Clinical Trustee Volunteer Roles
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Every 6 minutes someone learns that they are losing their sight. Every five hours, a baby is born with sight problems. In these moments, two profound questions emerge:
• Can this be stopped?
• How do I (or my child) live this life?
The merger of Fight for Sight and Vision Foundation, which took place on 1st April 2023, will enable us to address both questions. By combining our strengths and expertise we are now the only significant national funder with the efficiency,
capability, and capacity to increase investment in medical research and social improvement. Together we can mitigate both the prevalence and impact of sight loss. We have a clear ambition – to save sight and to change lives.
We are now seeking up to four new trustees as we establish ourselves in our new form and under our new name (soon to be announced). This is an exciting inflection point for us, and our new trustees will be central in enabling us to achieve our ambition.
We have worked through our merger and have a clear focus and vision, as well as a strong Board and senior leadership team, all of whom are ambitious for the potential impact we can make. Our re-brand will also enable us to amplify our position as a leader within the sight loss sector. Our merger was a critical step in accelerating research which will create a positive impact on the lives of millions of people. We do not want this opportunity to pass us by and that’s what makes these such an important and exciting roles for the right people.
As a trustee, you will have the opportunity to steer the course of our charity and our sector, shaping our strategies, and advocating for meaningful change. You will be help us be a driving force behind world leading research into sight loss prevention, and transformative initiatives that enhance the quality of life for countless individuals.
We are particularly seeking individuals who have a medical or scientific research background, ideally in ophthalmology, and those who have experience in retail and fundraising. If you want to be part of something that will really make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.
“I extend a heartfelt invitation to those who share our commitment to making a profound difference in the lives of individuals affected by sight loss. Our journey towards a future where eye diseases are prevented and the challenges faced by the visually impaired are overcome requires the collective effort of dedicated individuals. We are seeking trustees who are not only passionate advocates for our cause but also possess the vision, expertise, and dedication to guide and govern our organisation. Your unique perspectives and skills will play a pivotal role in shaping and defining our impact for years to come.”
Dr Heather Giles, Chair
“Our two organisations came together to form a new dynamic, ambitious, entrepreneurial, impact-driven organisation to save sight and change lives. We are searching for trustees that can join us, and be at the forefront of creating the culture, the outlook and the methods of working and the operations to truly make a difference in society.”
Keith Valentine, CEO
ABOUT US
We are a new organisation forged from two ambitious charities: Fight for Sight and Vision Foundation. Our single, unifying mission is to save sight and change lives.
It is a mission that reflects two urgent questions everyone faces when they receive a diagnosis of sight loss: ‘How do I stop this?’ and ‘How do I live my life?’
Answering these questions guides our strategy as we progress a five-year plan with solid and lofty aspirations.
THE MERGER
Fight for Sight funds breakthrough research and life-changing services to build a more equitable future for blind and partially sighted people by accelerating breakthroughs in multiple sight loss conditions.
Vision Foundation works to inform, include and empower the visually impaired community. Empowerment is at the heart of what we do; our work focuses on what people can do, rather than what they can’t.
The merger will help us to realise a joint ambition to tackle sight loss from both a clinical and social perspective. Our combined organisation is now grounded in data and insight into the science, as well as the lived experience of, sight loss. With this wealth of evidence we’re determined to:
- generate further investment into the sector,
- accelerate clinical progress,
- improve quality of life for people facing or living with sight loss
Crucially, coming together is about growing our influence and impact, not reducing or diluting what we do. So, as we evolve as a merged organisation, we are combining our teams, announcing our new name and fine-tuning our unified
mission and strategy – as well as continuing with the important work we’re already committed to – you can expect big things from us and it is an exciting time to join us as a trustee.
