Join The Basketmakers’ Association Board: Chair & Business Development Director

The Basketmakers’ Association – Strategic Board

Location: Remote/Hybrid (occasional in-person meetings)
Commitment: 10 Board meetings per year. The Chair is also expected to have regular meetings with lead Volunteers and also represent the BA at various events and meetings with key stakeholders.
Voluntary: (reasonable expenses reimbursed)
Term: 3 years, renewable
Application Deadline: Sunday 28 September 2025

The Basketmakers’ Association

The Basketmakers’ Association (BA) is a member-led UK-based organisation committed to supporting basketmakers, chairseaters and those interested in related crafts promoting traditional and contemporary approaches, fostering learning, appreciation, and innovation in the crafts. As we enter a critical phase in our evolution, the BA is establishing a new Board to guide our development and ensure a proactive and sustainable future.

In line with our 2025 Position Statement, we are seeking a Chair to lead the Board in shaping and driving forward a bold new organisational direction – one that is inclusive and responsive to the needs of the basketmaking community.

Role Purpose

The Chair will provide strategic leadership and facilitation for the Board. You will ensure that the board operates effectively, ethically, and collaboratively while actively delivering the new strategic vision.

Key Responsibilities

– Board Leadership and Governance

• Lead the Board in setting priorities, timelines, and strategic objectives in line with BA’s mission and values.
• Facilitate inclusive and productive board meetings and decision-making processes.
• Work closely with key volunteers and listen to the wider membership.
• Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships across the creative industries, education, heritage, and cultural sectors including The Worshipful Company of Basketmakers.

– Strategic Oversight and Representation

• Act as a key spokesperson
• Provide guidance and mentorship to fellow board members and emerging leaders within the organisation.

Essential Experience & Skills

• Proven leadership experience in a strategic or governance role, ideally involuntary or membership-based organisations.
• Excellent facilitation and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and coordinate diverse contributors.
• Deep commitment to values of equity, inclusion, sustainability, cultural and personal integrity.
• Confidence in representing a national organisation to external stakeholders.
• Impartial, open minded and willing to consider change.

Desirable

• Familiarity with governance in the charity, craft, cultural, or social enterprise sector.
• Experience in the craft, heritage, or creative industries sectors.
• Interest in basketry, chairseating or crafts.

What We Offer

• A unique leadership opportunity to shape the future of a nationally respected craft organisation.
• Dynamic, values-driven volunteers and engaged membership community.
• The chance to build innovative and sustainable pathways for a craft in transition.

How to Apply

To express your interest, please send:

• A brief statement (max 1 page) outlining why this role interests you and what you would bring to the BA.
• A CV or summary of relevant experience.

Deadline: Sunday 28 September 2025
More Information: We will be running to Q&A Zoom Sessions on Wednesday 3 September at 7pm or Thursday 18 September at 7pm (via Zoom) – Register Here to join either of these sessions.
Contact: Anna Stickland — [email protected]

Recruitment Timeline Highlights

• Applications Open: Monday 18 August 2025
• Application Deadline: Sunday 28 September 2025
• Q&A sessions: Wednesday 3 September at 7pm or Thursday 18 September at 7pm (via Zoom) – Register Here to join either of these sessions.
• Interviews: Mid–late September 2025
• Board induction: November 2025

Help us co-create a thriving future for basketmaking, chairseating and allied crafts—apply now and bring your voice to the table.