New Chief Executive

Francis House Family Trust has appointed Rachael Taylor as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Francis House Children’s Hospice (and Company Secretary of Francis House Families Ltd).

The appointment comes after Francis House’s current Chief Executive, Revd David Ireland, announced his retirement earlier in 2024.

Rachael will take up the role in April 2025. She has been Deputy CEO for thirteen years and was a trustee for 10 years before that.

Rachael is only the third Chief Executive Officer to be appointed in the 33 year history of Francis House. In 2005 David Ireland became Chief Executive following the retirement of Sister Aloysius the founder of Francis House which opened in 1991.

On her appointment, Rachael said: “It is an incredible honour to step into the role of CEO at Francis House, a place I have had the privilege to serve for over two decades both as a staff member and a Trustee. I am committed to leading Francis House with compassion, dedication, and a shared vision for the future. Together with our amazing team, I look forward to continuing our vital work, ensuring every child and family receives the best care and support during the most challenging times of their lives.”

Under the leadership of David Ireland, Francis House doubled in size with the opening of Francis Lodge in 2014 to meet the demands for respite care for teenagers and young adults. The opening of two residential homes, on Parrswood Road and Barcicroft Road, followed exclusively for young adults with life-limiting conditions and complex needs, whose parents were unable to continue to care for them.

Jane Kempler, Chair of Francis House Family Trust said: “The Trustees cannot thank David enough for leaving us with the most amazing legacy and a very strong platform for Rachael to build on. We went through a rigorous recruitment programme to find the right person for this key role. The skills, experience, compassion and desire that Rachael brings with her gives us the confidence that she will take Francis House into its next phase and beyond.”

David Ireland said: Rachael has played an important part in the life of Francis House for many years. After ten years in the voluntary role of Trustee she became my Deputy in 2012 and endeared herself to families and staff alike. She has line managed the Fundraising and Accounts staff and used her legal expertise to advise Trustees and assist families; not least she has been the “stunt double” for the real Francis Mouse when things became too dangerous!!

“Rachael has Francis House and the families who use us foremost in her mind and will be able to take the charity forward in new ways as family needs and statutory demands dictate.”