Apply to be a Trustee of the National Gallery

DCMS is committed to eliminating discrimination and advancing equality of opportunity in its public appointments. We particularly encourage applicants from underrepresented groups, those based outside London and the South-East and applicants who have achieved success through non-traditional educational routes. This ensures that boards of public bodies benefit from a full range of diverse perspectives and are representative of the people they serve.

The National Gallery “the Gallery” is a public museum with a uniquely important collection of pictures which it holds for the benefit of all. It constitutes a living legacy of humanity’s highest cultural achievements in painting and is an inestimable resource for understanding the world as we have inherited it. Established in 1824, the Gallery’s statutory responsibilities include caring for and adding to the collection; displaying the collection to the public and making it available for the purpose of research and study; and generally promoting the public’s enjoyment and understanding of painting and fine art.  From its inception it has been free for all to visit, and the Gallery believes that free admission represents a commitment to the public which must be reaffirmed and developed.

As the Gallery’s 200th anniversary celebrations drew to a close in July 2025 we are starting to look ahead to our third century.  Early in 2026 the Gallery will launch a new 10-year strategy, from Growth to Impact, setting major priorities and ambitions over the next decade, including the re-development of Saint Vincent House, the transformation of our entire estate and the public realm, and expanding the collection to include modern paintings.

Further information about the Gallery (including a list of current Trustees) can be found on its website at nationalgallery.org.uk.

About the role 

The Gallery is a charity and Non–Departmental Public Body sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. The Gallery seeks three Trustees for appointment in 2025; one with experience in Digital Innovation and emerging technologies and two with experience in fundraising to assist the Development Department strategically in its efforts towards the Gallery’s key activities and projects and support the Chairman in leading a major and ambitious capital campaign and the creation of a multi-million pound endowment.

The role of the Board of the Gallery includes responsibility for the Gallery’s statutory functions, the provision of overall leadership and development of strategy. It ensures that high standards of corporate governance are maintained and that the Gallery has effective control systems, decision-making processes and management in place.  The Board complements the executive by providing support and advice while also, where necessary, challenging the status quo.

The Board consists at any time of 12 to 14 Trustees, one of whom is appointed by the Board of Tate and the remainder by the Prime Minister. The Gallery wishes to draw its Trustees from as diverse a range of backgrounds as possible.

Trustees must adhere to the Seven Principles of Public Life, the Twelve Principles of Governance.

What are we looking for?

In addition, for those currently employed in the industry, candidates will need to be clear about any potential conflicts between this role and their other professional activities and be able to propose ways to manage conflicts should they arise.

Essential Criteria

All applicants will be required to demonstrate the following qualities in their application:

• A demonstrable interest in the National Gallery and love of paintings and art
• An understanding of the importance to the Gallery of fundraising and a commitment, as a leader of the Gallery, to work with the development team to contribute to the delivery of the Gallery’s fundraising ambitions
• Excellent judgment and the ability to contribute to Board discussion and strategy and policy development
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to represent and advocate for the Gallery
• The ability to work collaboratively with other Trustees and senior management of the Gallery
• A commitment to improving opportunities for people throughout the UK and access to people from a diverse range of backgrounds

In addition to the essential criteria outlined above, candidates for the Trustee roles should be able to demonstrate the below desirable criteria:

Digital Trustee: An individual with networks across the tech sector, a good understanding of the digital landscape, including emerging technologies, digital trends, and their potential impact on the National Gallery, both on its internal organisation and its wider audience and the ability to effectively chair the Gallery’s Digital Advisory Board.  

Fundraising Trustees: Who can demonstrate any combination of the following:

• Philanthropic experience
• Broad ranging networks
• Ability to strategically assist the Development Department
• Ability to support the Chairman in leading a major capital campaign and the creation of a multi-million pound endowment. 

Role details

Number of roles: x 3 Trustees (x1 Digital Trustee and x2 Fundraising Trustees)

Term of Appointment: The term is for four years

Remuneration: Nil but reasonable expenses are paid.

Time Commitment: The Board meets six times a year, with most meetings and associated activities lasting half a day. Most Trustees also serve on one or more committee or advisory group.  Additional time will be required to study papers, to attend events at the Gallery including exhibition openings and fundraising events, and to represent the Gallery at other functions.

Location of Meetings: Board and Committee meetings are usually held at the Gallery, with one Board meeting a year generally held offsite.

How to apply

For Key dates and how to apply for this role, please download the job pack here: (links to cabinet office website).

Closing time and date: 11:59pm, Monday 8 December 2025