Trustee, GACD Board of Trustees

Thank you for your interest in becoming a trustee 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 comprises individuals 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). Trustees are not remunerated, although reasonable expenses may be reimbursed.

What you will do

As a GACD trustee, you will:

• Ensure that GACD has a clear strategy in line with its charitable objects.
• Ensure GACD functions within all applicable legal and regulatory requirements and in line with its governing document and agreed policies, continually striving for best practice in governance.
• Ensure sound financial health and accountability, overseeing budget approval and financial reporting.
• Promote and develop GACD in order for it to grow and maintain its global public benefit.
• Ensure that key risks are identified, monitored, managed and mitigated effectively, and that systems are in place to take advantage of opportunities that arise.
• Take appropriate professional advice in all matters where there may be a material risk to GACD.
• Provide appropriate strategic oversight, support and challenge to the Chief Executive.
• Ensure the GACD has the proper arrangements in place for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of the Chief Executive.
• Safeguard the good name and values of GACD.

About you

You possess:

• An affinity with GACD’s mission and willingness to devote the necessary time and effort (approximately eight days annually, including scrutinising papers and meeting preparation time). Trustees are expected to attend all Board meetings (usually by videoconference).
• Leadership and senior management experience with an ability to carry the confidence of colleagues.
• Sound independent judgement and a willingness to speak your mind.
• 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.
• An ability to be strategic and forward-looking in relation to the charity’s objects and aims.
• Good communication, interpersonal, team working and decision-making skills and the ability to respect confidentiality to work effectively as a member of the Board.
• A commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. 

 What you will bring to the Board

The current Board members would particularly wish to seek a new trustee that brings substantial financial expertise. You will:

• Be a qualified accountant (ICAEW or equivalent).
• Have experience in a senior financial role and an ability to distil and communicate complex financial concepts to non-financial colleagues.
• Ideally have an understanding and appreciation of geo-politics, particularly as they relate to health funding.
• Ideally be experienced in or have a deep understanding of the UK charity sector.
• Be a resident of the UK.
• Be over the age of 18.

Disqualification

Applicants must be eligible to be a trustee and 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.
• 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.