OUR FUTURE
Our principal role is as a grant-maker. We award grants to the scientific community that could lead to scientific breakthroughs and treatments to stop eye diseases from progressing. In the future, we believe research can prevent people from losing sight and reverse sight loss. We invest to advance treatments that will cure eye disease and protect and grow the community of world-class scientists, technologists, and data scientists who can deliver tomorrow’s breakthroughs. Historically, Vision Foundation has funded innovations that directly impact people who are blind or partially sighted, from music classes for children to projects that take eye tests into at-risk communities. We invest in programmes, organisations and activities that deliver equity for and with blind and visually impaired people.
As a grant-maker, we are change-makers, accelerators and drivers of impact. We are bold, energetic, challenging, disruptive, tenacious, and determined.
We aren’t afraid to tackle the challenges facing the sight loss community, either. Recent campaigns include The Unseen, which unearthed the shocking scale and nature of domestic abuse among blind and partially sighted people, and See My Skills, which addressed high unemployment rates. The charity excels at working in partnership with others towards creating a more equitable society for the sight loss community.
As we progress, we’ll scale the impact of projects like these, look beyond the nation’s capital, and drive systemic change. We’ll need to secure the funds to invest in our trusted partners to achieve our ambitions. We’ll continue to fundraise by engaging with supporters and companies through legacies, events such as the London Marathon, and our network of charity shops.
The evidence we commission influences policy and decision-making to demand equality for all.
We’ll shortly have a new name that reflects our united ambitions, so it’s an exciting time for us and the people we serve.
OUR FINANCES
The charity is in a strong position financially, with a high level of reserves that we intend to draw down over the coming years as we focus on investing in sustainable growth and increasing our impact. Compared to many charities, we
have well diversified income streams, predictable costs, and are in the fortunate position to hold a sizable portfolio of investments. Our plans for the short and medium term are to invest in our income generation infrastructure, and to significantly increase the amounts of funding we can put to our charitable purpose.
OUR BOARD AND LEADERSHIP TEAM
Fight for Sight / Vision Foundation is the only organisation in the sight loss sector with an Executive Leadership Team that has over half of its members with lived experience of sight loss.
The Board currently numbers ten trustees, including our newly appointed Chair.
The Board meets four times a year, or more often as required.
Follow this link to find out more about our Board.
ROLE DESCRIPTION
As the most senior leaders in our charity, trustees play a pivotal role in guiding our strategic direction, amplifying our impact, and ensuring the fulfilment of our mission to save sight and change lives. You will serve on the main board and will be invited also to get involved in one of our sub-committees. These are currently:
- Social Impact & Scientific Research Committee (SISR)
- Finance, Audit, Risk & Resources Committee (FARR)
- People Committee
- Retail Committee
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership & Planning
- Provide leadership and strategic guidance to the charity, aligning efforts with the mission and values of the organisation.
- Collaborate with the board, executive team, and stakeholders to develop and implement long-term strategies that advance the charity’s impact and sustainability.
Governance
- Ensure effective governance, decision-making, and compliance with legal and ethical standards.
- Work closely with board members, fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, collaboration and open communication, harnessing different views and opinions.
Engagement
- Represent the charity at public events and networking opportunities to promote our mission and raise awareness about our cause.
- Develop and nurture relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, partners, corporations, government agencies, and the visually impaired community.
Evaluation and Accountability
- Collaborate with the board to evaluate performance, ensuring alignment with the charity’s goals and objectives.
- Ensure the charity is accountable to donors and beneficiaries, that is financially robust and sustainable, and that is effective risk management in place.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
We are seeking dynamic and dedicated individuals to serve as trustees of our ambitious merged organisation. The ideal candidates will have a strong commitment to our cause, along with the following:
Specialist experience
At this time, we are particularly interested in candidates who have leadership experience in:
- Scientific and/or medical research
- Ophthalmic research and/or clinical practice
- Strategic oversight of substantial fundraising and/or retail operations
Despite these areas of interest, we welcome a diversity of skills and experience at our charity and on our Board, and want to find the right candidates regardless of their specific areas of expertise or experience. So if you are interested in this role and think you can contribute to our mission, we’d love to hear from you.
General attributes
Knowledge & experience
- An understanding of governance, and experience on a committee or board.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain partnerships with stakeholders, including donors, corporations and government agencies.
