Are you passionate about preserving our maritime heritage and ensuring it enriches communities across the UK? Could you lead the Maritime Heritage Trust in making more people aware of, care for, and share this rich heritage in all its dimensions?
Keep our heritage afloat! The Maritime Heritage Trust is seeking a new Chair and additional Trustees (see separate post) to lead our unique national charity. We support the UK's historic ships, boats, ports, coastal structures, and sites while promoting the cultural, social, and environmental dimensions of our rich maritime heritage.
Context
The Maritime Heritage Trust is at an exciting point in its development. A recent governance review, growth in membership, and increased income have positioned us to expand our impact. Our aim is a society where maritime heritage - from historic vessels and ports to traditions and knowledge - is valued and accessible to everyone.
The Trust is the only national, membership-based body spanning the UK's historic vessels and wider maritime heritage. The Trust wants to continue pushing forward the process of renewal, strengthen board operations, help members adapt to current preservation and sustainability challenges, and build stronger links to maritime and inland water communities.
General range of skills sought in the Chair and Trustee roles include:
- Advocacy skills to make the case for supporting floating and operational heritage and joining with other aspects of heritage such as cultural, artistic and intangible heritage;
- An interest in identifying opportunities for using maritime heritage to help achieve wider societal objectives and benefits such as community regeneration and skills training;
- Ability to develop and manage the Trust’s practical support for heritage projects, including understanding of grant project funding and funders/grant givers requirements;
- Understanding of the values and responsibilities of charity trusteeship, ensuring legal compliance with governing document and charity law;
- An interest in helping to run MHT as a voluntary organisation through posts of responsibility for areas such as finance, IT, and membership;
- An interest in representational work and working with member organisations eg representing the views of particular vessel sectors such as steam vessels, sail training etc.
- Understanding of environmental and sustainability challenges facing maritime heritage and opportunities to address them.
- Appreciation of the cultural and social aspects of maritime heritage, including traditions, knowledge, and community engagement.
Specific Skills for the Chair role We are looking for an inspiring and creative leader with senior managerial experience of the heritage sector and the following skills:
- Strategic leadership Together with the Board, the ability to set vision, priorities, and long-term strategy. Ensure decisions support objectives and sustain momentum.
- Project development Working with the Board, the ability to stimulate and progress project development and drive initiatives which support members and the Trust’s strategic vision for maritime heritage.
- Member relations Maintain good links with Members to ensure that the Trust’s activities remain valued and relevant, including the work of the Membership Officer.
- Advocacy and fundraising Represent the sector to funders, stakeholders, local communities and work with national organisations such as National Historic Ships UK and the Heritage Alliance.
As Chair, you'll have the opportunity to:
• Lead a unique national charity at a pivotal moment in its development
• Help shape the future of maritime heritage conservation in the UK
• Represent the sector to key decision-makers and funders
• Work with diverse communities and heritage partners across the UK
• Contribute to environmental sustainability within the maritime heritage sector
Background
The Maritime Heritage Trust is based on the merger in 2011 of two organisations – the original Maritime Trust (MT) created by His Royal Highness Prince Philip and others in 1971 and Heritage Afloat founded by preservation groups and individual vessel owners in 1994. These two organisations have built up an exceptional experience and knowledge in this field, with the original MT having rescued and saved over 20 vessels of outstanding historic importance (now cared for mainly by individual trusts) and Heritage Afloat based on the principle of preservation through keeping vessels operational.
Much success has been achieved but vessel maintenance is highly challenging through weather and the decay of materials, and as original preservationists retire the need for a stronger community role is paramount. Meanwhile local communities have come together in the Heritage Harbours movement to help save valued features and MHT has acted as convener of the movement as it develops. MHT now has around 70 members (organisations, individuals and Friends), a Membership Officer (1 day a week), online talks to help members (Youtube)and an admired website www.maritimeheritage.org.uk A Governance Review was carried out in early 2022, followed by recruitment of younger, more diverse Trustees. Currently the male/female gender balance is 56/44%.
Terms and Commitment The roles are unpaid. Expenses for travel etc for Trust events are payable. A minimum of 4 Board meetings a year plus an AGM is expected usually online and with occasional in person events. For the Chair, preparatory and representational time of 1-2 days a month is likely to be needed. Other meetings and visits may be needed as projects are developed and managed. A commitment of 3 years is sought, renewable.
Timetable and recruitment Process – Chair
If you're interested in the Chair role, you would be welcome to have an informal conversation with our current Chair. Please contact Henry Cleary at jhenrycleary@aol.com to arrange this.
Applications should include your CV and a covering letter outlining:
• Why you want to join the Maritime Heritage Trust
• Your relevant skills and experience
• How you would support our mission and objectives
• Any requirements for reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process
Timetable – Closing dates and interviews Closing date for Chair role 16 May. Interview dates for Chair are 27 May or 2 or 3 June, to be agreed.
Appointments to start end September/October 2025
Closing date Job type Voluntary Remuneration Voluntary Contact Henry Cleary Contact email jhenrycleary@aol.com