Chair

Join the Florence Nightingale Museum as its next Chair, and lead this beloved institution into its exciting next chapter – honouring a global icon, inspiring young minds, and shaping a bold, inclusive future.

Who we are

The Florence Nightingale Museum celebrates the life and legacy of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing and one of the most influential figures of the Victorian era. Located at St Thomas’ Hospital in London, on the very site of Nightingale’s training school for nurses, the museum brings her story vividly to life for visitors from across the globe.

Through immersive exhibitions, original artefacts, and compelling interpretation, the museum explores Nightingale’s remarkable journey: from her privileged upbringing and defiance of social expectations, to her pivotal role in the Crimean War and her groundbreaking work in hospital reform, data visualisation and public health.

The museum combines heritage, healthcare, and education in a powerful and accessible way. It welcomes thousands of school children each year, often introducing them to museums, and to Florence, for the very first time.

Today, the Florence Nightingale Museum continues to grow its relevance, connecting Nightingale’s story to contemporary issues in health, science and society. It is a vital, independent cultural institution with a bold vision for the future and a powerful story to tell.

About the role

The Chair of the Florence Nightingale Museum plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of a unique and deeply respected cultural institution. As the leader of the Board of Trustees, the Chair will provide strategic oversight, thoughtful challenge, and collaborative guidance, ensuring the museum remains resilient, relevant, and ambitious in an ever-changing landscape.

At a time of renewed momentum following the challenges of the pandemic, the Chair will be instrumental in supporting the museum’s transition from recovery to sustainable growth. This includes helping to secure a long-term home, expanding networks across healthcare, heritage, and philanthropy, and championing the museum’s voice in wider national and international conversations about history, health, and society.

This is an exciting opportunity to support a museum that not only preserves the past but actively shapes contemporary dialogue. The Chair will help steer its next chapter – ensuring Florence Nightingale’s story continues to inspire, inform, and challenge future generations.

Who are we looking for?

The next Chair of the Florence Nightingale Museum will be a confident, collaborative leader with a strategic mindset and a deep appreciation for the museum’s mission. They will bring both passion and pragmatism – able to guide the organisation through an exciting period of development while ensuring sound governance and long-term sustainability.

They will possess:

• Proven strategic leadership with experience chairing boards or leading organisations through growth or change
• Strong governance understanding including financial oversight and charity board responsibilities
• Excellent communication and influencing skills able to represent the museum externally and build relationships across sectors
• An inclusive, thoughtful approach to leadership valuing collaboration, diversity and different perspectives
• The ability to act as a critical friend supporting and constructively challenging the General Manager and wider team
• Advocacy and fundraising insight with an understanding of how to build profile, partnerships and resources.

While a background in museums or healthcare is not essential, candidates should be motivated by Florence Nightingale’s legacy and its ongoing relevance to nursing, public health, and social justice. A forward-thinking perspective and a willingness to invest time and energy into the museum’s success are key.

Time commitment: 1-2 days per month Number of meetings per year: Currently 4 meetings per year but ideally this will increase to at least 1 away day a year too.

Applications for this role close 9am Friday 12^th September.