• Cancer Support UK (CSUK) provides practical and emotional support to people living with cancer, both during and after the treatment period. Its services, designed and delivered by people who have experienced cancer themselves, are designed to provide holistic support to cancer patients, with a particular focus on mental and psychological well-being.
  
  
• Despite a number of contributors providing prevention, diagnostics, treatment and support for people throughout the cancer journey, 78% of cancer patients in the UK still report having unmet emotional needs, with a National Cancer Strategy report stating that poor communication is the aspect of care most in need of improvement. Rather than being seen as ancillary, Cancer Support UK believes emotional or psychological support for people with cancer is essential to recovery; psychosocial factors play a significant role in the progression of cancer and can dramatically affect a person’s quality of life.
  
  
• CSUK offers six-week 'Cancer Coach' support groups, which are available to anyone who has completed their physical cancer treatment and is experiencing low mood, anxiety and worry, and doesn’t know how to move forward in their recovery. The sessions take participants through a series of strategies, techniques and exercises that aim to furnish them with the tools, support and coping strategies that can help them on their recovery journey.
  
  
• The charity also creates 'Cancer Kits', including a range of practical items for adults and children currently experiencing cancer. They too have been designed by people who have had cancer themselves, to provide practical items that people will find genuinely useful during their treatment.

All Trustees play a vital role in providing strategic direction to ensure that Cancer Support UK can provide its services as effectively and to as many people as possible. Often working closely with the CEO and the Executive Team, Trustees can have a real impact on the success of the charity's work. Key duties of Trustees include:

• Bringing expertise to bear in helping to ensure CSUK’s future success, and working with peers to define and shape the organisation’s strategic direction and plan, encompassing long-term targets and expectations for growth
• Contributing actively to the Board of Trustees’ role in giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals and targets, and evaluating performance against agreed targets
• Ensuring there is a strong financial base from which to continue to grow the reach and scope of the Cancer Coaching and Cancer Kit programs
• Enhancing its governance structures to ensure CSUK is fit for purpose for the next stage of its development

• As part of succession planning, Cancer Support UK sees a new Trustee who will be able to challenge and support its CEO in developing CSUK’s marketing and communications strategy. The successful candidate will therefore bring recent experience of developing and delivering a successful marketing and communications strategy of an organisation.
  
  
• They will ideally be able to demonstrate knowledge of the latest digital thinking in marketing and communications and can leverage digital techniques to connect with and target specific segments, demographics, or communities in the UK. The right candidate will also be able to provide strategic oversight of its fundraising material and branding.
  
  
• CSUK is also open to those seeking their first non-executive role, provided they can demonstrate a strategic and forward-looking vision in relation to the charity’s mission and can exercise good, independent judgement and the ability to think creatively in the context of the charity and external environment. Please note that candidates must be UK-based.
  

This role is unremunerated, but reasonable, pre-agreed travel expenses will be reimbursed. The appointment is for a three-year term which is typically renewed once, and twice in exceptional cases at the discretion of the Board. There are six Board meetings per year which last two hours each. Half of the Board meetings are held in person (in London) and the other half are held virtually. There is also a half-day planning / strategy day which is held in person (in London).