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- Tasks: Lead strategic initiatives to improve child health and wellbeing across the UK and globally.
- Company: Join the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, a respected charity with a vital mission.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £175,000 and the chance to make a real difference in children's lives.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping the future of paediatric care and influencing policy.
- Qualifications: Senior executive experience in healthcare or mission-driven sectors is essential.
- Other info: Opportunity for impactful leadership in a dynamic and influential organisation.
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) is a leading professional membership body and registered charity, representing more than 24,000 paediatricians in the UK and worldwide. The College exists to support paediatricians and improve child health and wellbeing. It plays a significant role in influencing policy, advancing paediatric education and training, setting professional standards, and championing the voices and rights of children and young people. RCPCH has a track record of sustained impact through research, advocacy and global partnerships. The organisation is in the first phase of an ambitious 10-year strategy to support paediatricians and achieve better outcomes for children and young people.
This is an outstanding Chief Executive Officer role to provide strategic and cultural leadership at a pivotal moment for the College, its members and for child health. This is an important appointment, leading a respected Royal Medical College with a clear public purpose, and which comes with significant national influence.
ResponsibilitiesThe Chief Executive Officer works in close partnership with the Chair of the Board of Trustees and the President, and is responsible for strong organisational performance, exemplary governance and robust financial stewardship of the College’s approximately £20m annual income. The successful applicant will lead a multi-disciplinary workforce of around 180, providing high-quality, responsive services for members and effective delivery against strategic priorities.
The new Chief Executive Officer will lead the development of the next phase of the College Strategy with the members’ Council and the Board of Trustees, and will be responsible for translating it into impactful outcomes and sustained momentum. They will strengthen RCPCH’s profile and influence across the UK and internationally, developing trusted relationships with key stakeholders and partners. Under their leadership, the voices of children and young people will remain integral, informing both policy and practice as the College continues to innovate and lead.
Qualifications and attributesWe are looking for an exceptional leader with senior executive leadership experience gained in complex, regulated or mission-driven environments, such as healthcare, education, professional or membership bodies, or the wider public and charitable sectors. A strong track record in strategic delivery, culture development, and organisational leadership is essential, alongside deep capability in governance, risk and financial management.
This appointment requires a politically astute, inclusive and values-driven leader with strong personal credibility. Excellent judgement, clarity of communication and the ability to build confidence and trust at the highest levels will be critical. Above all, RCPCH seeks an individual motivated by the opportunity to deliver lasting change for children and young people.
Application and contactsFor more information please click Apply, and for a confidential conversation about this role, please contact our recruitment partners at GatenbySanderson; Stephanie Crossland, Hilda Gjika, or Michelle Atkinson.
Closing date: 5pm, Monday 23 February 2026.
Chief Executive in London employer: GatenbySanderson
Contact Detail:
GatenbySanderson Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the healthcare and charity sectors. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Chief Executive role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health inside out. Understand their mission, values, and current challenges. We want to see you shine and show how you can lead them into the next phase of their strategy!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've driven change and built trust in previous roles. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and motivate a diverse team, so let that passion come through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. We’re excited to see how you can contribute to improving child health and wellbeing!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in leadership roles, especially in healthcare or membership organisations. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at RCPCH!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you've made an impact in previous roles. We love to see quantifiable results that demonstrate your strategic delivery and organisational leadership skills.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for a values-driven leader, so share your motivations and what drives you to make a difference in child health and wellbeing.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application directly through our website before the closing date. It’s the best way to ensure we receive your application and can consider you for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at GatenbySanderson
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health's mission, values, and current strategic goals. Familiarise yourself with their recent initiatives and how they impact child health. This will show your genuine interest and help you connect your experience to their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Chief Executive, your leadership style is crucial. Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to lead diverse teams, manage complex projects, and drive strategic change. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered a positive culture and navigated challenges in previous roles.
✨Engage with Key Stakeholders
Think about how you would build relationships with key stakeholders, including paediatricians, government bodies, and community organisations. Prepare to discuss your approach to collaboration and how you would ensure the voices of children and young people are heard in policy-making.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the organisation's challenges. Inquire about their vision for the next phase of the College Strategy and how they measure success. This not only shows your interest but also helps you assess if the role aligns with your values and goals.
