Deputy Chief Curator and Head of Engagement (Maternity Cover)

House of Commons

The House of Commons a unique and exciting place to work right at the heart of the UK's thriving democratic system. 

Behind the scenes, the House of Commons Service is made up of more than 3,000 employees who support and facilitate the smooth day to day running of the House. They provide professional services to Members of Parliament, their staff, and the wider parliamentary community.

Staff Benefits

In addition to your salary, we offer an attractive range of benefits including: 

• 30 days’ annual leave (increasing to 35 days after first full leave year). 
• Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%. 
• Access to training and development. 
• Flexible working. 
• Interest free season ticket loan and bicycle loan. 

Introduction 

We have an exciting opportunity to join our Heritage Collections Team (HCT), which is responsible for the professional management of three collections of national and international importance: the Parliamentary Art Collection (PAC), the Historic Furniture and Decorative Arts Collection (HFDA) and the Architectural Fabric Collection (AFC).

The PAC includes over 10,000 artworks, including paintings, sculpture, works on paper and other media, the majority of which are on display across the Parliamentary Estate. HFDA is a working collection of over 11,000 objects, including historic furniture, clocks, silver and ceramics. The AFC includes over 4,500 items which were commissioned for the Palace of Westminster but have been detached from the built fabric and historic interiors.

The Role 

The Deputy Chief Curator manages, promotes and advocates for the Parliamentary Art Collection in the House of Commons and House of Lords, to ensure the collection best serves the public, the business needs of the Houses, and the work of two Member-led Works of Art committees.

As Head of Engagement, you will also lead on internal and external engagement across all three of the Heritage Collections. You will advocate for the collections' unique qualities, rich history, research potential, relevance to members and audiences, and collections care needs to enable increased engagement.

Some of the responsibilities for this role include:

• Lead the Parliamentary Art Collection and Engagement Team within Heritage Collections, managing team work plans, forward programme and professional development.
• Alongside the Chief Curator (also the Director of Heritage Collections), lead planning for and engagement with the Speaker’s Advisory Committee on Works of Art and Lord Speaker’s Advisory Panel on Works of Art, to raise the profile of the Collection.
• Alongside the Chief Curator, act as the authority and central point of contact for Members, Peers, senior Parliamentarians, internal departments including education and communications teams, and the public in relation to the Parliamentary Art Collection.

Skills and Experience 

To be successful in this role you will demonstrate:

• A senior curatorial role leading a team at a museum, art gallery or historic property
• Experience of curating displays and exhibitions, and influencing collection development
• Specialist knowledge in at least one major area of the Parliamentary Art Collection, such as paintings, works on paper or a related subject
• Knowledge of standards, policies, processes, and ethical frameworks underpinning collections care and management, with significant experience of developing policy initiatives
• Well-developed organisational, project and time management skills and the ability to manage workstreams on several competing projects at the same time
• Ability to network and deal tactfully and confidently with senior stakeholders and colleagues whilst upholding the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion
• Ability to tailor and successfully communicate technical material to a diverse and non-specialist audience both orally and in writing

Next Steps and Additional Information

• CV & Supporting Statement – If you would like to apply for this role, please submit your CV and supporting statement with a 500-word limit.

More information on the role and the full criteria can be found in the Job Description. 

Please note that most job offers will be made at the minimum of the salary range, other than in exceptional circumstances.