Trustee vacancy – Museums Galleries Scotland

Museums Galleries Scotland (MGS) is the National Development Body for Scotland’s museum sector. An independent charity, we receive core funding from Scottish Government, which also provides funding to be distributed via grants directly to the museums and galleries sector. We support 448 museums and galleries through strategic investment, advice, workforce development and advocacy.

We are looking for two new Trustees to join our Board and contribute your skills and experience to support the organisation in the delivery of Scotland’s Museums and Galleries Strategy 2023 (https://www.museumsgalleriesscotland.org.uk/strategy-hub/).

We would like to hear from candidates who:

• Have a recognised financial qualification (for example, ICAS, ACCA or CIMA), and an understanding of the issues around charity governance. Candidates who are part-qualified will also be considered but all candidates should have work experience in a finance setting;

• Or offer professional experience in the museums or heritage sector

and who have;

• Climate Action expertise

• Fair Work expertise

You will be joining us at an exciting time as we are in the first year of a new 3 year business plan  Our Board of Trustees plays a vital role in the governance of the strategy’s development and delivery to which you will be contributing.

As a Trustee of MGS, you will have the opportunity to make a difference to the heritage sector in Scotland and be part of the governance of a forward-facing and inclusive organisation. You will share your own expertise with the Board and have opportunity for personal development through knowledge gained. We are a values driven organisation and our core values of collaboration, integrity, passion for museums, and courageousness underpins all our work. The attached link gives a flavour of how we work. https://www.museumsgalleriesscotland.org.uk/about-mgs/working-with-us/

Your role on the Board will include:

• Attending and participating in approximately 4 board meetings and an AGM over 12 months

• Providing support to a CEO leading an organisation that is making a real difference to Scotland’s Heritage sector, supporting the organisation’s strategic direction and acting as ambassador for our work

• Engaging with MGS staff on specific pieces of work on an ad hoc basis if appropriate

• Potentially joining the Board’s Recruitment Sub-Committee

In addition, new Trustees with relevant financial qualifications will be asked to join our     Audit & Risk Committee.  This does involve a more significant time commitment in that this Committee scrutinises accounts and operational activity before the Board considers it.  It meets four times a year and serves as the remuneration committee (normally on an annual basis).

Trustees, as non-executive Directors, are appointed for a fixed term of three years and are eligible for re-election for one subsequent fixed term of three years. These roles are unpaid voluntary positions. Reasonable expenses are paid and a full induction is provided.

We believe that our work will be stronger with greater diversity. We encourage applications from suitably experienced candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity. In particular we encourage applications from anyone with a disability or long term health condition, and applicants under 35.

MGS currently has 34 staff. We have Gold Investors in People accreditation, are a Disability Confident Employer and a Living Wage Employer. MGS is striving to be an anti-racist organisation and more information on our commitment to this is here.  We also aim to support museums and galleries to reach their climate and sustainability goals and our commitment to climate action can be found here.

For information on how to apply please visit the MGS Opportunities pages: https://www.museumsgalleriesscotland.org.uk/job/trustees-at-museums-galleries-scotland/

Closing Date:  Wednesday 25 October 2023

Candidates who are short listed will be invited to meet with the interview panel of the Board of MGS on 2 November 2023. Meetings will take place online.

MGS staff work either from home or in our offices in Castle Street, Edinburgh. Most meetings, including Board and Committee meetings are usually held online, with one Board Meeting held in person each year. We are happy to discuss access needs to ensure that all Board members are able to contribute to their full potential.