Manager, Acceptance in Lieu, Cultural Gift Scheme (MCP9)
Manager, Acceptance in Lieu/ Cultural Gift Scheme (MCP9)
Contract: Fixed term until 31 December 2025, working 35 hours per week (Arts Council also recognises the benefit of flexible working as a valued part of the way we work, and welcome applications from individuals who require flexibility)
Salary: £36,987 per annum plus benefits including a final salary pension scheme, generous annual leave, and flexible and hybrid working.
Location: Manchester or Birmingham (The role will be based at one of the office bases listed; however, we are operating a hybrid way of working and support our staff to make use of remote working options when combined with regular on-site contact days with other members of the team, normally 1-2 days a week)
As the national development agency for museums in England, Arts Council England supports every kind of museum, with every type of collection and we use our expertise, networks and partnerships to listen to and advocate for the sector. We believe collections should be developed and cared for, celebrated, and protected, which is why we deliver schemes, and provide standards, funding and advocacy to ensure they can be enjoyed by as many people as possible.
Collections are the beating heart of museums, libraries and archives. They attract visitors, inspire stories and create memorable moments. New acquisitions enhance and reframe collections, ensuring they remain vibrant and relevant, and engaging to new audiences. Each year the Acceptance in Lieu Panel oversees the allocation of up to £40 million towards acquisitions for UK public collections through the Acceptance in Lieu and Cultural Gifts schemes.
Role Details: You will enhance museum collections across the UK, playing a vital role in acquiring a diverse range of pre-eminent items for public enjoyment and inspiration.
The Acceptance in Lieu & Cultural Gift Scheme Manager will manage a team, oversee casework and actively support the transition of the scheme operationally we increase our user-focused service delivery and adopt technology to streamline its administration.
We are particularly interested in individuals with experience in programme management and process improvement with strong Microsoft capabilities. Strong relationship management skills and experience working with panels/boards is desirable.
Key responsibilities include:
- Ensuring that Acceptance in Lieu, Cultural Gift Scheme and Conditional Exemption (CE) cases are progressed in a timely manner, within the parameters of the agreement with DCMS and the cycle of the Acceptance in Lieu Panel meetings.
- Managing a team to submit accurate and timely submissions of cases and Panel papers as required and resolving complex cases.
- Ensuring close and effective working to deliver the AIL, CGS and CE casework with DCMS and HMRC, and acting as HMRC first point of day-to-day contact.
- Promoting understanding of the work of the wider team and AIL and CGS by participating in seminars and publications and in providing guidance and advice on the schemes generally both to colleagues and external stakeholders.
- Developing and maintaining effective relationships with key stakeholders, such as the owners and their agents, art and antiques trade, expert advisers, Panel members, the staff of public collections and membership and funding bodies.
- Working closely and flexibly with ACE staff to develop a shared understanding of our work across the team, contributing proactively across the range of our responsibilities and acting as an internal and external advocate for the work of the team.
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
Disabled, D/deaf and/or neurodivergent people and those from Black, Asian and Ethnically Diverse backgrounds are underrepresented in our workforce so we particularly encourage applications from people in these groups.
About us: Arts Council offers a range of benefits to our employees including hybrid and flexible working, a generous annual leave allowance and the Arts Council Retirement Plan - a final salary scheme. To find out more, click here.
Our Code of Ethics requires that employees of the Arts Council are not able to receive an Arts Council grant, investment or loan funding - either in person, as a member of a partnership, or for any organisation they own. There are also limitations on board or CEO positions employees can hold in organisations we fund. For more information on this, please talk to the recruiting manager or contact recruitment@artscouncil.org.uk
We believe our recruitment process should be inclusive and transparent. Find out what to expect with our application Guidance: How to apply and recruitment selection process | Arts Council England and more about our commitment to diversity on our website here.
To view the job description please click here
To view the recruitment pack which outlines more details about working for Arts Council please click here
Job ref: MCP9
Closing date: 09:00am Friday 11 July 2025
1st Interview: (virtual) Wednesday 16 July 2025
Please note: We do NOT accept CVs or cover letters as part of our recruitment process. If you require any documentation in an alternative format, please contact recruitment@artscouncil.org.uk
