Volunteer Chair of Trustees, Art History Link-Up

What will you be doing?

Since Art History Link-Up (AHLU) was founded in 2016, the Charity has provided opportunities for young people in state supported education to study Art History without charge and in their free time, in museums, galleries, schools and online.  AHLU fosters a community of Art History lovers by offering the very best teaching, and working in partnership with significant collections such as the Courtauld Institute, the National Gallery and Waddesdon Manor. AHLU’s mission is to offer students from state schools the opportunity to experience the formal study of Art History, thereby enriching their educational experience, and potential career prospects. The past decade has seen a 47% decrease in arts GCSE entries and a 23% reduction in the number of arts teachers, limiting opportunities for students to engage with creative subjects. The majority of our students are from widening participation backgrounds and / or identify as ethnic minority: this year, to date, 60% of our students identify as ethnic minority and 53% have widening participation indicates. While AHLU fills a considerable skills gap, our Charity's outcomes only hints at the demand: currently thousands of young people who love art, and have much to contribute, are missing out on opportunities. No other charity is doing this work.  Our Charity was founded relatively recently, however has grown rapidly in scope, scale and ambition, thanks to the opportunities presented to us, the support of the sector, and the demand for our courses. We are seeking an individual with specific charity governance expertise, the ability to support and devise strategy and capacity build, and an understanding of the challenges and opportunities of the arts educational sector. We are seeking a Chair with the relevant experience and determination who will relish the challenge of engaging with our mission of ‘Art History for everyone’ a reality.   

What are we looking for?

The Chair of Art History Link-Up will provide strategic leadership, governance, and oversight to ensure the Charity fulfils its mission effectively.  Working closely with the Board of Trustees, the CEO, and key stakeholders, the Chair will support the Charity’s growth and impact while maintaining strong governance and financial sustainability.  Key Responsibilities - Provide leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring effective governance and compliance with regulatory requirements.  Support and oversee the strategic direction of the Charity, ensuring alignment with its mission and values.  Act as an ambassador for AHLU, fostering relationships with key stakeholders, including funders, educational institutions, and cultural organisations.  Work collaboratively with the CEO, providing guidance and support, while maintaining appropriate governance oversight.  Oversee financial sustainability, supporting fundraising initiatives and ensuring sound financial management.  Lead and facilitate board meetings, ensuring that trustees are involved, informed, and contribute effectively to decision making. Ensure the Charity meets its legal and ethical obligations, maintaining high standards of transparency and accountability.  Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion across all aspects of AHLU’s work.  Person Specification - Essential: A commitment to the mission and values of Art History Link-Up.  Experience of a founder-led organisation.  Leadership experience at board or senior executive level.  Lead a positive and collaborative culture at board level.  Knowledge of charity governance and regulatory frameworks.  Strong strategic thinking and decision-making skills.  Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence diverse stakeholders. Financial acumen and an understanding of fundraising principles.  A collaborative and diplomatic approach, with the ability to foster an inclusive and engaged board culture.  Desirable:  Experience in the arts, education, or charitable sectors.  A network of contacts within the cultural, philanthropic, or educational fields.  Experience with fundraising and income generation for non-profits/charities.

What difference will you make?

Currently fewer than 1% of state schools offer A Level Art History. AHLU has consistently provided access to Art History education since 2016 through its flagship ‘Art History for Everyone’ programme. These free-of-charge hybrid courses, taught in partnership with major cultural institutions including The Courtauld and The National Gallery, enable state school sixth-form students to gain an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and/or an A Level in Art History. Each year, demand for these courses significantly exceeds available places. All AHLU students are supported in class by specialist teaching assistants who facilitate small group discussions, allowing students to develop confidence, ideas and find their voice.  Over 600 students from over 300 state schools across the UK have studied with AHLU. Many of our students are now studying Art History at Russell Group universities, including significant numbers at the Universities of of Oxford, Cambridge, and the Courtauld Institute, reflecting the impact of our programme on widening access to higher education. Alumni have secured roles at leading cultural institutions, including Christie’s and the National Portrait Gallery. From 2022 onwards, AHLU piloted Introduction to Art History courses for 13-to-15 year olds in museums, galleries and schools. By 2024, it was clear that students wanted an accredited award as a potential outcome to their studies. In response to this, we began offering Art History Higher Project Qualification (HPQ) courses, equivalent to half a GCSE in 2024. We are now expanding and rolling out these courses, potentially nationwide. The incoming Chair of AHLU has the potential to play their part in transforming arts education and access to creative sector careers across the UK.