Together for Short Lives seeks
Voluntary Chair of the Board of Trustees
In-person and online meetings based in London and Bristol
Circa 20-22 days per annum required of time
Together for Short Lives is the leading Charity for children’s palliative care in the UK. They believe in a future where every seriously ill child and their family has access to high-quality palliative care, when and where they need it.
The organisation works with healthcare professionals to improve care delivery, raises funds for healthcare funding gaps, and campaigns for policies that give lasting support to seriously ill children and their families. They strive to increase the number of healthcare professionals and ensure they are supported to provide the best possible standard of care. Furthermore, their Family Support Hub offers practical, emotional and financial support to relatives of seriously ill children, and connects them with families in similar situations.
Together for Short Lives’ vision is that every seriously ill child and their family receives high-quality palliative and end-of-life care and support. They aim to achieve this through a 10-year strategic plan – Making Every Moment Count. By improving access and quality of care, this strategy aims to ensure seriously ill children and their families can make the most of every moment they have together, whether it’s for years, months or only hours. They're seeking a Chair of the Board of Trustees to help mould their approach and turn this strategy into reality.
As Chair, you’ll ensure the Board operates cohesively and collaboratively, overseeing governance and providing strategic direction. You will provide clear, engaging and confident leadership to the Trustees and support the Chief Executive on issues relating to the Charity’s sustainability and overall impact. Your responsibilities will include promoting the highest standards of conduct, financial probity, regulatory compliance and risk management, alongside reviewing the performance of the Executive Team against set objectives. Additionally, you’ll act as an ambassador for Together for Short Lives, championing their mission and vision.
The organisation is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Chair with the time and capacity to lead the Board. The successful candidate will have strong communication skills and the ability to build relationships with different audiences, particularly parents, professionals and key partners. Ideally, they will have experience in children’s palliative care, either in health, social care or education context, alongside the strategic insight to drive the Charity forward. Furthermore, the Chair will have a proven track record in Charity governance and embody the values of Together for Short Lives.
This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of children’s palliative care and family support. If you’re passionate about this matter, we’d love to hear from you.
For further details and to apply, please contact Sandy Hinks quoting the applicable reference number: MC2489