Appointment details

Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest x1 Member

Summary

• Organisation: Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest
• Sponsor department: Department for Culture, Media and Sport
• Location: London
• Sectors: Culture, Media & Sport
• Skills: Commercial, Communication, Regulation
• Number of vacancies: 1
• Time commitment: 1 day per month
• Length of term: 4 years
• Application deadline: Midday on 10 June 2026

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Timeline for this appointment

1. Opening date

   29 April 2026

2. Application deadline

   Midday on 10 June 2026

3. Sifting date

   19 June 2026

4. Interviews expected to end on

   13 July 2026

Timeline dates are only an estimate and can change

About the appointment

Introduction

The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport wishes to appoint a new Member to the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest (the Reviewing Committee).

Introduction from the Chair

The Reviewing Committee fulfils an important role in making recommendations to the Secretary of State to defer the grant of export licences, enabling national treasures to be saved for the UK. It is a non-statutory independent body and the Secretariat for the Committee is provided by Arts Council England.

For each case, there are three Independent Assessors, eminent experts in relation to the object in question, who are co-opted onto the Committee as voting members for that case only.  The range of cases which come before the Reviewing Committee is very broad and can be seen from the most recent Annual Report, which was laid before Parliament in July 2025.

Each case is fascinating and generates a lively and expert debate. It is a very collegiate body of individuals committed to public service.

Appointment description

The Committee sits for one day every month, except August. Members are expected to attend in person because, to be entitled to vote on a case, each Committee member must view the object in question. We currently meet at the Royal Society of Chemistry at Burlington House, Piccadilly. Normally, the object is brought to the meeting, but in special circumstances, the Committee may travel to view it before the case hearing takes place. These venues are typically in London and works can be viewed on the same day. 

The workload varies monthly depending on the number of cases. There are usually no more than three cases per meeting, each lasting approximately one hour. Additionally, there is always a Policy meeting, and lunch is provided.

The papers for each meeting are provided a week in advance, and each Committee member is expected to read them carefully before attending the Committee meeting. They can require at least two hours for pre-reading. There is also an annual Advisory Council meeting—a group of stakeholders who advise the RCEWA on its policy and discuss the principles and operation of the export control system. Members include museum directors, curators, representatives from the art trade, and public funders such as the Art Fund, NHMF, and other heritage bodies. Committee members are expected to attend, as it is a valuable forum for receiving guidance and providing updates on significant matters that arose throughout the previous year. The Council also hosts informative sessions on topics such as provenance, binding offers, and other relevant subjects.

We are seeking a new Committee Member with expertise in the histories of cross-cultural collecting practices and/or the histories of Empire and Global Exchange.

Key responsibilities for members of the Reviewing Committee include:

• Acting as a credible advocate for the Committee and its mission.

• Discussing complex historical items with sensitivity, respect and an awareness of diverse perspectives.

• Objectively assessing cultural objects to reach evidence-based judgements on whether they meet the Waverley criteria.

• Promoting the importance of cultural collections to society, with a strong commitment to engaging communities outside of London and factoring UK-wide perspectives into all decision-making.

Time Commitment: You will be expected to attend 11 Committee meetings per year, or as determined by the Committee.  Some additional time will be required to study papers, and to attend events and other representational engagements. The total time commitment is likely to be approximately one day per month.

Location: Meetings are held in London. Whilst some discussions might be online, members of the RCEWA must view an object in person to be able to consider it against the Waverley criteria.

Remuneration: This post is unremunerated. However, Committee members’ travel expenses, incurred through attending meetings, are paid in line with Arts Council policy.

Read more about the Reviewing Committee’s activity.

Organisation description

The Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest (Reviewing Committee) advises the Secretary of State for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) whether a cultural object intended for export is a national treasure. Any item considered too important to leave the UK can be placed under temporary export deferral.

The Reviewing Committee will designate an object as a national treasure if it considers that its departure from the UK would be unfortunate on one or more of the following three grounds, collectively known as the Waverley criteria: 

History: Is it closely connected with our history and national life?

Aesthetics: Is it of outstanding aesthetic importance?

Scholarship: Is it of outstanding significance for the study of some particular branch of art, learning or history?

The Reviewing Committee is advised in each case by three independent assessors who become full members for that case and who are experts in the relevant field. 

If the Reviewing Committee finds that an item meets at least one of the Waverley criteria, it will recommend to the Secretary of State that the decision on the export licence should be deferred for a specified period.

If agreed, the item is considered a national treasure and placed under a temporary export deferral. This gives a final opportunity for institutions and individuals in the UK the chance to raise the money, purchase the item and retain it in the UK for the public to enjoy.

Board composition

The Reviewing Committee is an independent body which was established in 1952, following the recommendations of the Waverley Committee in its report that year.

