Become a Trustee or Chair of Lancaster Grand Theatre
Make a difference to Lancaster’s creative life. Bring your skills and passion to one of the city’s most loved cultural venues.
We are now recruiting new Trustees to join the Board of Lancaster Footlights & Grand Theatre CIO from September 2025, and a future Chair of Trustees to take up the role during 2026.
Applications close: 12 noon, 15 August 2025
Coffee Morning for prospective Trustees: Saturday 12 July, 9:30am
About Lancaster Grand Theatre
Lancaster Grand Theatre is one of the UK’s oldest working theatres, first opened in 1782. Today, our 460-seat Grade II listed venue stages over 250 events every year — bringing joy to thousands of people from across our community and beyond.
The charity that runs the theatre — Lancaster Footlights & Grand Theatre CIO — is powered by volunteers and driven by a commitment to making arts and culture accessible, welcoming and sustainable.
We are now looking to strengthen our Board of Trustees by welcoming new members with a range of skills, experience and perspectives. We are particularly keen to encourage applications from under-represented groups, to ensure our Board reflects the diversity of our community.
What We’re Looking For
We are seeking Trustees from a broad range of backgrounds — you don’t need to have previous Board experience. We will provide induction and support to help you thrive in the role.
In particular, we are keen to add skills and expertise in:
- Chair of the Board (future appointment in 2026)
- Safeguarding
- Youth Engagement & Development
- Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
- Environment & Sustainability
- ICT & Data Control
- Constitutional Compliance & Insurance
- Arts, Culture & Heritage (including archiving)
- Fundraising and Grants
- Facilities Management
We are also looking for candidates who are passionate about the role of live performance in community life, and who can contribute to our mission and values:
Our Mission: To be a place of joy, and a cornerstone of cultural and artistic excellence, for our community and beyond.
The Role of Trustee
As a Trustee, you will be part of a voluntary team that:
· Provides governance and leadership for the charity
· Oversees the management of the theatre and ensures its sustainability
· Supports and champions the theatre’s values and mission
· Ensures good financial stewardship and legal compliance
· Contributes ideas, expertise and time to support our ongoing development
Trustees attend around 6–8 Board meetings per year (usually weekday evenings), plus occasional working groups and events. We aim to create a supportive, collaborative and enjoyable environment for all Trustees.
Chair Role: The current Chair of Trustees will progressively hand over the role during 2026. The incoming Chair will be selected by the Board after the AGM. Support and mentoring will be provided.
How to Apply
If you would like to apply:
Attend our Coffee Morning on 12 July (optional, but recommended)
Submit an application by 12 noon, 15 August 2025
Your application should include:
- A completed Charity Commission declaration form (we will provide this)
- A short statement (up to 500 words) summarising your skills and experience, and why you’d like to join the Board
DOWNLOAD Trustee & Chair Briefing Pack on website.
Registered Charity 
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
We specialise in supporting people with visual impairment and complex needs in a range of services including Care Homes and Supported Living. Can you help support us in making a difference in the lives of the people we support?
What will you be doing?
We have an exciting opportunity for you to join our experienced Board of Trustees. As a member of the Board, you will play a vital role in steering and supporting the Group. The Board is responsible for providing strategic direction, ensuring we meet regulatory requirements, and overseeing the work of the staff team, ensuring the Group's efficient administration and financial stability.
What are we looking for?
Ideally, we are looking for a finance professional with experience in accounting or financial analysis, who possesses expertise in financial principles and practices. Having a good understanding of budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting that will help support our strategic goals and direction.
What difference will you make?
We are constantly striving to make a difference to people’s lives through the provision of aspirational services for people with sensory and other specialist needs. We want to enable people to live fulfilled lives in excellent quality accommodation, and our whole philosophy is based around person-centred principles. Your contribution as an experienced finance professional will help us maintain a forward looking approach to establishing financial stability and governance.
Before you apply
Please apply through Reach in the first instance and provide a covering letter detailing why you are interested in this role.
