Independent Chair, Trusts and Funds Review Committee

Voluntary Appointment | Three-Year Term

The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh (RCPE) is seeking to appoint an Independent Chair of its Trusts and Funds Review Committee.

This is an important honorary role that offers an opportunity to contribute directly to the College's charitable mission by helping ensure that funds, grants, bursaries and awards are distributed fairly, transparently and in accordance with the purposes for which they were established.

The successful candidate will provide independent leadership to the Trusts and Funds Review Committee, guiding the assessment of applications and supporting robust, objective and consistent decision-making. The Chair will play a key role in maintaining confidence in the College's processes and ensuring applicants are treated equitably.
This is a non-executive, non-trustee appointment. The postholder will not be a member of the Board of Trustees or Council and will carry no legal or fiduciary responsibilities. This appointment is open to Fellows of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh who are in good standing.

About the Role

The Independent Chair will:

• Chair meetings of the Trusts and Funds Review Committee.
• Facilitate fair, transparent and evidence-based consideration of applications.
• Ensure conflicts of interest are appropriately managed.
• Guide the committee in making recommendations in line with published criteria and the objectives of individual trusts and funds.
• Support the continuous improvement of the College's assessment and review processes.
• Act as an ambassador for the College's charitable activities when required.

About You

We are seeking a Fellow of the College who can demonstrate:

• Good judgement, integrity and impartiality.
• Experience of chairing committees, panels or other decision-making groups.
• The ability to evaluate information objectively and facilitate balanced discussion.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• An understanding of fair and transparent assessment processes.
• A commitment to the values and charitable purpose of the College.

Experience in reviewing grants, awards, fellowships, educational funding or similar applications would be advantageous.

Time Commitment

The Committee is expected to meet up to four times each year, with preparation required in advance of meetings. Most commitments can be planned well ahead, and the overall time commitment is expected to average approximately one day per month.

Term of Appointment

The appointment will be for an initial period of three years, with the possibility of reappointment for a further three-year term by mutual agreement. Reasonable travel and subsistence expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with College policy.

Informal Enquiries

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact:

Dr Lesley Dawson FRCP Edin
College Secretary
Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
Email: l.dawson@rcpe.ac.uk 

Applications

Applications should be submitted electronically to Lindsay Paterson, Director of Global Engagement  l.paterson@rcpe.ac.uk and should comprise:

• A current Curriculum Vitae, not exceeding three pages in length.
• A covering letter, not exceeding two pages, outlining: 
  • your interest in the role;
  • your understanding of the responsibilities of the Independent Chair, Trusts and Funds Review Committee;
  • the skills, experience and qualities you would bring to the position; and
  • how you meet the selection criteria set out in this role description.

Applications will be considered by a selection panel appointed by the College.

Closing Date

The closing date for applications is: 5.00 pm on Friday 11 September 2026

Applications received after this time may not be considered.
The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all eligible Fellows.