO, Lisa Giles, will be holding an informal discussion about the role and the Corps for those interested in applying. This will be held online on the evening of 20th April, for joining instructions please email info@fany.org.uk.
How to apply:
- Interested candidates should email their application to info@fany.org.uk. This should include:
- Your CV
- A short statement of no more than 500 words explaining your interest in the role and giving reasons with supporting evidence as to why you believe you have the skills and experience required.
- Those shortlisted will be invited:
- To the FANY for a training evening to meet members of the FANY, and HQ employees, see our HQ at Wellington Barracks on 10 June from 18.00hrs
- To a selection event to present to a small group between 11 and 16 June
- To a final interview with a panel of trustees between 11 and 16 June
Closing date for applications: midnight 4 May 2026
