Vacancy: Charity Trustee

Position: Charity Trustee (Voluntary / Reasonable expenses reimbursed)
Location: Remote / Hybrid (Must be a UK resident)
Experience: Some basic financial or budgeting experience required. No previous charity Treasurer experience needed.
Core commitment: 5 Board meetings plus Annual Conference & AGM.

Who we are & why our work matters

Behçet’s UK is the national charity supporting everyone affected by Behçet’s, a rare, complex and lifelong condition that can cause inflammation in blood vessels and affect many parts of the body.

Because Behçet’s is rare, people affected by the condition can face long delays in diagnosis, a lack of understanding and significant challenges in managing their health and everyday life.

Our mission is to care for everyone affected by Behçet’s, promote research and improve understanding of the condition. We provide information and support, help people connect with others who understand, and promote research into the cause, effects, treatment and management of Behçet’s, with the ultimate aim of finding a cure.

By joining our expanding Board, you can help shape the charity’s future and make a meaningful difference to the Behçet’s community.

What do our Trustees do?

Our Trustees form a supportive and hands-on governing Board. They are responsible for the overall direction and governance of the charity, while also working closely with our small staff team and volunteers.

As a small charity with just two part-time staff, our Trustees can play an active role in the charity’s work. Depending on their skills, interests and availability, Trustees may get involved in projects, events, communications, fundraising or other areas of the charity’s work, alongside their governance responsibilities.

As a Trustee, you will help:

• set the charity’s strategic direction and priorities
• make important decisions about how our resources are used
• oversee the charity’s finances and financial resources
• make sure the charity meets its legal and regulatory responsibilities
• bring your own perspective, experience and ideas to Board discussions
• constructively challenge and support the charity’s staff and volunteers
• contribute to the practical work of the charity where appropriate.

Being a Trustee is a rewarding way to contribute to a cause that matters to you. It offers the opportunity to make a practical difference to the Behçet’s community while developing your leadership, governance and strategic skills.

Who can apply?

We welcome applications from people living in the UK. If you are new to being a Trustee or working within a charity, you will not be expected to know everything from day one. You will receive appropriate training and support, working closely alongside our Chair, other Trustees and staff as you develop your understanding of the role. If you already have relevant governance, professional or voluntary experience, we would also be very pleased to hear from you.

Experience, skills or perspectives

• Lived experience or an interest in the cause: You live with Behçet’s, are a family member or carer, or have a professional background or interest in rare diseases.
• Strategic thinking: You are curious, collaborative, willing to ask constructive questions, and able to exercise sound, objective judgement.
• Practical management or organisation: You have experience managing budgets, coordinating projects, timelines, community activities, communications, or making important decisions.
• Transferable everyday skills: You might have experience with social media, copywriting, or campaigning. You might simply be someone others naturally turn to for a considered, balanced opinion, or are deeply committed to helping others and open to learning.

Experience, diversity and inclusion

Knowledge or lived experience of Behçet’s is welcome, but it is not essential. We want our Board to reflect the diverse community we support and warmly welcome applications from anyone interested in becoming a Trustee. We are particularly keen to hear from people aged 18 to 40 and individuals from ethnically diverse backgrounds, as these groups are currently underrepresented on our Board. We would value the different perspectives, experiences and skills you could bring to our leadership team.

In accordance with our charity’s constitution, appointments take into account the diversity of the Board, representation of people affected by Behçet’s and the skills and experience needed to run the organisation effectively. For this role, we are looking for individuals who can contribute to the overall balance, diversity, and future strategic development of the Board.

Time commitment and flexibility

We understand that our Trustees have work, studies, family and other personal commitments, so we aim to make the role as accessible and flexible as possible.

• Five Board meetings a year. Four take place online on weekday evenings and usually last 1.5 to 2 hours. One is a daytime in-person meeting, usually held on the third Friday in October and lasting up to 3 hours. An online option is available for those who cannot attend in person.
• Annual Conference & AGM. This normally takes place on the third Saturday of October. This is an opportunity to meet other Trustees, staff, volunteers and members of the Behçet’s community.
• Preparation for meetings. This includes preparing or reading papers and contributing to discussions.
• Mandatory training, such as safeguarding.
• Optional opportunities. There may also be opportunities to join projects, working groups, committees or attend particular events during the year, depending on your interests and availability.

What’s in it for you?

Being a Trustee is a voluntary role, but it can be hugely rewarding. In return for your time and commitment, you will have the opportunity to:

• Gain board-level experience: Develop practical experience of charity governance, strategic decision-making and leadership.
• Develop new skills: Build your knowledge of charity finance, regulation, governance and strategic planning, with support from experienced Trustees.
• Make a real difference: Help shape the future of a national charity supporting people affected by a rare and complex condition.
• Meet people who care about making a difference: Work alongside Trustees, staff and volunteers who are committed to improving life for everyone affected by Behçet’s.

Ready to apply or want to know more?

You can read the full role description here: Charity Trustee Role Description

If you are interested in joining our Board, please email info@behcetsuk.org. We will send you an application form and can answer any questions you may have.

If you would prefer a brief, informal conversation about the role before deciding whether to apply, just let us know in your email, and we will be happy to arrange a call.

You do not need to have been a Trustee before. If you have something to contribute and would like to help shape the future of Behçet’s UK, we would love to hear from you.