About the organisation
What We Do
The Muscle Help Foundation (MHF) delivers personalised experiences in the UK called Muscle Dreams designed for vulnerable children, young people and adults (8–35yrs) living with Muscular Dystrophy (MD). Each moment-in-time is co-designed with families to boost confidence, improve wellbeing, and reduce isolation. No two moments are the same - from being out on the ocean, experiencing level flight to enjoying a day built around a personal passion, each Muscle Dream is about joy, hope, identity and empowerment.
For over 24 years, MHF has worked at the heart of the rare disease community. Our work is powered by lived experience and is led by our founder & CEO, Michael McGrath MBE - the first disabled person to reach both the North & South Poles. Michael himself lives with MD. He is a full-time powerchair user. With just one FTE, MHF delivers high impact work through an agile, low-cost model supported by expert freelancers, dedicated volunteers and trusted partners.
Why Our Work Matters
MD is a progressive, life-limiting muscle-wasting condition. There is no cure. Families face an uncertain, isolating journey with limited support and few moments of shared joy. >96% of our beneficiaries have the most severe form called Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD); over the past 17 months, we have lost 11 beneficiaries with the average age being just 19yrs. This is a harsh reality.
As we near the completion of our founding mission, we remain committed to fulfilling every promise while preparing for the future, scaling our reach through:
· Expanded mental health support
· Stronger community connections
· More transformative Muscle Dreams
Our 2025 Stakeholder Validation Review echoed the findings of the University of Hertfordshire’s 2016 Impact Report. Families, young people, volunteers & partners reported lasting outcomes:
· From improved emotional wellbeing
· To increased self-confidence
· To stronger family & peer connections
· And a deeper sense of hope, inclusion & empowerment
The message from across our stakeholder community is clear
“MHF’s work must not only continue, but grow…”
About the role
2026 is a pivotal time. Marking its 23rd year of operation, MHF is now moving beyond its founding 657 mission set in March 2003, to a new mission. Exciting times! A key Board appointment, the Treasurer will maintain an overview of MHF's financial affairs, ensuring continued sustainability.
We're looking for that special person to be a part of a small and friendly team that can help contribute to MHF's future mission and vision.
Our existing Treasurer is also MHF's Interim Chair. As a high achiever, the need for a standalone Treasurer is required to ease the pressure. MHF’s Treasurer will work with the charity’s long-standing chartered accountancy firm and external book-keeping partner, in addition to being supported by the Interim-Chair and the CEO.
What are we looking for?
- Time to dedicate to the role of Treasurer. Excellent communicator with good listening & interpersonal skills
- Professional or relevant finance & business-related experience and knowledge and/or the ability to demonstrate the necessary financial skills needed to support MHF's professional interests
- The intellectual capacity to grasp issues outside personal experience and the ability to contribute to high level strategy development
Time commitment
- Typically 1-3 hours p/wk or on occasion approx 3-7 hours p/wk
- Ideally within 50 miles of MHF's HQ (East Hampshire) but of course there's flexibility here
- Approx 5-7 days p/month, sometimes more (annual Charity Commission reporting), sometimes less
- Attend 4 trustee board meetings per year (currently virtual)
- Attend 1 away day per annum
Our ideal candidate
As an MHF Trustee, this is a great opportunity to bring your unique skill set to help the strategic progression of the charity whilst supporting its ongoing work and impact.
A strong commitment to disability equality and how this impacts on the quality of life and life choices for disabled people and their families
- Understanding of the context in which The Muscle Help Foundation charity works and a commitment to its values adds to public confidence and trust in the organisation
- An understanding and acceptance of the governance, responsibilities and liabilities of the MHF charity
- A willingness to actively engage with contacts to further MHF's goals and to make new links for the charity
- Previous experience of working collaboratively as part of a team, using sound independent judgement and collective decision making, with an understanding of commercial and non-commercial issues
- The intellectual capacity to grasp issues outside personal experience and the ability to contribute to high level strategy development
- A good communicator with excellent communication, listening and interpersonal skills, able to both empower and challenge supportively
- Commitment to equality & diversity in working relationships with other Trustees, staff, beneficiaries etc
- The ability to think creatively and strategically
- Professional or relevant finance and business-related experience and knowledge and/or the ability to demonstrate the necessary financial skills needed to support the charity’s professional interests
- Skills to analyse proposals and examine and comment on their financial consequences
- Passion, enthusiasm and time to dedicate to the role of Treasurer (Trustee)
What’s in it for you
As a trustee, you will have an opportunity to help improve the lives of vulnerable children, young people, adults and their families living with Muscular Dystrophy - this role offers an exciting opportunity to make a difference:
- Be part of an incredible team all rowing in the same direction
- Contribute to the governance of a small, multi award-winning national charity that's universally respected
- Have your voice heard and listened to
- Work closely with one of Britain’s most influential people with a disability, aka our CEO & Chief Muscle Warrior
- Attend events, meet beneficiaries & families and by default, witness the impact of the charity’s work
- Network with other like-minded individuals where there's an alignment of beahviours and common values
- Receive induction, support and training
- And much more…
Apply for the role
Please provide a short cover note setting out your motivations for volunteering for the organisation, any relevant skills/experience and why you think you might be a suitable candidate.
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