About this role
Job summary
PLEASE APPLY FOR THIS ROLE DIRECTLY ON OUR WEBSITE USING THE LINK INFORMATION BELOW -
https://stcatherineshospice.peoplehr.net/Pages/JobBoard/Opening.aspx?v=b329cedc-279b-42e5-9cbf-016756988565
By applying through our website you can view additional information including a cover letter from our current CEO, Draft Financial Information Pack and a Full Job Description.
This is a rare and exciting opportunity to build on a successful legacy, while shaping the future of a vital charity, at a pivotal time for hospices.
Main duties of the job
As Chief Executive, you will provide visible, compassionate and credible leadership across the organisation. Working closely with the Board, Senior Leadership team, staff, volunteers and supporters, you will set strategic direction, drive financial sustainability and champion exceptional care for those who need us most!
You will be the primary ambassador for St Catherines, developing and managing key NHS and system wide partnerships, influencing locally and regionally, and ensuring the hospice remains a trusted, valued partner within an evolving health and social care landscape.
Key priorities
Values led leadership living and breathing our core values every day, fostering a culture of energy, courage, expertise, connection, and not forgetting Human! Strategic delivery translating our vision into clear priorities that keep St Catherines relevant, responsive and impactful Financial sustainability navigating ongoing financial challenges faced by the hospice sector, strengthening income generation and ensuring longterm resilience Partnership & influence building strong, constructive relationships with NHS partners, other hospices and third sector organisations, commissioners and system leaders Modern and digitally savvy ensuring the organisation continues to evolve, embracing digital innovation and using data and technology to improve care, efficiency and reach People & culture empowering staff and volunteers, developing talent and leading change with clarity and empathy
About us
After more than ten years of outstanding leadership, our much-respected Chief Executive is retiring. Thanks to his vision, values and commitment, St Catherines is a strong, trusted and ambitious hospice with deep roots in its community, with a clear sense of purpose. We are now seeking an inspiring new Chief Executive to lead us into our next chapter.
The recruitment process will be a four-stage process:
Application process closes 17 July 2026Shortlisting and testing20 August 2026 Presentations to our stakeholders 4 September 2026 Interview Panel 7 September 2026Employees at St Catherines Hospice can enjoy a variety of benefits including:
Generous annual leave starting at 27 days, (rising to 32 days after completion of probation) and 36 days with length of service, plus Bank Holidays, and an opportunity to buy / sell annual leave days. Plus we offer a day off for volunteering & moving house. Generous Pension scheme with up to 9% employer contributions or honour of NHS pension. Life Assurance Scheme, Counselling Offering, and a range of discounts. Enhanced maternity and adoption pay.
Job description Job responsibilities
You will be an experienced, credible leader with a strong strategic mindset and a track record of leading complex organisations through change. You may come from the hospice, health, public, voluntary or related sectors, but you will bring clear understanding of partnership working, financial stewardship and the realities of operating in a constrained funding environment.
Above all, you will share our values, believe deeply in our mission and be motivated by the opportunity to lead St Catherines confidently into a modern, sustainable future.
This post is offered on a permanent, full-time basis, working 37.5 hours per week, (flexible working patterns would be considered for the successful candidate). At St Catherines we offer work from home opportunities, however this is adaptable depending on business need and regular onsite attendance is required.
Please note, the successful candidate will be an essential car user, therefore candidates must have a full driving licence and access to a vehicle.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Educated to degree level Full UK driving licence
Desirable
Leadership qualification
Experience Essential
Able to inspire people to achieve the Mission and live by Our Values Able to drive change Provide exceptional leadership to a high performing team of staff and volunteers. Able to inspire people to achieve the organisations Mission and live by the Values Able to drive change Provide exceptional leadership to a high performing team of staff and volunteers. Budget planning and management at strategic level Business Planning skills High level of analytical skills Demonstrable skills in financial management FOR A FULL JOB DESCRIPTION, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE
Desirable
Delivered first class health services, preferably in the field of Palliative and End of Life care Commercial understanding of income generation in a complex environment
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 St Catherine’s Hospice
Address St. Catherines Hospice
Grace Holland Avenue
Pease Pottage
West Sussex
RH11 9SL
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.stch.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)