Chair of the Board of Trustees

Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust

Chair of the Board of Trustees

Location: Chatham, Kent

Time Commitment: Up to 3 days per month

Remuneration: Unremunerated (reasonable expenses paid)

Term: Three years, renewable for up to two further terms

Preserving the Past. Inspiring the Future.

The Historic Dockyard Chatham is a place where history meets innovation. Home to creative businesses, university campuses, skilled trades, and over 400 residents across 80 extraordinary acres, it is also a thriving visitor destination, museum and a sought-after film and TV location.

As custodians of the most complete dockyard from the Age of Sail, Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust is a dynamic, award-winning charity that blends preservation, learning, and enterprise. With a newly launched ten-year strategy and a thriving mixed-use estate that welcomes over 170,000 visitors annually, the charity is poised for ambitious growth and deeper community impact.

As Chair, you'll help shape the future of this unique heritage site to both preserve the past as well as actively powering the present and inspiring generations to come.

We are looking for a strategic leader and natural ambassador - someone who shares our passion for heritage and learning, and who can guide our high-performing Board through the delivery of our vision: to be a world-leading maritime heritage destination.

As Chair, you will:

• Lead the Board in delivering the Trust's charitable objectives of Preservation and Learning. Champion good governance, inclusivity, and strategic oversight. Act as a key advocate for the Trust, representing us with stakeholders, funders, and the wider public. Support and challenge the Chief Executive, creating a collaborative and effective leadership partnership. Help shape the future of an historic estate that is home to museum galleries, businesses, residents, universities, and film productions.

We are looking for someone with:

• A deep appreciation of and a personal interest in the history of The Historic Dockyard Chatham and the vision of the Trust including its preservation, learning and commercial activities.
• Have personal gravitas and diplomacy to lead a significant national heritage organisation.
• A fluent and persuasive communicator who can represent The Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust in an ambassadorial capacity.
• A style and approach that encourages inclusivity and consensus among a diverse group of Trustees while engendering a culture of ambition and collaboration.
• Strategic vision and good judgement.
• Willingness and ability to devote the necessary time and effort to the proper discharge of the responsibilities of the role.
• Well networked and willing to use contacts for the benefit of the Trust

This is a unique opportunity to lead a nationally significant heritage organisation with a global story, rooted in a vibrant local community.The Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust acknowledges the role heritage sites play in promoting inclusivity and equality in society, providing a platform and voice for the community, we welcome applications from all backgrounds and encourage applications from under-represented groups.

To Apply

For a confidential discussion, please contact our recruitment advisers at GatenbySanderson:

Jennie Wood, Research Lead -

Rebekah Herz-Bauman, Partner -

Closing Date: 6th November