Executive team
Providing day‑to‑day strategic leadership to deliver our mission.
David Fletcher
Chief Executive
David Fletcher
Chief Executive
David became our Chief Executive in 2026, having previously served as Director of Care since 2022. Since joining the hospice, he's helped develop and strengthen services so more local people and families can access specialist hospice care earlier in their illness.
David began his career as a paramedic before progressing into senior leadership roles across healthcare, consultancy and education. Before joining the hospice, he supported healthcare organisations with service improvement and leadership development, including helping establish the London Nightingale Hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As Chief Executive, David is focused on protecting what makes the hospice so special while developing and strengthening its services for the future.
David began his career as a paramedic before progressing into senior leadership roles across healthcare, consultancy and education. Before joining the hospice, he supported healthcare organisations with service improvement and leadership development, including helping establish the London Nightingale Hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As Chief Executive, David is focused on protecting what makes the hospice so special while developing and strengthening its services for the future.
Lisa Taylor
Deputy Chief Executive
Lisa Taylor
Deputy Chief Executive
Lisa has worked at Katharine House Hospice since 2002 and has more than 20 years’ experience in the hospice sector. As a member of the Executive Team, she plays a key role in developing and strengthening the organisation, helping ensure the hospice continues to meet the needs of local people and families.
She leads a wide range of strategic projects and has particular responsibility for fundraising, marketing and income generation. She works closely with colleagues across the hospice to support growth, improve access to services and help the organisation make the greatest possible impact in the community.
She leads a wide range of strategic projects and has particular responsibility for fundraising, marketing and income generation. She works closely with colleagues across the hospice to support growth, improve access to services and help the organisation make the greatest possible impact in the community.
Dr Caroline Bruckner-Holt
Medical Director
Dr Caroline Bruckner-Holt
Medical Director
Caroline is our Medical Director and Consultant in Palliative Medicine. She joined the hospice as a consultant in 2016 and became Medical Director in 2018.
After studying Medicine at the Royal Free and University College Medical School in London, she then completed specialist training in Palliative Medicine and a Master's degree in the subject at the University of Bristol. Alongside her work at the hospice, she also supports specialist palliative care services at local hospitals across Staffordshire.
With extensive experience in palliative and end of life care, Caroline provides clinical leadership across the hospice's services, helping ensure patients and families receive high-quality, compassionate care.
After studying Medicine at the Royal Free and University College Medical School in London, she then completed specialist training in Palliative Medicine and a Master's degree in the subject at the University of Bristol. Alongside her work at the hospice, she also supports specialist palliative care services at local hospitals across Staffordshire.
With extensive experience in palliative and end of life care, Caroline provides clinical leadership across the hospice's services, helping ensure patients and families receive high-quality, compassionate care.
Simon Dodd
Retail General Manager
Simon Dodd
Retail General Manager
Simon has worked in charity retail for almost 30 years and leads the hospice’s retail operation, helping to maximise income that supports local people and families.
After completing a degree in Business Studies, he built his career across a range of charity retail organisations, gaining extensive experience in retail management, shop operations and income generation.
He's passionate about the role charity shops play in local communities and the impact volunteers have in supporting charitable causes.
After completing a degree in Business Studies, he built his career across a range of charity retail organisations, gaining extensive experience in retail management, shop operations and income generation.
He's passionate about the role charity shops play in local communities and the impact volunteers have in supporting charitable causes.
Catherine Randall
Interim Director of Care
Catherine Randall
Interim Director of Care
Catherine joined us as Interim Director of Care in 2026, bringing more than 35 years of nursing, hospice and healthcare leadership experience. She provides clinical leadership across our care services, helping ensure we continue to deliver high-quality, compassionate care while supporting the ongoing development of our services.
Before joining us, she was Chief Nurse and Clinical Director at Derian House Children's Hospice and has also held senior leadership roles with NHS England, NHS Improvement and healthcare organisations across the North West.
Her experience in both hospice care and the NHS supports our teams as we continue to meet the changing needs of local people and families.
Before joining us, she was Chief Nurse and Clinical Director at Derian House Children's Hospice and has also held senior leadership roles with NHS England, NHS Improvement and healthcare organisations across the North West.
