Glaucoma UK Recruitment pack
Chief Executive Officer
Welcome letter I’m delighted you have taken the step to find out more about becoming the next Chief Executive Officer of Glaucoma UK. Globally, glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness. In the UK, it is the most common cause of preventable blindness. It is estimated that over 700,000 people in the UK are living with glaucoma, but 50% of those people are undiagnosed and unaware they have the disease. That is something Glaucoma UK is working to change. Glaucoma is a complicated disease. Put simply, it is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve. Most people experience no symptoms in the early stages and the only way to know if you have it is to have an eye test. If it’s not treated, glaucoma will lead to irreversible sight loss and even blindness. Up to 40% of vision can be permanently lost before the effects are noticed and, once sight is lost, it cannot be recovered. Anyone can develop glaucoma, but several risk factors make glaucoma more likely. Those at greatest risk include people over 40, people with diabetes, people of African-Caribbean or east Asian origin, and those with a close blood relative who has glaucoma.
Greater awareness and understanding of glaucoma are crucial. Between 2015 and 2035, the number of people living with the disease in the UK is expected to increase by 44%. With an ageing population and modern technology making earlier detection possible, more and more of us will find ourselves affected by glaucoma. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, we’ve made some fantastic progress in the last year. We’ve changed our operating name from the International Glaucoma Association to Glaucoma UK to clarify who we are and what we do. We have successfully rebranded with a new visual identity, launched a new website and developed our support service offering. We are also working tirelessly to support UK researchers to shed light on early diagnosis, care and treatment. As a charity, we’re now entering a further exciting stage in our development and are expanding our capacity to meet the changing - and growing - needs of people with glaucoma. Our energetic and ambitious staff team are determined to improve the lives of people with the disease, and we’re looking for the right person to build upon the work we’ve started and guide us further towards achieving our vision to end preventable glaucoma sight loss. If you would like to know more about the role and Glaucoma UK, please continue reading this pack. I hope you are inspired to be part of our work and I look forward to receiving your application. Yours faithfully, Prof Philip Bloom, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon and Chair of Glaucoma UK
Our history Founded in 1974 by Ronald Pitts Crick, a senior ophthalmic surgeon at King’s College Hospital in London, Glaucoma UK (previously known as the Glaucoma Association and the International Glaucoma Association) was set up to prevent the loss of sight from glaucoma. Born in 1917, Ronald Pitts Crick was a pioneer in the use of the microscope in eye surgery in the UK. His research also focused on glaucoma. Back in 1974, Ronald Pitts Crick and his colleagues at King’s College Hospital London were keen to improve patient care and find out more about the practical issues associated with having glaucoma. The response from patients was enthusiastic, with many wanting more information and research into the disease. So, the charity was born. And our work is as relevant today as it was then. As we approach our 50th birthday, Glaucoma UK has spent around £5 million researching the causes of glaucoma and finding better ways of detection. The charity was the patient representative in the development of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidelines for glaucoma. We also work closely with all the professional bodies involved in diagnosing and treating people with glaucoma, including ophthalmologists, opticians, general practitioners and pharmacists. In 2005, our head office moved from London to Ashford in Kent, where we are still located today. Despite the challenges of COVID-19, the charity continues to thrive. In the Summer of 2020, we changed our name from the International Glaucoma Association (IGA) to Glaucoma UK. As the only UK charity specialising in glaucoma, we wanted to reach more of the people who need our support and those who are at higher risk of glaucoma sight loss. Our new name means we can be clear about who we are and what we do. We also launched a new visual identity and website, with our new logo visually representing the three main areas of our work: awareness, support and research.
