ADVANCE is the Armed Services Trauma Rehabilitation Outcome Study. The study investigates the long-term physical and psycho-social outcomes of battlefield casualties from the UK Armed Forces following deployment to Afghanistan between 2002 and 2014, and is uniquely positioned to deliver important, long-term medical research at the intersection of military and academic research institutions. 

The study's investigation covers a wide range of topics spanning medical, mental health, functional and social outcomes, quality of life, employment and mortality outcomes for UK military personnel and veterans. The Study is a collaboration between Imperial College, King’s College and the Academic Department of Military Rehabilitation based at Stanford Hall. It has Ministry of Defence Research Ethics Committee approval.

Core objects of the study include promoting the education of the public, patients and healthcare specialists in relation to all aspects of medical and psychosocial outcomes of British casualties suffering combat and severe trauma. Additionally, the study allows for the sharing of information and skills among different medical disciplines that see these types of conditions and related disorders to enhance research, diagnosis and treatment of combat and severe trauma. Finally, ADVANCE aims to help to support the best care possible for present and future generations of the UK's injured servicemen and women.

The ADVANCE Charity was set up in late 2018 and its core mission is to raise funds for the ADVANCE Study, distribute those funds through a grants programme and advise the ADVANCE Study Project Board on the direction of the Study.

The initial funding for the Study came from grants from the MOD Libor fund and Help for Heroes. Subsequently major grants were received from its principal funder, the Headley Court Charity together with significant grants from The Nuffield Trust for the Armed Forces of the Crown, the Forces in Mind Trust and Blesma. 

These funds have been invested and are in a draw-down portfolio which is anticipated to fund the Study to the end of 2028. The two institutions of Imperial College and Kings College are in year three of a five-year grants programme and the Academic Department of Military Rehabilitation receive an annual grant. The incoming Strategic Growth Trustee will spearhead fundraising strategy at board level and take ownership of the organisation's central responsibilities. 

The Charity has raised sufficient funds for the ADVANCE study to operate until late 2028. There is now a requirement to develop and implement a fundraising strategy that will raise a further c/ £17m to fund the study to its conclusion in 2040.

Trustee responsibilities include:

• A commitment to the ethos and values of the charity
• An ability to challenge constructively
• Acceptance of the legal duties and responsibilities of trusteeship
• An ability to empathise with the military and medical research charitable sectors
• A willingness to accept the responsibilities of a Trustee and to participate in the wider board activities which supervise the Study

Additionally, the Strategic Growth Trustee will be specifically responsible for supervising:

• The development of a fundraising strategy, likely to be produced by consultants
• The strategy and lead those who are engaged to implement it

The Charity helps raise funds for the ADVANCE Study and advises the ADVANCE Study Project Board on the direction of the Study. The Charity does not employ staff directly. The operational activities are performed by the Executive Secretary, who is on attachment from Imperial College on a two-day-a-week contract.

The Charity is looking for a new Trustee to will bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the Charity’s mission. This person could come from a variety of functions or sectors. However, candidates need to demonstrate familiarity with charity fundraising as an executive or Trustee, or alternatively will leverage a strong external network in support of the organisation.

Candidates will bring the following: 

• A credible track record and understanding of major donor, philanthropic and trust fundraising either as a Charity Fundraising Director or CEO, or have exposure to those processes as a previous Charity Board Trustee.
• Comfort acting as an ambassador to external stakeholders and be willing to introduce ADVANCE Charity and its work to themCandidates who possess an executive background in sales and commercial growth, and bring a proven ability to grow revenue to the role in addition to the above, would be particularly competitive.

The successful candidate will be able to work at a strategic level whilst understanding the detail and complexities of funding delivery, appreciating the difference between a non-executive and executive role. Although prior non-executive experience is welcome, applications are welcome from individuals who have not held such roles before if they have operated at board level as an executive.

General Sir Nick Parker KCB, CBE, Chair
Mr Robert Robson OBE, Treasurer
Professor Sir Anthony Newman Taylor
Dr David Henson
Dr Emily Mayhew
Professor Sir Simon Wessely
Brigadier Duncan Wilson QHP

This role is unremunerated, but reasonable, pre-agreed travel expenses will be reimbursed. This will be a hands-on board role, it is expected that time commitment will be c. 12-15 days per year on average, including quarterly Board meetings, preparation time and ad hoc communication. The time commitment will be slightly more as the strategy is set, settling at fewer days thereafter. Trustees are appointed for an initial three-year term, renewed by mutual agreement for a maximum of two further terms.

Location

The Board of Trustees meet four times a year. Two of these meetings will be by video conference and two will be physical meetings, typically in central London. Each meeting is between 2-3 hours and will require up to about two hours preparation. 

The role will also require a specific focus on supervising the building and delivery of a fundraising strategy and delivery plan. This will require additional time and engagement at least in the first 12-18 months. 

In addition there will be the occasional event where Trustees’ presence is appreciated, particularly as donor relationships are developed.