At a Glance
- 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 strengthen national partnerships.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team during a pivotal transition for the charity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the lives of young people facing cancer.
- Qualifications: Board-level leadership experience and a commitment to equity and youth voices.
Voluntary, c. 2–3 days per month UK-wide (with in-person Board meetings in London)
Closing date: 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
From your first year, you will:
- 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
You will play a central role in ensuring:
- 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
- Senior executive or non-executive experience in complex, high-profile or multi-stakeholder environments
- 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.
A rare opportunity
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.
For an informal conversation please contact:
Michelle Sander: michelle.sander@gatenbysanderson.com
Liz Dean: liz.dean@gatenbysanderson.com
Closing date: Wednesday 15th April 2026
Chair Designate employer: Teenage Cancer Trust
Teenage Cancer Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead and influence the future of specialist cancer care for young people across the UK. With a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, the charity fosters a collaborative work culture that values the voices of young people, ensuring their needs are at the forefront of decision-making. As Chair Designate, you will be part of a dedicated team focused on impactful change, with opportunities for personal growth and the chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those facing cancer.
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, attend events, and connect with others on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or be able to refer you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Tailor your responses to show how your experiences align with their mission, especially when it comes to supporting young people facing cancer.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to build confidence. Focus on articulating your passion for the cause and how you can contribute to the charity's goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make decisions.
We think you need these skills to ace Chair Designate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Why:Before you start writing, take a moment to reflect on why you want to join Teenage Cancer Trust. We want to see your passion for supporting young people with cancer shine through in your application.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Chair Designate. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and commitment to young people's voices.
Be Authentic:Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your writing. We value authenticity, so share your unique perspective and experiences that have shaped your understanding of the challenges faced by young people with cancer.
Check Your Details:Before hitting send, double-check your application for any typos or errors. A polished application shows us that you care about the details and are serious about this opportunity. Remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
How to prepare for a job interview at Teenage Cancer Trust
✨Understand the Charity's Mission
Before your interview, dive deep into Teenage Cancer Trust's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their work and the specific challenges young people with cancer face. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your leadership can align with their goals.
✨Prepare for Governance Questions
As a potential Chair Designate, expect questions about governance and decision-making. Brush up on best practices in charity governance and be ready to discuss how you would ensure that young people's voices are central to the Board's decisions. Think of examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead through change.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
This role requires building trusted relationships with various stakeholders. Prepare to share specific instances where you've successfully collaborated with diverse groups. Highlight your emotional intelligence and how you've navigated complex environments to achieve common goals.
✨Demonstrate Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Teenage Cancer Trust values equity and diversity. Be prepared to discuss how you have championed these principles in your previous roles. Share your thoughts on how to create an inclusive environment within the Board and ensure that all voices, especially those of young people, are heard and valued.