About Glaucoma UK
Campaigning & Awareness Fewer people go blind
Advice & Support People with glaucoma live well and stay well
Research Better diagnosis, care and treatment
Glaucoma UK is the charity for people with glaucoma. Our vision is to end preventable glaucoma sight loss. We want everyone with glaucoma to be able to live well with the disease and to make this a reality we:
1. Raise awareness of glaucoma Provided glaucoma is detected early, most people can retain useful sight for life, but glaucoma can cause serious sight loss if undiagnosed and untreated. We estimate that over 700,000 people in the UK are living with glaucoma, and that half of them don’t know that they have it. The vast majority of glaucoma is detected by normal eye health checks via a community optician, and much of our awareness work centres on campaigns to get this message across to the public, so people can protect their sight.
2. Support people to live well with glaucoma Glaucoma is a complicated disease, and the range of treatments available for it can be complex, confusing and frightening. To help people actively manage their condition and make positive treatment choices, we offer a wide range of free information and advice leaflets, a telephone helpline, glaucoma support groups, an online patient forum, and volunteer Buddies who provide peer to peer support. Glaucoma affects people of all ages, but the risk increases with age; we support people from infancy to old age, and the average age of our beneficiaries is 78 years old. People from BAME communities have an increased risk of developing glaucoma, for example, people of AfricanCaribbean origin are four times more likely to develop glaucoma, and it is more likely to appear earlier and be more severe when compared to people of European origin. Our services are open to everyone, and thanks to the generosity of our supporters, they are free to all who need them. As well as supporting patients directly, we work closely with healthcare professionals to improve care and increase understanding of patients’ needs.
3. Fund research We fund research into the cause, diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma and typically allocate around £250,000 each year for research. We also support the Glaucoma UK Professor of Ophthalmology at University College London, Ted Garway-Heath.
For more information, please visit our website www.glaucoma.uk or find us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Our strategy A report from the Royal College of Ophthalmologists predicts that the number of people living with glaucoma will rise by 44% between 2015 and 2035. In the same period, cases of Ocular Hypertension are expected to rise by 16% and glaucoma suspects by 18%. Hospital eye clinics are struggling to cope with increased patient numbers, appointment delays and cancellations are increasing, and there is evidence of sight loss as a result of these delays. The College describes the situation as “a perfect storm of increased demand, caused by more eye disease in an ageing population requiring long term care”. So, it’s more important now than ever that Glaucoma UK provides more services to more people, and people at increased risk of glaucoma. At the end of 2019, the Trustees signed off the charity’s strategic proposals for 202021 and, with them, new vision, mission and values statements. Our vision Our vision is an end to preventable glaucoma sight loss. Our mission Glaucoma UK is for people with glaucoma, an eye disease that may lead to loss of sight. Our mission is to raise awareness of glaucoma and promote research related to early diagnosis and treatment and to provide support to patients and all those who care for them.
Our values Our values define who we are and inform decision-making throughout the organisation. Compassion We will treat everyone who needs our help and assistance with empathy, sincerity and care. Support We will provide support for everyone living with glaucoma in the UK and those who care for them. Collaboration We work with our peers, colleagues, members and beneficiaries to provide the highest quality service with the best outcomes. Expertise We pride ourselves on being the experts on glaucoma and strive to educate and support with professionalism and inclusivity. Ambition We live our vision to end preventable glaucoma sight loss by investing in research, raising awareness and giving support, to make a tangible difference to people at risk. Integrity We will conduct ourselves and our activities with honesty and trust. Strategic proposals for 2020-23 Our key aims for 2020-23 are: • Digital support as part of our key offer • Improve accessibility and reach of Glaucoma UK patient information • Increase in support service uptake • Improve our understanding of patients’ needs • Accredited adherence training to pharmacists • Grow professional membership • Focused regional work • Effective partnership working We’re now entering a further exciting stage in our development and are expanding our capacity to meet the changing - and growing - needs of people living with glaucoma. We are driven by our core values of compassion, support, collaboration, expertise, ambition and integrity.
