Overview

 

Bradford Police Museum is entering an exciting phase of development. With a dedicated volunteer team, growing audiences, and a clear commitment to sustainable governance, we are seeking a strategic leader to help guide our next chapter.

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This is a voluntary, non-operational leadership role designed to strengthen our governance, support long-term planning, and provide strategic partnership to the Museum Manager and Board of Trustees.

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Location

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City Hall, Bradford BD1

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Time Commitment

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Approximately 8 hours per week, which would be flexible and largely self-directed. Some alignment with the Museum Manager’s working hours may be beneficial and the role would require attendance at Board Meetings (4 times per year, online).

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Term of Appointment

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• Initial 12-month term

• Renewable by mutual agreement

• Annual objectives agreed with the Board

• Regular review to ensure the role remains sustainable and impactful

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Please note that this is a Voluntary Role

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About Bradford Police Museum

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Bradford Police Museum is an independent heritage charity based within Bradford City Hall. We preserve and share the history of policing in Bradford through exhibitions, guided tours, educational visits and special events.

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The museum is run by approximately 45 dedicated volunteers alongside our Museum Manager, our only paid member of staff (part-time). Together, this team delivers:

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• Weekly public opening

• Guided tours of the Victorian police cells and courtroom

• School visits and group bookings

• Collections care and documentation

• Community engagement and special events

 

We are a small but ambitious organisation with a strong volunteer culture and a commitment to good governance and sustainable growth.

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Purpose of the Role

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The Volunteer Museum Director provides strategic leadership, advocacy and governance oversight in support of the Board of Trustees.

 

The role exists to:

• Help shape the museum’s long-term strategic direction

• Strengthen governance and role clarity

• Support strategic project development

• Represent the museum externally where appropriate

• Act as a senior sounding board to the Museum Manager

• This role does not involve day-to-day operational management.

 

The Volunteer Museum Director will:

• Work closely with the Board of Trustees

• Collaborate with the Museum Manager on strategic projects

• Maintain clear boundaries between governance and operational delivery

• Support a positive and professional culture across trustees, staff and volunteers

• The Museum Manager remains responsible for day-to-day operations, staff and volunteer coordination, programming and delivery.

 

 

Key Responsibilities

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1. Strategic Leadership​

• Contribute to the development and review of the museum’s strategic plan

• Support the Board in setting clear priorities and long-term objectives

• Provide oversight on strategic risks and opportunities

• Advise on growth, partnerships and sustainability

 

2. Governance and Board Support​

• Support strong and effective charity governance

• Help ensure clarity of roles and decision-making structures

• Promote appropriate separation between governance and operations

• Contribute to governance reviews and policy development

 

3. Strategic Project Support​

• Work alongside the Museum Manager to advise on strategic initiatives

• Provide high-level guidance on development plans

• Act as a sounding board on complex or forward-looking issues

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4. Advocacy and External Representation​

• Act as an ambassador for Bradford Police Museum

• Represent the museum at selected meetings or sector events

• Support relationship-building with funders, partners and stakeholders

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5. Funding and Development Oversight​​

• Contribute to identifying potential funding opportunities

• Support the strategic direction of funding bids

• Assist with advocacy and case-making where appropriate

(The role does not include writing or managing funding applications unless agreed separately.)

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What This Role Is Not

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To ensure sustainability and clarity, the Volunteer Museum Director does not:

• Manage day-to-day operations

• Line manage staff or volunteers

• Oversee rotas, bookings or events delivery

• Take responsibility for collections care or accreditation compliance

• Act as additional operational capacity

• This is a strategic governance role.

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Person Specification​

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Essential:

• Experience of leadership, governance or strategic oversight

• Confidence operating at board or senior level

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills

• The ability to maintain clear professional boundaries

• Commitment to charitable values and heritage

 

Desirable:

• Experience within museums, heritage or the voluntary sector

• Knowledge of charity governance frameworks

• Experience of organisational growth or strategic change

• Insight into fundraising strategy or development planning

 

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What You Will Gain

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• A meaningful leadership role within a unique heritage organisation

• The opportunity to shape strategic vision and sustainability

• Experience contributing to governance and organisational development

• The chance to work alongside a passionate volunteer community

• A tangible impact on preserving Bradford’s policing heritage

 

Our Commitment

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We are committed to:

• Clear role boundaries

• Professional governance practices

• Respectful collaboration

• Transparency in decision-making

• Supporting our volunteers and staff

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Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

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Bradford Police Museum is committed to building a welcoming, inclusive and representative organisation. We believe that our strength lies in the diversity of experiences, perspectives and backgrounds within our community.

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We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those who are currently underrepresented within the heritage and museum sector, including people from ethnically diverse communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds. As a volunteer-led charity based in the heart of Bradford, we recognise the importance of reflecting and serving the communities around us. We are committed to creating an environment where trustees, staff and volunteers feel respected, valued and able to contribute fully.

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We are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process and throughout the role to ensure accessibility and inclusion.

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If you require any adjustments or would prefer to submit your application in an alternative format, please contact us at admin@bradfordpolicemuseum.com.​

 

 

How to Apply

To express your interest or ask questions, please contact: admin@bradfordpolicemuseum.com 

To apply, please complete our online application form:

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Volunteer Museum Director Application Form

Application deadline: Friday 6th March, 12pm

Interviews: Week Commencing 16th March