It has eight permanent members, each with expertise in one or more fields (paintings, decorative arts, manuscripts, archaeology, etc). This allows the Reviewing Committee to take an objective view on the national importance of objects and provide advice to the Secretary of State.

It is guided by the Advisory Council on the Export of Works of Art, which usually meets once a year.

Read more about the members of the Reviewing Committee.

Person specification

Essential criteria

The successful candidate must demonstrate:

• Knowledge: an understanding of UK public collections, material culture and the issues surrounding its care and protection.

• Expertise: Demonstrable knowledge in the histories of cross-cultural collecting practices and/or the histories of Empire and Global Exchange.

• Judgement: effective decision-making skills with the ability to critically analyse a wide range of information to make clear and objective evidence-based recommendations to support the delivery of the Committee’s objectives.

• Collaboration: an openness to new ways of working, in the context of continuous improvement and an ongoing commitment to ensure the Committee works effectively and efficiently for all stakeholders. 

• Communication: an ability to communicate effectively and professionally, valuing input from experts and colleagues at all levels.

• Equality: a demonstrable commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion; and improving opportunities for people throughout the UK.  

Application and selection process

How to apply

In order to apply you will need to create an account or sign in.

Once you are logged into your account, click on 'apply for this role' and follow the on-screen instructions To apply, all candidates are required to provide:

• equality information
• information relating to any outside interests or reputational issues
• a Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• a supporting statement
• a short professional biography (150 words)

We will ask you to check and confirm your personal details to ensure your application is accurate.

You will also have the opportunity to make a reasonable adjustment request or apply under the disability confident scheme before you submit your application.

As part of your application, you will be asked to provide equality information including special category data (which may identify your race/ ethnic background or health); you have the choice to opt out from sharing any equality data, by selecting ‘prefer not to say’. We use your personal information and special category data for a wide range of purposes, to enable us to carry out our functions as a government department. 

• The data will be visible to departmental officials for the purpose of managing the Public Appointment Process for which you have applied. 
• Data will also be available to other individuals involved in the process including Government Ministers, Advisory Assessment Panel members and members of the Commissioner for Public Appointments team, and our IT providers. 
• To monitor the diversity and inclusivity of our processes, your special category data may be shared with the Advisory Assessment Panel that is responsible for sifting candidate CVs and interviewing candidates. 
• The Advisory Assessment Panel may use your special category data to help ensure Boards are representative of the United Kingdom. The data will help us understand the diversity of public appointees and to satisfy our public sector equality duty (PSED). You may opt out of this if you so wish by selecting “prefer not to say” for any or all categories, and your application will still be considered. You must opt out before the application deadline closes. 
• If you are offered an interview for a Public Appointment your data may be shared with the employees and Board Members of the Public Body for which you are applying, for the purposes of scheduling the interview, informing you of the outcome and providing feedback after the interview. 
• If you are successful in your application we will share your contact details with the Public Body so that staff can make arrangements for you to start your role.

Overview of the application process

Public appointments are made on merit following a fair and open competition process which is conducted in accordance with the Governance Code for Public Appointments. We will deal with your application as quickly as possible and will keep you informed at key stages. We aim to conclude the appointment process within three months of the deadline for applications – this is in accordance with the Governance Code.

The assessment process

1. Ministers are responsible and accountable to Parliament for the public appointments made within their department. As a result, they must be consulted at every stage of the appointments process.

2. An Advisory Assessment Panel (“Panel”) is appointed by Ministers to assist them in their decision making. The role of the Panel is to decide, objectively, which candidates meet the eligibility criteria for the role.

3. At the shortlisting meeting the Panel will assess applications against the eligibility criteria and decide which candidates have best met the criteria, who should be recommended for interview. Ministers will then be consulted on the Panel’s recommended shortlist. If you have applied under the Disability Confident Scheme and you meet all the essential criteria, then you will also be invited for an interview.

4. Once the shortlist has been agreed by Ministers, you will be advised (by e-mail) whether you have been shortlisted. Those shortlisted will be invited to an interview.

5. The Panel will meet again to interview candidates and determine who is appointable to the role. The Panel may invite you to make a brief presentation at the start of the interview and will go on to question you about your skills and experience, including asking specific questions to assess whether you meet the criteria set out for the post. The Panel will also explore with you any potential conflicts of interest or any other issues arising from your personal and professional history which may impact on an appointment decision.

6. Details of the panel’s assessment of interviewed candidates are provided to Ministers, including whether they have judged a candidate to be appointable to the role. It is then for Ministers to determine merit and decide who should be appointed. In some circumstances, Ministers may choose not to appoint any candidates and re-run the competition.

