New trustees sought for The Sussex Archaeological Society
Do you want to play a leading role in providing strategic oversight to guide the development of The Sussex Archaeological Society? The search is on for dynamic, forward-thinking individuals to bring a fresh approach in helping the Society enhance the richness of life in Sussex and beyond.
About the Society
The Sussex Archaeological Society (a registered charity) was founded in 1846 and is the oldest group of its type in England. It welcomes over 120,000 visitors each year to its portfolio of listed buildings, historic gardens, museums, and ancient monuments located across Sussex.
The Society encourages research through its libraries, archive collections and research grants, and offers a variety of talks and conferences on the archaeology and heritage of Sussex in addition to publishing the Sussex Archaeological Collections annually.
The Society is a membership organisation with 1,300 members from across Sussex and beyond. Members range from academics undertaking internationally important research to families who want to learn more about our historical properties in their local area.
About the role
Previous Trustee experience is not essential but successful candidates will bring professional skills and senior-level experience to the Society. Experience of delivering or governing organisational change will be an advantage.
On this occasion, the Society is specifically seeking applications from candidates with significant senior-level experience in one or more of the following:
Learning and Education – Knowledge and experience of the requirements of the national curriculum and/or of delivering community outreach and engagement and adult education an advantage
Fundraising and Development – Experience of securing grant funding and major donations and/or delivering successful fundraising strategies and appeals an advantage
Property Surveying and Maintenance – Experience in heritage property management and regulations compliance an advantage
How to apply
Those interested in applying to become a trustee with the Society are encouraged to read the Trustee Recruitment Information Pack which can be accessed by clicking here.
Candidates are asked to submit a comprehensive CV together with a covering letter setting out how they would make an excellent Trustee for the Society. An Equalities Questionnaire will also be required to be completed. All 3 documents should be submitted by email to TrusteeRecruitment@sussexpast.co.uk by the closing date.
The closing date for applications is 6pm, Saturday 6th October with interviews being held week commencing 7th October. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview to hear more about the Society and its ambitions. This will provide an opportunity to meet with Trustees, including the Chair plus one or more of the following: Deputy Chair, Chair of Governance and Chief Executive Officer.
Final appointment is subject to election by our membership at AGM. Under the requirements of the Society’s Articles of Association successful candidates will need to be or become a member of the Society and details regarding each nominated candidate will be submitted for members’ consideration. This year’s AGM is scheduled to take place on Saturday 19th October.
If candidates would like to discuss their application in advance a conversation with the Chair and/or Chief Executive Officer can be arranged by emailing chair@sussexpast.co.uk.
“When I stood for election as a Trustee of the Society, little did I know how much I would fall in the love with its work, its people and the wonderful properties in its care. The Society has recently been through some troubled times, but I passionately believe in its potential to be a leading light in the social and economic life of our beautiful county.”
Amanda Jones, Trustee and Chair of Council
“Joining the Sussex Archaeological Society offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the preservation and understanding of the county’s rich history. With a legacy spanning over 177 years, the Society is driven by ambition and determination to thrive for future generations. Your expertise can make a significant impact in our ongoing journey to highlight the local, national, and international significance of our extraordinary properties and research.”
Gavin Stewart, Acting Chief Executive Officer
Supporting documents
Trustee Recruitment Information Pack
The Sussex Archaeological Society – Trustee Report Accounts 2022-23