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The Association of Anaesthetists (Great Britain & Ireland) is seeking to appoint a lay trustee to its Board of Trustees
This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to a well-respected medical membership organisation helping to shape the future of anaesthesia, influence patient safety, and support anaesthetists at every stage of their careers.
With more than 10,000 members across Great Britain and Ireland and internationally, the Association’s mission is to safeguard patients by educating, supporting, and inspiring anaesthetists to deliver the very best care in every healthcare setting.
About the Association
For over 90 years, the Association has been a trusted voice for the anaesthesia community, supporting clinicians through an evolving healthcare landscape.
The Association is registered as a company limited by guarantee and as a charity in both England and Wales and Scotland.
Our work is driven by four strategic priorities: Patient Care and Safety, Education and Research, Advocacy and Support, and Innovation and Growth. These priorities are set out in our ambitious 2024–2029 strategy, launched in 2024, which defines the Association’s vision, mission, values, and long-term direction.
Our core values are at the heart of everything we do:
- Committed: We are a respected and independent organisation, committed to speaking up and speaking out on behalf of our members and the anaesthesia community
- Trusted: For over 90 years, we have helped to set standards, share knowledge, and support thousands of people in a vital profession. Our expertise matters to our members and globally
- Innovative: We look forward, not back. We care about the future of anaesthesia and actively help shape its future on behalf of our members by listening, responding, and innovating
- Connected: We are a dynamic, diverse, and inclusive community. We exist because of, and on behalf of, our members
The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall governance and strategic leadership of the charity, overseeing organisational strategy, annual business plans, and financial stewardship. Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer and senior leadership team, the board ensures the Association continues to deliver impact for members, patients, and the wider healthcare community.
For further information on the charity see the latest Foundation Statutory Report and Accounts.
About the lay trustee role
Lay trustees play a vital role in strengthening the effectiveness, governance, and strategic direction of the Association. They bring valuable external insight, independent challenge, and specialist expertise that have significantly enhanced board discussions and decision-making.
As a lay trustee, you will:
- Help shape the future direction of the Association
- Provide independent oversight and constructive challenge
- Contribute specialist expertise and fresh perspectives
- Support strong governance and strategic decision-making
- Act as a trusted critical friend to the organisation
You will work alongside elected trustees who are practising anaesthetists, fellow lay trustees with expertise in finance and technology, and a highly experienced staff team.
Lay trustees also become members of the Association Council, which acts as an advisory body to the Board.
Who are we looking for?
We are particularly interested in applications from individuals with expertise in areas such as:
- Fundraising
- Marketing and communications
- External affairs
Previous trustee experience is welcome but not essential. We value diversity of thought, background, and lived experience, and encourage applications from individuals who can bring new perspectives to our work.
The full role description is shown below.
Why join us?
This is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to patient care and the future of healthcare while working with a committed and forward-thinking organisation.
By joining the board, you will help influence a profession that plays a critical role in healthcare systems across the world, supporting clinicians, improving standards, and ultimately helping patients receive safer care. If you are motivated by purpose, collaboration, and strategic impact, we would be delighted to hear from you.
The deadline for applications is 17:00 on Friday 21 August 2026. Applications are invited via cover letter and CV to the Chief Executive Officer, Nicky de Beer. In your cover letter, please address how you meet the role description and person specification. We accept the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as an emerging technology but please state if and how you have used AI in your application. Please send your letter and CV.
Following an initial short-listing process interviews will be held via videoconference on the morning of Thursday 10 September 2026.
For further information or an informal discussion
Contact Nicky de Beer, Chief Executive Officer.
Lay trustee role description
Purpose of role: Lay trustees enhance the knowledge, expertise, judgement, and balance available to the Board of Trustees to ensure a financially sound, healthy, and legally compliant organisation. Their principal assets will be their knowledge and expertise, independence, and the confidence and ability to be a critical friend of the Association.
Responsible to: President (Chair of the Board of Trustees)
Key working relationships
- President
- Other trustees
- Chief Executive Officer, senior management team and staff
- Other members of the Association Council
- Other stakeholder organisations such as the Royal College of Anaesthetists, and charity partners
Term of appointment:
Following a successful interview and satisfactory references, the lay trustee will be appointed for a three-year term commencing from the Annual Members’ Meeting in September 2026.
