When Big C’s founders embarked on their vision to deliver outstanding cancer care in Norfolk and Waveney, it’s unlikely that, 37 years ago, even they could have dreamt of the positive impact of the wide-reaching and innovative care services that are today provided locally by Big C and the substantial investments made into cancer research and medical equipment made by the charity.
Having been through their own cancer journeys and endured lengthy travel to receive treatment, David Moar and Clive Bamford, passionately wanted to ensure that local people had access to the very best treatment and support, close to where they live. From its first small, but important, fundraising project providing chemotherapy equipment at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, Big C has grown into an impressive organisation which funds specialist life-saving equipment and internationally significant research projects based at the Norwich Research Park. These projects greatly benefit local people and have a global impact on our understanding and treatment of the many types of cancer. The charity has also established three Big C centres located at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, in Kings Lynn and Great Yarmouth and a hub at the Louise Hamilton Centre in Gorleston. These centres provide an oasis of specialist emotional and practical support for those with a cancer diagnosis and their loved ones away from a clinical environment. Since current CEO, Dr Chris Bushby, joined the organisation in 2015, the charity’s turnover has risen from £2.5 million to £2.9 million. Outgoing Deputy CEO and Director of Operations, Nikki Morris, has shown outstanding leadership in her role as Deputy CEO, in strategic business planning and as an ambassador for the charity. She has also been instrumental in creating innovative, caring support and information services in Big C’s acute and community facilities, which are recognised as pioneering. Nikki has helped create and deliver a robust panel of scientific expertise to review complex cancer research projects and helped develop the processes needed to achieve the management of investment into medical equipment. Nikki, with her team, also developed a comprehensive educational strategy with two streams of focus and priority – health and wellbeing and careers in medicine, research and the third sector. Nikki leaves the charity in September after seven years, to take up a role as CEO of a national London based charity and therefore Big C is currently recruiting for her role (see below). Dr Chris Bushby, CEO at Big C, says, “Nikki’s passion has been 110% in support of providing the best outcomes for those individuals, families and communities affected by cancer and we know that she will take this passion to her new Chief Executive role. I and the Trustees are delighted for Nikki and we are not surprised at this achievement. We are currently recruiting for a new Deputy CEO and Director of Charitable Operations and we are very keen to hear from interested candidates keen to bring their specialist knowledge of cancer and ideas, to become the clinical lead and ambassador for the charity. They will be joining Big C at a very exciting and pivotal moment in its history as we forge ahead with our focused programme of strategic growth and positioning.” Deputy Chief Executive & Director of Operations Norwich, Norfolk, East Anglia £60,000 per annum In addition to Deputy Chief Executive responsibilities, as Clinical Lead, you will strategically develop and lead our Charitable Operations across Norfolk, Waveney and areas of East Anglia. This includes our Support and Information services, Big C’s Research and Equipment Grants process and also Big C’s Education Programmes. For further information, or to apply, please see https://www.big-c.co.uk/vacancies. Closing date: Monday, 27 August 2018 Interviews: Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 September 2018