Chair of Trustees

We are working in partnership with Whitchurch Silk Mill, a Grade II listed Georgian watermill, built c.1815, which sits on the banks of the River Test. Whitchurch Silk Mill is a living museum and the only place in Britain where people can see skilled Weavers using historic machinery to weave fine silks. It tells the intriguing story of how the silk industry was established over 200 years ago in a small rural town in North Hampshire and survives to this day. There is also an on-site café, which is open to non-paying visitors and has become a thriving community hub.

The Board, the Whitchurch Silk Mill Trust (WSMT), is now seeking to appoint a new Chair of Trustees to lead the Board in its ongoing development, fostering an environment for collaboration, good decision-making and effective governance, while acting as an ambassador, engaging and promoting the interests of the Trust in both the local and wider community.

Successful candidates must be able to demonstrate:

• Commitment to the purpose and ambition of Whitchurch Silk Mill, its vision, purpose and culture, and its work for the benefit of the public.
• Experience on a Board of Trustees, with an understanding of the principles of charity governance and the role of a trustee.
• Excellent people skills, friendly, and able to relate to others.
• An understanding of fundraising in the charitable and/or heritage sector.

The Chair is expected to attend Board meetings, which are held four times a year in Whitchurch or virtually, normally in February, April, July and November (the July meeting is currently held virtually). The Chair also attends the Audit and Risk Committee and can be invited to the People, Performance and Culture Committee, both of which meet a minimum of four times a year in advance of Board meetings. The Chair's time commitment is likely to be around 2 days a month. This is a three-year term appointment, renewable for a maximum further two terms.

For more information, please contact Katherine Anderson-Scott, Associate Director, Charisma Charity Recruitment, or . Your expression of interest should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and a supporting statement.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.

Closing date: Sunday 2nd February 2025

Interview with Whitchurch Silk Mill: w/c 17th or w/c 24th February

Charisma vetting interviews must be completed by close of play on the 7th February prior to shortlisting on the 10th February.