Time commitment
The Board of Trustees meets up to five times a year. The dates for board meetings are set 12 months in advance from October to September. Meetings normally take place on Fridays approximately every 8 weeks as either a half-day or full-day meeting at 21 Portland Place, London or via videoconference, but videoconferencing facilities will be available for all meetings.
Trustees are expected to attend each board meeting and to engage in communication between board meetings with staff and board colleagues as required.
Expenses
This role is voluntary and is unremunerated. Trustees will be reimbursed for their expenses for travel, hotel accommodation and subsistence when attending meetings. Expenses will be paid in accordance with the expenses policy. As this is a voluntary role, trustees are not otherwise compensated for their service.
Training
Training is provided for trustees to enable them to perform their governance duties effectively.
Trustee duties and responsibilities
Please view the Charity Commission guidance CC3 The essential trustee: what you need to know, what you need to do. Trustees of the Association are also directors under company law, and under the Companies Act 2006, there are specific legal duties placed upon company directors. You should familiarise yourself with those legal duties before applying for this role.
Key responsibilities:
Strategic direction and financial oversight.
- Contribute to ensuring that the charity’s purpose is carried out and that all activities support its charitable objectives
- Contribute to and agree the strategic direction of the Association and help set its long term priorities
- Oversee risk management, making sure appropriate controls and policies are in place
- Oversee the financial performance of the Association including budgets, reserves and the responsible use of funds
- Help to ensure that the Association’s equity, diversity, and inclusion objectives are met
Trustees are also expected to:
- Ensure legal and regulatory compliance, including acting in line with charity law, company law, and the governing document
- Attend meetings of the Board of Trustees on a regular basis and be well prepared by reading relevant papers in advance and participating fully in meetings and decision making
- Act with integrity and independence, always in the best interests of the charity
- Participate in wider Association work, assist with ensuring the charity’s purposes and mission are clearly communicated to members and the public
- Undertake training and induction as may be required to carry out the role
- Keep up to date with developments in healthcare. the charity/not-for-profit sector and the role of trustee
- Act as an ambassador for the Association where appropriate
Person specification
We are keen to appoint lay trustees whose values align with ours and have the following key attributes.
Key attributes
Essential
Relevant expertise outside the field of anaesthesia, such as in:
- Fundraising
- Marketing & Communications
- External affairs
The ability to challenge constructively and rigorously and to contribute at a strategic level while listening sensitively to the views of others
Commitment to the Association and its objectives
Sound judgement, integrity, and high ethical standards
Excellent communication skills
Willingness to acquire the expertise and knowledge to discharge responsibilities
An understanding and awareness of equity, diversity and inclusion
Ability to attend board sub-committees and working group meetings, conferences and key events run by the Association
Desirable
Experience of acting as a trustee
Informed about the environment in which the charity operates and the issues it faces
Registered Charity
51 - 100
We represent the life-changing, life-saving profession of anaesthesia – by supporting, informing and inspiring a worldwide community of over 10,000
Thank you!
Using Anonymous Recruitment
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Are you an experienced Board-level leader passionate about education, social mobility, STEM, and creating opportunities for young people?
The Engineering Development Trust (EDT) is seeking an exceptional Chair of Trustees to provide strategic leadership to its Board. This opportunity would suit an experienced Chair, Trustee, Non-Executive Director (NED), Board Member, CEO, Executive Director, Managing Director or senior leader with expertise in governance, strategy, financial stewardship and organisational leadership who is passionate about education, STEM and social impact.
We’re looking for someone with senior leadership experience, strong understanding of charity governance and finance, and the ability to support and challenge at Board level.
About EDT
EDT is a UK-wide education charity delivering over 50,000 learning experiences each year through the Industrial Cadets Awards. We bring together employers, educators and young people aged 9–21, helping them explore STEM pathways and access rewarding future careers. EDT plays a critical role in tackling skills gaps, improving social mobility and increasing diversity across STEM industries.
