Join us as Chair of Trustees at Kempton Steam Museum

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

KGET oversees the 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 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.

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 actively involved in managing the charity, particularly in fundraising efforts.

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.

Main responsibilities:

• • • Leadership and Governance: Offer strategic guidance and leadership to the Board, ensuring the museum’s vision, mission, and strategic goals are clearly defined and successfully implemented. Cultivate a culture of collaboration and accountability among trustees and volunteers.
    • Strategic Planning: Lead the development and implementation of the museum’s strategic plan, aligning goals with stakeholder needs and opportunities for growth.
    • Financial Oversight: Ensure the financial health of the Trust by working closely with the Treasurer to ensure that resources are managed effectively and in accordance with charity law.
    • Fundraising and Advocacy: Proactively participate in fundraising efforts and build strong relationships with donors and stakeholders. Represent the museum as an ambassador, championing its mission and programs within the local community and across the broader museum and heritage sector.
    • Board Development: Recruit and guide new trustees to build a diverse and effective board. Lead board meetings by facilitating productive discussions and ensuring the implementation of Board decisions.
    • Program Oversight: Oversee and assess the museum’s programs and initiatives to ensure they address audience needs and align with strategic goals.  Ensure Board operations comply with statutory and regulatory requirements.
    • Volunteers: Engage with our team of volunteers, fostering their development and recognising their contributions. Ensure that trustees are actively involved in volunteer initiatives and support their efforts.

General Trustee responsibilities as advised by the Charity Commission:

• • • Ensure that KGET complies with charity law and with the requirements of the Charity Commission as regulator.
    • Ensure that KGET does not breach any of the requirements or rules set out in its constitution and that it remains true to its charitable purpose and objects.
    • Comply with the requirements of other legislation and regulators such as the Equality Act, Health & Safety, employment law and data protection.
    • Act with integrity and avoid any personal conflicts of interest or misuse of KGET funds or assets.
    • Use reasonable care, skill and experience as required to ensure that the charity is well-run and efficient.

Commitment

• • • Trustees serve for a fixed term of three years and can serve for three consecutive terms.
    • Board meetings are normally held every six weeks on a Tuesday evening at the museum in South West London and there will be sub committees to chair and/or attend between main meetings. Trustees also take on specific tasks and activities, which may take 3-4 days a month on average.
    • Trustees are expected to undertake training and to develop relevant skills and knowledge as required.
    • Trustees must adhere to the Museum Association Code of Ethics and all the Museum’s policies.
    • Trustees are expected to adhere to the Nolan Principles of Public Life.

Person Specification

• • • 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.

Application Process:

For an informal discussion with a member of the current Board or to arrange a site visit, please contact Valerie Mills, Company Secretary at [email protected]

To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter explaining how you meet our requirements and why you are interested in chairing the Board to Valerie Mills at
[email protected] by 31 st March 2025. We will respond to candidates as they apply and reserve the right to close this position early.