Join The Basketmakers’ Association Board: Legal & Compliance Director (Company Secretary)

The Basketmakers’ Association – Strategic Board

Location: Remote/Hybrid (occasional in-person meetings)

Commitment: 10 Board meetings per year. The Legal and Compliance Director (Company Secretary) is also expected to have regular correspondence with key Volunteers and partners.
Voluntary: (reasonable expenses reimbursed expenses policy available to review)

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. Members include both professionals and hobbyists. 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 Legal and Compliance Director (Company Secretary)  to join the new Board and help to shape and drive forward our bold new organisational direction – one that is inclusive and responsive to the needs of the basketmaking community.

Role Purpose

The Legal and Compliance Director (Company Secretary) will provide strategic oversight of the Basketmakers’ Association’s legal, regulatory, and ethical frameworks. You will support the implementation of our new organisational model and help shape creative, future-facing initiatives in a way that is compliant, risk-aware, and inclusive. This role will be pivotal as we explore new structures, partnerships, and income streams.

Key Responsibilities

– Strategic Legal Leadership

• Advise the Strategic Board on governance structures and support potential transitions (e.g., CIO, CIC, charity registration).
• Guide the development of a legally sound and flexible framework for new programmes, partnerships, and income-generating initiatives.
• Ensure legal and ethical alignment with BA’s mission, particularly around equity, access, and digital transformation.

– Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory obligations, including GDPR, safeguarding, charity/company law, and intellectual property.
• Support policy development in areas such as data protection, risk, EDI (equity, diversity, inclusion), safeguarding, and ethical finance.
• Identify and advise on risks arising from new models of operation, membership, and funding.

– Contracts and Governance Support

• Review or draft contracts, partnership agreements, terms of service, and licensing arrangements.
• Support the Board in maintaining up-to-date governance documents and a robust approach to transparency and accountability.
• Provide legal insight during strategic planning, decision-making, and organisational development processes.

Essential Experience & Skills

• Professional legal qualification or substantial experience in charity, nonprofit, or cultural sector governance.
• Strong understanding of UK legal and regulatory frameworks, including company law and GDPR.
• Demonstrated ability to balance innovation with compliance in organisational development.
• Clear communicator, able to translate legal concepts for non-specialist audiences.
• Commitment to ethical governance, equity, and cultural sustainability.

Desirable

• Experience working with arts, heritage, craft, or community organisations.
• Familiarity with intellectual property and digital rights.
• Interest in basketry, chair seating or crafts , or traditional skills

What We Offer

• A meaningful opportunity to shape the future of a respected national craft organisation.
• Collaboration with dedicated, values-driven Volunteers and Membership community.
• The chance to help build a legally sound and inclusive foundation for creative transformation.

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.