Trustee, Charity and Heritage Sector

How to apply

Hestercombe is one of the South West’s most significant historic landscapes, combining nationally important gardens, heritage buildings, and a vibrant programme of cultural and community activity. Set within a unique valley landscape, the estate brings together over 300 years of garden design, including the celebrated collaboration between Sir Edwin Lutyens and Gertrude Jekyll, alongside earlier Georgian and later Victorian influences.

Today, Hestercombe operates as an independent charitable trust with a mission to conserve, restore and share this remarkable place for public benefit. In February 2024, Hestercombe was awarded Full National Museum Accreditation, recognising the quality and importance of its collections, interpretation, and public offer. The estate welcomes tens of thousands of visitors each year and offers a diverse programme spanning horticulture, arts and culture, learning, and wellbeing. From formal gardens and woodland walks to exhibitions, events and seasonal programming, Hestercombe provides an accessible and inspiring environment for a wide and growing audience.

While the organisation is currently navigating a period of formal Administration, this next phase marks a turning point rather than a conclusion. Significant progress has been made to stabilise the Trust’s position, and we are now moving toward an exit from administration with a renewed sense of purpose. With a dedicated staff team, a loyal volunteer base, and strong community roots, the foundation for recovery is firmly in place.

The appointment of a new Chief Executive and Board of Trustees is a pivotal moment of transformation. We are looking for leadership that respects our 300-year heritage while driving an entrepreneurial, resilient, and sustainable future. This is a rare opportunity to lead the regeneration of a site of national importance; shaping a legacy that ensures Hestercombe remains an inspiring environment for generations to come.

Background

The Trustees, together with the Joint Administrators of the Trust, are seeking to appoint a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the Trust through an immediate restructuring phase and into the next chapter, securing a sustainable long‑term future. The CEO will play a central role in stabilising operations, supporting the exit from Administration, and delivering the strategic and commercial direction required to secure the Trust’s viability and important heritage focus.

The CEO will champion Hestercombe’s artistic, horticultural, historic and ecological importance while strengthening commercial performance and visitor experience. They will have a deep affinity with heritage, culture and landscape.

Due to a number of operational challenges and financial pressures, the Trustees appointed Joint Administrators from Forvis Mazars LLP on 1 August 2025 to protect the estate and stabilise operations.

With fantastic support and hard work from the existing management team, staff and an army of volunteers, the Estate has successful continued trading under the supervision of the Administrators, who have been working with key stakeholders and benefactors to formulate a rescue and funding plan and secure a long‑term sustainable future of the Estate.

It is intended that Hestercombe Gardens Trust will exit Administration within the next 6 months and return to the control of the Trustees, a newly appointed CEO and management team.

The Joint Administrators and the existing Trustees are seeking to appoint a new CEO to create and lead a strategy that will ensure the long‑term sustainability of this nationally significant heritage estate.

Purpose of the role

Trustees are responsible for:

• The overall governance and strategic direction of the Trust.
• Ensuring that the Trust meets its charitable objectives, complies with legal and regulatory duties, and operates with integrity and transparency.
• Working collaboratively with the Joint Administrators, the incoming CEO and other stakeholders during the exit from Administration and being a key part of the future governance structure.

Key responsibilities

• Provide independent oversight and strategic leadership to the Trust.
• Ensure the Trust fulfils its charitable objectives and operates in accordance with charity law, the Trust deed and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Fulfil all legal duties of a Trustee under the Charities Act and the organisation’s governing document.
• Support the development and implementation of the long‑term strategy, including the Administration exit plan and any CVA proposals.
• Work closely with the newly appointed CEO and Chair of Trustees to monitor performance, financial stability and operational delivery.
• Safeguard the heritage assets and promote the Trust’s educational and public‑benefit aims.
• Oversee governance improvements, including board structure, decision‑making and risk management.
• Review key policies, systems and controls to ensure effective management of finances, operations and compliance.
• Engage constructively with stakeholders including funders, benefactors, regulators and the local community.
• Act as an ambassador for the Trust and support fundraising and partnership activity where appropriate.
• Commit sufficient time to attend board meetings, sub‑committees and site visits.

Key skills and experience being sought from the Trustee Board

• Experience in governance, leadership or senior management within a charity, cultural institution, public body or commercial organisation.
• Understanding of financial oversight and risk management.
• Ability to scrutinise proposals, challenge constructively and support effective decision‑making.
• Experience in one or more desirable areas: heritage, culture, environment, finance, audit, law, commercial operations, hospitality, fundraising or public engagement.
• Ability to work collaboratively and maintain independence of judgement.
• Strong communication skills and willingness to engage with stakeholders.

Personal attributes

Enthusiastically champion of Hestercombe’s artistic, horticultural, historic and ecological importance while strengthening commercial performance and visitor experience. You will have a deep affinity with heritage, culture and landscape.

• Commitment to the long‑term preservation and sustainability of the site as a heritage asset.
• Integrity, objectivity and sound judgement.
• Ability to act impartially and avoid conflicts of interest.
• Supportive but challenging approach to governance.
• Willingness to contribute time and expertise.

Additional context

The Trust is undergoing significant change. A reshaped Board of Trustees is required to support the Administration exit, rebuild governance and provide stability for the incoming CEO and management team. Trustees will play a critical role in overseeing this transition and ensuring the Trust is equipped for long‑term success.

Trustees are not remunerated for their work and give their time on a voluntary basis, in line with standard charity‑sector practice. This ensures that decisions are made independently and always in the best interests of the charity. Reasonable out‑of‑pocket expenses can be reimbursed, but Trustees do not receive salary, fees or other financial benefits for carrying out their duties.