Job Description

The Norwich Printing Museum is looking to recruit a small number (up to six) of new members for its Board of Trustees.

The Museum is one of very few remaining working printing museums in the UK. It was born from a collection of printing machinery, type and bindery equipment gathered by Jarrolds for their own printing museum (which closed in 2019). The Museum is now an independent charitable Trust, run by the Board of Trustees and operated by a team of volunteers (a few of whom are also Trustees). A small working ‘Museum in Residence’ on the Blickling Estate has been operating since 2021 and is due to close in October 2025. The Museum is seeking a permanent home to store and display its collections in Norwich.

Whether you are an experienced museum volunteer or trustee, someone with an interest in conserving and interpreting threatened traditional crafts, an enthusiast for the history and practice of printing, or for the city of Norwich, you will be very welcome to apply to join our Board of Trustees.

The Trustees are looking to expand their skill-base, and will welcome especially those with skills and enthusiasm in one or more of the following areas:

• Heritage project development
• Leadership and decision-making
• Museum management or curatorship
• Building management
• Fundraising
• Public education
• Printing or book history
• Printmaking
• Design history
• Bookbinding
• Marketing and publicity
• Administrative skills
• Managing volunteers
• IT and social media
• Teaching/public speaking
• Norwich and Norfolk life

The role of Trustee involves:

• Taking part in management and decision-making processes
• Working with the Board to meet the challenges that face the Museum, especially the need for new premises
• Managing the volunteers and working with them to provide the best service to the public, as a working and archival museum, a cultural and educational resource, and a visitor attraction
• Working with the Board and volunteers to raise funds and publicity for the Museum
• Engaging with other museums and collection-holders in the UK, and with the other charities and administrative bodies which support the Museum
• Working with the Board to update and expand the Museum’s policies and procedures
• Bringing your own ideas and enthusiasms to the running of the Museum

While we welcome applications from across the country, we are particularly seeking Trustees with local connections and knowledge.

Time commitment: The Board of Trustees usually meets monthly throughout the year, currently via Zoom, as well as conducting some ad hoc committee business between meetings, mostly by e-mail. Occasional events and meetings are held in Norwich.

What Trustees receive: As a Trustee you will receive the induction and training  necessary for your role, and the full support of your fellow Trustees. There is no payment for Trusteeship, but traveling and material expenses may be claimed. 

Closing date for applications: 1 March 2025. If you are interested in applying, or would like to find out more, please contact the Chair or Secretary (contact details below). Applicants will be sent a form requesting information on their background and skills, and their reasons for applying, along with the names of two referees (one personal, one professional). Applicants who are selected will be interviewed by representatives of the current Board, and the references of successful applicants will be taken up before their posts are confirmed.