Would you like to play a key role in supporting the future of a world-class chamber music festival?
Music at Paxton’s mission is to bring top-quality music to the Scottish Borders and Northumberland. Since 2006 it has presented a world-class summer chamber music festival in and around the idyllic setting of Paxton House in the Scottish Borders, delivering exciting and diverse programmes of music performed by outstanding musicians and a pre-festival outreach programme including a family concert, local school project and free taster concerts.
We are currently seeking a new Treasurer to play a key role in our Board of Trustees when our current Treasurer stands down in October 2027. The new appointee will join the Board in October 2026 in order to shadow our existing Treasurer for an agreed period as required.
Previous governance experience is less essential than accountancy experience. Our key attributes for all appointments are also:
- A willingness to work collaboratively as part of a team
- The ability to think strategically, to help Music at Paxton grow sustainably;
- A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion;
- Strong personal skills, with the ability to bring out the best in other people.
We are always particularly keen to hear from those with a connection to the Scottish Borders or Northumberland, to help us continue to strengthen our positive relationship with the local community, although applications are welcome from anyone with enthusiasm for bringing live music to this under-served region.
About Music at Paxton
Our mission is to provide rewarding, inspiring and affordable musical experiences for audience and performers alike, bringing people together to share music that gives pleasure and broadens horizons. Classical music is at the heart of our activity, although we define ‘chamber music’ as a shared experience of great music in an intimate setting and informal ambience, and so proactively embrace folk, world and other musical styles in our programme.
A key component in Scotland’s cultural calendar, Music at Paxton now enjoys national acclaim and attracts world-class musicians. The Festival draws a loyal regional following from both sides of the border and an increasing number of visitors from further afield in Scotland, as well as more distant areas of the UK and beyond. Outreach events take place in community settings across the Scottish Borders during the summer months. We actively create opportunities for under-represented sections of the community to engage with us, and for young professionals to gain valuable performance experience. We have ambitions to expand this work over the coming years, with the assistance of a generous recent bequest.
Music at Paxton is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO). The Board of Trustees works in partnership with the Festival’s Artistic Director and General Manager, supporting them in their roles as required, with additional volunteers assisting with event stewarding. The Board is responsible for Music at Paxton’s governance and strategy, and for ensuring the charity is administered effectively. The Board meets three times a year in person, with an option to join online via Teams if required. Sub-groups meet on Teams between board meetings as required.
Appointments are unremunerated and for an initial term of four years, which may be renewed for one further term. We offer reasonable travel expenses to support Trustees in carrying out their duties.
About the role of Treasurer
The Treasurer is responsible for managing all aspects of the charity’s banking and maintaining proper accounting records. The Treasurer works closely with the General Manager to ensure budgets are set appropriately, that reporting to trustees is up-to-date, accurate and timely, and payments are made on time via our online banking. The Treasurer draws up the end of year accounts, with input from the General Manager, and is responsible for organising their examination (or audit if required) and submitting these to OSCR with the Annual Return.
The charity’s financial management is guided by the Finance Sub-Committee, who report to the Board of Trustees. Financial governance of the charity is the legal responsibility of all trustees.
How to apply
To apply, please email a short biography including any relevant experience (maximum two sides of A4) to info@musicatpaxton.co.uk If you are unable to apply by email, please contact Siobhan Staples, General Manager on 07594 224992 to discuss other options.
The deadline for applications is 8th May 2026.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview in the week beginning 25th May and will be invited to attend one of our events at the festival in July as our guest, before attending the next Board meeting in October. Please let us know if you have any access requirements.
For an informal and confidential discussion about the role of Treasurer please contact our Chair of Trustees, David Seers on david.seers@btinternet.com. Alternatively, you can contact our General Manager, Siobhan Staples, on info@musicatpaxton.co.uk / 07594 224992.