The Organisation

Muscular Dystrophy UK is the leading charity for over 110,000 people in the UK living with one of over 60 muscle wasting and weakening conditions.

We connect our community of people living with muscle wasting and weakening conditions, and all the people around them, friends and family, healthcare professionals and scientists, so that everyone can get the healthcare, support and treatments needed to feel good, both mentally and physically.

• We support people through every stage of their life, from the point of diagnosis to living the best life possible.
• We share expert advice and support people to live well now.
• We fund ground-breaking research to understand the different conditions better and lead us to new treatments.
• We work with the NHS towards universal access to specialist healthcare.
• Together, we campaign for people’s rights, better understanding, accessibility, and access to treatments.

The Role

This is a very exciting time for Muscular Dystrophy UK. We will shortly publish our bold new strategy to guide our work over the next decade. We have big ambitions — and with a strong financial foundation, diverse income streams, and robust external partnerships, we’re ready to scale our impact.

We are seeking to appoint a Vice Chair, to support our Chair and to play a key role in leading the organisation forward, helping Muscular Dystrophy UK achieve its ambitious vision for the future.

The Vice Chair is a Trustee of Muscular Dystrophy UK and, alongside the responsibilities of a Trustee, supports the Chair in leading the Board to ensure strong governance and strategic oversight. They act as a supportive, critical friend to the Chief Executive and may deputise for the Chair when required.

Person Specification

Alongside the skills and experience outlined below, we’re looking for engaging individuals who bring credibility and a genuine passion for joining the Board at Muscular Dystrophy UK.

• Proven leadership experience, ideally at Board level within the charity, public or private sector.
• Understanding of charity governance and the responsibilities of Trustees.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to maintain relationships, build consensus and manage differing views.
• Commitment to the mission and values of Muscular Dystrophy UK.
• Strategic thinker with sound judgment and integrity.
• Availability to commit time (circa 20 days a year) and energy to the role.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those from underrepresented groups including people from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with lived experience of conditions we represent. We believe that diversity strengthens our work and helps us better support our beneficiaries.

Further Information

For comprehensive information about Muscular Dystrophy UK and the role of Vice Chair, please download the Information Pack.

How to Apply

If you are interested in the opportunity to join the Board of this amazing charity, please provide the following with your application:

• An up to date CV with details of two referees (we will not contact them without your prior permission)
• A support statement (no longer than two A4 sides) which addresses how you meet the main criteria and explains your motivations for applying

If you would like to have a confidential discussion about this role, please contact Melissa Baxter at Trustees Unlimited on 07789 985229 or melissa.baxter@trustees-unlimited.co.uk.

All applications should be sent to: applications@trustees-unlimited.co.uk.

Closing date for applications: Monday 22nd September 2025
Interviews with Muscular Dystrophy UK: 7th or 14th (AM) October 2025