Farleigh Hospice welcomes Michelle Kabia as Interim Chief Executive

We are pleased to share that the Board of Trustees have appointed Michelle Kabia as Interim Chief Executive. Michelle joined Farleigh Hospice on 10 March, for an initial period of nine months. She started in post from Monday 31 March 2025.

Michelle brings over 30 years’ experience in the health, social care, and charity sectors - most recently as CEO of ellenor Hospice in North Kent. Her leadership philosophy focuses on collaboration, innovation and empowering teams to excel, which aligns closely with our hospice values and mission.

Michelle’s focus over the next nine months will be to work closely with Farleigh’s Executive Team and the Board to deliver short term KPIs and objectives, to continue the development of the longer-term strategy, and to build on the strong collaboration with commissioners and external stakeholders to ensure that Farleigh continues to meet the needs of the local community, both now and in the future.

Since starting her role, Michelle has been spending time with each of Farleigh’s teams to get to know everyone and to gain an understanding of current priorities across the hospice.

Keith Spiller, Chair of the Board, said, “We are very pleased to welcome Michelle to Farleigh Hospice. The Board are confident that her strategic vision, sector expertise and passion for empowering people and teams will make a significant contribution to Farleigh Hospice during this interim period.

Michelle Kabia, Interim Chief Executive, said, "I feel privileged to have been appointed as the Interim Chief Executive at Farleigh Hospice. I am excited to work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, trustees, the local NHS and people across mid Essex and to ensure that we continue to deliver excellent care and support for people facing a life-limiting illness, palliative and end-of-life care and bereavement support. I am passionate in supporting people to ‘live well’ and to have a ‘good death’, and to ensuring that we can offer accessible, inclusive and equitable services to our local community.”

Keith Spiller, Chair of the Board, said, “The Board would like to thank our outgoing Chief Executive, Sarah Green, for her time, commitment and dedication to the hospice during the last 18 months, which has ensured that we are in a strong position to move forward. We look forward to welcoming her back in due course.”

(Article first published 1 April 2025)