Thanks so much for your interest in the Chief Operating Officer role at Teenage Cancer Trust. This is an important appointment for us – and I’m glad you’re taking the time to explore it.
Throughout this process, I want the experience to be two-way. Ask questions. Be curious. Challenge us, as it’s important you understand how we’ll support you to thrive in the role. That’s exactly the kind of dynamic we’ll build if you join us
Teenage Cancer Trust exists to support young people and their families through something no one should have to face. That mission has never felt more urgent – or more complex.
This is a big moment for us. The organisation is in a good shape, with a strong team, a clear sense of purpose, rightly proud of the difference we make and with a track record of transforming cancer care for young people.
But we’re also at a strategic turning point.
Our ambitions to 2029 are ambitious, and rightly so. We’re evolving our services and strengthening our infrastructure to make sure that by 2040, young people with cancer in the UK have the best chance of survival and quality of life in the world.
I’m constantly reminded why this matters. Not long ago, I met a young woman named Ellie, who was diagnosed with cancer just before her A-levels. She told me that her Teenage Cancer Trust nurse wasn’t just a medical professional – she was the person who truly understood what it meant to be young and seriously ill. That support helped Ellie hold onto her identity, her friendships, and her future. Stories like hers are why we do what we do – and why we need the right leadership with the courage to keep doing it better.
This role will be right at the heart of that journey. You’ll be leading a capable team who will look to you to champion their work at board level and help shape how we operate. You don’t need to have done every part of the job before – but you do need to bring self-awareness, resilience, and the ability to listen, challenge, and find practical ways forward. You’ll give me, your peers and the Board confidence that we’re in safe hands as we navigate change and growth.
I’m grateful to Green Park for helping us find the right person for this role – and grateful to you for considering it. I know applying for a role like this takes time and energy. But I also know that the young people we serve deserve that level of commitment from all of us.
Good luck and thank you.
Kate Collins
Chief Executive
Teenage Cancer Trust