Trustees at Museums Galleries Scotland
Key information
Closing date: Friday 12 June 2026
Interviews will be held on: Tuesday 7th July and Wednesday 8th July 2026
This is an unpaid voluntary role; however reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
Initial four-year term with option to extend for a further four years.
About MGS
MGS is the National Development Body for Scotland’s rich and diverse museums and galleries sector. We currently support 455 museums and galleries of all sizes and types through strategic investment, advice, workforce development and advocacy.
We are an independent charity and receive core funding from Scottish Government, which also provides funding to be distributed via grants directly to the museums and galleries sector. Our activity is augmented by project funding, including from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Peoples’ Postcode Lottery and Art Fund.
Our vision is that Scotland’s museums and galleries are thriving, connected, and resilient organisations which are agile in embracing change. Trusted and valued by the widest diversity of Scotland’s people, our collections, and the shared stories we tell, are accessible and inclusive to all.
We are a values-driven organisation and our core values of collaboration, integrity, passion for museums, and courageousness underpin all our work. Our ‘working with us’ page gives a flavour of how we work.
About the role
We are looking for candidates to support the Board in its responsibilities for setting the strategic direction of the organisation, and our work to foster and support a thriving, connected, and resilient sector.
Experience of charity governance would be beneficial but is not essential.
Trustee roles are for a fixed term of four years and are eligible for re-election for one subsequent fixed term of four years. The time commitment is flexible but is estimated at approximately 8-10 days a year.
The role is a voluntary unpaid position. Reasonable expenses are paid, and a full induction is provided.
Further information about the role can be found in the Trustee recruitment pack.
Overview of responsibilities
- Play an active leadership role in developing and ensuring effective implementation of MGS values, strategy, objectives, and policies.
- Attend Board meetings and effectively contribute to its role in ensuring the highest standards of probity, integrity and governance of the organisation.
- Regularly reviewing major risks and opportunities and information concerning the financial health and management of MGS to ensure it complies with its governing rules and legal obligations as a registered charity and company limited by guarantee.
A full list of responsibilities is available in the Trustee recruitment pack.
Person specification
We are looking to appoint up to three new Trustees with both professional and lived experiences to broaden the Board’s expertise and to reflect the sector and communities we serve.
We are particularly keen to appoint people involved in the museums sector from remote and rural areas, and people with particular knowledge and experience in Government and Public Affairs, and Climate Action.
Applications from people from lower socio-economic backgrounds, from disabled people and people with long-term health conditions, and those under the age of 30 are particularly encouraged.
For new Trustees with limited or no Board experience, MGS will support Board induction training and supplement that with professional development opportunities by agreement with the Chair and Director.
The downloadable Trustee recruitment pack features a full person specification for this role.
How to apply
To apply please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your interest in joining the Board, your experience to date, and what you would bring to the role to: rachaelb@museumsgalleriesscotland.org.uk.
Please also complete our equal opportunities form. This is available for download below.
Closing date: Friday 12 June 2026.
Interview: Candidates who are shortlisted will be invited to an online meeting with the interview panel on Tuesday 7th July and Wednesday 8th July 2026.
If you would like to find out more about the role before applying and would like an informal conversation with our CEO, Lucy Casot and/or one of our Trustees, please contact Rachael Brewer for this to be arranged.
If you have any access requirements at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know, including if you would prefer to submit a video, audio or alternative application format in response.