The Henry Moore Foundation was founded by the artist and his family in 1977 to encourage public appreciation of the visual arts. Today it is the largest artist-endowed, grant-giving foundation in Europe. It also supports innovative sculpture projects, devises an imaginative programme of exhibitions and research worldwide from its bases in Hertfordshire and Leeds, and preserves the legacy of Henry Moore, one of the great sculptors of the 20th century, who did so much to bring the art form to a wider audience.

Henry Moore made his home for nearly half a century in Perry Green in rural East Hertfordshire. Here Moore created his extraordinary sculptures, prints and drawings in the various studios within the grounds. Henry Moore Studios & Gardens is home to the Henry Moore collections and visited by 20,000 visitors each year.

The Henry Moore Institute in Leeds is a world-recognised centre for the study of sculpture, where it aims to make a significant impact on the future of art history, placing sculpture right at the centre. It achieves this through a programme of exhibitions, engagement and research that aims to make sculpture a necessary and relevant part of contemporary culture. It works in partnership with Leeds Art Gallery to manage their sculpture collection, one of the strongest public collections of sculpture in Britain. The Institute also houses the Leeds archive of sculptors’ papers and the Henry Moore Institute library. Together they provide an important research facility to enable a greater understanding of the history and practice of sculpture. The Institute attracts over 100,000 visitors each year with free admission.

The Foundation awards £500,000 annually and in doing so seeks to continue Moore’s legacy by supporting sculpture across historical, modern and contemporary registers, and funds research that expands the appreciation of sculpture. To show its on-going commitment to the future of sculpture, in 2023 the Foundation awarded £100,000 of unrestricted grants to 50 artists across the UK in rapid-response to the cost of living crisis and the funding cuts that had taken place in the arts sector. Since 1988 it has supported over 2250 artists, almost 1000 organisations and offered over £23m in grants.

The Foundation’s mission is to inspire and inform people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy and appreciate sculpture and to preserve the legacy of its founder by introducing his work to audiences worldwide. It has ambitions to shape the future history of sculpture through study and supporting cutting edge developments.

Please click here to view the complete recruitment pack from the Foundation.

The Foundation's Trustees have an understanding of the context in which the Henry Moore Foundation works, a willingness to learn more, a commitment to the Foundation’s vision and values, and a passion to build upon its mission.

Trustees will be responsible for setting the strategic direction of the Henry Moore Foundation and for its oversight and governance. Day to day management is delegated to the senior management team who deliver the five year plan supported by a team of around 100 people across the Foundation's two sites.

Trustees constructively challenge existing strategy and have an understanding of how to build and sustain relationships with key stakeholders and colleagues to achieve organisational objectives. They are committed to both formal meetings and informal engagement with the activities of the Foundation, including exhibition openings and providing advice on an ad hoc basis to the senior staff.

The Henry Moore Foundation is looking for new Trustees who share its passion for the transformative effect of the fine arts, who can help it continue to engage with new audiences, and add to the diversity and effectiveness of its decision-making. For this vacancy, candidates will bring senior executive experience in a major cultural institution, visitor attraction or creative business, ideally with specialist knowledge in the history of art and / or contemporary fine arts.

Other desirable skills and experience include:

• Experience of operating successfully as a senior manager and / or on the board of a charitable, public sector or commercial organisation, or (for younger applicants) the ability to demonstrate incisive, strategic thinking
• Insight and demonstrable experience in advocacy and strategic planning
• Demonstrable experience of building and sustaining relationships with key stakeholders and colleagues to achieve organisational objectives
• A proven track record of sound judgement and effective decision making

Knowledge, skills and understanding:

• Commitment to the goals of the organisation and a willingness to participate in both formal meetings and informal engagement with the activities of the Foundation, including exhibition openings (approximately four per year)
• A commitment to equality and diversity and willingness to actively develop and promote the Foundation’s plans in this respect
• Ability and willingness to constructively challenge existing strategy
• Willingness to be available to staff for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis
• Good, independent judgement and strategic vision
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of charity trusteeship
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• An understanding of the respective roles of the Chair, Trustees and Executive team

Board Composition

Sir Nigel Carrington, Chair
Charles Asprey
Peter Wienand
William Edgerley
Antony Griffiths
Martin Barden
Pam Raynor
Len Dunne
Courtney J. Martin
Hammad Nasar
Lesley Sherratt
Ella Snell

Please click here for more information on the Board.

Trustees are expected to join a sub-committee of the Board or a working group. There are currently three standing sub-committees which meet four times a year: the Finance & General Purposes Committee, Investment Committee and Grants Committee. The Remuneration Committee meets as required, as does the Nominations Committee which handles the appointment of new Trustees and senior executive personnel. There are currently two working groups that meet as required to oversee strategic matters relating to Audiences & Engagement and the Collections.

Trustees are asked to attend meetings in person wherever possible, however it is understood that virtual attendance may be necessary from time to time.

A Trustee term of office is five years with an option to renew for one further five year term upon invitation and by mutual agreement of the Board of Trustees.

Trusteeships are voluntary positions and as such there is no remuneration. Reasonable standard class travel expenses will be reimbursed.

There are generally four board meetings per year, normally lasting for 2+ hours. Two of these will typically be at Henry Moore Studios & Gardens at Perry Green, Hertfordshire and two at Henry Moore Institute, Leeds city centre. Additional meetings take place from time to time in London. sub-committee meetings can be virtual.