Skills & abilities
- Strategic thinking and the ability to contribute to long-term planning and vision to deliver impact.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
- Entrepreneurial instincts and a healthy understanding of risk balanced with ambition using sound judgement.
Styles & behaviours
- High ethical standards and commitment to upholding the charity’s values, as well as a passion for advocating on behalf of individuals with, or at risk of, sight loss.
- Collaborative, highly inclusive, fostering trust and valuing difference perspectives.
- Solution-focused, with an ability to see the big picture and be pragmatic.
TERMS OF APPOINTMENT
Remuneration
This role is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although reasonable expenses may be claimed.
Time commitment
While the exact time commitment may vary based on the charity’s needs and priorities, we anticipate the following general expectations:
- A minimum of four Board meetings per year
- Up to four subcommittee meetings per year (the specific committee depending on skills and experience)
- Preparation for meetings, review of materials, and other trustee engagement as appropriate.
- Annual Strategy Day with full Board and executive team.
- Meetings with members of the executive leadership team as appropriate.
- Representing the charity at high profile events, functions and public engagements to enhance its reputation and partnerships.
Location
At present Board meetings are held in central London. Subcommittee meetings are held remotely.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
GSTTKPA is going through an exciting period of change. As a result, we are seeking to recruit a new Chair to support our ambitious and innovative change programme, so we can continue to achieve the aims and objectives of the charity.
The Chair role provides leadership to the organisation and the Trustee board by ensuring that everyone remains focused on the delivery of the organisation’s charitable purposes in order to ensure that GSTTKPA moves forward and continues to benefit kidney patients in the future.
The Chair will also need to set the strategy for the charity for the next few years which is vital for ensuring that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, the new post holder must understand that all the Trustees have a collective responsibility. This means that the Chair and the other Trustees must always act as a group and not as individuals.
As a Trustee, the new Chair must have a commitment to equality; celebrate diversity and be responsive to the needs of different groups and individuals within GSTTKPA and the wider community. In return, the successful applicant will join a warm and friendly team that works collaboratively to support each other as well as our kidney patients.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Cure Parkinson’s is a UK registered medical research charity that supports research internationally focused on disease modification in Parkinson’s. Preclinically, our funding remit is centred around Parkinson’s research that is of a disease modifying nature and within 5 years of clinical testing in people with Parkinson’s. Cure Parkinson’s also funds clinical research, particularly trials and sub studies of clinical trials evaluating disease modification in Parkinson’s. Cure Parkinson’s is a member of the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) and as such we adhere to the principles and guidelines on research management set out by the organisation.
The Cure Parkinson’s Research Committee (RC) is responsible for reviewing research proposals that are submitted on a quarterly basis. The RC is a committee of 10-12 academics and people with Parkinson’s who voluntarily meet four times per year to evaluate approximately 10 grant applications per round. If an application is considered to be within the funding remit and of interest to the RC, they will be sent out for expert peer review. The feedback from those peer reviews will be used by the RC at the next RC meeting (~3 months later) to decide whether to recommend funding the project to the Cure Parkinson’s Trustees.
The main purpose of the RC Chair is to provide leadership to, and oversee management of the RC.
The Cure Parkinson’s research team provides support to the Chair by organising the RC meetings and managing the grant application process (including organisation of the expert peer reviewers).
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
St George’s Hospital Charity is a significant and positive force for change within our hospital and community. Thanks to the incredible support we receive from the wider community, we are able to fund a wide range of projects across our hospitals that make a real difference to staff and patients in southwest London.
