At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team to drive innovative change in medical research and animal welfare.
- Company: The Humane Research Trust, a leading charity focused on animal-replacement research.
- Benefits: Make a real impact while gaining governance experience and networking opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid role with an average commitment of 15 hours per quarter.
- Why this job: Be a key player in transforming medical research for the betterment of animals.
- Qualifications: Experience as a charity trustee or similar decision-making role required.
The Humane Research Trust awards grants to UK scientists to develop new research methods to replace the use of animals in medical research. This year we are embarking on an ambitious new strategy to increase our impact. Could you be the person to lead that change? What difference will you make?
As a trustee with sound judgement and strong experience of governance you will help ensure our board makes decisions that align with our objects and our supporters' values, that make a positive difference to medical research and animals, and that are within our financial boundaries.
Experience, Skills And Abilities
- At least three years’ experience as a charity trustee or as a member of an equivalent decision‑making committee e.g. school governor, local government statutory committee member or NHS board member;
- Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of charity trusteeship;
- Confidence to lead a board in an inclusive and collaborative way, inspiring and supporting everyone to participate;
- Capacity to balance diplomacy and working relationships with a willingness to challenge and constructively criticise;
- Interest in medical research innovations;
- Passionate about replacing animals in research;
- Committed to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
Personal attributes
- Outward-looking and curious, keen to build relationships and champion our work;
- Independent, strategic and creative thinker;
- Collaborative team player;
- Sufficiently local to the Trust to visit the offices;
- Able and willing to commit the time (an average of 15 hours per quarter) to support the Trust and CEO, largely during weekday working hours.
What will you be doing?
We have been around since 1962, first as the Lawson Tait Medical and Scientific Research Trust and subsequently as The Humane Research Trust. We are the largest charitable funder of animal‑replacement research in the UK. We are a tight run charity of 11 trustees and 4 paid employees. Our trustees are responsible for setting the strategy and ensuring the charity’s operations, finances, HR and risks are well‑managed. Our CEO has delegated responsibility for day‑to‑day operations. In addition, an independent scientific advisory panel supports the Trust in its grant‑making activities.
In this role you will chair the board’s quarterly meetings (in‑person) and attend the quarterly meetings of the board’s 4 sub‑committees - marketing & fundraising, audit & finance, science, and operations (in‑person or online). Outside of the formal meetings, you will provide oversight and support to the CEO and team, and will have shared responsibility for second approvals on bank payments as one of the Trust’s bank signatories. Our current chair intends to step down in December owing to personal commitments. If you are passionate about supporting good science and helping animals, and have the appetite to help drive us forward, this could be the perfect role for you.
Chair of trustees for medical charity - Volunteer in Bramhall employer: The Humane Research Trust
The Humane Research Trust is an exceptional employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in medical research and animal welfare. With a collaborative work culture and a commitment to innovative research methods, we offer unique opportunities for personal growth and the chance to lead transformative change in the sector. As a volunteer trustee, you will join a dedicated team that values your expertise and passion, all while working in a supportive environment that champions inclusivity and strategic thinking.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chair of trustees for medical charity - Volunteer in Bramhall
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like The Humane Research Trust, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at The Humane Research Trust.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Humane Research Trust
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of The Humane Research Trust and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
