Who we are
IWM’s remit is global and inclusive in its exploration of war’s impact on the lives of men, women and children, from 1914 to the present day.
Our collection of over 33m objects covers all aspects of conflict involving Britain, its former Empire and the Commonwealth.
Through our family of five museums in London, Cambridgeshire and Manchester, off-site programmes, and digital content, we explore the causes, course and consequences of war and promote understanding and empathy.
The role
Members of the Board have corporate responsibility for the general management and control of the museum, subject to the terms set out in the Imperial War Museum Acts (1920 and 1955), subsequent amending legislation and other governing documents.
The appointment of the FCDO Trustee will be made by the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs. The Media Trustee will be appointed by the Secretary of State for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport. The three remaining roles will be appointed by the Prime Minister.
Candidates for the FCDO role should demonstrate:
- Experience of foreign policy, national and international security.
- A knowledge of and commitment to the purposes and values of IWM.
- Understanding of the nature of the IWM’s remit, which is global and embraces the social, cultural, and military history and war and conflict.
- A strong commitment to engaging communities outside of London, and factoring UK-wide perspectives into all decision making.
- A commitment to improving access and opportunities for marginalised people throughout the UK, including disabled people, people from low socio-economic backgrounds and those who identify as global majority.
- Knowledge and expertise in national security is particularly desirable to complement the experience of other trustees.
- Experience of working in areas of the world affected by conflict.
- Experience of working in the US, the Far East or Commonwealth Countries not already represented on the Board [Commonwealth countries already represented on the Board of Trustees are: Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka]
Further details on these vacancies and how to apply can be found on the Cabinet Office public appointments website.
The Army Trustee should have:
- Served or be serving at the most senior level in the Army.
- Relevant experience of working in or with the public sector, for example, working directly with ministers or senior government officials or MPs.
- Up-to-date contacts in the Army, Ministry of Defence and defence sector.
- Operational experience of recent conflict would be an advantage.
The Navy Trustee should have:
- Served at senior or Naval Board level
- Relevant experience of working in or with the public sector, for example, working directly with ministers or senior government officials or MPs
- Current contacts in the Royal Navy, Ministry of Defence and defence sector.
The Estates Trustee should have:
- A strong background in real estate and property asset management
- A good understanding of what is needed to deliver capital projects on complex, live sites
- Knowledge or experience of the historic environment.
The Media Trustee should have:
- Significant experience working at an influential level in the media, whether broadcast, print or online; and
- Excellent communication skills.
Further details on these vacancies and how to apply can be found on the Cabinet Office public appointments website.