Main role and purpose of position
St George’s Hospital Charity is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. The Board are the trustees and directors of the charity. The trustees are responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, in accordance with the terms of its constitution, legal and regulatory requirements and best practice.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Collectively oversee the strategic direction of the charity and work towards the achievement of the charity’s vision and mission
- Ensure that the charity complies with legal, regulatory, and fiduciary responsibilities, in accordance with the terms of its constitution
- Identify potential development opportunities for the charity, and leverage relationships to facilitate this
- Protect the property, reputation and resources of the charity through ongoing identification, monitoring and management of risks
- Advocate for the charity’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
- Encourage teamwork among Board members and create a strong, profitable and fulfilling working relationship with trustees and the Chief Executive
- Appoint and give support to the Chief Executive of the charity
- Act in the best interests of the charity at all times and to the benefit of present and future beneficiaries of the charity
- Make a positive contribution to the charity’s governance, in accordance with the Trustee Code of Conduct and the Board's Terms of Reference
Qualifications and experience
Fundraising & Trustee
Essential:
- A commitment to the mission, values, and ethos of the charity
- Knowledge of the voluntary sector
- Current or recent professional experience in major donor fundraising and/or strategic partnerships with companies or other organisations
- Passion for the cause and some form of local or regional community connection
- Able to demonstrate evidence of effective delivery working as part of a team
- A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
- Ability to lead through facilitating, enabling, and consensus-building
- Ability to challenge constructively and supportively
- Ability to operate strategically, noticing trends, opportunities, and risks
Communications and change management Trustee
- Current or recent professional experience in change management and/or
- Experience of strategic and digital communications
Clinician/general practitioner
Essential:
- All of the above
- Current or recent professional experience working in a hospital environment or in the community as a GP or nurse
Vice-Chair
The Vice-Chair supports the Chair of Trustees in leading the board, ensuring that it governs the charity effectively, in service of the charity’s vision and mission. The Vice-Chair helps leads in an inclusive way, supporting the board to work together well, and providing support and challenge to the Chief Executive. The Vice-Chair is also an ambassador for the charity and may deputise for the Chair of Trustees as and when necessary.
Essential
- Experience of being a trustee
- A keen sense of strategic purpose
- An inclusive leadership style: able to inspire and support everyone to participate on an equal footing
- The ability to listen and engage effectively. You are comfortable with challenge and debate and are able to encourage that in others whilst fostering a collaborative board environment
- Advocate - be able and willing to champion St George’s Hospital Charity’ work through personal networks, social media, and other channels
- Be responsive and flexible, able to advise, support or help decision-making.
- In addition to the above, the Vice-Chair will have the responsibilities and qualities of all trustees
If you would like to be considered for the Vice-Chair role, please address the criteria above, as well as those for the specific Trustee role you are applying for when you make your application.
How to apply
Eastside People is supporting St George's Hospital Charity in the recruitment for these roles
We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.
To express an interest in the role and to be considered, please submit the following:
- An up-to-date CV.
- A supporting statement that addresses all the criteria in the Qualifications and Experience above and outlines your motivation for applying.
Applications must be submitted by Wednesday 22nd May 2024.
Successful candidates will then be invited to interview. Face to face interviews to be held at St George’s Hospital, Tooting, on the 3rd, 4th and 6th June.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
KidsAid is a charity supporting children affected by trauma. We seek a Standards & Compliance Lead to assist the board in establishing, and monitoring compliance with ethical, professional, and clinical standards.
What will you be doing?
KidsAid is a child-centred charity. We focus on healing and empowerment for children affected by abuse, family breakdown, illness, and bereavement through to anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicide. Our Values
Role Description.
To lead the Standards and Compliance Subcommittee in providing oversight on behalf of the board in:
- Monitoring the experience of, and standard of service provided to, those who benefit from, or otherwise deal with KidsAid, and make recommendations for change where necessary.
- Ensuring compliance with ethical, professional, and Clinical standards relevant to KidsAid’s beneficiaries.
- Monitoring organisational culture, policies, and processes to maximise safeguarding of all for whom KidsAid are responsible.
- Monitoring and keeping under review the values of the board in the context of service delivery.
- Adopting, monitoring, and updating where necessary, a scheme of delegation.
- Overseeing the management of the risk register. Identifying new risks, assessing, monitoring, and mitigating existing risks, and escalating high-level risks to the Board.
- Monitoring and auditing compliance with all relevant legal obligations, including assessing the likely effect of proposed changes to the law.
