Chair, Acceptance in Lieu (AIL) Panel

Chair, Acceptance in Lieu (AIL) Panel

Location: London with the option to join virtually. (The majority of Panel members attend meetings in-person but there is the option to join meetings virtually. Some travel may be required with expenses paid.)

Role Type: Reasonable expenses will be covered. A remuneration of £6,500 pa is offered, paid pro rata monthly.

Specific Hours: Up to 30 days per year (including panel meetings, preparatory work, work on the AIL/CGS Annual Report and some public-facing presentation work)

Closing Date: Midnight, Tuesday 13 October

Salary: Reasonable expenses will be covered. A remuneration of £6,500 pa is offered, paid pro rata monthly.

Overview of the role     

We are seeking a confident and experienced Chair to lead a high-profile expert Panel and act as a compelling public advocate for the Acceptance in Lieu and Cultural Gifts Schemes. As Chair of the Acceptance in Lieu Panel, you will lead one of the UK’s most significant public collections acquisition programmes.

Collections are at the heart of museums, galleries, libraries and archives. They are an active resource, enabling these institutions to make a significant and distinctive contribution to society. The depth and breadth of their collections enrich research and education, inspire creativity and critical thinking, deepen our understanding of the past and present, and strengthen communities by fostering local pride and supporting economic growth. Collections can bring joy and create memorable moments for visitors across the country.

Each year the Acceptance in Lieu Panel oversees an annual limit of £40 million in ‘tax forgone’. This is used to acquire important cultural objects for public collections through the Acceptance in Lieu and Cultural Gifts schemes.

These schemes bring objects of exceptional cultural importance into public collections where they give lasting enjoyment and inspiration to all across the UK; from the smallest village museum to the largest city libraries.

The current Chair of the Acceptance in Lieu Panel, Michael Clarke CBE, will be standing down in June 2027 and we are looking for the next Chair of the Panel.

This appointment will be made in consultation with the Secretary of State for the Department of Digital, Media, Culture and Sport (DCMS). The selected candidate must be politically neutral in the role and not representative of a specific constituency.

Equality Diversity and Inclusion Statement: Arts Council are committed to being an inclusive employer, building an inclusive workplace, and recruiting a workforce that is as diverse as the communities we serve. However, you identify, and whatever background you bring with you, we welcome you to apply for a role at Arts Council.

If there are any adjustments that would support you in your application, please do let us know when you apply. If you are disabled, Evenbreak are able to provide support with your application. For further information please visit their website here

We participate in the ‘Offer an Interview’ scheme which means that we offer an interview to any disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria for the role they’re applying to, subject to the volume of applications received.  Disabled candidates, those living with a long-term condition and/ or neurodivergent candidates may be eligible for this scheme. The scheme uses the definition of disability from the Equality Act 2010 to determine eligibility.  More information is included in the application guidance.

An information webinar will also be held on Thursday 24 September between 14:00 – 15:00 via Teams for anyone interested in the role. You can sign up here.

If you would like to discuss any aspect of the role, the person specification or appointment process in confidence, please contact Dr. Sarah Posey, Director of Cultural Property via email at Sarah.Posey@artscouncil.org.uk

To view the Role description please click here

To view the Recruitment Pack please click here

Applications to be submitted via the Arts Council England Careers portal only

Webinar Date: Thursday 24 September 14:00 – 15:00

Closing date:  Midnight, Tuesday 13 October

Interviews: Tuesday 17 November (Interviews will be held in-person in London office)