Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice has today confirmed its new Chairman of the Board of Trustees is Vijith Randeniya, OBE.
At the hospice AGM in September, Vij, the former Chairman of Birmingham Metropolitan College, will take over from the current Hospice Chairman, Judi Millward, who has overseen growth in services during her 10 years in the role.
Vij has recently retired from his position as Chief Fire Officer for West Midlands Fire Service which he made a safer and more prosperous organisation. Amongst other non-executive, advisory and visiting lecturer roles he has served as Chairman of Birmingham Metropolitan College and President of the Chief Fire Officers’ Association.
Every year, the hospice provides care to more than 1000 patients and families living with terminal illness across Birmingham and Sandwell.
Tina Swani, Chief Executive of Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice said: “As a teaching hospice, we are recognised as a leading provider of excellent care and for our education and training to health and social care professionals.
“As the number of individuals living with terminal illness is rising, it is essential that we reach more people. We are doing this with the launch of new services, such as our Hospice at Home service and the Harry Moseley Family centre. It currently costs £8million every year to run the hospice and, as demand for care grows, so will the funding challenge in a financially uncertain climate.
“Vij brings vision and a wealth of experience. I very much look forward to working with him.”
Mr Randeniya began his career at London Fire Brigade and then moved to Nottinghamshire before joining the West Midlands. He was given the top job in 2009. During his career he has made a positive impact both locally and nationally including persuading Whitehall to give the West Midlands a fairer budget.
Vij said: “I look forward to making a contribution to an organisation that does such fantastic work.”
