The Charity Commission summarises the legal duties of charity trustees in its guidance, The Essential Trustee. The ideal candidate will have the following expertise/experience:
- a high level of understanding and interest in the issues the Foundation seeks to address;
- a commitment to the mission and values of the Foundation;
- highly developed interpersonal and communication skills;
- the ability to understand complex strategic issues, analyse and resolve difficult problems;
- sound, independent judgement, common sense and diplomacy;
- high standards of personal integrity and probity;
- a sound knowledge of governance;
- the willingness and ability to advance the Foundation externally; and
- sufficient time and commitment to fulfil the role.
The Roles
First Trustee – Technology
As an organisation we have undergone a period of rapid change in recent years and are now commencing a digital transformation programme to ensure our IT infrastructure and technology are fit for purpose and enable us to operate as efficiently and effectively as possible. We recognise the importance of technology in helping us become a more effective funder, and its role in safeguarding the Foundation from harm. We are looking for an individual to join the Board who has ideally held commercial technology roles in the professional life, and are particularly interested in hearing from individuals with a strong IT background.
Second Trustee – Fundraising
We help Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust to provide exceptional healthcare, through supporting a world-class environment for patients and staff at the Trust’s hospitals and community sites. In the past year, we have brought our fundraising function in-house, and are investing in our fundraising capabilities as part of an ambitious 10 year plan which envisages achieving a substantial growth in our fundraised income. To support the Board in its role of providing appropriate oversight and challenge as we implement this plan, we are looking to bring in a trustee with direct fundraising experience.
Third Trustee – Local authority/public sector
As a place-based funder, we often work closely with Lambeth and Southwark councils and look to influence policy change to support our mission at both local and national government levels. The Board are looking to bring in a trustee with a strong local authority or public sector background who would strengthen the Board’s expertise in this area.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) is at the core of our mission to build the foundations of a society where people stay healthier for longer. Guy’s and St Thomas’ Foundation welcomes applications from all backgrounds so that our Board mirrors the community we serve. We welcome applications from anyone regardless of ethnicity, heritage, disability, gender, sexuality, religion, socio-economic background or other differences. In addition, we recognise and value experience both lived and learned.
Guy’s and St Thomas’ Foundation is deeply committed to inclusive working practices, so during the application process we commit to:
- Paying for childcare and care costs whilst you are at interviews.
- Paying for your travel costs to the office and back for interviews.
- Making any reasonable adjustments – for example ensuring we have a sign language interpreter organised in advance if you’d like them.
- Providing this document in a Word document format readily available to download.
- Offering a guaranteed first stage interview with Inclusive Boards for disabled candidates who meet the minimum requirements for the role.
If there is anything else you are concerned about or think we could provide, please let us know.