Job summary
Halton Haven Hospice is seeking an exceptional, inspiringleader to join our Board of Trustees. This voluntary roledemands strong leadership, strategic oversight, and effectivegovernance to support our mission of delivering high-qualitypalliative care.
The successful candidate will:
Provide strategic direction and robust board leadership
Engage effectively with key stakeholders and support the executive team
Demonstrate excellent communication and a commitmentto ethical governance.
This is a voluntary role with reimbursed expenses, requiring acommitment of approximately 30 days a year including boardmeetings and key events.
Main duties of the job
The Chair of Trustees is a pivotal leadership role within Halton Haven Hospice.
The Chair leads the Board of Trustees and ensures the charity remains true to itsmission: providing high-quality, compassionate, and person-centred care toindividuals with life-limiting illnesses.
This role provides strategic direction,governance oversight, and critical support to the executive team, ensuringoperations are effective and aligned with legal and ethical standards.
We are seeking an inclusive and inspiring leader, with a deep understanding ofgood governance and the responsibilities of trustees in the charitable andhealthcare sectors. The ideal candidate will have outstanding communicationskills and the ability to work collaboratively in a multi-stakeholder environment,bringing empathy and alignment with the values of Halton Haven and thecommunities we serve.
This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of palliative care in Haltonand be part of a legacy of care, compassion, and community impact.
We are looking for someone who:
Demonstrates strategic vision and inclusive leadership.
Understands the responsibilities of trusteeship and charity governance.
Can build strong relationships with stakeholders and the executive team.
Is passionate about palliative care and the wider health and voluntary sectors.
Has the confidence to represent the Hospice at public and partner-facingevents.
About us
Halton Haven Hospice provides specialist palliative care to people from Haltonand surrounding areas who are living with terminal conditions. We exist toprovide compassionate and personalised care to people at the end of their livesand we are here to enable people to live as well as possible until they die; and toenhance their quality of life by providing expert care in managing pain and otherdistressing symptoms.
We are not part of the NHS although we do receive some funding from them, we are a registered charity and our funding comes from our community throughdonations, fundraising events, our weekly lottery, and legacies left by supportersin their wills.
At a time of immense strain on hospice services nationally, the way we deliverhospice care must evolve and at Halton Haven, our plans for the future are bold,forward-thinking and ambitious as we strive to meet the needs of ourcommunity not only now but into the future.
Our new Chair will play a pivotal role in leading the hospice and our committedteam of staff and volunteers forward into a new chapter of hospice care inHalton. About Us
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Chair of the Trustees for Halton Haven Hospice is responsible for a numberof key areas including leadership of the Board, strategic planning and oversightof the Hospice finances.
Leadership and Governance
Provide leadership to the Board of Trustees in setting and maintaining thestrategic direction of Halton Haven Hospice.
Ensure the Board fulfils its governance responsibilities, including compliancewith charity law, regulatory obligations, and best practices in hospice andhealthcare governance.
Facilitate effective communication and collaboration between trustees, the executive team, staff, volunteers, and external stakeholders.
Act as the key liaison between the Board and the executive team, maintaining a supportive and constructive relationship.
Chair Board meetings, including the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and anyExtraordinaryGeneral Meetings (EGMs), ensuring open dialogue and timelydecision-making.
Lead on regular Board reviews, ensuring the Board has the right mix ofskills, experience, and diversity to govern effectively.
Uphold standards of good governance, including effective risk management,audit oversight, and trustee development.
Act as a director of the organisation, working in the best interests of HaltonHaven Hospice at all times.
Plan and lead purposeful, inclusive, and well-structured Board meetings.
Collaborate with the executive team and trustees to shape meeting agendasaligned with strategic priorities.
Ensure that Board decisions are actioned and regularly reviewed for impact.
Support the induction, mentoring, and ongoing development of newtrustees.
Lead on trustee recruitment alongside the Nominations Committee,ensuring the Board remains diverse and effective.
Provide guidance on safeguarding related decisions, in collaboration withthe Trustee Safeguarding Lead and executive team.
