Trustee

Would you like to join the leadership of one of the most successful archaeological charities in the UK?

We are recruiting to fill vacancies on our Board of Trustees.

About the organisation 

Oxford Archaeology (OA) is a registered charity and a leader in developer-led archaeology with a mission to advance the understanding of humanity's shared history through archaeological research to create public benefit. For over 50 years, OA has combined financial resilience with exceptional expertise, creating a vibrant research environment, regional business strengths, and strong commitment to dissemination and public engagement. With offices in Oxford, Cambridge, and Lancaster, OA carries out high-profile projects across the UK, shaping archaeological practice while engaging communities in discovering their past.

As one of the largest archaeological companies in the UK, OA works on major projects of all types, from housing to infrastructure, that cover all periods, from the Palaeolithic to the 20th century. The organisation also undertakes national surveys and research projects that contribute to shaping policy on heritage management, rewilding, and biodiversity. Its collaborative approach and adaptability have enabled OA to seize important commercial opportunities by establishing a number of successful joint ventures for nationally important infrastructure projects, including HS2, Sizewell C, and several National Highways schemes. 

OA’s charitable remit to create public benefit is firmly at the heart of all of its work. Archaeology offers a unique way to build a sense of place and connect diverse communities in today’s dynamic society. By collaborating with businesses, academia, local government, and other charities, OA maximizes archaeology’s potential for positive social impact, bridging communities and the past through storytelling and hands-on engagement. The Knowledge Hub was created to make OA’s research, reports, and publications freely available to all and it will continue growing, using all the potential of digital tools to make archaeology more approachable and accessible. 

About the role

This is a very exciting time to join the Board. The sector is experiencing great change, driven by the many opportunities to work on major infrastructure projects as well as the expanding housebuilding programme.  OA is currently developing a new strategy to take us into 2025-30 that will shape our role in the sector and the archaeological profession, and we are investing in our internal systems and processes to support these ambitions.

We are seeking two new trustees to join our board in late 2024/early 2025. Current trustees are mainly from the heritage sector, especially from professional practice and academia. We want to extend the range of trustee skills to reflect the developments in the sector and the wider economy. While an interest in the heritage sector is important we will consider a wide range of professional backgrounds and life experience in order to bring new perspectives, energy and creativity to our board.

We are particularly looking for people who have experience in any of the following areas:

1. Management of major infrastructure projects.
2. Contract/commercial management in the following sectors: Construction, House Building, Utilities, Renewable Energy.
3. Financial management and planning, including oversight of annual audited accounts and organisational risk management.
4. Corporate governance and compliance with UK Company and Charity law.

5. Appreciation of disruptive technologies and Cybersecurity.

    

What to expect from the trustee role

Our Board of trustees is responsible for the charity Oxford Archaeology, for its strategy, finances and for overseeing compliance and operations. The Board works closely with the executive team who manage a staff of over 400 people.

The Board meets formally 4-5 times a year, with additional meetings and site visits as necessary.   Sub-groups of the Board may meet separately to progress specific initiatives.

Expenses are paid to Trustees to enable them to attend in person meetings.

All new trustees will receive an induction, and there are opportunities to develop a deeper understanding of the business through meetings with staff and visits to ongoing projects.

How to apply:

If you are interested in the role and would like to know more, please follow the link for more information:

Trustee | Oxford Archaeology

To apply please send a CV with a covering letter and “Application for Trustee position” in the subject line outlining:

• Why you would like to join the Board of OA
• The skills and experience that you would bring to the Board

The deadline for applications is 6th December. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to an in person interview on 10th December.

If you feel that you don’t meet the current recruitment categories but would like to be kept informed of future opportunities please let us know.