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Join us and help lead change for anyone affected by ME.
Can you help us deliver our mission to improve the lives of all people affected by ME by becoming a new Trustee on our Board?
With the recent launch of the UK Government Delivery Plan for ME/CFS, and some critical research partnerships on the horizon, now is an exciting time to join us and play a pivotal role in our work to secure a better future for people with ME.
As a Trustee, you will have a vital role within Action for ME, establishing a clear and shared vision, setting policies and acting in the best interests of Action for ME and people with ME. We are particularly looking for people who bring: Scientific and/or research expertise; healthcare and/or information, support and advocacy experience; Policy experience at local or national level; Communications and/or marketing expertise.
If you have experience in any of these areas and share our ambition for a better future for people with ME, we want to hear from you.
Trustee - Role Description
Duties of a Trustee are as follows:
- To ensure that Action for ME complies with its Memorandum and Articles of Association,charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
- To ensure that Action for ME pursues its charitable objects as defined in its Memorandum of Association
- To ensure Action for ME applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives
- To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees role in establishing a clear and sharedvision for Action for ME, giving firm strategic direction, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against the agreed targets
- To act in the interests of Action for ME and for people with ME in general
- To safeguard the good name and values of Action for METo ensure the effective and efficient administration of Action for ME
- To ensure the financial stability of Action for ME
- To protect and manage the property of Action for ME and to ensure the proper investment of charity funds
- To appoint the Chief Executive and to monitor his or her performance and determine his or her remuneration.
- In addition to the above statutory duties of all Trustees, each Trustee should use any specific knowledge or experience they have to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions
- To represent Action for ME as appropriate.
Time Commitment:
The time commitment expected of a Trustee is approximately six days per annum, including an AGM, preparing for and attending Board meetings, and involvement in at least one of the sub-committees: Audit, Finance & Fundraising; Public Affairs & Communications; Research; Healthcare Services; or Remunerations & Nominations.
We hold an away day once every two years. Additional time may be required dependent on circumstances/needs. You will receive a full induction and support upon appointment.
We do ask that Trustees make a commitment to at least one, three-year term of office.
Trustee - Person Specification
All Trustees must demonstrate:
- A commitment to the organisation, its cause and demonstrate an understanding of MEand its impact
- A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort Strategic vision Good, independent judgment
- An ability to think creatively
- A willingness to speak their mind
- An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship
- An ability to work effectively as a member of a team
- A willingness to participate in at least one sub-committee, as appropriate
- A commitment to working within Action for ME’s values and principles of working,including Nolan’s ‘Seven Principles of Public Life’:
a. Selflessness
b. Integrity
c. Objectivity
d. Accountability
e. Openness
f. Honesty
g. Leadership.
- Be willing to sign relevant statutory and other forms (eg for opening bank accounts).
Specific requirements:
While we are open to applications from people who meet the person specification, we regularly review the skills and backgrounds of our Board members and are specifically looking for people who bring:
- Scientific and/or research expertise
- Policy experience at local or national level
- Communications and/or marketing expertise.
How to Apply
If you are interested in becoming a Trustee, please submit:
- Your CV, including all employment/voluntary roles since you left full-time education ensuring any gaps or time out is accounted for and
- A completed ‘Equal opportunities monitoring and information form’ (provided separately)
- A covering letter outlining why you would like to become a Trustee and how you meet the person specification outlined above, including how you meet the specific requirements we are currently looking for.
Please also indicate any reasonable adjustments that you may require to enableus to provide a good recruitment process with you.
You will be informed of the outcome of your application and any potential interviewdates with the Chair, the Chief Executive and another Trustee. We will be invitingpeople for interviews as applications come in and will close recruitment when we fillthe current vacancies.
Equity of access
We strive to ensure equity which includes being as accessible as possible to attract Board members with a diverse range of experience and insight. If you don’t meet the person specification fully, please do consider contacting us for a discussion as youmay be our ideal candidate!
We will consider all requests for reasonable adjustments within the parameters ofensuring Trustees are able to enact their legal responsibilities and accountabilities.
Our mission is to improve the lives of people affected by ME. Better meeting their needs today while taking action to secure change for tomorrow.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We believe this is an exciting opportunity for individuals with a strongly held belief in the benefits that empowering leadership skills can have in shaping the future of the next generation.
We are looking for individuals that can promote our cause and are willing to share their personal and professional experience and insights as part of the collaborative decision-making of our Board of Trustees.
We are committed to diversity in the workplace through a workforce that reflects the population and communities we work with across the UK.
Our board of Trustees is currently under-represented by individuals with black, asian, and ethnically diverse heritage in addition to people aged under 30 years of age.
As such, we would welcome applicants with these backgrounds to support our aim of a nationally representative organisation workforce.
Knowledge, skills and experience
While we are interested in the person, we are looking for individuals with specific skills and experience in one, some, or all of the following areas:
o Working with primary and/or secondary schools, colleges, and/or youth-development organisations.
o Working in or with Awarding Organisations.
An understanding or experience of financial oversight is considered desirable but not essential.
Trustee commitment and responsibilities
All Trustee positions are voluntary with reasonable expenses remunerated.
To be an effective Trustee, you will need to commit approximately 1-2 days per quarter to attend and prepare for board meetings which are generally held virtually.
Members of our Audit, Risk and Compliance committee additionally meet two weeks before each board meeting for finance and regulation focused discussions with the Executive team.
Effective Trustees support our work by:
· Ensuring we are working towards our vision, mission and values in everything we do.
