Ashgate Hospice has begun the search for a new chair for its trustee board who will help lead the organisation.

The next chair, who will take up the post in early 2024, will join the organisation at an exciting time as it sets out its objectives for the coming year.

The charity said today the new chair would be instrumental in helping to build on the hospice’s achievements and help in realising its ambitions.

The open application process will be led by Ashgate’s current chair, Penny Brooks and their Chief Executive, Barbara-Anne Walker.

The deadline for applications is Friday 13 October 2023 and in-person interviews will be held on Friday 20th October 2023.

Ashgate’s Chief Executive, Barbara-Anne Walker, said: “The new chair will join the hospice at an exciting time, as we continue to expand our services and raise our profile in the North Derbyshire community. Our high-quality care and expertise is more vital than ever, providing support to hundreds of families living with a life-limiting illness and helping to support our healthcare colleagues across the health and care sector. This is a challenging role but an immensely rewarding one.”

The appointment follows the death of the hospice’s former chair, Nicholas Jeffrey, who died on 19th December last year, aged 80.

Nicholas, who had cancer, joined the hospice in 2018 and became the charity’s chair in April 2019. Penny Brooks has been in the interim chair role since January 2023.

About the role

Time Commitment

Typically one to two days per month, worked flexibly as required.

The Chair:

• provides leadership to the Board of Trustees and ensures that it fulfils its duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of Ashgate Hospice and the achievement of the hospice’s charitable objectives and strategies and ambitions
• provides line management for the Chief Executive and holds them to account on behalf of the Board for the delivery of agreed objectives and operational performance
• ensures that the Board works effectively in partnership with the Chief Executive, the Leadership Team and Ashgate staff and volunteers
• works with the Chief Executive and the Head of Corporate Governance to ensure the Ashgate Governance Framework operates effectively and reflects best practice in charity and healthcare regulation and oversight
• acts as a spokesperson and ambassador for Ashgate Hospice, and for the wider hospice movement, in partnership with the Chief Executive and other Ashgate leaders.

About you

You will be an inspirational leader, committed to the purpose of our work, with the vision and strategic abilities to help us build on our achievements and realise our ambitions.

Previous experience within a not-for-profit environment as a chair, senior executive, trustee or a non-executive director is desirable, but this does not have to be in the charity or healthcare sector.

We recognise that we need to do more to engage underserved communities. Ashgate’s chair plays a vital role in championing compassionate care for everyone in our community, in a way that is right for them, and we particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups.

To apply

If you would like to apply for the position of Chair of Trustees please send your CV, along with a brief covering letter to Matt Corbishley, our Director of People, Engagement and Performance at matt.corbishley@ashgatehospice.org.uk.

Please explain your interest in Ashgate Hospice and how your skills and experience reflect the person specification for the role.

The closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday 13th October 2023.

You will be invited for an in-person interview on Friday 20th October 2023.

Find out more about Ashgate and this role in our recruitment pack (PDF, 1MB).