Trustee vacancy – Bow Street Police Museum

Bow Street Police Museum opened in May 2021 and is one of London’s newest independent museums. We are currently looking to recruit new Trustees to join our Board, specifically to take on the roles of Fundraising and Communications but also to support the museum in developing its long-term strategy. We are interested in hearing from those with experience in either one or both of these specialisms. 

Museum Overview

Located in the former Police Station and the iconic Magistrate’s Court on Bow Street, our exhibitions are filled with rich stories of investigations, arrests and justice being served. Peoples’ stories are at the heart of our content, from the earliest watchmen and the Bow Street Runners to the cases of international renown, including Oscar Wilde, The Suffragettes, The Kray brothers and Dr Crippen.

Through our activities, events, and exhibitions we aspire to explore the histories associated with stories of criminal justice (and injustice) and talk openly about how events from the past impacted the lives and communities of those involved. We create opportunities to see familiar stories from new points of view and aim to be a place where everyone feels welcome, represented, and valued.

At the heart of our organisation are three core values that shape everything we do;

• WE LISTEN to our audiences and do things that matter to them and the communities whose stories we tell.
• WE COLLABORATE across sectors to ensure a diverse range of voices and experiences are represented.
• WE ARE CREATIVE and are not afraid to try out new ways of doing things.

Trustee Role and Responsibilities 

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape a new organisation linked to a unique London story.

As our Fundraising expert, you will be able to make a significant and direct contribution to income generation for our charity. You will support the Museum to raise both immediate funds and regular sustainable funding to enable us to achieve our aims for the future. A well-rounded fundraiser in the museums and heritage sector, you will have a successful track record of helping charitable organisations to attract and grow income and funding from a wide range of public and private sources.

As a new museum, we need to build awareness, both amongst our target visitor audiences and potential donors. As a marketing and communications expert, with experience of working in the cultural sector, you will be able to forge our communications strategy and oversee its implementation.

Key responsibilities are:

Fundraising

• Identify and create new income streams to raise funds to enable us fulfil our plans
• Lead the development of the museum’s fundraising strategy and the implementation of fundraising activity
• Work with the Museum Manager on increasing opportunities for individual donations, sponsorship and/or project funding.
• Support the work of the Treasurer, the museum team, and the other Trustees
• Provide support and guidance in your specific area of expertise
• To be an advocate for BSPM, raising its profile locally and nationally. 

Communications

• Take an active role in the development of the museum’s marketing and communications strategy
• Build a body of supporters and donors and manage positive relationships through effective marketing strategies and personal communication.
• Identify a marketing and communications plan to build our visitor audiences
• Provide support in developing marketing and fundraising materials. 

Commitment

We are looking for a Trustee who will take an active role in the governance of the museum, attending regular board meetings, reading papers, contributing to key discussions, offering guidance on new initiatives, and helping to deliver results related to their specific area of expertise. We also hold sub-committee meetings on specific projects. We anticipate each Trustee will attend up to 8 meetings per annum in total.

We are at an exciting stage of our development with many opportunities to grow. The role of Fundraising and Communications will thus be hands-on in the first year requiring at least 2 days/month (inclusive of meetings).

In addition to the specific responsibilities of their role, we ask that all Trustees contribute to:

• The establishment of a clear strategic direction for the museum.
• The development of operational and legal policies and procedures.
• Defining goals and setting targets.
• The evaluation of the museum’s performance and activities.
• The oversight of risks and opportunities for the museum.
• Practices that ensure the financial stability of the museum.
• The effective administration of the museum, ensuring resources are used well, for their intended purpose.
• The establishment of a Code of Conduct. 

To Apply

To apply for the role of Trustee please email an expression of interest, accompanied by your CV, to vicki.pipe@bowstreetpolicemuseum.org.uk

Deadline for applications is 12 Midnight on 16 April 2023

Interviews will be conducted during April 2023, with a view for successful candidates to formally take up their position by May 2022.