Chair of Trustees to guide the museum through its next phase of growth

Chair of Trustees to guide the museum through its next phase of growth

Trustee/Governor
J100967
At a glance

Skills

  • Governance
  • Strategic development and planning
  • Change management
  • Project / programme management

Where

Feltham, TW13 6XH
Mainly at home
Travel limit? No specific limit although local knowledge and contacts would be helpful.

Time

Either in or out of office hours Estimate of time needed:
7-15 hours / week
Board meetings are held every six weeks on a Tuesday evening at the Museum. Other meetings are more flexible.

Deadline

31 Mar 2025

Visitors from Fifth Day

Welcome to Reach Volunteering. We are a community and registered charity that connects people, skills and good causes.

To apply for this role, and any other on our platform, you need to be based in the UK, have at least three years of experience using the skills you wish to volunteer in a professional capacity or have lived experience (for trustee roles). Read more about our criteria.

We are looking for a dedicated and inspiring individual to serve as the Chair of Trustees at Kempton Great Engines Trust as we embark on an ambitious expansion program.

What will you be doing?

Kempton Great Engines Trust oversees Kempton Steam Museum, home to the world's largest operational triple-expansion steam engine, which provided water to much of London until 1980. The Trust not only manages daily operations but also steers the museum's development as a thriving and sustainable visitor attraction.

We seek a candidate with strategic vision and experience in charity governance, as this background will be invaluable in guiding KGET through its next phase of growth. 

The museum is heavily reliant on our team of volunteers who carry out the technical, operational and front of house activities, several of them having been involved in the original restoration of the engine and the creation of the museum. Our only paid staff member is our bookkeeper. Trustees are therefore actively involved in managing the charity, particularly in fundraising efforts.

 

What are we looking for?

In addition to the qualities required of a Trustee of the Trust, the Chair will also meet the following requirements:

  • Proven leadership experience, preferably in a non-profit or cultural organisation with a strong understanding of governance and strategic planning.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate volunteers and bring people together.
  • Skilled in chairing meetings and events.
  • Able to demonstrate a strong passion and commitment to the Trust, its strategic objectives, and cause.
  • Possess strong networking capabilities that can be utilised for the benefit of the Trust.
  • Able to commit the time required for the role.         

 

What difference will you make?

We have exciting plans to enhance the museum with new facilities for both visitors and volunteers. The new Chair will play a crucial role in advancing these initiatives.

Before you apply

Please apply through Reach in the first instance. It is possible to arrange an informal discussion with a member of the current Board and/or a site visit. Application is by submission of CV and a covering letter explaining how you meet our requirements and why you are interested in chairing the Board by 31st March 2025. We will respond to candidates as they apply and reserve the right to close this position early.

Causes
  • Museums / heritage
  • Organisation type: 
    Charity

    Our mission is to:

    • Tell the story of the Kempton Park site and its vital role in providing clean, safe water to large areas of London continuously for over 100 years
    • ...