Trustee

Job title: Trustee

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) is a long-term (chronic), fluctuating, neurological disease that causes symptoms affecting many body systems, more commonly the nervous and immune systems. The life-changing symptoms experienced by people with ME are being mirrored by more than half of those with long Covid. This could mean around 1.3m people are living with ME or ME-like symptoms in the UK.

Action for ME is the only charity in the UK providing direct support, including healthcare services to children and adults with ME. We provide vital support services, campaign for change and invest in ground-breaking research to help put an end to the ignorance, injustice and neglect experienced by people with ME.

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 shared vision 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 ME

• To 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 ME and 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 ofTrusteeshipAn ability to work effectively as a member of a team

• A willingness to participate in at least one sub-committee, as appropriate

• Be willing to sign relevant statutory and other forms (eg for opening bank accounts).

• A commitment to working within Action for ME’s values and principles of working,including Nolan’s ‘Seven Principles of Public Life’:

  1. Selflessness

  2. Integrity

  3. Objectivity

  4. Accountability

  5. Openness

  6. Honesty

  7. Leadership

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 enable us to provide a good recruitment process with you.

Applications should be sent to recruitment@actionforme.org.uk.

You will be informed of the outcome of your application and any potential interview dates with the Chair, the Chief Executive and another Trustee. We will be inviting people for interviews as applications come in and will close recruitment when we fill the current vacancies.

Further information:
If you have any questions or would like an informal discussion, please contact recruitment@actionforme.org.uk.

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 you may be our ideal candidate!

We will consider all requests for reasonable adjustments within the parameters of ensuring Trustees are able to enact their legal responsibilities and accountabilities.