AMR Action UK (formerly Antibiotic Research UK) is the UK Patient Organisation for Antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Its legitimacy to advocate for patients, with policy-makers and with NHS systems, comes from its insight, and therefore through its patient support services, patient-focussed research and direct patient and public engagement activities.

The organisation is at an exciting stage of its development. Following the appointment of a new Chief Executive in late 2024 it has a new strategy in place and by greatly increasing its impact over the next 3 years intends to significantly reduce the harm from AMR across all four nations of the United Kingdom. The charity is also committed to expanding its services to meet the growing demand from patients and families directly impacted by AMR. This growth will be underpinned by a new name and new brand, a fresh approach to communications that will greatly increase awareness of the charity’s work with the UK public, and a new fundraising strategy that will both grow and diversify income and also increase sustainability.

The charity is now looking for a dynamic new Chair of Trustees who is excited by our plans, and by the difference this will make to peoples’ lives. Given the growth agenda for the period 2025-28, the suitable candidate at this point in time is likely to come from a commercial background, with a strong understanding of strategy, investment, business development, and communications in the context of a rapidly changing environment. They are also likely to have a track-record of successfully managing risk v reward in a growing business. Increasing donations from corporates and philanthropists is important to the charity at this stage in its development and the new Chair will be comfortable operating in these environments.

A key part of the role will be to support the new senior executive team charged with delivering the growth agenda, including establishing and maintaining a strong working relationship with the CEO.

 

Key undertakings

Board effectiveness

• Ensures the board of Trustees demonstrates the highest standards of corporate governance.
• Ensures all Trustees are fully briefed on the terms of their appointment and on their rights, duties and responsibilities.
• Ensures the expertise of individual Trustees is used appropriately for the benefit of the charity.
• Ensures that Board Members understand and adhere to the Trustee Code of Conduct.
• Reviews the performance of individual Trustees on an annual basis.
• With input from the Chief Executive, reviews board membership every year.
• Ensures that the board maintains a blend of complementary skills and experience relevant to the charity’s ambitions and plans.

Board and committee meetings

• Liaises with the Chief Executive to prepare structured agendas and briefing papers for board meetings and the format of the annual strategic planning away-day.
• Liaises with committee chairs on an ongoing basis and ensures that papers from committees have clear recommendations and are available for Board meetings.
• Ensures that board members are prepared for meetings and have considered papers in advance.
• Chairs Trustee meetings effectively, encouraging participation from all Trustees, seeking consensus and balancing the need for full debate on key questions with the despatch of business, so as to reach clear and agreed decisions.

• Leads the Trustees in the monitoring of performance against strategy, operational plans and budgets, and approval of actions to bring performance back on-track.
• Ensures that Trustees regularly review the risks facing the charity and agree necessary actions to mitigate these risks.

External representation

• Represents the charity externally on all matters relating to charity governance.
• On request from the Chief Executive, represents the charity at external events and with potential donors.

 

Relationship with the executive team and other team members

• Represents the Board of Trustees alone, or with other trustees, in relation to staff events and communications, inspiring team members.
• Ensures Trustees maintain appropriate boundaries in communications with team members, respecting line-management arrangements.
• Maintains a supportive relationship with the Chief Executive, acting as a sounding-board and carrying out the CEO’s annual appraisal.

 

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• An exceptional grasp of the challenges of AMR in the context of all four nations of the United Kingdom, and of the medical environment in which policy and practice change needs to take place.
• Energy and enthusiasm that will inspire stakeholders - patients, families, staff, trustees, and funders.
• Experience of chairing, which could be with working groups, committees or boards, in the private public or not-for-profit sectors.
• Time to devote to the demands of Chair position, including strategy, tasks and additional external meetings as required.
• Strong and clear leadership, with the ability to focus on important issues and lead others through sometimes complex discussions in order to make clear decisions.
• A strong strategic thinker with the ability to grasp information quickly, coupled with the ability to balance enthusiasm with reality, especially in relation to resource availability.
• The “bandwidth”, competence, and relevant experience to meet, and hold discussions with, funders and philanthropists at a senior level, to help to generate income.
• Experience of managing change, flexibility, and the ability to adapt leadership and management styles to the needs of the charity as it grows, develops and changes.

 

How to Apply

To apply for this role, please send your CV to holly.bell@amr-action-uk.org

Closing date: 24 December 2025

Please mention ACEVO Jobs when applying