At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a panel enhancing public collections and advising on cultural property.
- Company: Arts Council England, promoting arts and heritage across the UK.
- Benefits: Reimbursed expenses and attendance allowance for eligible members.
- Other info: Voluntary role with flexible hours and potential for reappointment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public collections and preserve history for future generations.
- Qualifications: Passion for museums, knowledge of historic properties, and expertise in art and heritage.
Location: London with the option to join virtually. (The majority of Panel members attend meetings in-person but there is the option to join meetings virtually. Some travel may be required with expenses paid.)
Role Type: Voluntary position for a fixed term of four years. There is a possibility of reappointment for a maximum of four years.
Specific Hours: Up to 15 days a year (this includes panel meetings and some preparatory work).
Closing Date: 9am, 11 May 2026
Salary: This is a voluntary role, with UK expenses reasonably incurred reimbursed. An attendance allowance is available to support freelance/self-employed and other unwaged Panel Members.
To be eligible for the allowance members must be either:
- Full-time freelance or self-employed
- A freelancer or self-employed person who also has a part-time salaried job
- Unwaged or not in receipt of a salary
Overview of the role
The Acceptance in Lieu Panel is a subcommittee of Arts Council England’s National Council. It advises the Secretary of State for DCMS, and the Ministers in the devolved governments, on items offered to the nation under the Acceptance in Lieu and Cultural Gifts Schemes. The panel includes experts in a wide range of subject areas.
As a member of the Panel you will play an important role in enhancing public collections across the UK. You will be part of a process that brings fantastic objects into public ownership so that they can be enjoyed now and by future generations.
We are looking for people who are passionate about public collections and are knowledgeable about the museum and heritage sector throughout the UK. For this role we are seeking expertise in the following area: A good knowledge of historic properties and historic house collections.
In addition to art historical / heritage sector expertise, the post requires an ability to assess the physical condition of objects under consideration, a working knowledge of the current art and heritage object market and valuations, and an awareness of the strengths and gaps of relevant holdings in public institutions in the UK.
We will be holding a webinar to provide further details of this role on 22 April 2026, between 12pm-1pm.
If you would like to discuss any aspect of the role, the person specification or appointment process in confidence, please contact: Dr. Sarah Posey, Director of Cultural Property via email at Sarah.Posey@artscouncil.org.uk
We are a Disability Confident Employer, which means we guarantee an interview to any candidate with a declared disability who meets the essential criteria for the role they are applying to. Disabled, D/deaf and neurodiverse candidates can request a conversation to speak about the role prior to applying and can request documents such as the job description in different formats. If this is required, please contact: recruitment@artscouncil.org.uk
Applications to be submitted via the Arts Council England Careers portal
Webinar Date: 12pm-1pm, 22 April
Closing date: 9:00am, Monday 11 May
Interviews: Thursday 28 May; Interviews will be in-person in London
Panel Member, Acceptance in Lieu (AIL) Panel – Museums and Cultural Property in London employer: Arts Council England
Contact Detail:
Arts Council England Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Panel Member, Acceptance in Lieu (AIL) Panel – Museums and Cultural Property in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the panel and its members! Research their backgrounds and expertise. This will help you tailor your discussions and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to the Acceptance in Lieu Panel.
✨Tip Number 2
Join the webinar on 22 April! It's a great opportunity to ask questions and get insights directly from the panel. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with others in the museum and heritage sector. Attend events, engage on social media, and connect with professionals. Building relationships can open doors and provide valuable insights into the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Make sure to highlight your passion for public collections and any relevant experience. A strong application can set you apart, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!
We think you need these skills to ace Panel Member, Acceptance in Lieu (AIL) Panel – Museums and Cultural Property in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff: Make sure you really understand the role and what it entails. Brush up on your knowledge of historic properties and collections, as this will help you stand out in your application.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and passion for public collections. We want to see how you fit into the role!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for museums and cultural property shine through. Share any personal experiences or projects that demonstrate your commitment to enhancing public collections.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application via the Arts Council England Careers portal. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arts Council England
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of historic properties and house collections. Familiarise yourself with the current art and heritage market, as well as the strengths and gaps in public institutions' holdings. This will help you demonstrate your expertise during the interview.
✨Show Your Passion
Express your enthusiasm for public collections and the role of the Acceptance in Lieu Panel. Share personal experiences or projects that highlight your commitment to enhancing public access to cultural property. This will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask about the panel's work and future initiatives. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute effectively. Plus, it makes for a more engaging conversation!
✨Be Ready for Practical Scenarios
Expect to discuss how you would assess the physical condition of objects or evaluate their market value. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've had to make similar assessments. This will showcase your analytical skills and practical knowledge.