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- Tasks: Lead a charity focused on supporting young people with cancer and shaping its future.
- Company: Teenage Cancer Trust, dedicated to providing specialist care for young people with cancer.
- Benefits: Opportunity to influence vital services and make a real impact in the community.
- Why this job: Be a voice for young people and help transform cancer care across the UK.
- Qualifications: Experience in board-level leadership and a commitment to equity and inclusion.
- Other info: Join a passionate team and help shape the future of cancer care for youth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
UK‑wide (with in‑person Board meetings in London). This job post will be advertised for a minimum period of two weeks on LinkedIn. After this time please apply directly to together-teenagecancertrust.com until the closing date of Wednesday 15th April 2026.
Lead the next chapter for a charity with a powerful legacy and an ambitious future. A diagnosis of cancer at 13, 17 or 22 lands at a moment when life should be expanding. Education, friendships, independence and identity are suddenly disrupted. Teenage Cancer Trust exists so that no young person has to face that shock alone. Through specialist units, nurses and youth workers, we help young people stay connected, supported and hopeful at the most frightening point in their lives.
We are now entering a defining period. Over the next two years we will refresh our Board, strengthen partnerships across the NHS, and continue shaping how specialist teenage and young adult cancer care is delivered across the UK. We are seeking a new Trustee to join us as Chair Designate – someone who understands the responsibility of leadership during transition and who is unwavering in their commitment to young people’s voices, rights and experiences. You will work closely with our current Chair before succeeding them in 2027, ensuring continuity, clarity and purpose at a pivotal moment for the charity.
Why this role matters
Young people with cancer need more than treatment. They need care designed for their age and stage of life – environments where they feel understood, specialist clinical and psychological support, and the reassurance of adults they can trust outside their family. Too often, young people are placed in services built for children or older adults, leaving their needs overlooked and their voices unheard. Teenage Cancer Trust is determined to change this. We champion earlier diagnosis, fair access to specialist care, and services that recognise the unique emotional and developmental needs of this age group.
The years ahead will involve significant leadership change, renewed NHS partnerships, work to secure long‑term funding of specialist services, and continued focus on tackling inequalities in access. As Chair Designate, you will help guide the Board through this landscape – ensuring decisions are timely, focused and grounded in the lived experience of the young people we serve.
Your contribution
- Help shape the future composition of the Board and support ongoing trustee recruitment.
- Sit as a standing member of key committees, building deep understanding of performance, risk, safeguarding and culture.
- Strengthen the Board’s clarity, cohesion and readiness for change.
- Build trusted relationships with the executive, Founders, Patron, Youth Advisory Group, clinical partners and major supporters.
As you prepare to assume the role of Chair, you will ensure that our governance reflects the charity’s ambition, that our influence across the NHS continues to grow, and that young people’s voices remain central to every decision we take.
What you will help shape
- A Board that is strategic, inclusive and grounded in lived experience.
- A sustainable financial model that protects specialist services in a challenging external environment.
- Stronger national visibility for the needs and rights of young people with cancer.
- Governance and decision‑making that reflect the complexity of our partnerships and the aspirations of our future strategy.
- A culture that values diversity, equity, youth voice and transparent, evidence‑based decisions.
About Teenage Cancer Trust
Teenage Cancer Trust is the only UK charity dedicated to providing specialist nursing care and youth support for young people with cancer. Our units create safe, age‑appropriate spaces at a time of enormous disruption. Our nurses and youth teams help young people stay connected to their friendships, their education and their futures. We also lead national advocacy on earlier diagnosis, targeted research and equitable access to specialist care, wherever young people live. Despite wider sector pressures, the charity is financially secure and performing strongly as we move through 2025. With renewed leadership and a strategy focused on impact and partnership, we are entering this next chapter with energy and confidence.
About you
You will bring:
- Board‑level leadership, ideally including Chair or Committee Chair experience.
- Sound judgement, emotional intelligence and resilience during organisational change.
- The ability to build trusted, respectful relationships across a wide range of partners.
- A strong awareness of safeguarding, reputation and risk.
- A deep commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
- A belief that young people’s perspectives should shape – not simply inform – the future of this charity.
You will understand the boundaries of non‑executive leadership while offering constructive challenge and support to the executive, ensuring governance is both responsible and ambitious. This role offers the chance to influence the future of specialist cancer care for young people across the UK. Your leadership will help protect vital services, strengthen national partnerships and ensure that every young person facing cancer receives the care, support and understanding they deserve.
If you are motivated by impact, driven by purpose and ready to help lead a charity with a powerful legacy and an ambitious future, we would be very pleased to hear from you.
Chair Designate employer: GatenbySanderson
Contact Detail:
GatenbySanderson Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chair Designate
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those connected to Teenage Cancer Trust. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about sharing your passion for supporting young people with cancer.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the charity’s mission and recent initiatives. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate how your values align with ours and how you can contribute to our ambitious future.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your vision for the role of Chair Designate. We want to hear how you plan to lead the Board through changes and ensure young voices are at the heart of our decisions.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in being part of our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Chair Designate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic: When you're writing your application, let your true self shine through. We want to see your passion for supporting young people and your commitment to making a difference. Don't be afraid to share personal experiences that connect you to our mission!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Chair Designate role. Highlight your board-level leadership experience and how it aligns with our goals at Teenage Cancer Trust. Show us why you're the perfect fit!
Showcase Your Vision: We’re looking for someone who can help shape the future of our charity. In your application, share your vision for how you would lead during this transition period. What innovative ideas do you have to strengthen our partnerships and enhance young people's voices?
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details and can consider you for this impactful role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at GatenbySanderson
✨Understand the Charity's Mission
Before your interview, take some time to really dive into Teenage Cancer Trust's mission and values. Understand the unique challenges young people with cancer face and how the charity aims to address these issues. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Leadership Questions
As a Chair Designate, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership skills. Be ready to discuss your previous experiences in board-level leadership, particularly during times of change. Think of specific examples where you've successfully navigated challenges and how you built trusted relationships with various stakeholders.
✨Showcase Your Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Given the emphasis on equity, diversity, and inclusion in the job description, prepare to discuss how you've championed these values in your past roles. Share concrete examples of how you've ensured that diverse voices are heard and included in decision-making processes.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with thoughtful questions. Inquire about the current challenges the Board is facing or how they envision the future of the charity. This not only shows your engagement but also helps you gauge if this role aligns with your values and aspirations.