Trustee Appointment
The Sherborne Closing date: Wed, 30 Sep 2026
- Full time
- Unpaid
Tue, 15 Sep 2026 "> published -
Job Summary
Job Description
The Sherborne is seeking skilled and inspiring Trustees to join its Board and guide the organisation through its next stage.
Reopened in 2024 following the restoration of a Grade I listed Georgian house, The Sherborne is a home for the arts in the South West. It brings together exhibitions, heritage, sculpture gardens, performance, learning and outreach, artist residencies, hospitality, events and a shop within an 'art everywhere' ethos.
Our ambition is to become a cultural hub for the South West: locally rooted and relevant, regionally connected and nationally recognised. This is an exciting time to join us as we help shape Sherborne's year as Dorset Town of Culture 2027 and explore a future Wessex Culture Trail.
Trustees provide strategic leadership and are ultimately responsible for the charity's governance. The Board sets strategy and policy, safeguards assets, monitors financial health and holds the CEO and executive team to account. Trustees govern rather than manage; day-to-day delivery remains the responsibility of the executive team.
We particularly seek candidates with expertise in:
* Arts and heritage or wider cultural-sector leadership - bringing artistic judgement, credibility and networks.
* Finance - ideally a qualified accountant with charity experience, able to contribute to or chair the Finance and Risk Committee.
* Commercial management - ideally including food and beverage and/or retail.
The Board meets four times a year for two to three hours, with an annual strategy day and additional committee meetings depending on the role. Trustees are also expected to engage with the public programme and attend or co-host selected events. The estimated commitment is 10-15 days per year, including preparation.
Appointments are for a three-year term, with the option of a second term. This is an unpaid role; reasonable travel and other agreed expenses will be reimbursed.
Job Requirements
We welcome candidates who bring:
* Senior experience in arts and heritage or wider cultural-sector leadership; charity finance; or commercial management, ideally including food and beverage and/or retail.
* Strong strategic judgement and the ability to think independently while working collectively.
* A clear understanding of the distinction between governance and operational management.
* A passion for culture, heritage and community, and commitment to The Sherborne's mission.
* Integrity, diplomacy and the confidence to offer constructive challenge.
* The ability to scrutinise information, manage conflicts openly and support sound decisions.
* Time to prepare for and attend Board and committee meetings, the annual strategy day and selected public events.
Previous trustee experience is desirable but not essential. We also welcome applicants willing to learn and embrace charity compliance requirements. A qualified accountancy background is preferred for finance candidates.
Job Responsibilities
As a Trustee, you will:
* Ensure The Sherborne delivers its charitable purposes for the public benefit.
* Comply with the governing document, charity law and relevant regulatory guidance.
* Act in the charity's best interests, exercise independent judgement and manage conflicts transparently.
* Safeguard assets and ensure resources and finances are managed responsibly.
* Help set strategy and policy, monitor performance and hold the CEO and executive team to account.
* Exercise reasonable care, skill and diligence, contributing your experience to collective decisions.
* Ensure accountability to beneficiaries, funders, regulators and the public.
* Attend quarterly Board meetings, the annual strategy day and relevant committee meetings.
* Engage with the cultural programme, attending and co-hosting selected day and evening events.
* Act as an ambassador, helping to build audience loyalty, partnerships and private or corporate support.
Useful Links
Job Overview
- Job Title: Trustee Appointment
- Salary: Unpaid
- Hours: Full time
- Artform: Charity
- Role: Creative
- Contract: Permanent
- Closing date: Wed, 30 Sep 2026
-
Location:
| view on Google MapsSouth West
Job: Trustee Appointment
Job: Trustee Appointment
Organisation: The Sherborne
Postcode: DT9 3JG
How to Apply
Please send your CV and a supporting statement showing how you meet one or more priority areas: arts and heritage or wider cultural-sector leadership; finance; or commercial management.
Apply to:
Eva de Blocq van Kuffeler
Trustee, Sherborne House Trust 2018
Sherborne House, Newland
Sherborne DT9 3JG
Closing date: 23:59 Wednesday 30 September 2026
Interviews: week commencing 12 October 2026
Candidates will be assessed against the Board's skills matrix and invited to interview with Eva and The Sherborne's CEO. Appointment is subject to satisfactory references and eligibility checks. New Trustees receive a full induction covering governance, finances and strategic priorities.
Candidates will be asked to declare relevant conflicts of interest. These do not necessarily prevent appointment but must be managed transparently.
For questions, contact Eva at [email protected]
We welcome applications from candidates currently under-represented on our Board and across the cultural sector
- Contact name: Eva de Blocq van Kuffeler
- Contact email: [email protected]
About The Sherborne
The Sherborne is a home for the arts in the South West, bringing together exhibitions, heritage, sculpture, performance, learning, outreach and artist residencies within a beautifully restored Grade I listed Georgian house. Alongside its gardens, restaurant, café, events spaces and shop, The Sherborne offers inspiring creative and culinary experiences for all, with an ambitious programme that is locally rooted, regionally connected and nationally relevant.