7. Ministers may choose to meet with candidates before deciding the outcome. Candidates should therefore be prepared for a short time gap between interview and a final appointment decision being made. Candidates who have been interviewed will be kept informed of progress.

8. Once the decision on the appointment has been made, interviewed candidates will be advised of the outcome of their application, including whom they may approach for feedback. Successful candidates will be issued with their Terms & Conditions and a letter of appointment should they agree to take up the position.

Further information about appointments, including tips on applying, can be found on our guidance pages on gov.uk.

Advisory Assessment Panel (AAP)

• DCMS Panel Chair - Eliza Gluckman, Director of Government Art Collection
• ALB Representative - Andrew Hochhauser, Chair of the Reviewing Committee
• ALB Representative - Dr Sarah Posey, Director of Cultural Property at Arts Council England
• Independent Panel Member - Professor Elizabeth T. Hurren, Chair in Modern History at The University of Leicester

The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by a panel member in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election. The panel have confirmed they have no political activity to declare for the past five years.

Advisory Assessment Panels (AAP) are chosen by ministers to assist them in their decision-making. These include a departmental official and an independent member. For competitions recruiting non-executive members of a board (apart from the Chair), the panel will usually include a representative from the public body concerned.

AAP’s perform a number of functions, including agreeing an assessment strategy with ministers, undertaking sifting, carrying out interviews in line with the advertised criteria and deciding objectively who meets the published selection criteria for the role before recommending to ministers which candidates they find appointable. It is then for the minister to decide who to appoint to the role.

Eligibility criteria

In general, you should have the right to work in the UK to be eligible to apply for a public appointment.

There are a small number of specialist roles that are not open to non-British citizens. Any nationality requirements will be specified in the vacancy details.

The Government expects all holders of public office to work to the highest personal and professional standards. 

You cannot be considered for a public appointment if:

• you are disqualified from acting as a company director  (under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986);

• have an unspent conviction on your criminal record;

• your estate has been sequestrated in Scotland or you enter into a debt arrangement programme under Part 1 of the Debt Arrangement and Attachment (Scotland) Act 2002 (asp 17) as the debtor or have, under Scots law, granted a trust deed for creditors.

When you apply, you should declare if:

• you are, or have been, bankrupt or you have made an arrangement with a creditor at any point, including the dates of this. 

• you are subject to a current police investigation.

You must inform the sponsor department if, during the application process, your circumstances change in respect of any of the above points. 

When you apply you should also declare any relevant interests, highlighting any that you think may call into question your ability to properly discharge the responsibilities of the role you are applying for. You should also declare any other matters which may mean you may not be able to meet the requirements of the Code of Conduct of Board Members (see Outside interests and reputational issues section below)

If you need further advice, please contact jemima.thomason@dcms.gov.uk

Security clearance

The successful candidate will be required to undertake Baseline Personnel Security Standard checks in line with the Civil Service guidelines. Additional Security Clearance may also be required for certain roles. However, where this applies, candidates will be notified during the appointment process. Further information on National Security Vetting can be found on the Gov.uk website here.

Additional information for candidates

Equality and diversity

We encourage applications from talented individuals from all backgrounds and across the whole of the United Kingdom. Boards of public bodies are most effective when they reflect the diversity of views of the society they serve.

We collect data about applicants’ characteristics and backgrounds, including information about people’s educational and professional backgrounds, so that we can make sure we are attracting a broad range of people to these roles and that our selection processes are fair for everyone. Without this information, it makes it difficult to see if our outreach is working, if the application process is having an unfair impact on certain groups and whether changes are making a positive difference.

When you submit your application, your responses are collected by the Cabinet Office and the government department(s) managing your application. The data is used to produce management information about the diversity of applicants. You can select “prefer not to say” to any question you do not wish to answer. 

Disability confident

We are a member of the Government’s Disability Confident scheme. We use the Disability Confident scheme symbol, along with other like-minded employers, to show our commitment to good practice in employing people with a disability. The scheme helps recruit and retain disabled people. As part of implementing the scheme, we guarantee an interview for anyone with a disability whose application meets the essential criteria for the role, set out in the advert, and who has asked that their application is considered under the scheme. Indicating that you wish your application to be considered under the scheme will in no way prejudice your application. By ‘essential criteria', we mean that you must provide evidence which demonstrates that you meet the level of competence required under each of the essential criteria, as set out in the job-advert. When you apply you will have the opportunity to select if you would like your application considered under this scheme.

Reasonable adjustments

We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to make sure applicants with disabilities, physical or mental health conditions, or other needs are not substantially disadvantaged when applying for public appointments. This can include changing the recruitment process to enable people who wish to apply to do so.

