Catherine Burn

Catherine Burn joined St Mary’s Hospice as Chief Executive in October 2024. With extensive experience in the charity sector, Catherine most recently served as CEO of Carlisle Mencap, a social care provider in the north of the county, where she led the organisation from 2021.

Originally from Nottinghamshire, Catherine transitioned into the third sector in 2008 after working in the manufacturing industry in South Yorkshire. She began her career in the sector as a volunteer coordinator at Bassetlaw Community and Voluntary Service, an infrastructure organisation in North Nottinghamshire, where she later became CEO in 2013. Over the years, Catherine has worked closely with the NHS in South Yorkshire to develop services and has represented the sector as chair of multi-agency partnerships at both local and regional levels.

A committed volunteer, Catherine has been actively involved in her local community, supporting a diverse range of causes, including community centres, food banks, grant-giving trusts, and school governance. She currently serves as a Treasure at 4Eden in Penrith as well as governor at Ullswater Community College.