Carolyn’s story Carolyn Ellery has glaucoma, so do her mum and her grandmother. She shares her glaucoma story and outlook for the future. “I was 53 when I was diagnosed with glaucoma. I know that it can run in families so had been having regular eye checks. I knew glaucoma could steal sight because my mum has lost some of her sight and can no longer see well enough to drive. But when my grandma was diagnosed there was no screening, no regular checks or subsequent monitoring. She was given eye drops, and that was it. My mum wasn’t made aware that glaucoma can run in families so didn’t have regular eye tests. Mum and Grandma didn’t have access to the internet, social media, or mobile phones, to be able to inform themselves. How things have changed over the last 40 years.” Carolyn is a nurse and when her glaucoma was diagnosed, she needed to understand how best to manage the disease to maximise her chances of retaining future sight. “I turned to Glaucoma UK. I felt privileged to be able to access the services and information they provide. The charity keeps me updated on new developments and I can contact the helpline if needed.”
Carolyn’s glaucoma is stable at the moment, and she is responding well to eye drop medication. “The coronavirus pandemic highlighted how important research and clinical trials are in finding cures and developing new treatments to fight disease. That’s why I am passionate about supporting Glaucoma UK. As a nurse, I need my sight to be the best it can be. I understand that during the pandemic people were worried about delays to scheduled treatments and reviews. I was in this situation too. Sight is precious. However, we are fortunate to have an excellent healthcare service that will support us as best they can. And so, this year I ran the Great South Run and raised money for Glaucoma UK to fund research. I feel I could be potentially saving the sight of future generations; this could be my legacy.”
What our supporters say Having been very worried about the renewal of my driving licence which expires soon, I used your helpline. The advice given was so clear and practical, and given with patience and kindness. Just what I needed. Thank you for being there.” Anonymous, Glaucoma UK helpline caller
I wish I had attended the group years ago, so thank you very much for inviting me along. I immensely enjoyed the meeting. It was a lovely blend of new research information and practical, helpful tips for improving my glaucoma self-care. I’m now looking forward to my next medical consultation where I can discuss my glaucoma with greater confidence.” - Anonymous, glaucoma support group attendee
I cannot put into words how much the buddy scheme helped me. Speaking to someone who had first-hand experience of having the surgery was reassuring and made all the difference. The more you can find out about something, the easier it becomes to deal with it.” - Liz, Glaucoma UK member
My advice to anyone newly diagnosed would be to keep a diary of all your visits to the optometrist and eye clinic. Make a note of what medication you’re prescribed and make sure to ask questions. I’d also recommend you become a member of Glaucoma UK – it’s the best decision I ever made!” - Frances, Glaucoma UK member
I think Insight (the Glaucoma UK membership magazine) is in a league of its own for “us patients”. Always interesting - a good read. Always encouraging but never patronising. And if there’s one aspect that is absolutely stellar it’s the diagrams. So clear, so well-thought out, so helpful to non-scientists.” - Chris, Glaucoma UK member
Just a note to say how much I enjoyed the Summer edition of Insight. The journal is getting better and better by the edition. The in-depth articulation and clarity of explanation of complicated issues and research is excellent.” - Clive, Glaucoma UK member
Financials We’re a membership charity, with around 4,000 members - both patients and professionals. Our turnover is c. £1.4m, with the majority of our income coming from legacies and the rest from grants, donations and membership fees. Thanks to the kindness of our supporters, all our services are provided free of charge.
Our team Our Trustees Glaucoma UK is governed by a Board of Trustees who oversee our strategy, activity and performance, our finances and our policies. The Board includes some of the UK’s top glaucoma specialists, and half our trustees have first-hand experience of living with glaucoma. Prof Philip Bloom FRCOphth FGS - Glaucoma UK Chair Julian Exeter MA (Economics) and MSc (Agric. Economics) Ray Spendiff FCCA Mrs Yolanda Laybourne Stephen Epstein BSc (Hons) FCOptom Prof Anthony King FRCOphth MD David Sanders FCA Dr Susan Blakeney PhD FCOptom Dr Roxanne Crosby-Nwaobi RN PhD Teresa Borsuk RIBA Winifred Nolan FRCOphth MD Find out more about our Trustees here: https://glaucoma.uk/about-us/
Clinical Advisory Panel The charity is supported by a Clinical Advisory Panel (CAP) of 21 ophthalmology and optometry specialists. The CAP advises the Board on research strategy and clinical matters, and members play a major role in our research award panels. Our staff Our Senior Leadership Team oversee the day to day running of the charity, supported by a dedicated staff team. Our friendly and ambitious staff team have all been working from home since the first national lockdown in March 2020. We are currently trialling a hybrid working model that gives colleagues the flexibility to work regularly from home as well as the office.
