We have a committed and high-functioning Board of trustees, Directors and 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
  • 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 who will help us turn our strategic vision into reality over the next five years.

These people would enjoy helping to develop an important Independent Library which is increasingly reaching out to the community through education, while providing a rich experience for its members. The Devon and Exeter Institution holds a wonderful historic reference library and art collection and has exciting plans both to develop the building and to engage the wider community in an ongoing programme of events and activities.   As Exeter has recently become a UNESCO City of Literature, it is a fantastic time to get involved in DEI governance and help us sustain part of the cultural heritage of the city.

We have several vacant posts to fill and we are looking for candidates with backgrounds in the following;

strategic governance of heritage sector sites or historic building conservation and/or heritage funding (i.e National Lottery Heritage Fund)

and/or professional knowledge of contracts and managing contractors,

and/or finance and accounting,

and/or media and marketing.

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 live in Devon and Exeter or be a current member of the Institution to apply.

There is a commitment to attend regular Board meetings and provide additional strategic or practical support on a regular basis.  Further details of the role of trustee are available on our website here: Role of Trustee jd 2020

We particularly welcome applications from under 50s, disabled or Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic candidates who are currently under-represented on our Board.

If you are looking for 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 [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: 31st May 2021