CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 8 2023 6 ounded in 2019, Salivary Gland Cancer UK is the remarkable result of a unique collaboration between a patient advocate and a medical oncologist, both of whom are passionately committed to further research and outcomes within the realm of salivary gland cancers. Emma Kinloch and Dr. Robert Metcalf cofounded the charity together with the aim of supporting and educating the public on the rare and devastating disease. Firmly embedded in both the UK and worldwide research communities, the charity has established strong, long-lasting links with other patient support groups. Since its inception, Salivary Gland Cancer UK has continued to build a research, information, and support network for those affected by, treating, or researching these conditions. Before forming Salivary Gland Cancer UK, Emma spent more than two decades with a world leading investment bank, working in many roles across regions, departments, and products. This experience provided Emma with the necessary organisational and client management skills needed to successfully set up and Chair Salivary Gland Cancer UK. Through personal experience of salivary gland cancers, Emma became involved in cancer research through the National Cancer Research Institute. She soon realised that salivary gland cancers present numerous research challenges and that there was a massive unmet need and decided that things needed to change. “There were no charities in the UK specifically focused on salivary gland cancer and so in 2019, I joined forces with medical oncologist Dr. Robert Metcalf from The Christie Clinic in Manchester to address that, and Salivary Gland Cancer UK was created,” Emma recalls. “Dr. Metcalf has focused his research and career on Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma and other salivary gland cancers, and over the last five years we have built a successful and productive charity with links to the patient and research communities across the UK and internationally.” Salivary Gland Cancer UK is a small, but rapidly growing organisation built upon the foundation of collaboration. This is how Emma describes her leadership style, from co-founding the organisation with Dr. Metcalf, to bringing people together through the work she does, to co-producing the eight aims by which the charity lives. Rare Cancer NPO Chairperson of the Year 2024 (UK): Emma Kinloch Salivary Gland Cancer UK is a charity for all those affected by, researching, or treating rare salivary gland cancers, such as Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma, Acinic Cell Carcinoma, and Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma. There are more than 20 types of salivary gland cancer, and all are rare with no clearly associated risk factors. As a result, they are often diagnosed late, or misdiagnosed, and prognoses are poor. Salivary Gland Cancer UK strives to change this by providing reliable information, hosting gatherings, and working tirelessly to address the unmet needs of those affected or working with these cancers. Emma Kinloch, the charity’s Chairperson, has been recognised in the Chairperson Awards 2024 for her philanthropic work within the field. Below, we speak with Emma to learn more. Through patient-clinician collaboration, the organisation has formulated eight core aims that drive its strategy and long-term vision. These aims include building support and information networks, improving the rate of early diagnosis, optimising the pathways to diagnosis, and supporting the development of treatments. The Board and key members of the organisation regularly review its activities against these aims, using them to identify areas to develop, opportunities to expand, and ensuring that activities remain relevant and focused on this underlying framework. Salivary Gland Cancer UK is strategic and efficient in its work, and Emma aims to lead in that way. Emma believes that on a personal level, it is incredibly important in leadership to be fair. As a leader, she aims to give credit to others when due, be straightforward and clear in terms of expectations, communicate openly to ensure all are on the same page, and invite and respond positively to feedback on performance. In doing so, Emma guides Salivary Gland Cancer UK towards excellence, enabling the organisation to impact more and more individuals with its mission. It is incontestable that Salivary Gland Cancer UK has come a long way in just five years of operation. In half a decade, the organisation has established solid foundations and strong relationships that it is now seeking to build upon in the upcoming months. Currently, Emma tells us that the charity is in the exciting process of mapping out its five year strategy, spanning 2025 to 2030. “We started with nothing, and through hard work and collaboration, bringing together patients, clinicians, researchers, and volunteers, we have built an effective and focused charity with a bright future ahead,” she reflects. “Watch this space, as there is a lot more to come from us. We’ve just warmed up!” F Contact: Emma Kinloch Company: Salivary Gland Cancer UK Web Address: www.salivaryglandcancer.uk/
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTY1MjM3