CEO at Children’s Hospice South West
The Organisation
Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) is one of the largest children’s hospices in the UK, providing care across three locations: Little Bridge House in Devon, Charlton Farm in Somerset, and Little Harbour in Cornwall. As the only children’s hospice in the South West, they support over 500 families and offer a wide range of services, including respite breaks, emergency care, palliative care, and end-of-life care.
The Role
2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the opening of their first hospice, Little Bridge House, and also the retirement of Eddie Farwell, Co-Founder and CEO. The charity has been on a phenomenal journey since its inception, touching the lives of many who have used its hospices as well as those who have supported it. Her Majesty the Queen became its Royal Patron in 2015 and has since visited all three hospices.
As the leader of a high-profile children’s hospice, the new CEO needs to build on this very sound and successful base, leading the organisation to take the strategy forward.
While remaining sensitive to CHSW’s successful legacy and mission, the new CEO must bring an appetite and vision for change, committed to reaching more children, young people, and families; ensuring a business focus, evolving the culture, and taking CHSW through a process of organisational development to meet the challenging financial landscape of the hospice sector.
Berwick Partners were tasked with recruiting Eddie’s successor.
The Search
The search began with Berwick Partners spending time at the hospice to understand CHSW’s unique culture, strategy, and talent requirements. This involved close collaboration with the board and key stakeholders to define the ideal candidate profile.
Berwick Partners conducted extensive market research and talent mapping to identify potential candidates, leveraging our extensive national network of senior talent from various sectors to ensure a diverse pool of candidates. Berwick Partners engaged with high-calibre candidates through a combination of direct approaches and networking, emphasising the importance of the role and the impact it would have on CHSW’s mission and community.
Candidates were assessed by Berwick Partners through a rigorous process, including in-depth interviews, due diligence, and reference checks. Berwick Partners provided strategic counsel throughout, ensuring that the selection process was thorough and aligned with CHSW’s values and goals.
After careful evaluation, which included both formal and informal interviews with a panel and a range of key stakeholders, Phil Morris was appointed as the new CEO. His extensive experience and leadership style were seen as a perfect fit to lead CHSW into its next chapter.
The Impact
Phil Morris brings over a decade of experience as a CEO and a leader in services for young people. His grassroots leadership style and extensive knowledge are expected to greatly benefit CHSW as it continues its mission to provide vital care and support to children with life-limiting conditions and their families.
On his appointment, Phil said: “I am truly privileged to become the next CEO of Children’s Hospice South West. Joining this incredible charity, with its remarkable mission and impact, is an honour beyond words.”
With over a decade of experience as a CEO and a leader in services for young people, Phil brings a wealth of knowledge and a grassroots leadership style that will stand him in good stead in such a vital, family-focused charity. He said, “Succeeding Eddie Farwell MBE, whose vision, dedication, and lived experience has shaped CHSW over the past 34 years, is both humbling and inspiring. I am deeply committed to building on this strong foundation as we embark on the next chapter of CHSW’s journey.”
“The CHSW team are an inspiration, not only to me, but to every person that has been touched by our care and support. It is a great pleasure to now be part of a team that has made, and continues to make, such a significant difference to families across the South West.”