Research Trustee

THE ROLE

We are seeking an individual who:

• Operates at a senior level in research administration, governance or strategy, or is affiliated with a major research funding body or a UK-based research institution
• Can bring national credibility and a strategic perspective on research funding and evaluation
• Has experience of chairing complex, multi-stakeholder committees

In order to manage potential conflicts of interest, applicants should NOT have had direct involvement in IBD research for at least the last five years.

We are also looking to improve the diversity on our Board, including in terms of ethnicity, and socio-economic background and would particularly encourage applicants who have connections to underserved communities. We would also welcome applicants from Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, or the north of England.

Most Trustees on our Board already have first-hand lived experience of Crohn’s and Colitis so new applicants for the role will not be required to have this experience.

TRUSTEES ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR:

• Ensuring that the charity complies with its constitution, charity law and any other relevant legislation or regulations, works to fulfil its charitable objects and applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects.
• Contributing actively to the Board of Trustees’ role in giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals and evaluating performance.
• Safeguarding the good name and values of the charity.
• Ensuring the effective and efficient management and administration of the charity.
• Ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds.
• Employing and being responsible for the organisation’s staff.
• Using any specific knowledge or experience they have to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions.
• Promoting the charity among their own contacts.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

PERSONAL QUALITIES

• An empathetic interest in the work of the charity, its strategic objectives and the cause.
• Strong networking capabilities that can be utilised for the benefit of the charity, and the ability to attend relevant events when helpful or necessary.
• Good interpersonal and relationship-building abilities, working collaboratively both internally with colleagues to encourage contribution in discussions, as well as externally with a range of stakeholders.
• Diplomatic, with the ability to negotiate, influence and convince through personal credibility.
• Values diversity and difference and operates with integrity and openness.

EXPERIENCE

• Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level.
• Experience of external representation, building new connections and managing a range of senior stakeholders across different sectors, including service users.
• Successful track record of leading the formulation and delivery of an organisational strategy.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• The ability to provide leadership to and motivate staff and volunteers, bringing people together.
• Good understanding of governance issues

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

TERMS OF OFFICE

Three years. Renewable twice, for up to a maximum of nine years, subject to the Chair’s recommendation.

TIME COMMITMENT

We estimate that the time commitment for this role will be approximately 1 day per month, although some flexibility is required.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

All candidates will be asked to disclose any actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest, and these will be discussed with the candidate to establish whether and what action is needed to avoid a conflict or the perception of a conflict.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

An offer of appointment will be made once all candidates have been interviewed, and will be subject to satisfactory completion of eligibility checks, including reference checks. If you are offered an appointment you will receive a detailed summary of your main terms and conditions.

LOCATION

Meetings will generally be held virtually with face to face meetings around twice a year.

REMUNERATION

This is an unremunerated Trustee role.

MEMBERSHIP

We ask all of our Trustees to be members of the Charity, if they are not so already.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, we welcome a CV and a 2 page (maximum) covering letter addressing your motivation for applying and your experience that is relevant to the role.
Please send this to edith.agyemang@crohnsandcolitis.org.uk

Accessibility is incredibly important to us at Crohn’s & Colitis UK. If you would like any accessibility amendments or support throughout the application and interview stage, please don’t hesitate to let us know. No question or request is too big or too small. We want this process to be comfortable and enjoyable and a chance for you to bring your best self to the process.

SCHEDULE

Closing date for applications: 12 noon on Friday 15 May
There will be an opportunity to meet with our Chair, Jackie Craissati and Head of Research, Natalie Carter.

Interview with panel: Week commencing Monday 1 June