DEADLINE 5th of May

Open Eye Gallery is dedicated to building an open and inclusive organisation, with a team that represents the different backgrounds, perspectives, and skills from the communities we serve. We are looking to recruit new Board Members to join our team. Interested board member applicants are invited to come along for informal evening / brunch to meet the team, hear more about becoming a Board Member, and ask any questions they may have over light refreshments.

Our Board of Trustees are volunteers who oversee, shape and support everything we do. For example, our Board provides direction and challenge to the leadership team, monitors any risks to the organisation, and plays a major part in shaping Open Eye Gallery’s future. 

Our Board meets four times per year, with some additional time required to review papers and attend sub-committee meetings. The appointment will be for a term of three years, with the option to renew for a second term. As a Board Member you might also attend events and exhibitions hosted by Open Eye Gallery or our partners. The Board meetings do have a formal structure, but it is a process of collaboration where everyone has a voice. Board Meetings take place at Open Eye Gallery, Liverpool, with the option to attend remotely if in person attendance is not possible. Travel expenses will be reimbursed. 

We welcome applications from all interested parties. We are particularly interested in those with specialist skills and experience in digital communications, the environment and sustainability, and different roles within the business sector, with knowledge of charities welcome. 

We would love to have a younger person’s perspective on our Board, to bring fresh insight, energy and lived experience to our team. We are looking for someone between the age of 18-27 – you could be a student, creative practitioner or participant on one of our projects. We would like to know what you are most passionate about and interested in. For example, you may be interested in the environment and climate crisis, digital communications, technology or how galleries are run. 

Here’s what our current Board Members say:

– Getting involved with the Open Eye Galley board is a great way to be connected to an art form I am passionate about, and a positive way to support the communities OEG reaches out to with projects. (Sol Papadopoulos, Producer, Hurricane Films)

– It’s about being able to work alongside amazing colleagues to develop, shape and inform the culture of Liverpool, the region and beyond through collective decision making and supporting the gallery staff to realise their wonderful vision. (Gary Bratchford, Reader in Photography)

– I get a great deal of personal satisfaction that I can use my professional skills to support the Open Eye Gallery team, the work of photographers and in developing new talent from local communities. (Lindsey Fryer, Chair of the board)

Board members are required to: 

• Regularly attend and contribute to Board meetings, any delegated subcommittee meetings and team away days; 
• Ensure that adequate preparation is made for meetings by reading and examining all relevant papers, reports and budgets; 
• Input meaningfully to the strategic thinking of the gallery; 
• Input, agree and approve artistic and business objectives; 
• Ensure the charity’s work is inline with the Articles of Association;
• Contribute to agenda items as part of our learning organisation; 
• Attend key exhibitions and events, championing Open Eye Gallery to potential and existing funders and partners. 

Person specification: 

• An enthusiasm for the work of Open Eye Gallery and a commitment to the organisation’s core values, aims and objectives; 
• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort; 
• Preparedness to offer personal and business skills to support the work of the team;
• Ability to assimilate complex information, often in report format; 
• Ability to work collaboratively with other Board Members, and Open Eye Gallery team;
• Ability to put forward opinions and build trust and respect with colleagues and stakeholders;
• Open-mindedness and ability to take a view across the full range of issues; 
• Ability to take responsibility for decisions made. 

We are open to applicants who feel they may not fit all the criteria – if you feel you have relevant experience to bring to the role please do get in touch. 

Full Recruitment Pack:

• Board Member
• Young Board Member

To apply, please submit the following information to jobs@openeye.org.uk: 

For Board Member:

1. Application Form
2. Please fill in our anonymous Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form. 

For Young Board Member:

1. Young Board Member Application Form
2. Please fill in our anonymous Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form

Email: jobs@openeye.org.uk. Post: Open Eye Gallery, 19 Mann Island, Liverpool Waterfront, Liverpool, L3 1BP.  If you would prefer an alternative way of applying (e.g., by sending a video, or arranging a casual discussion about the role) please reach out to Natalie Meer on email: natalie@openeye.org.uk. 

We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds, and we fully recognise the value of a team that is made up of diverse skills, experiences and abilities. We are particularly keen to hear from people of colour, and those living with disabilities. 

Closing Date: Sunday 5 May, 23.59. 

Successful candidates will be invited to an informal interview where you can tour the latest exhibition and meet the team. Interviews to take place on Thursday 16 May.  Please let us know in your application email if you have any access requirements.