Lead with compassion. Inspire through purpose. Shape the future of Hospiscare.
Hospiscare has been at the heart of our community for over 40 years, providing outstanding specialist end-of-life care and support to people and their families across Exeter, Mid and East Devon. As we look to the future, we are seeking an exceptional Chief Executive Officer to lead our charity with vision, empathy and strategic strength.
The opportunity
This is a pivotal leadership role — guiding a much-loved local charity through a period of challenge but also opportunity. You’ll work closely with a dedicated Board of Trustees and an experienced Leadership Teams to shape and deliver our strategic goals, ensuring Hospiscare remains resilient, sustainable, and true to our founding values of care, compassion, and dignity.
You’ll be the public face and voice of Hospiscare — inspiring confidence among our staff, volunteers, supporters, healthcare partners, and the wider community. Your leadership will ensure we continue to deliver the highest standards of specialist palliative care while innovating to meet the changing needs of our patients and our community.
About you
You are an accomplished and compassionate leader, able to inspire and unite people around a shared purpose. With substantial senior leadership experience — ideally gained in the charity or health and social care sectors — you bring a track record of shaping strategy, managing complex budgets, and achieving sustainable results.
You’ll understand the challenges facing healthcare and charitable organisations and bring creative, collaborative solutions. You are confident working with a Board, comfortable in the public eye, and driven by a genuine commitment to making a difference to people’s lives at the most profound of times.
Key strengths you’ll bring
* Strategic vision and proven experience leading organisational change and growth
* Strong understanding of governance, finance, and regulatory environments
* Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills — connecting easily and authentically with people from all walks of life
* A leadership style that combines compassion, clarity, and courage
* A deep alignment with Hospiscare’s mission and values
Why join Hospiscare?
At Hospiscare, you’ll find a community of extraordinary people — staff and volunteers dedicated to providing the very best care and support when it matters most. This is more than a leadership role; it’s an opportunity to make a lasting impact on a vital local charity and the lives of countless people in Devon.
We are working with Charity Recruitment Consultant, Jackie Dawkins of Shine Charity Recruitment, who is supporting our search. For further details about Hospiscare, please read the Recruitment Pack
Key Dates:
* Closing Date – 26th January 2026 at 5pm
* First Interview with Jackie Dawkins (via Zoom) – 2nd/3rd February 2026
* Shortlisted candidates informal meeting with Chair – 23rd February 2026
* Interview and Assessment Day at Hospiscare – 24th February 2026