Some examples of common changes are:

• ensuring that application forms are available in different or accessible formats;
• making adaptations to interview locations;
• allowing candidates to present their skills and experience in a different way;
• giving additional detailed information on the selection / interview process in advance to allow candidates time to prepare themselves;
• allowing support workers, for example sign language interpreters;
• making provision for support animals to attend.

When you apply you will have the opportunity to request reasonable adjustments to the application process.

Principles of public life

The Seven Principles of Public Life (also known as the Nolan Principles) apply to anyone who works as a public office-holder.

1. Selflessness

Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest.

2. Integrity

Holders of public office must avoid placing themselves under any obligation to people or organisations that might try inappropriately to influence them in their work. They should not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends. They must declare and resolve any interests and relationships.

3. Objectivity

Holders of public office must act and take decisions impartially, fairly and on merit, using the best evidence and without discrimination or bias.

4. Accountability

Holders of public office are accountable to the public for their decisions and actions and must submit themselves to the scrutiny necessary to ensure this.

5. Openness

Holders of public office should act and take decisions in an open and transparent manner. Information should not be withheld from the public unless there are clear and lawful reasons for so doing.

6. Honesty

Holders of public office should be truthful.

7. Leadership

Holders of public office should exhibit these principles in their own behaviour and treat others with respect. They should actively promote and robustly support the principles and challenge poor behaviour wherever it occurs.

Code of conduct for board members

The Government expects all holders of public office to work to the highest personal and professional standards. In support of this, all non-executive board members of UK public bodies must abide by the principles set out in the Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public Bodies. The Code sets out the standards expected from those who serve on the boards of UK public bodies and will form part of your terms and conditions of appointment.

Management of outside interests and consideration of reputational issues

Holders of public office are expected to adhere and uphold the Seven Principles of Public Life and the Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public Bodies. Before you apply you should consider carefully: 

• any outside interests that you may have, such as shares you may hold in a company providing services to government; 
• any possible reputational issues arising from your past actions or public statements that you have made; 
• and/or - any political roles you hold or political campaigns you have supported; 

which may call into question your ability to do the role you are applying for.

You will need to answer relevant questions in relation to these points when making an application. Many conflicts of interest can be satisfactorily resolved and declaring a potential conflict does not prevent you from being interviewed. If you are shortlisted for an interview, the panel will discuss any potential conflicts with you during that interview, including any proposals you may have to mitigate them and record that in their advice to ministers. Alongside your own declaration, we will conduct appropriate checks, as part of which we will consider anything in the public domain related to your conduct or professional capacity. This may include searches of previous public statements and social media, blogs or any other publicly available information. The successful candidate(s) may be required to give up any conflicting interests and their other business and financial interests may be published in line with organisational policies. 

Details of declared political activity will be published when the appointment is announced, as required by the Governance Code (political activity is not a bar to appointment, but must be declared).

Status of appointment

As this is an office holder appointment, you will not become a member of the Civil Service. You will not be subject to the provisions of employment law.

Appointment and tenure of office

Appointments are for the term set out in this advert, with the possibility of re-appointment for a further term, at the discretion of Ministers.  Any re-appointment is subject to satisfactory annual appraisals of performance during the first term in the post. There is no automatic presumption of reappointment; each case should be considered on its own merits, taking into account a number of factors including, but not restricted to, the diversity of the current board and its balance of skills and experience. In most cases, the total time served in post will not exceed more than two terms or ten years in any one post. 

Remuneration, allowances and abatement

You can claim reimbursement for reasonable travel and subsistence costs which are properly and necessarily incurred on official business, in line with the travel and subsistence policy and rates for the organisation to which you are applying.

Pension and redundancy

This is an office holder appointment and does not attract any benefits under any Civil Service Pension Scheme. You will not be eligible for redundancy pay as you are not an employee. No other arrangements have been made for compensation upon the end of your term of appointment because an office holder who is appointed for a limited duration would have no expectation of serving beyond that period.

Application feedback

We will notify you of the status of your application. We regret that we are only able to offer detailed feedback to candidates who have been unsuccessful at the interview stage.

How to complain

We aim to process all applications as quickly as possible and to treat all applicants with courtesy.

Please contact the DCMS public appointments team in the first instance if you would like to make a complaint regarding your application at publicappointments@dcms.gov.uk. They will acknowledge your complaint upon receipt and respond within 15 working days.

Data protection

The Cabinet Office will use your data in line with our privacy policy. 

The Department for Culture Media and Sport will use your data in line with our privacy policy. 

Attachments

• Candidate Information Pack

• Privacy Notice

• Code of Conduct

Contact details

To discuss the Reviewing Committee role please contact rcewa@artscouncil.org.uk.

To discuss the appointment process please contact publicappointments@dcms.gov.uk or jemima.thomason@dcms.gov.uk.