Trustee - Research and Development

What will you be doing?

As a Trustee you will play a vital role in overseeing the governance of the charity. You will be working alongside a small but dedicated Board of Trustees with a diverse pool of skills and experience. 

This is a highly rewarding and varied role, and we particularly encourage applicants with an extensive background in the mental health field, whether as a clinician, academic, researcher or practitioner, and with an understanding of research. This is a strategic role: you will not be asked to carry out research yourself. Your job is to help us decide where our research should go.

Trustees of Grae Matta Foundation are expected to enter into a positive and proactive relationship with the foundation and its volunteers, as well as providing oversight and guidance for its future research development and fulfilling the necessary statutory governance obligations.

Trustees commit to:

• Ensuring that the Charity's Research and Development direction, policies, control systems and objectives are clear and regularly reviewed.

• Considering the organisation as a whole, and its remit and beneficiaries, in all discussion of research, development, planning and activity.

• Bringing fresh thinking and new ideas to Board discussion, enhancing the Charity's research effectiveness and influencing, and the performance of its charitable remit and ensuring best practice.

 • Maintain partnership and good relations with the Chief Executive, senior managerial staff and the wider staff team.

• Contribute specific knowledge, skills, experience, interests and contacts to maximise the Charity's ability to raise income and to influence and fulfil its remit as quickly as practicable.

• Be an active member of the Board and any of its Subcommittees and Working Groups

• Participate fully in education and training provided for the benefit of Trustees

 • To fulfil other duties and assignments as may be requested from time to time by the Board Trustees

 • Being a strong Ambassador for the charity, promoting Grae Matta’s Foundation vision to work towards developing mental health standards at relevant opportunities

• Provide introductions to key contacts who might be interested in the work of Grae Matta Foundation, or who Grae Matta Foundation would benefit from partnering with

 • Input on governance, processes and effective running of the charity with our Board of Trustees to ensure they are able to carry out their role effectively and represent the charity.

 • Provide Trustees with access to the latest information about our work and research so they are well informed to act as Ambassadors

What are we looking for?

• Willingness and ability to understand and accept responsibilities and liabilities of a trustee and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and are an effective board member.
• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.
• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Ability to use independent judgement, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect the GMF's interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests.
• Able to contribute to the broader promotion of the organisation’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.
• Understanding of the charity sector and the regulations surrounding it.
• Ability to be respectful, diplomatic and allow for impartial decision making

What difference will you make?

Grae Matta Foundation is creating "Real Change" by creating Mental Health Standards & Policy. The task ahead is immense and has never been done before. But with the right team (strong and resilient leadership), anything is possible!

Anything else...

4 board meetings a year