HM Government Public Appointments

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Chair - Advisory Committee on the Government Art Collection

Body: Advisory Committee on the Government Art Collection
Appointing Department: Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Sector: Culture, Media & Sport
Location: London
Number of Vacancies: 1
Remuneration: The post is not salaried. Reasonable expenses may be claimed.
Time Requirements: Three Committee Meetings a year (approximately two hours per meeting), with additional time required to see works of art, exhibitions and to provide ad hoc advice on acquisitions, stewardship of the Collection and related matters, etc. The Chair will need to be available for the three formal Advisory Committee meetings per year, but will also be asked to liaise with the GAC Director and/or offer ad hoc advice on acquisitions, stewardship and policy issues at other times. Candidates should be comfortable in offering advice on re-appointments/new appointments and evaluation of the performance of Advisory Committee members.

Campaign Timeline

  • Competition Launched

    13/03/2023

  • Closed for Applications

    10/04/2023 at 12:00

  • Panel Sift

    April

  • Final Interview Date

    02/06/2023

  • Announcement

    TBC

Vacancy Description

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is seeking an outstanding individual to Chair the Advisory Committee on the Government Art Collection (GAC).   

About the Government Art Collection (GAC)

The Government Art Collection promotes British art and history and contributes to cultural diplomacy. Dating from 1899, the GAC is a unique resource with over 14,700 works of art spanning five centuries from Tudor portraits to video work. Two thirds of the Collection is on display in over 370 British Government buildings located in nearly every capital city, making it the most dispersed collection of British art in the world. The Collection has recently moved to new premises and is under new Directorship. In recent years it has expanded its digital activity and is developing new partnerships to enable greater public access and engagement, and to support artists. Since 2018 a programme of work has looked at representation across the Collection. 

Role of the Advisory Committee

The Committee advises on matters concerning the overall stewardship of the GAC and its holdings, together with other related matters which affect the Collection. It also approves and gives advice on the purchase and commission of works of art.

Role of the Chair

The main focus for the Chair is advising and encouragement. No major reforming is required and there are no fiduciary responsibilities, so it is not as ‘hands on’ or demanding as some Chair roles. 

Whilst Committee members need to demonstrate a broad knowledge of British art, this is not considered essential for the Chair.  

Committee Members

The Advisory Committee, currently chaired by Sir David Verey, comprises of five ex-officio members (the Directors of the National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery and Tate Britain, the Director of the GAC and the Director of Arts, Heritage and Tourism at DCMS), five independent members and two independent youth members.  Independent members each serve a term of four years (which can be extended), thus providing a regular input of new ideas and continuity to see long term projects through to completion.  Independent youth members can each serve a term of four years only.

Duration of Appointment

The appointment will be for an initial term of four years.  After that period, the role will be subject to review. 

Start Date

It is expected that the appointee will take up their appointment in September 2023 and chair their first meeting in November 2023.

Person Specification

The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate:

  • An understanding of, and commitment to the objectives of the GAC and DCMS, and the ability to contribute effectively to the development of the GAC and its acquisitions policy and public programme;
  • A keen interest in the arts (preferably contemporary visual arts);
  • The skills to be an effective Chair, based on excellent communication and  interpersonal skills; 
  • A proven track record of achievement and sound judgement;
  • Enthusiasm to be an ambassador of the GAC to a wide range of stakeholders;
  • Knowledge and experience of collaborating with political stakeholders and an understanding of the landscape in which the GAC operates;
  • A commitment to inclusion and improving access to people from a diverse range of backgrounds, throughout the UK.

Additional criteria:

We would be particularly interested in applicants with experience in one or more of the following areas:
– Digital communications
– Learning and participation
– Fundraising or partnerships
– Communications & Media

Additional Information

Appointment Process

Appointments to the Advisory Committee on the Government Art Collection are made with the agreement of the Minister for Arts and Heritage. 

A selection panel will undertake a sift of applications and invite shortlisted candidates to interview in Central London. Following interviews, a recommendation will be made to the Minister for Arts and Heritage. 

The appointment process will follow Nolan principles and best practice advocated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

How to Apply

Please email:

This post is NOT regulated by The Commissioner for Public Appointments.

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