The MS Society funds world-leading scientists as they search for new treatments. It makes sure everyone can access expert information and services to help them live well with MS. Over 130,000 people in the UK have multiple sclerosis (MS). It is unpredictable and different for everyone. It is often painful, exhausting and can cause problems with how people walk, move, see, think and feel. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

The MS Society is a community for people living with MS through the highs, lows and everything in between. It believes in a future where we can stop MS in its tracks by:

• Getting more research funded, more quickly, to make the greatest difference to the lives of people with MS and prevent it in the future (like the Society's groundbreaking Octopus trial)
• Ensuring that people have access to treatments that can slow or stop the effects of MS
• Ensuring that every single person affected by MS – those just diagnosed, those who have lived with it for many years, their families and their carers – has the support and friendship they need to stay positive, stay strong, and stay in control of their condition

As an organisation, the MS Society has a well-established network of around 270 local groups, the support of around 30,000 members and an estimated 5,500 volunteers, along with a dedicated team of around 300 staff.

The MS Society in 2021 and 2022

Last year, the MS Society spent over £24m delivering impact for its community throughout the UK. It has been there for the MS community throughout the pandemic. It’s important for the charity to keep this going – it wants to engage with and be able to support more people, and to know them better.

We’ve never been closer to stopping MS than we are today. In 2021, the MS Society committed to continuing the public phase of its Stop MS Appeal to raise £100m for MS research. It launched Octopus, the world’s first clinical MS trials platform. By testing several drugs at once, Octopus will speed up the process of identifying which drugs slow or reverse disease progression. It's also changing how it influences and supports NHS MS services, as well as exploring strategic partnerships which will help it make a bigger impact, and make best use of its resources.

All this and more lies ahead of the MS Society as it continues to build on existing plans and successes in 2022. It’s a big task. But together, the MS Society's community is a unique and powerful force for positive change. Together, we will stop MS.

As a Trustee of the MS Society, you’ll support the delivery of its charitable objects by playing a critical role in setting its strategic direction, supporting and challenging the Chief Executive and the Executive Group, and setting and upholding its values and culture.

The Board agrees the annual plan, budget and performance targets on an annual basis. It monitors the charity’s performance and is responsible for managing risk and compliance with regulatory and statutory requirements.

The responsibilities of a Trustee include:

• Approving the MS Society’s strategic plan and annual budget
• Safeguarding the charity’s reputation and promote its vision and mission
• Ensuring financial stability, protecting its assets, ensuring the proper investment of its funds and effective and efficient administration
• Approving the MS Society’s annual report and accounts

The MS Society is registered as a charity in England and Wales, Scotland and the Isle of Man; and as a company limited by guarantee. Its Board of Trustees are also Company Directors and, as such, they are responsible for the governance and effective functioning of the MS Society under charity and company law, and other relevant legislation and regulations.

The MS Society is seeking up to two new Trustees with broad leadership experience, as well as an understanding of fundraising, marketing, or finance. They will advise and provide scrutiny as a member of the Board as the charity looks towards ensuring its long-term growth and sustainability. The candidates recommended by the interview panel will be invited to stand for election. Our Electorate will be asked to vote and the candidate with the most votes will be appointed to the Board of Trustees.

The MS Society is particularly interested in hearing from those with experience in any the following areas:

• Fundraising : candidates may be able to help the MS Society broaden its fundraising from high-net-worth individuals, grant making Trusts and Foundations and major corporate organisations whilst preparing for the public phase of the major Stop MS Appeal. Experience of fundraising in the charity sector would be beneficial.
• Marketing / communications : applicants may have senior-level experience in marketing and communications, ideally in consumer-facing organisations.
• Finance : applicants may bring a strong understanding of financial management, perhaps gained in a large, complex organisations.

People affected by MS are at the heart of all the MS Society's decisions and work – and so applications are welcomed from people with personal experience of MS and its impacts.

In line with its commitment to diversity and inclusion, the MS Society is looking to broaden the profile and experience of the Board so that it better reflects the communities which it serves. As such, young people with MS, LGBTQI+ people and those from ethnic minorities are actively encouraged to apply. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process.

All successful candidates will need to share the MS Society's values and be prepared to commit the time and energy needed to do a great job. Applications from across the UK are encouraged.

A list of current Trustees can be found here.

This role is unremunerated but reasonable, pre-agreed domestic travel expenses will be reimbursed. The Board meets four times per year, in London. Most trustees also join Board Committees, which meet two to four times per year. In addition, Trustees are expected to attend an annual Strategy Development Day. In between Board meetings, Trustees may be required to meet and / or engage in contact via email or phone, with the Chief Executive, and other staff and volunteers as necessary. The appointment is for a three-year term, which can be renewed once at the discretion of the Board. 

Board meetings are currently held in London or virtually. Applicants from anywhere in the UK are welcomed.

The MS Society welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. As young people with MS, LGBTQI+ people and those from ethnic minorities are currently under-represented on the Board, applications from those candidates would be particularly encouraged. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. In line with the Equality Act 2010, however, the organisation may employ positive action where diverse candidates can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.