At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vital charity, shaping its future and ensuring exceptional care for those in need.
- Company: St Catherine’s Hospice, a trusted and ambitious community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, pension scheme, life assurance, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to compassionate end-of-life care.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the community while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experienced leader with a strategic mindset and a passion for palliative care.
The predicted salary is between 110000 - 110000 £ per year.
£95,000 - £110,000 per annum (depending on experience) Full time (37.5 hours per week) Recruitment closes on Friday 17 July 2026.
St Catherine’s Hospice is seeking an inspiring new Chief Executive to lead us into our next chapter. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to build on a successful legacy while shaping the future of a vital charity, at a pivotal time for hospices.
As Chief Executive, you will provide visible, compassionate and credible leadership across the organisation. Working closely with the Board, Senior Leadership team, staff, volunteers and supporters, you will set strategic direction, drive financial sustainability and champion exceptional care for those who need us most. You will be the primary ambassador for St Catherine’s, developing and managing key NHS and system wide partnerships, influencing locally and regionally, and ensuring the hospice remains a trusted, valued partner within an evolving health and social care landscape.
Key priorities:
- Values‑led leadership – living and breathing our core values every day, fostering a culture of energy, courage, expertise, connection, and not forgetting Human!
- Strategic delivery – translating our vision into clear priorities that keep St Catherine’s relevant, responsive and impactful.
- Financial sustainability – navigating ongoing financial challenges faced by the hospice sector, strengthening income generation and ensuring long‑term resilience.
- Partnership & influence – building strong, constructive relationships with NHS partners, other hospices and third sector organisations, commissioners and system leaders.
- Modern and digitally savvy – ensuring the organisation continues to evolve, embracing digital innovation and using data and technology to improve care, efficiency and reach.
- People & culture – empowering staff and volunteers, developing talent and leading change with clarity and empathy.
About you:
You will be an experienced, credible leader with a strong strategic mindset and a track record of leading complex organisations through change. You may come from the hospice, health, public, voluntary or related sectors, but you will bring clear understanding of partnership working, financial stewardship and the realities of operating in a constrained funding environment. Above all, you will share our values, believe deeply in our mission and be motivated by the opportunity to lead St Catherine’s confidently into a modern, sustainable future.
This post is offered on a permanent, full-time basis, working 37.5 hours per week, (flexible working patterns would be considered for the successful candidate). At St Catherine’s we offer work from home opportunities, however this is adaptable depending on business need and regular onsite attendance is required. Please note, the successful candidate will be an essential car user, therefore candidates must have a full driving licence and access to a vehicle.
The recruitment process will be a four-stage process:
- Application process closes 17 July 2026
- Shortlisting and testing 20 August 2026
- Presentations to our stakeholders 4 September 2026
- Interview Panel 7 September 2026
Employees at St Catherine’s Hospice can enjoy a variety of benefits including:
- Generous annual leave starting at 27 days, (rising to 32 days after completion of probation) and 36 days with length of service, plus Bank Holidays, and an opportunity to buy/sell annual leave days.
- Plus we offer a day off for volunteering & moving house.
- Generous Pension scheme with up to 9% employer contributions or honour of NHS pension.
- Life Assurance Scheme, Counselling Offering, and a range of discounts.
- Enhanced maternity and adoption pay.
How to Apply:
If you join St Catherine’s, you’ll be joining a supportive team all working towards a big ambition: a future where everyone approaching death and those who love and care for them can access compassionate, specialist palliative and end of life care. If that sounds like something you’d find fulfilling, please apply today.
Please apply for this role directly on our website using the link information below - Apply Here. By applying through our website you can view additional information including a cover letter from our current CEO, Draft Financial Information Pack and a Full Job Description.
We want our recruitment process to be accessible to everyone, and we are proud to be a Disability Confident Level 2 Employer, committed to creating an inclusive, supportive workplace. If you need any help completing your application form please contact our HR team.
Terms & Conditions:
This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check. By applying you are confirming you have read the Enhanced Check Privacy Policy for applicants and understand how DBS will process your personal data and the options available to you for submitting an application. Please ensure you have read our employee and recruitment privacy statement prior to applying for this role.
Must be authorised to work in the United Kingdom, please note we are unable to offer visa sponsorships. Please note a requirement of all roles at St Catherine’s is to complete mandatory E-learning training and remain compliant with this throughout your employment.
We understand that Artificial Intelligence (AI) may be used to support some applications, whilst we do not discourage this, please ensure any documentation and applications submitted accurately and truthfully reflect your own experience and suitability for this role.
We are located in Grace Holland Avenue, Pease Pottage, Crawley, West Sussex RH11 9SL. You can access the Hospice by car, bus, bike or walking, with full transport details on our website. If you require any additional information or would like an informal discussion with our current Chief Executive, please email jobs@stch.org.uk or give us a call on 01293 447353 and we will arrange this.
Chief Executive in Crawley employer: St Catherine's Hospice Sussex and Surrey
St Catherine’s Hospice is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and values-driven work culture that prioritises compassionate leadership and employee well-being. With generous annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and opportunities for professional growth, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying a fulfilling work-life balance. Located in Crawley, the hospice provides a collaborative environment where staff can thrive and contribute to the vital mission of delivering specialist palliative care.
Contact Details:
St Catherine's Hospice Sussex and Surrey Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive in Crawley
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by St Catherine's Hospice Sussex and Surrey.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like St Catherine's Hospice Sussex and Surrey.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at St Catherine's Hospice Sussex and Surrey.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at St Catherine's Hospice Sussex and Surrey. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive in Crawley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of St Catherine's Hospice Sussex and Surrey. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Chief Executive, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at St Catherine's Hospice Sussex and Surrey
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of St Catherine's Hospice Sussex and Surrey. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
