Trustee, Natural History Museum

The Department for Culture Media and Sport
England
Applications close 28 August 2009

The Department for Culture Media and Sport would like to invite applications for a position on the board of trustees of the Natural History Museum.

Time Commitment
The total time varies, but, on average, it will be one day per month.

Location of Meetings
Board meetings take place at the main site in South Kensington, London, but are also occasionally held at or near the Natural History Museum at Tring.

Remuneration
Trustees give their services on an honorary basis and receive no remuneration, except for expenses reasonably incurred in performance of their duties.

Duration of Appointment
The term of appointment is for a period of 4 years, with the potential for re-appointment for a further 4 years subject to satisfactory performance and prime ministerial approval.

Background
Originally part of the British Museum, the natural history collections (founded on those generated by Sir Hans Sloane) were moved to South Kensington when the now Grade 1 listed Waterhouse building was opened in 1881. The Museum became a separate legal entity with its own Board of Trustees on enactment of the British Museum Act, 1963, but was still known after that time as the British Museum (Natural History), until the Museums and Galleries Act 1992 when it officially became the Natural History Museum.  The Walter Rothschild Zoological Museum at Tring (now known as the Natural History Museum at Tring) was added in 1937 when it was given to the nation by the second Baron Rothschild.  Responsibility was assumed for the Geological Museum (now the Earth Galleries) from the Natural Environment Research Council when the latter's British Geological Survey moved to Keyworth in 1985.

The Museum is an exempt charity and a non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB) sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

Role of the Museum Board
The Trustees of the Museum have statutory duties under the British Museum Act 1963 and the Museums and Galleries Act 1992 for the general management and control of the Museum and for the appointment of the Director.  Within the framework of these statutory duties, the role of the Trustees is primarily to establish Museum policy, review performance and endorse appointments to key management positions.

The role
Trustees participate in the Board’s decision making processes including preparation for and attendance at all meetings of the Board and of any Board committees or other Museum structures to which they are appointed.

A Trustee should have a commitment to the objectives of the Museum, uphold Museum policies and act as an advocate for the Museum.

Trustees are expected to understand and uphold the Seven Principles of Public Life as defined by the Nolan Committee.  Those principles are: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.  In accordance with this commitment, Trustees must declare any pecuniary or non-pecuniary interests upon appointment and whenever a matter or decision arises in which the Trustee has an interest which might be perceived to prejudice their views or comments or to be in conflict with the interests of the Museum.

The Person
The Museum is looking for particular skills to complement the current balance of the Board, specifically, a person with expertise in environmental science and policy.  Candidates should be able to demonstrate the following skills:

Direct experience of the formulation and application of environmental science and policy, especially in Europe;
Internationally recognised expertise in the field of science (specifically Life Sciences), or the ability to command the respect of their peers within the scientific field;
Knowledge of external science funding sources and a practical understanding of EU and international goals and/or Government priorities for science;
An understanding of, strong interest in and commitment to the objectives and work of the Museum;
Experience of strategic decision making and the ability to contribute to future policy and strategic development;
An understanding of the diverse communities in the UK and a real commitment to promoting diversity;
Excellent communications and representational skills;
Closing date
Completed forms should be received by 28 August 2009

Interviews
Interviews are expected to be held 28 September 2009

Start Date
1 January 2010

How to apply
Further information, including details on how to apply, can be obtained from:

Anna Cuss
Secretary to the Board of Trustees
The Natural History Museum
Cromwell Road
LONDON  SW7 5BD

Tel: 020 7942 5480
Email: a.cuss@nhm.ac.uk

external link >

Show latest news, more from August 2009.