Dr Ian Gallen, Honorary Secretary, The Association of British Clinical Diabetologists (ABCD) puts forth this request for lay trustees:
“In the short time that it takes to read this letter, it is a fact that someone somewhere in the UK is being treated for diabetes. It could be a family member, a friend, a neighbour, a work colleague. It could even be yourself. It is estimated that there are currently 1.5 million people with known diabetes in the UK and that there may be another million people who have the condition but who have not yet been diagnosed. The number is increasing at an alarming rate and is predicted to double worldwide by 2025 – making it one of the biggest challenges facing the medical world.
The Association of British Clinical Diabetologists is determined to improve the care of the growing number of people living with this condition – and now want to draw upon the expertise that exists in the community to take forward our work into a new era. We are looking to recruit up to three members of the public to join our charitable organisation, The Diabetes Care Trust, as lay trustees ahead of its re-launch in Spring 2011.
Applicants can be from any community in the UK and from any walk of life. We are particularly keen to hear from people with expertise in fund-raising or who have charity experience. The posts are unpaid but travelling expenses will be paid to cover the costs of attending two Board meetings in London each year.
As well as improving understanding of diabetes care nationally and internationally, the charity also has the aim of driving up clinical standards; helping to launch new services, facilities or equipment not available under the NHS; promoting healthcare research into the condition; sharing good practice; and enhancing the training and education of clinicians.”
Applicants can find out more about the work of ABCD by visiting its website www.diabetologists.org.uk and can register their interest in becoming a trustee by emailing me their details to DiabetesCareTrust@diabetologists.org.uk or by post to: Diabetes Care Trust, P O Box 2927, Malmesbury SN16 0WZ.
