Chief Executive

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 Catherine’s, 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 Catherine’s relevant, responsive and impactful
• Financial sustainability – navigating ongoing financial challenges faced by the hospice sector, strengthening income generation and ensuring long‑term 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 you

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 Catherine’s 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 Catherine’s 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.

​

The recruitment process will be a four-stage process:

• Application process closes 17 July 2026
• Shortlisting and testing 20 August 2026
• Presentations to our stakeholders 4 September 2026
• Interview Panel 7 September 2026

​

Please visit our website to view Giles Tomsett's retirement announcment video, to view our draft Finance information and to see a covering letter from our Chair of Trustees.

​

​Employees at St Catherine’s 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.

How to Apply:

If you join St Catherine’s, you’ll be joining a supportive team all working towards a big ambition: a future where everyone approaching death and those who love and care for them can access compassionate, specialist palliative and end of live care. If that sounds like something you’d find fulfilling, please apply today​.

​

We want our recruitment process to be accessible to everyone, and we are proud to be a Disability Confident Level 2 Employer, committed to creating an inclusive, supportive workplace, if you need any help completing your application form please contact our HR team.

​

Terms & Conditions:

• This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check. By applying you are confirming you have read the Enhanced Check Privacy Policy for applicants and understand how DBS will process my personal data and the options available to me for submitting an application.

• Please ensure you have read our employee and recruitment privacy statement prior to applying for this role.

• Must be authorised to work in the United Kingdom, please note we are unable to offer visa sponsorships.

• Please note a requirement of all roles at St Catherine’s is to complete mandatory E-learning training and remain compliant with this throughout your employment.

• We understand that Artificial Intelligence (AI) may be used to support some applications, whilst we do not discourage this, please ensure any documentation and applications submitted accurately and truthfully reflect your own experience and suitability for this role.​

We are located in Grace Holland Avenue, Pease Pottage, Crawley, West Sussex RH11 9SL. You can access the Hospice by car, bus, bike or walking, with full transport details on our website.

​

If you require any additional information or would like an informal discussion with our current Chief Executive, please visit our website for contact information and we will arrange this.