About the Role
This is a high-impact trustee leadership opportunity for someone who wants to shape the future of a national charity. As Chair, you will provide strategic leadership to the Board, ensuring strong governance, financial oversight and organisational effectiveness.
You will work closely with the Chief Executive, acting as a trusted sounding board while maintaining accountability for delivering EDT’s mission and strategy. You will also act as an ambassador, representing EDT to partners, funders and stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership and direction to the Board of Trustees
- Ensure effective charity governance and compliance
- Oversee financial health and sustainability
- Support and challenge the Chief Executive
- Lead Board development and performance
- Act as an external ambassador for EDT
About You
We are seeking a collaborative, strategic and values-driven leader with experience operating at Board, Trustee, Non-Executive Director (NED), Chair, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Executive Director, Managing Director or senior leadership level.
You will bring:
- Significant senior leadership, executive, trustee or non-executive experience
- Strong understanding of charity governance, corporate governance, risk management, financial oversight and organisational strategy
- Experience working with Boards, Trustees, Committees or governing bodies
- The ability to provide both support and constructive challenge to senior executives and leadership teams
- Excellent stakeholder engagement, influencing, partnership-building and ambassadorial skills
- A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, social mobility and creating opportunities for young people
- Strong judgement, integrity and a passion for delivering social impact
Experience gained within the charity, not-for-profit, third sector, education, STEM, skills development, employability, workforce development, youth development, public sector or social enterprise sectors would be particularly valuable, although candidates from the commercial sector with relevant governance experience are equally encouraged to apply.
Commitment
- Approx. 4 Board meetings per year plus committee involvement
- Regular engagement with the Chief Executive
- Attendance at key events and stakeholder meetings
This is a voluntary role with reasonable expenses reimbursed.
Why join EDT?
This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people across the UK, while helping to address critical skills shortages in STEM. You will join a committed Board and executive team and play a central role in shaping EDT’s future at a time of both challenge and opportunity for the sector.
We welcome applications from experienced trustees, board members, non-executive directors, charity leaders, public sector leaders, education leaders and senior executives who share our commitment to improving outcomes for young people and strengthening the future STEM workforce. We actively welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive Board.
Registered Charity
21 - 50
Our mission is to connect young people with STEM and inspire STEM futures.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Vision Action is a unique organisation that works in low- and middle-income countries, supporting national governments to deliver and strengthen their eye health strategies. We work in partnership with local governments, civil society organisations, international and national NGOs, and the private sector. Our ambition is to increase equitable access to eye care services and glasses and accelerate achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goal 5.
The role of the board is to oversee the overall direction and activities of the charity, including its policies and procedures, to ensure that they are consistently in accordance with the charitable purposes defined in the objects clause in its constitution. The board sets and monitors the strategic direction of the charity, although the implementation of strategy is achieved through the executive team. The board must always act in the best interests of Vision Action, taking decisions as a group and not as individuals.
Terms of service
For Vision Action the trustees are members who have been elected to serve on the board. Vision Action’s constitution allows for up to 12 trustees, who can serve a maximum of three consecutive terms of three years. Vision Action is a company limited by guarantee and the trustees are its legal directors. The trustee role is voluntary, although relevant expenses incurred in the course of fulfilling trustee responsibilities are reimbursable in line with organisational policy.
Trustees are appointed by the Vision Action board of trustees annually at the board meeting following the Annual General Meeting (AGM). The time commitment involved in being a trustee includes attendance at four board meetings per year, one of which is an all-day strategy session. Board meetings are typically held for half a day on a weekday afternoon, with at least half the meetings taking place online. Board papers are circulated in advance for review and preparation.
In addition, trustees are expected to attend the AGM, which is usually held on a weekend, as well as occasional members’ forums or other Vision Action events, which are often arranged alongside board meetings in the evening. Trustees may also be asked to participate in ad hoc meetings or online discussions relating to specific topics. Sub-committee meetings are also held in advance of board meetings, and trustees are also expected to participate in one or more of these groups depending on their expertise and responsibilities. Trustees will also be expected to commit time to undertake a full induction process.
