Chair of the Board of Trustees

MS Together is a small charity which provides services of advice and support to people affected by multiple sclerosis (MS), with a particular focus on those aged 18-35 living with MS in the UK and Ireland. We are seeking to appoint a dynamic individual to lead the Board of Trustees of MS Together and help us in our next growth phase.

About us

MS Together was founded in 2019 after Amy Thompson was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at the age of 21. She quickly realised from her own experience that there was little to no support out there specifically for young adults living with MS. After much success over the last 5 years, including becoming a registered charity, winning a National Diversity Award, and acquiring funding from a variety of sources, MS Together is in an exciting growth phase. We are seeking to appoint a new Chair of Trustees to work in partnership with the CEO, with a particular interest in supporting those affected by and living with multiple sclerosis.

We are seeking a Chair who is passionate, motivated, with excellent leadership skills, who can commit the time to help drive the charity forward to its next growth stage. 

Role Description

The Chair will hold the Board and Executive Team to account for the Charity’s mission and vision, providing inclusive leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that each trustee fulfils their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the charity. The Chair will also support the Chief Executive and ensure that the Board functions as a unit to achieve agreed objectives. They will act as an ambassador and the public face of the charity in partnership with the Chief Executive. We are also 

Principal Responsibilities

• Board Leadership: Lead the board in governing effectively, ensuring meetings are inclusive, and that the board fulfills its duties.
• Strategic Direction: Guide the board in setting the charity’s strategic direction, fostering a positive culture, and holding the CEO and volunteers accountable.
• Implementation Oversight: Monitor the implementation of decisions from board meetings to ensure timely and proper execution.
• Annual Review: Ensure the trustee board annually reviews its structure, effectiveness, delegations, and key policies, implementing changes as necessary.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong, respectful relationships with the CEO, beneficiaries, and other stakeholders. Act as an ambassador for the charity, representing its interests and values externally.
• Critical Support: Serve as a ‘critical friend’ to the Chief Executive, providing support and constructive challenge to aid effective management.

Person Specification

• Experience working in the charity sector or on a Board of Trustees
• Passion for making a difference to people living with MS
• A proven track record in a strategic leadership role where transformation and growth has been a feature
• Strategic thinker with excellent communication and diplomacy skills
• A positive personal presence, with the confidence and ability to support the Chief Executive and Board Members
• Highly tuned listening and facilitation skills, and the ability to observe, interpret and draw conclusions.

Time commitment
We hold quarterly board meetings and Trustees are expected to attend and contribute to all meetings either in person or by joining virtually.​ You will also have bi-monthly calls with the CEO, and ad hoc calls/meetings with other members of the Board of Trustees and leadership team as appropriate. ​

Term of appointment 
The Chair is appointed to an initial three-year term of service (including a probationary period).​

Remuneration
This is a voluntary role however any reasonable expenses will be covered. 

If you feel excited by our charity and this opportunity, then we’d love to hear from you.