Glaucoma UK staff structure Glaucoma UK Board of Trustees Finance & Governance Committee
Clinical Advisory Panel (incorporating Grants Committee) Chief Executive Karen Osborn
Head of Finance Kay Cox
Head of Support Services Joanna Bradley
Fundraising Manager Natallie Hoare Finance Officer Wendy Chamberlain
Membership Administrator Natalie Smith
Executive PA Richenda Kew
Head of Communications Rachel Hughes
Professional Engagement Leads Kay Holmes / Sharon Becket
Development Managers Wales & NI Melanie Peters Southern England Robyn Asprey Northern England Elizabeth Ball Scotland Philippa Mason
Office Administrator vacant
Comms & PR Officer Elena Cooper
Helpline Manager Helen Doe
Digital Comms Officer recruiting
Helpline Advisor Trish Ganszczyk
Designer Lindsay Haynes
IT Development Manager Tracy Dorman
Data & Insight lead Jade Tang
About the role
Job description Post title
Chief Executive Officer
Reporting to The Chair and Board of Glaucoma UK Location
Ashford, Kent
Hours
Full Time and Permanent
Salary
Up to £75,000, depending on skills, abilities and previous experience
Key responsibilities • To provide dynamic leadership, direction and innovation to Glaucoma UK in order to enable the formulation and achievement of its mission, values, vision and objectives. • To be responsible to the Trustees for the activities of the charity within the strategic and accountability frameworks. • To ensure that the organisation’s services to patients are provided to the highest possible standard and are regularly monitored and evaluated. • To review the external environment for changes that might affect the charity, advise Trustees accordingly and take necessary agreed action. • Together with the Chair and Trustees, to enable the Board to fulfill its functions and to ensure that the Board receives appropriate advice and information on all relevant matters.
Strategic leadership • To develop strategy for Glaucoma UK that ensures future growth and success in achieving its objects, vision and mission. • To provide leadership to ensure staff are inspired, motivated and performing to their full potential. • To make proposals to the Board on the strategic aims and objectives (short, medium and long term) of Glaucoma UK, and assist the Board in the development of policies. • Keep abreast through collaborating with clinical trustees of scientific, social and healthcare management and financial developments that may affect the charity, to advise the Trustees accordingly and to take necessary action to take advantage of opportunities. • To ensure that the charity is aware of best practice in management and in charity administration and that it constantly works to achieve this. Management • To develop and maintain an environment that supports, attracts, retains, and motivates staff. • To ensure that the charity has the appropriate management structure, management systems and procedural guidelines required to fulfill its strategic objectives and to carry out its work effectively and efficiently. • To ensure that job descriptions and performance indicators are clear and regularly reviewed for all staff. • To develop strong and open working relationships with all Heads of Departments based on trust and ease of access. • To ensure that the management, training, development and recruitment of staff are directed towards achieving the charity’s objectives and that they reflect good employment practice.
