The project
Wandsworth Oasis is a South London-based charity with a unique dual model: operating a network of charity shops to generate income while providing vital funding and support to people living with HIV. Since 1989, the organisation has raised millions for HIV-related projects and services, combining grassroots fundraising with community-led impact.
Charity People helped Wandsworth Oasis recruit a Chief Executive Officer.
Our approach
When Wandsworth Oasis began the search for a new Chief Executive, the board recognised the need for a leader who could navigate the charity’s unique dual structure combining retail operations with strategic grant-making, while also bringing fresh perspective and long-term vision.
Charity People worked closely with the board to shape a recruitment approach that was values-led, inclusive, and aligned with the organisation’s evolving priorities. This meant not only focusing on sector knowledge and experience but also identifying leadership qualities that could strengthen team culture and guide the organisation through a strategic refresh.
The process was personal, thorough, and collaborative. Charity People took the time to engage with potential candidates, offering honest conversations and a clear picture of the opportunity as well as the challenges. This helped surface candidates who may not have seen themselves in the role initially, but whose experience and leadership approach were exactly what Wandsworth Oasis needed.
The successful outcome led to the appointment of Raewyn Jones, whose mix of charity sector experience and strategic mindset made her an ideal fit. The partnership between Wandsworth Oasis and Charity People resulted in supported a moment of transition, laying the foundation for stronger leadership, deeper strategy, and a renewed focus on purpose.
Placed Candidate
Raewyn Jones
”I joined Oasis, and it’s interesting because I come from a grant-making background and I’ve also worked as a CEO for charitable organisations. This role felt like a nice combination of the two. It’s a trading company with eight charity shops, but it’s also a charity that funds organisations and people living with HIV.
Raewyn JonesPlaced Candidate
”I probably wouldn’t have applied for this job if it weren’t for Charity People. As it turns out, I think I am the right leader for the organisation right now, but at the time I wasn’t so sure. I was applying for work and saw the role, but thought, ‘Oh, I don’t know much about HIV, and I know nothing about charity retail – this isn’t for me.’ But when I spoke to the adviser at Charity People, he said, ‘Actually, what they need is strategy, team building and leadership.’ And I thought, ‘Oh – well that is me!’ So I applied. Without that extra support and someone actively picking up the phone and saying, ‘Have you thought about this one?’, I don’t think I would have even applied.
Raewyn JonesPlaced Candidate
”I’ve got a really good board of trustees to work with and a lovely senior leadership team. They bring experience in areas where I don’t – for example, I’ve never worked in charity retail, my background’s more in stability and strategy. But we’ve got a supportive team with really complementary skills, which has made the transition smooth.
Raewyn JonesPlaced Candidate
