We believe no childhood should be lost to serious illness.
Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity (GOSH Charity) stops at nothing to help give seriously ill children the best chance and the best childhood possible. We exist to help make Great Ormond Street Hospital even more extraordinary and to make sure patients and families have the support they need, whilst also helping to drive progress for seriously ill children beyond the hospital.
Research is a major and growing focus for GOSH Charity. We aim to invest around £40 million each year and are developing our support for groundbreaking work in rare disease, novel therapies and clinical research. We are now looking for a Trustee who can bring senior clinical academic experience and a strong understanding of the UK medical research landscape to the Board.
The ideal candidate will have significant experience of research leadership, grant funding and clinical research, with an understanding of how high-quality research is assessed, funded and governed. Experience of major national funders, grant review panels or research centres would be particularly valuable.
We are also looking for someone who understands the realities of NHS service delivery, including its financial and governance environment. Working alongside Great Ormond Street Hospital, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health and other partners, the Board must make careful judgements about where charitable funding can add the greatest value, whilst maintaining a clear distinction between charitable investment and statutory NHS responsibility.
Candidates should combine scientific and clinical insight with strong strategic judgement, and be confident scrutinising complex proposals, asking the right questions and offering constructive challenge. Experience of rare disease research or clinical practice is particularly relevant, with expertise in areas such as genomics, molecular medicine, neuroscience or novel therapies also welcome. A paediatric background is not essential.
The successful candidate will be thoughtful, articulate and robust, able to contribute beyond their own area of expertise and work effectively within a collaborative Board culture.
The Trustee will contribute to GOSH Charity’s research governance, including the Research Strategy Advisory Board and Grants & Impact Committee. The overall commitment is approximately 12–15 days per year, including Board and committee meetings, preparation and wider engagement with the Charity.
This is an opportunity to help shape ambitious research investment and ensure donor funds continue to support work with the potential to transform the lives of seriously ill children and their families.
To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter, detailing how you fulfil the role description and personal specification to http://www.perrettlaver.com/candidates quoting reference 8679. The deadline for applications is 26th October 2026.
This is a voluntary role and is unremunerated. Reasonable expenses will be covered.
Candidates will be invited to interview with GOSH Charity in mid-November and the Selection Panel will subsequently meet to decide upon a final shortlist for the post in late November. The appointment is expected to be confirmed by 3rd December following which, the successful candidate will be invited to attend the January board awayday.
If you require any reasonable adjustments to assist you in the selection process, please advise us of these so that we can make appropriate arrangements.
To confidentially get in touch about this role, or for advice on your application, please email Daniel Munks at daniel.munks@perrettlaver.com
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