Trustee

​About the Role

Being a Trustee for the CGD Society means you will use your skills and experience to support our charity, ensure we are achieving our aims and we are working towards our goals and mission. All Trustees are jointly responsible for any decisions made as well as defining and overseeing our strategy.

You will work closely with our dedicated staff to ensure the organisation operates effectively, efficiently and economically, with a culture that is positive, and focused on the needs of those it serves.

As well as attending Board meetings, Trustees are encouraged to join a subcommittee and use their skills to assist our staff and maximise effort in a specific area. Our current subcommittees cover Governance, Finance, Fundraising, Community and Medical.

To learn more about the CGD Society and understand the role and responsibilities of a Trustee in more detail, please read our attached recruitment pack.

About You

We are seeking individuals who are collaborative, self-motivated and passionate about work that makes a difference. Those seeking a new challenge and enjoy innovative problem-solving will flourish in this role.

Our Trustees bring a range of skills and expertise to the charity. Right now, we are ideally seeking individuals with the following backgrounds: Legal, IT or Digital Marketing. We are also keen to welcome new Trustees with experience from a healthcare setting, or those who are currently working or have worked as a Healthcare Professional.

Whilst these skills are desirable, we would like to hear from anyone who is interested in this role. A successful Trustee will be able to draw on a diverse range of technical and soft skills as well as their knowledge and passion.

Benefits

As well as supporting the charity and members of the CGD community, we will provide you with opportunities to grow and develop. For example:

Develop new professional and personal skills: Our current Board of Trustees have learnt skills such as strategic thinking, using data, problem solving and charity governance. Many of our Trustees remarked that it was valuable to be pushed out of their comfort zone and how this has built their confidence.

A rare opportunity to work alongside, and learn from, a variety of individuals from a range of backgrounds: This includes those working in healthcare, finance, technology, as well as those from different walks of life and individuals who have been personally affected by CGD.

Take on a new challenge: There are a number of challenges facing small charities as well as the wider rare diseases community, for example fundraising during a cost-of-living crisis and connecting with our members after the pandemic. Considering new and innovative approaches to these issues is crucial.

A selfless and rewarding role: Given the under-represented nature of rare diseases, as well as the challenges surrounding research, diagnosis and treatment, the work of charities like the CGD Society is crucial. We can sometimes be a family’s only support network during these difficult times, giving a sense of purpose and value to all that we do. You will feel the warmth and gratitude from our community for your work with us.

How to Apply

Please apply your CV with a covering letter describing your reasons and motivation for applying. We will get back to you within a few days to agree the next steps. If your application is successful, we will invite you to observe a future Trustee meeting to see the role in action before you make a commitment to join us.

FAQs

What time commitment do you expect from Trustees?

Trustees typically spend two hours per week supporting the CGD Society. We plan to host 1 annual strategic review meeting in London (in-person with travel expenses reimbursed) and 4 Board meetings per year (virtual), as well as several subcommittee meetings (virtual).

A Trustee will normally commit to a term of three years, after which they may be invited to stay for up to a further two terms by mutual agreement.

Can I apply if I haven’t been a Trustee before?

Yes! the CGD Society is ideal for either new Trustees looking to take on this role for the first time, or experienced Trustees seeking a new challenge.

I haven’t heard of CGD before. Can I still be a Trustee?

Yes! Whilst some of our Trustees have a personal connection to CGD, this is not a requirement for the role. If you are interested, you can learn more about CGD on our website.