About this role
Job summary
Help Shape the Future of Children's Hospice South West
Children's Hospice South West (CHSW) provides expert care and support to babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions, and their families, across the South West.
This is an opportunity to contribute your skills and experience to this respected, regional charity that makes an incredible difference to the lives of children and families when they need it most. As we continue to develop and then deliver our ambitious Reach Further strategy, we are seeking exceptional individuals to join our Board of Trustees and help guide the charity through its next chapter.
The Opportunity
Our Trustees play a vital role in:
Providing strategic oversightEnsuring the charity is well governed and financially sustainable.Supporting delivery of our vision and long-term strategy.Acting as ambassadors for CHSW across our communities and networks.Bringing constructive challenge, expertise and fresh perspectives.
We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive and representative Board and welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds. Previous trustee experience is welcomed but not essential.
Main duties of the job
Skills and Experience Sought
To compliment the skills mix of our current Board, we welcome applications from people who can bring expertise in one or more of the following priority areas identified through our recent Board Skills Review and succession planning process:
Finance, audit and risk managementLegal (any relevant background charities, employment, commercial, healthcare, property)People and Culture, including workforce planning and equality, diversity, inclusion and belongingWe would also welcome additional experience in:Children's healthcare, paediatric care, safeguarding or children's servicesIncome Generation - e.g. Fundraising, retail, marketing, communicationsDigital innovation, AI, cyber security, technology or data governanceCommercial leadershipProperty, facilities or estates managementCharity governance and regulationPublic sector, health or social care leadership
We are particularly keen to hear from people whose professional expertise is complemented by lived experience, helping us ensure that the voices of children, young people and families remain at the heart of all we do.
About us
An established and successful charity, Childrens Hospice South West (CHSW) provides hospice care for children with life limiting conditions and their families in the South West of England
We are looking for individuals who share our passion for delivering our service and securing the funds to do so, and whose skills, experience and expertise can add value to the Charity.
Usual expectations/ Time Commitments:
AGM and Strategy Day: 1 per year, full-day, in person Board Meetings: 4 per year, half-day, in-person, around Exeter/Tiverton. Subcommittees (sit on one or more): 2 to 4 times per year per committee, 2 to 3 hours, online or in person. Time to read papers and provide annotations/comment prior to meetings Invited to attend some fundraising and other events (no expectation - personal choice)If you would like an informal chat about being a trustee with us, please email [email protected] to arrange.
Closing Date: 04 October 2026
First Stage Selection: 14/15 October 2026 (virtual meeting)
Final Selection Day: 21 October 2026 (face to face Charlton Farm - Bristol)
For successful appointments we would be delighted to have you join our AGM and Strategy Day on the 02 November 2026 (the ability to attend the AGM is not a factor in the appointment process)
Job description Job responsibilities
Please see attached Role Descriptor and Recruitment Brochure for full details of the role and being a trustee with CHSW.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Please see Role Descriptor
Experience Essential
Please see Role Descriptor
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details Employer name Children’s Hospice South West
Address Redlands Road
Fremington
Barnstaple
Devon
EX31 2PZ
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.chsw.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)