Candidate Brief, March 2013
Trustees, Kidney Research UK
Candidate Brief
Brief for the position of
Trustee, Kidney Research UK
March 2013
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Candidate Brief, March 2013
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Trustees, Kidney Research UK
Mission
“To fund life-saving research into kidney disease, to improve the quality of life of those
with kidney disorders and to increase public awareness of kidney health.”
More than three million people in the UK are currently at risk of kidney disease. A
lack of public awareness in relation to kidney disease, combined with the illness’
ability to affect anyone, regardless of age, and the fact it presents few recognisable
symptoms, means it should be a national health priority. In reality, however, very
little government funding is set aside for research into kidney disease.
The need for increased research funding into kidney disease is becoming more and
more acute. Every year, an estimated 50,000 people have to be treated for kidney
failure and 3,000 a year sadly die whilst on dialysis or awaiting a transplant. The
prevalence of kidney failure increases at over 5% each and every year in England.
There are no cures for this condition, only life-sustaining treatments such as dialysis
or transplantation. Even transplants, should a patient be fortunate enough to receive
one, is not for life - lasting only ten to 15 years on average.
Overview
Kidney Research UK (the Charity) was founded in 1961 and is the leading UK charity
dedicated to funding research aimed at finding better treatments, and ultimately a
cure, for kidney disease. At any one time, the organisation has over £10 million
invested in research, awarding grants to doctors, nurses and researchers across the
UK.
Alongside its research funding, the Charity campaigns for better patient access to
renal services and is dedicated to raising awareness of kidney disease. It also offers a
range of web-based literature on various kidney diseases.
The lives of over three million people in the UK today are under threat from chronic
kidney disease. This number is set to grow as the population ages, placing greater
strain on the system. Currently only one in four people receive the kidney transplant
they need. 90% of people, on the transplant list are waiting for a kidney - that’s
around 7,000 people
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Trustees, Kidney Research UK
Research
The Charity’s main research objective is to support a wide range of projects by UK
scientists, through a combination of open response-mode calls and commissioned
research in strategically important areas.
The spectrum of studies it supports ranges from molecular investigation of how
molecules, genes and cells work through to clinical trials and health services research
relating to kidney disease, dialysis and transplantation. All the research is peerreviewed, and only the best science is supported, within the available funding limits.
Kidney Research UK recognises that training of basic and clinical scientists is an
essential investment for the future of kidney health in the UK and therefore awards
training fellowships to clinicians to support their career development. The Charity
also provides support for young scientists to undertake a PhD, undergo postdoctoral
training, or through senior fellowships to establish themselves as independent
researchers.
In the last few years, the Charity has made considerable progress in projects to make
kidney transplants more successful, reducing the risk of rejection in patients. It has
advanced understanding of a white blood cell, called a macrophage, and its potential
in the treatment of acute renal failure and kidney scarring. In 2010, Kidney Research
UK announced a major breakthrough, achieved by Dr John Bradley, identifying
potential treatments for both kidney disease and kidney cancer. Key work also
includes working on the potential for adult stem cells to one day repair damaged
kidney tissue.
Information, Support & Campaigns
Kidney Health Information is a service for kidney patients, their
families and carers, as well as medical professionals and researchers.
The Charity provides the information service to the public and the
information is available to everyone free of charge.
The service includes everything from individual condition
information to advice on treatment and management, to an
interactive health checker, to advice on local services. It is also
proactive in its work to raise awareness of kidney disease, both to
the general public and to those potentially undiagnosed.
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Trustees, Kidney Research UK
Key work includes:
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Reaching “hard to reach‟ groups within communities through the sharing of best
practice on social kidney health marketing, using its Peer Educator model
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Developing DVD modules in its “Living with Kidney Disease‟ programme