· Supporting strategic decision-making by actively contributing advice, guidance, and opinion in the pursuit of the organisation’s objectives.
· Constructively guide the Executive in the delivery of the organisation’s strategy.
· Actively represent and champion the work of the Leadership Skills Foundation.
· Maintaining proper financial and regulatory oversight promoting best practice as a Charity to ensure our sustainability and longevity.
Our values
Created in collaboration with the Leadership Skills Foundation team, our cultural values are our ways of working that we expect in all aspects of our interaction with each other and with our delivery centres, tutors, partners, and learners.
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We are better together
Together, we do great things. Collaboration, belonging and individuality aren’t just buzzwords to us; they’re deeply held commitments in the way we work. As we solve problems together, we make sure everyone feels listened to and valued.
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We are guided by goals
Every initiative we developed is guided by clear aims. From giving young people the confidence to achieve, to bringing major change to communities, all our goals are significant and focused on improvement.
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We evolve and innovate
As the world changes, so do the opportunities and challenges of the people we support. As different times call for different skills, we are brave enough to be different and to innovate to be fit for the future.
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We have pride in our programmes
We never forget how valuable everyone’s future is. That’s why we go above and beyond to deliver high-quality trustworthy and regulated programmes.
Know someone great for this?
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
- Location: UK-wide (Board meetings online, with occasional in-person events)
- Time Commitment: 8–12 hours per month
- Term: Initial 3-year term, renewable up to a maximum of 9 years
- Remuneration: Voluntary Role (expenses reimbursed)
- Start Date: October 2025
- Applications Open: July 2025
- Applications Close Date: 5 pm, Friday 5th September 2025
- Interview Dates: 15th September (PM) and 17th September (AM)
About DiMHN:
The Design in Mental Health Network (DiMHN) is a UK-based charity dedicated to transforming mental health environments through inclusive, evidence-based design. Our network brings together professionals from healthcare, design, policy, and lived experience to improve mental health outcomes and create spaces that promote dignity, safety, and healing.
Role Overview:
As a Trustee, you will help guide the strategic direction of DiMHN, ensure effective governance, and champion our values. Trustees are expected to provide strategic oversight and contribute expertise to subgroups or advisory functions.
Key Responsibilities:
- Shape and review DiMHN’s strategy, vision, and values.
- Ensure compliance with legal, financial, and governance requirements.
- Monitor performance and support the CEO and executive team.
- Act as an ambassador for DiMHN, promoting our vision, purpose, and values, as well as the work we do.
- Contribute to fundraising, research, and partnerships.
Why Join Us
Joining the Board of DiMHN presents an opportunity to shape the future of mental health environments across the UK and beyond.
You’ll be part of a passionate, forward-thinking community working at the intersection of design, care, and lived experience.
As a Trustee, you’ll:
- Shape strategic direction to drive meaningful change in mental health environments across the UK and beyond.
- Collaborate with a diverse network of leaders, experts, and lived experience advocates, influencing the future of mental health design.
- Provide governance and oversight that ensures the charity’s growth, sustainability, and impact.
- Champion inclusivity by elevating voices often excluded from design and decision-making processes
- Influence policy, standards, and innovation at national and international levels to embed evidence-based design in mental health care.
Who We’re Looking For
We’re looking for people who believe in the power of design to change lives. Whether you come from healthcare, design, research, lived experience, or another walk of life, if you’re motivated by the idea of creating more inclusive, compassionate mental health environments, we want to hear from you.
We have two Trustee vacancies and warmly welcome applications from both first-time trustees and those with previous board experience.
We value fresh perspectives and offer support to help you thrive in the role. We are especially interested in individuals who can bring insight in one or more of the following areas:
- Mental Health Services & Policy: Clinical, community, lived experience, commissioning, or estates, facilities and planning.
- Digital Health & Technology: Expertise in AI, immersive tech, digital platforms, or digital strategy in care settings.
- Finance & Commercial Strategy: Income generation, business development, or financial planning in health, social impact, or design sectors.
- Research & Evaluation: Academic or applied research, impact measurement, or policy analysis.
We’re also looking for Trustees who embody our values:
At DiMHN, our work is grounded in our core values. We’re looking for Trustees who reflect these values through both mindset and action:
Be Courageous – You’re willing to ask challenging questions, confront assumptions, and help push boundaries to make mental health spaces more inclusive and compassionate.
Empathy in Design – You understand that good design starts with empathy. Whether through lived experience or professional perspective, you value collaboration and co-production with those who access mental health care and support.
Evidence-Led, Impact-Driven – You’re curious, reflective, and motivated by real-world change. You use evidence to guide decisions and are focused on outcomes that make a difference.
Improve Together – You believe in learning together. You’re generous with your skills and committed to helping the DiMHN and the wider sector grow stronger through collective action.
Eligibility:
Applicants must be over 18 and eligible to serve as a charity trustee
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
We are actively working to improve the diversity of our Board, recognising that inclusive leadership strengthens both our governance and our ability to achieve our purpose. Diverse perspectives lead to better decisions, richer insight, and more equitable outcomes for the communities we serve.
We know that some groups remain underrepresented in charity governance, including people from racialised communities, disabled people, LGBTQAI+ individuals, younger adults, and people with lived experience of mental health. We also value regional diversity and welcome applications from across the UK. We encourage applications from
How to Apply:
Send your CV and a short written or video/audio statement (max two pages or five minutes), titled “[Your Name] Trustee Role.”
In your statement, tell us why you’re interested, what you’d bring, and any support you might need to thrive in the role.
This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.