Chair of the Board of Trustees

Help shape the future of hospice care in Swindon and north Wiltshire. Prospect Hospice is seeking a Chair of Trustees to lead our Board at an important time for our charity, supporting strong governance, strategic direction and the continued delivery of compassionate care to local people and their families.

Hospices across the UK face significant pressures, but also opportunities to adapt and work differently. We are looking for someone who brings strategic insight, sound judgement and the ability to bring people together. You do not need a clinical background: what matters is your leadership experience, commitment to our purpose and willingness to contribute your time and expertise.

Our Board normally meets four times a year, and trustees also serve on a quarterly subcommittee. The Chair will additionally work with the Chief Executive and fellow trustees between meetings, and may represent Prospect at events and with external partners. We will discuss the expected time commitment with candidates so that the role and its responsibilities are clear.

About Prospect Hospice

For over 40 years, Prospect Hospice has delivered compassionate end-of-life care to patients and families across Swindon, Marlborough, and north Wiltshire—at home, in the community, and in our inpatient unit. Guided by dignity, respect, and excellence, we’re proud of the difference we make every day.

Prospect Hospice is entering an exciting and important phase in its development. At a time when many hospices are having to reduce or reshape their services, we are expanding our inpatient provision by opening three additional beds. This reflects our determination to respond to growing local need while building a strong and sustainable future for hospice care across our community.

The Role

As Chair of Trustees, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Prospect Hospice. Working in close partnership with the Chief Executive, you will lead the Board in delivering strong governance, strategic oversight, and a culture of collaboration and accountability.

The Chair will also have an important externally facing role, acting as a visible ambassador for Prospect and helping to strengthen our influence and relationships across the wider health and care system. Working alongside the Chief Executive, the Chair will build constructive relationships with other hospices, health and care partners, funders, community leaders and other key stakeholders, as time allows.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as a visible ambassador and spokesperson for Prospect Hospice
• Build strong relationships across the Board, staff and volunteer community while maintaining an appropriate connection with the wider organisation.
• Provide leadership and direction to the Board of Trustees
• Ensure the Board operates effectively with the right mix of skills and experience
• Champion our values and charitable objectives
• Oversee governance and strategic development in line with legal and regulatory standards
• Support and appraise the Chief Executive
• Chair quarterly Board meetings and participate in at least one committee
• Lead Trustee recruitment, induction, and development 

About You

Our Board of Trustees guides Prospect Hospice’s strategy and performance. We are looking for a Chair who can lead a collaborative and effective Board, offer constructive challenge and support to the Chief Executive, and bring the time, energy and commitment needed to help shape our future.

You will be comfortable operating both internally and externally: building trust across the Hospice, supporting and constructively challenging the Chief Executive, and representing Prospect confidently with senior stakeholders and partners. You will bring the judgement, diplomacy and relationship-building skills needed to develop productive partnerships, including with other hospices, while always acting in Prospect’s best interests.

We’re looking for someone with:

• Proven leadership at Board level
• Strong knowledge of governance and charity compliance
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strategic thinking and sound judgement
• A deep commitment to our mission and values
• The ability to inspire, challenge, and support others

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to make a lasting difference to local people and families while helping a well-established charity navigate change and build a sustainable future. You will work with committed trustees, staff and volunteers who share a belief in the importance of hospice care.

If you have the skills and commitment to contribute, we would welcome a conversation

Previous experience as a charity Chair is not essential if you can demonstrate the leadership, judgement and governance understanding needed for the role