William Morris Society

Job Title: Treasurer / Trustee
Location: William Morris Society, London
Time Commitment: 4 meetings per year
Contact Details: Click apply button to find out more
Closing date: 2024-06-02

The William Morris Society is recruiting for two new members to join our board of trustees – to contribute to the strategic direction and good governance of the charity as we head towards our milestone 70th anniversary.

Founded in 1955, the Society works to improve and diffuse knowledge of the life, work and influence of William Morris. This is achieved through an impressive programme of activity – including publication of a journal and a members’ magazine, delivery of in-house and high-profile guest speaker events, school and outreach opportunities and, not least of all, rolling exhibitions at our museum on the Thames in West London.

In 2024 the Society welcomed Tristram Hunt, Director of the V&A, as our new President and appointed for the first time a CEO to run the charity. New board members will join the Society at a time of rejuvenation and growth, although we remain a small organisation (with turnover <£150k) with the usual challenges facing the heritage and arts sectors.

The members of the Society comprise a fellowship of those interested in the very many diverse aspects of Morris’ life and artistic output – ranging from his famous wallpaper and tapestry designs, through his stained-glass and literary works, to his perhaps less-well known political activism. With something for everyone, we are a diverse membership – from across the UK and further afield.

We combine our broad and international appeal with a strong local presence in Hammersmith based on the contribution of Morris to the arts & crafts movement and grassroots politics during his time living at Kelmscott House – the Coach House of which is today run by the Society as a museum. We work with organisations across the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham, including the Council from whom we receive an annual grant. To consolidate and further build our local connections we are recruiting for a resident of the community to join our board of trustees.

With our current Treasurer stepping down next year, we are also now recruiting for his successor. As Treasurer-designate, the successful candidate will have opportunity to work with and learn from the team, particularly with our finance officer, before stepping up to the role at our AGM in May 2025. For context, recent annual accounts can be viewed on the Charity Commission website.

We are keen to hear from all those with an interest in Morris and in supporting the work of the charity and who are either a) resident in the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham or b) have financial experience to support the Society as our next Treasurer.

Additional information

Number of meetings per annum/time commitment:      The board meets quarterly with subcommittee meetings in between – including the Finance & General Purposes Committee, of which the Treasurer is ex officio a member.

Daytime or evening meetings:      Normally daytime (weekend board meetings and weekday subcommittees)

Closing date for applications:       Sunday 2 June 2024

Contact details or web link for applicants to find out more:     Application is by CV and brief covering letter to the Society’s CEO, Claudia Suckling ([email protected]). To schedule an informal discussion about either role with the Vice-Chair, Tara-Jane Sutcliffe, please get in touch.

Organisation website:        https://williammorrissociety.org/