Castle Bromwich Hall and Gardens Trust (Castle Bromwich Historic Gardens) is looking to recruit three trustees to join its Board.
Growing…. We know a thing or two about that!
Last year 53% more people – users, visitors, audiences – came to this 40 acre ‘hidden gem’ of historic urban green in East Birmingham (Grade 2*). We’re known for our warm welcome, beautiful spaces and range of exciting cultural and environmental experiences.
We’re ready for further growth!
As a small independent charitable Trust we punch well above our weight. Could you use your experience in business and financial development, sustainable building practices or capital projects to boost our sustainable future?
We are seeking two or three dynamic additions to our Board of Trustees to drive us on to the next stage.
We need people with energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, who will bring new skills and broaden the diversity of thinking on our Board. Recent changes in our Governance and an increase in visitor numbers over the last year have fuelled a new sense of energy and optimism. Nonetheless, as with all independent charities, there are still funding and financial mountains to scale.
Priorities for the next two years are to consolidate the recent amazing growth in audience numbers to grow our income, to actively steer work to support our heritage needs and capital building plans and to ensure successful succession of staff and governance.
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Who we are
Our independent Charitable Trust has responsibility for 40 acres of sublime 18th century formal Gardens and a surrounding historic Parkland (a Local Nature Reserve), all surrounded by fast roads and industrial landscapes.
The rare (Grade 2*) formal garden and much valued piece of ‘the wild’ are of national significance, were rescued 40 years ago – but are still not known well enough – not even by our 60,000 near neighbours.
We want to keep this green and historical gem safe for generations to come and we are even more passionate about sharing it; with visitors and tourists, yes, but also with the surrounding local communities, for many of whom it is the only accessible open land and cultural space.
The Gardens are open all year round with staff and volunteers running more than I00 activities and events: from forest schools and wildlife walks to creative cultural activities: theatre, arts and music. We get people involved in caring for nature, improving their wellbeing and finding inspiration in history and beauty.
We are proud to be an RHS Partner Garden, a Garden Organic Growing Partner and hold a Bronze Green Tourism accreditation. These badges, among others, attest to our determination to be a key player for heritage and environmental sustainability, locally and regionally.
In the 40th year of the Trust’s formation, we are very much looking forward to the next phase with new people, new ideas and new skills to help us expand and thrive.
As a tiny trust with a large responsibility, doing amazing things for a growing number of people,we’d welcome your skills and talent to guide us to the future.
We are particularly seeking those with experience and skills in:
- Business change; business and financial planning (especially in independent, charity and Heritage sectors).
- Building and capital projects – we are currently consulting and getting to concept drawing stage for completely new buildings onsite. Can you help build on the momentum for the next stage?
- Fundraising – especially planning for multi year support in the heritage and environmental arenas.
- Preferably, but not essentially, you will have some experience of Charity Boards or leadership roles.
The commitment
- We will provide induction and training, dependent upon the new Trustee’s knowledge and experience.
- Appointments are usually for an initial three-year term of office.
- We estimate the overall time commitment at 24 hours over a year i.e. 2 hours a month.
- This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses can be reimbursed.
- Attending (a mix of virtual and in person) appx. five Board meetings annually, usually two and half hours long, and preparation for meetings and occasional attendance at events.
- As a small board, Trustees also often get involved in some project or sub-cttee work, depending on skills.
Current trustees
Bethan Collerton, Helen Johnson, Seb Lovell-Huckle, Ted Richards (OBE) ,
How to apply.
For an informal, initial chat about the role, please email cbhallgardens@gmail.com . Someone will be in touch to arrange a telephone or onsite conversation.
Formal applications
Email your CV and a covering letter (no more than 2 pages) to cbhallgardens@gmail.com
- Outlining why you are interested in the role of Trustee at Castle Bromwich JHall and Gardens Trust
- Details of your skills, interests, personal qualities, and experience relevant to the role.
Key dates:
- Application deadline: 31st July 2025
- Proposed interviews: (online) during August
- Proposed start date: Aug/Sept 2025
We are particularly keen to hear from candidates from backgrounds currently underrepresented in the heritage, cultural and environmental sectors due to barriers linked to ethnicity, class, disability or gender.
General responsibilities required of a Trustee.
- Willing and able to understand and accept the responsibilities and liabilities as Trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
- Able to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and communicate effectively as a Board member.
- Able to think creatively and be solutions-focused.
- Strongly committed to equity, diversity and inclusion.
- Enthusiastic about our mission and values
- Committed to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
