King George & Queen’s Hospitals Charity raises vital funds to enhance patient care, staff well-being and community health across King George Hospital in Ilford and Queen’s Hospital in Romford. It exists to make hospital experiences better for patients and families, funding projects that go beyond what the NHS can provide, from advanced medical equipment and research, to art, music therapy and dementia-friendly spaces.
As the charity began a major transition to become an independent Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), Peridot Partners was appointed to recruit an Interim Chief Executive to lead this formative stage. The successful candidate would guide the charity through start-up and transformation, setting strong foundations for strategy, governance and culture while deepening relationships with the NHS Trust and local community.
Context.
This was a rare and pivotal opportunity to shape an independent NHS charity from the ground up. Having previously operated under the Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust (BHRUT), the new charity needed to establish its own governance, systems and identity while maintaining a close and collaborative partnership with the Trust.
It was clear they needed a proven leader with strategic vision, hands-on operational capability and empathy. They needed to be comfortable navigating complexity, supporting a small and dedicated team, and building momentum and confidence in a newly independent organisation.
The role combined turnaround, start-up and stakeholder engagement. Crucially, it required exceptional interpersonal skills, a deep understanding of the charity and health sectors and the ability to unite people behind a shared purpose.
Brief and search.
Led by James Hunt, Head of Not for Profit Appointments, Peridot worked in close partnership with Lara Sonola, Chair Designate, to design a rigorous and inclusive process that balanced pace with depth. The brief focused on identifying a senior leader who had successfully led charities through transition and growth, ideally with experience across health, social impact, or philanthropic organisations. Candidates needed to demonstrate emotional intelligence, adaptability and cultural sensitivity, which would all be key to building trust within both the charity and NHS partnership.
Our search reached across NHS charities, foundations, health and well-being organisations, wider social enterprises and beyond. We engaged candidates with both executive and consultancy backgrounds, assessing their ability to lead strategically while also delivering practically in a small, evolving environment.
Outcome.
Peridot supported King George & Queen’s Hospitals Charity in appointing Barbara Kasumu as Interim Chief Executive. Barbara is a highly experienced executive leader with over 16 years at senior and board level across the charity, education and health sectors. Previously, as Executive Director of Charities at Guy’s & St Thomas’ Foundation, she led one of the UK’s largest hospital charity portfolios, securing multi-million-pound donations and driving cultural and strategic transformation. Her track record in start-up and turnaround leadership, combined with her inclusive, values-driven approach, made her an ideal choice to guide the charity’s next chapter.
“I’m delighted to have joined King George and Queen’s Hospital Charity. It has great potential to make an extraordinary difference to the staff, patients, and their families across north east London. It’s a privilege to be leading the organisation through this critical period of transition and growth. A huge thank you to James and the Peridot team for their support during the recruitment process.”
Barbara said.
“Since joining the charity, Barbara has played an invaluable role in guiding the new board of trustees through the process of becoming an independent hospital charity, as well as establishing and deepening our strategic partnership with the trust and leading the staff team with kindness and compassion through a time of significant change.”
Lara Sonola, Chair Designate of the charity, added.
“This was an incredibly rewarding appointment at a formative stage for King George &Queen’s Hospitals Charity. Barbara’s blend of strategic insight, compassion and hands-on leadership made her the perfect choice to shape the charity’s foundations for long-term success. It was a privilege to partner with Lara and the Board on such a significant milestone inthe charity’s journey.”
James Hunt reflected.