Her experience in both hospice care and the NHS supports our teams as we continue to meet the changing needs of local people and families.
Board of Trustees
Offering independent oversight, governance and long‑term direction.
Peter Catchpole
Chairman of Trustees
Peter Catchpole
Chairman of Trustees
Peter joined us as a trustee in 2020 and became Chair of the Board in 2022. He helps guide the hospice's strategy, governance and long-term planning, supporting our charity to meet the needs of local people and families now and in the future.
Before retiring from the Civil Service, Peter held several senior roles with HMRC, leading national teams and major organisational change programmes. His experience includes leadership, training, performance management and finance.
Peter became involved with the hospice after seeing its impact through his wife's volunteering. He brings an independent perspective to the Board and is passionate about helping the hospice achieve its ambitions for the future.
Before retiring from the Civil Service, Peter held several senior roles with HMRC, leading national teams and major organisational change programmes. His experience includes leadership, training, performance management and finance.
Peter became involved with the hospice after seeing its impact through his wife's volunteering. He brings an independent perspective to the Board and is passionate about helping the hospice achieve its ambitions for the future.
Stephanie Harris
Vice-chairman of Trustees
Stephanie Harris
Vice-chairman of Trustees
Stephanie joined us as a trustee in 2019 and brings extensive experience in leadership, HR and organisational development to the Board.
After more than 25 years working in the NHS, she became Director of HR at the University of Wolverhampton before retiring in 2017. Since then, she has continued to support the charity sector through trustee roles with organisations across the region.
Steph is committed to helping us achieve our strategic goals and continue supporting local people and families.
After more than 25 years working in the NHS, she became Director of HR at the University of Wolverhampton before retiring in 2017. Since then, she has continued to support the charity sector through trustee roles with organisations across the region.
Steph is committed to helping us achieve our strategic goals and continue supporting local people and families.
Brett Phillips
Trustee and Honorary Treasurer
Brett Phillips
Trustee and Honorary Treasurer
Brett brings extensive financial and business experience to our Board of Trustees.
A Chartered Accountant, Brett spent nearly 30 years with Portmeirion Group PLC, where he held a number of senior finance roles before becoming Group Finance Director. His expertise in financial management, governance and strategic planning helps support the hospice's future development and decision-making.
A Chartered Accountant, Brett spent nearly 30 years with Portmeirion Group PLC, where he held a number of senior finance roles before becoming Group Finance Director. His expertise in financial management, governance and strategic planning helps support the hospice's future development and decision-making.
Dr Mark Bland
Trustee
Dr Mark Bland
Trustee
Mark joined us as a trustee in 2018, bringing valuable clinical expertise and local knowledge to the Board. He helps support the hospice's strategic direction, with more than 30 years' experience as a GP and healthcare leader.
After qualifying as a doctor at Nottingham University, Mark completed his GP training in Bristol before spending 32 years at a practice in Eccleshall, including many years as senior partner. Alongside his clinical career, he gained governance experience as a school governor and board member of Stafford Primary Care Group and Stafford Primary Care Trust.
Having seen first-hand the difference our community and inpatient teams made to his patients, Mark wanted to support the hospice following his retirement.
After qualifying as a doctor at Nottingham University, Mark completed his GP training in Bristol before spending 32 years at a practice in Eccleshall, including many years as senior partner. Alongside his clinical career, he gained governance experience as a school governor and board member of Stafford Primary Care Group and Stafford Primary Care Trust.
Having seen first-hand the difference our community and inpatient teams made to his patients, Mark wanted to support the hospice following his retirement.
Amanda Brooke
Trustee
Amanda Brooke
Trustee
Amanda became a trustee in 2024 and subsequently joined our Retail Board. She brings more than 25 years' experience in business strategy, consultancy and organisational development.
As Managing Director of Extramile Digital, a digital marketing agency based in Stone, Amanda works with organisations to identify opportunities, overcome challenges and achieve sustainable growth.
Alongside her professional career, Amanda has served as a school governor for more than 20 years and is also a trustee of Reform Heritage Trust.
As Managing Director of Extramile Digital, a digital marketing agency based in Stone, Amanda works with organisations to identify opportunities, overcome challenges and achieve sustainable growth.
