Opening the doors: Médecins Sans Frontières

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an independent international medical humanitarian organisation that delivers emergency aid in more than 60 countries to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, natural or man-made disasters or exclusion from healthcare.

The movement was awarded the 1999 Nobel Peace Prize.

Lucy Clayton, Director of Communications

“Each year, MSF UK holds an annual general meeting (AGM) to which members of the MSF association bring motions for debate which set policy for the year ahead. It’s a democratic system, with members being made up of people who have worked in MSF projects around the world.

“During the AGM, members also vote in a board which is made up of between six and nine people. The majority of board members have worked for MSF in the past and some externals are co-opted in for their expertise in certain areas. Currently, we have a financial specialist, and it is often the case that the treasurer position is held by a person who has not worked for MSF.

“MSF has strict criteria about how much money is spent at headquarter level - this is capped at 20 per cent, with the remaining 80 per cent destined for projects. This administrative work is a usual function of the board. Their role is to safeguard MSF as an institution. It keeps the staff accountable, which is important in today’s day and age.”