Chair, GACD Board of Trustees

Thank you for your interest in becoming Chair of the Board of Trustees of GACD Action. 

GACD Action (known as GACD) coordinates a unique alliance of international research funders, which collectively supports global research to tackle chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs). GACD aims to provide essential evidence on the most effective ways to prevent, diagnose or manage these chronic conditions in poorly resourced countries or within underserved populations, to improve health equity within and between countries around the world. This is a critical endeavour as NCDs currently cause three quarters of all deaths around the world and the numbers are unfortunately only increasing.

You will join GACD as it enters the second year of its Strategic Plan 2025-30, with recent coordinated investment by funders on priority focus areas i) strengthening health systems and ii) harnessing multisectoral approaches to tackle NCDs. The next focus will be the hugely neglected area of NCDs in children and youth. The recent two years has also seen overwhelming interest in our training events, and we are considering further innovative ways to cascade our knowledge and resources, while retaining the personal and peer learning valued so much by participants.

This is an exciting time for GACD as we are working strenuously to encourage further and more diverse funding organisations to join the alliance, broadening our global reach and increasing the support that can be offered. The executive team is strongly supported in this activity by existing funders within the alliance.

The GACD Board of Trustees draws on the expertise and experience of national and international individuals with a diverse set of skills. All are engaged around the common mission of GACD and together, the trustees provide comprehensive governance to this unique charity and helps enable its global effort to improve the health of some the world’s most underserved people. 

This is a key opportunity to become involved in a unique endeavour in one of the most important areas of health today.

For more information on GACD, visit www.gacd.org.

GACD Board of Trustees

The GACD Board of Trustees usually comprises five trustees. This includes two members of the GACD Strategy Board (Chair and Vice Chair of the Strategy Board). The Board of Trustees convenes trustees with expertise and experience in global health, research funding, organisational leadership, financial and charity management. 

Trustees are appointed for such term (not exceeding three years) as agreed by the Board of Trustees. Provided they remain eligible for appointment, trustees may be reappointed for a further term. 

The current members of the GACD Board of Trustees are listed here: https://www.gacd.org/about/people-and-organisation/trustees 

The Board usually meets four times a year, and meetings take place online via Zoom teleconference (for up to two hours).

Role purpose

As Chair of the Board of Trustees for GACD Action, you will provide strategic leadership and oversight for GACD as it seeks to fulfil its charitable objects. You will ensure GACD operates in accordance with its governing document and meets its legal and regulatory requirements. 

You will hold both the Board and the Executive to account for the delivery of the charity’s mission and vision. You will provide inclusive leadership for the Board, ensuring the Board functions as a cohesive unit and that each individual trustee fulfils their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the charity.

You will develop and maintain a strong working relationship with the GACD Strategy Board providing a conduit for communication on its delegated role in providing strategic and programmatic advice.

You will also support, and where appropriate, challenge the Chief Executive through your responsibility as their line manager. You will act as an ambassador and the public face of the charity in partnership with the Chief Executive. 

The role is voluntary and the Chair of the Board does not receive any renumeration for their contribution to the governance of GACD.

The appointment will commence in December 2026/January 2027 for a three-year term, in the first instance.

What you will do

As Chair of the Board, you will:

• Ensure that GACD pursues its stated charitable objects.
• Ensure the Board functions effectively, meetings are led inclusively and the Board carries out its duties in line with GACD’s constitution and prevailing legal and regulatory requirements.
• Lead the Board in governing itself well, foster a constructive relationship between trustees and lead regular reviews of Board effectiveness.
• Foster a strong positive and respectful relationship between the Board of Trustees and Strategy Board to ensure an agreed strategic direction is in place for GACD.
• Focus the Board on long term goals and planning, and ensure its decisions are well-informed, timely and collectively owned.
• Lead the board in approving the annual Operational Plan, budget and risk management plan; and monitor these to ensure their delivery and that Board decisions are implemented properly and in a timely manner.
• Ensure sound financial health and accountability, overseeing budget approval and financial monitoring.
• Ensure that key risks are identified, monitored, managed and mitigated effectively, and that systems are in place to take advantage of opportunities that arise.
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of GACD and its resources in pursuit of its objects and that robust systems are in place for internal financial control and the protection of the GACD funds.
• Take appropriate professional advice in all matters where there may be a material risk to GACD.
• Promote and develop GACD in order for it to grow and maintain its global public benefit.
• Act as a spokesperson and representative for GACD when appropriate.
• Provide strategic oversight, support and challenge to the Chief Executive, as well as appropriate delegation of authority, and work in partnership to ensure effective operational delivery aligns with strategy.
• Lead CEO appointment, supervision, appraisal and remuneration of the Chief Executive.

About you

What you will bring to the role:

• Previous experience as a Board Chair.
• An affinity with GACD’s mission and a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort (approximately 1-2 days per month), including scrutinising papers and meeting preparation time and CEO support.
• Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation and an ability to carry the confidence of colleagues and foster a positive board culture to ensure the effectiveness of the Board.
• Ideally an understanding and appreciation of geo-politics, particularly as they relate to health funding.
• Cultivate an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship adhering to recognised principles of public life that include selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness and honesty and leadership.
• Offer a strategic and forward-looking approach in relation to the charity’s objects and aims, with sound judgment and a willingness to address conflict and support change.
• A commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. 
• Strong networking capabilities that can be utilised for the benefit of GACD.
• Deep and broad experience of UK charity governance.
• A broad understanding of UK charity finance.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship building abilities and comfort in a representation role.
• Tact and diplomacy with the ability to listen and engage effectively.

Candidates must be over the age of 18 and preferably UK resident.

Disqualification

Candidates must not be disqualified from acting as a trustee. You must not:

• Have an unspent conviction for an offence involving deception or dishonesty (such as fraud).
• Be bankrupt or have entered into a formal arrangement (e.g. an Individual Voluntary Arrangement).
• Have been removed as a charity trustee because of wrongdoing.
• Have an unspent conviction for:
  1. Specified terrorism offences
  2. A specified money laundering offence
  3. The offence of contravening a Charity Commission Order or Direction
  4. Offences of misconduct in public office, perjury, or perverting the course of justice
  5. For aiding, attempting or abetting the above offences.
• Be on the sex offenders register.
• Have an unspent sanction for contempt of Court or have disobeyed a Commission Order.
• Be a designated person (under specific anti-terrorist legislation).
• Candidates are also asked to consider and, if applicable, disclose any actual, perceived or potential conflicts of interest.

Key dates

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.