News

ASVA Appointment of Chair - shape the future of Scotland’s visitor attractions

Added: 18 Aug 2026

ASVA has opened recruitment for its next Chair, offering an opportunity for an ambitious sector leader to help shape the next stage of the organisation’s growth and influence.

ASVA enters this recruitment from a position of strength. In recent years, the organisation has clarified its direction, expanded its team and services, launched its industry-led Quality Scheme and significantly grown its membership. Today, ASVA represents 287 member organisations and 531 visitor attractions across Scotland, with 239 sites participating in the Quality Scheme.

With a new Business Plan now in development and further investment being made in business development, the next Chair will join ASVA at an important point in its evolution.

An opportunity to lead ASVA’s next chapter

The incoming Chair will provide leadership to the ASVA Board and work closely with Chief Executive Michael Golding to help grow the organisation’s reach, financial strength and national influence over the next three years.

The role will focus on four key areas:
– Lead the Board – Set the tone for open, focused and constructive discussion. Build consensus, strengthen governance and keep the Board centred on ASVA’s long-term success. Chair the AGM and support Board development
– Support and challenge – Develop a trusted working relationship with the Chief Executive. Act as a sounding board, offer perspective and draw on the wider Board when useful. Lead the CEO’s annual review.
– Championing sustainable growth – Help convert ASVA’s stronger foundations into membership growth, financial resilience and even greater value for members.
– Elevate ASVA’s influence – Represent ASVA with confidence, strengthen strategic partnerships and help ensure visitor attractions have a voice where national decisions are made.

Outgoing ASVA Chair Paul Nixon said:
“ASVA enters this recruitment from a position of strength. In recent years we have clarified our direction, expanded our team and services, and launched an industry-led Quality Scheme that is already making a difference across Scotland. With a new Business Plan now in development, the next Chair will help the Board turn that foundation into sustained growth, stronger partnerships and greater national influence.”

ASVA Chief Executive Michael Golding added:
“This is a rare chance to work with an ambitious Board and a small, committed team at an important moment for ASVA. We want to increase what we deliver for members. To do that we need to grow our membership and continue to elevate our position within the tourism sector.”
“The relationship I value is ambitious, supportive and challenging – focused on what ASVA and Scotland’s attractions can achieve next.”

Who is ASVA looking for?

ASVA is seeking an ambitious, visible sector leader who can create momentum, build Board consensus and represent the organisation with credibility. Applications are welcomed from leaders representing attractions of all sizes, types and locations, including both first-time and experienced Chairs. Candidates should bring senior leadership experience in Scottish tourism, strong financial, governance and organisational judgement, and the confidence to act as a credible and influential ambassador for Scotland’s visitor attractions sector.

Applicants must represent an ASVA member organisation.

The appointment is for an initial three-year term, renewable once. It is an unpaid voluntary position, with reasonable expenses covered.

How to apply

Please submit your CV and responses to the three questions below. Your combined answers should total no more than 1,000
words, which may be broken down as you wish.

1 Why you, why now?
Why do you want to become Chair of ASVA at this point, and what experience, perspective and personal contribution would you bring to the role?

2 Building from strong foundations
ASVA has established a clear direction, strengthened its team and systems, launched new services and invested in business development. How would you work with the Board and Chief Executive to turn these foundations into sustainable growth and greater value for members?

3 Elevating ASVA’s national influence
ASVA already holds a strong position within Scottish tourism. How would you help strengthen its profile, influence and presence at the highest levels, ensuring the voice of visitor attractions is heard while also supporting ASVA’s continued growth?

*Applicants may also indicate whether they wish to be considered for a general Director vacancy

Applications are open now and close at 5pm on Tuesday 15 September 2026.

Full details of the role, application process and appointment timetable can be found in the ASVA Chair Recruitment Pack.
Applications should be sent to michael@asva.co.uk.