External representation and income generation • To develop the charity’s public profile and foster good relationships with professionals involved in glaucoma care, those responsible for regulating it, professionals, donors and others. • To oversee the increase of income at Glaucoma UK, working closely with the Fundraising Manager to ensure a diversification of income sources, and to develop appropriate performance indicators for fundraising. • To engage actively in building and maintaining key relationships with funders and potential funders for all major gift cultivation and solicitations. • To represent Glaucoma UK and act as spokesperson in its relations with ophthalmic, optometric and other professional bodies, and with other organisations, public bodies and commercial firms that have an interest in glaucoma, and manage staff in their relations with these. • To ensure that research activities help to influence glaucoma care and build Glaucoma UK’s public profile. Operations and finance • To define, secure and deploy the resources needed to operate effectively. • To recommend to the Board the Annual Budget and make medium term projections of income and expenditure. • To ensure HR processes and procedures are robust and accessible. • T o ensure that the finances of Glaucoma UK are managed within the budget and apply appropriate controls over expenditure. Governance • To maintain effective and professional working relationships with the Board and its sub-committees, and prepare and deliver accurate and timely performance information to the Board. • To foster a corporate culture that promotes ethical practices, integrity and a positive work climate, ensuring high quality governance. • To work with the Board to ensure that it has the skills it requires to govern the charity well, and that it has access to relevant external professional advice and expertise. • To work with the Chair to ensure that all members of the Council receive appropriate induction, training, advice, and information. • With the Chair, to develop an annual programme of Council meetings, Council committee meetings, and away-days. • To ensure that the major risks to which the charity is exposed are reviewed regularly by the Board or a relevant committee of the Board and that systems have been established to mitigate these risks. • To act as Company Secretary for Glaucoma UK and meet all statutory and regulatory requirements.
Person specification Skills and experience • Leadership experience at senior managerial level within a charity and of working closely with and supporting a Board of Trustees. • Experience of developing and implementing organisational-wide strategies as well as business, financial and operational plans to deliver stretching objectives. • Experience of organisational development and of inspiring and motivating staff to deliver organisational strategies through a supportive, collaborative and inclusive staff management approach. • Experience of developing resources, operations and staff structures that both provide best care to beneficiaries and ensure organisational effectiveness. • Robust experience of managing of charity finances at a senior level, including management accounts. • Experience of raising the profile of an organisation through personal relationships, networking and engaging communications. • Experience of working in a successful fundraising environment, building and using funding networks and overseeing fundraising strategy. • Strong written and oral communication skills and ability to articulate and present the charity’s position to patients, professionals and policy-makers convincingly at all levels.
Attributes • Empathy for, and a strong interest in, Glaucoma UK’s areas of work. • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with ability to engage with a range of stakeholders. • An empathetic and supportive approach to management. • Proven ability to manage own workload, prioritise effectively and delegate appropriately. • Ability to build relationships at a senior level with other organisations and individuals and to act as an advocate for Glaucoma UK. • Evidence of commitment to own personal development, willingness to set demanding targets and to learn from experience. Benefits • Up to 5% contributory pension • 21 days annual leave plus Christmas closure • Access to Benenden Healthcare support • An Employee Assistance Programme
How to apply Please forward a CV together with a supporting statement (maximum two pages of A4). Please ensure that you have included mobile, work and home telephone numbers, as well as any dates when you will not be available or might have difficulty with the recruitment timetable. At Prospectus we believe passionately that a truly inclusive workplace leads to increased social impact. We are committed to supporting our clients build more inclusive teams. To understand how we are performing, we ask that you kindly complete the brief equal opportunities questionnaire when you submit your application via our website. Please be assured that your responses are kept confidential, separate from your candidate record, are not part of any application you make, and that the consultants never see individual responses to the questionnaire. Applications should be made via the Prospectus website at: https://jobs.prospect-us.co.uk/jobs/details/HQ00179547 Recruitment timetable Deadline for applications: Interviews with Prospectus: Interviews with Glaucoma UK:
Monday 6 December 2021 13-21 December 2021 w/c 10 January 2022
Queries If you wish to have an informal discussion about the opportunity, please contact our retained advisors Anna Gardet or Amelia Gungah at Prospectus by email at anna.gardet@prospect-us.co.uk or amelia.gungah@prospect-us.co.uk with a copy of your CV. If you require this document in an alternative format, please contact our Executive Team at executive.admin@prospect-us.co.uk or call 020 7691 1920.
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glaucoma.uk Glaucoma UK is the operating name of The International Glaucoma Association. Charity registered in England and Wales No. 274681 and Scotland No. SC041550 Company Registered in England & Wales no. 1293286