Sightsavers’ vision is of a world where no one is blind from avoidable causes and where people with disabilities participate equally in society.

With income over £236m in 2021 (including a substantial amount of gifts-in-kind – mainly donated drugs, as well as more the half of it cash income from the general public across Europe and India), the charity is an international organisation operating in more than 30 low- and middle-income countries around the world to eliminate avoidable blindness and promote equality of opportunity for people with disabilities. It works with local, regional, national and international organisations, ministries, governments and non-governmental organisations to tackle problems at the root of avoidable blindness, such as access to clean water and education. Sightsavers works alongside local communities make changes for the long term, to support people who need it most.

The broad context is:

• 2.2 billion people are affected by from some degree of visual impairment, 50% of whose conditions are either curable or preventable
• Without action, by 2050, there will be more than 115 million people who are blind
• 65 million people are blind or visually impaired by cataracts
• 800 million are affected by refractive error issues that could be cured by wearing glasses
• 15% of the world’s population has some form of disability
• Rates of disability are increasing due to population ageing and increases in chronic health conditions, among other causes. Without action the number of people with visual impairment will triple by 2030

In recent years, Sightsavers has developed projects in the vanguard of innovation and effectiveness in eye health, neglected tropical disease control and elimination and disability - it has become recognised as one of the most respected and effective health and development charities. Sightsavers is now attracting a diversity of high profile and sophisticated funding partners including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Virgin, ELMA, FCDO, USAID, Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, Givewell and Standard Chartered Bank.

With a vision directly aligned to its funding partners’ current strategic commitments to disability inclusion, Sightsavers is perfectly positioned to be a partner and leader in implementing programmes that support the theme underlying the Sustainable Development Goals of leaving no one behind.

The Annual Report for 2021 provides a full picture of Sightsavers' activities and how Sightsavers is performing in support of its beneficiaries.

Sightsavers is the working name of the Royal Commonwealth Society for the Blind. Originally founded in 1950 it is now a company incorporated by Royal Charter and a charity. It has a governing Global Board of Trustees, currently comprising 15 members.

The Board is committed to maintaining a high standard of corporate governance. Its Trustees are drawn from diverse, international backgrounds, bringing a broad range of relevant experience and skills to board discussions.

Individual Trustee responsibilities include to:

• Ensure that the Global Board carries out its responsibilities
• Ensure that Sightsavers pursues its Objects as set out in the Constitution and that money is spent for the purposes for which it was given
• Formulate and review regularly, with the help of the Chief Executive and Senior Management, Sightsavers’ vision, mission, values and long-term strategy as well as policies for their fulfilment
• Familiarise themselves with, and keep under regular review, the rules and constitution of Sightsavers, with any changes made in accordance with constitutional and legal requirements
• Develop a working knowledge of Sightsavers, including visits to Sightsavers’ operations in the UK and overseas
• Oversee compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
• Provide support and challenge to the executive, particularly within the agenda items of the regular Board meetings
• Maximise their personal contribution through applying their own expertise and through involvement in other activities such as fundraising and PR events, as well as maintain the appropriate level of competencies through training, and keep abreast of developments with the charity sector and how these might impact on Sightsavers

There is a clear distinction between the oversight role of the Global Board and the responsibility of senior management for the day-to-day running of the organisation. Matters such as policy and strategic plans are prepared by senior management for consideration and approval by the Global Board.

Sightsavers is a signatory of the International Non-Governmental Organisations Accountability Charter, which outlines its commitment to a high standard of transparency, accountability and effectiveness.

As part of prudent succession planning, Sightsavers is looking for a new Global Trustee who will bring extensive project / program management skills. Candidates can be based anywhere in the world.

Applicants will bring an understanding of the risks and opportunities in managing projects or programs, ideally in an international context. This may have been gained in a professional services context, in a large multinational or in an international development setting. An appreciation of the non-profit sector, including the challenges of embedding programmatic activity in developing countries, as well as strategic financial acumen and systems management, would be welcome but are not essential.

This individual will be keen to be involved with the Programme Expert Group – a group of Trustees and staff who review programme evaluations and discuss programmatic issues, and they will be prepared to be considered for membership on one of the Standing Committees.

Above all, the successful candidate will bring strategic vision, strong interpersonal and relationship building abilities and the ability to listen and engage effectively. They will also have an interest in international development and global health, as well as wanting to contribute to a globally respected charity growing in income, impact and influence.

Sir Clive Jones, Chair

Chris Kinder, Vice-chair
Bill Kendall, Honorary Treasurer

Abia Akram

Joan Burton

Maryanne Diamond

Margaret Gyapong

Barry Hoffman

Joy Hutcheon

Elaine Lee

Dr Henry Nkumbe

Mavis Owusu-Gyamfi

Dr Manoj Parulekar

Tuwani Rasengane

Louis Taylor

Professor Sir Chris Whitty

You can find out more about the Global Board here.

This is a voluntary position but reasonable (international, as needed) travel expenses will be paid. Trustees attend three Board meetings per year, which are at least half a day each; these are normally held in London, with options for remote attendance where necessary. There is also an annual strategic ‘Awayday’ event and potential participation in one or more of the Trustee Board’s Standing Committees. The Programme Expert Group, on which this individual will sit, meets twice per year and provides advice and insights on more detailed programme matters.

The time commitment for a Trustee is flexible but it is likely to average at least eight days per year, tailored to individuals’ availability. This can be higher if a Trustee:

• Is also on a Standing Committee
• Chooses to get more involved in supporting management or other Trustees on specialised areas such Fundraising, Governance or membership of an Affiliated Board (Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Norway, USA, Kenya, Nigeria)

In addition, there will be opportunities to attend fundraising events and to visit Sightsavers’ programmes. Trustees are appointed for an initial term of four years, extendable by mutual agreement for one further final term of four years.

This organisation is based in London and meetings will take place in person or virtually. Candidates can be based anywhere in the world; reasonable international travel expenses will be covered for any necessary in-person commitments.