Chair

Posting date:	16 June 2025
Salary:	Not specified
Additional salary information:	Negotiable
Hours:	Full time
Closing date:	04 July 2025
Location:	Winsford, CW7 1BH
Company:	NHS Jobs
Job type:	Temporary
Job reference:	B0242-25-0012

Summary

We have an exciting opportunity for someone to join us as our new Chair of Trustees. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to make a difference to our local community and contribute to the compassionate family-centred care we provide. The Hospice Sector is facing an increasing financial burden due to funding issues and we need someone with a strong, strategic mind-set, proven senior leadership skills and the ability to influence at all levels. As Chair of Trustees, youll lead the Board, ensuring effective governance and alignment with our values. Youll work closely with the CEO, chair meetings, oversee Trustees development, and act as an ambassador for the Hospice. This role offers great scope for professional development, exposure at Board level and the opportunity to support the development of local services. St Lukes is an adult Hospice based in Winsford that cares for people in mid and south Cheshire who are suffering from cancer and other life limiting illnesses. We offer specialist treatment, care, advice and support to many seriously ill people and their families every year. Were a small Hospice with a big heart whose ethos, values and beliefs are core to everything we do. If you feel the same way wed love to hear from you. We currently employ around 150 people and also have a bank of staff to support when needed. We receive vital support from our volunteers and have around 700 registered across all our services. Key Responsibilities Provide strategic direction and contribute to the development and implementation of the Hospice vision and values. Work closely with the CEO to Ensure the Hospice is well governed and complies with legal and regulatory requirements, including charity law. Support the CEO and Senior Management Team, challenging where appropriate. Ensure the charity is financially stable and that budgets, expenditure and income generation are well-managed. Chair Board meetings, ensuring these are effective and that all actions and decisions are recorded and implemented in a timely manner. Ensure risk is managed effectively and that the Hospice has the appropriate policies in place and that these are reviewed regularly and are fit for purpose. Oversee the recruitment, support and development of Trustees, ensuring appraisals are completed annually. Ensure the Hospice is providing care based on current clinical best practice and in line with the requirements of the Care Quality Commission. Ensure the Senior Management Team are acting with integrity and challenge any unethical behaviour or actions as appropriate. Act as a representative of the Hospice in the local community, which may include attending events on occasion. Ensure you carry out your 6 main duties as a Trustee 1. Ensure your charity is carrying out its purpose for the public benefit 2. Comply with your charitys governing documnet and law 3. Act in your charitys best interest 4. Ensure your Charity is accountable 5. Manage your charitys resourses responsibly 6. Act with reasonable care and skill Terms of appointment You will lead our Trustee Board Meetings which currently take place monthly, normally at the Hospice on the last Wednesday of the month between 5pm 7pm. Some meetings are held remotely via Microsoft Teams and occasionally meetings are held during the day. You will also be expected to be involved in our Board Sub Committees, which meet 4 times per year and to attend the AGM on an annual basis. The role will also involve the review of papers for meetings and, on occasion, writing summary reports. This is a voluntary position and will be un-remunerated, although reasonable out of pocket expenses will be paid. The initial appointment will be for an initial period of three years, with the possibility of extension for a further two terms of three years (maximum 9 years total). Candidates must declare any conflict of interest at the point of applying for this position. Equality and Diversity St Lukes is committed to equality and diversity and promotes an inclusive working environment. We encourage applications from all areas of the community, regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships. We are also happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments needed during the recruitment process. Safeguarding The Hospice is committed to safeguarding adults and children and expects all Trustees to share this commitment. Trustees have a responsibility to ensure that they are aware of specific duties relating to their role and should familiarise themselves with the Hospices Safeguarding Policy. All Trustees are required to undertake a DBS check and complete appropriate mandatory online training. Health and Safety All Trustees are expected to comply with Health and Safety legislation and related Hospice processes at all times. Any witnessed breaches or near misses must be reported in line with policy. Confidentiality Trustees may have access to confidential information as part of their role. All Trustees are expected to comply with the Hospice Data Protection Policy. How to Apply For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Gaynor Clifton, Corporate Assistant on 01606 555818 who will arrange a call with the current Chair, Mike Ridley, at his earliest available opportunity. To apply for the position, please submit an up to date CV and covering letter to: Gaynor.clifton@slhospice.co.uk Your covering letter should include why you are interested in the position and outline the skills and experience you can bring to the role. Key Dates The closing date for this post is midnight on Friday 4th July. However, we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible. Interviews are expected to take place at the Hospice on 21st July 2025. Further details will be provided to candidates at the time.