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Thank you for your interest in the role of Chair of the Board of Trustees at Music For Youth (MFY); a national youth music charity that provides life-changing musical experiences for young people aged 25 and under.
Music for Youth brings together over 40,000 young people a year to perform in live music festivals and concerts across the UK. The charity uniquely provides open access to young people, from whatever background or ability, to perform live to audiences: from grass-roots community halls to the Royal Albert Hall. We develop their musicianship, showcasing the richness and diversity of their music through our impactful live performance and development programmes. The wider social and life skills developed by participating in our events benefits all who take part and propels some of the UK's most promising young musicians onto career-changing platforms.
Our vision is to ensure that every young person in the UK can achieve their musical potential by performing the music they love. We believe that music, and the chance to participate in high-quality musical activities, should be open to every young person.
As Chair, you will guide a committed and experienced Board of Trustees, working closely with the CEO and senior leadership team to drive strategic growth, strengthen partnerships, and champion our cause at the highest levels.
This is a crucial time for Music For Youth, as we navigate a changing funding landscape and continue to innovate to reach even more young people.
If you are an experienced leader with a passion for the vision, mission, impact and potential of this unique organisation, we would love to hear from you.
About Us
Who We Are
Music For Youth is a national youth music charity that works with schools, youth groups, music hubs, and community organisations to break down barriers to music-making and showcase the incredible talent of young musicians.
Our Programmes and Impact
Each year, Music For Youth reaches over 40,000 young people across the UK, offering them platforms to develop their musical talents across all music genres, and gain confidence. Many of our alumni have gone on to successful careers in the music industry and beyond.
National Music Festivals and Concerts:
We produce and stage high-quality professional standard live music events (including gigs, concerts, and festivals) for young musicians, both regionally at grass roots level, and at the UK’s most prestigious live music venues.
Young Artist Development:
We nurture and develop young musicians so they can realise their musical potential, by initiating adventurous collaborations, commissioning new music, and providing a robust music mentoring programme.
Creative Skills Development:
We provide skills and training development for young people looking for a career in the creative industries in non-performance and stagecraft roles such as stage management, sound engineering, lighting and digital production skills.
Advocacy for Young Musicians:
We campaign to highlight the brilliance of young musicians.
Our work takes place across the whole of the UK with events in all nine regions of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This coverage enables us to support and tour the work of other partner organisations so they can reach young people further afield.
For over 50 years, Music for Youth’s annual cycle of regional festivals, local events, a national festival and showcase concerts has made a significant contribution to the music education calendar, bringing together regional providers and young performers, and putting young people’s own achievements into a wider national context:
The Music for Youth Regional Festival is a collection of festivals across the UK aimed to inspire musicians at every level of experience and across every genre of music. This collection of regional festivals forms the UK’s largest festival for young musicians. 30,000 musicians take part every year and many go on to perform again at the Music for Youth National Festival and Music for Youth Proms.
The National Festival is a coming together of musicians, bands and ensembles from across the regions to perform on world-class stages including Symphony Hall, and the CBSO Centre. It is a key date in the Music for Youth calendar, hosted by the city of Birmingham in July. Over 12,000 young musicians aged 4-21 from across the UK take part, featuring all styles, instruments and genres of music.
The Music for Youth Proms takes place at the renowned Royal Albert Hall in London. This two-day showcase celebrates the incredible diversity, talent and creativity of young musicians from all corners of the UK. From orchestral ensembles to choirs, bands, soloists, and more, these talented young performers get the unique opportunity to showcase their skills and share their music with a wider audience.
Staff and Head Office
Given the charity’s national reach, the head office recently relocated from London to Birmingham, now based in CBSO Centre (City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra) close to the city centre. The staff team of seven permanent staff are based across the UK, with hybrid home / office working arrangements.
Board and Governance
There are nine Trustees, each co-opted on to one (or more) subcommittees: the Audit & Risk Committee, Programmes Committee, and Fundraising Committee.
How Music For Youth is Funded
Music For Youth is one of Arts Council England’s National Portfolio Organisations, receiving 42% of its funds from the annual grant of £279,980 in 2023/24. In addition, the charity raises income from fundraising (sponsorship, institutions, individuals) totalling 33% of annual turnover £672,938 in 23/24, with 10.6% from earned income including event ticket sales of £71,785 in 2023/24.
The charity’s turnover in 2023/24 was £672,938, ending the year with reserves of £101,224.
For further information, please see our latest Annual Account and Report here.
The Opportunity
We are excited to be seeking our next Chair of Trustees to lead the organisation, as our current Chair, John Dixon, comes to the end of his term of service.
