Trustee vacancy – Chair – Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum

Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum Trust is seeking to appoint a new Chair of Trustees. 

Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum is a unique science centre focused on the chemical sector and the UK’s only museum of the chemical industry. It plays a vital role as a communicator of STEM education, skills and knowledge and also, in preserving the heritage of the chemical sector and making this publicly available.

The Trustees wish to appoint a new Chair of Trustees to take this successful Centre and Museum forward. We are looking for a new Chair to provide inspiration, leadership, strategic guidance, and ensure effective governance of the Charity. Along with the Trustees, the Chair will support the Operational Team to achieve Catalyst’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities. The Chair will lead, with the Trustees, CEO and senior leadership team, the development of a new 5 year strategy for Catalyst that builds on its current position, the extensive work of the past Chair, Dr Diana Leitch MBE, FRSC, and its 35 year reputation.

The Chair should have enthusiasm for STEM and the science industry, and be an advocate for Catalyst, acting as an ambassador and the public face of the charity on occasions.

The Board are looking for an individual with proven senior leadership and strategic development skills. With good communication skills, governance experience, and who is a strong relationship builder. Ideally, someone with the ability to challenge the organisation to be bigger, bolder and better.  This is a part time voluntary role; travel expenses can be provided if necessary.  Applicants are expected to have the experience to undertake this post, the time to commit to the work involved, and be happy to travel to Catalyst for meetings. The Board would welcome applications from as diverse a group of people as possible.

Number of meetings per annum/time commitment:

• 4 x Board meetings per annum, 1 x Annual General Meeting, 1 x Board Strategy Day,
• Attendance at Sub Committees up to 4 x per annum.
• Ad hoc representation of Catalyst at functions and attendance at other events/meetings as requested by the Trustees, CEO or one of the senior leadership team.
• Regular in-person and electronic contact with the CEO is expected.

Daytime or evening meetings:

Board meetings and AGM are normally late afternoon starting at 4pm at Catalyst.  Other meetings may be held during the daytime to accommodate the working patterns of participants. Events are a mix of daytime or evening and very occasionally weekends.  Hybrid meetings, virtual and in person, are possible.

Closing date for applications:

5pm on Tuesday 31 January 2023.

Contact details or web link for applicants to find out more:

To find out more and request a Trustees Recruitment Pack please contact Jenny Clucas, Interim Chair – [email protected] / 07827 277681

Organisation website:

www.catalyst.org.uk