The Hospice of St Francis has begun its search for a new Chief Executive Officer after Steve Jamieson, who has led the organisation for the last two-and-a-half years, announced that he is to step down in the autumn to take up the position of CEO of The Society and College of Chiropodists and Podiatrists in London.
Mr Jamieson, who has been at the helm of the Berkhamsted-based Hospice since March 2015, has been a committed leader for the organisation, maintaining the high standards which led to an outstanding rating by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and overseeing a raft of organisational changes to improve efficiency and procedures.
Alison Woodhams, Chair of Trustees at the Hospice, said, “Under Steve’s leadership, the Hospice has flourished and achieved the highest accolade of an outstanding CQC rating for its care. This is a tremendous achievement and one which has instilled much pride in the organisation.
“Steve has also been instrumental in guiding the Hospice through a period of change, leaving it with stronger robust systems in place and maintaining its reputation as a key influencer in palliative care, at a time when end of life care is rising in prominence in the national debate.”
Mr Jamieson commented, “Leaving The Hospice of St Francis is one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make. I feel very sad about leaving this wonderful charity but it is the right move for me and for my career at this point in my life.
“I leave the Hospice in the capable hands of an excellent and passionate Executive Team and our dedicated staff and volunteer body who all go above and beyond on a daily basis to ensure that our patients and their families receive the care and support they need.”
The Hospice’s Board of Trustees has already started the process of recruiting a successor to lead the Hospice into the next phase of its development.