Trustee vacancies

Trustee vacancies

We are currently looking to recruit up to four new trustees including a successor to the Chair.

Tullie anticipates retirements in the future as trustees will come to the end of their terms and would like to be proactive in seeking to expand the Board’s skill base.

The current Chair plans to step down within the next two years once his successor has joined the Board.

There are currently 10 trustees including the Director. The preferred number of trustees is 12-13 and can comprise up to 17 - which provides flexibility for succession planning and handover.

We are looking for new trustees to provide strategic and inspirational leadership to the charity as we seek further growth and delivery of our charitable objectives.

We are looking for applicants with experience and/or skills in the following areas:

1. Curatorial/Museum Leadership

2. Finance

3. Fundraising

4. Digital/Marketing

5. Education

About the roles

What Tullie needs:

• A commitment to understanding and supporting the Museum’s mission.

• Strategic vision; good, independent judgment.

• Ability to think creatively and willingness to speak your mind.

• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship.

• An understanding of Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

• Active role in fundraising (national and international opportunities) and sharing support for the charity through personal and professional networks.

• An interest and passion in environmental issues.

• Someone who can become Chair.

• Someone who has an interest in or connection to Cumbria would be desirable.

Principal duties:

• Determine the organisation’s mission and values.

• Engage in strategic planning.

• Provide effective fiscal and legal oversight and ensure sound risk management.

• Enhance the organisation’s relationships with key external parties and its public image.

• Ensure that the organisation acts as a responsible employer.

Time commitment:

• A minimum of four board meetings per annum in person (currently taking place on a Friday afternoon).

• Annual Board awayday in person.

• Attendance on at least one committee, which is likely to be four meetings per annum (depending on the committee, these maybe online).

• Attendance of at least one quarterly meeting of our Community Board (this may be online).

• Attendance at exhibition previews and events for Patrons and potential Patrons (optional).

• Attendance at an Annual Dinner (optional).

• Length of service is an initial 3-year term.

• The successor to the Chair would need to be prepared to commit more time to effectively fulfil the position’s responsibilities.

Remuneration:

This is a voluntary position and as such does not pay a salary. Reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

Committees:

Audit and Risk, Remunerations and Nominations (RENCO), Development Committee and Project Tullie Board (an advisory body for the Board in assisting it to develop and deliver its major capital projects).

Induction:

Tullie provides a site tour and collections talks as well as an induction pack which contains key governance information.

Our values

Click to open and read.

How to apply

If you would like to apply, please send the following:

• An up to date CV

• A completed data capture form (which Harris Hill can share with you)

• A Supporting Statement (no more than 2 x A4 pages) outlining why you are interested in becoming a Trustee of Tullie and demonstrating relevant experience for the role

Please submit your completed applications to nick.shanks@harrishill.co.uk by 9am, Friday 31st October 2025

Download our information pack:

Dates for your diary

Please state in your application if you have any commitments during the interview period that may coincide with these dates.

Please could you let us know if you will require any special provision should you be called forward for interview.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Fri 31st October 2025

1st stage interviews (via Teams): Wed 19th & Thu 20th November 2025

2nd stage interviews (in person in Carlisle): Fri 28th November 2025

If you have any queries on these positions, please contact our recruitment partner Nick Shanks at Harris Hill Executive Search on 07766 538575 or by email.

Meanwhile for more on the organisation, please visit the Tullie website.