Chair
Non-renumerated
Scotland | Predominantly remote with meetings across Central Scotland and occasionally London
Haemophilia Scotland is seeking to appoint a new Chair to lead its Board of Trustees at a pivotal moment for the organisation and the community it serves.
Haemophilia Scotland is the national charity supporting people affected by bleeding disorders, including haemophilia and von Willebrand’s condition. The organisation plays a vital role in improving health, wellbeing and quality of life for its members, while also influencing policy, strengthening services and ensuring the voices of those affected are heard at the highest levels.
The organisation has established itself as a key anchor for the bleeding disorders community in Scotland, delivering support across all aspects of living with a condition, while working closely with the NHS, government and partner organisations.
This is a critical period for the charity. Following the outcome of the Infected Blood Inquiry, and ongoing work around compensation and justice, the Chair will play a central role in supporting the organisation’s continued advocacy while also helping to shape its longer-term strategic focus on member support, sustainability and future service delivery.
The Role
The Chair will provide leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring the organisation is well governed, strategically focused and effective in delivering its mission.
Working closely with the Director, the Chair will support the organisation through a complex external environment while maintaining strong governance, clarity of purpose and a focus on member outcomes.
The role will involve engagement with a wide range of stakeholders including members, clinicians, government representatives and partner organisations, alongside supporting the Board to operate effectively and make well-informed decisions.
Key responsibilities include:
- Providing leadership to the Board, ensuring effective governance and strategic oversight
- Supporting the development and delivery of the organisation’s strategic priorities
- Ensuring the organisation remains focused on delivering high-quality support to members
- Representing the organisation in engagement with government, NHS partners and sector bodies
- Supporting and appraising the Director, providing guidance and constructive challenge
- Ensuring the Board operates cohesively, making best use of trustees’ skills and experience
- Supporting the organisation to maintain strong external relationships and sustainable funding
- Representing the organisation publicly and confidently articulating the views of Haemophilia Scotland across stakeholder, media and public settings
The Candidate
We are seeking an experienced and credible individual who can bring strategic leadership, sound judgement and strong relationship-building skills to the role.
You may come from the public, private or third sector, with experience of operating at a senior level and an understanding of governance and leadership.
You will demonstrate:
- Senior leadership or management experience
- An understanding of governance and the role of a Board Chair
- Strong interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders
- The ability to operate confidently within complex and sensitive environments
- A collaborative and inclusive leadership style
An understanding of the health sector, public policy or experience of engaging with government and public bodies would be advantageous.
Lived experience of a bleeding disorder - whether personal, as a family member or through professional experience, would be particularly valuable. The organisation is committed to ensuring that lived experience is strongly represented within its Board.
Time Commitment
The time commitment for this role will vary. Trustee Board meetings take place approximately four times per year, alongside regular engagement with stakeholders and partners.
Due to ongoing work relating to the Infected Blood Inquiry and compensation arrangements, the role currently requires a higher level of commitment, which may be up to the equivalent of several days per month. This is expected to reduce over time as the organisation’s focus evolves.
Most meetings are held remotely, with occasional in-person meetings.
Terms of Appointment
This is a voluntary, unremunerated position. Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
The successful candidate will initially be co-opted to the Board and appointed as Vice Chair, with a view to transitioning into the Chair role within approximately 6–9 months.
The Opportunity
This is an opportunity to lead a respected national charity at a significant moment in its development.
The successful candidate will help guide the organisation through a period of continued advocacy and transition, while supporting its longer-term focus on strengthening member support, securing sustainable funding and delivering meaningful impact for people affected by bleeding disorders across Scotland.
For a confidential discussion, please contact Lauryn Pringle or Debbie Shields at Aspen People on 0141 212 7571.
For any administrative enquiries, please contact 0141 212 7555.
To apply, please upload your CV and cover letter (as one document).
Recruitment Timetable
Closing date - Monday 15th June
Longlist interviews - w/c 29th June
Shortlist interviews - w/c 6th July