Head of Culture, Heritage, Arts & Special Events (CHASE)
Ref: 253
Salary: £62,611 p.a. plus benefits
37 hours per week
If you can partner effectively, and have a blend of strategic vision and commercial focus, then this exciting role may be for you.
Swindon Borough Council are on an exciting journey to transform service delivery and have been shortlisted for the ‘Most Improved Council’ at the Local Government Awards (LGA).
We want our town to be the best it can be. Our ambitious vision in the new Swindon Plan is supported by transformation programmes, with the people of Swindon at their heart. Because that’s who we’re doing it for – the communities and businesses that make our town great. As part of the Council, you’ll support a friendly local authority making decisions with real impact. It’s all for better public services. Better processes. And a better quality of life, for everyone. Join us, and Swindon will be better with you.
You will develop and lead the council’s culture, heritage, arts and events strategies and be the lead officer for the implementation of new, innovative and creative culture, heritage, arts and tourism projects which support the priorities and outcomes of the Swindon Plan.
The Council’s STEAM Museum, Museum and Art Gallery and Lydiard House Museum showcase the area’s rich heritage and history and internationally significant modern art collection, whilst offering a rich programme of events year-round. Swindon is actively working to preserve and revitalise its railway heritage through initiatives like the Swindon Heritage Action Zone. It is also designated a "priority place" by Arts Council England (ACE). This designation means that ACE is focusing on increasing cultural investment and opportunities in Swindon to better serve its residents and encourage the growth of the arts and culture sector, providing great scope to deliver real impact in this role.
Your next role
On a day-to-day basis, you will represent the council’s interests (acting as commissioner/client in varying relationships) and work with external providers to ensure they make effective contributions to the delivery of Swindon’s priorities on culture, heritage, arts and special events, making Swindon a great place to live and visit and supporting our ambitious place and growth agenda.
The postholder will lead on the management and development of relations with providers, stakeholders, central government and partners (such as Arts Council England, Science Museum & National Lottery Heritage Fund) with the objective of achieving continuous improvement in the quality of the services and the expanded offer of activities for residents. A commercial focus will of course be key to the sustainable growth of the service.
You must be fluent in the English language (as a requirement of Part 7 of the Immigration Act “for the effective performance of a customer-facing role”).
Your next package
Please see our Rewards and Benefits offer for more details.
As an employee, you will receive a diverse and exciting environment in which to work, encouraging creativity and innovation whilst recognising the need to support ongoing personal development and a flexible work life balance.
For Swindon to thrive in the future, we need to lay the foundations now. It’s why our regeneration and transformation programmes are already underway. So, you’ll be joining us at an exciting time on our journey. We’ll look to you to share your knowledge, influence decisions and drive real, positive change. With your contributions, we’ll achieve our vision of a prosperous, re-vitalised Swindon together. And you’ll be proud to say it was made better with you.
Please see our Vision and Values page for more details and our new Swindon Plan
Your next steps
Read the role profile and to apply please send your CV and cover letter to resourcing@swindon.gov.uk quoting the ref number 253 and outlining your skills and experience.
Potential applicants are sometimes put off if they don’t meet 100% of the requirements. We think individual experience, skills and passion make all the difference, so if you meet the majority of the criteria, we’d love to hear from you.
For an informal discussion regarding the position, the organisation and the team structure, please contact Tara Forrest, at tforrest@swindon.gov.uk
As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from a diverse range of communities, and in particular disabled people and people from ethnic minorities. Read ourstatement of commitment to equality & inclusion
Closing date: 4 June 2025
Interview dates: 16 June or 20 June 2025
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