CEO - #2191551

Location: Liverpool, Merseyside
Salary: £70,000–£75,000
Contract: Permanent, Full-time

Woodlands Hospice has spent 30 years making a meaningful difference to patients, families and communities across North Liverpool. As we look towards our next decade, we're seeking an inspiring and compassionate Chief Executive Officer to help shape our future.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a much-loved local charity with strong foundations, dedicated staff and volunteers, and an ambitious Board of Trustees.

We're looking for someone who can recognise opportunities, bring people together and help Woodlands realise its full potential.

Based in Liverpool, Woodlands Hospice provides specialist palliative care alongside emotional, practical and bereavement support for patients and families.

Our work is made possible through dedicated employees, volunteers, generous supporters and our close partnership with the NHS.

With a relatively stable financial position and strong community foundations, we're proud of our achievements and excited about what comes next.

As CEO, you'll provide strategic and operational leadership, working with trustees, employees, volunteers and partners to deliver the charity's ambitions.

Three priorities will be central to your success:

We're looking for a leader who listens, communicates openly, builds trust and creates an environment where everyone feels valued.

Woodlands is entering a new chapter, making positive, inclusive leadership particularly important. You'll recognise the strengths of an experienced team, support their development and inspire people to work collaboratively towards shared goals.

Great leadership isn't about having all the answers. It's about empowering others and creating a culture where people can thrive.

Partnership working is fundamental to Woodlands' success, particularly our relationship with Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, through which clinical services are delivered.

You'll strengthen this relationship, improving communication and developing effective ways of working.

We're looking for someone experienced in navigating complex stakeholder environments, building relationships and finding collaborative solutions.

Your experience doesn't necessarily need to come from healthcare. What matters is your ability to establish trust and bring organisations together.

Woodlands has a remarkable story to tell, and we want more people to hear it.

We're looking for an enthusiastic ambassador who enjoys building connections, engaging with the community and championing our work.

You don't need to be a polished media spokesperson or experienced fundraiser, but you should be comfortable representing the charity and opening doors to new opportunities.

Working alongside trustees and fundraising colleagues, you'll help raise awareness, strengthen community connections and support sustainable income generation.

Having celebrated 30 years of Woodlands Hospice, what do we want our charity to look like at 40, and how do we get there?

We're keen to hear from experienced, values-led leaders who can bring people together, lead through change and develop productive relationships.

You may already be an established charity CEO, or a talented Deputy CEO, Chief Operating Officer or senior leader ready for your first CEO appointment.

We'd also welcome individuals from other purpose-driven organisations with relevant transferable experience.

Of particular interest will be:

• Inclusive, compassionate leadership and the ability to motivate teams.
• Strong relationship-building skills across complex stakeholder environments.
• Strategic vision combined with practical delivery.
• Operational and financial understanding, supporting governance and sustainability.
• Confident communication and the ability to represent an organisation externally.
• Experience leading through change with empathy and clarity.
• A genuine commitment to charitable values.

Experience working alongside NHS organisations or public-sector partnerships would be beneficial, but isn't essential.

Above all, we're looking for someone who leads with integrity and believes in the power of people working together.

You'll be joining a respected charity with dedicated colleagues, committed volunteers and an engaged Board of Trustees.

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution, strengthen relationships and help Woodlands become even more visible within the communities it serves.

We recognise that no individual brings every skill or experience. What matters is your ability to lead effectively and bring enthusiasm to the role.

If you're a collaborative, forward-thinking leader who wants to make a genuine difference, we'd love to hear from you.

Woodlands Hospice welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. If you don't meet every requirement but believe you could make a positive contribution, we'd still encourage you to apply.

Charity Recruit is working exclusively with Woodlands Hospice Charitable Trust on this appointment. All applications and expressions of interest should be directed to Charity Recruit, who will manage the recruitment and shortlisting process.

For a confidential conversation, please contact Emily Formby at Charity Recruit.

Charity Recruit specialises in executive recruitment for charities and not-for-profit organisations across the UK. Combining sector expertise, established networks and a personal approach, we help organisations find leaders who share their values and can make a lasting difference.