Alongside her professional career, Amanda has served as a school governor for more than 20 years and is also a trustee of Reform Heritage Trust.
Jenny Clarke
Trustee
Jenny Clarke
Trustee
Jenny supports the hospice with her extensive healthcare knowledge and leadership experience. She helps provide valuable insight into patient care, staff wellbeing and the challenges facing healthcare services.
A registered nurse for more than 30 years, Jenny has worked across several NHS trusts in the West Midlands, with a particular focus on trauma and orthopaedics. She believes that providing high-quality, compassionate care starts with supporting the wellbeing of the staff who deliver it.
Jenny is passionate about championing the difference the hospice makes to local people and families.
A registered nurse for more than 30 years, Jenny has worked across several NHS trusts in the West Midlands, with a particular focus on trauma and orthopaedics. She believes that providing high-quality, compassionate care starts with supporting the wellbeing of the staff who deliver it.
Jenny is passionate about championing the difference the hospice makes to local people and families.
Zia Din
Trustee
Zia Din
Trustee
Zia brings more than 20 years of clinical and healthcare leadership experience. He helps our hospice by sharing his expertise in patient care, service improvement and healthcare innovation.
A Consultant Physician in Acute and General Internal Medicine at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, Zia also serves as Chief Clinical Information Officer and Deputy Divisional Chair for Medicine and Urgent Care. He has led the implementation of a range of digital and technology projects designed to improve patient care and access to information.
Passionate about improving healthcare services, Zia has extensive experience in quality improvement and developing new models of care closer to home and within local communities.
A Consultant Physician in Acute and General Internal Medicine at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, Zia also serves as Chief Clinical Information Officer and Deputy Divisional Chair for Medicine and Urgent Care. He has led the implementation of a range of digital and technology projects designed to improve patient care and access to information.
Passionate about improving healthcare services, Zia has extensive experience in quality improvement and developing new models of care closer to home and within local communities.
Zia Din is a Consultant Physician in Acute and General internal Medicine at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS trust (UHNM)Â with over 20 years of clinical and leadership experience in different healthcare settings.
Currently, he is the Chief Clinical Information Officer (CCIO) and Deputy Divisional Chair for Medicine and Urgent Care at UHNM. He has clinically led the integration and implementation of various IT systems and solutions across the trust.
As Joint CCIO for Staffordshire, Zia focuses on improving patient outcomes by enabling clinicians to access key information at the point of care.
As a Clinical Leader he is passionate about Quality improvement and has lead and implemented various Quality Improvement projects at UHNM and across the system.
Zia has a keen interest in Same Day Emergency care (SDEC) and Models that support more outpatients, community or home based care. He has lead on the development and implementation of various models of care to support SDEC.
Richard Hughes
Trustee
Richard Hughes
Trustee
Richard joined us as a trustee in 2021, bringing more than 30 years of NHS experience and specialist clinical expertise to the Board. He helps support the hospice's work by sharing his knowledge of patient care, healthcare services and clinical leadership.
An ENT surgeon since 2004, Richard specialises in head, neck and thyroid cancers and has worked across both County Hospital and Royal Stoke. His interest in palliative care has been a constant throughout his career and has been further shaped by personal family experiences.
An ENT surgeon since 2004, Richard specialises in head, neck and thyroid cancers and has worked across both County Hospital and Royal Stoke. His interest in palliative care has been a constant throughout his career and has been further shaped by personal family experiences.
Alan Jeffries
Trustee
Alan Jeffries
Trustee
Alan became a trustee in 2018, bringing more than 30 years of leadership experience in the retail sector. He helps support our long-term sustainability and growth through his work on the Retail Board, as Chair of the Income Generation and Engagement Committee, and as a member of the Finance and Remuneration Committee.
Throughout his career, Alan worked across retail operations, supply chain, distribution, marketing and merchandising, leading high-performing teams and focusing on delivering excellent customer experiences.
Throughout his career, Alan worked across retail operations, supply chain, distribution, marketing and merchandising, leading high-performing teams and focusing on delivering excellent customer experiences.
Steve Kirwan
Trustee
Steve Kirwan
Trustee
Steve joined us as a trustee in 2023, bringing extensive experience in legal, financial and risk management. He helps support the hospice's governance and long-term sustainability, drawing on decades of experience advising organisations and leading complex operations.