Guide the development and execution of the hospices strategic plan incollaboration with the executive team and Board.
Monitor progress against strategic goals, ensuring alignment with HaltonHavens mission and patient centred values.
Champion continuous improvement, innovation, and responsive planning to meet changing community needs.
Oversee the financial health and long-term sustainability of the Hospice.
Approve and monitor budgets, financial reports, and investment decisions inconjunction with the Finance & Income Generation Sub Committee.
Ensure appropriate financial controls, policies, and risk frameworks are inplace.
Act as an ambassador for Halton Haven Hospice, promoting its values andimpact in the wider community.
Represent the charity at fundraising events, meetings, and community forums.
Build relationships with donors, partners, regulators, local health providers,and other key stakeholders to support the hospices profile and incomegeneration.
Support the development and effectiveness of individual trustees and the Board as a whole.
Address any performance concerns or conflicts within the Boardconstructively and with discretion.
Undergo a regular 360 feedback review process, coordinated by the Vice Chair or designated trustee.
Performance reviews and leadership mentoring.
Act as a trusted advisor and partner to the executive team, ensuring theimplementation of Board decisions and strategic initiatives.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Chair of the Trustees for Halton Haven Hospice is responsible for a numberof key areas including leadership of the Board, strategic planning and oversightof the Hospice finances.
Leadership and Governance
Provide leadership to the Board of Trustees in setting and maintaining thestrategic direction of Halton Haven Hospice.
Ensure the Board fulfils its governance responsibilities, including compliancewith charity law, regulatory obligations, and best practices in hospice andhealthcare governance.
Facilitate effective communication and collaboration between trustees, the executive team, staff, volunteers, and external stakeholders.
Act as the key liaison between the Board and the executive team, maintaining a supportive and constructive relationship.
Chair Board meetings, including the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and anyExtraordinaryGeneral Meetings (EGMs), ensuring open dialogue and timelydecision-making.
Lead on regular Board reviews, ensuring the Board has the right mix ofskills, experience, and diversity to govern effectively.
Uphold standards of good governance, including effective risk management,audit oversight, and trustee development.
Act as a director of the organisation, working in the best interests of HaltonHaven Hospice at all times.
Plan and lead purposeful, inclusive, and well-structured Board meetings.
Collaborate with the executive team and trustees to shape meeting agendasaligned with strategic priorities.
Ensure that Board decisions are actioned and regularly reviewed for impact.
Support the induction, mentoring, and ongoing development of newtrustees.
Lead on trustee recruitment alongside the Nominations Committee,ensuring the Board remains diverse and effective.
Provide guidance on safeguarding related decisions, in collaboration withthe Trustee Safeguarding Lead and executive team.
Guide the development and execution of the hospices strategic plan incollaboration with the executive team and Board.
Monitor progress against strategic goals, ensuring alignment with HaltonHavens mission and patient centred values.
Champion continuous improvement, innovation, and responsive planning to meet changing community needs.
Oversee the financial health and long-term sustainability of the Hospice.
Approve and monitor budgets, financial reports, and investment decisions inconjunction with the Finance & Income Generation Sub Committee.
Ensure appropriate financial controls, policies, and risk frameworks are inplace.
Act as an ambassador for Halton Haven Hospice, promoting its values andimpact in the wider community.
Represent the charity at fundraising events, meetings, and community forums.
Build relationships with donors, partners, regulators, local health providers,and other key stakeholders to support the hospices profile and incomegeneration.
Support the development and effectiveness of individual trustees and the Board as a whole.
Address any performance concerns or conflicts within the Boardconstructively and with discretion.
Undergo a regular 360 feedback review process, coordinated by the Vice Chair or designated trustee.
Performance reviews and leadership mentoring.
Act as a trusted advisor and partner to the executive team, ensuring theimplementation of Board decisions and strategic initiatives.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Significant leadership experience, ideally at board level, with a proven record of effective decision-making, strategic planning, and organisational oversight.
- Strong leadership qualities, with the ability to guide and inspire a diverse group of trustees and executives, fostering teamwork and shared purpose.
