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Chair of the Craft Potters Association
The Craft Potters Association is seeking a new Chair to provide strong strategic leadership to Council and help guide the organisation through the next stage of its development.
The CPA is a national membership organisation supporting and championing ceramics and ceramic makers. Its activities include Ceramic Art London and other major ceramics fairs, the Contemporary Ceramics gallery opposite the British Museum in Bloomsbury and Ceramic Review magazine.
We are looking for an experienced strategic leader who can lead Council effectively, work constructively with the Director and help us think ambitiously and sustainably about the CPA’s future.
You do not need to be a ceramicist or come from the ceramics sector. What matters most is substantial leadership and governance experience, sound judgement, an independent perspective and a genuine interest in the CPA’s purpose, membership and the wider creative sector.
Purpose of the role
To provide strategic leadership to the CPA and ensure that Council governs effectively in support of the Association’s purpose and long-term success.
Key responsibilities
•Lead Council meetings and promote effective, well-informed decision-making.
•Develop a strong and constructive working relationship with the Director, providing both support and appropriate challenge.
•Help Council maintain a clear focus on strategy, long-term priorities, risk and organisational sustainability.
•Promote good governance and effective succession planning across Council.
•Help create an inclusive and collaborative Council culture in which members contribute effectively & take collective responsibility.
•Represent and champion the CPA externally where appropriate.
We are looking for someone who can:
• Proven strategic leadership and sound judgement.
• Experience of leading a complex organisation or governing board.
• A strong understanding of governance and the ability to think long-term.
• Experience of working effectively with an executive leader, with a clear understanding of the distinction between governance and operational management.
•Excellent communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to build consensus and inspire confidence.
•Integrity, independence of judgement and the confidence to offer both support and constructive challenge.
•Commercial, organisational or strategic leadership experience would be particularly welcome, as would experience of membership organisations, arts and culture, publishing, retail, professional bodies or other relevant non-profit organisations.
•A background in ceramics is not essential, but the successful candidate will need a genuine interest in the CPA’s purpose and respect for its members, makers and the wider creative sector.
Appointment and practical details
This is a voluntary, non-executive role, with reasonable agreed expenses reimbursed.
The Chair is elected by the CPA Council and may be appointed from outside the CPA’s membership. An externally appointed Chair becomes a full voting, ex officio member of Council.
We anticipate an initial three-year relationship, subject to annual re-election by Council.
This is an active governance role requiring engagement between formal meetings. In addition to preparing for and chairing around five Council meetings each year, the Chair will maintain regular contact with the Director; help shape agendas and follow through on Council priorities; contribute to the AGM and annual strategic planning; liaise with other Council members and committee chairs where required; and represent the CPA at selected events and external meetings. Meetings take place through a mixture of online and in-person formats. The commitment will vary across the year, with greater availability sometimes needed around significant strategic, financial or governance decisions.
How to express an interest
Please send your CV and a short statement explaining why the role interests you and the experience you would bring to Simon Harrison, Director, at simonharrison@ceramicreview.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, with an initial review of expressions of interest in late 2026. The role will remain open until a suitable appointment is made.
Informal, no-obligation conversations are welcome before applying.
