Havens Hospices is pleased to announce the appointment of Louise Bryan as Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective 1st June. The appointment follows a planned and smooth internal transition, allowing continuity of leadership as the organisation begins a year focused on financial sustainability and strategic planning for the future.

“I am very proud to be taking on the role of Interim CEO,” said Louise. “This is an organisation I care deeply about, and I am committed to providing steady, focused leadership during this important time.”

The interim period is designed to allow the Trustees time and space to determine the future direction of Havens Hospices. This will underpin the important decisions we will soon need to make, from our longer-term strategy to the appointment of a permanent CEO. The first part of this is a project to review the foundations on which our charity, care and culture are built – the Vision, Mission and Values.

Having worked closely with outgoing CEO Steve Smith on a detailed handover, this has ensured continuity and stability across the organisation, which includes two hospices, community teams and 28 charity shops.

“Our Business Plan for 2025/26 reflects a clear commitment to managing our finances while protecting and enhancing the services we provide,” Louise added. “We are proud to have set a budget that supports a full staffing establishment for the first time in our history, which in turn allows us to deliver more care than ever before to our community. In a time when many in our sector are facing cuts, closures, and redundancies, we’re doing everything we can to protect our services—and that takes a collective effort.”

Louise will retain responsibility for financial oversight and continue to serve as a Director on the charity’s Trading Board, while additional support is being brought in to strengthen both Finance and Administration teams. The current Leadership structure and team of direct reports will remain in place throughout the interim period.

“We have a strong plan, a committed team, and a clear purpose. This is a year of consolidation—of steady, calm leadership—and I’m confident that together we can lay the foundations for a stronger, more sustainable future for local hospice care.”