Running Kidney Research UK’s Professional Development Network

Engaging with patients and carers through its Lay Advisory Committees (LACs) to
help shape its current activity as well as to inform future strategy development
Structure of the organisation
Kidney Research UK is governed by a Board of c. 12 Trustees, led by a Chair. Trustees
come with a range of research and business backgrounds. The Trustee Board is
supported by six Committees, made up of experts and lay advisers; a Research Grants
Committee, two Lay Advisory Committees, a Finance & Risk Committee, a
Remuneration Committee and a Research Strategy Committee.
The Chief Executive is responsible for the day-to-day running of the Charity and leads
the management team, headquartered in Peterborough. The management team
comprises five members; Finance & Operations, Development, Marketing, Research
Development and HR Manager.
Overall, the Charity employs c 40 full time equivalent employees, the majority
in fundraising and marketing. This includes those managing a small number ofKidney
Research UK charity shops, and managing c. 300 volunteers who support them.
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Trustees, Kidney Research UK
Current position
The Charity has a strong reserves position, and is rightly utilising those reserves in
more difficult economic times – most importantly to keep up the spending on
research. Like all research charities, there is a fine balancing act between money
raised and money committed to research, particularly during fluctuations of income.
Kidney Research UK is no exception. The challenge is therefore twofold – to increase
income and to increase the impact of research. This is demanding of two often very
different skillsets in an organisation. It requires fundraising to be effective and cost
efficient, ensuring that the greatest number of ‘pennies in the pound’ transfer from
income to research related outcomes. This requires the organisation to remain fleetof-foot and resource light – constantly assessing the value of fundraising investment
and seeking new effective income streams – from individuals, corporates and major
institutions.
Recruitment Context
Two Trustees come to the end of their tenures in September and a third is leaving due
to relocation abroad. Therefore, there are three replacements being sought. We are
seeking an additional Trustee, to bring the total number of Trustees from 11 to 12.
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Trustees, Kidney Research UK
Role Description
Title: Trustee Board Member
Reporting to: The Chairman
Purpose of the Role
 To provide strategic leadership in line with the organisation’s objectives.
 To contribute to the formulation and review of the strategic aim of the
organisation.
 With other Trustees to ensure that the policy, procedures and practices of the
Charity are in keeping with its aims, objectives and vision.
 With other Trustees, ensure that the Charity functions within the legal and
financial requirements of a charitable organisation and strives to achieve best
practice.
Key Responsibilities
 Safeguard and promote the good name, reputation, objectives and values of
Kidney Research UK.
 Actively contribute to the development of Kidney Research UK’s strategic plans in
line with the Charity’s Memorandum and Articles of Association and ensure that
the organisation’s values are represented.
 Ensure effective governance and efficient administration of the organisation and
legal compliance within the Charity Commission’s regulatory guidelines, relevant
Charities Act and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
 Oversee the financial health of the Charity, ensuring that Kidney Research UK has
sound systems of internal control and risk management.
 Approve strategic plans, budgets, reserves policy and position and to ensure that
the organisation has the resources to achieve its aims.
 Protect and oversee the portfolio of investments of Kidney Research UK and
ensure that the organisation invests its funds with due diligence.
 To represent the Board at functions and events, as required.
 Engage with stakeholders to keep informed about the organisation’s activities and
issues that affect the Charity’s work.
 Act in the best interests of the Charity and its present and future beneficiaries,
avoiding conflicts of interest and standing down from decisions where there may
be such conflict.
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Trustees, Kidney Research UK
Time Commitment
Being a member of the Board of Kidney Research UK entails a substantial time
commitment. In addition, Trustees are encouraged to take on a role in one of the
Board’s sub committees if appropriate. Preparing for Board and committee meetings
as well as the necessary ad hoc unplanned events that inevitably crop up, require
time and effort in addition to the formally planned events noted below:



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Quarterly Board meetings, two held in London and two held in Peterborough
Sub-committee meetings, as appropriate
Annual Trustee development/strategy meeting
Attendance at other events across the UK, where appropriate
Person Specification
 Understanding of the context in which Kidney Research UK works and a
commitment to the Charity’s objectives and values.
 Willingness to actively engage with contacts to further the organisation’s goals
and to make new links for the Charity.
 Previous experience of working collaboratively as part of a team and collective
decision making that requires an understanding of commercial and noncommercial issues.
 Experience of contributing to high level strategy development.
 A good communicator with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able
to both empower and challenge supportively.
 Understanding of and commitment to equality and diversity.
 Can demonstrate ability to form sound independent judgement, ideally as
previous experience of being part of a Board.
 Professional or relevant commercial or business related experience and/or the
ability to demonstrate the necessary skills needed to support the Charity’s
professional and commercial interests.
 Time and enthusiasm to dedicate to the role of Trustee.
 An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and
liabilities of trusteeship of Kidney Research UK.
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Trustees, Kidney Research UK
How to Apply
Application is by CV and a cover letter, outlining why you believe yourself to be
suitable for the role. Please provide your full contact details including daytime and
evening telephone numbers and, email address.
Please email your application to [humanresources@kidneyresearchuk.org] or post to:
Gina Isaac
Human Resources Manager
Kidney Research UK
Nene Hall
Lynch Wood Park
Peterborough
PE2 6FZ
Recruitment Timetable
The closing date for applications
12th April 2013
Provisional interview dates
10th or 20th May 2013
Further information
If you would like to have an informal conversation before submitting your
application, please contact:
Susan Simpson, Assistant to the Chief Executive Office on +44 (01733) 367822
who will be pleased to arrange a mutual appointment time with either:
Sandra Currie, Chief Executive or;
Anne-Marie McCarthy, Director of Finance & Operations (and Company Secretary)