Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research (SMSR) is an independent charity committed to improving the quality of life for people living with spinal cord injury. Since 2013, the charity has conducted high quality clinical research into the secondary complications of spinal cord injury, both at Stoke Mandeville and in collaboration with other centres throughout the UK, Europe, with an increasingly global network.

There are around 50,000 people living in the UK with a spinal cord injury (SCI), many of whom will experience complications from their injury. SMSR provides grants of up to £100,000 per year for up to three years to research across four priority areas, each of which affects the quality of life of people living with spinal cord injury. It is hoped that this research will lead to new treatments and therapies, deepening understanding and improving dissemination of best practice in its areas of focus. These include assistive technology primarily for upper limb function, and the relief of neuropathic pain, pressure ulcers, and urinary tract infections.

The charity benefits from being located at the National Spinal Injuries Centre, the largest spinal centre in the UK, and the only one with a dedicated paediatric ward. SMSR's mission, at its core, is to enable people with spinal cord injury to have life after paralysis without the setbacks of debilitating health complications. The organisation is looking to bring on a Trustee onto the Board as they prepare for exciting new strategy over the next few years, which will include increasing international partnerships and the scope of programmes the charity funds to potentially expand into broader quality of life research.

The role of a Trustee is an important one within SMSR. The successful candidate will play a proactive role in the ongoing development of the organisation, while also ensuring that it meets its charitable objectives. Supporting Chairman and Fundraising Manager of SMSR, the successful candidate will help to improve fundraising from companies and high-net-worth individuals.

The new Trustee will be expected to:

• Contribute actively in formulating and regularly reviewing the strategic aims of the organisation
• Work with the fundraising team in supporting their activities and providing advice and expertise in the development of the fundraising strategy
• Act as an ambassador and spokesperson for SMSR when and where appropriate leveraging their networks

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trust's Report and Financial Statements and are also responsible for keeping accounting record and ensure that all financial statements comply with the Charities Act, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations and the provisions of the Trust Deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and providing expert advice and guidance.

Finally, the SMSR Trustees play a central role in deciding how funding is allocated, and in the next few years the Board will determine whether to expand the charity's funding to projects focused more broadly on quality-of-life research. As the Board decides whether to widen its target sources of funding, Trustees playing an important role in determining the future strategy of the organisation.

SMSR is seeking a Trustee who will build on and develop the charity's mission of providing essential funding to spinal cord injury researchers through grant-making. The successful candidate will bring a passion and dynamic commitment to the organisation's work, working collaboratively with the rest of the Board and larger SMSR team. 

The new Board Member will bring a strong commercial acumen to the role and will ultimately be passionate about the charity's mission, and will either be familiar with charity fundraising, or will leverage a strong external network in support of the organisation. They must be comfortable acting as an ambassador to external stakeholders and a willingness to introduce SMSR and its work to them.

The successful candidate will be able to work at a strategic level whilst understanding the detail and complexities of delivery, appreciating the difference between a non-executive and executive role. Although prior non-executive experience is welcome, applications are welcome from individuals who have not held such roles before.

Candidates must be based in the UK.

Richard Tolkien, Chairman

Nigel Henderson, Secretary

Jamie Polk
Phillipe Vienot, Treasurer
Richard Montgomery
Professor Sue Barnett 
Zoe McDougall

This role is unremunerated, and pre-agreed travel expenses will not be reimbursed. Trustees are appointed for a three-year term, which is renewable once.

The charity is located in Stoke Mandeville. Board meetings are currently held in-person where possible, with other board responsibilities held in a hybrid format. Time commitment is estimated at 5 - 7 days annually, including six Board meetings and further ad hoc engagement.

Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. 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.