Chair of the Board of Trustees

As the Thackray Museum of Medicine looks to build on a period of bold strategic growth since a major redevelopment (reopening in May 2021), we are seeking an experienced, ambitious and community-minded Chair to lead our Board of Trustees. The Thackray is the UK’s largest independent medical museum: a dynamic, ambitious museum in East Leeds with a nationally significant collection of over 80,000 objects and a clear mission to inspire people with the passion and purpose of medicine and healthcare – past, present and future. Since reopening it has grown audiences, deepened community partnerships and developed an ambitious plan to be the UK’s leading medical museum by 2030. Role: Chair of the Board of Trustees Term: Minimum three years from 12 May 2026, renewable (maximum six years) Commitment: Approx. 1–1.5 days per month (voluntary; reasonable out-of-pocket expenses reimbursed) Your location: Ideally Leeds (nationwide considered); Board meetings four times a year (three may be hybrid; in-person presence preferred). The Role: The Chair will lead and steward an engaged, forward-thinking Board to support the CEO and senior team as the Museum consolidates recent gains and secures long-term resilience. You will ensure excellent governance, provide constructive challenge and support to the CEO, strengthen relationships with funders and partners, champion the Museum’s commitment to equity and community co-curation, and be an ambassador for the organisation locally and nationally. Key responsibilities: Set strategic direction: Lead the Board in shaping, approving and monitoring delivery of the CEO’s strategy to meet the Museum’s mission and 2030 ambitions. Own governance able to represent the Museum credibly to varied audiences. Supportive leader: Able to challenge and develop senior executives while fostering a collegiate, high-performing board culture. Local affinity desirable: A strong connection to Leeds or experience working in diverse urban communities is an advantage. For full details of the role including how to apply, please download the full appointment brief . To apply, please send an up-to-date CV, a Supporting Statement (no more than two A4 pages) outlining your interest and relevant experience, in confidence to Jenny Hills at executive@harrishill.co.uk. For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny Hills at Harris Hill at executive@harrishill.co.uk with times to speak and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile which will be treated with the strictest confidence. There is also the opportunity for suitable interested candidates to speak to the Thackray’s CEO, current chair or other trustees in advance of submitting an application. Closing date for applications: 11.59pm, Tuesday 31 March 2026. First stage interviews: w/c 13 April 2026 (tbc). Second stage interviews: w/c 20 April 2026 (tbc). The Thackray is actively committed to promoting Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. We are a Disability Confident employer (registration number DCS036392) and welcome applications from all sections of the community. As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.