Chair of Board of Trustees

About the Organisation

St Neots Museum is an independent charitable museum dedicated to public education and community heritage, caring for and sharing the history of St Neots and the surrounding area.

The Museum is a registered charity and is accredited under the Arts Council England Museum Accreditation Scheme, meeting nationally recognised standards in governance, collections management, public engagement and sustainability. It is supported by a small staff team alongside a significant and highly valued volunteer workforce.

As St Neots continues to grow, the Museum is looking to strengthen its reach, visitor offer and role within the local community.

About the Opportunity

St Neots Museum is looking for an experienced and motivated individual to become Chair of its Board of Trustees.

This is a senior voluntary leadership role with responsibility for guiding the Museum’s strategic direction, ensuring strong governance and supporting its long-term sustainability.

You’ll lead the Board of Trustees and work closely with the Museum Manager to help ensure the Museum is well governed, financially sound and meeting its charitable and statutory responsibilities.

Your Role Includes:

• Leading the Board of Trustees and supporting effective decision-making
• Chairing Trustee Board meetings and ensuring good governance
• Overseeing financial stability, legal compliance and risk management
• Supporting strategic planning, including an annual strategy day
• Helping ensure the Board has the right mix of skills and experience
• Working with the Museum Manager to maintain oversight of operations, collections and accreditation requirements
• Representing the Museum and building relationships with stakeholders and partners
• Acting as an advocate and ambassador for the Museum

You'll Bring:

• Strong leadership and facilitation skills
• Experience of organisational or people management
• An understanding of the UK charity environment
• Confidence working with people and managing different viewpoints
• A collaborative and impartial approach to discussion and decision-making
• Commitment to the Museum’s purpose and values

Why Join Us:

This is an opportunity to play a significant role in the future of an important local institution at a time when St Neots is experiencing considerable growth.

As Chair, you’ll help ensure the Museum remains well run, financially sustainable and able to meet national museum accreditation standards. You’ll have the opportunity to shape how local heritage, learning and community connection are experienced and help create a lasting legacy for future generations.

Hours & Location

Location: St Neots Museum, St Neots

Role Type: Voluntary

Time Commitment: Approximately 15 hours per month – around four half-days – excluding time spent promoting the Museum at external events

Working Pattern: Flexible and agreed around other commitments

Eligibility

There are legal restrictions on who can become a charity trustee. For example, you cannot be under 18, have previously been removed from trusteeship by a Court or the Charity Commission, be disqualified under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986, or have certain unspent convictions involving deception or dishonesty. If you are unsure about your eligibility, you should check the Charity Commission guidance before applying.

How to Apply

St Neots Museum welcomes applications from all sections of the community and is particularly interested in hearing from people with experience in leadership, governance, charities, business, the public sector or community organisations.

For more information or to express your interest, contact Chris Jones, Deputy Chair of Trustees