Institute of Legacy Management Head of Professional Standards

About the role

Contract: 3 days a week but we are open to a conversation about making the role full time for the right candidate
Eligibility: Open to ILM members

Are you passionate about the future of legacy management and ready to help shape the standards of an entire profession?

The Institute of Legacy Management (ILM) is seeking an exceptional legacy professional to step into a newly created leadership role as Head of Professional Standards. This is a rare opportunity to influence the direction of the sector, champion best practice, and ensure legacy management continues to evolve as a respected and vital professional discipline.

Working remotely with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders across the sector, you will lead ILM’s work to strengthen professional standards and raise the profile of legacy management within the wider probate community.

You will also manage our new Legacy Management Apprenticeship, working with the ‘Trailblazer Group’ to set standards, and the Awarding Organisation to ensure that assessment standards are maintained.

Why this role matters

Legacy income is one of the most important and growing sources of funding for charities. Behind that income sits a profession responsible for managing estates with expertise, integrity and care.

ILM’s 2025–2030 strategy focuses on two key ambitions:

• Raising professional standards in legacy management
• Championing the value of the profession across the wider probate sector

As Head of Professional Standards, you will drive this agenda forward, helping define best practice, supporting ILM members, and representing the profession to influential audiences.

What you’ll be doing

This is a dynamic and influential role with the freedom to shape how it develops. Your work is likely to include:

• Taking the lead in creating ILM’s new ‘Legacy Management Apprenticeship’
• Leading the development of professional standards for legacy management
• Working with ILM member groups to produce guidance and practical resources
• Overseeing the ILM factsheet programme, including contributing content
• Identifying the systems and resources required to manage the apprenticeship
• Acting as an in-house expert on legacy management
• Exploring and guiding the profession’s use of AI and emerging technologies
• Working with corporate partners and suppliers to embed ILM standards
• Representing ILM to external audiences such as STEP groups, the Law Society, and other probate professionals

Who we’re looking for

This role requires deep expertise in legacy management and the ability to inspire and guide the profession.

You will be:

• Experienced in legacy management
• Passionate about raising standards across the sector
• Comfortable acting as a thought leader and ambassador
• Interested in innovation, technology and AI
• A strong communicator who can translate expertise into practical guidance

Applicants may currently be working within a charity or operating as a freelance legacy professional.

What makes this role exciting

This is a sector-shaping opportunity. As the first person to hold this position, you will help define how the role evolves and leave a lasting mark on the profession.

You will have the chance to:

• Influence best practice across the legacy management sector
• Help shape how AI and new tools support legacy professionals
• Strengthen the voice and visibility of the profession
• Work with leading experts across the charity and probate communities

Time commitment

We anticipate the role requiring a minimum of three days per week, though ILM is open to discussing flexible arrangements.

How to apply

To apply please send your CV and a proposal (maximum two pages) outlining:

• Your philosophy of legacy management
• How you would deliver ILM’s strategic objectives
• What skills, insight and experience you would bring to the role

To Matthew Lagden: [email protected]

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