About us

The Cicely Saunders Institute was the world’s first purpose-built Institute for palliative care, and it was established thanks to the pioneering vision of Dame Cicely Saunders. Towards the end of her life, Dame Cicely founded the Cicely Saunders International charity to carry on her work and advance palliative care research. Cicely Saunders International partnered with the Department of Palliative Care, Policy & Rehabilitation at King’s College London and opened our Institute in 2010.

Vision and Mission of the Cicely Saunders Institute

Vision

Our Vision is to remain at the forefront of palliative care and rehabilitation research, education and clinical care, developing knowledge and leaders in the field, and situating patients, families, and the public at the core of our efforts. We strive for excellence to improve care and reduce inequalities, ensuring that the changing needs of global populations are met across health and social care from childhood to the oldest old.

Mission

We maximise our impact by integrating:

Cutting-edge research – world-leading discovery that improves care through robust clinical, policy, and applied health research, driven by patients, families, and the public
Skilled multi-disciplinary clinical care – delivering equitable, accessible, inclusive, and sustainable interventions in health and social care and support to people living and dying with serious illness and those close to them
Innovative education – underpinned byevidence todevelop tomorrow’s leaders and drives national and international change in policy and practice.

Download a copy of the Cicely Saunders Institute triennial report 2020 - 2023.