With an energetic, skilled and focused Executive Team led by Phil Castang MBE - and a highly experienced supportive Board of Trustees bringing their wealth of collective experience spanning leadership in music, education, arts, fundraising and industry - now is an exciting time to join this unique national music charity, as we prepare for the next phase of development.
The Chair of the Board of Trustees will provide strategic leadership and governance to Music For Youth, ensuring the organisation is well-managed, financially sustainable, and delivering on its charitable objectives:
Leadership
- Chairing meetings of the Board and ensuring that it runs effectively, fulfils its duties and carries out resolutions.
- Creating an environment in which all Board members are encouraged to participate and challenge constructively and appropriately.
- Provide clear strategic direction for the charity, working with the CEO and Board to set long-term goals.
- Act as an ambassador for MFY as required, promoting our work and advocating for youth music at national and local levels.
- Support MFY in maintaining strong partnerships with funders, arts organisations, schools, and the wider music sector.
Governance & Compliance
- Lead an engaged and effective Board of Trustees, ensuring good governance and compliance with charity law.
- Manage, support and appraise the performance of the CEO, ensuring they and their senior leadership team have the resources and guidance to deliver MFY’s mission.
- Oversee financial sustainability, risk management, and organisational policies.
Fundraising & Advocacy
- Work with the Board and executive team to develop fundraising strategies, securing income from grants, corporate sponsors, and individual donors.
- Represent MFY at high-profile events, engaging with stakeholders and championing the value of youth music.
What we are looking for
As our new Chair, you will share a commitment to the mission of Music For Youth. While it is not essential to be from a Music or Music Education background, we are looking for someone who has passion for the impact - and potential - of the charity and can demonstrate how their experience can help us navigate the pivotal years ahead.
We are looking for someone who can demonstrate the following:
- Strong leadership and strategic thinking.
- Financial literacy
- High level networking and advocacy skills.
- Knowledge of charity and corporate governance.
- Experience and confidence in managing risk, change and innovation.
- Understanding and awareness of broader social, political and economic issues.
In addition, please let us know if you are able to bring experience, skills or knowledge in one or more of the following beneficial areas.
- Board membership in the not-for-profit sector
- Working in or with organisations and with individuals in the cultural sector
- Working in or with public bodies or national policy makers
The organisation recently undertook a Skills Audit of the Board and identified the following areas where we are looking to continue strengthening the experience. While not essential for the role of Chair, alongside the core skills and experience outlined, we would certainly welcome individuals who may also be able demonstrate experience around:
Digital: to take advantage of the potential for digital transformation
Finance: to provide additional oversight and financial rigor
Fundraising: with income from individuals a future opportunity to explore further
Time Commitment
The Chair can expect to commit the equivalent of 12-15 days per year at - and in prep for - key Trustee meetings, including full Board Meetings held four times a year (at least one in person in Birmingham, where the charity is headquartered). This time also includes regular meetings with the CEO (the majority online), and regular comms with the CEO as required, which may ebb and flow, depending on the time of year. In person meetings are kept to a minimum.
In addition, the Chair would be expected to attend a minimum of two of our: Regional Festivals (March – April), National Festival (Birmingham or elsewhere, early-mid July) and the Youth Proms (London, end of November), to represent the Board and host key stakeholders, including funders. ,
Term
We are looking for someone who can commit to an initial three-year term, which could then be renewed for a second term.
Learn more and apply
If you would like to have an exploratory conversation with the current Chair or Vice Chair about the charity or the role, please contact John Dixon (current Chair).
Application Process
To apply for the role of Chair at Music For Youth, please submit:
- 1. A CV.
- 2. A cover letter (max 2 pages) detailing:
- Why you are interested in this role.
- How your skills and experience align with MFY’s mission.
- What you would bring to the organisation.
Please send your CV and Cover Letter to Phil Castang (CEO) with the subject line: Application for Chair of Music For Youth.
Deadline for Applications: Friday 27th of June at 12pm.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to the Music for Youth National Festival taking place between Thursday 10th to Saturday 12th July in Birmingham. (Please note - this is not a requirement of the application process but a chance for you to see the work of the charity in person).
Interviews: will take place on Wednesday 10th September in Birmingham.
The week before the interview (week commencing 1st September), you will have the opportunity to have an informal conversation with the CEO and other Trustees online. Date to be confirmed.
If you have any access needs or other practical questions - or if you would like to discuss any aspect of the role with the Vice Chairs before applying - please get in contact.
This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.
Thank you!
The Sheila McKechnie Foundation (SMK) was set up in June 2005 in memory of legendary campaigner, Sheila McKechnie.
