Trustee Vacancy
We are looking for two trustees who bring diverse voices to our board, hold strong connections to the Stroud district, and have a passion for museums and cultural heritage.
The Museum in the Park attracts some 50,000+ visitors a year; it is a popular and much-loved community museum and attraction for the Stroud District. The museum is also highly regarded in the museum sector. In addition to a core paid team the museum is supported by a team of volunteers. At the heart of the service are the collections which underpin all activities and are legally owned by the Cowle Trust.
It is an exciting time to join the Museum in the Park team. The museum has an ambitious plan to take us up to 2029, including implementing a new online collections database, improving equality, diversity and inclusion across our public and learning programmes, and planning a major re-design and re-display of the museum for present and future generations. The Cowle Trust is seeking two trustees to help us deliver on these aims and continue our success.
About you
The Cowle Trust is seeking representation from areas of the community not reflected on the board or in the collections, particularly from the global majority. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all sections of the community – let’s talk. You do not need to have previous experience of being a trustee: full induction and training will be provided.
We want people who are willing to learn and will engage, challenge and support us as we tell the story of the Stroud District by collecting evidence of the special character of its landscapes, townscapes and the lives and achievements of its people.
If you would like to see what a Trustee meeting is like before applying, or if you would like to gain experience of board meetings, please get in touch using the contact details below.
The priorities for the vacancies are either:
Lived experience of being from the global majority, LGBTQ+ community, or experience of disability and/or neurodivergence.
Experience of embedding Equality, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives and/or community outreach work to broaden audience and participation
Experience of working with heritage collections
Trustee Treasurer to operate safe and efficient arrangements for dealing with the financial matters of the Charity (a specific role description is available for this).
About the Cowle Trust
The Stroud District (Cowle) Museum Service (‘The Museum in the Park’) is a collaboration between Stroud District Council and the Stroud District (Cowle) Museum Trust (a registered charity). The Council provide the management and operational funding for the service and the Trust are the legal guardians of the collections. Collectively they form the Museum’s Governing Body.
The Governing Body supports the Museum Development Manager and their team in setting the strategic direction of the organisation; the staff will in turn ensure that it has the information necessary for effective input and oversight. The Trust collects and manages public financial donations to support the work of the museum.
The Cowle Trust is formed of eight trustees and is constituted as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation.
We want to provide a museum service that encourages everyone who works, lives or visits the Stroud District to be proud of its past, present and future and enable people to access and share the collections and heritage of the Stroud District for inspiration, learning and enjoyment.
Trustee Role Description
Contribute actively to the role of the Board of Trustees.
Ensure the efficient and effective administration of the Trust’s business.
Use any specific skills, knowledge or experience to help the Board make sound decisions and take a pro-active interest in any areas of expertise
Help protect and manage the property of the Trust through collaboration with Stroud District Council.
Ensure that the Trust pursues its objects as defined by the governing document (the constitution) charity law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
Safeguard the reputation of Museum in the Park and behave in a professional manner, keeping matters confidential where appropriate.
Maintain the financial stability of the Trust, and in collaboration with Stroud District Council, remain informed about the Museum in the Park. Budgets.
Ensure that any fundraising is properly undertaken, and that all funds collected are properly accounted for and spent according to the charitable objectives.
The role is not accompanied by any financial remuneration.
An effective Trustee will need to have MOST of the following:
Commitment & interest: Interested in the collections and committed to the museum’s mission and forward plan.
Governance: An understanding of corporate governance and the role of Museum Trustees.
Advocacy: Speak confidently on the museum’s activities; promote and gain support where appropriate, including fundraising.
Communicating and Influencing: Express ideas/plans in a clear manner at all times and to listen actively to other viewpoints; able to speak clearly and fluently.
Strategic Perspective: Able to develop a broad-based view of issues and events and perceive their long term impact.
Rational Thinking: Able to demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of facts and rationalise appropriately.
Interpersonal Skills and Team Work: Able to work positively with others and debate issues whilst maintaining a constructive atmosphere.
Museum Ethics: Adhere to the Code of Ethics for Museums as published by the Museums Association.
Equality & Diversity: Be committed to equal opportunities and diversity.
Term of Office
Each Trustee may serve for a term of up to three years and three terms. Further information is available in the Trust’s Constitution.
Time Commitment
Available to attend four Governing Body meetings per year (most meetings take place on a Monday morning from 10:00am to 12:00pm); available to attend extraordinary meetings as per the Trust Constitution. All meetings take place within the Stroud District and usually at the Museum in the Park and we have provision for trustees to join the meeting remotely and make electronic decisions outside the meeting cycle.
Trustees may also be expected to represent the Trust at various advocacy and cultivation events and in meetings with key stakeholders. Supporting the fundraising of the organisation will also be an important task for all.
Other meetings may be required, as is regular dialogue with key staff.
Training and Opportunities
A full induction is offered which covers the following areas:
Overview – The Stroud District (Cowle) Museum Charity, Constitution, Collaboration Agreement, Forward Plan (current projects and agendas), Manifesto (purpose), Mission Statement, Staff Organisation
Museums – Collections Policy, Code of Ethics, LGA leaflet
Charity – advice and guidance available, EDI, Safeguarding
In addition, we provide training on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, opportunities to join our Collections Officer at our collection stores and invitation to events. There may also be opportunities to undertake other sector related training as appropriate.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit an expression of interest in a form that suits you (e.g. written, video), outlining how you fit the role description and why you are interested in being considered as a Trustee of Stroud District (Cowle) Museum Trust.
For an informal chat regarding the role and/or to visit the museum please contact Kevin Ward (Museum Development Manager) on 01453 763394. Enquiries and expressions of interest can be submitted electronically to museum@stroud.gov.uk
Further information about the Cowle Trust can be found on the Charity Commission website.
Download a copy of the above information as a PDF here.
Stroud District (Cowle) Museum Trust; Charity Number: 1156849
April 2025.
