Community Hospice is pleased to announce the appointment of Aneta Saunders as Interim Chief Executive. Having been with the hospice since 2019 and most recently Deputy Chief Executive, Aneta steps into the role with strong knowledge of the organisation, its people and the community it serves.
For Aneta, stepping into the role is both a privilege and a responsibility to keep the hospice focused on what matters most.
“It’s a real privilege to be stepping into the Interim Chief Executive role,” said Aneta.
“For me, this moment is about keeping the hospice strong, steady and focused on what really matters – supporting people in our community to live as well as they can, for as long as they can.
“I’ve been part of this organisation for several years, so this isn’t about changing direction – it’s about continuity and care. My role is to hold the course, strengthen our foundations, and support our teams so they can keep doing the brilliant work they do every day.”
Aneta has been part of the hospice since 2019, first joining as Director of Income Generation and most recently serving as Deputy Chief Executive. Over that time, she has developed a deep understanding of the organisation, its people and the community it serves.
Before joining the hospice, she spent 13 years at Barts Charity, building her career in fundraising and engagement and going on to become Director of Fundraising and Engagement. Earlier in her career, she worked in the corporate sector in Poland before moving to the UK, a journey that led her to find a strong sense of purpose within the charity sector.
“Compassion matters deeply – but so do good planning, clear processes and a proper understanding of how to make money work harder for the cause,” she said.
At the heart of her approach is a belief in the role charities play in connecting people to something meaningful.
Aneta Saunders- Interim Chief Executive“I’ve always believed that most people want to make a difference if they can. Charities are often the bridge between people who want to help and an organisation that can turn that passion into something truly meaningful.”
What continues to stand out to her is the difference hospice care makes every day, in ways that are both immediate and deeply human.
“When you work in hospice care, you see the difference being made every single day – for patients, families and for the wider community,” she said.
“It’s not about big gestures – it’s about the small, deeply important moments: someone’s pain being properly managed, being able to maintain their dignity, or having the energy to cuddle a grandchild or go for a walk with a dog.
“What matters just as much is making sure each person feels seen as an individual – with their own wishes, choices and what matters most to them. That’s at the heart of how we care, and it’s what keeps us so closely connected to the community we serve.”
She is also passionate about ensuring that care is always shaped around the individual, with a strong focus on inclusion, choice and dignity.
Looking ahead, her focus is on ensuring the hospice remains strong for the future while staying rooted in its purpose.
“My focus will be on strong foundations – making sure our systems, finances and ways of working are set up well so we can continue to support people in the best possible way, now and for years to come,” she said.
“I’m also incredibly grateful for the team around me. We have a dedicated, compassionate group of people across the hospice, and I know that together we can achieve a great deal for the community we serve.
“Everything comes back to why we are here: to care for people with compassion, dignity and respect when they need us most.”
As the hospice continues to support patients and families across the community, Aneta’s leadership brings a steady, compassionate focus on people, purpose and the moments that matter most.