Board of Trustee Nominations

Role

To represent the BSH and chair the Trustee Board, ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the Society and to work in partnership with the Board and senior staff to pursue the Society’s charitable purposes effectively

Term

Two years, from 29 March 2020 to 5 April 2022.

Eligibility

In order to stand for election as President, you must have been a Full, Full (Reduced), Legacy or equivalent Member for at least two years prior to the date of nomination. You must also be at least three years short of the normal retirement age at your place of work when you would take up your post (29 April 2020).

Finally, you must have served as an Ordinary Trustee for a least one term of three years or must have served as the Chair of a Board Subcommittee or Special Interest Group.

President Job Description

Professor Cheng-Hock Toh, BSH President 2018-2020 and Vice-President 2017-2018

I was delighted to be elected as the first President of BSH under the new governance structure. Presidents are now elected for a two year tenure rather than one, and so far the experience has been a very positive one. The extra year has given me the opportunity to lead on longer projects and build close working relationships with our dedicated volunteers and staff team. Some of my key priorities over the last 18 months have been sustainability, collaborative working, and supporting those at all stages of their haematology journey. Amongst my highlights so far have been the membership categories review, which led to the introduction of the free Associate membership and the removal of the need for proposers. This opened up membership to more haematology professionals including students who are considering a career in haematology, and increased the number of nurses and allied health professionals joining the society. Membership is now over the 2000 mark and I feel as we head into our 60th Anniversary year we have made great steps in ensuring the future of our society and welcoming a more diverse range of people to the BSH family. We continue to support research though our expanding grants scheme, and education remains a priority with our ASM continuing to grow with 1,400 attendees in 2019. Most of our small events now sell out, and we are also improving and developing new online educational resources.

2020 is our 60th anniversary year and provides a valuable opportunity for the incoming President and Trustee Board to build on this success. Leading the Board and senior staff in the development of strategic plans for a society that is rapidly expanding is rewarding, interesting, and challenging. A two year Presidential tenure does require a long term commitment to the Society, but you will be well supported by our excellent Board members and the BSH staff team, enabling you to lead the UK’s largest haematology society in its mission to transform patient care through excellence in haematology. If you have served as a BSH trustee or chair of a subcommittee or Special Interest Group, please do consider putting yourself forward for election. If you would like an informal chat with either myself or Katy Amberley the CEO before putting yourself forward, please email [email protected]”

Role

To ensure, with the other trustees, that the Society acts in accordance with its constitution (the Articles of Association) and to manage its activities in furtherance of the charitable purposes set out in that constitution.

Term

Two years, after which the Vice-President will become President of the Society.

Eligibility

In order to stand for election as Vice-President, you must have been a Full, Full (Reduced), Legacy or equivalent Member for at least two years prior to the date of nomination. You must also be at least three years short of the normal retirement age at your place of work when you would take up your post (29 April 2020).

Finally, you must have served as an Ordinary Trustee for a least one term of three years or must have served as the Chair of a Board Subcommittee or Special Interest Group.

Vice-President Job Description

President Job Description

Role

To ensure that the conduct of the Society complies with all relevant requirements of charity and company law; and to support the President by ensuring the smooth functioning of the Trustee Board.

Term

Three years, with the possibility of standing for one further term.

Eligibility

In order to stand for election as Secretary, you must have been a Full, Full (Reduced), Legacy or equivalent Member for at least two years prior to the date of nomination. You must also be at least three years short of the normal retirement age at your place of work when you would take up your post (29 April 2020).

Finally, you must have served as an Ordinary Trustee for a least one term of three years or must have served as the Chair of a Board Subcommittee or Special Interest Group.

Secretary Job Description

Dr Anne Parker, BSH Secretary 2017-2020

The BSH Secretary is a Trustee of BSH and is one of 4 elected Officer roles which also include President, Vice President and Treasurer. The Secretary is responsible for the governance of the Society, is required to attend the 4 Board meetings per year and is a signatory for the BSH current account. They also fulfil the role of line manager for the CEO, carrying out biannual appraisals and monthly phone calls.

Chairing the new Nominations, Governance and Awards Committee is a significant part of this role. Meeting 3-4 times a year, this committee works to ensure that BSH complies with the Charities and Corporate Governance Codes, which is hugely important for the BSH to function effectively. It also reviews the election procedures, advising the board if any changes are required, and oversees the process for BSH support for consultant ACCEA awards. BSH also has lay trustees and the recruitment to these posts is also handled by NGAC, in conjunction with the CEO.

The incoming Secretary will play a vital role in ensuring current awards are well governed and developing new awards. Plans so far include developing a team award for Best UK Haematology Team and a review of the process for awarding our lifetime achievement awards, which honours haematology professionals who have made a significant contribution to our field over the course of their career.

The role is demanding and normally requires being able to commit a few hours every week, with active support from the BSH staff team.  It offers an excellent opportunity to give something back to the haematology community and would suit someone looking to be challenged outside their clinical job. An appreciation of ethics and governance is necessary, as is an understanding of the challenges encountered when working outside the NHS in a small organisation. Organisational and time management skills are essential.

I have enjoyed my term of office – I’m sure you will too.

Role

To ensure, with the other trustees, that the Society acts in accordance with its constitution (the Articles of Association) and to manage its activities in furtherance of the charitable purposes set out in that constitution.

Term

Three years, with the possibility of standing for one further term.

Eligibility

In order to stand for election as an Ordinary Trustee, you must have been a Full, Full (Reduced), Legacy or equivalent Member for at least two years prior to the date of nomination. You must also be at least three years short of the normal retirement age at your place of work when you would take up your post (29 April 2020).

Trustee Job Description

Dr Jim Seale, BSH Ordinary Trustee 2017-2020

I’ve been a trustee for the past 3 years. I put my name forward as I was concerned that the trustee board lacked much input from haematologists working in district hospitals. I was also looking for some ‘external responsibilities’ having found various managerial / leadership roles in the NHS somewhat frustrating. I was a little nervous about the prospect of working with high profile senior leaders from the profession. The board proved to be a remarkably inclusive and welcoming set of individuals. A pretty radical realignment had been happening in the years before I joined and the crucial role of trustees had been very recently highlighted by events in other charities. During my trusteeship the board has been fulfilling the ambitions for the society laid down in a major review 5 years ago as well as dealing with various new developments, not least workforce issues such as the ever-increasing number of vacancies, particularly in smaller departments.

Sitting in committees had never appealed to me much but, I have to say, this role has made a huge difference to my outlook in the past few years. I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with enthusiastic and talented individuals who share the same positive attitude towards our profession and the patients it serves. Anyone worried about ‘burnout’ in the later (or indeed any) stage of their career should consider taking on something like this. On the face of it, it seems like you’re volunteering for yet  more ‘admin’, true in a sense but it’s so different to what we’re generally used to in the NHS that you’ll actually find yourself re-energised. Our specialty has some very challenging times ahead and trusteeship of the BSH is a personally rewarding opportunity to help meet these.