In a free and hopeful society, people need to know they have the power to make a difference: that they are able to envisage change and can push for that change to happen. For nearly two decades, we have helped all sorts of individuals, causes and charities to find their power as changemakers – as campaigners. We support, connect and champion these campaigners, equipping them to go after the social change they seek.
As well as the responsibilities of being a trustee, which the Treasurer shares with all the Board members, the Treasurer is expected to be the financial expert on the Board, and to provide advice on all financial matters. Their role is to ensure the Board fulfils its duties to ensure the sound financial health of SMK, with systems in place to ensure financial accountability and sustainability.
For more information see our website, and the recruitment pack.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
This is an exciting time in our growth as we look to grow our governance systems, build on our successes and ensure we are a radical, dynamic organisation rooted in our anti-racist and anti-oppressive values. We are looking to recruit 2 new trustees. We are looking to diversify the experience and expertise of our Board, and we believe that there are people out there who have knowledge, skills and passion in different areas that will help SWWB. Areas for organisational development include:
· Embedding lived experience expertise into the design, delivery and evaluation of our work
· Developing our campaigning and strategic work
· Building up our social media and comms presence
· Stepping up our fundraising game
If you think you can help with any of these things (or something else), and you are interested in being a trustee, please get in touch, we would love to hear from you!
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
This is an exciting time in our growth as we look to grow our governance systems, build on our successes and ensure we are a radical, dynamic organisation rooted in our anti-racist and anti-oppressive values. We are looking for a new Treasurer for our Trustee board, to join us and help lead and shape the future of the organisation.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
This is an opportunity to become Chair of a Charity which has recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. If you are someone who is looking to make a “real difference” for mothers/birthing people and their families facing one of the most challenging and unexpected periods of their lives, then we would like to hear from you. We are also looking for a Chair who can lead and “harness” the range of skills present within our existing Board members, who come with a range of experience.
Now into our second decade as a charity, it is exciting time to join Mummy’s Star as the Chairperson. We have broadened the conversation about cancer and pregnancy nationwide, and internationally too despite our small stature. We now must sustain what we have built and help take the charity to that next level where we can elevate the voices of those we support, so that their needs are not only understood, but are also prioritised and used to inform policy and planning.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Join Our Board of Trustees and Help Drive Positive Change!
Are you passionate about making a difference in people’s lives? Do you thrive in a team environment and want to give back to the community where you live, work, or study?
We are a local charity dedicated to providing social welfare advice, information, and support through our incredible team of staff and volunteers. We are now seeking two new Trustees to join our board and help guide our organisation forward.
Last year, we:
✅ Assisted over 15,000 clients in finding solutions to their challenges
✅ Addressed over 37,000 separate issues for those in need
✅ Secured nearly £2 million in additional income to support people during the cost-of-living crisis
Who We’re Looking For
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities across Cheshire West—your age, background, origins, or health conditions are not barriers. We actively seek diverse perspectives to better serve our community.
We are particularly interested in individuals with:
�� Experience in digital and AI solutions implementation
�� Expertise in volunteer engagement
�� A strong commitment to our mission, enthusiasm, and a supportive approach
However we welcome applications from people from all backgrounds, skills and experience including lived experience.
What’s Involved?
As a Trustee, you will:
�� Attend at least five board meetings per year (in-person and remote, often in the evenings)
��Participate in one annual trustee development day
��Have opportunities for further involvement in shaping our work
This is a voluntary role, but all reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. Volunteering does not affect state benefit entitlement.
If you’re ready to play a key role in shaping the future of our organisation, we’d love to hear from you!
Registered Charity
51 - 100
We advise, support and empower people to improve their lives providing the best, impartial advice and influencing policy for a more equal society
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
This is an exciting time in our growth as we look to grow our governance systems, build on our successes and ensure we are a radical, dynamic organisation rooted in our anti-racist and anti-oppressive values. We are looking for a new Chair for our Trustee board, to join us and help lead and shape the future of the organisation.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you passionate about creating a culture of welcome for refugees in the UK? Do you have extensive experience in the governance of a charity or public sector organisation? This could be the perfect role for you!
STAR is a dynamic and exciting national charity which makes a huge impact on a small budget. We are looking for our new Co-Chair of Trustees. We are looking for individuals who are passionate about creating a culture of welcome in the UK for refugees ,who believes in the power of young people as changemakers and who wants to empower refugees to reach higher education to join our board of trustees.
The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in the governance of a charity or public sector organisation and be able to commit to at least 2 years in the role.
We are in particular looking for applicants who:
- Have lived experience
- Have HR experience
- Have campaigns experience, in particular hybrid campaigning.
- Have charitable fundraising experience.