- Monitoring, compliance with the charitable objects of KidsAid, the constitution, terms of reference of the board and sub committees, and making recommendations to the board where necessary.
- Reviewing alternative national quality accreditation schemes, and making recommendations to the board, monitoring progress in achieving any agreed scheme.
- Monitoring and auditing compliance with Contracts, and tendering processes.
- Maintaining an overview of Due Diligence assessments, whether applied internally or externally.
- Evaluating advisory Codes relevant to KidsAid and making recommendations to the board for change where necessary.
- Periodically review the Charity’s impact measuring, evaluation, and data.
- Ensure that our data capture systems are fit for purpose now and in the future.
What are we looking for?
We are seeking a Standards and Compliance Lead with the following qualities:
- An understanding of due diligence and charity standards.
- Analytical skills and the ability to interpret and work with a range of data and information and evaluate compliance.
- A willingness to be available to the CEO and staff for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis.
The lead trustee for standards and compliance will be responsible for the following duties in addition to the wider responsibilities of a trustee.
What difference will you make?
If you wish to make a long-term contribution to our community, we are your charity! Our aim is to safeguard children so that early life trauma does not become a lifelong burden, and manifest into more serious issues in the future. Your role as Standards & Compliance Lead will be vital! You will have a lead role in providing effective leadership and governance, and ensuring that KidsAid complies with its obligations as a charity.
Before you apply
Please do apply to become a KidsAid trustee. Our mission is so worthwhile and your contribution to our board team will be greatly valued. Should you wish to discuss further, the CEO and Chair will be delighted to hear from you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Treasurer is a key role supporting Trustees and Committee Members by ensuring the finances of the KPA are properly managed in line with Charity Commission reporting, accounting and financial governance requirements.
GSTTKPA is going through an exciting period of change. As a result, we are seeking to recruit new Trustees to support our ambitious and innovative change programme, so we can continue to achieve the aims and objectives of the charity.
For this role, we are seeking a qualified accountant with charity experience to be both our Treasurer and a Trustee.
The role requires someone with commitment, enthusiasm and a good understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with being a kidney patient. You will have a commitment to equality; celebrate diversity and be responsive to the needs of different groups and individuals within society.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
GSTTKPA is going through an exciting period of change. Therefore, we are seeking to recruit a new Company Secretary to support our ambitious and innovative change programme, so we can continue to achieve the aims and objectives of the charity.
The role of Company Secretary is a key and important Trustee position on the Board. The Company Secretary will support the Chair and Vice Chair by ensuring the board functions smoothly. The Company Secretary will also have the opportunity to assist with activities and initiatives that are funded by GSTTKPA.
Trustees play a vital role in making sure that GSTTKPA achieves its core purpose. They also ensure that the charity has a clear strategy andthat our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, all the Trustees have a collective responsibility. This means that trustees always actas a group and not as individuals.
As a Trustee, we also require the successful applicant to have a commitment to equality; celebrate diversity and be responsive to the needs of different groups and individuals within GSTTKPA and the wider community. In return, the successful applicant will join a warm and friendly team that works collaboratively to support each other as well as our kidney patients.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Cornwall Air Ambulance operates 19 hours a day, 365 days a year, delivering over 1100 critical care missions annually across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. As the first helicopter emergency medical service in the UK, Cornwall Air Ambulance holds a special place in people’s hearts, whether resident or visitor to the county. Thanks to their generosity, our Charity can not only continue to grow, but also embrace innovation and encourage aspiration.
We are now seeking to appoint a new Chair to lead our Trustee Board. With previous experience of high-level board operations, you will be comfortable in a senior, public facing role. You will also have a sound understanding of what good governance looks and feels like. Demonstrating sound judgement and leadership, your ability to control and manage meetings is critical, encouraging scrutiny and respectful challenge, ensuring everyone’s voice is heard and that the Board remains focussed and strategic.
For further information about Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust, the role and how to apply, please download our information pack. We look forward to hearing from you.