Appointment Brief April 2026
Welcome from the CEO
Dear Candidate,
Thank you for your interest in MediCinema, and this important new role. I very much hope that the information you find here will inspire you to apply.
We are a UK-registered charity dedicated to providing cinema experiences inside hospitals to support the emotional, physical and mental health of NHS patients, their families, and carers. Our service provides a powerful escape, comfort, and connection with people when and where patients need it most.
Our MediCinemas help to reduce isolation, stress, and anxiety, enhancing emotional and mental wellbeing while fostering resilience.
We are there for patients of all ages and stages of life, and we are proud that our wonderful spaces are specially designed to welcome those who may be in beds and wheelchairs too. All of this means that we are able to support the NHS in enhancing patient experience for thousands every year.
We have an ambitious goal to establish a MediCinema in every NHS region across the UK. Since we implemented our new strategy in 2023, we have opened new MediCinemas at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, Birmingham Children’s Hospital and will soon be unveiling our latest space at Manchester Royal Infirmary bringing our total number of sites to nine, and with an exciting future pipeline of new developments already in place.
We have achieved this expansion because of the confidence which many senior health service
professionals have in the difference we can make, and by establishing close partnerships with NHS Trusts and Hospital Charities. And our experiences of delivering patient centred services within the public health sector is second to none. Equally critical has been the long-term financial support of a number of key partners, giving us the most solid of foundations and resources to expand. For example, MediCinema is a strategic charity partner of Walt Disney Company UK&I, and a significant beneficiary of the Julia Rausing Trust. In recognition of our impact, MediCinema was honoured with BAFTA’s Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award at the 2025 EE BAFTA Film Awards.
This new role is in itself a mark of our growth and ambition, and our desire to sustainably scale on our existing success. It is critical not only in the continued stewardship of financial management
and reporting, but in putting in place modern and efficient systems across HR and Business Operations. Ones which can help underwrite the professionalism of our organisation; enable us to facilitate growth, thus ensuring that our team, and values, are supported to the best of our ability.
You will be joining a dynamic leadership team, and a highly engaged staff and Trustee community. We are excited to be bringing a new senior role, and welcome both the professional and personal impact which the right candidate can bring.
I do hope that the prospect of joining MediCinema excites you. If you think you have the passion and skills to play a key role in the future of our organisation, I very much look forward to receiving your application.
Colin Lawrence Chief Executive Officer
About us
MediCinema is a unique charity operating cinemas at the heart of NHS hospitals. Our therapeutic cinema experiences improve the mental, emotional and physical wellbeing of patients and their loved ones.
Being unwell and in hospital can be challenging and often isolating for people who are already feeling vulnerable. Leaving the wards to experience a film screening in one of our cinemas makes a positive and lasting impact, giving patients - and families - the strength to cope.
With room for their hospital beds, wheelchairs, and medical equipment, we provide a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for our patients.
Our services help to reduce pain, anxiety, stress, and feelings of isolation, to giving those in hospital a sense of normality and being connected to others.
Thanks to the support of major film studios and distributors we screen the latest releases for free and at no cost to the NHS from blockbusters to smaller releases, comedy, action and romance.
From families of new-born babies to those reaching end of life, we support patients from all backgrounds and situations with our transformative cinema experiences. We deliver our evidencebased therapeutic services at scale, supporting numerous people at any one time thanks to the size of the cinemas.
Our Mission and Values
Mission
To improve the wellbeing and quality of life of NHS patients, their families and carers through the power of the shared cinema experience and the magic of film.
What do our values describe?
CARE
We have patient care at the heart of everything we do, putting the emotional wellbeing of NHS patients and their families at the forefront of our services.
Values
Our values are CARE, CONNECT and CREATE , and capture the beliefs and aspirations that shape MediCinema’s culture.
CONNECT
We connect NHS patients in their hospitals with the world of cinema, an experience they would not otherwise be able to access due to their health, and with others in hospital outside of a clinical environment.
CREATE
We create time that really matters for people. This meaningful time is proven to produce positive hospital experience resulting in improved recovery, better healthcare outcomes and an enriched quality of life.
Our Story
Our story began in 1999 with the first MediCinema St Thomas’s Hospital in London, and we now have eight MediCinemas around the country in the following hospitals:
• The Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle
• The Royal Hospital for Children / Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow
• Serennu Children’s Centre, Newport
• Guy’s Hospital, London
• Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London
• St. Thomas’ Hospital, London
• Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Liverpool
• Birmingham Children’s Hospital
We have an ambitious goal to establish a MediCinema in every NHS region across the UK, and rely on longterm partnerships with NHS Trusts, Hospital Charities and the corporate sector to sustain and expand our services.
In recognition of our impact over 25 years, MediCinema was honoured with BAFTA’s Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award at the 2025 EE BAFTA Film Awards.
Further information about our work and our impact is available via our website, as well as through this video.
Our Finances
We were fortunate in 2024 to receive a significant philanthropic pledge to support the build of 7 new sites, in addition to a significant gift to support a MediCinema at Great Ormond Street hospital. In addition, through robust financial management, we have solid reserves. The Board have agreed to spend a portion of the reserves to fund our expansion.
Our target budget for 2026 is £2million, which will include newly diversified income streams as a result of our investment in our Development team.
