Chair of Intellectual Freedom Committee - Voluntary Position

Join CILIP’s newly created Intellectual Freedom Committee  

Seeking a Chair to lead our Intellectual Freedom Committee 
Voluntary role | 3-Year term | virtual meetings (four per year) 

Are you passionate about intellectual freedom of expression and equitable access to information? Do you want to play a strategic role in shaping the future of intellectual freedom across the library, knowledge, and information professions? 

CILIP is the leading voice for the information, knowledge management and library profession. We’re here for everyone who has a professional connection to information, knowledge, data and libraries, and shares our belief in their power to change lives for the better. Our purpose is to unite, support and empower information professionals across all sectors.  

We are inviting applications for the Chair (who must be a current member of CILIP) to join our newly established Intellectual Freedom Committee. 

About the committee 

The committee has been created to champion Intellectual Freedom – the cornerstone of a healthy democracy and a thriving information-rich society. Defined as freedom of access to information and freedom of expression, intellectual freedom is central to our profession and values. 

The Intellectual Freedom Committee will provide strategic leadership and expert advice to CILIP on matters relating to intellectual freedom, influencing policy and practice for the benefit of our members and wider society. This includes advising the Trustee Board and helping to shape a dynamic, evidence-led work programme aligned with CILIP’s strategic goals. 

What we are looking for 

We welcome expressions of interest from individuals who:

• Bring passion, insight and a commitment to the principles of intellectual freedom.
• Can take a broad, profession-wide view, beyond personal experience or sector.
• Are willing to contribute to complex and sometimes contested discussions with integrity, openness, and sound judgement.
• Are ready to work collaboratively, advocating for our profession and its public benefit.
• Bring strategic thinking, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to continuous learning. 

Previous committee or board experience is not required. We are committed to supporting all new members through a comprehensive induction, buddy system and ongoing development opportunities. 

Key responsibilities 

As Chair of the Intellectual Freedom Committee, you will be required to:

• Chair meetings effectively, guiding the committee to make informed, inclusive, and strategic decisions aligned with CILIP's goals and values.
• Work collaboratively with relevant staff or board members to set meeting agendas that reflect priorities and encourage constructive discussion and action.
• Ensure the committee operates in accordance with its terms of reference, delivers on its objectives, and monitors progress against key milestones.
• Serve as the primary point of contact between the committee and the wider organisation, including the executive team, Board of Trustees, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Cultivate a positive, respectful environment that encourages active participation, diverse viewpoints, and shared ownership of outcomes.
• Identify and support development opportunities for committee members and contribute to long-term succession planning. 

In addition, as a member of the committee, you will:

• Act as a visible ambassador and advocate for CILIP and the profession.
• Help ensure our activities on intellectual freedom reflect our charitable purpose and deliver meaningful impact.
• Contribute to strategic discussions, policy recommendations, and evidence-informed decision-making.
• Commit to inclusive, ethical, and values-driven practice. 

Practical details 

• Time commitment: Four meetings a year (mostly virtual), with additional time for reading and contributing to committee activities.
• Term: Three years, renewable once.
• Expenses: Reasonable travel and out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed in line with CILIP’s expenses policy. 

View the full person specification here.

Apply Now 

If you’re ready to help shape the information, knowledge management and library profession’s voice on intellectual freedom, we’d love to hear from you. 

This is a voluntary position. To express your interest in becoming Chair of the Intellectual Freedom Committee, please submit the following:

• A letter of application outlining your motivation for applying and your vision for the role
• A current CV
•  A brief statement detailing how your experience, skills, and values align with the responsibilities and expectations outlined in the role description
•  Confirmation of your CILIP membership