The Prime Minister wishes to appoint 5 new trustees to the National Portrait Gallery. The appointment is made with the advice of the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. The Department of Culture, Media and Sport 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. Appointment description The Board of Trustees is ultimately accountable for the organisation and for ensuring that the statutory aims and objectives of the Gallery are met. It delegates authority within agreed limits to the Director and their Executive Team and provides oversight, monitoring, support and advocacy. Trustees retain the authority to contribute to and approve operating plans and budgets, and other major projects and strategies. The Executive Team is responsible for preparing strategies, operating plans and budgets and for the day-to-day operation of the organisation. The National Portrait Gallery will be seeking to appoint the next Chair following the end of the current Chair’s term in Autumn 2025. The Board of Trustees elects its Chair from within its Board membership. Applications from all Trustees, including newly appointed Trustees, for the Chair role will be welcomed. Candidates should specify in their application if they wish to nominate themselves for this role. Organisation description We tell the story of Britain through portraits, using art to bring history to life and explore living today. We look after the world’s greatest collection of portraits. Spanning six centuries, our artworks reveal the inspiring and sometimes surprising personal stories that have shaped, and continue to shape a nation - from global icons to local champions, national treasures to unsung heroes. We are also passionate about portraiture, always progressing our art form, championing artists and encouraging creativity. We celebrate the power of portraiture to create person-to-person connections and the experiences we provide offer encounters with some of the world’s greatest artists as well as the very best in contemporary art. Our vision is for lives to be inspired and society enriched through deeper connections with the nation's stories, and our role to bring to life the human stories that have shaped and are shaping our ever-changing history. Board composition https://www.npg.org.uk/about/corporate/trustees-and-trustees-meetings/board-of-trustees Regulation of appointment This post is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. For more information, please refer to the Commissioner’s website Person specification Essential criteria All candidates will need to demonstrate that they meet the following criteria to a high standard: An understanding of the National Portrait Gallery, the environment in which it operates and a commitment to its aims and objectives A strong understanding of the principles of good corporate governance with experience in a large and complex organisation Exceptional communication skills and a collaborative working style, with an ability to provide constructive challenge and support to the Board and executive team and to work effectively as part of a team Proven ability to demonstrate sound judgement and to analyse issues at a strategic level to support with decision-making A commitment to supporting fundraising activities and to contribute to the delivery of the Gallery’s fundraising ambitions A commitment to improving opportunities for people throughout the UK and access to people from a diverse range of backgrounds. Digital Trustee Applicants for the Digital Trustee role will also need to demonstrate: Demonstrable expertise in data transformation and digital technology Commercial awareness and an understanding of opportunities for increased self-generated growth through data and digital transformation Experience of digital innovation, systems integration and developing and implementing data and digital transformation strategies at a senior level An in-depth understanding of the application of digital technologies, data analytics and processes in a commercial environment, and its importance within a national arts organisation Previous experience as an ambassador and advocate for digital innovation at a senior level Historian/Writer/Academic Trustee Applicants for the Historian/Writer/Academic Trustee Trustee role will also need to demonstrate: A national or international reputation as a writer in at least one of the following areas: literary fiction; non-fiction; art history; literary criticism or biography Or Previous background in research or editorial roles across traditional and new media An appreciation of the importance and value of literature in the National Portrait Gallery, its Collection, exhibitions, displays, talks and events programmes An interest in the Gallery’s research and publishing activities Youth Engagement Trustee Applicants for the Youth Engagement Trustee role will also need to demonstrate: A successful track record of delivering cultural projects and initiatives working with younger audiences. A high-level understanding of current audience trends and how they could be used strategically to broaden the Gallery’s audiences, younger audiences in particular. An ability to represent young people’s views and perspectives at Board level Desirable criteria Knowledge and appreciation of the strategic issues facing museums, and the wider environment within which they operate; A commitment to preserving the arts and cultural heritage, and improving education and understanding of British and World history.