Trustee or Associate Trustee

We are looking for exceptional people from a variety of backgrounds, to join AvMA’s Board of Trustees at an important point in our development, this being the midpoint of implementing our 5-year strategy. AvMA is the UK charity for patient safety and justice. We provide free advice and support to thousands of people each year who have been affected by avoidable harm in healthcare, and we work to influence improvements in patient safety and to see people treated fairly when things go wrong. We also provide an accreditation scheme for lawyers specialising in clinical negligence work and a competence scheme for more junior lawyers, recognising that this is a highly complex area of law requiring strong specialist knowledge. We are now seeking to appoint up to three new Trustees and/or Associate Trustees. Each appointment will strengthen the Board by bringing a particular area of specialist expertise alongside the wider skills, judgement and commitment expected of all Trustees. About the roles: AvMA is governed by a Board of Trustees who come from a range of backgrounds and bring different experiences. This recruitment is intended to strengthen the Board further by bringing in new specialist expertise alongside strong governance capability. Important application instruction - Applicants must make clear in their covering letter which of the three specialist skill sets they are applying for and whether they are applying as a Trustee or as an Associate Trustee. Trustee: a full member of the Board, taking on the legal and governance responsibilities of trusteeship and contributing to collective decision-making. Associate Trustee: a supported development role for people with relevant expertise and potential who may have less prior Board or Trustee experience. Associate Trustees participate actively in Board life and will work towards a full Trustee role, subject to appraisal and mutual agreement. The three specialist skill sets we are seeking: 1. Clinical negligence law We are seeking someone with senior-level expertise in clinical negligence law, ideally with experience on the claimant side. Ideally claimant-side experience with clinical negligence accreditation. Understanding of access to justice issues affecting injured patients and families. Insight into Alternative Dispute Resolution practices including mediation. Ability to support strategic thinking about AvMA’s public-facing services, policy influence and accreditation work. Awareness of the importance of managing conflicts of interest carefully. Applicants with this background may apply either as a Trustee or as an Associate Trustee. 2. Senior charity fundraising/income generation expertise We are seeking someone with senior-level charity fundraising or income generation expertise. Understanding of fundraising strategy and income diversification. Knowledge of individual giving, trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, major donor fundraising, legacy fundraising or supporter engagement. Ability to advise strategically on fundraising opportunities and risks. Understanding of ethical fundraising and donor stewardship. Ability to support AvMA in widening its reach, profile and supporter base. Applicants with this background may apply either as a Trustee or as an Associate Trustee. 3. IT/digital expertise for a growing charity We are seeking someone with IT, digital, data or technology expertise relevant to a growing charity. Senior experience in IT, digital, data, systems or technology strategy. Understanding of digital transformation in small or medium-sized organisations. Ability to advise on systems, data quality, knowledge management, cyber security and digital risk. Appreciation of how technology can improve service delivery, governance and organisational effectiveness. Understanding of how AI can be exploited whilst maintaining safety, confidentiality and ethical principles. Applicants with this background may apply either as a Trustee or as an Associate Trustee. Generic Trustee skills and qualities we are seeking In addition to one of the three specialist skill sets, all applicants should be able to demonstrate the core qualities and capabilities needed to contribute effectively to AvMA’s Board. Essential for all applicants Commitment to AvMA’s mission, vision and values. Demonstrable interest in patient safety and justice for people affected by avoidable harm. Ability to think strategically and see the bigger picture. Sound judgement and independence of thought. Willingness to offer constructive challenge while working collaboratively. Ability to contribute to collective decision-making. Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. Willingness to prepare for and participate actively in Board and committee meetings. High standards of integrity, confidentiality and accountability. Desirable Previous trustee, non-executive or committee experience. Understanding of charity governance. Lived experience of avoidable harm in healthcare, either person