At a Glance
- Tasks: Join the Trading Board to oversee governance and strategic direction.
- Company: St Christopher’s Trading Company, supporting charitable work through commercial activities.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in governance and strategy; expenses reimbursed.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on charity while developing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail or charity innovation at a strategic level.
- Other info: Voluntary role with a commitment of four meetings per year.
St Christopher’s Trading Company is looking for a new non-executive director (NED) to join its Board. Someone committed and enthusiastic, who will further strengthen our Trading Company and help us achieve the next phase of our planned development.
St Christopher’s Trading Company’s objective is to maximise profit from commercial activities, which is then used to fund charitable work carried out by St Christopher’s Hospice. The commercial activities include the operation of 23 St Christopher’s shops across South-East London, with ambitions to explore other non-charitable income generation opportunities.
Founded in 1967 by Dame Cicely Saunders, St Christopher’s Hospice is the driving force behind the modern hospice movement. It not only provides care and support for almost 7,000 people a year across the London boroughs of Lewisham, Southwark, Lambeth, Croydon and Bromley, but also has a national and international reputation as a centre for learning and research in end-of-life care.
About you
We are specifically seeking someone with professional knowledge, experience and skills in one or more of the following areas:
- Senior commercial or charity retail innovation and entrepreneurship relevant experience in retail or commercial environments at a strategic level.
About the role
The non-executive director will be a company director of St Christopher’s (Trading) Ltd, and along with other members of the Trading Board, will be responsible for good governance, strategic direction and financial oversight of the Trading Company as well as being legally responsible for the running of the company and making sure information is sent to Companies House on time.
Responsibilities
- Bring an independent perspective to the Trading Board.
- Review papers, attend meetings, contribute to debates providing constructive challenge when appropriate.
- Complete actions and offer support to develop proposals on strategy.
- Scrutinise the performance and progress of agreed goals and objectives and monitor the reporting of performance.
- Ensure the integrity of financial information and that financial controls and systems of risk management are robust and defensible.
- Devote time to developing and refreshing your knowledge and skills and be aware of the work of St Christopher’s Hospice.
- Uphold the highest standards of integrity, openness, diplomacy, tact and inclusiveness.
- Maintain strict confidentiality regarding sensitive information and the business of the Committee.
- Exercise independent judgment, particularly avoiding any personal conflict of interest and ensuring that all relevant business, professional, and other interests are declared.
- Understand and respect the relative roles and views of other St Christopher’s Trading Directors, Non-Executive Directors, the Trading Senior Leadership Team and the Executive.
- Comply with the Trustee, Co-Opted Sub Committee member & Non Executive Director Code of Conduct expectations.
Time commitment
- Attend a minimum of four meetings per year and meeting preparation time. Meetings are usually held in person at our Sydenham site during office hours.
- An annual Trading Board Awayday.
- Undertake St Christopher's induction and mandatory training requirement.
- There is an expectation that Non-Executive Directors will visit some of our shops each year.
- Non-Executive Directors have an annual review meeting with the Chair of St Christopher’s Trading Board.
Period of appointment
Initial period of two years; renewable by mutual consent.
Important Information
We encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds, if you require any reasonable adjustments as part of the application process, please inform us along with your application.
The role of a Non-Executive Director of St Christopher’s Trading is voluntary and Non-Executive Directors do not receive any remuneration for their services. Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred while carrying out the role will be reimbursed in accordance with the trustees’ expenses policy.
You must be 18 years old or over. This role will require the following pre-engagement checks: an enhanced DBS check and two references.
Contact
For more information, please contact Wendy Jukes (Corporate Administration Manager).
Application
To apply please click this link to upload your CV and include a covering letter telling us why you are interested and what skills you can bring to the St Christopher’s Trading Board.
Application details
Closing date: 2nd February 2026 at 5pm.
Confirmation of interviews: no later than 9th February 2026.
Interview date: 12th February 2026.
St Christopher\'s Co-opted Finance, Audit & Risk Board subcommittee member in London employer: Business & Human Rights Resource Centre
Contact Detail:
Business & Human Rights Resource Centre Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land St Christopher\'s Co-opted Finance, Audit & Risk Board subcommittee member in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the charity and retail sectors. Let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities like the non-executive director role at St Christopher’s. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 2
Do your homework! Familiarise yourself with St Christopher’s Trading Company and its mission. Understanding their goals will help you articulate how your skills can contribute to their success during interviews. Plus, it shows genuine interest!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Think about how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of a non-executive director. Be ready to discuss your strategic insights and how you can help maximise profits while supporting the charitable work.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to ensure your application gets noticed. Make sure to include a killer cover letter that highlights your passion for the role and what you bring to the table. We’re rooting for you!
We think you need these skills to ace St Christopher\'s Co-opted Finance, Audit & Risk Board subcommittee member in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see why you're excited about joining St Christopher’s Trading Board and how your values align with our mission.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this specific role. Highlight your relevant experience in commercial or charity retail, and explain how your skills can help us achieve our goals.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon, so we can easily understand your qualifications and what you bring to the table.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your CV and cover letter, and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Business & Human Rights Resource Centre
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on St Christopher’s Trading Company and its mission. Understand their commercial activities and how they fund charitable work. This will show your genuine interest and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Prepare to discuss your professional knowledge in charity retail innovation or strategic commercial environments. Have specific examples ready that demonstrate your skills and how they can benefit the Trading Board.
✨Be Ready for Constructive Debate
As a non-executive director, you'll need to contribute to discussions and provide constructive challenge. Think about potential questions or scenarios that may arise during meetings and how you would approach them.
✨Emphasise Integrity and Confidentiality
Highlight your understanding of the importance of integrity, openness, and confidentiality in this role. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve upheld these values in previous positions, as they are crucial for maintaining trust within the board.