Trustees
Yorkshire Cancer Research
Yorkshire Cancer Research is seeking to appoint at least 3 new trustees to join their board in January 2014 and enable the charity to achieve its long term growth plans.
Yorkshire Cancer Research (YCR) is an independent charity and the UK’s leading regional medical research charities with a mission to ‘help the people of Yorkshire avoid, survive and cope with cancer’. Formed in 1925 it has had a major influence on cancer treatments in the county and world-wide including early research on the breast cancer drug Tamoxifen, pioneering new surgical techniques in bowel cancer, the crocus smart-bomb and many other remarkable discoveries in prostate cancer, brain tumours and lung cancer.
With awards ranging from one-year pump-priming to five-year major programmes the total value of YCR’s research portfolio is £20m making it the second largest charity funder of cancer research in the county. The charity also funds research outside of Yorkshire and has exciting partnerships with other charities, investments in start-up companies and is the main sponsor of an open innovation programme in China. Yorkshire Cancer Research is fast-becoming one of the most innovative charities in the sector, intent on doing things differently and harnessing world class expertise for the benefit of people in Yorkshire.
YCR operates from a small head office in Harrogate and with just 25 staff, many of whom are part-time, 87% of its total expenditure in 2012 supported cancer research. The charity enjoys tremendous loyalty across Yorkshire and invests over £5m in research every year with funds raised from 40 local voluntary committees, event participants, corporate sponsorships and public donations.
The board of trustees is responsible for setting the strategy and direction for the charity and for ensuring the highest standards of governance, compliance and professionalism. The board is now seeking to appoint at least three new members with a genuine interest in cancer research, a passion for making a difference in Yorkshire and a proven track record in at least one of the following areas:
· charity fundraising, preferably on a national scale including marketing and retail enterprises
· compliance, risk and governance with either a legal or company secretarial background
· current understanding of the UK cancer research landscape including commercialisation
Selected candidates will bring new skills and expertise that help to develop long terms plans and support and guide the Executive Management Team through the implementation phases.
Trustees are unremunerated and typically contribute at least one day per month on their specific area as well as four board meetings per annum. Like most charities, YCR is facing enormous challenges but has very ambitious plans for the future. The new trustees will be joining at a time of significant change and transition for the charity.
If you are interested in knowing more about the charity or the selection process then please contact Nicola Ashcroft on 01423 877226 or email who will arrange for you to have a preliminary conversation with our Chairman, Professor Tony Robards.
The closing date for applications is 13 December 2013.
Yorkshire Cancer Research is committed to welcoming people from all backgrounds and is particularly keen to encourage applications from candidates that will be representative of the rich cultural, social and ethnic diversity across Yorkshire.