Executive Recruitment at Rainbows

Overview

Valued Recruitment partnered with Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People to support the appointment of a new Director of Fundraising and two new Trustees to its Board.

As the organisation continues to provide vital care and support for babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions, strengthening both the Senior Management Team and the Board was essential to ensuring the charity’s long-term sustainability, effective governance and future strategic growth.

This brief combined an executive leadership search with board-level recruitment, requiring a thoughtful and values-led approach to attract individuals who could contribute both professional expertise and a genuine commitment to the hospice’s mission.

The Challenge

Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People plays a critical role in supporting families across the East Midlands, offering specialist care, respite services and emotional support during some of life’s most difficult moments.

As the organisation continued to evolve and expand its services, the leadership team and Board recognised the need to strengthen both its fundraising leadership and governance capability.

The appointment of a Director of Fundraising was central to the hospice’s future sustainability. The role required an experienced fundraising leader capable of developing and delivering a long-term income strategy, leading a high-performing fundraising team and strengthening relationships with supporters, partners and the wider community.

Alongside this, the Board sought to appoint two new Trustees who could bring strong governance experience, independent oversight and fresh strategic perspectives. The successful candidates needed to combine professional expertise with compassion, strategic insight and the ability to support the leadership team in guiding the organisation through future challenges and opportunities.

Our Approach

Valued Recruitment delivered a targeted and values-driven search strategy designed to attract purpose-driven leaders across both executive and board appointments.

Our approach included:

• Mapping senior fundraising leaders across the charity, commercial and social impact sectors

• Conducting targeted outreach to experienced fundraising directors and senior income leaders

• Identifying individuals with prior board and governance experience for the Trustee roles

• Engaging candidates aligned with the values and mission of Rainbows

• Supporting the organisation through a structured, inclusive and transparent selection process

Throughout the process, we worked closely with the leadership team and Board to ensure candidates brought not only the right professional expertise, but also the passion and empathy required to champion the hospice’s work.

The Outcome

Through this partnership, Valued Recruitment successfully supported the appointment of:

• A new Director of Fundraising, bringing strategic fundraising leadership to support the hospice’s long-term income growth and sustainability

• Two new Trustees, strengthening the Board’s governance, oversight and strategic capability

Together, these appointments enhance both the operational leadership and governance structure of the organisation, positioning the hospice to continue delivering exceptional care and support to the children and families who rely on its services.

Our Impact

This project demonstrates Valued Recruitment’s commitment to supporting mission-led organisations through thoughtful, values-driven recruitment at both executive and board level.

By connecting Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People with an experienced Director of Fundraising and two dedicated Trustees, we helped strengthen the leadership foundations that will enable the charity to continue delivering life-changing care for families when they need it most.