At a Glance
- Tasks: Join the Board to guide and enhance our Trading Company for charitable impact.
- Company: St Christopher's Trading Company, supporting a leading hospice with a rich history.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in governance and strategic direction while making a difference.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team that supports end-of-life care and community welfare.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial or charity retail at a strategic level is essential.
- Other info: Voluntary role with opportunities for personal growth and networking.
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 the 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 requirements
- 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
Period of appointment
Initial period of two years; renewable by mutual consent. 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.
For more information, please contact Wendy Jukes (Corporate Administration Manager) w.jukes@stchristophers.org.uk or telephone 020 8768 4502. 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.
Closing date: 2nd February 2026 at 5pm
Interview date: 12th February 2026
Trading Company Non-Executive Director employer: St Christophers
Contact Detail:
St Christophers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trading Company Non-Executive Director
✨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, and who knows? They might just have a lead or two for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in relevant events or workshops. This is a great way to meet people in the industry and showcase your enthusiasm and expertise. Plus, it’s a fab chance to learn more about the latest trends in charity retail.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from showcasing your skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or board members, be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Bring your A-game!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your passion for charity work and your strategic insight into retail.
We think you need these skills to ace Trading Company Non-Executive Director
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 Company and how you can contribute to our mission.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in commercial or charity retail. We’re looking for specific skills, so don’t be shy about showcasing them!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key points stand out and are easy to read. This helps us understand your qualifications quickly!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re following our process, which we love to see.
How to prepare for a job interview at St Christophers
✨Know the Mission
Before your interview, dive deep into the mission and values of St Christopher's Trading Company. Understanding how their commercial activities support the hospice will help you articulate how your skills align with their goals.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Prepare to discuss your experience in charity retail or strategic roles. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've driven innovation or improved performance in similar environments, as this will demonstrate your value to the board.
✨Engage with Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand the challenges the Trading Board faces, allowing you to position yourself as a solution.
✨Emphasise Governance Knowledge
Highlight your understanding of good governance practices and financial oversight. Discuss any relevant experiences where you've ensured compliance and integrity in financial reporting, as this is crucial for the non-executive director role.