Our Strategy
Following a period of successfully adapting to the challenges of the pandemic, we put in place a new strategy, with the aim of increasing our footprint and becoming a national charity. We aim to do this by showcasing our impact in alignment with NHS objectives, developing new partnerships and the introduction of new MediCinema sites across the country, in locations such as Liverpool, Birmingham and Manchester. We have clear plans for further sites and the resources to develop the team.
With this strategic direction already proving successful, we are now ensuring that we have the resources and systems in place that support our expansion. This role will play a key part in delivering that.
Organisation Chart
Total headcount:
Role Description
Job title: Director of Finance and Business Operations
Salary: Up to £72,000
Location: London Bridge – Hybrid working. This role requires presence in the London Bridge office three days per week.
Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer
Purpose: Reporting to the CEO, this new senior leadership role is central to ensuring MediCinema’s financial sustainability, operational excellence, and peoplecentred culture. The Director will lead the charity’s finance, HR, and business operational functions, ensuring robust systems, compliance, and strategic alignment with our mission.
This is a hands-on role for a values-driven leader who thrives in a collaborative, purpose-led environment and is passionate about improving patient experiences through innovative service delivery.
This role will be managing external HR and IT consultants and supported by a part time (1 day per week) assistant.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership and Strategy
• Participate in strategic and business planning processes, supporting the CEO and Trustees to develop the strategic plan.
• Serve as a key member of the Senior Management Team (SMT) contributing to the strategic direction and day to day management of the organisation.
Finance
• Lead the finance function, overseeing budgeting, forecasting, management accounts, and statutory reporting.
• Ensure robust financial controls and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Manage cashflow, reserves, and risk, supporting strategic financial planning.
• Lead on financial reporting to the Board and relevant committees.
• Oversee payroll, pensions, and financial administration.
• Managing the annual audit process and liaising with auditors.
• Liaising with tax specialists on VAT, corporation tax and other matters as required.
• Liaising with the Treasurer on all key financial matters on a quarterly basis.
Business Operations
• Ensure efficient delivery of office services and a safe, well-maintained working environment.
• Lead on the IT systems and digital strategy ensuring platforms are secure and support business needs.
• Work with the external IT consultant to maintain and evolve the infrastructure, systems and processes in place to align with business needs and industry regulation.
• Keep abreast of changes and updates to Data Protection legislation and ensure that staff receive regular training on Data Protection and Cyber security.
• Manage contracts, suppliers, and internal processes to ensure value and efficiency.
• Support the commissioning of new MediCinema sites, including project planning and stakeholder engagement.
• Lead on the annual insurance renewal process.
HR and People Development
• Lead on strategic workforce planning, recruitment, onboarding, and talent retention.
• Embed inclusive HR policies and practices aligned with MediCinema’s values.
• Provide support and evolve processes to strengthen employee relations, performance management, and wellbeing.
• Support line managers in developing highperforming, motivated teams.
• Ensure compliance with employment law and HR best practice.
• Work with the external HR consultant on HR admin, including due diligence, onboarding and recruitment.
Governance and Compliance
• Maintain up-to-date policies and procedures across finance, HR, and operations.
• Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and safeguarding requirements.
• Support the CEO and Board with governance processes, reporting, and policy development.
Person Specification
Experience:
• Proven experience managing budgets, audits, and accounts (QuickBooks experience ideal).
• Understanding of HR, IT, risk management, and governance in small teams.
• Excellent project management and planning skills.
Desirable Experience:
• A professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or AAT).
• Experience of working within a UK charity, education, social impact or health organisation.
Skills:
• Strong understanding of compliance, governance, and people leadership.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to lead and mentor others.
• A proactive, organised, and solutionsfocused approach.
You will be comfortable working in a hands-on, collaborative environment, with a deep respect for MediCinema’s mission and values.
Benefits
• Annual leave: 27 days
• Employer pension contribution: 5%
• Employee health care plan also available
How to Apply
To apply for the role, please upload your CV together with a supporting statement (of no more than 1000 words) onto the Prospectus website via the link below.
For guidance on formulating your supporting statement, please review our guide here .
Please ensure that you have included a telephone number, as well as any dates when you will not be available or might have difficulty with the recruitment timetable.
If you wish to apply using an alternative format please contact Prospectus on 020 7691 1920 or email executive.admin@prospect-us.co.uk
Applications via the Prospectus website should be made at: https://www.prospect-us.co.uk/job/194427
At Prospectus we believe passionately that a truly inclusive workplace leads to increased social impact. We are committed to supporting our clients build more inclusive teams. To understand how we are performing, we ask that you kindly complete the brief equal opportunities questionnaire when you submit your application via our website. Please be assured that your responses are kept confidential, separate from your candidate record, are not part of any application you make, and that the consultants never see individual responses to the questionnaire.
Recruitment Timetable
Deadline for applications: Sunday 10th May 2026
Interviews with Prospectus: 15-21st May 2026
Engagement sessions with senior leadership team: 29th May 2026
Interviews with MediCinema: 4th June 2026
Queries
If you wish to have an informal discussion about the opportunity, please contact our retained advisors Anna Gardet and Erica Ritchie at Prospectus with a copy of your CV email: anna.gardet@prospect-us.co.uk erica.ritchie@prospect-us.co.uk