Communications and PR Manager
Founded in 1681 by King Charles II, the Royal Hospital Chelsea has stood for centuries as a national symbol of gratitude to the soldiers who have served our country, and is home to the iconic Chelsea Pensioners. Today, the Hospital’s job remains to ensure that those who have served are always supported.
We are now looking for a high-performing, delivery-driven Communications and PR Manager - someone who knows how to get stories live in national media, and understands how powerful, authentic beneficiary storytelling drives fundraising and public engagement.
If you’ve worked in PR or communications at a national charity, know how to maximise national moments like Remembrance, have worked sensitively with beneficiaries, and are the person people come to when something simply needs to get done – this could be the role for you.
Where you fit in
You’ll join an ambitious marketing and communications team focused on raising the Royal Hospital’s profile, increasing fundraising income, and building new audiences through strategic, emotive and measurable communications.
Your work will directly contribute to protecting and securing the future of the Royal Hospital Chelsea - helping us reach supporters, donors, and the veteran community with stories that inspire action and demonstrate undeniable impact.
What you’ll be doing
You will lead our press and PR delivery, responsible for an ‘always-on’ approach that generates consistent local and national coverage. You’ll ensure our stories land where they matter - driving donations, admissions, brand visibility and engagement with the veteran community.
We want someone who is:
- A proven PR operator with significant experience in a national charity or large not-for-profit environment
- Exceptional at storytelling, especially beneficiary-led stories, handled with sensitivity and impact
- Good at spotting media opportunities, crafting strong angles, and who knows what journalists want
- Comfortable juggling multiple projects and deadlines without ever dropping the standard
- An experienced line manager or mentor of junior colleagues
If you love bringing powerful stories to life, know how to turn awareness into action, and have the energy and drive to elevate a national institution - this is your chance to do career-defining work.
To apply please submit your CV and a covering letter of up to 500 words to emma.sweetland@chelsea-pensioners.org.uk
Early applications are encouraged as we will be reviewing applications and interviewing candidates throughout the recruitment process.
About Us
The ethos of the Royal Hospital is one that puts a premium on selflessness and companionship. Our values of nurturing belonging, respect individuals, encourage pride and enjoy life underpin that ethos. We are united in a shared purpose, living and working together and ensuring everyone has a place in our diverse social and military community.
The Royal Hospital Chelsea is dedicated to equality, diversity, and inclusion, where all backgrounds and abilities can reach their full potential. We pride ourselves on attracting a wide range of talent, removing potential barriers, and promoting equal opportunities. We know, the more varied and inclusive our teams are, the better our organisation will be for our community. We are a Disability Confident employer dedicated to hiring diverse talent and ensuring you are treated with respect throughout the recruitment process and upon joining our community.
Our selection process
Should your application be successful you will be invited to a formal interview, where you will be asked questions relating to your experiences and key requirements of the role. If you are successful after the interviews we will:
- Ask for references from those you have listed on your application form
- Check your right to live and work in the UK
- Check any declarations you have made on your application form
- Ask you to complete a medical form
- Carry out an Enhanced DBS application.
Clinical Lead Nurse
Closing date: 21st January 2026
We are looking for a Clinical Lead Nurse to lead one of our two registered wards in our 64-berth registered care home. As Clinical Lead Nurse, you will be at the heart of a culture that provides the highest quality of care and celebrates excellence. You will provide visible and effective leadership to nursing and care staff, leading and inspiring a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring high-quality, evidence-based nursing care that meets CQC Fundamental Standards. The role focuses on strong leadership, staff development, and effective communication with our pensioners, families, and colleagues to uphold the highest standards of clinical practice.
As part of the care home management team, you will bring energy and expertise to the wards and will be responsible for overseeing and maintaining the highest standards of care for all pensioners including those with dementia and at end-of-life. This includes ensuring their physical, emotional, and social well-being, while managing and coordinating the day-to-day operations of the ward.
You will report directly to the Ward Manager, ensuring clear communication and alignment with organisational objectives.
You will oversee care planning and conduct audits on a regular basis. You will also manage staff rotas, appraisals, training plans, and recruitment, ensure safe staffing levels and support ongoing development. The role also includes participating in the Duty Nurse and Duty Matron on-call rota and deputising for the Ward Manager when required.
You will be NMC registered with substantial RGN post-registration experience, strong organisational and communication skills, and up-to-date clinical competencies. Experience working with elderly patients and those with dementia in hospital or care settings is essential, along with proficiency in clinical record systems and MS Office. Management experience is essential, and ideally you will hold or be working towards an ILM Level 3 Leadership and Management qualification.
Important Information:
- This is a full time, permanent role, working 12-hour shifts. The rota will involve working days, nights and weekends.
- Right to work in the UK is essential – the Royal Hospital Chelsea are unable to sponsor work visas.
Why Join Us?
Founded in 1682, the Royal Hospital Chelsea is a retirement community for around 300 army veterans, known as the Chelsea Pensioners, drawn from every corner of the United Kingdom. Based in the heart of London, we are united in a shared purpose, living and working together and ensuring everyone has a place in our diverse social and military community.
About Us
The ethos of the Royal Hospital is one that puts a premium on selflessness and companionship. Our values of nurturing belonging, respect individuals, encourage pride and enjoy life underpin that ethos. We are united in a shared purpose, living and working together and ensuring everyone has a place in our diverse social and military community.
The Royal Hospital Chelsea is dedicated to equality, diversity, and inclusion, where all backgrounds and abilities can reach their full potential. We pride ourselves on attracting a wide range of talent, removing potential barriers, and promoting equal opportunities. We know, the more varied and inclusive our teams are, the better our organisation will be for our community.
We are a Disability Confident employer dedicated to hiring diverse talent and ensuring you are treated with respect throughout the recruitment process and upon joining our community.
Our selection process
Should your application be successful you will be invited to a formal interview, where you will be asked questions relating to your experiences and key requirements of the role. If you are successful after the interviews we will:
- Ask for references from those you have listed on your application form
- Check your right to live and work in the UK
- Check any declarations you have made on your application form
- Ask you to complete a medical form
- Carry out an Enhanced DBS application.
Non-Executive Commissioner
The Royal Hospital Chelsea, home of the Chelsea Pensioners, is seeking a non-executive Commissioner to join its Board of Commissioners.
Founded in 1682, the Royal Hospital Chelsea is a retirement community for around 300 army veterans, known as the Chelsea Pensioners, drawn from every corner of the United Kingdom. Based in the heart of London, it is a special place defined by community and service.
As a Commissioner, you will help guide major infrastructure and estates projects at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, bringing strong commercial insight and expertise in these areas. We are seeking someone with significant experience in capital projects, lifecycle planning, and facilities management. Knowledge of historic Grade I buildings, and public sector procurement is advantageous, as well as governance experience in events management and the commercialisation of a heritage estate. The role calls for strategic vision, sound judgment, and the ability to work collaboratively while influencing decisions at the highest level. Board experience, business management skills, and committee leadership are highly valued, and an understanding of military or veteran contexts would be an advantage.
This non-executive role requires attendance at four annual Board meetings and active participation in relevant committees. The term is for 4 years initially, with the possibility of extending for a further 4 years. All appointments are by Royal Warrant by His Majesty the King.
The Royal Hospital Chelsea values comradeship, respect, pride, and joy in life. Commissioners are expected to uphold the Seven Principles of Public Life: integrity, objectivity, accountability, transparency, honesty, leadership, and selflessness.
We warmly welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, reflecting our commitment to creating a community built on mutual respect, inclusivity, and shared purpose.
Interviews are provisionally scheduled for week commencing 16th March. To apply for this role please click below.