Trustee

Overview

Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinaemia is a rare form of blood cancer

It is one type of a family of blood cancers known as non-Hodgkin lymphomas

There is no precise prevalence data for WM in the UK. However, it’s estimated that about 400 people are diagnosed with WM every year, and around 4,000 people are living with it

It has been traditionally seen as a disease of older men. However, our data shows that more women than previously thought are living with the disease, likewise with people under the age of 65

Many people live for years, if not decades, with WM

Symptoms are many and vary in degree. Some people experience many symptoms, whereas others will only experience one or two. They include: fatigue, weakness, breathlessness, tingling in fingers and toes, unexplained weight loss, fevers and night seats, swollen glands, poor concentration, confusion, bruising or bleeding easily, vision problems, dizziness, headaches, and fits.

Description:

As a trustee of WMUK, you will be meeting people directly affected by WM, or working in the field. Although you’re not expected to become an expert, it’s important that you have some knowledge about the disease and know where to refer people for more expert information and advice.

Roles and responsibilities

All WMUK trustee roles include:

Furthering WMUK’s overall purpose, as set out in its governing document, and setting its direction and strategy

Making sure the work of WMUK is effective, response and legal

Safeguarding people as well as finances, resources and property, and making sure they’re used to further WMUK’s purposes

Being accountable to those with an interest or stake in, or those who regulate WMUK

Setting up and respecting the boundaries between the governance role of the board, and the operational or day-to-day work carried out by staff and volunteers

Supporting on fundraising, and taking the lead when appropriate to secure funding

What support you can expect from WMUK

In the same way the organisation expects certain things from our trustees, WMUK trustees can expect the following support from the charity:

Providing a comprehensive on-boarding process to provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to be a WMUK trustee

Supporting professional development in your role as WMUK trustee through annual check ins with the Chair of Trustees, and offering training or development where needed to ensure you have up to date knowledge

Good notice on up-coming meetings and provision of necessary papers and documents before meetings