Health & Wellbeing Trustee - The Thalidomide Trust

The Organisation:
The Thalidomide Trust is a unique organisation supporting 430 beneficiaries, now all aged in their 60s, born with disabilities as a result of their mother taking the drug, thalidomide, during pregnancy. Their physical disabilities include limb damage, hearing and visual impairment, brain and sensory impairment and damage to internal organs. They are a remarkable group of people, who have achieved a great deal despite often living with extreme levels of disability.
Our beneficiaries have very complex and varied needs which are increasing as they age, and we have gathered a wealth of data about them and gained an in-depth understanding of their evolving needs through our structured programme of three-yearly Holistic Needs Assessments (HNAs).  

To find out more about The Thalidomide Trust, visit our website.

The Role:
We are looking for an experienced and credible senior health or social care professional with a strategic approach and knowledge of the current challenging environment - ideally in respect of disability and ageing - to join our Board of Trustees. Our Vision is that ‘each and every beneficiary of the Trust has access to the resources and support they need to live their best life for the longest time’ and, as they enter the next phase of their lives and as their needs grow ever more complex, you will play an important role in ensuring we provide the best possible future for them.

Person Specification:
You will bring the following skills and experience to the role:

• Experience of operating at a senior level in a health and/or social care environment (this could be in policy, systems leadership or practice) with a high external profile and strong links with professional social care networks.
• Knowledge of current health and social care policy and provision and the implications for our beneficiaries as they age.
• Integrity, empathy and the ability to contribute to effective decision making in the best interests of all beneficiaries of the Trust.

Please download our Candidate Information Pack for more information on the role.

Terms and Conditions:
You should also be willing and able to devote approximately 1.5 days per month (plus travel time) – and specifically be available to attend three full day board meetings, at least two half-day Health & Wellbeing Committee meetings and one beneficiary event each year.  
This is a voluntary role, but reasonable expenses incurred will be reimbursed.
We particularly welcome applications from the BAME community and people living with disabilities.

How to Apply:
If you are interested in the role and would like to apply for the position of Health & Wellbeing Trustee, please provide us with:

• An up-to-date CV
• A supporting statement of no more than 2 sides of A4, detailing why you would like to be considered, your relevant experience and expertise and what you think you can bring to the role.

All applications are being handled by our recruitment partner, Trustees Unlimited (part of the Russam group). 

All applications should be emailed to Trustees Unlimited.

If you have any difficulty uploading your application or if you would like to have an informal and confidential discussion about the role, alternatively please contact Melissa Baxter.

Closing date for applications: Monday 28th October 2024 
Interviews with The Thalidomide Trust [London]: w/c 11th November 2024

We look forward to receiving your application.