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- Tasks: Join our Board as a volunteer observer, sharing your unique insights on health equity.
- Company: Guy’s & St Thomas’ Foundation, dedicated to building a healthier society.
- Benefits: Expenses paid for travel and childcare, plus the chance to influence real change.
- Why this job: Make a difference in your community while gaining valuable experience and connections.
- Qualifications: Lived experience of health inequity and a passion for social justice.
- Other info: Attend six hybrid Board meetings annually and engage with local partners.
Application Deadline: 11 February 2026
Department: Board
Employment Type: Part Time
Location: London, Hybrid
Reporting To: Board
Description
Application Deadline: Wednesday 11 February, 2026
Employment Type: Voluntary, with expenses paid
Location: London
Workplace type: In-person attendance is desirable
Eligibility
Our aim is to appoint an independent candidate who can bring fresh perspectives and objectivity to the role. To avoid any potential conflicts of interest, this opportunity is intended for individuals who are not senior members of partners that we currently fund, or members of partners that are intending to apply to us for funding.
Summary of the role
Guy’s & St Thomas’ Foundation is an independent charity working to help everyone live longer, healthier lives. To build a healthier society, we need to understand more about the causes of health inequity in urban areas – and what we, and others, can do to change them. Bringing fresh perspectives and a range of experience to every part of our work is key.
As a voluntary Board Observer, you will play an active role in Board meetings by drawing on your lived experience and offering your unique perspective. Your insights will help guide our decision-making, governance and long-term plans for Guy’s & St Thomas’ Foundation.
This role will require a genuine interest in, and deep understanding of, health and equity issues in Lambeth and Southwark. This role requires attendance at six Board meetings every year. Whilst these are held as hybrid meetings, in person attendance is expected where at all possible. As Board Observer, you will also be expected to attend an away day and some joint events with our partner organisations. All expenses related to this voluntary role will be paid, including travel and, where required, childcare costs.
About Guy’s & St Thomas’ Foundation
Guy’s & St Thomas’ Foundation is an independent charitable foundation. Our mission is clear – to build the foundations of a healthier society. We are deeply rooted in the heart of a global city. Our South London home is vibrant and diverse. It is also a place of inequity – where the best health outcomes sit alongside the worst.
Working primarily in the London boroughs of Lambeth and Southwark, we focus on backing people and ideas to drive more equitable health. In simple terms, this means that we are working so everyone has the same access to the resources, effective treatment and services, and life opportunities that lead to positive health outcomes.
Our work is backed by our Endowment, which allows us to take a long-term view while addressing the real and urgent health issues of today. We invest, partner and engage to influence outcomes in response to big health challenges. We collaborate with our communities, partners and local hospitals and use our assets to transform lives.
Across everything we do, we look to increase our impact by sharing and connecting with others working on better health – from our part of the city to cities around the world. Because a healthier society is our collective endeavour.
Key Responsibilities
Why the role is important
Our board of Trustees oversees the organisation and how we achieve impact across all areas of our work. The Board Observer does not have the legal duties and responsibilities of a Charity Trustee. However, the Board Observer will play a critical role supporting the Board, and by extension, the Foundation, to be more transparent, accountable and responsive to the needs of our communities and those who we aim to support.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
What we are looking for in a candidate
If you are reading this and think this isn’t the type of role that would be open to you, you might be just the person we’re looking for.
Our ideal candidate is someone who lives in Lambeth or Southwark or who grew up in the area. We will also consider applications from people who have worked in our boroughs for many years with strong connections to the local community.
You will need to share our values, particularly our strong commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and support our mission to build a society which helps everyone to stay healthier for longer.
You will have first-hand personal (as opposed to professional) experience of the social issues or social injustices, or a combination of these, associated with health inequity. This could mean, for example, having experience of structural racism, inequitable experience(s) of health services, poor or temporary housing, financial or employment insecurity, or living in places with particularly poor air quality.
Sound judgement, personal integrity, and analytical, problem-solving and communication skills are required for this role. Most important will be the ability to guide and inform our work using your deep understanding of how people and communities in our boroughs are affected by health inequity.
Though we don’t expect candidates to disclose their personal experience or circumstances in Board discussions, you will need to be comfortable with leaning into that experience in sharing your perspectives and opinions on key issues. We respect your individual perspective and voice, and are not expecting you to be the mouthpiece for others.
How to Apply
To apply, please answer the following three questions. You can choose to answer the questions in writing or, if you prefer, you can submit a short video.
- Why are you interested in supporting the work of the Foundation and what attracted you to this role?
- How would you use your lived experience to support the Foundation’s mission?
- What do you think you would you bring to the role, including any particular skills and experience you feel would be relevant?
If you would like to submit a video, please email your video to: hazel.peck@gsttfoundation.org.uk
Video submissions
Please keep in mind the file size needs to be kept to a minimum. Please submit your application via WeTransfer to: hazel.peck@gsttfoundation.org.uk
A few helpful filming tips are below.
- Find a quiet spot away from people and excessive background noise.
- Place your phone or laptop on a sturdy surface so it doesn’t fall during a take.
- Make sure there is plenty of natural light around you for clear visibility.
- Be distraction free.
Board Observer (part-time, volunteer role with expenses paid) employer: Gsttcharity
Contact Detail:
Gsttcharity Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Board Observer (part-time, volunteer role with expenses paid)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation inside out! Research Guy’s & St Thomas’ Foundation, their mission, and the communities they serve. This will help you tailor your insights during discussions and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former Board members and other volunteers. They can provide valuable insights into the role and the organisation's culture, plus it’s a great way to get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those Board meetings! Think about the health equity issues in Lambeth and Southwark that resonate with you. Jot down your thoughts and experiences so you can share them confidently when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to engage with us in the digital age.
We think you need these skills to ace Board Observer (part-time, volunteer role with expenses paid)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Genuine: When answering the questions, let your true self shine through. We want to hear your authentic voice and perspective, so don’t hold back on sharing your lived experiences that relate to health equity.
Stick to the Word Limit: Each written response should be no longer than 150 words. Keep it concise and impactful! We appreciate clarity, so make every word count while addressing the questions directly.
Show Your Passion: Make sure to express why you’re excited about this role and our mission. We’re looking for candidates who are genuinely interested in supporting our work, so let us know what drives you!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application via our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your responses, and it helps keep everything organised. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gsttcharity
✨Know Your Why
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on why you want to support Guy’s & St Thomas’ Foundation. Be ready to articulate your passion for health equity and how your lived experiences align with their mission. This will help you connect authentically during the conversation.
✨Showcase Your Unique Perspective
As a Board Observer, your unique insights are invaluable. Think about specific examples from your life that illustrate your understanding of health inequity in Lambeth and Southwark. Prepare to share these stories to demonstrate how your background can contribute to the Foundation's goals.
✨Engage with the Role's Responsibilities
Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a Board Observer. Understand the importance of transparency and accountability in the role. Be prepared to discuss how you can support the Board in being responsive to community needs, showcasing your commitment to making a difference.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Whether you're answering questions in writing or on video, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or family to build confidence and refine your delivery.
