Trustees

Birmingham Museums Trust is embarking on a transformative period following the launch of our 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, "Laying the Foundations".

Operating as an independent charity caring for one of the UK’s top three civic collections across nine iconic sites, we are shifting our focus from stabilisation to dynamic civic growth.

We are seeking new Trustees to join our governing board. As a Trustee, you will provide strategic direction, robust governance, and enthusiastic advocacy, holding the executive team to account whilst ensuring our collections and historic sites genuinely serve all of Birmingham’s diverse communities.

If you believe in Birmingham and see the potential to help shape our future – these are your Museums, and we invite you to make your move.

About the role

We are seeking a number of Trustees to join our Board. As a Trustee, you will hold ultimate legal and strategic responsibility for the Trust, ensuring robust governance, financial sustainability, and the achievement of our charitable objects.

The Board of Trustees share collective responsibility for the strategic leadership and support the executive team; providing challenge and expertise which allow the organisation to deliver against its vision, while continually evolving to meet the needs of their visitors and stakeholders.

Trustees play a key role in:

• Setting the long-term vision and strategic direction of Birmingham Museums Trust whilst upholding the organisation’s charitable purpose and values
• Ensuring effective use of resources and sound financial stewardship.
• Ensuring appropriate oversight of the Museum's collections.
• Acting as ambassadors for the Museum and its work.
• Helping develop partnerships, networks and opportunities that benefit the organisation.

Throughout all our work BMT’s approach to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is integral to our organisational ethos and responsibility sits within every part of the organisation.

Time commitment

• Main Board Meetings: 4 to 6 formal meetings per year, held in person on Wednesday afternoons (16:00–18:00) at BMT venues across Birmingham.
• Sub-Committee Meetings: Potential additional service on at least one sub-board or committee (e.g. Estates, Health & Safety), meeting quarterly.
• Board Champions: Opportunity to serve as Board level representation on key internal functions, including Safeguarding, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Health, Safety & Wellbeing
• Preparation & Events: Approximately 3–5 hours per month for reviewing board papers, attending annual strategic away days, and attending optional exhibition previews or fundraising events.
• 3-Month Structured Induction: A fully supported onboarding process involving 1-on-1s with leadership, site hosts, and plain-English strategic briefings