Contemporary British Silversmiths Charity was set up in 2021, to support the work of Contemporary British Silversmiths by helping maintain, develop and promote the craft of contemporary silversmithing and design nationally and internationally. It is committed to inspiring the next generation of silversmiths, raising the profile of contemporary British-made silver, and preserving the heritage of its craft while helping to build its future.

As a non-profit organisation, its charitable aims are focused on delivering public benefit through a programme of public engagement including education and skills training, exhibitions and events, fundraising, and helping to engage new audiences and markets.

The Charity now manages the CBS Skills Training Programme, which continues to be developed in response to industry demand and delivered through its successful peer learning and mentoring model. It enables skills transfer from master silversmiths to ensure a diversity of silversmithing skills and techniques, and supports artists and makers working in the UK through networking and professional development opportunities.

Contemporary British Silversmiths Charity is managed by a Board of Trustees who are from a range of professional backgrounds, including silversmiths. It is looking for new Trustees, based in the UK, to work with a dedicated support team and with the Contemporary British Silversmiths association.

The new Trustees will help to steer the strategic direction and governance of the charity, as it focuses on the future of its craft agenda for growth, and charitable development.

The responsibilities of a Trustee include the following: 

• Ensuring the values and mission of Contemporary British Silversmiths Charity are fully reflected in all its work
• Advocating for the Charity's mission and, if possible, using their skills or contacts as appropriate to support the Charity's work
• Engaging with and supporting the Charity’s CEO and Senior Leadership Team
• Ensuring that the Charity fulfils its legal requirements, including in respect of equal opportunities, safeguarding and child protection, meeting health and safety requirements, and complying with its charitable objectives

Contemporary British Silversmiths Charity is looking for applicants who are enthusiastic about the applied arts, and have an interest in silver design and making. The new Trustees will be keen to explore the role the charity can play in ensuring excellence in the craft of contemporary British silversmithing, whilst working to preserve its heritage.

To complement the skills of the current Trustees, the Board are particularly interested in applicants who have operated at the senior level of, and who have a connection to the heritage of, British business. This may either have been in an executive or non-executive capacity, and the charity is open to applications from first-time non-executives. Applicants should have strong personal networks within British business, and be able to leverage that network to further the charity's mission by facilitating strategic partnerships.

The charity would be particularly interested in hearing from applicants with experience in the legal sector, or with digital marketing experience. Ideally, this experience would have been gained in large commercial organisations that have a presence and / or connection to the North of England, especially Sheffield where the charity is based.

Ashley Peter Pover, Chair
John O'Loughlin
Elizabeth Jane Cameron
Christopher Andrew Damien Knight
James Dougall

This role is unremunerated, but reasonable, pre-agreed travel expenses will be reimbursed. There are monthly Board meetings, which take place virtually and last approximately one hour. In addition, there are ad hoc engagements including strategy sessions, and events which Trustees are encouraged to attend. The appointment is for a three year term.

UK - North England (Sheffield)