TRUSTEE RECRUITMENT PACK
About the Museum
The Weald & Downland Living Museum is a unique and special open air museum, set in 40 acres of stunning Sussex countryside.
Our collection includes over 50 historic buildings dating from 950 AD to the 19th century, re-erected from their original sites in south east England.
We are a truly immersive museum, with daily demonstrations such as historic baking, flour milling, wood carving, heavy horse ploughing and metal forgery.
Whilst we enable our audiences to discover over 1,000 years of history, we are also forward-looking by shaping a museum for the 21st century that will be available for future generations to enjoy.
Our Manifesto
We are an independent museum. We rescue and conserve historic buildings, teach traditional trades and crafts to ensure their preservation, and share the untold stories of rural life and those who lived in the South East of England.
Visions & Values
The Museum aims to:
Be a living open air museum that is a centre of excellence
Inspire and delight our visitors with enjoyable days out in the fresh air and the countryside
Deliver lifelong learning based on our designated collections of buildings and rural life
Ensure the highest standards of Collections care and interpretation
Pursue research and scholarship in vernacular architecture and social rural history
Build on the Museums’ strong legacy with fresh ideas and new directions
Establish and maintain a strong financial basis for long term sustainability of the Museum
The Museum is a unique and outstanding place with a special character and ethos that is cherished and can be enjoyed by everyone. We put our visitors and stakeholders at the heart of everything we do, providing a quality experience that informs, excites, educates and involves.
The Museum Aims to Be
Open for all – we will:
Appeal to a wide range of audiences looking for academic, cultural, professional, recreational and leisure pursuits
Be inclusive and accessible, reaching out to people and communities who don’t regularly visit the museum.
Promote a culture of dignity and respect where the contribution of each and every person involved with the Museum is valued
Operate in an open, inclusive, collaborative and generous environment for the benefit of all visitors sta and volunteers
Forward looking – we will:
Create an environment in which innovation and creativity can thrive, enabling the Museum to adapt, develop and change
Ensure that the Museum succeeds as an independent, entrepreneurial and sustainable business
Plan for a resilient and visionary long‐term future, while retaining the characteristics that make the Museum distinctive for our visitors
Increase the use of digital approaches and technology to compliment and stretch our programmes.
Ambitious – we will:
Invest in the skills, knowledge and expertise needed to conserve and stimulate interest in our shared heritage
Look outward and innovate to enhance the Museum’s reputation and status in the sector and beyond
Collaborate and work in partnership with others within and beyond the sector to achieve special projects and boost our range and influence.
The Trustee Role
As a Trustee, you will contribute to the strategic direction and oversight of the Museum, ensuring high standards of governance, sustainability, and public benefit.
In particular, this role brings a community-focused perspective, helping the Museum to deepen its engagement with a wide and diverse range of audiences.
As a Trustee with experience or interest in community engagement, participation, or social impact, you will support the Museum to strengthen its role as both a leading heritage attraction and a valued community asset.
Trustees are required to attend six Board meetings per year, four of which take place in person at the Museum and two conducted remotely. Some additional time may be required to support subcommittees, contribute to specific projects, review papers, and attend occasional events or representational engagements.
You will...
Support the development of the Museum’s approach to community engagement, access, and inclusion, ensuring it reaches and resonates with a broad range of audiences
Champion opportunities for participation, volunteering, learning, and skills development, particularly for underrepresented or underserved groups
Provide insight and guidance on building partnerships with local communities, organisations, education providers, and stakeholders
Contribute to ensuring the Museum delivers meaningful social impact, including in areas such as wellbeing, lifelong learning, and community connection
Act as an advocate for the Museum within the community, helping to raise its profile and strengthen relationships
This is a voluntary position and is unpaid; however, reasonable travel expenses can be claimed.
Person Specification
Essential
Commitment to the charity’s objectives, aims and values, and a willingness to devote time to the role
Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties and responsibilities of trusteeship
Experience, knowledge or a strong interest in community engagement, participation, inclusion, or social impact
Ability to think strategically and contribute to the long-term development of the Museum as a community-facing organisation
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with fellow Trustees and the executive team
Integrity, sound judgement, and a commitment to high standards of governance and the Nolan Principles
Desirable
Experience of working with community organisations, cultural or heritage organisations, or within the voluntary sector
Understanding of issues relating to access, inclusion, and audience development
Insight into the role of culture and heritage in supporting community wellbeing and local identity
As a charity aiming to carry our mission to as wide a range of audiences as possible, we are fully committed to representation and inclusivity. We know that diversity fosters creativity and are committed to equality of opportunity, fairness and inclusion. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in the culture and heritage sector. These include people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQI+ people, and women.
How to Apply
If you would like to apply for this role, please send your CV and an accompanying letter summarising your interest in and suitability for the role by email Jennie Lindfield, Clerk to the Board of Trustees to wdoamclerktotrustees@gmail.com.
Please entitle your email ’Application for the role of trustee’.
If you would prefer to have a confidential conversation with the Chairman of the Board of Trustees prior to application then please email Jennie Lindfield at wdoamclerktotrustees@gmail.com who will arrange this.
wealddown.co.uk