My Death, My Decision is a grassroots movement that campaigns for assisted dying reform. We want a compassionate law on assisted dying that permits a medically assisted death to adults of sound mind who are suffering intolerably or terminally ill. We believe reform is necessary to reduce the suffering of individuals who are close to death, and, just as importantly, to give choice to those with physical, incurable conditions who face years of constant pain or suffering that they find unbearable.
My Death, My Decision has been at the forefront of supporting the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill while recognising that it does not fulfill all our goals. It has become increasingly clear that a long-term campaign will be necessary after the Bill is passed, both to ensure that the Bill is properly implemented and to engage with future reviews and consultations.
We are seeking expressions of interest now so that we are well-placed to manage this change effectively.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for people who share our passion for what should be a basic human right and are interested in active hands-on involvement in the campaign. In particular, we would like to attract people with the following experience and expertise:
- Chairing a charity or managing a small organisation.
- Public Affairs or Campaigning
- Medicine
- Fundraising or Marketing
- Policy or Legal
- Operations
We are an equal opportunities employer, proud of our diversity and Board gender balance. We remain committed to improving our diversity and therefore encourage applications from all members of the community.
Experience in charity governance would be welcome.
What will you be doing?
My Death, My Decision is a small grassroots organisation. Many people are often surprised to see how much work is carried out by so few staff members and that we are volunteer-led.
We are looking to recruit a working board, more than a governing board, meaning that the board will be expected to fulfil a hands-on volunteering role, with clear tasks and responsibilities, rather than the boards of larger organisations, which generally only advise and set the strategy.
The time commitment will be between 2 to 4 hours per week, depending on your expertise and what tasks you volunteer to support with.
What difference will you make?
This is an opportunity to effect real change and make a difference by achieving law change that will respect autonomy, ensure dignity and end unnecessary suffering for those at the most challenging times of their lives; and provide choice for those making critical decisions about their lives and how they might end.
We are committed to an evidence-based law which balances individual choice alongside robust safeguards. You can be the dynamic motivator of the work of our members, supporters, patrons and activists as we help to enshrine the values of autonomy, dignity, and compassion into assisted dying legislation.
Next steps:
If you are interested in playing a role in one of the biggest campaigns in a generation please send a CV and a short introduction email explaining why you would like to join the board and what expertise you will bring to our grassroots organisation.
As you can imagine, we are in the busiest period our campaign has ever seen. We will endeavour to acknowledge receipt of all applications and will seek to host interviews on a rolling basis.
Please send applications to: simon.menneer@mydeath-mydecision.org.uk with the subject line: “Board Recruitment”.