Main tasks
Charity trustees have ultimate responsibility for directing the affairs of the charity and ensuring it is solvent, well-run and delivering the charitable outcomes for the benefit of the public for which it has been set up. Each trustee will be expected to join one of the two sub-committees (Programmes and Research; Fundraising and Finance). The committees meet (in person or remotely) at least four times per year, usually timed with or in advance of the board meetings.
General responsibilities
- Ensure th[JT1] at Vision Action complies with its governing document (i.e. its constitution[JT2] and byelaws), charity law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
- Ensure that Vision Action pursues its objects as defined in its governing document.
- Ensure Vision Action applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects, i.e. it must not spend money on activities which are not included in the objects, however worthwhile they may be.
- Contribute actively to the board’s role in the formulation and review of strategy, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
- Safeguard the good name and values of Vision Action and maintain good relations with its members.
- Ensure that all policies are implemented, monitored and reports are acted upon, (including the policies on harassment and misconduct, safeguarding, recruitment of ex-offenders, and anti- bribery).
- Strive for Vision Action to reflect the full diversity of society in all its activities.
- Ensure the financial stability of Vision Action.
- Protect and manage the property of Vision Action and ensure the proper investment of its funds.
- Appoint and support key leadership and monitor their performance.
In addition to the above statutory responsibilities, each trustee should attend board meetings and use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board reach sound decisions. This may involve leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, evaluation or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise; and then always upholding the decisions taken by Board. Trustees are also expected to support Vision Action’s fundraising initiatives.
Treasurer specific responsibilities
Hold specific responsibilities relevant to the role:
- Chair the fundraising and finance sub-committee, overseeing and advising on the financial risks, challenges, health and resilience of the charity, reporting back to the full board.
- Monitor and advise on the financial viability of the charity, including the financial risks. This should include regular monitoring of cost recovery.
- Advise the board on the financial implications of its plans and policies.
- Monitor the preparation of budgets, accounts and financial statements and their presentation to the board.
Ensure policies and practices are in keeping with aims:
- Oversee the development and implementation of financial reserves, cost‐recovery and investment policies.
- Annually review the financial control framework to identify any changes, gaps and potential areas of exposure.
- Oversee the development and review of other policies and procedures as delegated to the fundraising and finance sub-committee by the board.
Ensure best practice:
- Support the Co-CEO (finance & operations) in preparing and presenting the budgets, management accounts and annual financial statements to the board, ensuring it receives a fully informed picture of the charity’s financial performance, position and effectiveness.
- Liaise with the Co-Chief Executive Officers and, as appropriate, with the investment advisors and auditors on matters relating to the organisation’s financial activities.
- Provide board‐level liaison with the external auditors on specific issues such as the auditors’ management letter, auditor remuneration and related board representations.
- Lead on recommending the appointment of new auditors to members of the organisation.
- Work with the Finance and Operations Manager to ensure that proper accounts and records are maintained, and that financial resources are spent and invested in line with good governance and legal and regulatory requirements.
- With the Finance & Operations Manager and the Joint Chief Executive Officers, closely monitor the reserves and investment plan, providing assurance to the board on the organisation’s future financial stability.
- Review all management accounts before they are placed before the board.
Personal specification
All our trustees are expected to have:
- A commitment to Vision Action’s vision and mission.
- A commitment to our values: being evidence-based, being inclusive, having integrity, sustainable programmes and being collaborative.
- Willingness to devote the time and effort needed to fulfil the role.
- Integrity.
- Strategic vision.
- Good, independent judgement.
- 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 and to take decisions for the good of Vision Action.
The treasurer will have:
- Experience as a director of finance (or equivalent) and/or in a treasurer role, with extensive experience of overseeing financial and management accounting, financial reporting, monitoring and controls, and external audit.
- An understanding of charity accounting and reporting standards (Charities SORP 2026), or a willingness to develop this through personal learning and development.
- A recognised accountancy qualification (CAAB) and
- Experience in international development would be an advantage.
The position is supported by the CEO who is an accountant and a part time bookkeeper.
The Next Step
We welcome questions and a discussion on our current financial circumstances with our treasurer and chair. Our treasurer retires in 2026, and we would like to involve any new appointment in our committees and board meeting in the last part of this year.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.