After a rigorous recruitment process, which attracted a strong field of external candidates, the Board of Trustees unanimously agreed that Jo was the right person to lead the hospice into its next chapter.
Jo joined St Margaret’s Hospice in 2019 and brings more than 25 years’ experience from both the charity and commercial sectors, with a strong track record in leadership, strategy, income generation, corporate communications and organisational development. Prior to joining St Margaret’s, Jo held senior roles both in national and international charities, initiating and leading successful local, regional and global partnerships, public campaigns, and brand development.
Since joining the hospice, Jo has played a central role in strengthening St Margaret’s and shaping its future direction. As Director of Fundraising, Retail and Communications, she led the hospice’s retail teams to deliver four consecutive years of growth, helping to generate vital income to support free hospice care across Somerset.
She has also overseen ambitious and impactful fundraising, including the ‘Every Moment Counts’ appeal, which set out to raise £100,000 in just 36 hours and went on to raise an incredible £190,000, reflecting the generosity and determination of the local community to support the hospice.
Jo was instrumental in the development of St Margaret’s five-year strategy, Time to Care – Now & Always and has continued to lead its implementation both in her director role and more recently as interim Chief Executive. Her leadership has been rooted in the hospice’s values of being compassionate, collaborative and ambitious – working alongside teams across St Margaret’s to strengthen our voice, support the delivery of excellent care so more people can benefit earlier, and steward our resources carefully to protect hospice care for the future.
Chair of Trustees, Tom Samuel, said, “Jo has demonstrated strong, compassionate leadership and a deep commitment to St Margaret’s. She understands this organisation, our people and our community, and has already played a significant role in shaping our future. The Board has every confidence in her ability to lead the hospice as we continue to evolve and respond to the needs of Somerset.”
St Margaret’s Hospice is a very special organisation, rooted in compassion and powered by people who care deeply about making a difference. I feel incredibly proud to be appointed as Chief Executive and to continue working alongside our staff, volunteers and supporters. As we move forward with our Time to Care – Now & Always strategy, my focus will be on supporting our people, strengthening our services, and ensuring hospice care is there for everyone who needs it, at the right time.”Jo, speaking about her appointment
