Roald Dahl Museum Trustees

Why this role matters

Our Board of Trustees plays a vital role in ensuring the Museum fulfils its charitable purpose, uses resources wisely, and remains sustainable for future generations. Trustees provide strategic oversight, ensure good governance, and support the long-term vision of the organisation.

We are at the start of an exciting five-year transformation programme to strengthen our impact, grow visitor engagement, and deliver a major capital redevelopment project: “Unlocking Stories at the Roald Dahl Museum”. Trustees will play a pivotal role in guiding the Museum through this important period of change, growth, and opportunity.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking people who want to make a meaningful, strategic contribution and help shape the future direction of the Museum. Trustees work collaboratively to guide strategy, support ambitious plans, and ensure the organisation thrives creatively, financially, and operationally.

We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Human Resources – to shape our people strategy, leadership development, and organisational culture.
• Finance – to shape our financial strategy through a major capital project and to ensure the museum thrives long-term (ideally this trustee will be a qualified accountant).
• Fundraising – to grow income and support the delivery of our redevelopment and future sustainability.
• Partnerships – to encourage the development of strategic partnerships nationally and internationally.

You do not need previous trustee experience, nor do you need to have worked in a museum or cultural organisation. We welcome first-time trustees and are looking for people with good judgement, strategic thinking skills, and a collaborative approach. All reasonable expenses are covered.

Our commitment to inclusion

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive Board and warmly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those currently underrepresented in museum and heritage governance. We value lived experience as well as professional expertise and are happy to discuss any support needs to help you make an application.

Time commitment and terms

• Trustees typically contribute around one working day per month, including Board meetings and participation in at least one committee (Finance, Governance, Fundraising, or Capital Project Committee).
• Trustees are appointed for an initial three-year term, with the possibility of reappointment for a second term.
• This is a voluntary, unpaid role, but all reasonable travel and out-of-pocket expenses are reimbursed, including childcare.

Trustees receive a full induction, mentoring, and clear briefing materials, allowing them to focus on strategic oversight rather than operational detail. The Museum encourages and covers the cost of relevant training to support Trustees in their role.

Governance responsibilities

Trustees are charity trustees under UK law and share collective responsibility for ensuring the Museum complies with its governing document, charity law, and other relevant regulations, while always acting in the best interests of the charity.

What trustees gain

Serving as a trustee offers the opportunity to:

• Shape the future of a unique cultural institution with national significance.
• Contribute to an ambitious capital redevelopment and transformation programme.
• Apply your professional expertise in a high-impact, generative leadership role.
• Collaborate with motivated colleagues who share a passion for creativity, heritage, and learning.

How to apply

For full application details, please visit: https://www.roalddahlmuseum.org/jobs/

To request an application pack, ask questions, or arrange an informal conversation before applying, please contact:

hello@roalddahlmuseum.org

01494 892192 (ask to arrange an informal chat with Chair Isobel Hunter, Vice Chair Sushma Jansari, or Interim Director Emma Bedlow before you apply.

If you need specific support to make an application, please let us know and we will do what we can to help.

Application timeline

• Application closing date = Noon, 20 April 2026
• Interviews at the Museum = 21 May 2026
• Board meeting observation for preferred candidates: Board meeting anticipated to be on 18 June 2026 at the Museum

Joining the Board is a mutual decision. Preferred candidates will be invited to observe a Board meeting before final appointment, allowing both you and the Board to decide whether this is the right opportunity. If appointed, your first full Board meeting would take place later in 2026.