Chair of the Board of Trustees

Responsible to: Board of Trustees

Start date: November/December

Who We Are

M4RD is a UK charity that is advancing rare disease training for medical professionals. The aim of our work is to help reduce diagnostic delay and improve patient experience for those impacted by rare conditions.

We work with an extensive network of patients, carers, advocates and advocacy groups to deliver training to medical schools, foundation schools, royal colleges, hospitals and trusts.

The charity is small and consists of a friendly group of staff and Trustees. The work can be intense but is very rewarding, as the charity responds to the needs of the rare disease political landscape.        

Please take a look at the M4RD website for more information on our team, and our work.

Why Join Us

At M4RD we are not just talking about change; we are making it happen - as evidenced by the attitude change towards rare disease training in healthcare driven by M4RD for the last five years. By becoming a Trustee, you will play a vital role in shaping the future of healthcare for people with rare conditions. Working with a dedicated team committed to systemic change in medical education, you will bring skills, experience, and knowledge that will support M4RD in achieving their objectives. 

Open Trustee Positions (multiple Trustees & Chair)

We are expanding our board and seeking individuals with specific expertise to help us achieve our mission. Our new Trustees will be passionate about supporting the charity to deliver its objectives, and have skills and/or experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Income generation 

• Lived experience of a rare condition 

• Healthcare education 

• Clinical practice 

• Lived experience of health and/or social inequality

• Lived experience of societal marginalisation

Key Responsibilities - Chair of the Board of Trustees

In addition to the general responsibilities of a Trustee, duties of the Chair include:

• Providing leadership to the organisation, and the Board, by ensuring everyone remains focused on the delivery of the organisation’s charitable purposes in order to benefit the public

• Chairing and facilitating board meetings 

• Giving direction to board policy-making 

• Ensuring decisions taken at meetings are implemented 

• Representing M4RD at functions and meetings, and acting as a spokesperson as appropriate 

• Bringing impartiality and objectivity to decision-making 

With the Chief Executive: 

• Planning the annual cycle of board meetings and other general meetings where required

• Setting agendas for board and other general meetings 

• Continuous development of the Board of Trustees

• Addressing conflict within the board and within the organisation

• Liaising with the Chief Executive to maintain an overview of the organisation’s affairs, and to provide support as appropriate

• Leading the process of supporting and appraising the performance of the Chief Executive

• Sitting on appointment and disciplinary panels

Why this Role is for You

• You are passionate about the landscape of rare disease.

• You have the skills and experience M4RD is looking for.

• You are prepared to challenge systemic inequities within healthcare and medical education.

• You are ready to make a long-term commitment to improving the lives of people impacted by rare disease. 

Time Commitment: The expected time commitment is:

• 2 online meetings per month with the CEO;

• 4 online Trustees meeting per year;

• 1 face to face strategy meeting or event; and 

• Some ad hoc committee work. 

However, we are also keen to invite those who are passionate about the charity's work and able to support in other areas.

Please take a look at the Job Description for more details on this role. 

We look forward to hearing from you!