Duchy Health Charity

Cornwall’s leading grant giving health charity for the promotion of health and wellbeing
and the prevention of sickness in Cornwall and The Isles of Scilly

Founders of healthcare and wellbeing related initiatives
can apply for grants to help reach their objectives
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Be a catalyst for healthier lives in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly

We are seeking an inspirational new Chair to lead our Board into the future.

Founded from the visionary legacy of Cornwall’s first private hospital, Duchy Health Charity has since invested over £10 million in improving the health and wellbeing of people across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. From pioneering school-based health and wellbeing centres for young people to funding innovative community health projects and responding swiftly to crises like the cost-of-living emergency, we are deeply rooted in the communities we serve.

This is a pivotal moment. As our long-serving Chair Barbara Vann prepares to step down, we are looking for a successor who shares our passion for creating lasting, meaningful impact on health outcomes.

As our new chair, you will:

  • Provide strategic leadership, ensuring excellent governance and clarity of purpose.
  • Champion our mission to promote health and prevent sickness across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
  • Guide a talented and committed Board of Trustees in allocating our resources wisely and ambitiously.
  • Represent the charity externally, building relationships with partners, stakeholders and beneficiaries.
  • Foster an inclusive, collaborative and high-performing Board culture.

We are looking for:

  • Experience as a Chair or senior trustee in the charity or public sector, or significant experience of governance and leadership in complex organisations.
  • A strong connection to, or understanding of, Cornwall and its communities.
  • Strategic vision, sound judgement, and the ability to inspire and challenge constructively.
  • Commitment to our values of integrity, openness, and community focus.
  • Enthusiasm for our mission to improve health and wellbeing for all.


This is an exciting opportunity for someone who wants to make a tangible difference to the health landscape of Cornwall. You’ll be joining a financially stable, well-regarded organisation with significant influence and a strong record of impact.

If you are motivated to help shape the future of health and wellbeing in Cornwall, we would love to hear from you.

How to apply

Please download the attached brief for full details.

For a confidential conversation, please contact our recruitment partner Anna Jay, MD of Public Leaders Appointments: anna@publicleadersappointments.com

To apply, please email your CV and a covering letter (each no more than 3 pages) to anna@publicleadersappointments.com outlining your motivation and how your background and experience align with the requirements of our new Chair.

The details

Location: Cornwall (with hybrid/remote options for some meetings)

Commitment: Approx. 1 day per week

Remuneration: Voluntary (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

Closing date for applications: Midday, Wednesday 20 August 2025

Interviews: w/c 15 September 2025

Recruitment pack

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