Applications from persons with lived refugee experience are highly encouraged.
Role Description
To provide strategic oversight of:
- STAR’s compliance with its Articles of Association, policies, and law;
- STAR’s compliance with all funding conditions and contracts;
- Whether STAR is best using its resources to meet its objectives;
- The effective and efficient administration of STAR;
- Monitoring and reporting of financial information;
- STAR’s funding and expenditure situation; and
- Implementation of STAR’s Equal Opportunities Policy and Safeguarding Policy in employment and service delivery.
Also to:
- Contribute actively to STAR by giving strategic direction and evaluating performance against targets
- Attend and prepare for board meetings
- Appoint board members and officers via the procedures in this policy
- Approve accounts
- Ensure that STAR and the board safeguard STAR’s values and reputation
- Provide any other assistance the board or STAR may require, as appropriate, particularly utilising any specialist skills or experience they may have.
Specific responsibilities of the Co- Chair
- Ensure the proper management of board meetings, including setting agendas in consultation with the Director, chairing meetings, facilitating discussions and decision;
- Oversee the administration and coordination of any sub-committees;
- Monitor implementation of board and sub-committee decisions;
- Take "Chair’s action" between meetings, where an immediate decision is required;
- Serve as line-manager to the Director, and conduct regular planned supervision and appraisal;
- Represent Board as required to the public or external parties such as funders and government; and
- Keep other officers fully informed so that they can deputise if necessary
- Working alongside and in collaboration with the other STAR trustee co-chair, sharing responsibilities and ensuring excellent communicative shared working.
Person Specification
Essential
- Experience of governance of a charity or public sector organisation
- A commitment to STAR’s values
- An awareness of issues affecting both STAR and the wider refugee sector, the ever shifting landscape of refugee policy and media coverage, or a willingness to learn and stay abreast of these current topics and new developments.
- A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to prepare for and attend regular STAR meetings for at least 2 years
- Integrity and good independent judgement
- Strategic vision and an ability to stay focused on strategic objectives
- Willingness to take part in STAR discussions, contribute constructively and listen to others
- Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties and liabilities of trustees of a charitable company
- Ability to work effectively as a member of a team
- Ability to maintain confidentiality
- A commitment to the principles of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, as well as an understanding and acceptance of the Equal Opportunities Policy
- Willingness to undertake training required to allow them to fulfil their duties.
Desirable
Five years experience in one or more of:
- Working with people seeking asylum and refugees;
- Other work with the asylum/refugee/migrant sector;
- Charitable fundraising;
- Voluntary sector issues, such as trends for charities and partnership/network formation;
- Organisational development, growth or change;
- Human resources;
- Financial management/accountancy;
- IT;
- Negotiations;
- Marketing and public relations;
- Lobbying, advocacy and campaigning regarding social justice or social policy;
- Management and administration of a charity, for example as a director or trustee;
- Campaigning;
- Social Media/ Communications
About Student Action for Refugees
STAR (Student Action for Refugees) is the national network of students building a society where refugees and asylum seekers are welcomed and can thrive.
Set up by students at Nottingham University in 1994, STAR is creating a more understanding, just and welcoming society by:
- empowering young people to be changemakers;
- providing practical support and connecting local communities through volunteering and student volunteer led community projects;
- challenging the structural barriers that refugees and asylum seekers face when seeking protection and building new lives in the UK;
- Sharing trusted information about asylum and the lived experience of refugees to combat misinformation, hostile narratives and instead spread compassion and humanisation
We have a small staff team who train and support the network and lead on national campaign and advocacy work, with expertise in improving access to higher education for forced migrants.
Here are just some of our highlights from last year:
- 37 STAR university student society groups, across 28 towns and cities, run by 222 STAR student leaders.
- 262 events were organised by STAR groups to educate, campaign, and fundraise for a more welcoming UK, from art exhibitions to cookery classes and film nights.
- 1,280 refugees and people seeking asylum were supported by 413 volunteers through 28 community projects and 25 one off volunteering events.
- 100s of students mobilised to support calls for better treatment of refugees in the UK including standing against detention, for a fairer plan for refugees and to lift the ban on work.
- 88 UK universities now offer sanctuary scholarships for refugee students. The STAR staff team was involved in the development of many of these new scholarships and the improvement of existing scholarships. We also ran workshops for hundreds of university staff.
- 15 STAR groups campaigned for Equal Access at their institutions and 4 won!
- 65 aspiring refugee students were supported by our mentoring project and we provided signposting and advice about accessing HE to over 470 people.
If you would like an informal chat before applying, please get in touch.
Deadline for applications: 11th July 2025
Interviews: Rolling
