CHEAD’s Board of Trustees ensures that CHEAD operates in accordance with the objects enshrined in its constitution and shapes its future to deliver an exciting programme to meet the evolving needs of our membership.
Trustees, including the officers of Chair, Vice Chair and Treasurer, are elected by the registered representatives of CHEAD member institutions.
The Board of Trustees comprises three Honorary Officers, six elected Trustees, up to four co-opted Trustees and two expert Trustees. The terms of appointment for officers and members of the Board of Trustees is normally three years.
Elections are held during the Annual General Meeting in the Spring of each year. A call for nominations is normally issued in January.
Board vacancies in 2026
Arising in 2026 are three trustee roles on the CHEAD Board of Trustees.
This is an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the vision and direction of an active, dynamic organisation dedicated to advancing art, design, and creative disciplines in higher education.
Elected roles arising in 2026 are:
Trustee
Treasurer
Elections for CHEAD Trustee and Treasurer positions will be held at the CHEAD Annual General Meeting on 26 March 2026 at the CHEAD Annual Conference.
To stand for election, you must be the main representative for a CHEAD member institution. If you are not the main representative for your institution, you should discuss and seek support from your main member representative (listed on the CHEAD member directory).
We have an additional vacancy arising for the role of:
Co-opted Trustee for Business Development
Co-opted Trustees are appointed to ensure that work on key issues for CHEAD can be effectively and efficiently carried out by the Board of Trustees. Applications for this role are welcome from both academic and professional services colleagues.
Co-opted Trustees have a very important role on the CHEAD Board of Trustees, sharing responsibility for governing CHEAD and directing how it is managed and run to carry out its range of activities. Co-opted Trustees are appointed to serve a three-year term as per the CHEAD Constitution.
Information packs and forms
Each pack includes information on the role, person specification, eligibility and process. Please read the information pack carefully before completing a submission or application form.
Trustee election information pack.
Trustee submission form - deadline 16 February 2026.
Treasurer election information pack.
Treasurer submission form - deadline 16 February 2026.
Co-opted Trustee for Business Development application information pack.
Co-opted Trustee for Business Development application form - deadline 16 February 2026.
CHEAD is proactive in the receipt of nominations from underrepresented communities within our membership as we continue to build capacities in incorporating different perspectives.
As a membership body focussing on equity, diversity and inclusivity, we want to promote and support better representation across our board membership. We seek applicants for Trustees with additional knowledge and expertise within social justice practice and creative HE, to build capacity within our board and centre the voices of staff of colour and marginalised groups at the foreground of meaningful change.
