As widely reported in the national news, hospices across the country are grappling with a severe funding crisis, forcing many to make difficult and painful decisions.
Willen Hospice, a Milton Keynes charity that has provided free, specialist care to the community for over 40 years, is not exempt from these challenges. However, the hospice has taken decisive action by appointing a new executive leadership team, made up of seasoned professionals from diverse sectors, and committed to steering the charity through a strategic transformation, ensuring its long-term sustainability while continuing to deliver the exceptional care that patients and their families rely on.
Leading the team is Kate Broadhurst, who joined as CEO in January 2024. Kate brings over 20 years of leadership experience from the John Lewis Partnership, where she held senior positions in retail, HR, marketing, communications, strategy, and governance. Her expertise in managing multi-million-pound operations and leading strategic initiatives has earned her a reputation for delivering impactful results. Having lived in Milton Keynes for 15 years, Kate’s deep community connection is a driving force in her new role at Willen Hospice. Kate said:
“I am incredibly honoured to lead Willen Hospice at such a pivotal time. Our community relies on the compassionate care that the hospice provides, and my focus as CEO is on ensuring that this care remains accessible and of the highest quality for many more years to come. We’re not just thinking about today – we’re preparing for tomorrow”
Kate and her team are spearheading a comprehensive new three-year strategy called Ready for Tomorrow Today, which will be unveiled in the coming months. This forward-thinking plan is designed to ensure the hospice can meet growing demand while adapting to the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. The strategy focuses on enhancing patient care, securing financial sustainability, and expanding community outreach whilst being a great place to work.
Kate added:
“With only 13.8% of our running costs met by ongoing NHS funding, we are hugely reliant on the support and generosity of our community. This continued support from volunteers and businesses will be crucial to the long-term sustainability of the hospice as we work alongside the NHS to navigate these challenging times.”
The Executive Team
The new leadership brings a wealth of experience across various industries:
- Richard Alsop, Director of Strategy and Development, has over 20 years of executive experience in the NHS, where he led healthcare strategies and transformation programmes focused on improving patient outcomes. At Willen Hospice, Richard will play a key role in executing the ‘Ready for Tomorrow Today’ strategy, guiding the organisation toward long-term sustainability while maintaining its role as a cornerstone of community care.
- Akash Chatterjee, Director of Finance and IT, brings over 25 years of experience in senior finance roles across Big 4 audit firms and FTSE 100 companies. His expertise in financial management and efficiency-building will be crucial in ensuring Willen Hospice’s financial stability as the organisation navigates future economic challenges.
- Ali Lowe, Director of People and Organisational Development, joined Willen in 2022 and oversees HR, learning and develop- ment, and volunteer teams. With experience across the hospitality, public sector, and NHS, Ali is passionate about creating positive work cultures. She believes that a well-supported work- force leads to better patient outcomes, which is central to her approach at Willen Hospice.
- Kikelomo (Kike) Pinheiro, Director of Clinical Services, has over 20 years of experience in leadership roles across the pharmaceutical, hospital and community health sectors. Kike is committed to ensuring the hospice continues to provide exceptional, personalised care to patients and their families. She also advocates for inclusive access to palliative care for all community members.
- Ranjit Singh, Commercial Director, joined the team in September. A respected leader in the Milton Keynes community, Ranjit previously served as Philanthropy Director at the Milton Keynes Community Foundation. His background in generating diversi- fied income streams and building sustainable organisations will be critical in securing Willen Hospice’s financial future. Ranjit’s strong community ties and dedication to diversity and inclusion make him a valuable asset to the leadership team.
Collaborative governance and strategic leadership
Alongside the new executive team, Rachel Medill has been appointed Chair of the Board. Rachel brings over 20 years of leadership experience in the non-profit sector, having founded Ride High, a charity that uses equine therapy to support vulnerable children.
Her deep roots in the Milton Keynes community and expertise in charity leadership will be instrumental as she works closely with Kate and the Board to ensure the hospice’s growth is aligned with its core values and mission.
Rachel’s focus, along with the Board, will be on supporting the implementation of the Ready for Tomorrow Today strategy. This includes ensuring resources are managed efficiently, risks are carefully mitigated, and innovative approaches to patient care, income generation, volunteer engagement, and community partnerships are developed.
A vision for the future
With this experienced leadership team in place, Willen Hospice is well prepared to navigate future challenges while continuing its tradition of exceptional care. The Ready for Tomorrow Today strategy, set to launch in the coming months, will position the hospice for growth and financial sustainability.
United by the hospice’s core values – inclusion, compassion, ambition, respect and excellence – the leadership team is committed to preserving the hospice’s legacy while positioning it for future success. As Kate Broadhurst and her team embark on this journey, the Milton Keynes community can be confident that Willen Hospice will continue to deliver the highest standard of care, both today and for generations to come.
For more information and to find out how your business can support the hospice visit www.willen-hospice.org.uk
