Independent Trustee

Independent Trustee
Hybrid, with meetings typically held in London
Three years, renewable
Voluntary role, with reasonable expenses reimbursed

Help shape the future of child health: become an Independent Trustee at RCPCH

Every child deserves the best start in life. At the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), we work to improve the health and wellbeing of children and young people through education, training, research, advocacy and leadership. Representing more than 25,000 members and Fellows across the UK and internationally, we influence policy, shape professional standards and champion better healthcare for children everywhere.

We are seeking an experienced Independent Trustee who will also chair our People & Remuneration Committee. This is a pivotal Board leadership role, providing strategic oversight of the College’s people, culture, workforce and remuneration agenda, while contributing fully to the governance and strategic direction of the charity.

If you are a senior people leader with a strong interest in organisational culture, leadership and workforce effectiveness, this is an opportunity to influence Board-level decisions and help improve outcomes for children and young people. 

We're particularly interested in hearing from people with experience in:

• People and organisational development
• Human resources, employment relations and workforce strategy
• Executive remuneration, reward governance and succession planning
• Organisational culture, employee engagement and culture transformation
• Employment law and legal practice
• Corporate governance, risk and assurance
• Leading significant organisational change and organisational effectiveness
• Chairing Boards, Committees or senior governance forums

We welcome applications from individuals who can bring independent judgement, strategic thinking and constructive challenge, together with a commitment to good governance and improving outcomes for children and young people. 

Previous Board experience is welcome but not essential, and a full induction and ongoing support programme will be provided.

Why join us?

As an Independent Trustee, you will play an important role in shaping the future of RCPCH and supporting our mission to improve child health outcomes across the UK and globally.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Apply your expertise in people, culture, organisational development and governance to an organisation that makes a real difference to children and young people.
• Influence Board-level decisions on workforce strategy, organisational effectiveness, leadership, remuneration and culture.
• Shape the future direction of a respected national charity and medical Royal College.
• Work alongside senior clinical, executive and non-executive leaders and broaden your strategic impact.
• Gain valuable experience of charity governance while contributing to RCPCH’s mission in the UK and internationally. 

What you’ll bring

We're looking for someone with:

• Senior leadership experience in people, workforce, organisational development, governance, remuneration or employment law.
• Strong strategic thinking, independent judgement and the confidence to provide constructive challenge.
• High personal integrity and the ability to work collaboratively at Board level.
• An understanding of Trustee responsibilities and a commitment to RCPCH's mission and values.
• A passion for supporting children and young people and the willingness to devote time to the role.

Desirable: Previous experience as a Trustee, Board or Committee member, experience of organisational change, culture and workforce development, healthcare, governance, remuneration, talent management, EDI, or supporting under-represented groups.

Key details

• Time commitment: Typically four Board meetings each year, including one full-day Away Day, plus the Annual General Meeting. The role also includes preparation for and chairing of People & Remuneration Committee meetings, reporting to the Board, induction and ongoing engagement. Allow approximately 4–6 hours to read the agenda and papers for each meeting.
• Location: Hybrid, with meetings typically held in London.
• Term of office: Three years, renewable.
• Remuneration: Voluntary role, with reasonable expenses reimbursed. 

Inclusive and diverse governance

We believe our Board should reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.

We actively encourage applications from people from underrepresented backgrounds, those with protected characteristics, and individuals who can bring a diverse range of experiences, perspectives and insights to the Board. If you have the skills, experience and commitment to help us achieve our mission, we would love to hear from you.

Join us and help realise our vision of a world where every child is healthy and well.

How to contact us and apply

For an informal chat about this role, please email the Chair at least five working days before the closing date. Details can be found on our website via the application link.

To apply, please read the role description and follow the instructions on our website, via the application link.

Closing date: 12 noon, 21 September 2026.
Interviews: 30 September 2026, via Microsoft Teams