Museum Development South West (MDSW) is seeking a new Chair to lead our Strategic Advisory Board for our Arts Council England National Portfolio Sector Support funded programme following the departure of our current Chair at the end of their term.
MDSW is passionate about museums and believes in their value to make a difference to communities and in people’s everyday lives. We provide trusted, local, relevant support and help museums further develop, innovate and collaborate.
MDSW wishes to appoint an experienced leader to work closely with the Programme Manager to deliver our business plan. The Chair will also act as an ambassador for the programme, advocating on its behalf and championing the museum sector in the south west to stakeholders at regional and national level.
Applications are now open for individuals with experience and/or strong interest in the cultural sector, with experience of collaborating with the museum and heritage sector desirable. The successful applicant will have a track record of working at strategic level alongside a commitment to working in partnership. This appointment provides a unique opportunity to shape development support to the museum sector as MDSW looks to maximise its mixed funding cycle and future opportunities.
We are committed to equality and diversity and will endeavour to ensure diversity on the Strategic Advisory Board. We welcome applications from talented individuals who can meet the criteria outlined within the Person Specification regardless of age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or identity, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, disability, partnership status or home responsibility, pregnancy or maternity, HIV or AIDS status, political or religious belief, trade union activity, refugee or asylum seeker status, socio-economic background or status, education, experience or geography.
The successful applicant will benefit from a planned handover with the current Chair from October 2025 with a view to chairing their first full Board meeting in January 2026. The Chair will work closely with the MDSW Programme Manager and Senior Programme Officer along with the wider team and will have support from a representative of Bristol City Council.* Further information can be found in the Briefing pack.
*Bristol City Council, as the programme host, is accountable for all financial, employment and legal responsibilities including the line management of the Programme Manager.
Remuneration
The Chair will receive a £5,000 per annum honorarium inclusive of travel and subsistence to attend four Strategic Advisory Board meetings (at least three in person located across the south west) and three Officer meetings each year.
For more information please see:
For further information in confidence please contact Programme Manager, Victoria Harding victoria.harding@bristol.gov.uk
To apply
Please provide a CV and covering letter explaining how you meet the criteria detailed in the person specification. This could be through employment, personal life or other non-job experiences or how you have the potential to demonstrate these qualities.
Please send these to Senior Museum Development Programme Officer, Jenni Orme, at jenni.orme@bristol.gov.uk. Please contact us if you would like to discuss submitting your application in an alternative format. Applicants invited to interview are advised that interviews will take place in Bristol on 9, 10 or 16 September 2025. It is also possible to request an online interview.
Application deadline
5pm Tuesday 26 August 2025
We are also recruiting for a Member of our Strategic Advisory Board. See details below:
Apply Now
- Salary Offer £5,000 per annum honorarium inclusive of travel and subsistence
