Organisation Overview
The London Museum of Water & Steam is an independent museum and educational charity that uses its internationally significant working heritage collection to engage people with the history and future of water, energy and engineering.
We support a wide range of beneficiaries, including local communities, families, schools, volunteers, heritage enthusiasts and visitors from across the UK and beyond. Through live demonstrations, learning programmes, events and community engagement, we help people understand how engineering innovation transformed public health and daily life, and how those same themes remain relevant to today's challenges around sustainability, climate change and water security.
By preserving and operating one of the world's most important collections of working steam engines, we provide experiences that cannot be replicated through static displays alone. We inspire curiosity, support lifelong learning, develop skills through volunteering and conservation, and encourage people to think differently about how innovation can help address the challenges of the future.
Role Details
Following a review of our Board's skills and composition, we are recruiting new trustees to strengthen and diversify our governance so that it better reflects the communities we serve. As the Museum enters an ambitious period of development, we are looking for trustees who will work closely with the Museum Director, bringing strategic insight, constructive challenge and specialist expertise to help shape major decisions and realise the Museum's ambitions, with opportunities for more focused involvement through Board and project committees.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for people who are excited by the Museum’s future direction and who can bring professional expertise, fresh perspectives and sound judgement to our Board. While an interest in heritage is welcome, it is not essential; we are equally keen to hear from people who are motivated by innovation, sustainability and organisational development.
Following a skills review, we are particularly seeking individuals with senior experience in finance and accountancy (including a Treasurer/Finance Committee Chair), law or human resources.
Our ideal trustees will be collaborative, strategic thinkers who are willing to provide constructive challenge, act as ambassadors for the Museum and contribute beyond Board meetings through committees or short-term task groups where appropriate.
We are also committed to broadening the diversity of our Board and welcome applications from people whose backgrounds, experiences and perspectives will help us better reflect the communities we serve.
What difference will you make?
The trustees we appoint now will join the Museum at a pivotal moment in its development. We are undertaking major conservation projects, growing our audiences and exploring how one of the world’s most significant collections of working steam engines can play a role in addressing contemporary challenges around water, energy and environmental sustainability.
By bringing strategic insight, specialist expertise and constructive challenge, you will help the Museum make confident decisions, strengthen its resilience and realise its long-term ambitions. You will help an organisation that is determined not only to preserve an extraordinary heritage, but to ensure it remains relevant, accessible and inspiring for future generations.
Your contribution will help shape the future of the Museum and demonstrate how working industrial heritage can continue to educate, innovate and make a positive difference to society.
Time commitment: Time is concentrated around quarterly Board and committee meetings, with occasional opportunities to contribute to strategic discussions or short-term task groups. Estimated 5 hours a month.
Attendance: Board meetings are normally held in person at the Museum in West London.
To apply for or express an interest in this position, please email bicenquiries@weareadvocate.org.uk
Causes:
Arts, Culture and Heritage, Education, Heritage
Roles:
Trusteeships and Governance, Eligible for Chambers Professionals, Eligible for Practising Barristers
