Trustees needed to ‘Turn the Page’ – Closing date 21st February 2025
We are looking for new trustees for our next chapter

The Devon and Exeter Institution is an independent library and educational charity in the heart of Exeter, founded in 1813. We welcome new members and visitors of all ages. We have just completed a major capital development project ‘The Next Chapter’ funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and are currently planning for the next five years. We are an innovative and go-ahead organisation, often leading the way in the heritage sector and the cultural life of the City of Exeter.
We have a committed Board of Trustees and a team of professional staff who have developed a strategic vision to ensure that:
- Our outstanding heritage building and research collection is preserved and made fit for contemporary needs and context
- We are leading as an educational charity by inspiring and engaging with people of all ages and abilities
- We are financially resilient and enterprising with a growing membership
- We have a strong employee and volunteer team which is well led and collaborative
- We offer an authentic, special and unique member and visitor experience
We are now looking for new Trustees to provide longer term sustainability for our Board and help us plan for the future.
We have three vacant posts to fill and we are looking for candidates who may have backgrounds in the following:
- Financial expertise
and / or
- Expertise in contracting/ procurement
and / or
- local business knowledge, networking and philanthropy
We welcome applications from people who have experience of being a Trustee or those who are new to the role.
The post is voluntary and you do not need to be a current member of the Institution to apply.
This is a non-executive governance role and Trustees meet four times per year, to provide oversight, ensure compliance with the charitable causes and offer strategic advice to our executive Director. Board meetings are held in person and using video conferencing so you don’t need to live or work in Devon to participate.
We particularly welcome applications from disabled or Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic candidates who are currently under-represented on our Board.
If you have experience and skills in the areas mentioned and would welcome an opportunity to join a progressive heritage organisation or to develop your governance skills, please send a copy of your CV with a short note of why you would like to join our team to our Chair of Trustees [email protected].
Suitable candidates have the opportunity to be co-opted to the Board prior to standing for election at the annual AGM which is usually held in October.
Closing date: 21st February 2025/ Interviews – afternoon / evening of 5th March 2025