- A forward-thinking, strategic mindset capable of guiding Halton Haven Hospice through both challenges and opportunities in the healthcare and voluntary sector.
- Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead inclusive and effective discussions.
- Ability to build a strong, supportive, and constructive relationship with the executive team, offering both appropriate challenge and encouragement.
- Strong interpersonal and networking skills, with a natural ability to represent the hospices mission with integrity and passion.
- Experience of working in partnership with others to achieve shared goals and amplify impact.
- Skilled at inspiring trust and confidence from both the Board and wider hospice team.
Desirable
- Financial literacy and experience in overseeing budgets and interpreting financial statements.
- Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including commissioners, funders, regulators, community leaders, healthcare partners, and supporters.
Knowledge
Essential
- Insight into strategic planning and the role of good governance in organisational performance and accountability.
- A deep commitment to Halton Haven Hospices mission, values, and ethos of compassionate, person-centred care.
- Integrity, transparency, and a high standard of personal and professional ethics.
- A commitment to inclusive leadership and to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion across the Board and the wider organisation.
- Sensitivity to the needs of patients, families, and staff working in a healthcare setting, especially during emotionally complex times.
- Proactive, resilient, and adaptable, with sound judgment and emotional
- intelligence.
- Prepared to challenge and support the executive team constructively.
- Diplomatic and empathetic in handling sensitive issues and navigating diverse opinions.
- Strong public speaking and representation skills, with the confidence to act as a key ambassador for the hospice.
- Availability to commit approximately 30 days per year, including attendance at bi monthly board meetings, engagement with the executive team, and participation in community, fundraising, and stakeholder events.
Desirable
- A clear understanding of charity governance, regulatory compliance, and the legal duties of trustees.
- Awareness of the regulatory frameworks affecting hospices and palliative care, or a willingness to learn quickly.
- Understanding of safeguarding principles and responsibilities relevant to the care of vulnerable adults and, where applicable, families and carers.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Significant leadership experience, ideally at board level, with a proven record of effective decision-making, strategic planning, and organisational oversight.
- Strong leadership qualities, with the ability to guide and inspire a diverse group of trustees and executives, fostering teamwork and shared purpose.
- A forward-thinking, strategic mindset capable of guiding Halton Haven Hospice through both challenges and opportunities in the healthcare and voluntary sector.
- Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead inclusive and effective discussions.
- Ability to build a strong, supportive, and constructive relationship with the executive team, offering both appropriate challenge and encouragement.
- Strong interpersonal and networking skills, with a natural ability to represent the hospices mission with integrity and passion.
- Experience of working in partnership with others to achieve shared goals and amplify impact.
- Skilled at inspiring trust and confidence from both the Board and wider hospice team.
Desirable
- Financial literacy and experience in overseeing budgets and interpreting financial statements.
- Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including commissioners, funders, regulators, community leaders, healthcare partners, and supporters.
Knowledge
Essential
- Insight into strategic planning and the role of good governance in organisational performance and accountability.
- A deep commitment to Halton Haven Hospices mission, values, and ethos of compassionate, person-centred care.
- Integrity, transparency, and a high standard of personal and professional ethics.
- A commitment to inclusive leadership and to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion across the Board and the wider organisation.
- Sensitivity to the needs of patients, families, and staff working in a healthcare setting, especially during emotionally complex times.
- Proactive, resilient, and adaptable, with sound judgment and emotional
- intelligence.
- Prepared to challenge and support the executive team constructively.
- Diplomatic and empathetic in handling sensitive issues and navigating diverse opinions.
- Strong public speaking and representation skills, with the confidence to act as a key ambassador for the hospice.
- Availability to commit approximately 30 days per year, including attendance at bi monthly board meetings, engagement with the executive team, and participation in community, fundraising, and stakeholder events.
Desirable
- A clear understanding of charity governance, regulatory compliance, and the legal duties of trustees.
- Awareness of the regulatory frameworks affecting hospices and palliative care, or a willingness to learn quickly.
- Understanding of safeguarding principles and responsibilities relevant to the care of vulnerable adults and, where applicable, families and carers.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
