Caroline Kay has been appointed as the new Chair of the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society.
Caroline Kay is an experienced and committed heritage, cultural and non-profit sector professional,
bringing skills from both executive and non-executive positions.
She is currently a member (since 2021) of the London and South Committee of the National Lottery Heritage Fund. She has just completed a 6-year term as Trustee of the National Trust, where inter alia she was a member of the Audit Committee. She also served as an elected Council Member of the Trust serving on several nominations committees, and prior to that was a member of the NT South West Regional Advisory Board.
From 2007 until 2021, Caroline was Chief Executive of Bath Preservation Trust, an amenity charity and membership organisation. She promoted the conservation and sustainable development of the World Heritage City of Bath, and ran four accredited museums in the city.
Before joining Bath Preservation Trust, Caroline spent 20 years working as a senior consultant with a small independent management consultancy specialising in cultural organisations, having started her career as a Clerk in the House of Lords.
She has a 1st Class MA from Oxford University in Psychology and Physiology and an MSc from Bristol University in Organisational Psychology.
Previous non-executive roles have included Chair of the Wiltshire Music Centre, Board Member of English Touring Theatre, Aldeburgh Productions and Winchester College, and a non-executive member of the Avon, Gloucester and Wiltshire Strategic Health Authority.
Caroline Kay said I’m delighted and privileged to take over the Chair of Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society/Wiltshire Museum at this exciting and important point in the organisation’s history. Having lived in Wiltshire for the last 30 years, a lifetime amateur interest in archaeology and a professional background in heritage management and capital projects, I really look forward to bringing my skills and interests to support the already highly talented team at the Museum. With the Assizes project we have a significant challenge ahead but part of my role is also to ensure that the strengths of the existing museum continue to grow and develop as we move into a new future.
Caroline has taken over as Chair from Martin Nye, following the completion of his term of office.
David Dawson, Museum Director, said We are delighted to welcome Caroline as our new Chair. She brings a wealth of experience to the role to guide us as we continue to develop the Museum offer and audiences whilst we also prepare for the challenges of the Assize Court Project. We are also extremely grateful to Martin Nye for his leadership and insights in guiding us through the last six years, including meeting the challenges of COVID and the financial impact of the Cost of Living crisis. We also are delighted to welcome a number of new Trustees, alongside a significant change where the Director of the Museum now becomes a Nominated Trustee.