SHE may have only been in the job five days but new Prospect Hospice chief executive Angela Jordan is already looking forward to what she calls “the hands-on job ahead”.

The 50-year-old, former deputy CEO of the National Osteoporosis Society, replaces Vicki Morrey, who left Prospect on March 31 after six years at the helm.

She is now planning to put her own stamp on the organisation and promote the national dying matters agenda, improving services and public taboos surrounding death.

“I don’t like to sit still for long,” she said. “I am quite a hands on person so I don’t plan to be at my desk all the time. I want to be involved in all aspects of the hospice.”

When it comes to working in palliative care, Angela has seen both sides of the coin, working as a district nurse and supporting many patients at the end of their life.

“It is important to talk about death,” she said. “The two most important words are dying matters. When I walked through the doors at Prospect Hospice I was overwhelmed by the warmth of the people here. I hope it is very much the same for our patients as it is very much a place to live as much is it is a place to die.”

Angela applied for the post at the beginning of the year.

“I was kind of visualising what I thought my next step would be and I basically described this job,” she said.

“So when I saw this post come up I applied. After seeing all the work Prospect has done in the community and what an unparalleled reputation it has I am keen to not only build on what has gone before but put my own mark on it as well.

“It was screamingly obvious from the onset that Vicki was a great chief executive so I am really excited about my own future here.”

With charities becoming common casualties of the recession, questions have been raised over the pay of directors and CEOs of charitable organisations.

Although Angela would not be drawn on her new wage, she revealed that it was in line with the nationally accepted standard.

“What’s more I will earn every penny of it bringing Prospect forward,” she said.

With only five days under her belt Angela is yet to set out any firm plans.

“I think it is important to find my feet first and familiarise myself with the many things done here,” she said. “And then the work will begin.”