Steve qualified as a solicitor in 1988 and is Managing Director of Nowell Meller Solicitors. His expertise includes charity, corporate and property law, as well as compliance, quality assurance and strategic leadership. He also holds a Master's degree in Advanced Legal Practice from Staffordshire University.
Having worked closely with the hospice over many years through his firm, Steve was keen to use his skills and experience to support us.
Steve qualified as a solicitor in 1988 and is Managing Director of Nowell Meller Solicitors. His expertise includes charity, corporate and property law, as well as compliance, quality assurance and strategic leadership. He also holds a Master's degree in Advanced Legal Practice from Staffordshire University.
Having worked closely with the hospice over many years through his firm, Steve was keen to use his skills and experience to support us.
Helen Reeves
Trustee
Helen Reeves
Trustee
Helen joined us as a trustee in 2024, bringing extensive experience in nursing, palliative care and healthcare leadership to help guide the development and quality of our services.
She is Group Deputy Director of Nursing for Primary Care, Community and Therapies at Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust. A qualified nurse since 2005, she has worked in palliative and end of life care for more than a decade, leading both inpatient and community services.
Alongside her NHS role, Helen supports healthcare improvement through advisory and leadership roles with a range of national organisations.
She is Group Deputy Director of Nursing for Primary Care, Community and Therapies at Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust. A qualified nurse since 2005, she has worked in palliative and end of life care for more than a decade, leading both inpatient and community services.
Alongside her NHS role, Helen supports healthcare improvement through advisory and leadership roles with a range of national organisations.
Mike Smith
Trustee
Mike Smith
Trustee
Mike joined us as a trustee in 2023 and a member of our Retail Board in 2026. He brings more than 40 years of experience in banking, finance and business leadership, helping support the hospice's long-term sustainability through his expertise in governance, retail, risk management and strategic planning.
Before retiring in 2022, Mike was Chief Executive Officer of Stafford Railway Building Society, having previously served as a Non-Executive Director. Earlier in his career, he held senior leadership positions with Barclays Bank and Handelsbanken.
Before retiring in 2022, Mike was Chief Executive Officer of Stafford Railway Building Society, having previously served as a Non-Executive Director. Earlier in his career, he held senior leadership positions with Barclays Bank and Handelsbanken.
Helen Slater
Trustee
Helen Slater
Trustee
Helen joined us as a trustee in 2026, bringing over 23 years of experience in NHS planning, commissioning and transformation.
After studying at university in Manchester, Helen returned to Stafford and has built a successful career across a range of NHS roles. She has a keen interest in health care research as well as sustainability.
Having grown up in Penkridge, Helen is passionate about supporting the local community and is looking forward to working with our Board to deliver its strategic plan over the coming years.
After studying at university in Manchester, Helen returned to Stafford and has built a successful career across a range of NHS roles. She has a keen interest in health care research as well as sustainability.
Having grown up in Penkridge, Helen is passionate about supporting the local community and is looking forward to working with our Board to deliver its strategic plan over the coming years.
Retail board
Driving the growth, innovation and impact of our retail activities. Bringing together Trustees and Non‑Executive Directors to provide clear strategic direction.
David Harding
Retail Board Director
David Harding
Retail Board Director
David joined our Retail Board in 2009 and is now Director. He uses his 33 years of retail experience to help guide our retail strategy, maximise income and support the continued growth of our shops, which raise vital funds for hospice care.
David spent 33 years in the retail sector, holding management roles across the UK and Europe. Since retiring, he has dedicated his time and expertise to the voluntary sector and education.
David spent 33 years in the retail sector, holding management roles across the UK and Europe. Since retiring, he has dedicated his time and expertise to the voluntary sector and education.
Amanda Brooke
Trustee
Amanda Brooke
Trustee
Amanda became a trustee in 2024 and subsequently joined our Retail Board. She brings more than 25 years' experience in business strategy, consultancy and organisational development.
As Managing Director of Extramile Digital, a digital marketing agency based in Stone, Amanda works with organisations to identify opportunities, overcome challenges and achieve sustainable growth.
