News

Join the ASVA Board – Nominations Now Open

Added: 09 Oct 2025

ASVA’s vision is World Class Scottish Attractions. We are seeking to appoint three new Directors from ASVA members who can support us to achieve our vision.

ASVA Chair Paul Nixon said:
“It is an exciting and important time to join the board, as ASVA builds on its history of providing great value for members to strengthen its impact across the sector in these challenging times.”

ASVA success record

In addition to everything you’ve come to expect of ASVA, recent successes include:

• Supporting quality by launching Scotland’s new Quality Scheme
• Recognising our people with the new Scottish Attractions Inspiring People Awards
• Delivering great value for members with a 99% membership renewal rate, and reaching 500 members for the first time, far surpassing the previous record of 300
• Inspiring connection and development to a record 400 delegates at the ASVA Conference
• Growing the team from 3 to 6 to continually increase our impact for the sector

We’re looking for dedicated individuals that can add new skills and experience to our existing board, and who can contribute to a bright future for ASVA and the incredible attractions sector.

Benefits to joining the board

New Directors will play a significant role in the future of the organisation and the important work it undertakes to support Scottish visitor attractions. In addition to making a meaningful contribution to the future of the sector, there are many benefits to joining the board:

• Increase your knowledge about the sector
• Develop board relationships and a support network
• Experience behind the scenes and potentially activities at other attractions through Board Meetings
• Host the ASVA Board at your attraction
• Raise your profile and contribute to the wider success of the industry

Process and timeline

8th October – Nominations open
Applicants must represent an organisation currently in ASVA membership
Applications by email to Michael Golding, ASVA CEO michael@asva.co.uk. These should include:

• CV
• Covering letter up to one A4 page elaborating and expanding on your CV highlighting how you can contribute to ASVA and if applicable, highlight any of the specific aspects you meet that we are seeking
• Nomination requirements:
  • “I confirm that I as candidate allow myself to be nominated at the ASVA AGM to stand for election as an ASVA Board Member” – please copy this without amends into your application email
  • An email from the applicant, highlighting the proposer and seconder for their nomination, and copying them both by way of signature validating their application
• 5th November 2pm – Nominations close
• Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview on the 3rd or 4th of December
• Successful applicants will be included in the notice of the AGM on or around the 10th of December
• Directors appointment confirmed and commence from the AGM in late January 2026

The role

• The Board meets four times per year
• Contribute to the strategy and governance of the organisation
• Opportunities may be provided to represent the attractions sector with decision makers
• Provide insight and understanding of the attractions sector
• Support and advise the Executive Team in delivery of the business plan

To ensure a diverse, representative, and skilled board, we are particularly encouraging applications that meet one or multiple of the following criteria:

• Under 40
• Black and ethnic minorities
• Represent organisations or attractions in the Highlands and Islands Enterprise or South of Scotland Enterprise regions
• Rural locations
• Small attraction or trade member
• Skills in any of the following areas:
  • Leadership – executive or particularly at board level
  • World Class standards
  • Policy and Lobbying
  • HR
  • Quality and Visitor Experience
  • Strategy
  • Finance

*Note applicants do not necessarily need to meet any of the above, however it may support your application

We encourage you to consider this opportunity and share it with those who you think might be perfect for the role, so we can help ensure a bright future for Scottish attractions and ASVA.

The current Board of Directors can be found here. If you have any questions regarding this recruitment process, please contact either the CEO Michael Golding michael@asva.co.uk or Chair Paul Nixon pnixon@realmarykingsclose.com.