Board recruitment: Honorary Treasurer

The Physiological Society (‘the Society’) Board consists of up to 13 Trustees. These include:

• President (and Chair)
• President-elect
• Honorary Treasurer (and Chair of the Finance Committee)
• Chair of the Scientific Conferences Committee
• Chair of the Publications Committee
• Chair of the Policy Committee
• Chair of the Equity Diversity and Inclusion Committee (Diversity & Inclusion Trustee)
• Early Career Trustee (ECT)
• General Member Trustee from the Republic of Ireland
• General Member Trustees (GMT) (2)
• Independent Trustees (2)

Trusteeship can be a rewarding experience: Trustees set the strategic direction for the Society so it operates within its objects and delivers public benefit. Collectively and individually, Trustees have a legal, regulatory, and moral obligation to enable accountable, effective, and efficient and leadership. They play a leading role in helping the Society champion physiology to achieve its Vision of ‘A world in which physiological discovery leads to healthier lives.’ Trusteeship also opens new opportunities and relationships which will draw on an individual’s skills, knowledge and experience.

Board meetings are formal meetings of the Trustees and are held four times per year (virtually or hybrid). Papers are sent at least one week in advance and Trustees are expected to attend, be prepared to listen, engage and actively contribute to discussions and decision making which is in the best interest of the Charity as a whole without conflict of interest or loyalty. Trustees are expected to uphold the Trustee Code of Conduct.

When meeting in person, a dinner is held the night before a Board meeting and Trustees are supplied with overnight accommodation ready for the Board to commence promptly the following morning. All reasonable Society-related expenses are reimbursed in line with the Society’s expenses policy.

For supplementary material, please refer to the Charity Commission guidance ‘Trustee expenses and payments (CC11)’ and ‘Conflicts of interest: a guide for charity trustees (CC29)

Trustees have independent control over, and legal responsibility for, a charity’s management and administration. They are registered with the Charity Commission upon appointment and are the Company Directors. They are also registered with Companies House and have (similar) responsibilities under Company Law.

Trustee legal responsibilities include:

• Ensuring the Society is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit
• Complying with the Society’s Articles and Regulations
• Acting in the Society’s best interests
• Managing the Society’s resources responsibly
• Acting with reasonable care and skill
• Ensuring the Society is accountable

To achieve our purpose which is, ‘To support and inspire our community to advance the physiological sciences’, we embrace three values which apply to the way we work, both internally and externally.

Act with Integrity and respect

• Being fair and transparent in our processes
• Taking time to listen and being respectful of different viewpoints
• Being accountable for our actions and ensuring our decisions are evidence-based

Inspire and empower others

• Expanding horizons and opening new opportunities
• Being innovative and forward-thinking
• Sharing skills, knowledge and ideas to realise everyone’s potential

Embrace collaboration and diversity

• Welcoming a diverse range of perspectives, people and ideas
• Recognising he value that each person contributes
• Supporting others to grow and work in the way that brings out their best

In line with Charity Commission guidance, the Society is working towards an inclusive Board that reflects the profile of the membership to ensure it remains dynamic, representative, and accountable.

Please refer to our 2023-27 Strategy for more information.

We are committed to actively promoting equity, diversity and inclusivity. To this end we would welcome approaches from individuals from underrepresented groups, including minoritised communities and applicants with a disability to better reflect the community we support and help broaden our perspectives.