Join the Board of the National Council for Osteopathic Research
About NCOR
The National Council for Osteopathic Research (NCOR) is seeking passionate and committed individuals to join our Board of Trustees. As a registered charity, we support the osteopathic research community and work to advance high-quality, evidence-based osteopathy. We are looking for trustees who will bring valuable skills, experience and strategic vision to our organisation.
Why become a trustee?
Being a trustee is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in the field of osteopathic research. You will:
- Contribute to strategic development and governance of a dynamic charity
- Work with a diverse team of experienced professionals and experts
- Develop new skills and knowledge whilst applying your existing expertise
- Support the osteopathic research community and advance evidence-based practice
- Be part of a network of 900,000 charity trustees across England and Wales
The trustee role
As a trustee, you will work as a member of our Board of Trustees to contribute your experience, expertise and insight. You will help add value to our strategic development and governance to ensure NCOR remains a robust and dynamic charity supporting the osteopathic research community.
Key Responsibilities
- Act in accordance with Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership
- Attend and participate actively in Board meetings (4 per annum) and other governance functions
- Contribute strategic thinking and constructive challenge to enhance sustainability
- Apply your specialist knowledge and skills to help build partnerships and relationships
- Maintain awareness of NCOR and the environment in which we operate
- Support the organisation’s charitable objects and mission
- Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately
- Act as a credible ambassador for NCOR
What we’re looking for
Essential requirements
- Understanding of and commitment to NCOR’s culture, ethos and charitable purpose
- Experience of dealing with strategic issues and business planning
- Ability to act as a credible ambassador and make connections with other organisations and communities
- Specialist knowledge and experience in a range of contexts
- Excellent communication and listening skills
- Ability to commit the time and attention to learn about and contribute to NCOR’s work
- Strong self-management skills
- Integrity, independent judgement and the ability to think creatively
- Ability to work effectively as a member of a team and respect diverse views
Particularly welcomed
- Data protection and privacy expertise
- Marketing and strategic communications experience
- Business management skills
- Financial management experience
- Knowledge of osteopathy, research or research governance
- Legal expertise
- Recruitment and personnel management experience
- Public relations and campaigning background
- IT and digital expertise
- Board or trustee experience
Time commitment and terms
Time required
The standard trustee role requires a commitment of approximately one day per month, including:
- Four Board meetings per annum (approximately 2 hours each, 3 online, one face-to-face)
- Two online NCOR interested parties meetings
- Ad hoc board-led working groups as necessary
- Preparation for meetings and reading time for all papers
- Contact with the Chair and fellow trustees outside meetings
- Board development, appraisal, induction and training participation
- Annual General Meeting (online, ca. 1 hour)
Position Details
| Term of Office | 3 years, with possible reappointment up to 9 years in total |
| Remuneration | Unpaid position. Reasonable expenses are payable |
| Meeting Format | All meetings held online, except one face-to-face trustee meeting, around June |
| Support | Induction training and ongoing support provided |
| Current Chair | Dr Philip Bright |
| Disqualifications | You must not be disqualified under Section 72 of the Charities Act 1993 |
How to apply
Application documents
To apply for a trustee position, please prepare the following documents and send them to info@ncor.org.uk:
- A CV (maximum 2 pages)
- A cover letter explaining your interest in joining NCOR’s Board (maximum 2 pages)
- Details of two referees who can speak to your suitability for the role
Recruitment Timetable
| Applications Open | 01/11/2025 |
| Application Deadline | 04/01/2026 |
| Shortlisting | 12/01/2026 |
| Interviews | w/c 19/01/2026 |
| Appointment Notification | By 31/01/2026 |
| Induction and Training | February 2026 |
| Start Date | February 2026 |
Selection Process
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview with members of the Board. We seek to appoint new trustees in accordance with our agreed selection criteria, with a focus on building a board with diverse skills, experience and backgrounds. We will assess your alignment with our values, your strategic thinking, and how your skills will add value to our governance.
Important policies and information
All trustees are expected to read and understand the following:
- NCOR’s Constitution
- The Charity Commission’s “The Essential Trustee – What You Need to Know” guide
- NCOR’s Trustee Induction Pack
- NCOR’s Conflict of Interest Policy
Conflict of Interest: Trustees must declare any potential conflicts of interest. A conflict arises when a trustee’s personal interests or those they owe to another body clash with those of the charity. This is managed carefully to protect the charity’s reputation and integrity.
Get in touch
If you have any questions about the trustee role or the application process, please contact Dr Philip Bright, Chair of NCOR Board of Trustees at Philip.Bright@hsu.ac.uk
NCOR is a registered charity. Charity number: 1157217. We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all applicants.