Arts Council England champions creativity and culture across the country. It develops talent and supports artists, arts organisations, museums and libraries to create, curate and present high quality and ambitious work in villages, towns and cities across England. The Arts Council’s work is guided by the principle that everyone, no matter where they live, who they are or what their background, should have the chances and choices that can allow them to explore and develop a rich creative and cultural life. It does this by making sure that there is greater access to the very best in arts and culture in more places.

The Arts Council believes that access to excellent creativity and culture not only inspires us, but brings us together and teaches us about ourselves and the world around us, helping us feel proud of the villages, towns and cities we live in. In short, creative activities and cultural experiences make life better.

It supports a wide range of different disciplines: combined arts, dance, libraries, literature, museums, music, theatre, visual art, and digital arts. Through a range of funds, the Arts Council provides investment over the short, medium and long-term for individual artists, arts organisations, museums, and libraries.

• Finance / audit / investment
• Legal / governance / compliance
• Media / government relations
• Human resources
• Succession planning

The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport is seeking to appoint the new Chair of Arts Council England’s non-executive board.

Key Responsibilities of the Arts Council England Chair

Leadership & Governance:

• Lead a prominent national organisation through transformation, ensuring that change is delivered and embedded successfully.
• Ensure National Council members effectively fulfil their governance duties and maximise impact.
• Maintain a clear understanding and commitment to the Council’s arm’s-length operation from the Government.
• Be accountable to the Secretary of State and Parliament for the Art Council England’s work.

Strategy & Policy Oversight:

• Provide decisions, advice, counsel and support to the Executive on advocacy, policy and strategy.
• Support and challenge the Executive and Accounting Officer to ensure efficient and effective resource utilisation.
• Possess a sound appreciation for balancing national overview, strategy and policy with local presence and delivery.

Stakeholder Relations & Advocacy:

• Collaborate with the Government to ensure effective delivery of its priorities.
• Advocate for the Arts Council and wider cultural sector with senior policymakers, elected mayors, local government, MPs, and the media, as well as other key stakeholders domestic and international.
• The chair is bound by the Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public Bodies, which covers your conduct in the role and includes the Nolan Principles of Public Life.

Deadline for applications: 2 March 2026, 5:00 pm

To apply, click here

Full brief here: https://apply-for-public-appointment.service.gov.uk/roles/9064