Alongside her professional career, Amanda has served as a school governor for more than 20 years and is also a trustee of Reform Heritage Trust.
As Managing Director of Extramile Digital, a digital marketing agency based in Stone, Amanda works with organisations to identify opportunities, overcome challenges and achieve sustainable growth.
Alongside her professional career, Amanda has served as a school governor for more than 20 years and is also a trustee of Reform Heritage Trust.
Paul Harris
Non-executive director
Paul Harris
Non-executive director
Paul joined us as a Retail Board Non-Executive Director in 2026, bringing commercial, retail and digital expertise to support the growth of our retail income. He helps the Retail Board identify new opportunities, particularly in online sales and digital marketplaces, helping raise more funds for hospice care.
Having lived in Stafford for more than 30 years, Paul wanted to give something back after seeing first-hand the difference hospice care made to his mum. He runs a home improvements business with both physical retail sites and online stores, giving him extensive experience in sales, digital marketing and e-commerce.
Having lived in Stafford for more than 30 years, Paul wanted to give something back after seeing first-hand the difference hospice care made to his mum. He runs a home improvements business with both physical retail sites and online stores, giving him extensive experience in sales, digital marketing and e-commerce.
Ian Henderson
Non-executive director
Ian Henderson
Non-executive director
Ian joined our Retail Board in 2018 after providing advice on a number of retail property projects. He brings extensive experience in architecture, property development and governance, helping guide decisions about our shop buildings and premises to support income generation for hospice care.
Ian worked across both the public and private sectors during a career spanning more than 40 years. A qualified architect, his experience includes healthcare, education, housing and conservation projects, as well as senior leadership roles within architectural practices and the NHS.
Ian worked across both the public and private sectors during a career spanning more than 40 years. A qualified architect, his experience includes healthcare, education, housing and conservation projects, as well as senior leadership roles within architectural practices and the NHS.
Alan Jeffries
Trustee
Alan Jeffries
Trustee
Alan became a trustee in 2018, bringing more than 30 years of leadership experience in the retail sector. He helps support our long-term sustainability and growth through his work on the Retail Board, as Chair of the Income Generation and Engagement Committee, and as a member of the Finance and Remuneration Committee.
Throughout his career, Alan worked across retail operations, supply chain, distribution, marketing and merchandising, leading high-performing teams and focusing on delivering excellent customer experiences.
Throughout his career, Alan worked across retail operations, supply chain, distribution, marketing and merchandising, leading high-performing teams and focusing on delivering excellent customer experiences.
David Sandy
Non-executive director
David Sandy
Non-executive director
Mike Smith
Trustee
Mike Smith
Trustee
Mike joined us as a trustee in 2023 and a member of our Retail Board in 2026. He brings more than 40 years of experience in banking, finance and business leadership, helping support the hospice's long-term sustainability through his expertise in governance, retail, risk management and strategic planning.
Before retiring in 2022, Mike was Chief Executive Officer of Stafford Railway Building Society, having previously served as a Non-Executive Director. Earlier in his career, he held senior leadership positions with Barclays Bank and Handelsbanken.
Before retiring in 2022, Mike was Chief Executive Officer of Stafford Railway Building Society, having previously served as a Non-Executive Director. Earlier in his career, he held senior leadership positions with Barclays Bank and Handelsbanken.
Emma Yates
Non-executive director
Emma Yates
Non-executive director
Emma joined our Retail Board in 2026, bringing more than 20 years of experience in charity retail and income generation to help our shops thrive and raise vital funds for hospice care.
Emma is Director of Income Generation at Age UK Wyvern, where she leads teams across retail, fundraising, marketing and communications. She previously helped deliver retail transformation and growth at St Giles Hospice, working closely with trustees and senior leaders to modernise operations and improve performance.
Having grown up in Stafford and seen the difference hospice care made to her family, Emma is passionate about helping our shops continue to thrive and support local people and families.
Emma is Director of Income Generation at Age UK Wyvern, where she leads teams across retail, fundraising, marketing and communications. She previously helped deliver retail transformation and growth at St Giles Hospice, working closely with trustees and senior leaders to modernise operations and improve performance.
Having grown up in Stafford and seen the difference hospice care made to her family, Emma is passionate about helping our shops continue to thrive and support local people and families.