Sickle Cell Society
Chief Executive Officer
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Around 18,500 people in the UK are living with sickle cell, with approximately 300 babies born with the condition every year. It is the most common and fastest-growing inherited blood disorder in the country, yet remains one of the most persistently under-served.
The Sickle Cell Society exists to change that.
For more than 40 years, the Society has been a powerful voice for people living with sickle cell and their families, providing support, influencing policy and practice, raising awareness, and campaigning for better treatment and care.
With their current Chief Executive, John James OBE, planning to retire in 2027, they are now looking for an ambitious and thoughtful leader to build on those foundations and help shape the next chapter.
The Role
The new Chief Executive will join at an important moment. Individual giving has grown by 60% year on year, corporate supporters contributed almost £100,000 in the last financial year, and their digital reach now extends to 85,000 users across 146 countries. Their helpline continues to provide direct support to people and families navigating the realities of the condition.
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The Society is in discussion with funders about developing its first scientific research programme. At the same time, commissioning of sickle cell services is moving increasingly towards Integrated Care Boards. The Society will have an important role in ensuring that progress is not lost and that the needs of people living with sickle cell remain visible within increasingly localised health systems.
The Chief Executive will set the organisation’s strategic direction, lead and develop its staff, and work closely with the Board to turn ambition into impact. They will be the Society’s principal ambassador with government, the NHS, funders, partners and the wider public, while ensuring the organisation has the income, capability and resilience it needs for the future.
The Person
They are looking for someone with leadership and general management experience in a complex service-delivery organisation. You will have managed across more than one function, held meaningful budget responsibility, and know how to build high-performing teams across service delivery, policy, advocacy, community engagement and communications.
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This is an opportunity for someone who can respect what already works, challenge where necessary, and bring fresh thinking, energy and judgement to what comes next.
If you believe you can help the Sickle Cell Society increase its impact and strengthen its voice, they would be delighted to hear from you.
Equal Opportunities
The Sickle Cell Society are committed to providing equal opportunities for everyone. They acknowledge that people from certain backgrounds are under-represented within the third sector and are committed to doing what they can to correct this. They especially welcome applications from people from these under-represented groups.
Contact
To find out more, please visit our microsite: https://micro.green-park.co.uk/sicklecellsociety/
For an informal conversation about the role or process please contact our Executive Search Partners, Green Park, on miles.mackie@green-park.co.uk
Closing date: 11:59pm Sunday 11th October 2026
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