Lead the next chapter of a charity with over a century of impact



Cancer remains one of Yorkshire's greatest health challenges. Every week, 600 people are diagnosed and 250 people lose their lives to the disease. Despite advances in research and treatment, too many people still face later diagnoses, poorer outcomes and avoidable inequalities.



Yorkshire Cancer Research exists to change this. For more than 100 years, we have invested in world-class research, pioneering prevention and early diagnosis initiatives, and practical support for people living with cancer. Today, we are entering one of the most ambitious periods in our history; increasing investment, expanding evidence-based services, strengthening partnerships across healthcare and academia, and deepening our reach into communities across the region.



We are now seeking a new
Chair to help steward the organisation through this next chapter. You will bring strategic clarity, strong governance experience and a deep commitment to improving cancer outcomes for the people of Yorkshire. You will guide the Board through a rapidly evolving external environment, ensuring the charity remains ambitious, resilient and trusted by the communities we serve.




Why this role matters



Our vision is simple: a Yorkshire where more people live longer, healthier lives free from cancer. As Chair, you will help ensure we continue to deliver meaningful outcomes across prevention, early diagnosis, treatment and recovery, and that tackling inequalities remains central to every decision.



You will act as an ambassador for the charity, build trusted relationships with partners and supporters, and support and challenge the Chief Executive and Executive team as we enter a defining period of growth and influence.




About you, and the opportunity ahead



You will be an experienced Board leader, ideally with Chair or Committee Chair experience, and comfortable operating in complex, multi-stakeholder environments. You will bring sound judgement, integrity, credibility and the ability to unite diverse perspectives. A strong connection to Yorkshire, or the ability to build one, is important, as is a personal commitment to equity, diversity and tackling inequalities.



This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and support across Yorkshire. Your leadership will help strengthen partnerships, guide significant investment and ensure that every person has access to the best possible opportunities for better outcomes.



For full details, including responsibilities and person specification, please refer to the candidate pack.




For a confidential conversation, please contact:

• Dr Emma French - Emma.French@gatenbysanderson.com


• Liz Dean - Liz.Dean@gatenbysanderson.com


• Emily Nevins - Emily.Nevins@gatenbysanderson.com

To view the job description and person specification, please scroll to the bottom of the page, tick to agree to the privacy policy, then click 'Continue to full details'.




Recruitment Timetable



Closing date

Monday 19th October at 9am



Preliminary interviews

w/c 2nd November



Final panel

w/c 16th November




How to Apply

• Please submit your CV along with a Supporting Statement addressing the person specification criteria, evidencing how you meet the criteria.


• Detail any employment or education gaps.


• Be ready to provide the names, positions, organisations and contact details for two referees; one should be your current or most recent employer. Referees will be contacted for those proceeding to final stages. We will always gain your permission before we contact referees.


• Let us know any difficulty you may have with the indicative timetable.


• Check that your contact details are correct before you submit.

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated email confirmation. If you do not receive, please email contactus@gatenbysanderson.com