Prostate Cancer Research (PCR) is the patient-centric research charity at the forefront of tackling prostate cancer through a multifaceted approach that includes academic research, translational research, and patient engagement. Over the last five years, PCR has made significant strides in its mission, fuelled by £5 million in grant funding dedicated to breakthrough research. This investment has empowered PCR to push the boundaries in finding better treatments and diagnostics, engaging a team of 75 dedicated researchers who are committed to this vital cause. With a current annual income of circa £4m, PCR has ambitious growth plans to grow its funding capabilities over the next three years to further grow its impact.

PCR's approach is structured around three core programmes:

• Academic research programme: focuses on understanding the fundamental aspects of prostate cancer, aiming to uncover new insights that can drive innovative treatments. The Research Strategy emphasizes innovation, collaboration, supporting young scientists, and funding accessible treatments.
• Translational research programme (Proven Connect): instrumental in bridging the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical application by combining seed funding, scientific expertise, patient voice and commercial experience to partner with a portfolio of promising companies that could impact prostate cancer. By co-investing with venture capital funders and impact investors and connecting these companies to the resources and expert support they need to succeed, the development of promising treatments and diagnostics is accelerated.
• Patient programme: central to PCR's work, by actively including those affected by prostate cancer, PCR ensures that its research is not only ground-breaking but also deeply relevant and responsive to patient needs. This involvement extends to the policy level, with PCR contributing five evidence submissions to government and regulatory bodies in the past two years, advocating for changes that benefit prostate cancer patients and their families.

PCR has grown exponentially, increasing its research funding fivefold in four years, targeting specific unmet needs such as racial inequalities and bone metastasis, and being recognized for its impactful work. PCR's patient-centric projects include developing platforms to aid patient decision-making and establishing the UK's first prostate cancer platform to include patient experiences. By fostering connections between researchers, patients, and other stakeholders, PCR maximises the impact of its work, striving to save and improve lives through its dedicated efforts in prostate cancer research.

Prostate Cancer Research’s Board comprises Trustees with experience across the medical sector, the pharmaceutical and biotech industry, charity governance, finance, fundraising, digital and communications. It also ensures that the experience of prostate cancer patients is directly represented on the Board.

The Board provides governance and oversight to ensure PCR is fulfilling its objectives. Its responsibilities are to:

• Contribute to the strategic direction of PCR, setting overall strategy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance
• Engage effectively as a Board to stimulate carefully considered and high- quality strategic decision-making
• Work in partnership with the CEO and Senior Management, helping them achieve the aims of PCR
• Act as an ambassador of PCR, to promote the charity and the importance of research into new treatments and diagnostics for prostate cancer patients
• Provide governance oversight to ensure compliance with charity law and good practice
• Safeguard the charity’s assets, including responsibility for its financial sustainability

The organisation seeks to appoint up to Three new trustees, who bring the following skillsets:

• Human resources: senior HR/Operations executive to chair the People & Culture Sub-committee, experienced in managing high-performing teams and ensuring staff alignment with the organisation's mission. Responsibilities include overseeing nominations, remuneration, and policies.
• High value network: A senior influential individual with an extensive high value relationship network, either via personal connections or perhaps gained from previous high-value fundraising roles building relationships with philanthropic individuals and organisations. This Trustee will support fundraising efforts, crucial for delivering new patient treatments and diagnostics.
• Healthcare policy: A senior healthcare executive knowledgeable in government, NHS, and industry relations, with experience in cancer care pathways. The role involves supporting advocacy efforts to benefit prostate cancer patients through research breakthroughs.

Details of the current Board can be found here.

As a voluntary position, the role is unremunerated. Trustees may, however, claim reasonable pre-agreed expenses incurred as a result of carrying out their role. The appointment is for an initial term of three years, with Trustees expected to serve two terms. A third term is possible at the discretion of the Board.

Time commitment

There are four Board meetings each year, which typically happen on a Monday or Tuesday at 5pm. Trustees may also join a Board Sub-committee, which meet between two and four times per year. In addition, Trustees often choose to provide advice and support to PCR’s Senior Management on specific projects and initiatives that are relevant to a trustee’s areas of expertise. Involvement of this nature is discretionary and flexible, being respectful of Trustees other professional and personal commitments

Location

Meetings are held in person at PCR’s offices in London, with the option for Trustees to join meetings remotely depending on their location or availability. Candidates are expected to be UK-based.